Hannah L. Clark's Blog, page 7
January 23, 2014
Writing Gem #8: Storytelling Tools (Part 1)
Here's my next installment of Writing Gems! This topic will be broken up into two parts in order to keep the videos from being too long.These are just some storytelling tools I've learned about--some I've used myself and others that I admire in other author's work. I hope all you new writers find them useful, too!
Thanks for stopping by!
January 21, 2014
How Do You Get Inspired?
I've been thinking a lot about this topic lately. A lot of people ask me where I come up with the ideas in my book; which is a surprisingly personal question when I really think about it, because so much of my inspiration for my stories comes from life. Fantasy, or the world of Cobbogoth just happens to be the lens with which I filter life. I'm not sure what that says about me psychologically, but there it is.
I've started noticing, however that one of the storytelling mediums that I find most inspiring is movies. You'd think a writer would get more inspiration from books, but that's not the case with me. I actually use them both, but at separate times in my writing process.
I think in pictures, and therefore, pictures tend to be what gets my creative juice flowing. Before I ever write a scene, I have to visualize it like a movie scene. So when I see a movie I really like--one that inspires me story wise, or that does a very cool storytelling technique that I want to implement or master for my own storytelling tool box, I go back and watch the movie at least three times. Repetition is my way of learning something inside and out. (My husband can't do this--repetition drives him crazy.)
After really considering my "idea gleaning" tactics, however, I realized that studying storytelling techniques through movies is only beneficial to me at the beginning stages of my writing--when I'm just starting to story map, brainstorm, and outline my novel. I think that's because when I'm in that phase of writing--the purely creative mode--language tends to get in my way, hindering the creative juices. If I can just allow myself to simply visualize my story--not worrying about writing technique--the story flows out of me freely.
But when I sit down to do the actual writing of my story, I read like a crazy woman. And it doesn't even matter what I'm reading (surprisingly, I don't read fantasy very often.) But just having a constant diet of words flowing through my brain tends to help my own writing flow so much more naturally.
So, to summarize, a steady diet of life, movies and books really inspires me! What storytelling mediums inspire you? Are you a student of life? Are you an avid movie goer? Are you a voracious reader? How about all three? Or do you do something entirely different, like listen to music (something I do every other time except when I'm writing)?
Whatever you do, please share! We can all learn from each other!
I've started noticing, however that one of the storytelling mediums that I find most inspiring is movies. You'd think a writer would get more inspiration from books, but that's not the case with me. I actually use them both, but at separate times in my writing process.
I think in pictures, and therefore, pictures tend to be what gets my creative juice flowing. Before I ever write a scene, I have to visualize it like a movie scene. So when I see a movie I really like--one that inspires me story wise, or that does a very cool storytelling technique that I want to implement or master for my own storytelling tool box, I go back and watch the movie at least three times. Repetition is my way of learning something inside and out. (My husband can't do this--repetition drives him crazy.)
After really considering my "idea gleaning" tactics, however, I realized that studying storytelling techniques through movies is only beneficial to me at the beginning stages of my writing--when I'm just starting to story map, brainstorm, and outline my novel. I think that's because when I'm in that phase of writing--the purely creative mode--language tends to get in my way, hindering the creative juices. If I can just allow myself to simply visualize my story--not worrying about writing technique--the story flows out of me freely.
But when I sit down to do the actual writing of my story, I read like a crazy woman. And it doesn't even matter what I'm reading (surprisingly, I don't read fantasy very often.) But just having a constant diet of words flowing through my brain tends to help my own writing flow so much more naturally.
So, to summarize, a steady diet of life, movies and books really inspires me! What storytelling mediums inspire you? Are you a student of life? Are you an avid movie goer? Are you a voracious reader? How about all three? Or do you do something entirely different, like listen to music (something I do every other time except when I'm writing)? Whatever you do, please share! We can all learn from each other!
January 17, 2014
Announceing "Uncovering Cobbogoth's" Debut Blog Tour
Hello All,
I am very happy to announce Uncovering Cobbogoth's debut blog tour!
