Corrine Jackson's Blog, page 16

Class of 2k12: Facial Expressions

I have a post up over on the Class of 2k12 blog. It's all about how to show what your characters are feeling through facial expressions. It includes some images that have helped me tremendously. Be sure to check it out!

http://classof2k12.com/?p=1244

 

Bookanista Review: MAY B.

Full disclosure: Caroline Starr Rose is a fellow Class of 2k12er.

Here is the official blurb from the publisher:

MAY B.

 

I've known it since last night:

It's been too long to expect them to return.

Something's happened.

May is helping out on a neighbor's Kansas prairie homestead—just until Christmas, says Pa. She wants to contribute, but it's hard to be separated from her family by 15 long, unfamiliar miles. Then the unthinkable happens: May is abandoned. Trapped in a tiny snow-covered sod house, isolated from family and neighbors, May must prepare for the oncoming winter. While fighting to survive, May's memories of her struggles with reading at school come back to haunt her. But she's determined to find her way home again. Caroline Starr Rose's fast-paced novel, written in beautiful and riveting verse, gives readers a strong new heroine to love.

****

This book in verses is kind of quiet and unassuming. Like a lot of my favorite books or songs, you have to be paying attention to every word. When you are, you'll feel like you got punched in the gut because while Caroline Starr Rose is a minimalist writer, she is one who chooses each word with tremendous care.

Take for instance the second poem. May B. has just been told that she is to be sent away to work a stranger's farm. She wonders why her brother is not sent instead and concludes: "boys are necessary." Man, this just about ripped my guts out. Those three words say loads about how this young girl has been taught to value herself and how girls were viewed in this rough pioneer time. My heart broke for May B. in those three words.

But May B. is a fighter. She has dreams and desires. She's told they are impossible, but she still believes in possibilities. While I'm not normally a big fan of historicals (somehow I missed out on falling in love with the Little House on the Prairie novels), this pioneer story gripped me to the end. May B's struggle to survive on her own and the way the setting insinuates itself throughout the story are so well done.

Librarians should definitely get this book on their shelves. Both boys and girls will love it, and it's perfect for struggling readers!

***

Check out the links below to see what the other Bookanistas are talking about!

Christine Fonseca  interviews author Denise Grover Swank

Jessi Kirby and Jen Hayley are wowed by WANDERLOVE

Stasia Ward Kehoe  interviews DIES IRAE author Christine Fonseca

Debra Driza is entranced by HEMLOCK

Katy Upperman delves into THE DISENCHANTMENTS

Nikki Katz  celebrates CINDER

Tracy Banghart  marvels at JULIET IMMORTAL

Jessica Love spotlights SHINE

Sample Chapter and Other Stuff

I know, I know. I've been absent again. The sequel to TOUCHED is due to my editor at the end of this month, and my first pass pages on IF I LIE are due on 2/1. Add my MFA creative thesis due at the end of the month, too, and you'll understand why I'm hiding in a hole. These are great problems to have, though, so I'm not complaining. Instead, I'm putting my head down and trying to get through this month.

In the meantime, TOUCHED: Der Preis der Unsterblichkeit is out in Germany on February 17 from Thienemann Verlag. If you can read German, a sample of the first chapter is up on my publisher's website. The cover is simply gorgeous. Sorry, US, peeps! You'll have to wait until December.

Okay, now I'm diving back into my hole to get book 2 finished.

PS. I'm newly obsessed with this song. The video is so weird and hypnotic, and I've watched it 8 times.

PPS. I'm also obsessed with this video because I love random moments of strangers connecting.

Change Write Now: Week 1

On January 1 we began week one of the Change Write Now challenge. The game challenges the players to lead a healthier lifestyle. More details here. We have a shocking 92 players (a few dropped out before we began). Now I've tried to diet before – and failed. With only me holding me accountable, I checked out and didn't see it through. After a week of the challenge, I can say IT WORKS.

For one thing, I don't want to let my team down. When I think about skipping my daily exercise or that last 8 ounces of water, I think of my teammates working so hard to do their own exercise and drowning in their water intake. Then, I feel obligated to get up off the dang couch and guzzle that last bottle of water. It hasn't been easy, but I'm doing it.

