Jennifer A. Nielsen's Blog, page 14
May 4, 2020
Kent, Wonderland, and Some Minor News
I hope everyone is quarantining well…or doing well slowly moving back into public places…or isolating…or whatever is in the best interest of you, your family, and those in your circles. Please be safe, be kind.
And be hopeful. We have faced hard times before and we have come through it. We will come through this as well.
Besides, I have a few bits of good news. But first –
Today is a rather somber 50th anniversary, that of the Kent State Massacre in Ohio, when twenty-eight members of the National Guard opened fire on a group of anti-war college demonstrators. The history is documented exceptionally well by Deborah Wiles in her newest novel, KENT STATE.
There’s another novel I’m really excited about, though it doesn’t come out until Sept 8, THE LOST WONDERLAND DIARIES by J. Scott Savage. This is the lost record of Lewis Carroll’s true journey to Wonderland, discovered by Celia and Tyrus, and their journey through this dangerous world. This is a fabulous book, definitely worth checking out!
And some bits of good news.
The School Library Journal listed their top Ebook and Audiobook checkouts over recent weeks. A NIGHT DIVIDED is #13 for grades 3-6 and THE FALSE PRINCE is #18 for grades 5-8.
WORDS ON FIRE is nominated for a Lectio Award, and is a Middle Grade winner of the 2020 AML Award.
Finally, I am currently working on Book 5 of the Ascendance Series, at about 50K words of the first draft. I am also thinking about a topic for my next historical novel. What do you think?
April 26, 2020
RESCUE Cover!
Thanks to all of you who played. Across all of the blogs, we had hundreds of answers, and the entire cover was revealed in less than an hour and a half – you were so fast!
BUT…we do have a winner! Congratulations Carson L!
For those who entered in hopes of receiving an ARC of THE CAPTIVE KINGDOM or of RESCUE, no worries! I still have many copies of TCK to give away over the next few months, and when I receive ARCs of RESCUE, I will be giving them away here on my blog as well!
In the meantime…
RESCUE will be released on March 2, 2021. Here is the summary:
Six hundred and fifty-seven days ago, Meg Kenyon’s father left their home in France to fight for the Allies in World War II, and that was the last time Meg saw him. Recently, she heard he was being held prisoner by the Nazis, a terrible sentence from which Meg fears he’ll never return. All she has left of him are the codes he placed in a jar for her to decipher, an affectionate game the two of them shared. But the codes are running low, and soon there’ll be nothing left of Papa for Meg to hold on to at all.
Suddenly, an impossible chance to save her father falls into Meg’s lap. After following a trail of blood in the snow, Meggie finds an injured British spy hiding in her grandmother’s barn. Captain Stewart tells her that a family of German refugees must be guided across Nazi-occupied France to neutral Spain, whereupon one of them has promised to free Meg’s father. Captain Stewart was meant to take that family on their journey, but too injured to complete the task himself, he offers it to Meg, along with a final code from Papa to help complete the mission — perhaps the most important, and most difficult, riddle she’s received yet.
As the Nazis flood Meg’s village in fierce pursuit, she accepts the duty and begins the trek across France. Leading strangers through treacherous territory, Meg faces danger and uncertainty at every turn, all the while struggling to crack her father’s code. The message, as she unravels it, reveals secrets costly enough to risk the mission and even her own life. Can Meg solve the puzzle, rescue the family, and save her father?
And yes, you can pre-order a copy. I’ll post links as soon as they are up!
Also, Book Bingo!
While I’m promoting stuff, consider joining the BOOK BINGO contest, going on now for the chance to win a FREE SKYPE VISIT next fall with one of fifteen amazing authors! The link for the rules is below and the game ends on May 30th so there’s still plenty of time to play.
Cover Reveal for New Historical!
This means the contest is officially ended. Participating authors and bloggers will send me the names of everyone who left comments and from them I will randomly draw a winner. Thanks everyone for playing – you are all BRILLIANT!
