Jennifer A. Nielsen's Blog, page 37
February 21, 2013
This Blog Has Moved
You can find my updates at http://www.jennielsen.com/blog
See you there!
My Biggest Goal
Since becoming published, I’ve kept one big goal close to my heart. It was risky – I’ve always known that it might forever stay out of my reach. And a sort of crazy goal too because I knew I’d always keep reaching.
My editor called me the other day, but I missed her call. She doesn’t often call out of the blue, so I was a bit nervous. And her message was something to the effect of, “I have big news. And it’s so good I don’t want to leave a message. Call me back.”
Any guesses on how fast a person can dial a number after a message like that? Let’s just say, world speed-dial records were broken.
It could’ve been anything. Perhaps a nice mention from an important reviewer? A new market interested in carrying my books? Some awesome destination has invited me to attend an event (and has agreed to pay me in Dove dark chocolate)?
Nope.
“Jen!” my editor said. She was breathless at the time, which I would love to think is because she was so excited. In reality, she was also leaving work at the time and probably was mid-hustle through the busy New York streets. “How are you?”
Um, freaking out, if I was being honest. What was the news?
“THE FALSE PRINCE made the New York Times Bestseller List!”
Let me pause here, which is appropriate because I’m pretty sure the world paused briefly in its rotation while I soaked that in. THE FALSE PRINCE is on the list. THE LIST! And between loads of laundry, school runs, and half-burned dinners, I wrote that book.
It squeaked in as #14 on the Middle Grade List for the week of March 3rd. Sales were likely boosted by the release of the paperback and anticipation for the release of THE RUNAWAY KING on March 1st.
But more importantly, I know that it was prompted by those of you who have recommended it to others, who have bought copies to distribute as gifts, who have reviewed it online, voted for it to be on lists or for awards, requested it at your library, or walked into the bookstore with no idea of what you wanted to buy, and for some reason chose my book. For all that and more, you have my deepest appreciation.
And finally, I have to acknowledge the efforts, support, and endless enthusiasm of my fabulous agent, Ammi-Joan Paquette of the Erin Murphy Agency, of my awesome editor, Lisa Sandell, and of the many, many wonderful people at Scholastic who have done more than I can even begin to grasp to spread word about this series.
I’m going to have to set a new writing goal now. Something riskier. Something crazier. And for the moment, something I’ll keep to myself.
My thanks to all of you who made this possible –
Jennifer A. Nielsen New York Times Bestselling Author
February 14, 2013
THE FALSE PRINCE wins a Cybil!
Last year, THE FALSE PRINCE was nominated for a Cybils Award by blogger Natalie Aguirre. Just to be nominated was a great honor. When the book made the finals, I thought it was terrific. But the announcement this morning topped it all: IT WON!!!!
The other nominated books were wonderful, and all were deserving of the award, so despite my reckless use of the bold function above, I am humbled, grateful, and warmed by the honor. My thanks to Natalie for the nomination, to those bloggers who read the book, reviewed it, and voted for it, and to the fans on Twitter, Facebook and their personal blogs who sent out their congratulations. My congratulations as well to the other winners. Rather than list them all, the link is here. Please go check them out. Your TBR list is about to get a big longer (which is a good thing)!
A Valentine for Captain Amazing
Whether it’s a spouse, BFF, or significant other, the luckiest of writers have someone who stands by them through the ups and downs of their career. Let’s face it, writers get plenty of both, made worse by the fact that we’re just a little bit crazy (If you’re a writer, don’t even try denying it!). One day might bring some good news and we’re singing sunshine. Or just the opposite and we are the human equivalent of an acid rain cloud. Whichever comes, some poor soul has to live with us.
In my case, it’s my husband, hereafter referred to as Captain Amazing. And on Valentine’s evening, this is my tribute, not only to him, but to all amazing “others” who are tasked with loving a neurotic, obsessive, artistic, and occasionally mentally unbalanced writer.
Therefore, here are the top 6 reasons why my husband is the most important person in my career, and why I could not do what I’m doing without him.
1. Good News: Captain Amazing is the first one I tell when there is good news. It never occurs to me to tell anyone else first, because there is nobody I’d rather celebrate with. He is as happy as if the celebration was for him, because whether the news is good or bad – and we’ve had both over the years – whatever happens is always our adventure together.
