Lisa Roecker's Blog, page 7
August 14, 2012
The People Behind the Con: Carolin Seidenkranz
Remember back in high school when your teacher would announce that for the next three weeks, you'd be working on a project? And that project would account for some ridiculous percentage of your grade and not only that, but you'd be working in *gasp* a GROUP. Or consider Project Runway, when the contestants are placed on a team. They usually whine and cry, someone gets burned by a hot iron or poisonous dye, they throw each other under a bus during judging and at least one person disappears in the middle of the night, dramatically thrown back sheets and hastily sewn together clothes the only evidence of their existence.
Failed high school group projects and Project Runway be damned because there is absolutely no way WriteOnCon 2012 would exist without a very special group of individuals. For the next two days, we'd like to share with you why we absolutely love our group members.
Meet Carolin Seidenkranz. Instead of seated behind us in one of those butt-numbing chair-desk units, Carolin is time zones away in Germany, reading, writing and forever impressing us with her ridiculous knowledge of things we can't even begin to wrap our collective heads around like revamping forums and archiving threads and creating ninja accounts.
She always has a virtual smile to offer and encouraging words. Carolin is basically the team member everyone is crossing their fingers to get paired with and we feel honored to plan with her. Raise your morning mimosa--CHEERS!
Now if you haven't already done so, go learn something!
Failed high school group projects and Project Runway be damned because there is absolutely no way WriteOnCon 2012 would exist without a very special group of individuals. For the next two days, we'd like to share with you why we absolutely love our group members.
Meet Carolin Seidenkranz. Instead of seated behind us in one of those butt-numbing chair-desk units, Carolin is time zones away in Germany, reading, writing and forever impressing us with her ridiculous knowledge of things we can't even begin to wrap our collective heads around like revamping forums and archiving threads and creating ninja accounts.
She always has a virtual smile to offer and encouraging words. Carolin is basically the team member everyone is crossing their fingers to get paired with and we feel honored to plan with her. Raise your morning mimosa--CHEERS!
Now if you haven't already done so, go learn something!
August 1, 2012
What are you waiting for?
Us: Hey.
You: Hey.
Us: Have you entered The Reading Room and WriteOnCon's first 450 words/first page contest?
You: Um...no?
Us: Wait, you're kidding right?
You: Um...yeah...I'm kidding. I totally entered. *clicks to check out contest*
Us: Phew. We thought you were crazy.
You: No, I'm not crazy. *realizes $1000 is the prize* HOLY CRAP!
Us: WHAT? Oh my gosh, you sound crazy!
You: Oh...nothing...I just was re-reading my amazing entry.
Us: That's what we like to hear.
We truly hope you are not the "you" in this scenario. Clean up those manuscripts. Make it happen. You know you want to. GOOD LUCK!
When I did a Google image search (yes, I still do Google image searches for kicks) for $1000, the image below came up (as well as some other gems I'm not allowed to post on this blog). I think we can all agree that $1000 in the bank is so much better than an $1000 dish of paella.
You: Hey.
Us: Have you entered The Reading Room and WriteOnCon's first 450 words/first page contest?
You: Um...no?
Us: Wait, you're kidding right?
You: Um...yeah...I'm kidding. I totally entered. *clicks to check out contest*
Us: Phew. We thought you were crazy.
You: No, I'm not crazy. *realizes $1000 is the prize* HOLY CRAP!
Us: WHAT? Oh my gosh, you sound crazy!
You: Oh...nothing...I just was re-reading my amazing entry.
Us: That's what we like to hear.
We truly hope you are not the "you" in this scenario. Clean up those manuscripts. Make it happen. You know you want to. GOOD LUCK!
When I did a Google image search (yes, I still do Google image searches for kicks) for $1000, the image below came up (as well as some other gems I'm not allowed to post on this blog). I think we can all agree that $1000 in the bank is so much better than an $1000 dish of paella.
July 31, 2012
Tell the Truth Tuesday
1. I'm feeling ANTSY. We just turned in the first draft of THE HUSH FUND and now we wait. I'm just not sure I'll ever get used to the waiting. The truth is, it never gets any easier. I'm not a patient person and when we finish a manuscript I crave instant feedback.
2. Being antsy makes me want to do crazy things. Suffice it to say, I'm driving Laura nuts right now with new ideas and overall angst regarding the state of our writing career. She loves it.
