Scott Tracey's Blog, page 6

One Last thought on #YesGayYA

There's been a few comments that I've seen, that I wanted to react to, but I just couldn't boil my thoughts down to 140 characters.

One of the arguments against the issues brought up #YesGayYA is that "I don't know anyone who doesn't want gay stories."

Let me bring up a topic from a long time back.  There were several YA books about people of color, but when the covers originally came out, they featured white characters instead.   It became an issue, people got angry, the covers changed.  The argument was never "there are editors and agents who only want books about white characters." So I really don't understand why "I don't know anyone who doesn't want gay stories" is a defense.  Situations like this happen, clearly. Not to everyone, and not as a rule, but they happen.  It's not an argument that needs to be refuted, in my opinion.  If you don't agree, you don't agree.  No harm, no foul.

Another comment, that I think I talked about yesterday, was the justification angle.  That "this isn't an issue because I've bought/sold books with gay characters and had no issues." Again, it's not your experience, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen, or it's not an issue worth discussing.

MOST publishing houses have put out a significant amount of content featuring LGBT characters.  But there's a difference between books that HAVE gay characters, and books ABOUT gay characters.  In the original example of Sherwood Smith and Rachel Manija Brown, the gay character they were asked to cut was a main character.   Books may get bought/sold/edited that have a supporting character who is gay.  And

But the experience in buying or selling a heterosexual YA novel with a gay character in the supporting cast is a very different experience from buying or selling a homosexual YA novel with straight characters in the supporting cast.

Okay, so those are my final thoughts on the matter.  I'm not saying anyone is right, or anyone is wrong.  I'm just saying it's a subject that deserves discussion and consideration.

#YesGayYA

Many, many moons ago, I wrote this post entitled "If you want to write LGBT fiction." I wrote it because one of the first questions that people tend to ask me in interviews and things like that is "Wasn't it hard to get a novel published with a gay main character?"

Yes, it was.  And no, it wasn't. Publishing a book is hard, it doesn't matter if the characters are straight or gay.

When I read this article about authors who were asked to "straightwash" characters in their novel, I sympathized.  I've been there. I don't like to talk about it, because I still feel like someone's going to come and rap my knuckles with a ruler, but WITCH EYES had it's moments.  I had agents who said there wasn't a market for a paranormal with a gay character who had a romance.  I had editors suggest they would reconsider the book if Braden and Trey became Brenda and Trey.  Or if I removed the romance and made it a straight girl/gay guy buddy comedy.

Now, at the end of the day, my book wound up exactly where it was meant to: at a publishing house that loved the story, and an editor who was super supportive right from the beginning.

So…it happens.  And sometimes it works out.  But I hate when people say it doesn't happen.  I don't like to throw the baby out with the bath water.  It's not a black and white issue.  Publishing is not completely homophobic, or completely supportive.  It varies, and it changes, and there's no one standard for how things work.  It's a business, and it's a business run by MANY different people with MANY different beliefs.

If you want more books with LGBT content, buy the ones that are already out there. Show publishers that there's profit to be made by investing in these books.

Now, one of the initial outcries to the article was people coming forward saying they invited LGBT books, or were open to them.

That's not exactly the same thing as putting out that content. 

There is also a difference between books with gay supporting characters, and books with gay MAIN characters.  Yes, there is a LOT of LGBT supporting characters in YA.  But there are significantly less MAIN characters who are LGBT.  In the former, the gay characters may have storylines, but the main story is about a hetereosexual character who is going through his/her own issues.  In the latter, the gay storyline is more present, and of much more concern.

When I wrote WITCH EYES, I did it because there weren't a lot of options to read a fairly traditional urban fantasy novel with a gay romance…so I wrote one.  And now we're starting to see more and more of these stories, and there's more INTEREST in these stories.

Now, we are three years away from when I was on sub with WITCH EYES, and those experiences.  So maybe things have changed.  All I know is that in my experience, it happened.  And it happens.  But that doesn't mean it's the rule, or there's NO content or support out there.  Because it changes every day, and beliefs that people had three years ago, or five, or even ten, might not apply anymore.

There is a FANTASTIC conversation going on about this on Twitter under the hashtag you see in the title: #YesGayYA.  You should check it out.

