Beth Revis's Blog, page 57
March 15, 2011
Answers--Now With More Thought
This is part 3 of my most recent answer session! Part 1 is here, part 2 is here, and the original post to ask questions was here.
Cyndi Tefft said...Your promotion and marketing efforts for the launch of ATU were extremely impressive. Would you consider putting together a list of the marketing efforts you did, as a helpful guide to others planning a book launch? Thanks!
First: while I definitely did some marketing myself, my publisher, Razorbill, did a FANTASTIC and extensive job at marketing, too, and everything they did was about 100000% better than my feeble plans. So, definitely working with a publisher, especially one as awesome as Razorbill, helps.
But here's some things I went in specifically to do:
Contests. I planned four contests, one for each of the three months before launch, one for the month of launch. I worked to make each contest different--so people could participate in different ways, and also so the focus of the contest was on different things.
Website. This website was something that I designed myself (in that I decided what went where and the content, not that I drew or programmed it). And I made it after viewing a LOT of author websites and determining what I felt was the most important to create a fun, but professional, site for people to find out more about me and the book in a simple way.
Marketing materials. I designed and made: business cards, postcards, bookmarks, and pin buttons, and I distributed them in various different ways, typically through contests. Even now, in every mailing that I send out for a contest, I include a postcard or bookmark of mine. So, for example, in the box that I've prepared for this contest of the five Breathless Reads books, I've also thrown in a postcard that about my book specifically.
Working with friends. I've been blogging for a long time, and I've picked up some great friends along the way. I've tried not to take over their blogs or anything, but I have worked with them to make a blog tour, etc.
Social networking. I truly enjoy it--and most of my content isn't about my book. (For example...I have never tweeted "Buy my book now!") I built my social networking platform over years of blogging, years of tweeting, and paying attention to how professional writers structured their Facebooks and other things. It sounds a little human to say that I went into social networking with an agenda--but it's the truth. I made a point to never get too far off the topic of reading and writing on my social networking platforms, for example, or to use my social networks to share inflammatory opinions. I treat all social networking as if I were at a big cocktail with lots of publishing professionals--so I join in the conversation, try to be polite, and share stories that I think are relevant to everyone else at thesocial network party.
Some things that I would do differently: use QR codes in marketing material, make a more stream-lined graphic format for the printed material, do a more concentrated effort of a few aspect of the online stuff.
Does this help? This is actually a topic I quite like to talk about, but I don't want to rabbit on about it if I bore everyone...
Anonymous said...I have two questions! :) Out of curiosity, how many words long is ATU? (I really enjoyed it, by the way!! Kiersten White was spot-on when she said it made her feel claustrophobic...) What is the nicest/awesomest thing anyone has ever said about ATU? Thanks! -Ellie
Yay, I'm glad you liked it!
AtU was about 90,000 words long.
So far, the best thing people have said to me have come in emails from readers. One person told me about how she was very sick with a painful disease, and that my book helped her to forget her pain and escape the disease for a little while. I'm actually crying a little thinking about that email--it was so touching to know that something as simple as my little story helped someone out in such an important way.
Anonymous said...Girl I loved ATU! I bought it the day it came out and finished it and gave it to my younger sis, and now we are waiting patiently (and by patiently I mean chewing our fingernails down to the nubs) for book 2. Ahem, anyway, my question is: what is the biggest difference in your life post-publication?
Also, that comment right there is a pretty awesome thing someone's said about AtU, too :D
Biggest difference between published and not?
On an emotional level: validation. There's a great sense of failure (at least for me, personally) in writing without being published. Since publication, I've come to view my "failed" manuscripts as more of practice than failure, a point of pride rather than shame, and to feel that my hard work and years of effort are definitely validated.
On a physical level: quitting the day job. It effing rocks that I get to sleep in every single freaking day and go to work in my pajamas.
sheilapimples said...Do you ever get writer's block? I always get that problem when I see what I want to write in my head, yet I can't put it in to words. Is that even writer's block? I'm just wondering what you do, I guess, to let the creativity flow.
YES. YES YES YES I get writer's block. For me, it's more a matter of I know what happens at point A, and I know what happens at point C, but somehow I have to figure out what happens at point B. Or, I know what should happen, but I don't know how to describe it.
The way I fix this is to use a legal note pad and a pen. I've mentioned this before, but in greater detail--I sort of doodle and take notes and sketch out ideas. Moving from computer to pen is liberating--I can underline and circle and draw arrows and sketch out the setting and doodle in the corner when I get stuck and all that good stuff, until I finally figure out the idea. Sometimes, I just handwrite the story until I get going so well that I can't write fast enough, then I jump back to the computer. But I definitely need that difference in format to get the ideas and creativity flowing again.
Cyndi Tefft said...Your promotion and marketing efforts for the launch of ATU were extremely impressive. Would you consider putting together a list of the marketing efforts you did, as a helpful guide to others planning a book launch? Thanks!