3. My Kindle is stuffed with amazing books and we have the massive Roecker Hilton Head vacation coming up. What are the chances that I'll have time to read in a house with 7 children under the age of 7? Slim to none and yet I can't stop loading books on my Kindle.
4. We have a couple of THE LIES THAT BIND ARCs to give away, but we're struggling to figure out the best way to do the honors. We want something fun, yet epic. Also PINTEREST. So, yeah. Any suggestions would be welcome.
5. We've decided that there should be a law against family members and friends or really anyone you know in real life, reading your book. It's just too hard to have people you love read something you wrote. It matters too much and then it ends up being weird and awkward and ugh.
6. Are you a writer? Have you entered the WriteOnCon/Reading Room Contest of Awesome? If the answer is no, then you are dead to me. You could win $1,000 and the opportunity to work with amazing literary agent Catherine Drayton! Seriously, what are you waiting for?
7. I'm feeling extra sensitive lately. You know when sometimes you tweet something @ someone you kinda/sorta know on the internet and then that someone ignores you? It makes me feel like the BIGGEST LOSER EVER. I also know that we've probably done this on accident before, so if you're ever ignored by us on Twitter, know it's completely unintentional. Sometimes we miss stuff, but it's hard not to take it personally when people somehow miss you.
8. The other day I had this conversation with myself:
Lisa 1: Man, I really wish Newsroom was a real news show. I'd learn so much. It's too bad they don't have a show like that every day.
Lisa 2: Um, they do. It's called THE NEWS. Only you never want to watch it because it's too depressing and you have too much Bravo on your DVR.
Lisa 1: Crap. I'm an idiot.
9. I'm happy. Really, truly, crazy happy. In spite of my endless amount of angst, for some reason at this very moment in my life I feel this overwhelming sense of contentment and possibility. God knows I spend most of my days half asleep looking like a woman who's been sleeping in an underpass and screaming at my children to HURRY UP WHY ARE YOU ALWAYS SO SLOW, but I also get to write books and work a day job that balances my life and gives our family financial stability and I've got friends and family and a husband who I adore and kids who drive me insane in the best way possible. So, yeah. Happiness with spurts of impatience. That pretty much sums up my life right about now.
10. I still haven't stopped eating the s'mores.
OK, spill. What's your truth this Tuesday?
2. Being antsy makes me want to do crazy things. Suffice it to say, I'm driving Laura nuts right now with new ideas and overall angst regarding the state of our writing career. She loves it.
3. My Kindle is stuffed with amazing books and we have the massive Roecker Hilton Head vacation coming up. What are the chances that I'll have time to read in a house with 7 children under the age of 7? Slim to none and yet I can't stop loading books on my Kindle.
4. We have a couple of THE LIES THAT BIND ARCs to give away, but we're struggling to figure out the best way to do the honors. We want something fun, yet epic. Also PINTEREST. So, yeah. Any suggestions would be welcome.
5. We've decided that there should be a law against family members and friends or really anyone you know in real life, reading your book. It's just too hard to have people you love read something you wrote. It matters too much and then it ends up being weird and awkward and ugh.
6. Are you a writer? Have you entered the WriteOnCon/Reading Room Contest of Awesome? If the answer is no, then you are dead to me. You could win $1,000 and the opportunity to work with amazing literary agent Catherine Drayton! Seriously, what are you waiting for?
7. I'm feeling extra sensitive lately. You know when sometimes you tweet something @ someone you kinda/sorta know on the internet and then that someone ignores you? It makes me feel like the BIGGEST LOSER EVER. I also know that we've probably done this on accident before, so if you're ever ignored by us on Twitter, know it's completely unintentional. Sometimes we miss stuff, but it's hard not to take it personally when people somehow miss you.
8. The other day I had this conversation with myself:
Lisa 1: Man, I really wish Newsroom was a real news show. I'd learn so much. It's too bad they don't have a show like that every day.
Lisa 2: Um, they do. It's called THE NEWS. Only you never want to watch it because it's too depressing and you have too much Bravo on your DVR.
Lisa 1: Crap. I'm an idiot.