Fall TV Season

I can't help it.  Television is my weakness.  When I'm stuck on a book, I'll go catch up on my DVR.  When I need to escape, I'll start a Veronica Mars marathon.

So the fall season is kind of like my Christmas.  New shows, old favorites, everything coming together all at once.  I'm not the most discriminating of viewers – if I at least like the premise, I'll watch 3-4 episodes before I give it up.  Unless it's absolutely terrible and I have no reason to continue watching.

So since you all know that I'm dying for the Secret Circle to start, I thought I'd talk about a few of the OTHER shows I'm looking forward to.  (New shows only – I gush enough about my returning favorites everywhere else).

Ringer – It has a similar premise to The Lying Game (which I already love), but this is definitely more noir/thriller for your buck.  Plus, Sarah Michelle Gellar.  I mean, I'm not falling down on my knees and worshiping her return to television like some people are, but I'm glad to see her, for sure.

Whitney - Have you seen the previews for this show?  I mean, it's one of those shows that was MADE for me.  Unflinching sarcasm and spite?  Yes please!

Once Upon a Time - I'm not as sold on this one as some people, but if it's dark and creepy enough, I'll probably give it the season pass.  It's about the duality between real life and fairy tales, where all the fairy tales come to live on Wisteria Lane (from what I've gathered).  But I'm always interested in seeing how people take traditional fairy tales and spin new life into them, so this should be interesting.

I'm sure there's a few others, but those are the ones that stand out.  What about you?  Any shows you're looking forward to?

 

 

Welcome to Belle Dam chat — TONIGHT!

Tonight.  8pm EST.  You.  Me.

A town full of witches.

Tonight is the 'Welcome to Belle Dam' chat tonight, and will feature some trivia, teasers, giveaways, and of course MAGIC.  So head on over HERE at 8pm and get your game face on!

And please tweet about it, tell your friends, do all that fun stuff!  The more the merrier!

Official WITCH EYES Release Day!

I know that the book has been trickling out there for a few weeks now, available online and in some bookstores, but TODAY is the official release!!!  WITCH EYES is OUT THERE.  Officially and stuff! How insane is that?  When I first wrote the book, in like 2007, this was obviously the goal, but some days I wondered if I would ever actually get there!

Again, if you're going to look for a copy in stores, I suggest you call ahead first.  Some stores might not have any copies on the floor, or they might not have any on hand.  (I even had to ask my local bookstore to order copies in).  And I'd rather you not waste a trip.  But most stores are happy to order copies in, so should you be so kind…

The Kindle version of the book is finally available, so if you were looking for the ebook option, there's one more for you.  I try and compile all the Witch Eyes news into one post (so I'm not constantly posting just about one thing), so for all the latest, make sure you check out the Witch Eyes page on Facebook. 

And in honor of today, there's all sorts of things you can do!

1.  Curious about which side of the feud you'd end up on?  Are you Team Thorpe?  Or Team Lansing? Take the 'Which Side Am I On?' Quiz on Facebook and find out for sure!

2.  There will be an extra special "Welcome to Belle Dam" themed chat tonight at 8pm EST.  Tell your friends!  Everyone who shows up will be eligible for some fabulous prizes, like a copy of WITCH EYES among other things!  And the aforementioned quiz will help, because you'll be choosing whether you're Team Lansing and Team Thorpe, so choose wisely!  Details to be announced later today!

3.  You can check out the official WITCH EYES playlist on iTunes.   It's twelve of the songs I think best cover different aspects of the book.  (Alas, one of the songs I wanted wasn't available on iTunes, otherwise it would have been a mystical 13!).

4.  If you loved the book, consider posting a review on one of the retailer sites.  It makes an author's day to see good reviews getting posted.

5.  You can watch the NEW version of the book trailer.  It's mostly the same, just updated a bit, adding in the book cover and some new pictures.  After all, the last version of the trailer was over two years old – definitely time for a facelift!

Also, since it's Thursday, check in with the other Bookanistas!

Elana Johnson shares some book love for Random Acts of Publicity Week

LiLa Roecker is wild about a double giveaway of Witch Eyes and Wildefire

Christine Fonseca  thinks you should Write Your Book Now!

