Kaylee Baldwin's Blog, page 15
April 25, 2011
A Must Have For Writers
I am deep into revisions for my YA novel, and it is undergoing a major rewrite right now. I am taking out a main character, which means that the last 100 pages have to be completely rewritten. Why am I doing this? Because I am the queen of tangents and I think this plot twist I added at the end may actually be a monster-type plot tangent that took on a life of it's own and overtook the last part of my book. I love it, but I am doing an experiment to see what would happen to the story if I took him out. We'll see. I did it with Meg's Melody, and I liked the result, so that's the version I turned into CFI, and we know how that turned out.
So while I'm doing this revision, I decided to pull out my trusty writing book, Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell. I love this book. It is seriously a must have. I borrowed it from a friend in my critique group about a year and a half ago when I was doing revisions for Meg's Melody and liked it so much that I had to get a copy for myself. Right now I'm evaluating my character arcs for my three main characters of my YA novel (which is undergoing a title revision, as well.)
I also love Ann Lamott's Bird by Bird and Orson Card's Character and Viewpoint. What other good writing books are must haves?
So while I'm doing this revision, I decided to pull out my trusty writing book, Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell. I love this book. It is seriously a must have. I borrowed it from a friend in my critique group about a year and a half ago when I was doing revisions for Meg's Melody and liked it so much that I had to get a copy for myself. Right now I'm evaluating my character arcs for my three main characters of my YA novel (which is undergoing a title revision, as well.)
I also love Ann Lamott's Bird by Bird and Orson Card's Character and Viewpoint. What other good writing books are must haves?
April 14, 2011
The Crazy Daze of Motherhood Review and Prize
From Back Cover:A mother's day is filled with all kinds of emergencies, from bumps and bruises to hospital stays. Find the perfect way to recover from your own family's little emergencies with Jane Isfeld Still's latest book on the hilarious daily challenges of a mother in the fray. You're sure to laugh and cry as you celebrate the joys of motherhood.
My Review:
If you are looking for a great Mother's Day gift, here you go. I loved this book. I sat down the day I got it and read it in one sitting. I was laughing so hard at times that my husband kept shooting me glances from where he was working on the computer, so I'd have to read sections out loud to him. Her stories are so relatable. Most of us will be able to connect with at least one of her experiences--whether it's cooking mishaps, plumbing mishaps, or children mishaps. Jane looks at motherhood in a very positive and humorous way, and makes you realize that even when everything seems to be going wrong, there is always something to laugh about.
To read more about Jane and her exploits visit her website at janeisfeldstill.com or her blog at janeisfeldstill.blogspot.com. (Seriously, her blog is just as funny as the book. If you want to check out her writing style, go visit her blog.)
A Prize:
You can win a fun prize from Jane to help celebrate the release of her book. Just go to her blog at http://www.janeisfeldstill.blogspot.com/ and become a follower, and then leave her a comment and tell her that you're a new follower. You could win:
1. Mother's Daze basket, soap, chocolate, lotion, decorative candles, and recipe cards
2. Box of blank cards with a smattering of Canadian chocolate
3. Chocolate
April 13, 2011
Too Many Good Books
A few nights ago at book club we got to talking about good books that we've read. Someone mentioned the book Rebecca, and when I said that I hadn't read that one, she told me that I would probably love it. Luckily for me, I already own that book.
So my sis-in-law turns to me and says, "How many books do you own that you haven't read?" I laughed and didn't really need to answer because she knows me well enough to already know that I own a lot of books I haven't read yet. But I will. Eventually.
Here's my problem (well, I don't really think it's a problem, but my husband might argue that point): There are too many good books out there, and I want to read them all. So if I'm at the bookstore and I see a book that's been on my tbr list for a while, I snatch it. If I see a book that's a really good deal, I find a place for it on my shelf. If I see a book that just has a really awesome cover, I'm totally suckered in and I buy it.
Then they sit on the shelf until I can finally get to them. I have an entire shelf devoted to books that I haven't read yet, but it just keeps growing because I give precedence to the books I check out from the library since those ones actually have due dates.
I won't even get into the unread books on my Kindle.
It's my goal, though, to start working through my shelf. I pulled Rebecca off of it today and set it on my night table (below the five other books already there) so that it is in the queue. Thing is, I know me. Next time I'm in the bookstore, I'm not going to be able to resist buying something to add to my shelf in hopes that someday, eventually I'll find the time to read it.