First: while I definitely did some marketing myself, my publisher, Razorbill, did a FANTASTIC and extensive job at marketing, too, and everything they did was about 100000% better than my feeble plans. So, definitely working with a publisher, especially one as awesome as Razorbill, helps.
But here's some things I went in specifically to do:
Contests. I planned four contests, one for each of the three months before launch, one for the month of launch. I worked to make each contest different--so people could participate in different ways, and also so the focus of the contest was on different things.
Website. This website was something that I designed myself (in that I decided what went where and the content, not that I drew or programmed it). And I made it after viewing a LOT of author websites and determining what I felt was the most important to create a fun, but professional, site for people to find out more about me and the book in a simple way.
Marketing materials. I designed and made: business cards, postcards, bookmarks, and pin buttons, and I distributed them in various different ways, typically through contests. Even now, in every mailing that I send out for a contest, I include a postcard or bookmark of mine. So, for example, in the box that I've prepared for this contest of the five Breathless Reads books, I've also thrown in a postcard that about my book specifically.
Working with friends. I've been blogging for a long time, and I've picked up some great friends along the way. I've tried not to take over their blogs or anything, but I have worked with them to make a blog tour, etc.
Social networking. I truly enjoy it--and most of my content isn't about my book. (For example...I have never tweeted "Buy my book now!") I built my social networking platform over years of blogging, years of tweeting, and paying attention to how professional writers structured their Facebooks and other things. It sounds a little human to say that I went into social networking with an agenda--but it's the truth. I made a point to never get too far off the topic of reading and writing on my social networking platforms, for example, or to use my social networks to share inflammatory opinions. I treat all social networking as if I were at a big cocktail with lots of publishing professionals--so I join in the conversation, try to be polite, and share stories that I think are relevant to everyone else at the
Some things that I would do differently: use QR codes in marketing material, make a more stream-lined graphic format for the printed material, do a more concentrated effort of a few aspect of the online stuff.
Does this help? This is actually a topic I quite like to talk about, but I don't want to rabbit on about it if I bore everyone...
Anonymous said...I have two questions! :) Out of curiosity, how many words long is ATU? (I really enjoyed it, by the way!! Kiersten White was spot-on when she said it made her feel claustrophobic...) What is the nicest/awesomest thing anyone has ever said about ATU? Thanks! -Ellie
Yay, I'm glad you liked it!
AtU was about 90,000 words long.
So far, the best thing people have said to me have come in emails from readers. One person told me about how she was very sick with a painful disease, and that my book helped her to forget her pain and escape the disease for a little while. I'm actually crying a little thinking about that email--it was so touching to know that something as simple as my little story helped someone out in such an important way.
Anonymous said...Girl I loved ATU! I bought it the day it came out and finished it and gave it to my younger sis, and now we are waiting patiently (and by patiently I mean chewing our fingernails down to the nubs) for book 2. Ahem, anyway, my question is: what is the biggest difference in your life post-publication?
Also, that comment right there is a pretty awesome thing someone's said about AtU, too :D
Biggest difference between published and not?
On an emotional level: validation. There's a great sense of failure (at least for me, personally) in writing without being published. Since publication, I've come to view my "failed" manuscripts as more of practice than failure, a point of pride rather than shame, and to feel that my hard work and years of effort are definitely validated.
On a physical level: quitting the day job. It effing rocks that I get to sleep in every single freaking day and go to work in my pajamas.
sheilapimples said...Do you ever get writer's block? I always get that problem when I see what I want to write in my head, yet I can't put it in to words. Is that even writer's block? I'm just wondering what you do, I guess, to let the creativity flow.
YES. YES YES YES I get writer's block. For me, it's more a matter of I know what happens at point A, and I know what happens at point C, but somehow I have to figure out what happens at point B. Or, I know what should happen, but I don't know how to describe it.
The way I fix this is to use a legal note pad and a pen. I've mentioned this before, but in greater detail--I sort of doodle and take notes and sketch out ideas. Moving from computer to pen is liberating--I can underline and circle and draw arrows and sketch out the setting and doodle in the corner when I get stuck and all that good stuff, until I finally figure out the idea. Sometimes, I just handwrite the story until I get going so well that I can't write fast enough, then I jump back to the computer. But I definitely need that difference in format to get the ideas and creativity flowing again.
March 14, 2011
More Answers!
This is part 2 of my most recent answer session! Part 1 is here; original post to ask questions was here.
Lindsay said...What's the password for the eye lens on the telescope in your header? It's always drove me nuts-- the unknown extras hidden behind a cyber door.
Ah, it's not that hard to find! ;) OK, I don't want to take all the fun out of it, but if you click on the "for readers" star up above in the header, you'll see that there are three words on that text that are bolded--try them! :D
Lynsey Newton said...When can you reveal the title and even cover for book two? ;)
Well, the title's out now: A MILLION SUNS! As for the cover: I have seen a very rough version of it, and it filled my eyes with joy. I'm not sure when I can share, though!
Laura Fey said...What's your ultimate writing place?
