Elana Johnson's Blog, page 70
October 7, 2010
Her and Me and You
Okay, so dude, Lauren Strasnick has a new book out. I read and simply loved NOTHING LIKE YOU, so I can't wait to get my hands on HER AND ME AND YOU. Isn't that cover gorgeous?? (YES.)
I managed to wrangle some questions out of her. About Lauren:
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
Since 4th or 5th grade. I wanted to dance, too. But I surrendered that dream at sixteen. *grin*
What made you decide to go that "extra step" and seek publication?
This was pretty much always the plan, but ten years ago, I was only writing short fiction and there wasn't really a place for short stories in the teen market. So it wasn't until I completed my first novel, in 2006, that I actively started pursuing publication.
Quick! You've been chosen to go on Survivor. What luxury item do you take?
Oh, gosh! I've never seen survivor. (What?? The horror!) What can and can't people bring? Does my kitten count as a luxury item?? (Yeah, sure. More mouths to feed, but whatever.)
And the most important of all: bacon or chocolate?
Chocolate. I was big into bacon as a youngin, but my body quit the-other-white (& red) meat, at eighteen. I remember it fondly, though… (Okay, fine. Chocolate: 2, Bacon: 0. So sad.)
About HER AND ME AND YOU:
The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less:
Broken friendship! Thwarted love! Twincest! (Okay, that's not even fair.)
Her and Me and You
Simon Pulse/Simon & Schuster, October 2010
First love, broken friendships, and heartache all play a part in this evocative, voice-driven novel about Alex, a girl whose world is ripped apart when her father's affair splits her family in two.
Alex moves with her mess of a mother to a new town, where she is befriended by hot, enigmatic Fred–and alternately flirted with and cold-shouldered by Fred's twin sister, Adina. Others warn Alex to steer clear of the twins, whose sibling relationship is considered abnormal at best, but there's just something about Fred–and something about Adina–that draws Alex to them and makes her want to be part of their crazy world, no matter the consequences.
What Kirkus Has to Say:
"Strasnick's slim second offering packs a lot into its short chapters: divorce, broken friendships, crushes, the lines between love and sex and more. Characterization, scenes, dialogue and setting are seamlessly distilled into so few sharp, image-rich phrases that the novel reads almost as if it were written in verse. Less is definitely more here, and readers are plunged into Alex's physical and emotional world within three to four words. Although the plot moves swiftly, the author's ability to capture Alex's inner world in so few words give the novel depth and balance. Complex and thought-provoking."
Visit Lauren on her website and blog
Order Her and Me and You
And, as if you're not already stoked about this book, get a little excited! Because I'm giving a copy away! That's right--your very own HER AND ME AND YOU! All you have to do is leave a comment.
Oh, and I'm in Denver through the weekend, so I won't be blogging tomorrow. Chill, people. Take a pill or something. I know you'll survive. *wink* Whether I will is debatable, so keep your fingers crossed.
I managed to wrangle some questions out of her. About Lauren:
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
Since 4th or 5th grade. I wanted to dance, too. But I surrendered that dream at sixteen. *grin*
What made you decide to go that "extra step" and seek publication?
This was pretty much always the plan, but ten years ago, I was only writing short fiction and there wasn't really a place for short stories in the teen market. So it wasn't until I completed my first novel, in 2006, that I actively started pursuing publication.
Quick! You've been chosen to go on Survivor. What luxury item do you take?Oh, gosh! I've never seen survivor. (What?? The horror!) What can and can't people bring? Does my kitten count as a luxury item?? (Yeah, sure. More mouths to feed, but whatever.)
And the most important of all: bacon or chocolate?
Chocolate. I was big into bacon as a youngin, but my body quit the-other-white (& red) meat, at eighteen. I remember it fondly, though… (Okay, fine. Chocolate: 2, Bacon: 0. So sad.)
About HER AND ME AND YOU:
The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less:
Broken friendship! Thwarted love! Twincest! (Okay, that's not even fair.)