It’s time for another cover reveal – but let’s have some fun, okay?
This is for my next historical novel, set to release on March 2, 2021. I know, that’s a long time away, but a lot of fun things will happen in the meantime, including THE CAPTIVE KINGDOM out this fall.
HOW TO PLAY
SO….here’s how the cover reveal game will work. Below you see the cover with 15 trivia squares. There are (Surprise!) 15 blogs with links below.
Follow that link to find the trivia question.Answer the question in their comments (not here).The first correct answer will unlock that square of the cover, BUTEven if the square is unlocked, please visit the blog to get an entry point. The contest is open until every square is unlocked and the full cover is revealed. This means if you visit every blog before the cover is revealed, you can get up to 15 entries!
WHAT WILL I WIN?
THREE signed books from me, INCLUDING the choice of THE CAPTIVE KINGDOM – or – the first ARC of this new historical when I receive it!
LINKS
Each one will take you to a different trivia question. Answer it, then come back here for the next link!
Wendy C. Jorgensen (YA Sci-Fi Author of ACCELERATION and other titles. Please note, she is also giving away a book during this contest.) Jessica Day George (New York Times Bestselling YA and Middle grade author of THE ROSE LEGACY and other titles)Comment below for this question: What was the carte d’identité and what would happen if you didn’t have one? Clarissa Kae (Historical Romance author of ONCE AND FUTURE WIFE and other titles)Comment below for this question: In World War 2, there was a period between the invasion of Poland and the invasion of countries to the west of Germany. It was known as the ________________. Janet Sumner Johnson (Middle grade and picture book author of HELP WANTED, MUST LOVE BOOKS and other titles) Jennifer Gladen (Picture book author of A STAR IN THE NIGHT and other titles.) Jenny Sue Gamboa (YA Sci-Fi and Fantasy author) Julie Coulter Bellon (Romantic suspense author of the Griffin Force and Hostage Negotiation series. Also, she is giving away a free book!)Michelle Henrie (Author-Illustrator of Young Adult and Middle Grade novels) Steven T. Bickmore (Academic blogger at yawednesday.com) Robin M King (YA suspense author of the REMEMBRANT series) Sheila Staley (Blogger and reviewer at WhyNotBecauseISaidSo.blogspot.com) Stefanie Hohl (Picture book and early reader author of WHERE IS THE STAR and other titles) Taffy Lovell (Book reviewer and blogger at taffyscandy.blogspot.com)
QUICK QUESTIONS
When does the contest begin? NOW!
When does it end? As soon as the entire cover is revealed, so get started! Every correct answer you leave on a guest blog is another entry for you!
What if I can’t leave a comment on the guest blog? Post it below here, but only if you can’t post on the guest blog.
What if I get the answer wrong on a question? It doesn’t count as an entry. But you can always comment again with the correct answer.
When will you announce the winner? As soon as all guest bloggers turn the names in to me.
Should I leave a comment even if someone else already got the right answer? Definitely! It still counts as an entry for you.
Why can’t you just reveal the cover like a normal person? Because I’ve been quarantining at home for a long time and I’m bored.
I’m here because of one of those other guest blogs – what am I doing here? Playing a cover reveal game, apparently. Click some links above, try to win!
April 25, 2020
Cover Reveal, TOMORROW!
At noon EST tomorrow, we’re going to have some fun – a cover reveal for my next historical novel. See those fifteen squares? To unlock each square, you’ll need to follow a link to a blog for a fellow writer or book reviewer. They will have a trivia question posted. Answer it correctly, and I will open the square.
BUT…
Even if the square is already unlocked, I hope you will visit and answer the trivia question anyway. Why?
BECAUSE…
The contest ends when the entire cover is revealed. EVERY correct trivia answer is an entry for a pretty amazing prize.
THREE signed books from me. One of them can be either the ARC of THE CAPTIVE KINGDOM – or – the very first ARC of this new historical when I receive it!