Anywhere! Seriously--I can write anywhere. My couch, my kitchen table, and my desk are the most common places. But I will say that soon--any day now, actually--the cherry trees around my house are going to bloom. When the pink petals come out, so do I--I really like sitting on my back deck as the blossom blow around in the wind. So, for a few days out of the year, that's my ultimate writing place.
TeamJacob said...What other genres of books do you like to write? Also, have you read the Twilight series?
YA fantasy! Actually, all my trunk novels are YA fantasy. Sci fi was a bit of a departure for me.
I have read the first TWILIGHT book, but not the rest.
Saundra Mitchell said...Which author do you feel braids your hair the BEST?
YOU. My answer is always YOU.
Dakota said...When is your birthday(month and day)?
Ah! I'm kinda private about that. I'll just say I'm a Libra, is that good enough? :)
helenlandalf said...What was the busiest time around your book release. Just before? During? After?
I'd say...hmmm. That's a tough one. I'd say that the busiest time started just before, but that it hasn't really let up since then. Because just before and during release, I was all focused on the launch, but then immediately after I had to turn my attention to writing Book 2, so...yeah. I'm still as busy as I was then!
Lara T. said...Ok, you said anything! lol I want to know how, in blogger, you have a header that is clickable like that!! lol Love it!!
Hahaha! That one's easy! I asked my web designer, Manning Krull, to make it for me. I have no idea how he did it. He's awesome like that!
That's it for today! These answers were short and easy--the last ones will require a little bit longer, more thoughtful responses, so I'm going to hold off on them until tomorrow. And if you'd like to add a question of your own, please do so here!
Lindsay said...What's the password for the eye lens on the telescope in your header? It's always drove me nuts-- the unknown extras hidden behind a cyber door.
Ah, it's not that hard to find! ;) OK, I don't want to take all the fun out of it, but if you click on the "for readers" star up above in the header, you'll see that there are three words on that text that are bolded--try them! :D
Lynsey Newton said...When can you reveal the title and even cover for book two? ;)
Well, the title's out now: A MILLION SUNS! As for the cover: I have seen a very rough version of it, and it filled my eyes with joy. I'm not sure when I can share, though!
Laura Fey said...What's your ultimate writing place?
Anywhere! Seriously--I can write anywhere. My couch, my kitchen table, and my desk are the most common places. But I will say that soon--any day now, actually--the cherry trees around my house are going to bloom. When the pink petals come out, so do I--I really like sitting on my back deck as the blossom blow around in the wind. So, for a few days out of the year, that's my ultimate writing place.
TeamJacob said...What other genres of books do you like to write? Also, have you read the Twilight series?
YA fantasy! Actually, all my trunk novels are YA fantasy. Sci fi was a bit of a departure for me.
I have read the first TWILIGHT book, but not the rest.
Saundra Mitchell said...Which author do you feel braids your hair the BEST?
YOU. My answer is always YOU.
Dakota said...When is your birthday(month and day)?
Ah! I'm kinda private about that. I'll just say I'm a Libra, is that good enough? :)
helenlandalf said...What was the busiest time around your book release. Just before? During? After?
I'd say...hmmm. That's a tough one. I'd say that the busiest time started just before, but that it hasn't really let up since then. Because just before and during release, I was all focused on the launch, but then immediately after I had to turn my attention to writing Book 2, so...yeah. I'm still as busy as I was then!
Lara T. said...Ok, you said anything! lol I want to know how, in blogger, you have a header that is clickable like that!! lol Love it!!
Hahaha! That one's easy! I asked my web designer, Manning Krull, to make it for me. I have no idea how he did it. He's awesome like that!
That's it for today! These answers were short and easy--the last ones will require a little bit longer, more thoughtful responses, so I'm going to hold off on them until tomorrow. And if you'd like to add a question of your own, please do so here!
March 13, 2011
Answers! Sort of. I mean, I basically don't know anything.
First: holy wow, you guys, I'm so stoked that y'all are excited for the contest! I've got the box of books all packaged and ready to go--you've got a week left to enter. And those of you who're signed up for my newsletter should have gotten an extra hint about April's contest, too!
Second: A little while ago, I posted an "ask anything." And now, without further ado: answers!
N.E. Williams said... Have you ever doubted your writing when you decided to publish your work? I love writing and want to share my stories with everyone but I am scared that others wouldn't like them. What do you tell yourself if you ever have doubt and make it stay away?
Yes. YES. Actually, the closest I've ever come to giving up was just before I sent ACROSS THE UNIVERSE out. As for being scared to share your stories: I think everyone is like that. At least, every writer I know is like that. In fact, when I sent Book 2 to my critique partners, I distinctly remember sending a plea to them apologizing for how bad it was...
So, the short answer is: I have no idea how to make the doubt go away. None at all. I have it all the time. Instead, for me, it's a matter of living with the doubt, and sending my work out despite it.
The Blogger Girlz said...How do you balance real life with writing and how do make time for each without going insane? Also, any tips on plowing through a frist draft?