Her and Me and You
Simon Pulse/Simon & Schuster, October 2010
First love, broken friendships, and heartache all play a part in this evocative, voice-driven novel about Alex, a girl whose world is ripped apart when her father's affair splits her family in two.
Alex moves with her mess of a mother to a new town, where she is befriended by hot, enigmatic Fred–and alternately flirted with and cold-shouldered by Fred's twin sister, Adina. Others warn Alex to steer clear of the twins, whose sibling relationship is considered abnormal at best, but there's just something about Fred–and something about Adina–that draws Alex to them and makes her want to be part of their crazy world, no matter the consequences.
What Kirkus Has to Say:
"Strasnick's slim second offering packs a lot into its short chapters: divorce, broken friendships, crushes, the lines between love and sex and more. Characterization, scenes, dialogue and setting are seamlessly distilled into so few sharp, image-rich phrases that the novel reads almost as if it were written in verse. Less is definitely more here, and readers are plunged into Alex's physical and emotional world within three to four words. Although the plot moves swiftly, the author's ability to capture Alex's inner world in so few words give the novel depth and balance. Complex and thought-provoking."
Visit Lauren on her website and blog
Order Her and Me and You
And, as if you're not already stoked about this book, get a little excited! Because I'm giving a copy away! That's right--your very own HER AND ME AND YOU! All you have to do is leave a comment.
Oh, and I'm in Denver through the weekend, so I won't be blogging tomorrow. Chill, people. Take a pill or something. I know you'll survive. *wink* Whether I will is debatable, so keep your fingers crossed.
October 6, 2010
Writing Vs. Storytelling
Okay, so I wish I could convey to you the difference between writing and storytelling. Heck, I wish I knew so I could be a great storyteller.
I do think storytelling is higher than writing. It's something I recognize in some of the books I've read. I'll do my best to say what I think.
Writing means the words are there, in the right order, spelling out the story. There are books that are written well. I read a lot of them.
But storytelling is a masterful skill, one that not only utilizes writing, but that makes the reader feel something. Something powerful. Like they're there in the story. Or that they're in the hands of someone who knows A) where they're going B) how to get there and C) which words to use to take the reader with them.
A storyteller uses words to do more than convey meaning. They use them to make the reader feel something. These are my favorite kinds of books. I read them and pause, close my eyes, and relish in the power of the writing.
Dude, I got it! Storytelling is powerful, meaningful writing.
And I can see it almost as soon as I see it. Usually within 10 pages.
Here are some of my favorite storytelling novels:
1. The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
2. Matched by Ally Condie
3. Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
4. Ash by Melinda Lo
5. Firelight by Sophie Jordan
These novels feel powerful. They are told by storytellers, not writers. I also think they're "quieter" novels. Their power is in the quiet, beautiful writing.
What do you think? What's the difference between storytelling and writing? What are some of your powerful novels?
I do think storytelling is higher than writing. It's something I recognize in some of the books I've read. I'll do my best to say what I think.
Writing means the words are there, in the right order, spelling out the story. There are books that are written well. I read a lot of them.
But storytelling is a masterful skill, one that not only utilizes writing, but that makes the reader feel something. Something powerful. Like they're there in the story. Or that they're in the hands of someone who knows A) where they're going B) how to get there and C) which words to use to take the reader with them.
A storyteller uses words to do more than convey meaning. They use them to make the reader feel something. These are my favorite kinds of books. I read them and pause, close my eyes, and relish in the power of the writing.
Dude, I got it! Storytelling is powerful, meaningful writing.
And I can see it almost as soon as I see it. Usually within 10 pages.
Here are some of my favorite storytelling novels:
1. The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
2. Matched by Ally Condie
3. Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
4. Ash by Melinda Lo
5. Firelight by Sophie Jordan
These novels feel powerful. They are told by storytellers, not writers. I also think they're "quieter" novels. Their power is in the quiet, beautiful writing.