So my sis-in-law turns to me and says, "How many books do you own that you haven't read?" I laughed and didn't really need to answer because she knows me well enough to already know that I own a lot of books I haven't read yet. But I will. Eventually.
Here's my problem (well, I don't really think it's a problem, but my husband might argue that point): There are too many good books out there, and I want to read them all. So if I'm at the bookstore and I see a book that's been on my tbr list for a while, I snatch it. If I see a book that's a really good deal, I find a place for it on my shelf. If I see a book that just has a really awesome cover, I'm totally suckered in and I buy it.
Then they sit on the shelf until I can finally get to them. I have an entire shelf devoted to books that I haven't read yet, but it just keeps growing because I give precedence to the books I check out from the library since those ones actually have due dates.
I won't even get into the unread books on my Kindle.
It's my goal, though, to start working through my shelf. I pulled Rebecca off of it today and set it on my night table (below the five other books already there) so that it is in the queue. Thing is, I know me. Next time I'm in the bookstore, I'm not going to be able to resist buying something to add to my shelf in hopes that someday, eventually I'll find the time to read it.
April 4, 2011
I'm Back!
This is what I've been doing instead of blogging the past couple of weeks.
Just to clarify, I'm running from the alligators. Not cheering for them.
Spending time with a good friend at the swamp. I think she's torturing me/helping me overcome my fears here.
I can't tell you how proud I am of myself for actually holding that thing. I told my four year old that I ate alligator, and he saw this picture, and how he thinks that I just leaned down and bit the head off of that thing. Such a nice mental image of my son to have of his mom!
This is as close as I would get. My heart was pounding like crazy. I like all of my limbs and did not want to lose any of them.
I just had to add this picture for contrast with mine.
This is my good friend (who was not afraid to touch the alligator)
and one of my first readers for my manuscripts.So, the reason why I haven't been blogging...
I was in Louisiana! My wonderful husband got me plane tickets for Christmas to go visit my old roommate from BYU. These pictures are all from the swamp tour that my friend and I went on one of the days we were there. Don't be surprised if a little jaunt into New Orleans happens in my next book.
And can I tell you how much I love airplanes? Not so much the airport, or being really high above everything (or the fact that after I told my four year old I was going on a plane he said, "Oh, no. That's bad. Planes go really, really high... then they CRASH!" This was complete with hand motions and sound effects.) What I love is meeting new people. I love talking to people on airplanes and finding out about their lives. And these people are stuck next to me for hours, so they have to talk to me at some point, right? I met some great, great people--some who might wind up with cameos in a book in the future. So much fun.
Sickness has hit the Baldwin house with a vengeance as well. I guess that's just how it is with little kids. They bring everything home from school.
Then today, amidst all of the throw up and crying and messy house, I got this in the mail:
Not the Kindle version, of course, but this was the best picture I could find. I won this on this blog a few weeks ago, and I am really excited to read it. I'll let you know what I think.
I love getting books in the mail. It is probably my favorite kind of package to get.
Just to clarify, I'm running from the alligators. Not cheering for them.
Spending time with a good friend at the swamp. I think she's torturing me/helping me overcome my fears here.
I can't tell you how proud I am of myself for actually holding that thing. I told my four year old that I ate alligator, and he saw this picture, and how he thinks that I just leaned down and bit the head off of that thing. Such a nice mental image of my son to have of his mom!
This is as close as I would get. My heart was pounding like crazy. I like all of my limbs and did not want to lose any of them.
I just had to add this picture for contrast with mine. This is my good friend (who was not afraid to touch the alligator)
and one of my first readers for my manuscripts.So, the reason why I haven't been blogging...
I was in Louisiana! My wonderful husband got me plane tickets for Christmas to go visit my old roommate from BYU. These pictures are all from the swamp tour that my friend and I went on one of the days we were there. Don't be surprised if a little jaunt into New Orleans happens in my next book.
And can I tell you how much I love airplanes? Not so much the airport, or being really high above everything (or the fact that after I told my four year old I was going on a plane he said, "Oh, no. That's bad. Planes go really, really high... then they CRASH!" This was complete with hand motions and sound effects.) What I love is meeting new people. I love talking to people on airplanes and finding out about their lives. And these people are stuck next to me for hours, so they have to talk to me at some point, right? I met some great, great people--some who might wind up with cameos in a book in the future. So much fun.