Shannon Whitney Messenger  loves Legend – with signed arc giveaway

Jessi Kirby gets inside Sean Griswold's Head

Sarah Frances Hardy applauds Lottie Paris Lives Here

Stasia Ward Kehoe marvels at The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

Witch Eyes Blog Tour: Week Two!

Okay, so second week of the blog tour!  I was busy, busy!  We've got a few extras, because that's just the way it goes.   I think some of my favorite posts that you should check out are the What the Characters Wouldn't Be Caught Dead Doing (Trey's response cracks me up every time), and Braden's music list, because I LOVE talking about the music behind Witch Eyes.

Also, I apologize in advance for the bad haikus, and I promise to never, ever bust a rhyme.  You'll understand once you check that one out.

And stay tuned this week.  We'll be announcing a VERY special "Welcome to Belle Dam" themed chat on launch day, where you can win some fabulous prizes, along with a new version of the Witch Eyes book trailer, and maybe a few extra things for fun!

Thanks, as always, to the fabulous bloggers who hosted all these stops on the blog tour, and to Teen Book Scene for organizing such a massive undertaking!

Saturday, August 27: Val at Truth Be Told (Guest Post)

Sunday, August 28: Crystal at My Reading Room (Character Features Things They Wouldn't Be Caught Dead Doing)

Monday, August 29: Michelle B at Hooked to Books (Author Interview w/ Haiku Answers)

Tuesday, August 30: Christie at The Fiction Enthusiast (Tens List)

Wednesday, August 31: Maria at The Serpentine Library (Scott's Book Picks: Teen Years)

Thursday, September 1: Kate at I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read! (Author This or That List)

Saturday, September 3: Heidi at YA Bibliophile (Music Feature: Braden)

Sunday, September 4: Julie at That's Swell (Character Book Picks: Trey)

Monday, September 5: Brent at Naughty Book Kitties (Cover Interview)

The Bookanistas: THE VAST FIELDS OF ORDINARY by Nick Burd

Summary: It's Dade's last summer at home. He has a crappy job at Food World, a "boyfriend" who won't publicly acknowledge his existence (maybe because Pablo also has a girlfriend), and parents on the verge of a divorce. College is Dade's shining beacon of possibility, a horizon to keep him from floating away.

Then he meets the mysterious Alex Kincaid. Falling in real love finally lets Dade come out of the closet—and, ironically, ignites a ruthless passion in Pablo. But just when true happiness has set in, tragedy shatters the dreamy curtain of summer, and Dade will use every ounce of strength he's gained to break from his past and start fresh with the future.

What I Liked:

I was a bit late to the game on this one, it came out in 2009 but I didn't read it until last year.  I love LGBT coming of age stories, and this is perhaps one of my favorites.  The characters come across as real teenagers: flawed, full of angst, stressing, making stupid choices.  You name it, the book hits that point.  Dade isn't the perfect sort of hero: he's flawed, smokes pot, and occasionally treats his friends poorly (as he himself is treated).

There was definitely a mood to the writing, creating this town that Dade inhabits that's both superficially pleasant, and yet eeriely sad.

Then there's the cover.  I love vibrant covers, and the colors on this one always make it stand out to me.  It's simple and interesting and I love the black and orange opposition of the title.

The ending.  Without giving anything away, the ending is a well-earned punch in the gut.  I love when books really build up to something, and then the ending comes and it's like the rug was pulled out from under you.  The book resonates so much stronger for me because of the ending.

Check out what the other Bookanistas are talking about:

Elana Johnson succumbs to The Eleventh Plague

LiLa Roecker travels to The Day Before

Shannon Whitney Messenger swoons over Flyaway by Lucy Christopher – with giveaway

Jessi Kirby wonders at What Happened to Goodbye

Shana Silver is mesmerized by Possess

Corrine Jackson's Blogiversary celebration continues with more YA Authors on Lessons Learned

Stasia Ward Kehoe ponders the issue of plot spoilers in book reviews – with giveaway

Veronica Rossi says bravo to Daughter of Smoke and Bone

 

Why You Should Be Watching Awkward.

