Megan Bostic's Blog, page 42

No

I've realized that people want stuff. From me. They want my book. They want my swag. They want an interview. They want a guest post. They want it for free.

Is it okay to say no? Sure.

But I don't. Ever.

Do I get burned out? Yes.

So why don't I say no you ask? The answer is twofold.

I donate for giveaways because I want my book to reach the ends of the universe. I want it to find its way to every continent, every country, every library, every school. I want it to be read and loved and shared. This is how it works, especially with a book like mine.

I also donate because I like to give back. I donate the book to auctions to help raise money for countries that have been impacted by earthquakes, cities whose schools have been destroyed by by tornadoes, and families that have been overloaded with debt because of medical expenses.

So while it's okay to say no and many times I want to say no, I don't. What about you? Is it worth the stress, the time, the money to give of yourself not only to help yourself, but to help others?

Or am I just insane.

Read Across America Day

So, March 2nd, Dr. Suess' birthday, was Read Across America Day. I totally missed it. Probably because I was working, cleaning, writing, and going to two soccer games.

Anyway, coincidentally, I found myself and my children not reading. I was reading sporadically here and there, helping a friend with her manuscript. I don't remember the last time I saw my kids with a book in their hand. Social media seems to be the new "book". Reading texts, Facebook posts, and Tweets have taken the place of literature. And in my opinion, this is making us dumber by the day.

Last week I went to my bookshelf which is stuffed with awesome books: YA, classics mysteries, horror, etc, etc. I grabbed a book for each of my children, Stupid Fast by Geoff Herbach for Thing One, Bad Taste in Boys by Carrie Harris for Thing Two. It just so happens that I have to read two books for an intensive session on voice for the Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrators Western Washington conference next month. So, I picked up my book, Gary Schmidt's Okay for Now, which so far is amazing.

I think the reason I thought about this was because of my visit to Tacoma Community College, in which I talked to an English 85 class about the importance of reading.

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." ~ Dr. Suess

The above quote i s basically what I talked about. How reading makes you smarter, more knowledgeable and expands your vocabulary, among other things.

So, in this day and age of social media and technology, don't forget to pick up a book every so often, even if it's on your e-reader. Let's not become a nation of idiots.

Monkey Madness Monday: Beautiful Women Month

So, I've heard it's Beautiful Women Month. I'm not sure if this is accurate or not. I did a search and I've seen pretty much every month have a Beautiful Women Month post. But ya know, maybe every month should be Beautiful Women Month.

Many of them share the same Audrey Hepburn quote though. I will as well, because I do think it's brilliant.

"For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone. People even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, the other for helping others."

Yes, beautiful brilliant quote by the truly lovely Audrey Hepburn.

This comes at a most apropos time for me, as last night I wrote my first poem in forever. I was inspired by a new friend that told me I'm a diamond, I am a rare beauty, and I need to realize it and own it (not the exact words, but close enough). So I thought I would share my poem with all you beautiful women out there.

It's a first draft, keep that in mind. It still needs work.

I am a diamond,[image error]
not transparent as plate glass nor spring water
not flawless, but exceptional in my imperfections
profoundly rare, I'm singular in every way.
not perfectly symmetrical,
my facets may not always sparkle,
no matter my clarity, color, carat, or cut
I'm blemished, but beautiful, radiant, resilient.
I am a diamond.

F³A: I'm on a Washington Radio

Okay, read the title of this blog and think 80's music.

I've done two radio shows this week which was kind of cool. Wednesday I was live on local station KLAY with DJ Mike Lonergan. I'm always nervous about live stuff, but it was fun.

Yesterday I was at Evergreen Radio in Seattle at their Washington Talking Book
& Braille Library. It was really fun. My interviewer Leighanne was really bubbly and nice. This interview was pre-recorded, and I'll find out later when it will be aired.

Friday Scribbles

Random Pandora Song of the Week: Xavier Rudd, Messages

Book of the Week: Okay For Now by Gary Schmidt. Reading it for conference and really enjoying it.

Netflix of the Week: The United States of Tara. Love this show. Done for now though. Any one have any suggestions for what to watch next?

Quote of the Week: I'm posting a personal quote today, one that is apropos for me this week. "Love Jo all your days, if you choose, but don't let it spoil you, for it's wicked to throw away so many good gifts because you can't have the one you want." ― Louisa May Alcott, Little Women

Class of 2k13: Call for Members!

As you know, I am a member of the Class of 2k12, well, the Class of 2k13 is open for membership!

"The 2K Classes" are a network of groups for debut YA and MG authors that focuses on marketing its members' work. Unlike other debut author groups, the 2K groups' main focus is marketing - you have to pay dues, commit a certain amount of time each month, etc. 2K has become relatively well-known in library and book-selling circles, so there are definite benefits to joining.