2. Bad News: Captain Amazing is also the first to hear my bad news. Sometimes he knows I want assurances that the problem is simply because someone else has the IQ of a walnut and not to worry. Sometimes he just sits quietly and lets me talk, whine, or cry it out. Well, whine, mostly. At those times, he tells me it’ll get better. And it does.
3. Neither good nor bad news, but he’s simply married to a sorta crazy lady: Sometimes I’m here, but my brain is still in the last scene of my manuscript. Sometimes I get up in the middle of the night to work out a scene. Sometimes I share the things I want most as an author, even when I’m not sure there is much hope. A lot of writers are that way, not sure about our hopes, dreams, or chances for success. But I always have him. It is a wonderful thing to know there is somebody out there who always believes in us, even when we’re less sure.
4. Tour Support: With the release of my next book, I’m going to be gone a lot. For those days, Captain Amazing will effectively become a single parent. I know there are lots of you who single parent all the time and how hard it can be. That’s why I admire him for taking on the role with a smile and an assurance that they’ll all be fine. Beyond that, he often makes those evenings I’m gone his special times with the kids, building memories with them. He lets me leave without guilt – and as most moms will tell you, that is a near impossibility.
5. The Taxes: Here’s the thing. I understand numbers the way Data (For you non-geeks, he’s a humanoid on Star Trek: The Next Generation) understood emotions. I know what numbers are and can even occasionally nod at the appropriate places in a number-related conversation, but really, I haven’t got a clue. Captain Amazing does, and he somehow makes honorariums, royalties, advances, and taxes all make sense. (Not to me, but to people who have a clue).
6. Everything Else: Sometimes I get a last-minute request for a video or photograph. Even if there’s like 18 minutes notice and his own deadlines are pressing, Captain Amazing still pulls it together. He also fixes my computer emergencies, corrects bugs on my website, tells me how what to do about my flat tire when I’m stranded roadside and late for a school visit (not a hypothetical situation), gets me un-lost when I’m out and about (also not hypothetical), keeps me in the current year of technology, grabs take out when there’s nothing in, and occasionally, leaps tall buildings in a single bound.
Whatever comes – or doesn’t come – in my future, the best of all things is that I know he’ll be there, supportive, enthusiastic, hopeful, helpful, loving, kind, and at all times, the largely unsung superhero for every day of my writing career.
Happy Valentine’s Day, Captain Amazing!
February 1, 2013
Winner!
Wow! Thank you everyone for your compliments, your enthusiasm, and for those who shared word about this contest via Twitter and Facebook. I had expected a few of your favorite lines or scenes, but some of them really surprised me.
In total, 98 comments were listed (though a few are not entries themselves, but rather, link to FB or Twitter entries). There also were 52 Tweets and another 42 Facebook or blog mentions.
So I’ve decided to choose one winner from comments and one from social media. It was a random draw, which was entirely necessary because it would be impossible to choose a favorite comment or fan.
For those who didn’t win, no worries – Runaway King will be released in only one more month! I can hardly wait to hear what you thought of it.
My two winners are:
Riley K. and Konstanz Silverbow
Congratulations! I will email you for mailing addresses!
Long live the Prince; Soon Die the King!
January 20, 2013
Giveaway of THE RUNAWAY KING!
Yep, I’m going to give away an ARC for THE RUNAWAY KING. Maybe two, if I’m really feeling nice…
Details in a minute. But first, let me give some brief updates of news.
First, is that the paperback for THE FALSE PRINCE is now available to purchase. It’s got a pretty, redesigned cover, which I think is very cool. If you’ve been waiting for the paperback, you can buy it at your local indie, or order online from your favorite website.
Second, is announcing that the series is coming to Taiwan in Chinese Simplified from Commonwealth Magazine Co., to Hungary from Könyvmoly Publishers, and to Turkey from Nemesis Publishers.
And third, details are beginning to come together for tour dates and places for THE RUNAWAY KING. A final schedule will be listed here, but this is what I do know so far (some dates could be subject to change, but this is fairly firm):
Sat, Mar 9: Tucson Festival of Books, ASU, Tucson Arizona
Sat, Apr 20: TeenBookCon, Houston, TX
Mon/Tue Apr 22, 23: Vancouver, Canada
Apr 24-26: Toronto, Canada
Okay, let’s do a giveaway or two! The rules are simple. One entry for each.