What do you think? What's the difference between storytelling and writing? What are some of your powerful novels?
October 5, 2010
Jumping On The Bandwagon
Okay, so gmail is back in business. I enjoyed my time away, let me tell you. And my weekend was relaxing, spent entirely in my pj's. True that.
Today I want to discuss something maybe a little on the controversial side, which is something I typically ignore. I'm no good at confrontation and will do almost anything to avoid it.
But I've been thinking about a few things lately (I should really stop thinking so much), and this is one of them. The Bandwagon Items (yes, capital B and I). You know what they are. Anything that all of a sudden everyone out there seems to be talking about. It could be something good. Something worthwhile; a cause or a book or helping someone who needs it. Sometimes it's something simple like a blog item on a certain day of the week, or a topic everyone seems to be gushing about. A blogfest. (Hey, don't look at me. I don't do blogfests...that was a blogging experiment.) A TV show. Whatever, whatever.
Today, I'm merely wondering what you guys think of such BI's. Do we all need to jump on? What are some reasons you don't? What are some reasons you do? And if you don't, do you ever feel left out somehow? Discuss.
Today I want to discuss something maybe a little on the controversial side, which is something I typically ignore. I'm no good at confrontation and will do almost anything to avoid it.
But I've been thinking about a few things lately (I should really stop thinking so much), and this is one of them. The Bandwagon Items (yes, capital B and I). You know what they are. Anything that all of a sudden everyone out there seems to be talking about. It could be something good. Something worthwhile; a cause or a book or helping someone who needs it. Sometimes it's something simple like a blog item on a certain day of the week, or a topic everyone seems to be gushing about. A blogfest. (Hey, don't look at me. I don't do blogfests...that was a blogging experiment.) A TV show. Whatever, whatever.
Today, I'm merely wondering what you guys think of such BI's. Do we all need to jump on? What are some reasons you don't? What are some reasons you do? And if you don't, do you ever feel left out somehow? Discuss.
October 4, 2010
Why I Wrote POSSESSION
So I've had people in my real life asking me this question: "What's your book about?" or "Why did you write this book?"
So okay, I thought I'd expound a little.
First, some facts:
1. POSSESSION used to be titled CONTROL ISSUES. If you've heard me talk about that before, it's the same book.
2. POSSESSION was the third novel I completed. The first two are terrible with a capital T.
3. I wrote POSSESSION in 17 days in April 2008. It was 90,000 words. This upcoming published version is about 77K.
4. I edited POSSESSION at least 20 billion times, some lightly, some heavy, some in between. This is the life of a pantser.
So there's all that.
But why did I write it? Where did the idea come from?
I can't pinpoint the time and day when I thought about the overall idea for POSSESSION. I wanted to write a dystopian novel, because I'd just read UGLIES by Scott Westerfeld (go, now. read. love). I'd never written a dystopian novel before--in fact I'd never considered writing science fiction before.
That's what geeks did, right? Um...don't answer that.
I'd been thinking a lot about my life, and the choices I'd made that had led me to where I was, and that led to the question: What would life be like if we couldn't make our own choices?
And bam! Instant brainwashing society. Just add words. So I did. I added more and more words. And a generous helping of cute boy. A pinch of angst. A teaspoon of betrayal. A handful of snark.
And POSSESSION was formed. It's not quite ready to be born yet, but I'm anxiously anticipating it's book birthday on June 7* 2011.
Favorite quote from POSSESSION: If I fell, I'd kill the stupid bad boy for making me climb up here.
So why are you writing your current WiP? Where do your ideas come from? And most important: are you a science fiction geek?
*date subject to change
So okay, I thought I'd expound a little.
First, some facts:
1. POSSESSION used to be titled CONTROL ISSUES. If you've heard me talk about that before, it's the same book.
2. POSSESSION was the third novel I completed. The first two are terrible with a capital T.
3. I wrote POSSESSION in 17 days in April 2008. It was 90,000 words. This upcoming published version is about 77K.
4. I edited POSSESSION at least 20 billion times, some lightly, some heavy, some in between. This is the life of a pantser.
