Amber Lehman's Blog, page 4
May 28, 2010
Here are some little known facts about my approach to writing and my quirks:
1. I can't read any books--not anything while I'm writing because I'm afraid I'll pick up the last author's voice I've read.
2. I'm an insomniac and write best between midnight and 4 am.
3. When I have an emotional scene in a book I'll often listen to music repeatedly. For instance, when writing the love scene in TORN I had Mandy Moore's "17" playing in the background for two straight days--even though the lyrics have nothing in common with the scene, the tune moved me emotionally.
4. I print everything I write. I never use handwriting.
5. I carry a pencil and paper with me EVERYWHERE I go when I'm in the middle of a book--even to the movie theater or a restaurant. I'll scribble notes in the dark if I have to and then decode them later.
6. I have to write everything out in pencil first (I never use pens) before I type the text into the computer.
7. I write in Hello Kitty notebooks.
8. My writing is usually character driven, meaning when a character starts talking to me I write out that scene--I have no idea at the time of where or if it will actually appear in the book. Hence cutting back my novel TORN from 1100 pages to 404!
9. I have a friend who is my first reader and everything--each scene or chapter--passes through him first for approval or changes.
10. I mostly write in bed.
11. I keep my computer printed writing drafts in schoolbook binders with numbered tabs separating chapters.
12. I never have an outline; the story just comes together in pieces.
13. I prefer to have a lot of scented candles on when I write. I'm probably Partylite's biggest customer!
Amber :)
2. I'm an insomniac and write best between midnight and 4 am.
3. When I have an emotional scene in a book I'll often listen to music repeatedly. For instance, when writing the love scene in TORN I had Mandy Moore's "17" playing in the background for two straight days--even though the lyrics have nothing in common with the scene, the tune moved me emotionally.
4. I print everything I write. I never use handwriting.
5. I carry a pencil and paper with me EVERYWHERE I go when I'm in the middle of a book--even to the movie theater or a restaurant. I'll scribble notes in the dark if I have to and then decode them later.
6. I have to write everything out in pencil first (I never use pens) before I type the text into the computer.
7. I write in Hello Kitty notebooks.
8. My writing is usually character driven, meaning when a character starts talking to me I write out that scene--I have no idea at the time of where or if it will actually appear in the book. Hence cutting back my novel TORN from 1100 pages to 404!
9. I have a friend who is my first reader and everything--each scene or chapter--passes through him first for approval or changes.
10. I mostly write in bed.
11. I keep my computer printed writing drafts in schoolbook binders with numbered tabs separating chapters.
12. I never have an outline; the story just comes together in pieces.
13. I prefer to have a lot of scented candles on when I write. I'm probably Partylite's biggest customer!
Amber :)
May 9, 2010
Amber Lehman's, TORN named the Winner in the GLBT category of the 2010 Next Generation Indie Book Awards!
Hey Everyone! Well I’m really excited to share some news with you that I just learned of today. My book TORN was named the Winner in the GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender) category of the 2010 Next Generation Indie Book Awards! I’m pretty excited. I mean, I’ve never won anything outright before, so this is a surprise. A very pleasant surprise. I was notified by email and the results won’t be posted on their site for another few weeks, but I was just so happy that I had to tell you ahead of time. You’ll be able to see all of the 2010 winners and finalists in a few weeks by going to this link: http://www.IndieBookAwards.com. Thank you to everyone who has gotten behind me and helped me by supporting my writing. You are helping me turn my dreams into realities. TORN, it seems, has gained exposure mostly by “word of mouth,” and I have you to thank for that. Thank you to every reader out there. And thank you also to the readers who take their extra time and effort to write a review for TORN. Even to those of you who didn’t care for it. To me, every opinion counts and holds its own merit. I am very grateful to all of you. So thank you all, again . . . and let’s see what TORN has in store for us next!
May 4, 2010
Finalists in the 22nd Annual Lambda (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered) Literary Awards Announced Including New Author of TORN, Amber Lehman
A subject that was once taboo – the curiosity teens experience when discovering sexuality – is now being recognized in the novel “TORN” by first time author, Amber Lehman. Lehman is a finalist in the Bisexual Fiction category of the Lambda Literary Awards.
The Lambda Literary Awards is the most prestigious organization to recognize literature in the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered) community. This is the first year that there were enough entries to divide the Bisexual category into two separate groups: Bisexual Fiction and Bisexual Non-Fiction.
Lehman’s novel TORN is about a 14-year old girl who transfers from a Catholic all girls’ school in Ohio, to a public school in California. In her new environment and with new friends, her values will be thoroughly tested. TORN has received many positive reviews. The Midwest Book Review gave it 5 stars and had this to say about it: . . . "TORN" is an intriguing coming of age story that many teenagers will relate to."
Lehman says "I’m just happy that all of the contestants and finalists entered the competition this year. I think it’s very important for the bisexual voice in literature to be heard. I think that people are finally starting to listen. I couldn’t have been more shocked or elated that TORN was named a finalist in the Lambda Literary Awards. It’s a true honor."