9. I'm happy. Really, truly, crazy happy. In spite of my endless amount of angst, for some reason at this very moment in my life I feel this overwhelming sense of contentment and possibility. God knows I spend most of my days half asleep looking like a woman who's been sleeping in an underpass and screaming at my children to HURRY UP WHY ARE YOU ALWAYS SO SLOW, but I also get to write books and work a day job that balances my life and gives our family financial stability and I've got friends and family and a husband who I adore and kids who drive me insane in the best way possible. So, yeah. Happiness with spurts of impatience. That pretty much sums up my life right about now.
10. I still haven't stopped eating the s'mores.
OK, spill. What's your truth this Tuesday?
July 25, 2012
$1000 CONTEST!
Spread the word! Shout it from the rooftops! Throw a couple power punches! THE READING ROOM/WRITEONCON CONTEST IS BACK!
But you only have until Sunday, August 12th to enter. Go forth and polish those manuscripts and tell your friends to do the same.
And most importantly, GOOD LUCK!
PS: If you want to help spread the word, tell us what you would do with $1000 on Twitter. #ifihad1000
But you only have until Sunday, August 12th to enter. Go forth and polish those manuscripts and tell your friends to do the same.
And most importantly, GOOD LUCK!
PS: If you want to help spread the word, tell us what you would do with $1000 on Twitter. #ifihad1000
July 18, 2012
Real Conversations with LiLa
Lisa: So...that chapter, I think it needs to change.
Laura: ....
Lisa: I mean, it's awesome, but I think something needs to explode. Literally explode.
Laura: ... *screaming children in background* *sounds of dishes shattering*
Lisa: And I'm going to need it this morning if we're going to stay on schedule, so, um, the sooner the better, OK?
Laura: Why is it so quiet there? *James wails like he is being stabbed repeatedly with a plastic fork*
Lisa: Quiet? Oh, all the kids are at camp. It's heavenly.
Laura: Lydia! Put the marker down. James does NOT need a mustache! You are not Rapunzel! Do you need another time out?
Lisa: So, that chapter, in an hour, ok? I'm going to go get a quick pedi. My heels are so rough...
Laura: I hate you. No, no. Not you, Lydia. I'm talking to Auntie Lisa. Yes, I know it's not nice to say hate. James! No! Don't drink that! It's Mommy juice! If babies drink it they get very sleepy, oh, well, nevermind.
Lisa: Give the kids a kiss from me! Happy writing!
Laura: *click*
Laura: ....
Lisa: I mean, it's awesome, but I think something needs to explode. Literally explode.
Laura: ... *screaming children in background* *sounds of dishes shattering*
Lisa: And I'm going to need it this morning if we're going to stay on schedule, so, um, the sooner the better, OK?
Laura: Why is it so quiet there? *James wails like he is being stabbed repeatedly with a plastic fork*
Lisa: Quiet? Oh, all the kids are at camp. It's heavenly.
Laura: Lydia! Put the marker down. James does NOT need a mustache! You are not Rapunzel! Do you need another time out?
Lisa: So, that chapter, in an hour, ok? I'm going to go get a quick pedi. My heels are so rough...
Laura: I hate you. No, no. Not you, Lydia. I'm talking to Auntie Lisa. Yes, I know it's not nice to say hate. James! No! Don't drink that! It's Mommy juice! If babies drink it they get very sleepy, oh, well, nevermind.
Lisa: Give the kids a kiss from me! Happy writing!
Laura: *click*
July 16, 2012
Tell the Truth Tuesday
1. The Hush Fund is eating all of my creative energy. Every last bit. Which kind of, sort of, explains why I suck at blogging lately. I hope you'll all forgive me once you read the book next July.
2. I broke my promise with myself that I would never, ever try to pitch book cover ideas to an editor ever again. EVER. I blame Laura.
3. I ate three s'mores tonight. I'm thinking of asking the cover designer to add a note on the cover of the book that says, "Brought to you by marshmallow, graham cracker and chocolate melted in a microwave." Klassy.
4. I've been on yet another mad house decorating spree this time inspired by the fact that we've decided to stay for another school year. Part of the reason I gave in so easily is because it meant I got a tiny budget to do some renovations I've been dreaming of since we moved here 7-years-ago. Not gonna lie, I've been spending WAY too much time on Pinterest.
5. I still worry about Rayanne Graff. Seriously. I think about her on a semi-regular basis. Do you think she's still drinking? What about her mom? I hope her an Angela are friends again. Yes, seriously. This is the stuff I think about.