Sickness has hit the Baldwin house with a vengeance as well. I guess that's just how it is with little kids. They bring everything home from school.
Then today, amidst all of the throw up and crying and messy house, I got this in the mail:
Not the Kindle version, of course, but this was the best picture I could find. I won this on this blog a few weeks ago, and I am really excited to read it. I'll let you know what I think. I love getting books in the mail. It is probably my favorite kind of package to get.
March 18, 2011
My First Book Signing
I am doing my very first book signing at a bookstore tomorrow morning at LatterDay Cottage in Tucson. I'm actually feeling a little nervous about the whole thing, so if you are in the area, stop by and say hi! There are going to be some great people there.
I'll let you know how it goes.
I'll let you know how it goes.
March 17, 2011
Agent contest
Just wanted to tell you about an agent contest that YAtopia is hosting. Go here to check out the details.
Good luck!!
Good luck!!
Growing Up Gracie Review
From the back cover:As the fifth of six kids, it's sometimes hard for Gracie Fremont to see what makes her special. But with the help of friends, family, and her faith, Gracie discovers that even the most ordinary girl can do extraordinary things. Told with sweetness, humor, and heart, this unique coming-of-age story will resonate with readers of all ages
My review:
I sat down to read a few chapters of Growing Up Gracie a couple of nights ago, and ended up reading the entire book in one sitting. I loved this novel. I thought that Fechner did a wonderful job with the characterization of Gracie, illustrating how she grows throughout her growing up years.
The book begins when Gracie is five years old and goes through her life until early adulthood (mid-twenties). In that time, you really get to know Gracie, her friends, and her family, and watch Gracie as she tries to find her place in this world.
Highly recommended.
Go here to check out Maggie's blog.
Go here to read my interview with Maggie.
Interview with Maggie Fechner
I had the chance to interview Maggie Fechner, author of the novel Growing Up Gracie.
Kaylee: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Maggie: Here's me in a salted nut shell (salted because I'm dieting right now, and this is my daily protein snack of choice).
I'm a wife of 9 years to my best friend. I am a mother of 7 years to four kiddos who stress me to the tips of my toes and bring me joy to the depths of my heart. I am a portrait photographer. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am a writer. And now, since November, I get to say I'm an author. Yay!
How long have you been writing?
I was just thinking, is it too cliche to answer, since I was a child? It's true. I've been writing since a very young age. However, that's what every author says, so I think it might be kind of neat to answer something like "I've never written a sentence in my life. Page one of my NYT Bestseller were the first words I've ever written." Yeah, right.
Seriously though, I've been doing it forever. Editor of the newspaper. BA in journalism. Worked as a reporter. Blah, blah, cliche, cliche. :)
Can you tell us a little about your writing process?
I'm not a huge outliner. I just write fast with no looking back and then have major revisions when I finally look over the jumbled mess.
I know you have four little kids, and I'm sure you have other obligations as well. When do you find time to write?
I write from 5-6:30 in the morning on Monday through Friday. Then if I can throughout the day I try to steal little snatches of time here and there for marketing and blog hopping and things like that. When a book is out with my first readers I take a break from writing and don't hop straight into the next project. Yes, it might be lazy, but let me tell you, sleeping in until 7 feels like heaven!
Tell us a little bit about your road to publication.
I wrote Growing Up Gracie fairly quickly when I was a new mother and had an infant who was a great sleeper. I remember my parents and husband taking me out to dinner one night to celebrate that I had finished writing my book. I then proceeded to put the manuscript away and not touch it for about five years. When I dragged it out again I read it and was appalled at the horrible writing I had once celebrated! I began editing and editing and editing and editing. I probably did three complete rewrites before giving the book to my first readers. Then I edited some more and more and more. Finally I submitted it and was informed on my 30th birthday that Cedar Fort wanted to offer me a contract.
What is your favorite book? Favorite genre?
I just read The Secret Garden for the first time and absolutely loved it. I also love Alicia: My Story. My favorite genre is not paranormal YA. Can you believe it? Is anyone's favorite genre not YA these days? No, seriously, my favorite books are set in America before 1960. If that genre has a name, I don't know it. I was informed to be a truly "historical" piece, it must be set before the 1900s, and so I guess it's not that... Hmmm. Let's just say this. I love olden-times books, but not super olden-times books. And I definitely don't need a happy ending to be satisfied with a book.
Do you have any advice for those trying to get published?