So there's all that.
But why did I write it? Where did the idea come from?
I can't pinpoint the time and day when I thought about the overall idea for POSSESSION. I wanted to write a dystopian novel, because I'd just read UGLIES by Scott Westerfeld (go, now. read. love). I'd never written a dystopian novel before--in fact I'd never considered writing science fiction before.
That's what geeks did, right? Um...don't answer that.
I'd been thinking a lot about my life, and the choices I'd made that had led me to where I was, and that led to the question: What would life be like if we couldn't make our own choices?
And bam! Instant brainwashing society. Just add words. So I did. I added more and more words. And a generous helping of cute boy. A pinch of angst. A teaspoon of betrayal. A handful of snark.
And POSSESSION was formed. It's not quite ready to be born yet, but I'm anxiously anticipating it's book birthday on June 7* 2011.
Favorite quote from POSSESSION: If I fell, I'd kill the stupid bad boy for making me climb up here.
So why are you writing your current WiP? Where do your ideas come from? And most important: are you a science fiction geek?
*date subject to change
October 1, 2010
Emotional Intensity!
Okay, so Christine Fonseca is one of my most fabulous friends. She brutally lovingly reads all my stuff, even in first draft form, and doesn't tell me how badly I suck. She talks me off the ledge, or just sets up a party out there.
And she's an amazing author. Her book, EMOTIONAL INTENSITY in Gifted Students: Helping Kids Deal with Explosive Feelings hits shelves TODAY!!
I've read this book, and let me tell you: It. Is. Fabulous. Everyone who has a child should buy and read this book. Everyone who has a niece or nephew should buy and read this book. Everyone who teaches children (of any age) should buy and read this book.
I strongarmed Christine into a few questions. Take it away Christine!
About THE BOOK:
The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less:
You are trying to kill me, aren't you? Okay – here it is:
Helping parents and educators embrace intensity and teach life-long coping and behavior management strategies to gifted children. (11 characters to spare. Nicely done.)
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
A month ago I would have said "NO". But as I was cleaning out some things recently, I discovered an old journal from elementary school in which I recounted my fantasies of living in NYC and being a full-time writer. So, I guess I really did plan on writing books when I was young. I do remember writing stories and myths as far back as kindergarten (and no, I will NEVER share them! Just sayin')
What made you decide to go that "extra step" and seek publication?
HA! YOU did!!! No serious, seeing EMOTIONAL INTENSITY in print was always the goal for that book. I wanted to be able to help more families than I could by teaching my classes within my school district. Publishing a book seemed the most logical next step. Given the fact that I had NO IDEA how to go about that process, I focused on writing a great book and finding an agent who could help show me the ropes. I found that in Krista Goering.
Now, my YA fiction writing…I blame my passion for that ALL of that on YOU! (and BTW, thank you for that!) (Well, we all have flaws...I take no responsibility for turning you to the dark side. *wink*)
What else are you working on? Secrets? Inside scoops? Give us the juicy stuff!
My second nonfiction book, 101 SUCCESS SECRETS FOR GIFTED KIDS comes out in late Spring. So, getting that one ready for publication is my first priority. Otherwise, I am working on several other NF projects that I can't quite talk about right now.
Being a fiction author as well, I have my YA gothic novel A BEAUTIFUL MESS that I am seeking representation for, and a couple of other WiPs in various stages of completion.
Never a dull moment in Christine-land!
About THE AUTHOR:
Quick! You've been chosen to be a contestant on Survivor. What luxury item do you take?
Way to ask a hard question! Hmmm…I guess I'd take my wand. After all, it's all Harry needed when facing a dragon – maybe it's all I'll need when facing a whole team of them!!!
Tell us something about yourself we don't know.