Basic Requirements:

1. This must be your first book*, either middle-grade or YA, scheduled for release in 2013
2. Your publisher must be listed in the Children's Writers and Illustrators Marketplace or be an SCBWI PAL publisher.

3. You must be willing to commit 10-15 hours per month to the group and pay the required dues.

Debra Driza and Liesl Shurtliff will be heading this fantabulous group. If you're interested in 2k13 or have any questions, please contact Liesl, at sendliesl(at)gmail(dot)com and she will send more information.

They are going to take authors on a first-come-first-serve basis and will cap the group at 20 members. Space fills up fast so don't delay!

History:

The first 2k class was founded in 2007 by Greg R. Fishbone and has been a strong promotional network/outlet for debut YA & MG authors every year since. Here are some 2k alumni you might be familiar with: Jay Asher, Melissa Marr, Rebecca Stead, Sara Zarr, Jo Knowles, Nancy Viau, Sydney Salter, Rhonda Hayter, Jeri Smith-Ready, and Jennifer Hubbard, among many other talented authors. And word on the street is that there might be a 2k Alumni group formed in the future.

Here are links to check out all the past Class of 2k websites, books & members:

www.classof2k7.com

www.classof2k8.com

www.classof2k9.com

www.classof2k10.com

www.classof2k11.com

www.classof2k12.com

Class Mission Statement:

"The Classes are a community of YA/MG debut novelists banding together to use group synergy to promote their books. Typically, group activities include developing common promotional materials (website, blog, other social media, postcards, brochures, etc.); creating press releases and/or hiring a group publicist; forming panels to speak at conferences; and supporting one another while sharing information about the publishing world as we discover it."

*If your first publisher did not meet the listed requirement (i.e. self-published), but your current publisher does, then you can still be considered a "debut" author.

Monkey Madness Monday: Irresponsible "Advice" from Rappers

Just heard a disturbing bit of news about online Hip Hop mag XXL and rapper, Too $hort. Apparently, the magazine was offering "Fatherly Advice" videos from your favorite rappers.

Too $hort thought it would be a good idea to tell middle school boys how to sexually assault their female peers. After being told about the video, editor Vanessa Satten had it removed immediately.

My question though, how did this video make it online to begin with? Obviously as editor in chief, I'm assuming Ms. Statten doesn't see everything that gets published to the XXL website, but she has to be responsible for her staff members and the trust she's placed on them.

Supposedly, this was a spoof about what advice rapper dads would give to their boys about picking up girls, but is it a good idea to do the spoof with a man who was arrested for battery after fighting with club guards who wouldn't let him bring underage females backstage to his dressing room? A rapper known for sexually explicit rhymes?

Too $hort states he was "in character" when he made the video and it got out of control. I don't think this is a very good excuse for using your fame to be totally and utterly irresponsible and promoting sexual assault among early teens.


There is a petition being signed requesting Ms. Statten's firing and the editors behind the video have been suspended, but it doesn't seem like enough. Seems to me some serious staff overhauling needs to be done as well as some mandatory rape/abuse awareness classes.

I'm honestly sick to my stomach that this kind of harmful rhetoric was in public view for even a small window of time.

Wednesday Weigh In: Slow start and stupid cats

Finally I'm back on track. Down 4 pounds and exercising again. Determined.

I had something I was going to blog about, but I think it's more vlog worthy, so I'm hoping to have some time to film a Middle Aged Angst segment today.

Instead I'll talk about Lola. The cat that comes to visit. Mind you, I am not an animal person, mostly because I have horrible allergies. But awhile back, this cat started coming to my window and meowing.

One day I gave her turkey. She seemed very hungry.

Then I did it again. And again.

Then one day I let her in.

Now mind you, she's not homeless. She doesn't have a collar, but she's well fed and not mangy at all.

So then me and the Things got her some stuff. A bed, a scratching post, a couple toys, a food dish and food.

This has been going on for at least a couple months now where she comes, mostly on weekends, though her weekday visits have increased.

Yesterday she came in and was acting crazy. Next thing I know, she's in my office peeing in a box that held the newspaper articles about me and my book. I promptly tell Thing One to kick her out, as she's really the only one in the house that likes her.

Now I'm convinced she's the reincarnation of the cat I accidentally ran over when I moved into the neighborhood. I always said the cats in the hood were stalking me after the incident, but now I'm convinced.

Monkey Madness Tuesday *cough*: How to be a better reader

I've been asked to visit a classroom at a local community classroom and not only talk about the writing/revision process, but how to also become a better reader and the importance of reading outside of social media.