I don't quite feel "old" enough in this business to offer advice. But if there was anything I wish I'd known before I delved in, it would be this: your first, or second, or even third novel doesn't have to be the first one you have published. It's okay to write just for the sake of improving your craft.
I'm so grateful Growing Up Gracie is out there and is being received so well. This journey has been so full of excitement and amazing support. I feel that my knowledge has grown in leaps and bounds, and I've still only scratched the surface. I hope that my debut is a great jumping-off point to a long and rewarding life as a writer.
Thanks, Maggie. It was great getting to know more about you.
Thanks, Kaylee.
Go here to read my review of Growing Up Gracie.
Kaylee: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Maggie: Here's me in a salted nut shell (salted because I'm dieting right now, and this is my daily protein snack of choice).
I'm a wife of 9 years to my best friend. I am a mother of 7 years to four kiddos who stress me to the tips of my toes and bring me joy to the depths of my heart. I am a portrait photographer. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am a writer. And now, since November, I get to say I'm an author. Yay!
How long have you been writing?
I was just thinking, is it too cliche to answer, since I was a child? It's true. I've been writing since a very young age. However, that's what every author says, so I think it might be kind of neat to answer something like "I've never written a sentence in my life. Page one of my NYT Bestseller were the first words I've ever written." Yeah, right.
Seriously though, I've been doing it forever. Editor of the newspaper. BA in journalism. Worked as a reporter. Blah, blah, cliche, cliche. :)
Can you tell us a little about your writing process?
I'm not a huge outliner. I just write fast with no looking back and then have major revisions when I finally look over the jumbled mess.
I know you have four little kids, and I'm sure you have other obligations as well. When do you find time to write?
I write from 5-6:30 in the morning on Monday through Friday. Then if I can throughout the day I try to steal little snatches of time here and there for marketing and blog hopping and things like that. When a book is out with my first readers I take a break from writing and don't hop straight into the next project. Yes, it might be lazy, but let me tell you, sleeping in until 7 feels like heaven!
Tell us a little bit about your road to publication.
I wrote Growing Up Gracie fairly quickly when I was a new mother and had an infant who was a great sleeper. I remember my parents and husband taking me out to dinner one night to celebrate that I had finished writing my book. I then proceeded to put the manuscript away and not touch it for about five years. When I dragged it out again I read it and was appalled at the horrible writing I had once celebrated! I began editing and editing and editing and editing. I probably did three complete rewrites before giving the book to my first readers. Then I edited some more and more and more. Finally I submitted it and was informed on my 30th birthday that Cedar Fort wanted to offer me a contract.
What is your favorite book? Favorite genre?
I just read The Secret Garden for the first time and absolutely loved it. I also love Alicia: My Story. My favorite genre is not paranormal YA. Can you believe it? Is anyone's favorite genre not YA these days? No, seriously, my favorite books are set in America before 1960. If that genre has a name, I don't know it. I was informed to be a truly "historical" piece, it must be set before the 1900s, and so I guess it's not that... Hmmm. Let's just say this. I love olden-times books, but not super olden-times books. And I definitely don't need a happy ending to be satisfied with a book.
Do you have any advice for those trying to get published?
I don't quite feel "old" enough in this business to offer advice. But if there was anything I wish I'd known before I delved in, it would be this: your first, or second, or even third novel doesn't have to be the first one you have published. It's okay to write just for the sake of improving your craft.
I'm so grateful Growing Up Gracie is out there and is being received so well. This journey has been so full of excitement and amazing support. I feel that my knowledge has grown in leaps and bounds, and I've still only scratched the surface. I hope that my debut is a great jumping-off point to a long and rewarding life as a writer.
Thanks, Maggie. It was great getting to know more about you.
Thanks, Kaylee.
Go here to read my review of Growing Up Gracie.
March 14, 2011
The First Line
I've been editing my book recently and thinking about first lines. They have the power to draw you in or turn you off. So I wanted to do a little research using some of the books on my bookshelf that are in the same genre (YA) as the book I just finished writing.
Here are the ones that I found:
"For the record, I wasn't around the day they decided to become Dumb."Five Flavors of Dumb, Antony John
I haven't read Five Flavors of Dumb yet, but I'm expecting the narrator to be a little sarcastic and funny. And I'm really, really curious about a band that would name themselves Dumb and the girl that comes into their lives.