Something you don't know??? I once cage-snorkeled with sharks. No dude, really!!! About 40 of them. Coolest experience of my life. Wanna see the video? (Um, heck yeah. Sharks? Why haven't I seen this video before?? *pouts*)
And the most important of all: bacon or chocolate?
Dude, no question –CHOCOLATE!!! (Wrong answer, but whatever. We don't hold grudges here.)
Find Christine around the web:
Website
Blog
Facebook or Twitter
Order EMOTIONAL INTENSITY.
Want an e-reader version? Order here.
Read the first chapter here.
So there you have it. Any questions for Christine? Are you Emotionally Intense? (Dude, I so am.)
Oh! You want more? Of course you do. Today, one lucky commenter on this post gets a FREE signed (SIGNED) copy of Emotional Intensity! Suh-weet! Comment to enter. Cross your fingers to win. Embrace the crazy to...uh, yeah. Just embrace the crazy.
And she's an amazing author. Her book, EMOTIONAL INTENSITY in Gifted Students: Helping Kids Deal with Explosive Feelings hits shelves TODAY!!
I've read this book, and let me tell you: It. Is. Fabulous. Everyone who has a child should buy and read this book. Everyone who has a niece or nephew should buy and read this book. Everyone who teaches children (of any age) should buy and read this book.
I strongarmed Christine into a few questions. Take it away Christine!
About THE BOOK:
The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less:
You are trying to kill me, aren't you? Okay – here it is:
Helping parents and educators embrace intensity and teach life-long coping and behavior management strategies to gifted children. (11 characters to spare. Nicely done.)
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
A month ago I would have said "NO". But as I was cleaning out some things recently, I discovered an old journal from elementary school in which I recounted my fantasies of living in NYC and being a full-time writer. So, I guess I really did plan on writing books when I was young. I do remember writing stories and myths as far back as kindergarten (and no, I will NEVER share them! Just sayin')
What made you decide to go that "extra step" and seek publication?
HA! YOU did!!! No serious, seeing EMOTIONAL INTENSITY in print was always the goal for that book. I wanted to be able to help more families than I could by teaching my classes within my school district. Publishing a book seemed the most logical next step. Given the fact that I had NO IDEA how to go about that process, I focused on writing a great book and finding an agent who could help show me the ropes. I found that in Krista Goering.
Now, my YA fiction writing…I blame my passion for that ALL of that on YOU! (and BTW, thank you for that!) (Well, we all have flaws...I take no responsibility for turning you to the dark side. *wink*)
What else are you working on? Secrets? Inside scoops? Give us the juicy stuff!
My second nonfiction book, 101 SUCCESS SECRETS FOR GIFTED KIDS comes out in late Spring. So, getting that one ready for publication is my first priority. Otherwise, I am working on several other NF projects that I can't quite talk about right now.Being a fiction author as well, I have my YA gothic novel A BEAUTIFUL MESS that I am seeking representation for, and a couple of other WiPs in various stages of completion.
Never a dull moment in Christine-land!
About THE AUTHOR:Quick! You've been chosen to be a contestant on Survivor. What luxury item do you take?
Way to ask a hard question! Hmmm…I guess I'd take my wand. After all, it's all Harry needed when facing a dragon – maybe it's all I'll need when facing a whole team of them!!!
Tell us something about yourself we don't know.
Something you don't know??? I once cage-snorkeled with sharks. No dude, really!!! About 40 of them. Coolest experience of my life. Wanna see the video? (Um, heck yeah. Sharks? Why haven't I seen this video before?? *pouts*)
And the most important of all: bacon or chocolate?
Dude, no question –CHOCOLATE!!! (Wrong answer, but whatever. We don't hold grudges here.)
Find Christine around the web:
Website
Blog
Facebook or Twitter
Order EMOTIONAL INTENSITY.
Want an e-reader version? Order here.
Read the first chapter here.
So there you have it. Any questions for Christine? Are you Emotionally Intense? (Dude, I so am.)