So you may not know about a little show called Awkward.  But you should.  It's on MTV, and unlike shows like Skins, or Teen Wolf, Awkward. gets it right.  The dialogue is fantastic, the characters are fun and different, and the story is irreverent and fresh.  While it's not as funny as Easy A, if you liked that movie you'll probably enjoy Awkward.

Another reason why you should check it out?  Lisa Roecker and I agree that it's hysterical.  And if the two of us agree on something?  You know you want to check it out.  This is a historic event that only happens once a…ever!

What it's about: An unpopular 15 year old gains immediate, yet unwanted, popularity at her high school when the student body mistakes an accident she has for a suicide attempt.

Jenna (played by Ashley Rickards) is world weary and acerbically fantastic.  The dialogue on Awkward is FANTASTIC.  Seriously, if you're writing YA, you should be watching this show.  The way the characters interact (even some of the cliche characters – of which there are several) are snicker-inducing funny.

The build up surrounding the "suicide attempt" is, as the title suggests, awkward and uncomfortable, but it's the perfect catalyst to Jenna's changing outlook on life.  There's at least two to three lines from each episode that stick in my head for DAYS.

Want some examples?:

Jenna: Mo to the fo, I was in Sadie Saxton's house.

–

Kevin: What do you think? Should we send her to bed without dessert?

Lacey: So that she wakes up skinnier? No, that's not a punishment, that's a reward.

–

Tamara: Agreed, the ellipses are the sluts of punctuation.

–

Awkward airs on Tuesday nights on MTV.

 

Witch Eyes Blog Tour

Okay, so last week I linked you to Amber's blog, for the epic vlog I shot with Leah about what it's like to live with another writer.  But since then, WITCH EYES has been all over the place.

(That graphic is gorgeous isn't it?  All part of the Teen Book Scene blog tour experience!)

Monday, August 22: Reagan at Star Shadow (my favorite books from childhood)

Tuesday, August 23: Jenny Ng at Dreaming of Books (Music Feature: Witch Eyes playlist)

Wednesday, August 24: Brodie at Eleusinian Mysteries (Character This or That List: Trey)

Thursday, August 25: Kim P at The Book Butterfly (Author Interview w/ Quotes from the book as answers)

Friday, August 26: Looksie at Looksie Lovitz: Books and Wits (a personal essay from Braden's POV on Jersey Shore versus homework.)

This weekend, Leah and I traveled all the way to the east side of Pennsylvania for PAYA – an event to help Pennsylvania libraries.  Early copies of Witch Eyes were available, and they were seriously gone in about fifteen minutes, it was insane!  And then almost as soon as we arrived, Leah and I hightailed it back to Ohio just to be on the safe side with the weather conditions being what they were.

Hope everyone on the East Coast is safe and secure!

WITCH EYES out early!

So if you saw my post earlier today, you might have seen a mention that WITCH EYES is now listed as IN STOCK on both Amazon and Barnes & Noble, just about two and a half weeks early.  So!  If that floats your boat, you can order your copy RIGHT NOW.  Crazy, right?

I don't know if it's in book stores yet (but I highly doubt it), so if you're planning on buying from your local indie or other retailer, PLEASE call first and ask if they have it in stock.  I'd hate for you to waste the trip!  Some retailers might not have it in stock until September 8th, and some might not until even later than that.

I've been told there will be ebooks, but I don't know when they'll be up/available.  But as soon as I find out, you can bet I'll post something on the blog and put a link on the Witch Eyes page here.

And finally, I've also been told that Hicklebee's, an independent bookstore in California, will be featuring WITCH EYES with a 10% off sale on the day of release, so if you were planning on supporting indie stores, either yours or others, then definitely check that out on September 8th!  I'll get you links and things as soon as I've got them.

And those of you in PA, don't forget about PAYA this weekend.  Even kidney stones won't keep me away – so if you're looking to get your copy, I'll be there to SIGN it even!

And a major thank you to everyone who has blogged/tweeted/promoted/talked up my book.  Seriously, I don't know where I'd be without you guys.  Well, I'd probably be off in a corner with like 5 followers, none of whom even read, and no one would buy my book and then I'd have to sell my body on the street corner and you know how THAT works out.  I'm no Julia Roberts.