The class is a pre-college level reading and English class. The class consists of students of varying abilities and experience. Three of the students are second-language students. Needless to say, I'm nervous. I can't get my own daughter to read much, how am I going to convince a bunch of 18 +'s?

I thought I would start with a few of the benefits of reading.

Reading = success. There's been studies done on this. People that read get better do better in school and in life.Reading helps to improve your vocabulary and language skills. The more we read, the more we continue to learn new words, idioms, phrases, and how to use them.Reading makes you more knowledgeable. There is a quote from Nobel Peace Prize winner and former president of Israel Shimon Peres. "To read is like going to swim in a sea of wisdom, endlessly fascinating. And there are so many wise people all over the world throughout history, and you can have it for free, for nothing." We have unlimited sources of knowledge at our fingertips. All it takes it opening the cover of a book.Probably the most important, reading makes you smarter. Your brain needs to work out just like any other muscle in your body to stay fit. When you read, you're forcing your brain cells to engage in activity as your mind paints images about the story you're reading.

Of course, reading can be daunting if you don't find the right books. I said earlier, Thing One says she does not like to read. That's not exactly true. She needs the right books. I gave her 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher and Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott, and she devoured them.

I think getting recommendations from friends, family, and librarians is a great way to get started.I'm also going to suggest they think about the kind of movies they like, and find books that are similar.Trying different genres until you find one that appeals to you is also a great way to find what your likes and dislikes are.

Some people get frustrated if they don't understand words or the story in general. Having a dictionary handy is a great idea.

I'm going to remind them that reading is inexpensive and portable, and is as accessible as ever with the technology we have these days.

What do you think? Any other ideas?

F³A: Fancy Bred

This is funny, I wrote about the quote, Tell me where is fancy bred, in the heart or in the head, way back in 2010. That is from Willy Wonka. Of course, the original quote is Shakespeare, from the Merchant of Venice:

Tell me where is fancy bred,
Or in the heart or in the head?
How begot, how nourished?
Reply, reply.
It is engender'd in the eyes,
With gazing fed; and fancy dies
In the cradle, where it lies.
Let us all ring fancy's knell;
I'll begin it – Ding, dong, bell.
Ding, dong, bell

What's funny about it, is that someone recently emailed me, a complete stranger, questioning my thoughts behind the meaning of the quote. It's also funny because just recently this quote has once again become very apropos for me.

I agree with the second half of the poem, that when love is based on the shallowness of physical beauty it dies an early death. It's the original question that still intrigues me.

Tell me where is fancy bred, Or in the heart or in the head?

Earlier in life, I would have argued with anyone who said "the head". I am by nature an emotionally driven person. When I'm passionate about something, I div e right in.

I've learned a lot about fancy in the recent past/present. I learned that it's not always the best option to be led by the heart. Maybe that seems callous, but I think people at my age who are searching for love cannot be driven solely by the beating of their heart and their racing pulse.

People my age have to be rational about love. There are other considerations. We have families, and careers. We have fears about not making the same mistakes we have in the past. We want to find people at our level, intellectually, emotionally, passionately. We have to decide what we will settle on, what we won't put up with, and what we'll fight for.

I've come to believe that you need a balance of heart and head to find a long lasting relationship. The heart is reckless and needs the head to help make good decisions. The head is obstinate, and needs the heart to help it overlook the things that are forgivable and worthy of fighting for.

But one or the other alone, I won't follow. Where the heart goes, the head will be close behind, and hopefully together they'll be able to find something rational and effortless, satisfying and rapturous.

So, the Friday Scribbles:

Random Pandora song of the week: Down in the Valley by The Head & the Heart


Book of the Week: No idea. Between school visits, and revising, and kid stuff and house stuff, I've not read a word. You pick. Tell me what you're reading this week.

Netflix of the Week: Going with The League Season 2. If you play fantasy football, you will love this show. It's partially ad libbed and I think it's hilarious.

Quote of the Week: I think I'll just go with the above.

Enjoy your long weekend. Thank a president.

Thursday is Awesome

There's a lot going on. Some personal stuff I don't want to share yet, but it has me walking on air.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is looking into another print run of Never Eighteen, which is awesome.

Had a great interview on Book and a Chat with Barry Eva last week. You can check it out here.

I had an awesome classroom visit yesterday at Ford Middle School, and have two more next week at Tacoma Community College and Foss High School.

I was invited to a luncheon on Saturday where I can sell books.

Heading to the ocean with a girlfriend this weekend.

Life feels really good right now. I'm not sure if I'll be able to live up to my title as Angsty Writer for much longer. I may need a new handle.