"I guess I kept hoping some kind of miracle would happen."Bloom, Elizabeth Scott
"Getting dressed was always the hardest part of the afternoon."Pretties, Scott Westerfeld
In Scott Westerfeld's book, the Pretty world is almost completely consumed with caring about appearances. He sets their world up perfectly with just one sentence. When what to wear is your biggest problem (and you're not even getting dressed until afternoon anyway) then I get really curious about what's going to happen to shake this all up.
"My lady and I are being shut up in a tower for seven years."
Book of a Thousand Days, Shannon Hale
"There are times in life when it's important not to trip: when you're going for the tie-breaking lay-up in a basketball game, when you're walking down the aisle on your wedding day, and when your English teacher asks you to hand out textbooks—and you're about to give one to Ethan Lancaster."
Life, Love, and the Pursuit of Free Throws, Janette Rallison
Janette Rallison's book is just as hilarious as the first sentence would lead you to believe. With that one line she shows that the mc is a basketball player and in love with Ethan Lancaster—both things which drive the entire plot.
"Everyone knows I'm perfect."
Perfect Chemistry, Simone Elkeles
"There is no lake at Camp Green Lake."Holes, Louis Sachar
As for Holes, Sachar already has me asking questions and wanting to read more. Why is there no lake at Camp Green Lake? (And green lake, yuck!) The tone of this book stays completely true to his first sentence. The whole book just drips with irony.
What do these lines tell us?They give us voice. They give us tone. They tell us about the character or the world the character lives in (sometimes both.) They draw us in, either by leaving us wondering, or because we already love the character's voice.
My current first line is this: I untied the rope from my harness with tingling fingers, flexing them as I walked away from the rock wall. I think it lacks punch.
So I rewrote it to this: With twenty feet of gray rock above me and forty feet to the hard ground below, I couldn't help but wonder how Brian had convinced me to do this.
But I'm worried that it starts my story in the wrong place. I'd have to do flashback to tell you how she got there, and I don't want to do that.
So, back to the drawing board. If I come up with anything good today, I'll update.
Here are the ones that I found:
"For the record, I wasn't around the day they decided to become Dumb."Five Flavors of Dumb, Antony John
I haven't read Five Flavors of Dumb yet, but I'm expecting the narrator to be a little sarcastic and funny. And I'm really, really curious about a band that would name themselves Dumb and the girl that comes into their lives.
"I guess I kept hoping some kind of miracle would happen."Bloom, Elizabeth Scott
"Getting dressed was always the hardest part of the afternoon."Pretties, Scott Westerfeld
In Scott Westerfeld's book, the Pretty world is almost completely consumed with caring about appearances. He sets their world up perfectly with just one sentence. When what to wear is your biggest problem (and you're not even getting dressed until afternoon anyway) then I get really curious about what's going to happen to shake this all up.
"My lady and I are being shut up in a tower for seven years."
Book of a Thousand Days, Shannon Hale
"There are times in life when it's important not to trip: when you're going for the tie-breaking lay-up in a basketball game, when you're walking down the aisle on your wedding day, and when your English teacher asks you to hand out textbooks—and you're about to give one to Ethan Lancaster."
Life, Love, and the Pursuit of Free Throws, Janette Rallison
Janette Rallison's book is just as hilarious as the first sentence would lead you to believe. With that one line she shows that the mc is a basketball player and in love with Ethan Lancaster—both things which drive the entire plot.
"Everyone knows I'm perfect."
Perfect Chemistry, Simone Elkeles
"There is no lake at Camp Green Lake."Holes, Louis Sachar
As for Holes, Sachar already has me asking questions and wanting to read more. Why is there no lake at Camp Green Lake? (And green lake, yuck!) The tone of this book stays completely true to his first sentence. The whole book just drips with irony.
What do these lines tell us?They give us voice. They give us tone. They tell us about the character or the world the character lives in (sometimes both.) They draw us in, either by leaving us wondering, or because we already love the character's voice.
My current first line is this: I untied the rope from my harness with tingling fingers, flexing them as I walked away from the rock wall. I think it lacks punch.
So I rewrote it to this: With twenty feet of gray rock above me and forty feet to the hard ground below, I couldn't help but wonder how Brian had convinced me to do this.
But I'm worried that it starts my story in the wrong place. I'd have to do flashback to tell you how she got there, and I don't want to do that.
So, back to the drawing board. If I come up with anything good today, I'll update.