I have no idea. Time management isn't my strong suit. Basically, I just do whatever I can, whenever I can. I tend to write in huge, long bursts as quickly and as much as I can...and then not write for a few days. I also regularly ignore things like household chores, doing the dishes, and hygiene.
As for plowing through first drafts: when I get stuck, I switch formats. For example, I tend to write on the computer. But when I get stuck, I use pen and paper. Also, changing location helps me. If I've been writing in one spot, say, at my desk, I'll move to the couch if I'm stuck, or even leave the house and go to the coffee shop.
Natalie Aguirre said...How do you start a second book in a series and weave in the back story without doing an info dump?
I dunno. (That seems to be the theme of this post, huh?) It took me a lot of trial and effort to get the first chapters of my Book 2 written--and they're still not perfect. But that's how I write: I just write and write and write and hope something good comes out.
If you're working on this, I think that JK Rowling did a very good job of this, particularly in books 2 and 3. CS Lewis did an excellent job of this in THE SILVER CHAIR in particular.
Lianne said...What was the best day of your life so far?
My wedding. Ha! Thought it'd be something about writing, huh? And that's really high up there, honestly--but my wedding is the best so far. I was surrounded by everyone I loved, friends and family, and there was cake.
Lindsay Cummings said...how many times did you query ATU before you found your agent?
About fifty queries or so. But if you count up every query I sent for every project I worked on, I sent out several hundred queries. Keep in mind I've got ten trunk novels, and queried most of them extensively.
jmartinlibrary said...Beth, we'd love to hear your words of wisdom for agented writers going on submission for the first time. Thanks!
Pray! Eat chocolate! Talk to friends! But...take out your neuroses on your friends, in private. Don't blog about it. Don't tell the world. Find a couple of trust-worthy friends and commiserate with them. Also: keep in mind that everyone's different. I know someone who got a book deal in a matter of days. I know someone who was on submission for almost a year before she got a book deal. So everyone's different--don't compare. Don't judge yourself by anyone else's stick. Also: write the next book.
Anita said...When is the second installment of "Across The Universe" coming out in bookstores?
I have no idea! :D I would guess sometime around this time next year :)
More tomorrow! I know I've not covered all the questions--but I'll keep doing this tomorrow as well! Also, if you'd like to add a question, please do so here.
And remember! You've got a week to enter the contest!
Second: A little while ago, I posted an "ask anything." And now, without further ado: answers!
N.E. Williams said... Have you ever doubted your writing when you decided to publish your work? I love writing and want to share my stories with everyone but I am scared that others wouldn't like them. What do you tell yourself if you ever have doubt and make it stay away?
Yes. YES. Actually, the closest I've ever come to giving up was just before I sent ACROSS THE UNIVERSE out. As for being scared to share your stories: I think everyone is like that. At least, every writer I know is like that. In fact, when I sent Book 2 to my critique partners, I distinctly remember sending a plea to them apologizing for how bad it was...
So, the short answer is: I have no idea how to make the doubt go away. None at all. I have it all the time. Instead, for me, it's a matter of living with the doubt, and sending my work out despite it.
The Blogger Girlz said...How do you balance real life with writing and how do make time for each without going insane? Also, any tips on plowing through a frist draft?
I have no idea. Time management isn't my strong suit. Basically, I just do whatever I can, whenever I can. I tend to write in huge, long bursts as quickly and as much as I can...and then not write for a few days. I also regularly ignore things like household chores, doing the dishes, and hygiene.
As for plowing through first drafts: when I get stuck, I switch formats. For example, I tend to write on the computer. But when I get stuck, I use pen and paper. Also, changing location helps me. If I've been writing in one spot, say, at my desk, I'll move to the couch if I'm stuck, or even leave the house and go to the coffee shop.
Natalie Aguirre said...How do you start a second book in a series and weave in the back story without doing an info dump?
I dunno. (That seems to be the theme of this post, huh?) It took me a lot of trial and effort to get the first chapters of my Book 2 written--and they're still not perfect. But that's how I write: I just write and write and write and hope something good comes out.
If you're working on this, I think that JK Rowling did a very good job of this, particularly in books 2 and 3. CS Lewis did an excellent job of this in THE SILVER CHAIR in particular.
Lianne said...What was the best day of your life so far?
My wedding. Ha! Thought it'd be something about writing, huh? And that's really high up there, honestly--but my wedding is the best so far. I was surrounded by everyone I loved, friends and family, and there was cake.
Lindsay Cummings said...how many times did you query ATU before you found your agent?
About fifty queries or so. But if you count up every query I sent for every project I worked on, I sent out several hundred queries. Keep in mind I've got ten trunk novels, and queried most of them extensively.
jmartinlibrary said...Beth, we'd love to hear your words of wisdom for agented writers going on submission for the first time. Thanks!