1. Leave a comment below for a favorite line or scene. (But BEWARE: SPOILERS MAY BE PRESENT. DO NOT READ COMMENTS IF YOU HAVEN’T READ BOOK 1)
2. Tweet about the contest (if you’re on Twitter). Here’s an easy Tweet: Giveaway of THE RUNAWAY KING, sequel to THE FALSE PRINCE by @nielsenwriter. Leave a favorite line to enter: http://www.jennielsen.com/archives/607
3. Post about the contest on Facebook or mention it on your blog (if you do either). But let me know in the comments if you do so I can add it as a contest entry.
All right, have at it! This contest will end on January 31st at midnight.
December 26, 2012
Movie Update
The editor they speak of is Bryan Cogman, an executive story editor for HBO's Game of Thrones series. Bryan is a Juilliard-trained actor and very talented writer who has written two of the show's episodes and works on set throughout the filming. I could not be happier to have him working on the screenplay.
It's also thrilling just because Bryan has worked on Game of Thrones. The False Prince has often been called "A Game of Thrones for kids." Although the stories certainly have their differences, both series' are interwoven with court intrigue, spies, wars and rumors of war, lies, betrayal, and witty characters. Bryan Cogman is a perfect choice to bring that wonderful flavor into The False Prince screenplay.Finally, it is the greatest of honors to have The False Prince associated with Paramount Pictures. My many thanks to producer Deborah Forte of Scholastic Media who has done so much for this book's journey to film.
But I do need to answer a few questions...
1. Is a movie for certain?Until the popcorn is in your hand and you have your seat in the theater, nothing is certain. So this is a great step forward, but only one step. Keep your fingers crossed that it moves to the next!
2. Has the movie been cast?
No, but I would love to hear your suggestions for any cast members, if you have them. I do have a few of my own ideas, but I'm not revealing them yet!
3. Will you let me know when they're casting, so I can audition?
Sure! How cool would it be if that worked out? Would you still talk to me if you became famous?
4. What can I do to help?
Um, at this point, unless you are very good friends with any higher ups at Paramount, you can wait along with me, hoping for more news to come soon! But be patient - this is a long process and it takes time!
I will keep you updated when I know more!
December 1, 2012
Signed Holiday Books!
I've had several inquiries recently from people who want signed copies of THE FALSE PRINCE for the holidays to give their son, daughter, sibling, best friend, teacher, great-grandmother, mailman...okay, not so much on the last two, but you get the idea.For the record, I think it's about the best gift that anyone could give anyone, except maybe a ticket on the first commercial flight into space. However, my idea is cheaper. Also, this week, the New York Times named THE FALSE PRINCE one of its Notable Books of 2012. (Woo-hoo!) I'm pretty sure they didn't have anything to say about commercial space flight.
Anyway, a great and easy opportunity to get a signed copy is happening this week.This Thursday (Dec 6) from 5 to 7 MST, I will be at my wonderful local indie, The King's English, in Salt Lake City. If you want to order a book online before then, they will have me sign and personalize it that night, then ship it out directly to you. Just like that, easy peasy!
Signed book. And you don't even have to leave the couch.
In fact, click here and it'll take you directly to their page for THE FALSE PRINCE.
You should also know there will be several other fabulous authors for signing there that night, including James Dashner, author of THE MAZE RUNNER series and Book 1 of the coolest multi-platform series ever to hit the shelves, THE INFINITY RING (Okay, I admit to a small self-interest in mentioning that last one. But it really is a cool series!).
If you're a local type, you should come and get your books signed in person. meet a lot of other wonderful authors, and enjoy some Christmas hors d'oeuvres. All books purchased at that event are 20% off. You can learn more about their holiday party event here.Last but certainly not least, no matter what the title, please make sure every child you are buying for gets a book this holiday season. And when you buy, support your local indie. Because they support authors and opportunities like this one.
November 20, 2012
Many Thanks to Readers!