Oh! You want more? Of course you do. Today, one lucky commenter on this post gets a FREE signed (SIGNED) copy of Emotional Intensity! Suh-weet! Comment to enter. Cross your fingers to win. Embrace the crazy to...uh, yeah. Just embrace the crazy.
September 30, 2010
I Declare Today...
No email day! I think I've professed my great love of email before. But dude. I am exhausted. Every time I think I'm caught up, I get like 25 more.
So today, now, as of this moment, I'm declaring a complete and total email freezeout for the next 24 hours. I just can't take anymore!
I might really hate this decision tomorrow when I get on to check my email, but for now, I'm at the edge of the cliff. And I'm jumping. So, don't email me, and if you do, don't expect an answer until tomorrow.
What's overwhelming you right now? What normally doesn't bother you that has become a thorn in your side? I'm lookin' at you, Gmail.
So today, now, as of this moment, I'm declaring a complete and total email freezeout for the next 24 hours. I just can't take anymore!
I might really hate this decision tomorrow when I get on to check my email, but for now, I'm at the edge of the cliff. And I'm jumping. So, don't email me, and if you do, don't expect an answer until tomorrow.
What's overwhelming you right now? What normally doesn't bother you that has become a thorn in your side? I'm lookin' at you, Gmail.
September 29, 2010
From Query Letter to Cover Copy
Okay, so I teach some classes on writing query letters. It's kind of fun, because I have a powerpoint presentation, but I don't have a script. Which means the class is different every time I teach it, because you never know what's going to come out of my mouth. #beafraid
So I was teaching a couple of weeks ago, and I said something that I totally believe is true. I teach that the query letter has four parts, and that the author should be able to draw a box around each part, thus evaluating every word in their letter.
Then I said something like, "Every word needs to be boxed up." meaning that every single word in the query letter counts. Every single one has to either A) drive the reader through the letter or B) reveal character and/or plot.
Then I showed my cover.
At the top it says, "Control or be controlled."
Then I showed my query letter.
In a world where Thinkers brainwash the population and Rules are not meant to be broken, fifteen-year-old Violet Schoenfeld does a hell of a job shattering them to pieces.
After committing her eighth crime (walking in the park after dark with a boy, gasp!), Vi is taken to the Green, a group of Thinkers who control the Goodgrounds. She's found unrehabilitatable (yeah, she doesn't think it's a word either) and exiled to the Badlands—until she demonstrates her brainwashing abilities. That earns her a one-way trip to appear before the Association of Directors.
Yeah, right. Like that's gonna happen. She busts out of prison with sexy Bad boy Jag Barque, who also has no intention of fulfilling his lame sentence.
Dodging Greenies and hovercopters, dealing with absent-father issues, and coming to terms with feelings for an ex-boyfriend—and Jag as a possible new one—leave Vi little time for much else. Which is too damn bad, because she's more important than she realizes. When secrets about her "dead" sister and not-so-missing father hit the fan, Vi must make a choice: control or be controlled.
How did it end? "Control or be controlled."
I wrote my cover copy.
In my query letter.
A very long time ago.
And that's why every single word in the query letter is crucial. You never know which ones are going to make it all the way through to the book.
So...how's your query letter writing going? What do you need help with in that regard? Trust me, no one understands query angst like I do. Remember, I sent a few. And by "a few," I mean "hundreds." Tomato, tomahto.
So I was teaching a couple of weeks ago, and I said something that I totally believe is true. I teach that the query letter has four parts, and that the author should be able to draw a box around each part, thus evaluating every word in their letter.
Then I said something like, "Every word needs to be boxed up." meaning that every single word in the query letter counts. Every single one has to either A) drive the reader through the letter or B) reveal character and/or plot.
Then I showed my cover.
At the top it says, "Control or be controlled."
Then I showed my query letter.
In a world where Thinkers brainwash the population and Rules are not meant to be broken, fifteen-year-old Violet Schoenfeld does a hell of a job shattering them to pieces.