Lehman, along with 4 other contestants, was chosen as a finalist. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the 22nd Annual Lambda Literary Awards Thursday, May 27th at the School of Visual Arts Theater in New York. A complete listing of finalists and details can be found at the Lambda Literary website.
To learn more about Lehman or order your own copy of the novel TORN visit http://www.ClosetCasePress.com. TORN is also available on Amazon.com and http://www.BarnesandNoble.com.
Closet Case Press is a publishing company founded by Amber Lehman and is dedicated to providing literature for the young adult, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and questioning community. The website provides links to helpful sites for Young Adults who are trying to reach out to others or need help. http://www.ClosetCasePress.com
The Lambda Literary Awards is the most prestigious organization to recognize literature in the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered) community. This is the first year that there were enough entries to divide the Bisexual category into two separate groups: Bisexual Fiction and Bisexual Non-Fiction.
Lehman’s novel TORN is about a 14-year old girl who transfers from a Catholic all girls’ school in Ohio, to a public school in California. In her new environment and with new friends, her values will be thoroughly tested. TORN has received many positive reviews. The Midwest Book Review gave it 5 stars and had this to say about it: . . . "TORN" is an intriguing coming of age story that many teenagers will relate to."
Lehman says "I’m just happy that all of the contestants and finalists entered the competition this year. I think it’s very important for the bisexual voice in literature to be heard. I think that people are finally starting to listen. I couldn’t have been more shocked or elated that TORN was named a finalist in the Lambda Literary Awards. It’s a true honor."
Lehman, along with 4 other contestants, was chosen as a finalist. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the 22nd Annual Lambda Literary Awards Thursday, May 27th at the School of Visual Arts Theater in New York. A complete listing of finalists and details can be found at the Lambda Literary website.
To learn more about Lehman or order your own copy of the novel TORN visit http://www.ClosetCasePress.com. TORN is also available on Amazon.com and http://www.BarnesandNoble.com.
Closet Case Press is a publishing company founded by Amber Lehman and is dedicated to providing literature for the young adult, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and questioning community. The website provides links to helpful sites for Young Adults who are trying to reach out to others or need help. http://www.ClosetCasePress.com
April 6, 2010
New Video Book Trailer!
Hi there!
Well , I finally broke down and decided to enlist some help in revamping my video book trailer. I think it looks much better now, but you can be the judge of that. I hope you’ll stop by my page to view it. Let me know what you think! Cheers!
Amber :)
Well , I finally broke down and decided to enlist some help in revamping my video book trailer. I think it looks much better now, but you can be the judge of that. I hope you’ll stop by my page to view it. Let me know what you think! Cheers!
Amber :)
March 16, 2010
Finalists for the Lambda Literary Awards 2010!
I am OVERJOYED right now! Why, you may ask? Because I just found out today that my first novel, TORN is a Finalist in this year's Bisexual Fiction category of the Lambda Literary Awards! To have come this far is a huge milestone for me. I never thought I’d see my book standing beside the other great novels in their category. But it is— and now I can’t believe it! I first became aware of the Lambda Literary Awards after reading Joe Babcock’s, “The Tragedy of Miss Geneva Flowers.” Ever since then I have looked toward the “Lammy” Awards for guidance on what is the next hot book. The winner of this year’s contest has yet to be announced—which will be sometime in May—but I already feel like I’ve won by just coming this far. To be selected as a finalist exceeded my expectations and I couldn’t be happier! To check out all the finalists, simply click here: http://www.lambdaliterary.org/awards/... Cheers! :)
January 11, 2010
Website Updates
Hi again!
I just recently updated my website so if you haven’t been by, take a minute to visit http://www.closetcasepress.com and see what’s new. You can now sign up to get the latest news and updates, and if you’ve already read the novel TORN you can test your skills by taking the TORN quiz on the Homepage! I hope you have fun with it!
All my best,
Amber
I just recently updated my website so if you haven’t been by, take a minute to visit http://www.closetcasepress.com and see what’s new. You can now sign up to get the latest news and updates, and if you’ve already read the novel TORN you can test your skills by taking the TORN quiz on the Homepage! I hope you have fun with it!
All my best,
Amber
January 10, 2010
Interview
Hi everyone!
I recently did an interview with Andrea Coventry of Associated Content and it just published yesterday. If you would like to read the interview, just click this link: http://www.associatedcontent.com/arti... . Thanks for checking it out!
Amber
I recently did an interview with Andrea Coventry of Associated Content and it just published yesterday. If you would like to read the interview, just click this link: http://www.associatedcontent.com/arti... . Thanks for checking it out!
Amber
January 6, 2010
Video Book Trailer
Hi everyone!
I just finished creating my second and—I think—improved video trailer for my novel TORN. It was easier to make this time after fussing with the first one for so long. This one is quite different. It has more upbeat music, voice over, and a new way of telling the story, which I think is clearer and will appeal more to a younger audience. It gives a better sense of what my book is really about. I hope people will like it. Either way, I had fun making it! You can judge for yourself by viewing it here on goodreads. It’s called TORN the Novel.