So come back tomorrow to play. The longer the contest runs, the more entries we’ll have, so start early and be ready for some great questions!
April 16, 2020
BINGO Reminder!
As a reminder, there is a fantastically fun BINGO game underway for young writers everywhere. What can you win? A FREE Skype visit (when school is back in session) for your entire class/bookclub/fan group with one of these participating authors:
Dusti Bowling *** Shelly Brown *** Frank Cole *** Janet Fox *** Christian McKay Heidicker *** Jennifer Jenkins *** Marion Jensen *** Peter Lerangis *** Chad Morris *** Jennifer Nielsen *** Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich *** Laura Resau *** Caroline Starr Rose *** J Scott Savage *** Liesl Shurtliff *** Wendy Swore
To play, you can download one of three BINGO cards HERE: Complete any five tasks in a row, then send me your completed card (to jen@jennielsen.com) before May 30th (Yes, the contest deadline has been extended!).
You may enter more than once, but you must complete another row of five activities for the new entry. I will work with the teachers of the winners to coordinate the award.
Oh…and check out these books…
There are some awesome new releases this week!
RESCUING THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE by Anna Crowley Redding and Edwin Fotheringham. The riveting true story about the lowly clerk who saved the Declaration of Independence from being destroyed by the British army in the War of 1812.
WHERE’D MY JO GO? By Jill Esbaum and Scott Brundage. When trucker Jo hits the open road, she doesn’t realize her faithful dog isn’t with her.
MY BROTHER THE DUCK by Pat Zietlow Miller and Daniel Wiseman (April 21). Is Stella’s new baby brother a duck? All the evidence seems to be pointing in that direction.
DARING DARLEEN, QUEEN OF THE SCREEN by Anne Nesbet. When a publicity stunt goes terribly wrong, twelve-year-old Darleen Darling, star of the silent film era, must defeat villains both on screen and off in this edge-of-your-seat adventure.
MY VIDEO GAME ATE MY HOMEWORK a debut graphic novel by Dustin Hansen. Follow Dewey Jenkins on an adventure that leads him and his friends to a virtual world where they will have to overcome all sorts of digital creatures in order to get home.
Cover Reveal Coming Soon…
Stay tuned to the blog next week – I’ll be doing a cover reveal for my next historical, and some great book giveaways with it!
April 9, 2020
Yes, Stories Matter
As of this writing, the great majority of Americans, and a very high number of world citizens, have been asked to shelter in place, hunker down, self-isolate.
We’re sheltering in place.
Separated from much of the outside world, many of us feel the need for connections once again. Without those connections, we see increases in worry, stress, restlessness. And a different kind of frustration than most of us have ever experienced.
Maybe we need some good stories.
A lot more stories. And yes, I am serious.
Stories are as old as our DNA. Whether through cave drawings or storytellers, on parchment, paper, or digital form, story is built into who we are.
Throughout all of human history, there is story; In every war, every government, every tragedy and triumph, we have shared our stories. They are as grand as the origin of the universe, and as trivial as a child’s first words.
Why?
Because we need story. Stories tell us who we are, and give focus to who we want to be. They help us make sense of this sometimes crazy, mixed-up life, and provide a little crazy mix-up when life becomes dull and troublesome. Through story, we organize our thoughts, hold faith in our dreams, and experience our emotions.
Stories are all at once windows, bridges, and mortar in the foundations of our identities, even our humanity. They are the way we connect to others, in a time when we need connections so much.
If you are feeling isolated/lonely/bored/stressed/frustrated/irritable, it might be a sign that you need story.
Find a book to read, with your family, or by yourself.
If the story you want to read isn’t nearby, then create it. Pick up a pen and write.
With that in mind, you might be aware of these amazing stories that either came out in this last week. If you choose to purchase any of these (and I hope you will!) please buy from your local indie bookstore. Keep your dollars in your own community.
PICTURE BOOKS
FROG BOOTS by Jill Esbaum and Joshua Heinsz (March 31). There’s only one thing Dylan wants: frog boots But what happens when this little boy discovers they’re meant for . . . girls?