Pray! Eat chocolate! Talk to friends! But...take out your neuroses on your friends, in private. Don't blog about it. Don't tell the world. Find a couple of trust-worthy friends and commiserate with them. Also: keep in mind that everyone's different. I know someone who got a book deal in a matter of days. I know someone who was on submission for almost a year before she got a book deal. So everyone's different--don't compare. Don't judge yourself by anyone else's stick. Also: write the next book.
Anita said...When is the second installment of "Across The Universe" coming out in bookstores?
I have no idea! :D I would guess sometime around this time next year :)
More tomorrow! I know I've not covered all the questions--but I'll keep doing this tomorrow as well! Also, if you'd like to add a question, please do so here.
And remember! You've got a week to enter the contest!
March 10, 2011
Win ALL FIVE *SIGNED* copies of the Breathless Books!
I had such an amazing time on tour--I'm working on uploading photos now--and I loved meeting everyone so much that I wanted to share the awesome with you guys, my wonderful blog readers.
So, Iforced asked all the girls on the tour to sign copies of their books, and so today, I am pleased to announce one of my biggest contests ever: signed copies of ALL FIVE of the Breathless Reads books!
As you know, I'm a fan of all these books. But here's my super-short reasoning for why you want each one:
THE ETERNAL ONES by Kiersten Miller is a fast-paced, adventurious love story that involves reincarnation, secret societies, and fire.
THE REPLACEMENT by Brenna Yovanoff is a hauntingly beautiful book that scares the pants off me.
NIGHTSHADE by Andrea Cremer is not about werewolves--it's about true wolves that can shapeshift into people written by a brilliant scholar who incorporate history into the tale.
MATCHED by Allie Condie shows us that love can break through any barrier, and the most important thing is to not go gently...
ACROSS THE UNIVERSE is the book that I wrote and I would really like it if you liked it. Also I think you're pretty and want to be friends with you.
To enter this contest, all I'd like you to do is to tell a friend about it. That's it. You can just lean over and tell a random stranger about this contest, and we're kosher. But you can also tell people in different ways, and I am going to try to make it really easy for you.
YOU CAN BLOG ABOUT IT:And I've made it simple--you can just cut the html code below, and paste it into a blog post, and the image will automatically load, including a link back to the contest!
<center><a href="http://bethrevis.blogspot.com"&g... border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RK..." width="150"" height="150" /></a></center>
YOU CAN TWEET ABOUT IT:
Tweet anything you like--as long as you use the #WinBreathless hashtag, I can find you and give you credit. To make it even easier on you, though, I'm adding a button here--all you have to do is push that button and the tweet will come up on your Twitter, already linked, hashtagged and ready to go!
YOU CAN FACEBOOK ABOUT IT:
Just post a link to this contest on your Facebook. But first--go to the Breathless Reads page and, if you haven't yet, like them. This isn't a requirement, I just think it'd be nice to do it--since Penguin did put together the tour and everything, and this is a way of showing them you like the tour and the books. Anyway, if you like the Breathless Reads page, then when you post about it on Facebook, you can type @Breathless Reads in your post, and it will link back to them so that (a) other people can show Penguin their appreciation and (b) you're gonna make Penguin feel all kinds of warm and fuzzy that people are linking back to them and sharing the love.
And that's it!
Just spread the word in SOME way and you're entered! And if you spread the word in extra ways, you of course get extra entries :)
One rule--I can only ship to the US. I'm sorry! But five hardback copies of books are expensive to ship! I promise the next contest will be internationals. Also: make sure to fill out the form so I can count you! Contest is open from March 11-21. Winners announced March 21.
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So, I
As you know, I'm a fan of all these books. But here's my super-short reasoning for why you want each one:
THE ETERNAL ONES by Kiersten Miller is a fast-paced, adventurious love story that involves reincarnation, secret societies, and fire.
THE REPLACEMENT by Brenna Yovanoff is a hauntingly beautiful book that scares the pants off me.
NIGHTSHADE by Andrea Cremer is not about werewolves--it's about true wolves that can shapeshift into people written by a brilliant scholar who incorporate history into the tale.
MATCHED by Allie Condie shows us that love can break through any barrier, and the most important thing is to not go gently...
ACROSS THE UNIVERSE is the book that I wrote and I would really like it if you liked it. Also I think you're pretty and want to be friends with you.
To enter this contest, all I'd like you to do is to tell a friend about it. That's it. You can just lean over and tell a random stranger about this contest, and we're kosher. But you can also tell people in different ways, and I am going to try to make it really easy for you.
YOU CAN BLOG ABOUT IT:And I've made it simple--you can just cut the html code below, and paste it into a blog post, and the image will automatically load, including a link back to the contest!
<center><a href="http://bethrevis.blogspot.com"&g... border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RK..." width="150"" height="150" /></a></center>
YOU CAN TWEET ABOUT IT:
Tweet anything you like--as long as you use the #WinBreathless hashtag, I can find you and give you credit. To make it even easier on you, though, I'm adding a button here--all you have to do is push that button and the tweet will come up on your Twitter, already linked, hashtagged and ready to go!