Then there's the support factor. I have daily check-ins with my teammates. We encourage each other, and they listen when I whine. And the great thing about the challenge is that the support isn't isolated to just my team. If you check out the twitter hashtag #changewritenow, you'll see everyone supporting each other. Most of these people are strangers or acquaintances, but they are cheering each other on.

And you want to know something cool that struck me today? With all the troubled book blogger-author relations happening right now, the Change Write Now challenge is one place where these people are meeting on common ground. Granted, we're not exactly talking books and reviews, but I see friendships forming. And this is only week one. I can't wait to see where we stand when the challenge ends in March.

Here are some seriously tasty recipes that I made this week. They were easy to prepare and totally within my points since I'm doing Weight Watchers. I hate salads, and yet I found myself enjoying them this week. Try them. You'll like them.

Cuban Style Black Beans with Cilantro Lime Rice

Arugula with Pomegranates, Blue Cheese and Pistachios (I've always hated arugula, but man, this salad is awesome.)

Stuffed Pepper Soup

Roast Beef, Arugula & Shaved Parmesan on a Baguette (except I used Whole Wheat Sandwich Thins)

Blood Orange Salad with Gorgonzola, Pecans and Baby Greens

Images of all the recipes for those who are visual about food like me.

 

Bookanista Review: THE MAPMAKER AND THE GHOST

Full disclosure: I picked up this ARC from the author as we are Class of 2k12 sibs, Sarvenaz Tash.

Here is the official blurb from the publisher:

THE MAPMAKER AND THE GHOST

 

Goldenrod Moram loves nothing better than a good quest. Intrepid, curious, and full of a well-honed sense of adventure, she decides to start her own exploring team fashioned after her idols, the explorers Lewis and Clark, and to map the forest right behind her home. This task is complicated, however, by a series of unique events—a chance encounter with a mysterious old lady has her searching for a legendary blue rose. Another encounter lands her in the middle of a ragtag gang of brilliant troublemakers. And when she stumbles upon none other than the ghost of Meriwether Lewis himself, Goldenrod knows this will be anything but an ordinary summer . . . or an ordinary quest. Debut author Sarvenaz Tash combines an edge-of-your-seat adventure, a uniquely clever voice, and an unforgettable cast of characters to prove that sometimes the best adventures of all are waiting right in your own backyard.

****

I don't read a lot of middle grade books, so I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up THE MAPMAKER AND THE GHOST. This is kind of an area of books that I skipped over almost entirely since by middle grade I was reading romance novels and Sweet Valley High books. With that said, I find Sarv to be very funny, and I couldn't wait to see if they came across in her book.

I'm so happy to say it did. I was reading a copy that has exchanged hands between several Class of 2k12ers. We write comments to the author in the margins, and the comments were loaded with LOLs, smiles and other indicators that (a) we all have a juvenile sense of humor and (b) the author does an amazing job at making us all feel like kids again.

The characters in the novel are so fun to read about. Goldenrod, the intrepid explorer, with her quest to map her town. Her little brother who just wants to be brave enough for his sister to let him come along on her adventures. And then there's the Gross Out Gang, a group of runaway kids who have formed a gang and made a home in the forest Goldenrod is exploring.

There's just enough danger to make you worry for their safety – the Gross Out Gang is up to no good and led by a very bad teen – but not enough to worry a parent who watches over their child's reading material. Mostly, though, kids are going to love the Gross Out Gang with their gleefully disgusting habits and kids will adore Goldenrod and her little brother as they try to outsmart the gang. Really great fun!

A big thumbs up for a rollicking adventure!

***

Check out the links below to see what the other Bookanistas are talking about!

Elana Johnson is entranced by UNTRACEABLE

Shannon Whitney Messenger shouts about twelve 2012 releases she can't wait for–and a pre-order giveaway!