PLAY LIKE AN ANIMAL by Maria Gianferrari and Mia Powell (April 7).A celebration of all the different ways animals play, from rhinos taking mud baths and parrots somersaulting through the air to kangaroos boxing and dolphins diving through the surf.
A BOOK FOR ESCARGOT by Dashka Slater and Sydney Hanson (April 7). Follow a funny and charming French snail through a library to find the book of his dreams.
MARIE CURIE AND THE POWER OF PERSISTANCE by Karla Valenti and Annalisa Beghelli (April 7). Meet Marie Curie. Famous physicist, chemist, and… superhero?
MIDDLE GRADE
THIEVES OF WEIRDWOOD (April 7) by 2020 Newbery Honor Winner Christian McKay Heidicker. Arthur and Wally are young thieves who are thrust into a magical order that protects the balance between the real and imaginary worlds.
NO FIXED ADDRESS (April 7) by Susin Nielsen. Felix doesn’t want anyone to know his family is living out of a van. When he gets the chance to audition for a game show, it could save his family, or make everything much worse.
ALSO, as a side-note, if you order any of my books through my local indie, THE KING’S ENGLISH BOOKSHOP, through April 17, 2020, you will receive a swag pack in the mail AND be entered to win an ARC of THE CAPTIVE KINGDOM (Ascendance Series Book 4)
April 3, 2020
GREAT STUFF IS STILL HAPPENING
I know, you’re probably stuck at home, maybe a little bored, maybe looking for something to do. There’s a few things I’d love to tell you about.
BOOK BINGO! Young people, play on your own, or tell your teacher about it and get your whole class involved. There are three Bingo cards to choose from. Pick your favorite. As soon as you complete five fun activities in a row on any card, send it to me and you will be automatically entered to win a free author Skype visit for your class from one of fifteen participating authors.
TEEN AUTHOR BOOK CAMP WEBINAR: On Tuesday, April 7, at 2 pm EST/11 am PST, I will be conducting an online class for young writers. The topic is “WRITER’S ADHD: WHAT TO DO WITH A DOZEN BEGINNINGS AND NO ENDINGS.” It is free to participate, but you must pre-register, which you can do HERE.
SUPPORT INDIES – GET A FREE AUDIOBOOK OF THE FALSE PRINCE.
GOODREADS GIVEAWAY. Speaking of THE FALSE PRINCE, there is also a Goodreads giveaway for digital copies of this first book. Why not enter HERE?
I’M STILL WRITING! To prove it, let’s play a match game.
Which sentence do you think:
A) Comes from Ascendance Book 4, THE CAPTIVE KINGDOM;
B) Comes from next spring’s historical novel, RESCUE;
C) Comes from a new Super Secret Project that no one knows I’m writing – well, nobody except for you!
D) Comes from a rough draft of book 5 of the Ascendance series; and
E) Is someone else’s writing – from a book I’m reading right now that will be released this fall.
Match those with:
“Something’s been horrificating the Avians. Rabid beasts have been reported in the Duchess’ woods.”“I’ll pull you off that raft myself,” Mr. Gimmitz said, marching forward. “You better take a good breath now or you’ll drown before I drag you out of that water.”I knew we had to do everything possible to keep him safe, or even to keep him alive. But at what price to my family?With that thought, my body forgot how to breathe, or stopped caring to.I had never before considered myself defeated, not personally, not in battle. Until now.
Leave any guesses below. I’ll tell you how many out of five that you got correct!
March 31, 2020
Book Bingo!
Students, would you like the chance to win a free author Skype visit for your classroom? Choose any of the Bingo cards below (You may have to drag and drop to your desktop). Complete a row of five challenges in any direction. When it’s finished, send the image or pdf to jen@jennielsen.com – that will be your entry to win.
You may enter as many times as you want, but you must do all five items in the row, even if you have done them for a previous entry. The contest portion of this BINGO event ends on May 15, 2020.