YOU CAN FACEBOOK ABOUT IT:
Just post a link to this contest on your Facebook. But first--go to the Breathless Reads page and, if you haven't yet, like them. This isn't a requirement, I just think it'd be nice to do it--since Penguin did put together the tour and everything, and this is a way of showing them you like the tour and the books. Anyway, if you like the Breathless Reads page, then when you post about it on Facebook, you can type @Breathless Reads in your post, and it will link back to them so that (a) other people can show Penguin their appreciation and (b) you're gonna make Penguin feel all kinds of warm and fuzzy that people are linking back to them and sharing the love.
And that's it!
Just spread the word in SOME way and you're entered! And if you spread the word in extra ways, you of course get extra entries :)
One rule--I can only ship to the US. I'm sorry! But five hardback copies of books are expensive to ship! I promise the next contest will be internationals. Also: make sure to fill out the form so I can count you! Contest is open from March 11-21. Winners announced March 21.
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Bookanista Feature: Kirsten Hubbard's LIKE MANDARIN
Today, we're celebrating the book birthday of LIKE MANDARIN by Kirsten Hubbard!First, a little bit about the book:LIKE MANDARIN is about a girl in a small western town, who wants a lot of things, but mostly, she wants to be like Mandarin, the rebellious, beautiful, untouchable girl of the town. The story's about friendship, love (of all kinds, but especially platonic and familial), bonds (to our families, whether we like it or not, to our friends, to our past, to where we're from, to who we are, whether we want to be that way or not). It's beautifully written, and just the sort of book that fans of contemporary YA such as John Green (PAPER TOWNS) or Kody Keplinger (THE DUFF) would love.
You can also enter to win a copy of the book here! Go now!
But today I'm not just going to tell you about this book. I'm also a part of the blog tour welcoming LIKE MANDARIN into the world, and so, without further ado...
In Like Mandarin, 14-year-old Grace Carpenter would give anything to be like Mandarin Ramey. Mandarin is seventeen, self-assured, irreverent and mysterious; the notorious wild girl of their small Wyoming town. From Grace:
Sure, maybe most of the attention Mandarin got was negative. But it wasn't the kind of disdainful brainfreak attention I got, when I got any at all. Hers was lust. And jealousy. Because even as they condemned her, every single girl wanted to be her. But nobody more than me.I want to be beautiful like you, I thought, as if Mandarin were listening.I want apricot skin and Pocahontas hair and eyes the color of tea. I want to be confident and detached and effortlessly sensual, and if promiscuity is part of the package, I will gladly follow your lead. All I know is I'm so tired of being inside my body.I would give anything to be like Mandarin.
Grace's fascination with Mandarin borders on obsession. When they're paired together for a project, their explosive friendship rocks Grace's world – which makes Mandarin's betrayal even more devastating.
Was there somebody you would have given anything to be like when you were a teenager?
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And here's where I'm going to get a bit embarrassing...and I hope not too creepy. Because, honestly? If I could have been like anyone when I was a teenager, I would have wanted to be like Kirsten.
I didn't know it at the time, of course, because I didn't know who Kirsten was then. But in a lot of ways, I was like Grace (minus the beauty pageant background). I wasn't that confident in myself, and the only way I really defined my life was by what I wasn't. And what I wanted. And what I wanted, more than anything, was to travel fearlessly.
Now I have traveled rather a lot in my life--but I've not traveled like Kirsten. I mean, check out her bio!
Kirsten Hubbard has hiked ancient ruins in Cambodia, dived with wild dolphins in Belize (one totally looked her in the eye), slept in a Slovenian jail cell, and navigated the Wyoming badlands (without a compass) in search of transcendent backdrops for her novels.
And don't forget the adventure she had in Belize that she wrote about for my Across the World tour (read more here). She says the sinkhole had mermaids and dude. I believe her. Because Kirsten's cool enough to know where the mermaids really are.
So, as cheesy as it sounds...the person I most wanted to be like when I was a teen (and today!) is Kirsten: an author, a fearless traveler who throws herself into adventure.
*sigh* I guess I'm just going to sit here in my coffee shop in my boring sweater and dream about being like Kirsten some more...
Want to find out what the other Bookanistas are raving about today?
Elana Johnson devours DemonglassLiLa Roecker shines a light on ClarityChristine Fonseca joins The Liar Society - with giveawayShelli Johannes-Wells swoons over Possum SummerScott Tracey leaps for The Liar Society - with giveawayMyra McEntire invites Lisa & Laura Roecker into the fortBeth Revis hosts a blog tour stop for Like MandarinCarolina Valdez Miller gushes over Imaginary GirlsBethany Wiggins falls for A Change of HeartShana Silver is mad for Bad Taste in BoysCarrie Harris drinks in BloodthirstySarah Frances Hardy loves The Liar SocietyStasia Ward Kehoe wonders at Where She WentVeronica Rossi delights in Delirium
March 9, 2011
Salisbury, NC Event!
If you live in or around Salisbury (or if you don't and just want to come anyway), please stop by my booksigning this Saturday!