Megan Miranda marvels at UNDER THE NEVER SKY

Corinne Jackson gushes over THE MATCHMAKER AND THE GHOST

Stasia Ward Kehoe gets psyched for 2012

Blog Circus 2011: Top 5 Favorite Books (Road Trip Wednesday)

Continuing on our week of lists, today we have my Top 5 Favorite Books of 2011. I read a lot of books this year. And I review all of my favorites for the Bookanistas. Here's my list.

WHERE SHE WENT by Gayle Forman (review)
ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS by Stephanie Perkins (review)
DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth (review)
SOULLESS by Gail Carriger (Technically not YA, but I loved it a lot.)
UNDER THE NEVER SKY by Veronica Rossi (review)

Blog Circus 2011: Top 5 YA Girls/Top 5 YA Guys

Today's blog – part of the week of the best of 2011 lists, a blog circus led by Sarah Enni - was difficult. We're looking at the baddest or hottest YA Girls and Guys of 2011. Now these characters are not always in our most recommended books, or even from our favorite books, but they definitely made an impact. Here's my list!

TOP 5 YA GIRLS

1. Mia (Where She Went) – As exposed as she was in If I Stay, I love the mystery of Mia through Adam's eyes. You feel her yearning to reach him, even though Adam can't quite figure it out. Definitely an amazing book.

2. Sophie (Hex Hall and Demonglass) – Sophie has a lot on her plate. Getting sent to a weird school, having a vampire roommate, falling for a guy who's taken, and meeting a father she's never known. Plus, you know, those people trying to take her out. Luckily she handles it all with a sense of humor.

3. Emerson (Hourglass) – Emerson is an amazing mix of vulnerability and sassy bravado. One minute she can take on the world, and the next she's falling to pieces at losing someone. I loved her attitude and her courage.

4. Juliet (Juliet Immortal) – The stakes are pretty damn high in this book. Romeo betrayed Juliet and hunts her through eternity. Her goal is to save other young lovers before he can destroy them. I loved her survival instinct and the mix of her justified rage and compassion for others.

5. Deuce (Enclave) – Deuce is a huntress. She fights off the monsters known as Freaks. She braves underground tunnels to find food. And she does it all without complaining as Fade fights by her side. This girl is badass.

TOP 5 YA GUYS

1. Adam (Where She Went) – The longing, the tortured musician, his unending love for Mia. Man, I love this guy.

2. Etienne (Anna and the French Kiss) – Definitely a favorite when I read it earlier this year. Etienne is sweet, smart, loyal, hot, and FUNNY. I love that he knows how to be a good friend most of all.

3. Noah (The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer) – He's snarky and cocky and way too full of himself. If Mara didn't dish it back at him, I'd probably think he was an ass. BUT the more she dishes back, the hotter he becomes because it's obvious he likes a strong girl. LOVE a guy with an ego who's not afraid of an equally strong partner.

4. Four (Divergent) – He doesn't go easy on Tris. He has rough edges and hints of danger, but he's vulnerable when he needs to be. Plus he's shrouded in mystery. Awesome.

5. Archer (Hex Hall and Demonglass) – You're never quite sure whose side he's on or who he cares about. Unless we're talking about Sophie. He risks everything for her.

Check out what music the others liked in our Best of 2011 Blog Circus!

Caroline Richmond

Erin Bowman

Kaitlin Ward

Kate Hart

Kathleen Peacock

Kirsten Hubbard

Kristen Halbrook

Kristin Otts

Lee Bross

Lindsey Roth Culli

Lynn Colt

Phoebe North

Sarah Enni

Stephanie Keuhn

Sumayyah Doud

Veronica Roth

 

Blog Circus 2011: Top 5 Favorite Songs to Write to

We're back again for a week of the best of 2011 lists, a blog circus led by Sarah Enni. Today we are listing the Top 5 Favorite Songs/Albums to Write to. Now, just like last year, I rarely purchase a whole album. The last two were Grace Potter and the Nocturnals and Adele's 21 album.