6. I'm temporarily swearing off bleak, sad books that leave me feeling hopeless and sad for humanity. I just finished a book that was amazing, but left me feeling so, so, sad.
7. Lucky for me I have a super-fun book to read next. It's an ARC from one of our favorite blogging friends and I couldn't be more excited. PLUS we're working on a blurb for another amazing book we just finished a couple of weeks ago. 2013 is going to be a good year, guys.
8. I just remembered I have to email our agent.
9. But I love ending on 10, so I'm totally going to stretch this out....
10. I'm beat, but so happy to be posting something on the blog. It's been too long. I miss you guys. Fingers crossed for some juicy truths in the comments.
2. I broke my promise with myself that I would never, ever try to pitch book cover ideas to an editor ever again. EVER. I blame Laura.
3. I ate three s'mores tonight. I'm thinking of asking the cover designer to add a note on the cover of the book that says, "Brought to you by marshmallow, graham cracker and chocolate melted in a microwave." Klassy.
4. I've been on yet another mad house decorating spree this time inspired by the fact that we've decided to stay for another school year. Part of the reason I gave in so easily is because it meant I got a tiny budget to do some renovations I've been dreaming of since we moved here 7-years-ago. Not gonna lie, I've been spending WAY too much time on Pinterest.
5. I still worry about Rayanne Graff. Seriously. I think about her on a semi-regular basis. Do you think she's still drinking? What about her mom? I hope her an Angela are friends again. Yes, seriously. This is the stuff I think about.
6. I'm temporarily swearing off bleak, sad books that leave me feeling hopeless and sad for humanity. I just finished a book that was amazing, but left me feeling so, so, sad.
7. Lucky for me I have a super-fun book to read next. It's an ARC from one of our favorite blogging friends and I couldn't be more excited. PLUS we're working on a blurb for another amazing book we just finished a couple of weeks ago. 2013 is going to be a good year, guys.
8. I just remembered I have to email our agent.
9. But I love ending on 10, so I'm totally going to stretch this out....
10. I'm beat, but so happy to be posting something on the blog. It's been too long. I miss you guys. Fingers crossed for some juicy truths in the comments.
June 25, 2012
Laura Roecker on Copyedits
This is a direct quote from the email Laura sent me regarding copyedits. It should be noted that according to the bylaws of our sisterwriter relationship, Laura is responsible for all copyedits on manuscripts. This was negotiated shortly after it was determined that Lisa would always take the first stab at the document following editorial letters.
"I seriously feel like this copy editor should be paid a million dollars for having to look up things like Cleveland, OH sunset in January and addressing the fact that we don't know how to modify words correctly. Yikers. Who is this person???? And does s/he like cupcakes??? Copy edits make me feel like a failure."
We owe you an amazing ALA wrap up post and it's coming. With pictures and sparkles and maybe even a giveaway of some sort. Suffice it to say, we had an absolute blast and are SO SO SO excited to share some big news about the launch for The Lies That Bind and the new release date for The Hush Fund and and and....our heads just exploded.
More soon. XOXO
"I seriously feel like this copy editor should be paid a million dollars for having to look up things like Cleveland, OH sunset in January and addressing the fact that we don't know how to modify words correctly. Yikers. Who is this person???? And does s/he like cupcakes??? Copy edits make me feel like a failure."
We owe you an amazing ALA wrap up post and it's coming. With pictures and sparkles and maybe even a giveaway of some sort. Suffice it to say, we had an absolute blast and are SO SO SO excited to share some big news about the launch for The Lies That Bind and the new release date for The Hush Fund and and and....our heads just exploded.
More soon. XOXO
June 13, 2012
Pssst...Wanna Read the First 3 Chapters of The Lies That Bind?
You know you're just a tiny bit curious about what Kate and the gang are up to at Pemberly Brown. You'll have to wait until November 1st to read the whole thing, but you can get your hot little hands on the first three chapters right now. Just click here.
Happy Reading!
Happy Reading!
June 12, 2012
We're alive...sort of
We're knee deep in our first draft of THE HUSH FUND and it's kind of swallowed us whole for the time being. We have an August deadline, so posting will be spotty for the summer, but we'll keep you guys posted on our progress. In the meantime, I head to Twitter in between just about every sentance that I write to ramble and cyberstalk. So, if you want real-time updates on my new and improved procrastination methods, you can follow us over there.
