Elana Johnson's Blog, page 76

Bookanistas -- THE DUFF by Kody Keplinger

So this week on the Bookanistas, I'm dishing on The DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) by Kody Keplinger. First, let me just say that I'm hugely cynical, just like the MC, Bianca. I fell in love with her immediately.



Plus, dude, I was the Duff in high school for sure. In fact, I think I might still be the Duff... Ahem, anyway.



The DUFF follows cynical Bianca as she goes from hating playboy Wesley to actually caring about him. It's gritty and real, and one of the best YA books I've read all ...

Hodge Podge of Goodness

Okay, I'm in outline hell, so I want everyone know that this post is stemming from that. So take off your judgement hats, okay? Okay.



First, one of my bloggy friends posted this about overpromotion yesterday. It was brilliant. So go read what Scott Tracey has to say. Consider what you're doing to make a name for yourself. Also, I blogged about something similar, though not nearly as punchy, back in January. Read this if you've forgotten or are new here.



As if that weren't enough, Tahereh M...

Dealing With Disappointment

First, a big thank you to everyone for the outlining help yesterday. I read until I wanted to gouge my eyes out. Literally.



And hey, I did a letter to myself over on Anna Staniszewski's blog. (I love her last name, but don't ask me to say it...) The letter goes along with today's post, actually, so give it a read if you have time.



Let's face it, we all have to deal with disappointment in our lives. Maybe you didn't get that job. Maybe you didn't get into that special college. Maybe your...

Outlining

Okay, I need some major help. So I'm turning to you. I'm begging. Literally begging. I spent the weekend googling and researching (yes, I have hives) about how to outline. (I've outlined the chapters I've written, but let's face it, that's like a no-duh.)



I haven't found anything that "clicked" with me. You know me, I put a spin on everything. Dan Wells lectures about plotting and I turn it into a formula to write a synopsis.



I need something like this for an outline. So I don't want the ...

Why Blog?

Why do you blog? I've been reading some anti-blogging posts as of late (not sure why, maybe they're just on my radar?), and it's made me think about why I blog. I know some of you don't blog, some of you are thinking about blogging soon, some of you blog and wish you could do better, and some of you are old pros.



But I think a good self-talk is a good idea for everyone, every now and then. So today ask yourself: Why do I blog?



I blog because:



1. I love the blogging community. I've found c...

Bookanistas -- YOU by Charles Benoit

Okay, so I got this ARC and the front cover is plastered with things like "Shattering" and "Powerful" and "Poignant" and "Unforgettable."



So I'm thinking, Yeah, right. This book isn't going to shatter me, haunt me, or any of those other things. I'm (super, uber, really) cynical like that.



So I open the front cover, check out the pages we authors all check out (you know, copyright page, acknowledgements, etc.). On the very first page, the editor says the book will be talked about for years. ...

How to Write a Synopsis

Okay, so I've spent some time on how to write query letters. I've had some people request that I give some secrets for writing a synopsis.



Sadly, I suck at synop's just like everyone else on the planet. But I do have a skeleton system that I use.



First, everything I say from here on out will make a heap more sense if you go to Author Dan Wells' site and read his Seven Points of Story Structure. (I've met Dan and he's written two AMAZING novels, so you should get and read those too (I Am...

What I Forgot

Okay, I've been watching the general masses for character ideas. Yeah, I'm looking to start a new story, and I need a character to do that.



So I went camping last week (I swear today will be the last day I draw a parallel from that trip. Maybe.) And I had to pack up a lot of stuff to do that. I had lists on my lists. And of course, I forgot some things.



1. The red vines = the ultimate travelling food. I spent about 13 hours in a car to get to my destination and the lack of red vines was...

Surrender Yourself

So I spent a bunch of time in nature last week. With a bunch of people. As I was conversing with one of my sister-in-laws, she said something that struck me as poignant, something that can apply to almost anything and most certainly publishing.



She said, "Surrender yourself."



I guess she used to see an acupuncturist and that was his advice. Look to nature and surrender yourself. If a rock lands in the middle of the river, the water doesn't get all torqued off and bugged that it's there. It ...

I Leave You With...

...pictures from an amazing party I attended last week. There are some amazing, amazing writers that I've managed to pay become friends with.



Nisa Swineford and Tess Hilmo

Jenn Wilks and Ali Cross

Stephanie McGee and Windy Aphayrath

Danyelle Leafty and Nisa Swineford

Alaina Evans and Angie Lofthouse

Sara Larson, Natalie Whipple, and Nichole Giles

Alaina Evans, Suzette Saxton, Angie Lofthouse, and L.T. Elliot

Everyone! (back row, L-R: Alaina Evans, Angie Lofthouse, Jenn Wilks, Stacy Henrie, ...