I love discovering a great song, more than a great album, because there are always songs on an album that I don't like. And since I can't write WITHOUT music, I'm constantly looking for songs to fall in love with. Of course, I couldn't limit my choices to just five, so here are more than five of my favorites from the year. These are pretty much set on repeat. Enjoy the playlist! And if you want to purchase the songs, please do so legally.

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Check out what music the others liked in our Best of 2011 Blog Circus!

Caroline Richmond

Erin Bowman

Kaitlin Ward

Kate Hart

Kathleen Peacock

Kirsten Hubbard

Kristen Halbrook

Kristin Otts

Lee Bross

Lindsey Roth Culli

Lynn Colt

Phoebe North

Sarah Enni

Stephanie Keuhn

Sumayyah Doud

Veronica Roth

IF I LIE Cover Reveal

I'm not even going to try to build this one up. I'm so excited to share the cover, summary and new publication date for IF I LIE that I'm barely containing myself from showing it to people at Starbucks. Oh hai, you look like you can read because you know, you're breathing, so you should look at this.

Without further ado….

 

 

Here's the synopsis that will be on my galleys:

______________________________________________________________

A powerful debut novel about the gray space between truth and perception.

Quinn's done the unthinkable: she kissed a guy who is not Carey, her boyfriend. And she got caught. Being branded a cheater would be bad enough, but Quinn is deemed a traitor, and shunned by all of her friends. Because Carey's not just any guy—he's serving in Afghanistan and revered by everyone in their small, military town.

Quinn could clear her name, but that would mean revealing secrets that she's vowed to keep—secrets that aren't hers to share. And when Carey goes MIA, Quinn must decide how far she'll go to protect her boyfriend…and her promise.

______________________________________________________________

IF I LIE debuts August 28, 2012. 

Add to your Goodreads shelf here.

********

I've heard so many horror stories about authors getting covers they hate. As a former graphic designer, it would have been too easy to get set on my own ideas, but  I tried not to have any expectations where IF I LIE was concerned.

So when my editor, Annette Pollert at Simon Pulse, sent over the cover image, I held my breath and clicked on the file, having absolutely no idea what the team at Simon Pulse had come up with.

The emotions evoked by the cover are so perfect, so absolutely IF I LIE that I can't imagine another image that could convey so much about my story. The black and white image of Quinn and Carey. The title in red. The sheer simplicity of the whole thing floored me. Every time I look at IF I LIE, I feel a little tug on my heart for these two characters. A huge thank you to the designer, Angela Goddard, and the team at Simon Pulse!

I can't wait to hear what you think!!

SO MUCH NEWS.

GUYS. I've had so much news this week. I'm wavering between happy tears and giddy grins that are freaking me out anytime I catch my reflection in a mirror. I can't imagine what strangers are thinking.

First, yesterday I got this in the mail.

It's a jacket cover for the German version of TOUCHED that is due out February 17, 2012 from Thienemann.** It's iridescent and so very beautiful.

(**Note: this is the German version only. The US version won't debut until December 2012, and it will have a different cover.)

 

And then tonight I got home and found THIS.

My first pass pages for IF I LIE arrived. I can actually see what this baby is going to look like as a book. And the ARCs are coming so much sooner than I realized!!! (But please don't ask me for one because I don't have any to give away.)

 

Third, I got this ringtone for my phone and I giggle every freaking time my phone rings.

 

And last, but not least, I'm announcing a celebration.

Next week I get to….drumroll…share the cover for IF I LIE. Finally, finally you'll see the insanely beautiful cover and read the jacket copy (at least the ARC version) that I've so desperately been wanting to share. Here's what's happening.

1. If you have a blog and would like to be in on helping me reveal the cover, you'll post the cover and the summary on 12/21.

2. Five bloggers (picked at random by random.org) that sign up get something. You can choose to (a) keep it for yourself or (b) give it to one of your followers.

3. The something? A mixed CD with the playlist for IF I LIE (legally purchased by me, mind you. No piracy here.) with liner notes on why the songs were on my playlist (will include some hints about the characters in IF I LIE so it's like a sneak peek, people. MONTHS before others see anything).

4. If you want to help me with my reveal on 12/21, please sign up here.