Participating Authors
Dusti Bowling *** Shelly Brown *** Frank Cole *** Janet Fox *** Christian McKay Heidicker *** Marion Jensen *** Peter Lerangis *** Chad Morris *** Jennifer Nielsen *** Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich *** Laura Resau *** Caroline Starr Rose *** J Scott Savage *** Liesl Shurtliff *** Wendy Swore
March 27, 2020
Book Recommendations 1
Usually when I make recommendations, it’s on titles I’ve read and loved. I’m doing it differently on this post, but for a reason.
With the BUG (Big Ugly Germs) going around, there are many authors who are not able to do a part of the job we love: touring, attending conferences, holding launch parties or signings, doing school visits, or skyping.
That’s a disappointment for all of us, BUT when an author is also trying to release a book, that becomes a double disappointment, because how do they get word out about their book? Well…this blog is one place for that.
This is by no means a comprehensive list (you can find a wider list HERE), but it is a starting place. This week’s list are for books already in recent release. If any of these books interest you for a purchase, all links are to Indiebound. Please, please support your local indie bookstore. Keep your money in your community.
Picture Books
ALL OF A SUDDEN AND FOREVER by Chris Barton and Nicole Xu. The tragedy of the Oklahoma City bombing and the healing of a community and a beloved tree that followed. This would be ideal for teachers looking to teach more recent history and about how to come together in the midst of difficult times.
WHOO-KU HAIKU by Maria Gianferrari and Jonathan Voss. The story of the great horned owl, in Haiku.
MONSTER’S TRUCKS by Rebecca Van Slyke and Joe Sutphin. Monster loves his construction vehicles, but he does not like to share them. What happens when the reader does exactly what Monster said NOT to do?
MORNING SUNSHINE by Keely Parrack and John Bajet. As we all wake up, the outside world bustles with life!
Middle Grade
THE WONDER OF WILDFLOWERS by Anna Staniszewski. Mira must balance loyalty to her family with the desire to be accepted by her new classmates.
WILLA AND THE WHALE by Shelly Brown and Chad Morris. Can a whale talk to a human? A tale of courage and connections during the harder times of life.
Young Adult
SPINDLE AND DAGGER by J. Anderson Coats. Wales, 1109. Elen must live a precarious lie in order to survive among the medieval Welsh warband that killed her family.
BONE CRIER’S MOON by Kathryn Purdie. To become a bone crier matriarch, Ailesse must kill the boy she’s destined to love.
TEEN WRITER’S GUIDE: YOUR ROAD MAP TO WRITING by Jennifer Jenkins. For young writers, this is a how-to guide specifically for you!
March 16, 2020
@ArtistChat
Hello friends –
Whether you are self-quarantining (weird that that’s a word now, right?) or still in school and work, I’m excited to offer a fun opportunity.
It’s called Artist Chat – a group of authors and illustrators who are opening ourselves to questions from readers, which we will answer with a video response.
Readers – ask us anything! (Unless it’s so weird that we can’t possibly answer)
Parents and teachers – you are invited to follow us on Twitter @ArtistChat (Also called “Stuck at Home Book Chat”) or look for links to our video responses. You can share those answers with your young readers, whether they are at home or still in the classroom.
We hope this effort will help provide a reading and writing boost during these crazy times.
As a bonus, I will be giving away a book to one of the first thirty people who ask a question directed to me (@Nielsenwriter) through ArtistChat. So ask away – in comments below, or on Twitter @ArtistChat – I can’t wait to answer!
So far, other participating authors are: Kathryn Purdie, Bree Despain, Rosalyn Eves, Chad Morris, RuthAnne Snow, Kaylynn Flanders, Robison Wells, Ellie Terry, JR Johansson, Jessica Day George, Erin Stewart, Marion Jensen, and Wendy Toliver.
Even if you don’t know their books (or maybe especially if you don’t know their books, begin asking questions and you might discover another favorite author!)