What: Book signing and Q&A for Across the Universe
When: Saturday, March 12, from 1:30-3:30
Where: The Literary Bookpost 110 South Main Street, Salisbury, NC
For more information, click here! I hope to see you there!!
What: Book signing and Q&A for Across the Universe
When: Saturday, March 12, from 1:30-3:30
Where: The Literary Bookpost 110 South Main Street, Salisbury, NC
For more information, click here! I hope to see you there!!
There are Stories Everywhere
...and I sort of wish I could be a part of this one.
March 4, 2011
Here's The Thing: Don't Be A Jerk
So I disappeared for a week. Sorry. I do that near deadlines. *g*
And while I was gone, there was a whole mafia in the works! A YA Mafia!
By this point, there's really nothing I can add to the "debate," be that what it is. And if you're not sure even what the so-called YA Mafia is, click here for some links. That's where I first heard about it, anyway.
So, this post isn't really about the YA Mafia. Instead, it's a little bit about blogging/social networking because honestly? That's what it all comes down to (or at least, it seems that way to me).
Here's the best advice I can give to anyone about being online:
Don't be a giant jerk
Don't say something online that you wouldn't say to someone's face
Really, just don't be a jerk
Story time!
A few weeks ago, there was someone on Twitter (I won't say who) who was...being immature. She was being mean about an author and her book for the sake of being mean and shocking people in an effort to generate attention for herself. The author (whom I know) saw--and it hurt her feelings. This wasn't just a negative review--this was taking it to another level. A level that's usually reserved for mean school children on a playground. It was the equivalent of telling a rude joke at someone else's expense...and doing it over and over again for well over an hour in a public forum.
Neither I nor the author I know are in the YA Mafia because (a) I'm not cool enough to be an any mafia and (b) the YA Mafia isn't even real, y'all. This twit on Twitter (who is an aspiring author, btw) isn't blacklisted, this won't effect her chances of being published...nothing. But, honestly? If she does get a book published, it's highly unlikely that my writer friend will blurb her. Would you? And you know what--that's about as much power any author has over any other author's career.
The only person who has any effect on your career as a writer or any other profession is you. This means, you have to write a good book to be published--that's all on you. This also means that if you create an online persona of someone who's difficult to work with and is, in short, a giant jerk, some people may not want to work with you. But that's all on you. And there's a difference between giving someone a critical negative review and being a giant jerk. If you don't know what that difference is, really, you should probably not be online. But it's your career and your decision.
You might notice that I don't do negative reviews on this blog any more. Long time followers will know that (on very rare occasions) I've given a few negative reviews...and have since deleted them. There's a couple of reasons, but the main one is simply this: I've gotten to the point where I've realized that authors are real people, and many of them are real life friends. I can't separate my personal feelings from their professional work, so I'm just not doing any more negative reviews--but I will give shout-outs to friends' works and to works that I really truly love--in the same way that I'd promote any friend in any endeavor.
If you're worried about the YA Mafia and/or being blacklisted or whatever, just step back and ask yourself: am I being a giant jerk? No? Then you're good.
And while I was gone, there was a whole mafia in the works! A YA Mafia!
By this point, there's really nothing I can add to the "debate," be that what it is. And if you're not sure even what the so-called YA Mafia is, click here for some links. That's where I first heard about it, anyway.
So, this post isn't really about the YA Mafia. Instead, it's a little bit about blogging/social networking because honestly? That's what it all comes down to (or at least, it seems that way to me).
Here's the best advice I can give to anyone about being online:
Don't be a giant jerk
Don't say something online that you wouldn't say to someone's face
Really, just don't be a jerk
Story time!
A few weeks ago, there was someone on Twitter (I won't say who) who was...being immature. She was being mean about an author and her book for the sake of being mean and shocking people in an effort to generate attention for herself. The author (whom I know) saw--and it hurt her feelings. This wasn't just a negative review--this was taking it to another level. A level that's usually reserved for mean school children on a playground. It was the equivalent of telling a rude joke at someone else's expense...and doing it over and over again for well over an hour in a public forum.
Neither I nor the author I know are in the YA Mafia because (a) I'm not cool enough to be an any mafia and (b) the YA Mafia isn't even real, y'all. This twit on Twitter (who is an aspiring author, btw) isn't blacklisted, this won't effect her chances of being published...nothing. But, honestly? If she does get a book published, it's highly unlikely that my writer friend will blurb her. Would you? And you know what--that's about as much power any author has over any other author's career.
The only person who has any effect on your career as a writer or any other profession is you. This means, you have to write a good book to be published--that's all on you. This also means that if you create an online persona of someone who's difficult to work with and is, in short, a giant jerk, some people may not want to work with you. But that's all on you. And there's a difference between giving someone a critical negative review and being a giant jerk. If you don't know what that difference is, really, you should probably not be online. But it's your career and your decision.