I just finished creating my second and—I think—improved video trailer for my novel TORN. It was easier to make this time after fussing with the first one for so long. This one is quite different. It has more upbeat music, voice over, and a new way of telling the story, which I think is clearer and will appeal more to a younger audience. It gives a better sense of what my book is really about. I hope people will like it. Either way, I had fun making it! You can judge for yourself by viewing it here on goodreads. It’s called TORN the Novel.
November 10, 2009
Chicago Sun Times
I just wanted to share with everyone my excitement about having one of my reviews picked up by the Chicago Sun Times! You can view the article here: http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/bl...
Thanks for visiting!
Amber
Thanks for visiting!
Amber
November 2, 2009
Teen Sexuality Explored in Young Adult Fiction Novel, Torn, by Amber Lehman
Many parents make the mistake of NOT discussing the topic of sexuality with teens. Keeping silent will not keep teens from experimenting with heterosexual activities and even homosexual activities. Studies show that more teens are questioning their sexuality and most likely parents will be the last to know. It is estimated that in the U.S., a teen takes their own life every 5 hours because they are gay, bisexual, transgender, or lesbian, and cannot deal with the added stresses that society puts upon them. Oftentimes there are limited resources for teens to relate to during this difficult and confusing time in their life. Literature is a major outlet for teens to turn to find ways to relate to the issues of sexuality that they are experiencing.
In Amber Lehman's new novel, Torn, Lehman explores teen sexuality in its many different facets, from homosexuality, bisexuality, and teens who are simply questioning themselves. Heterosexual relationships are not overlooked either. The novel centers around Krista, a 14 year old girl who was raised in an all-girl's Catholic school in Ohio when she suddenly finds herself facing school in the public system in California. A culture shock for anyone. Throughout the novel she makes many friends, each with diverse lifestyles. But on one occasion Krista will be forced to make her own decision once she is presented with a dare that ultimately has life altering repercussions. This is the catalyst of the story and where the journey of all the characters truly begin.
The main message in the book is that being a teen who is questioning your sexuality is okay. Torn provides a platform to show teens they are not the only one struggling with issues of sexual identity. There is a focus on individual choices, decisions and sexual preferences. These situations are often not remedied or understood overnight. Exploring sexuality is often a process and it's important that teens and parents alike understand this. No answer is better or worse than the alternative, and your true friends will be there for you during this challenging time. In the book, Torn, different people come to different conclusions on their own; just because they have a gay experience doesn't necessarily make them gay. For example: While Krista experiments with Carrie she ultimately decides she's more attracted to boys. While Nick who has previously had a girlfriend finds himself attracted to guys and is ultimately gay. Brandon who has been mainly gay throughout the story finds that he's closer to being truly bisexual. Being open to diversity is what is key. The goal is to make people more sympathetic to people going through this stage in their life.
Closet Case Press is dedicated to helping teens find support through the LGBT community. Facts and helpful links can be found on our website at www.closetcasepress.com. Amber Lehman is a full time author and enjoys writing for the LGBT community. You can learn more about her by visiting the web address above. To order Torn visit http://www.closetcasepress.com/buynow...
Contact:
Amber Lehman
Author, Publisher
Closet Case Press
Telephone: 949-706-1860
Fax: 949-706-2145
http://www.closetcasepress.com
In Amber Lehman's new novel, Torn, Lehman explores teen sexuality in its many different facets, from homosexuality, bisexuality, and teens who are simply questioning themselves. Heterosexual relationships are not overlooked either. The novel centers around Krista, a 14 year old girl who was raised in an all-girl's Catholic school in Ohio when she suddenly finds herself facing school in the public system in California. A culture shock for anyone. Throughout the novel she makes many friends, each with diverse lifestyles. But on one occasion Krista will be forced to make her own decision once she is presented with a dare that ultimately has life altering repercussions. This is the catalyst of the story and where the journey of all the characters truly begin.
The main message in the book is that being a teen who is questioning your sexuality is okay. Torn provides a platform to show teens they are not the only one struggling with issues of sexual identity. There is a focus on individual choices, decisions and sexual preferences. These situations are often not remedied or understood overnight. Exploring sexuality is often a process and it's important that teens and parents alike understand this. No answer is better or worse than the alternative, and your true friends will be there for you during this challenging time. In the book, Torn, different people come to different conclusions on their own; just because they have a gay experience doesn't necessarily make them gay. For example: While Krista experiments with Carrie she ultimately decides she's more attracted to boys. While Nick who has previously had a girlfriend finds himself attracted to guys and is ultimately gay. Brandon who has been mainly gay throughout the story finds that he's closer to being truly bisexual. Being open to diversity is what is key. The goal is to make people more sympathetic to people going through this stage in their life.
Closet Case Press is dedicated to helping teens find support through the LGBT community. Facts and helpful links can be found on our website at www.closetcasepress.com. Amber Lehman is a full time author and enjoys writing for the LGBT community. You can learn more about her by visiting the web address above. To order Torn visit http://www.closetcasepress.com/buynow...
Contact:
Amber Lehman
Author, Publisher
Closet Case Press
Telephone: 949-706-1860
Fax: 949-706-2145
http://www.closetcasepress.com