In other news, if you're going to ALA we'll be there! That's right, the Roeckers are leaving Ohio! Alert the media and tell the Kardashians to watch their backs. Click here to see where you can find us at the conference. We're planning on bringing some extra special, one-of-a-kind swag, so be sure to stop by the Sourcebooks booth for our signing on Saturday!
We've also heard rumblings of a tour with some fellow Sourcebooks authors this November. 8-cities, 3 awesome YA contemporary novels and some pretty convincing faux blue hair. We'll post details as soon as we know more.
And now, I must retreat back to the writing cave where it's dark but there's an endless supply of chocolate and Laura stands guard over my computer with a whip made of Twizzlers. More soon!
XOXO,
L&L
In other news, if you're going to ALA we'll be there! That's right, the Roeckers are leaving Ohio! Alert the media and tell the Kardashians to watch their backs. Click here to see where you can find us at the conference. We're planning on bringing some extra special, one-of-a-kind swag, so be sure to stop by the Sourcebooks booth for our signing on Saturday!
We've also heard rumblings of a tour with some fellow Sourcebooks authors this November. 8-cities, 3 awesome YA contemporary novels and some pretty convincing faux blue hair. We'll post details as soon as we know more.
And now, I must retreat back to the writing cave where it's dark but there's an endless supply of chocolate and Laura stands guard over my computer with a whip made of Twizzlers. More soon!
XOXO,
L&L
June 7, 2012
More from our resident young adult...
A couple weeks ago, we shared an interview with our incredible cousin Alex. Well today, we'd love to share her thoughts on getting to meet Laurie Halse Anderson as well as her award-winning song in response to the novel SPEAK. The coolest part about this entire project is the power of books. We felt it, Alex and her friends felt it and we hope you will too! Enjoy! It was a normal school day. Except that most of my reading class and the eighth grade class were going to load up on two buses and get hauled ten minutes away to a college campus with an award-winning author waiting for us. So yeah, maybe not such a normal day.The whole time during my lunch block, as I was eating my delicious orange chicken, all I could think about was how the next block I would be in was the auditorium. Where Laurie Halse Anderson was. At first I didn’t see her, just walked in and sat on a folding chair. Once all my friends arrived, Isabella (part of my song group) pointed out an adult wearing a “There and Their. They’re not the same” shirt with glasses, and long brown hair; just sitting there looking bored. I looked up, and recognizing her from photos I shouted to my friends, “Guys, look! It’s Laurie Halse Anderson!” We all grabbed our favorite book we had brought written by her and ran up to her.
She was sitting at a desk, just off the side of the stage. No one else had noticed her, and offering our books and names she gladly signed our books, even though she wasn’t supposed to sign anything until after her speech. Thinking we were all that, we fluttered our freshly signed books at the rest of the anxious audience before sitting down. Then she started speaking; none of my friends and I noticed of course, we were too busy reading what she wrote. But we figured it out by all the clapping, whistling and shouting.She. Was. AH-mazing. A natural born public speaker, completely at ease in front of a huge crowd. Everyone watched with their mouths hanging open as she revealed some of her scariest and most embarrassing secrets. Laurie was hilarious, and not at all shy to tell people what her opinions are. At the end of the day, all the teachers, parents and students were herded back into the auditorium for the Award Ceremony. Having been previously informed that my group had got an honorable mention for our song, “Help Us Speak” inspired by Laurie’s book; Speak, we were all excited (My group; Toni Cameron, Isabella D’Urso, and of course, me). Needless to say, when they called our names and had us go up on stage in front of at least a thousand people and receive a check for fifty dollars, a book and handshake by Laurie Halse Anderson; we were shaking. Add a “Congratulations” from Laurie and it was one of the best days of my life. It only could have been better if Taylor Lautner was there.And now for Alex and her friends' award-winning song!
And don't forget to check out what the rest of the Bookanistas are up to this week!
Nikki Katz has been hit by STRUCK Katy Upperman adores AMEILA ANNE IS DEAD AND GONE - with ARC giveaway!Jessica Love is thrilled by TRANSCENDENCE Christine Fonseca is celebrating the release of SURRENDER with a big giveaway!