You might notice that I don't do negative reviews on this blog any more. Long time followers will know that (on very rare occasions) I've given a few negative reviews...and have since deleted them. There's a couple of reasons, but the main one is simply this: I've gotten to the point where I've realized that authors are real people, and many of them are real life friends. I can't separate my personal feelings from their professional work, so I'm just not doing any more negative reviews--but I will give shout-outs to friends' works and to works that I really truly love--in the same way that I'd promote any friend in any endeavor.
If you're worried about the YA Mafia and/or being blacklisted or whatever, just step back and ask yourself: am I being a giant jerk? No? Then you're good.
February 28, 2011
Writers for the Red Cross: Auction for AtU!
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This week is going to be a little crazy for me, but I wanted to make sure you all knew about this charity organization: Writers for the Red Cross.
Throughout March, the WftRC will be holding daily auctions of prizes donated by writers. The first week (this week) includes signed books, consultations with publishing experts for aspiring authors, and more! It just keeps going every week after that--for a full schedule of the month's events, check here (and click through at the bottom of the page for pages of more auction items).
There are lots of ways to participate--not only can you bid on auctions for the items, but if you donate at least $25, you'll get a free book.
Now, there's a reason why I'm telling you all this, beyond just telling you about this great event in support of a great charity.
From March 1-6, you can bid on a signed hardcover copy of Across the Universe!
Check it out today--look through the great auctions going live tomorrow and later this week--and spread the word about this amazing charity event!
This week is going to be a little crazy for me, but I wanted to make sure you all knew about this charity organization: Writers for the Red Cross.
Throughout March, the WftRC will be holding daily auctions of prizes donated by writers. The first week (this week) includes signed books, consultations with publishing experts for aspiring authors, and more! It just keeps going every week after that--for a full schedule of the month's events, check here (and click through at the bottom of the page for pages of more auction items).
There are lots of ways to participate--not only can you bid on auctions for the items, but if you donate at least $25, you'll get a free book.
Now, there's a reason why I'm telling you all this, beyond just telling you about this great event in support of a great charity.
From March 1-6, you can bid on a signed hardcover copy of Across the Universe!
Check it out today--look through the great auctions going live tomorrow and later this week--and spread the word about this amazing charity event!
February 25, 2011
Breathless Tour: Raleigh Stop
My Favorite Things about the Raleigh City Stop:Seeing so many friends--
I had a pile of former students there who I taught in high school and who are now going to my college, NCSU. I taught them well ;) It was just so so so so so wonderful to walk into the bookstore and see my old students there. I admit: I was a little teary-eyed. But I won't be telling them that!
And I loved seeing my former roommates (hi Lori! hi Melissa!) showed up, as well as some great friends from college who I'd not seen in forever (hi Amber! hi Melissa! hi Lisa!)
And meeting new friends--bloggers and readers and fellow writers!
And, since this stop was so close to home...I was able to bring my mom! Don't tell her, but I liked having her around ;)
My Favorite Things about Quail Ridge Bookstore:
Coming home! This was my home turf, y'all! I used to go to Quail Ridge when I had a little money saved in college, and wander around the store dreaming. And tonight I was there! It was AMAZING.
The crowd. Was. WOW. We got to the event late--there was a bit of mix-up with our driver, and then traffic was terrible due to the hockey game. (Which meant we missed out on our one-on-one interviews :[ ) But when we walked in the door, we were FLOORED by how many people had come! It was such an amazing crowd! There were TONS of chairs...and they ran out of them! People were standing, sitting on the floor, leaning on bookcases!!! It was insane! And WONDERFUL.
GREAT questions from both the moderators and the audience! I had to think on my feet a few times! I'm afraid, also, that I've lead them down the wrong path...I kept talking about exploding things, but that tends to happen more in Book 2. My mind is SO stuck in Book 2, though, that I'm starting to get everything muddled up!
Some WOW Moments:There was a beautiful bouquet of roses on the table. They were GORGEOUS. They were all different sorts--crimson, pink, orange, and--my fave--blue moon. When I sat down, I couldn't help but smell their lovely fragrance. And then the bookstore people told me those flowers were FOR ME! That my wonderful critique partner and friend, Christy, had sent them to me!!!! *died* I was so shocked and touched!!!
Also, one of the readers brought us custom-made individual beaded bookmarks that matched our books. Stunning beautiful! I have your name (and card) written down in my bag, dear reader, but I can't turn on my light to find it (I'd wake my mom). I shall update this soon with proper namage!
And have I mentioned seeing my students? And friends from college? Because I'm getting all sappy thinking about it again. I <3 you guys.
After the event, Kiersten, Ally, Andrea, Brenna, and I (and my mom) all went back to the hotel for a late supper. There are three things that were amazing about that. (1) the truffle-oil flavored french fries, (2) the Nutella mousse cake, and (3) having dinner with these awesome ladies. I can't believe it's over. But this was truly a time I will never forget!
Buy Signed Books of All Members of the Tour from Quail Ridge Bookstore Here!
...and that's it. The end of my first book tour. I can't imagine there being anything more wonderful: it was filled with laughter, hugs, friends, and books.
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