First, is that THE FALSE PRINCE has made it into the FINALS for Goodreads' Best of 2012 Middle Grade list. The other books on the list are ones I personally love or ones which I'm dying to read, and I'm sure the same is true for you. But..if you are on Goodreads and feel like voting for FALSE PRINCE, I would be very, very grateful! The link is here:
http://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-childrens-books-2012#74899-Best-Middle-Grade-&-Children's
Second, is that THE FALSE PRINCE has been named to the list of Best Books of 2012 by Publisher's Weekly. It is also on the list for the New York Public LIbrary's 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing, and has made the Lonestar Reading List in Texas. These are all great honors, and I'm very proud to have my book there.And finally, my thanks to those who share the book with your students, friends, and family. Who choose it for reading clubs, book talk it, blog about it, or leave kind reviews and ratings. And to those who spread word about the book online and in person, there are some notes that I see and a lot that I miss. But I always, always appreciate it.
Again, if you liked THE FALSE PRINCE, please vote for it on Goodreads with the link above. And know that I send you my deepest gratitude!
November 8, 2012
Things Kids Say
I LOVE getting fan letters from readers. To those who have sent them, please know that I read them, and even if it takes me a while, I will always try to respond.Equally fun are the thank you letters that teachers sometimes make their students write after I've visited their classes. I visited with some 4th graders recently. Here are some of my favorite comments (with my obligatory snarky response in parentheses after).
From TP: "Thank you for reading some of The False Prince. I thought it was boring, but now I want to read it." (Well, at least he added that last part!)
From SH: "I'm going to get the book at the library, then I will buy it." (Both? May I introduce you to my other books...)
From TM: "I liked your visit. Can you send a book of The False Prince to - his address here -? (Sure thing! But first, can you send your mom's wallet to me at - my address here - ?)
From JO: "I think you should make more books because I bet 1,000,000,000% your books are good." (The crossed out zeroes were her doing. I think she might've been hedging her bets.)
From SW: "I've got lots of ideas for books, yet I already know they won't get published." (Welcome to the life of a writer, SW.)From PB: Okay, it's not what she wrote that was funny, it's that her accompanying illustration is of The Hunger Games. Sorta makes me wish I'd written that one. For a whole lotta reasons...
From ML: "I hope you make so many more books that they will not have room for others." (A total monopoly on all published books? I dunno - Rick Riordan might already have that one covered!)
From KW: "I really, really like your book, but I can't believe how long it is." (I get paid by the word, KW.)
From MG: "I want to read The False Prince, but I live too far from the library." (MG, may I introduce you to Amazon.com?)
From JS: "You are cool and just plain awesome. You should be famous." (Ah, in a perfect world...)
From BW: "I liked it when you read us part of The False Prince. I felt like I was in a dream." (Were you the kid who fell asleep during my presentation?)
From SN: "The False Prince sounds really exciting and mysterious. P.S. If you think I'm lying about that exciting part, I'm not. (Okay, but what about the mysterious part?)
From TR: "I think The False Prince would be a good book." (Me too! In fact, that's why I wrote it!)
From JL: "I think of you as an inspiration." (Me too! Can you tell my kids that?)
From RC: "I'll bet you $1,000,000,000,000 that your books will be a huge success!" (RC, when I have that much money to gamble, then I believe you will have won your bet.)
From CH: "I love The False Prince! P.S. What does False mean?" (It means you're not quite ready to read this book. Maybe next year?)
From BB: "I love your sarcasm. You are hilarious!" (Are you still thinking that after this snarky post?)
From BT: "I hope everybody reads your books and likes um. I hope nobody hates your books." (Well, there was this one reviewer...)
From IR: "Thank you for coming to our school to waste time of your day." (Thank you for coming to my presentation to waste time from your education!)
From RL: "I was going to be an author, but now I'm going to be a hairdresser." (At least my visit helped one aspiring author!)From RM: "I like you. You are nice and beautiful." (Sorry RM, I'm taken, but I do know a cute 4th grader who wants to be a hairdresser one day!)
From CP: "I really like your book. Thanks, it really helped me." (So you're also caught up in a plot where it's either treason or death? I hope Sage's example was helpful for you!)
From SW: "I'm moving soon but I hope they have a bookstore there with your book in it. Or if not, at least if they have other books. You made me notice that writing is hard. But that won't stop me from writing a new The Lord of the Rings series. It will be awesome." (Yes, but call it The Lord of the Golden Circles, so nobody will suspect the similarities.)
If you made it this far into the post, don't forget to enter for a chance to win an ARC of Book 2, THE RUNAWAY KING (scroll down in posts until you find it). It's the first giveaway of this ARC, and very few advance copies will be available, so grab your chance.) The contest ends Saturday!