After committing her eighth crime (walking in the park after dark with a boy, gasp!), Vi is taken to the Green, a group of Thinkers who control the Goodgrounds. She's found unrehabilitatable (yeah, she doesn't think it's a word either) and exiled to the Badlands—until she demonstrates her brainwashing abilities. That earns her a one-way trip to appear before the Association of Directors.
Yeah, right. Like that's gonna happen. She busts out of prison with sexy Bad boy Jag Barque, who also has no intention of fulfilling his lame sentence.
Dodging Greenies and hovercopters, dealing with absent-father issues, and coming to terms with feelings for an ex-boyfriend—and Jag as a possible new one—leave Vi little time for much else. Which is too damn bad, because she's more important than she realizes. When secrets about her "dead" sister and not-so-missing father hit the fan, Vi must make a choice: control or be controlled.
How did it end? "Control or be controlled."
I wrote my cover copy.
In my query letter.
A very long time ago.
And that's why every single word in the query letter is crucial. You never know which ones are going to make it all the way through to the book.
So...how's your query letter writing going? What do you need help with in that regard? Trust me, no one understands query angst like I do. Remember, I sent a few. And by "a few," I mean "hundreds." Tomato, tomahto.
September 28, 2010
Why I Like Bacon Like Vampires Like Blood
It's more a need, a craving. I mean, it's bacon. Salted, cured meat. How can anyone pass it up??
So just like vampires have this extreme craving, this unquenchable thirst for blood, I feel this way about my salted, cured meats.
Especially bacon. The crispiness. The salty explosion on your tongue.
I love it. I cannot get enough of it. Just thinking about bacon makes my mouth water. I'm sure vampires go through this too. I've read enough stories to feel their hunger, see their delight at the thought of bacon, er, blood.
It's one of my favorite foods. What do you like they way vampires like blood? (Translation: What's your favorite food?)
So just like vampires have this extreme craving, this unquenchable thirst for blood, I feel this way about my salted, cured meats.
Especially bacon. The crispiness. The salty explosion on your tongue.
I love it. I cannot get enough of it. Just thinking about bacon makes my mouth water. I'm sure vampires go through this too. I've read enough stories to feel their hunger, see their delight at the thought of bacon, er, blood.
It's one of my favorite foods. What do you like they way vampires like blood? (Translation: What's your favorite food?)
September 27, 2010
Housekeeping
No, I totally don't mean the kind where you get your bathrooms cleaned. But that would be awesome!
Anyway, there's a few things I have to tie up, and I'm using today to do it.
1. WriteOnCon Live Panel!
It's tonight, on the WriteOnCon site, at 9 PM EST. Be there or be square. We've got two literary agents--Jessica Sinsheimer and Roseanne Wells--and two editors--Jocelyn Davies (Penguin) and Kari Sutherland (HarperCollins).
You so don't want to miss this. (And the winners to all the WOC...
Anyway, there's a few things I have to tie up, and I'm using today to do it.
1. WriteOnCon Live Panel!
It's tonight, on the WriteOnCon site, at 9 PM EST. Be there or be square. We've got two literary agents--Jessica Sinsheimer and Roseanne Wells--and two editors--Jocelyn Davies (Penguin) and Kari Sutherland (HarperCollins).
You so don't want to miss this. (And the winners to all the WOC...
September 24, 2010
How to Write Compelling Characters
Dude! It's Friday, September 24--which means The Great Blogging Experiment is underway. Today, over 150 people (holy. chocolate. cows. I will try to get to every post) will be talking about Writing Compelling Characters.
It's an experiment, because I believe wholeheartedly that every single post today will be unique. Because we're all unique. I hope I'm not wrong, but I suppose anything is possible. ;-)
So let's get to it. How to write compelling characters.
I only have one bit of advice: ...
It's an experiment, because I believe wholeheartedly that every single post today will be unique. Because we're all unique. I hope I'm not wrong, but I suppose anything is possible. ;-)
So let's get to it. How to write compelling characters.
I only have one bit of advice: ...