If you are a book blogger, and would be interested in participating in my blog tour, please visit this link to sign up. If you know a book blogger that would be interested please help me spread the word. You will receive good karma! :-)
Thanks in advance!
I am very happy to announce Uncovering Cobbogoth's debut blog tour!
If you are a book blogger, and would be interested in participating in my blog tour, please visit this link to sign up. If you know a book blogger that would be interested please help me spread the word. You will receive good karma! :-)
Thanks in advance!
Great Reads for Teens: Keturah and Lord Death
Keturah and Lord Deathby Martine Leavitt
"I will tell you . . . a story of magic and love, of daring and death, and one to comfort your heart. It will be the truest story I have ever told. Now listen, and tell me if it is not so."
Keturah is a girl who follows a hart (male deer) into the forest one day and ends up getting lost. When she is about to die from starvation, she's visited by the majestic Lord Death, and she convinces him to spare her life by telling him a story--one of her captivating talents. Lord Death agrees, and Keturah is allowed to go back to her village for one week, within which she must find her one true love. If she succeeds, Lord Death will grant her her life. If she fails, then she must return and tell Lord Death the rest of the story, after which he will take her life. The book in itself is actually a story within a story that Keturah is telling us, hence the caption above.
Oh, how I loved this book! It was given to me for Christmas by one of my writer friends, Sarah, who by the way, has never recommended a book to me that I haven't bought (which means that I LOVED it!) Keturah and Lord Death was one of those books that just...I don't know, get's under your skin and resonates with you in a heart-wrenchingly good way. I've read it several times, and each time I am amazed at the simple elegance of Martine Leavitt's writing style--so beautiful. But it's a fantastic read for teens--squeaky clean, with an unexpected romance. Love! Love! Love!
I highly recommend Keturah and Lord Death to anyone age 12-100!
"I will tell you . . . a story of magic and love, of daring and death, and one to comfort your heart. It will be the truest story I have ever told. Now listen, and tell me if it is not so."
Keturah is a girl who follows a hart (male deer) into the forest one day and ends up getting lost. When she is about to die from starvation, she's visited by the majestic Lord Death, and she convinces him to spare her life by telling him a story--one of her captivating talents. Lord Death agrees, and Keturah is allowed to go back to her village for one week, within which she must find her one true love. If she succeeds, Lord Death will grant her her life. If she fails, then she must return and tell Lord Death the rest of the story, after which he will take her life. The book in itself is actually a story within a story that Keturah is telling us, hence the caption above.
Oh, how I loved this book! It was given to me for Christmas by one of my writer friends, Sarah, who by the way, has never recommended a book to me that I haven't bought (which means that I LOVED it!) Keturah and Lord Death was one of those books that just...I don't know, get's under your skin and resonates with you in a heart-wrenchingly good way. I've read it several times, and each time I am amazed at the simple elegance of Martine Leavitt's writing style--so beautiful. But it's a fantastic read for teens--squeaky clean, with an unexpected romance. Love! Love! Love!
I highly recommend Keturah and Lord Death to anyone age 12-100!
January 15, 2014
Writing Gem #6: An Author's Social Media
It has been WAY too long since I've posted one of these, but there's been a lot going on. ;-) Anyway, here is the latest in my Writing Gem's series.
So much of a Writer's work time is isolated. Social media is a huge tool new writers can use to get their name and work out there. It can help you attract and inform fans, connect with other writers, and is an attractive little bonus to have on your resume when shopping for agents/publishers. ;-) No really, my publisher totally asked about the extend of my social media presence, and they even offer author's extra books for being more present on line.
I hope this helps beginning writers get started in establishing your own online presence.
Just a post script of caution here, though; you can over due social media, so use these tools at your own discretion. And, always, always, ALWAYS use it wisely. Protect yourself/privacy.
Good luck!
January 13, 2014
How to Get Published: My Personal Journey
I got a great question from a Facebook follower today. Since one of my goals as a writer, is to help as many new writers with my experience as possible, I thought it was worth posting my answer here as well.
My reader asked:
How did you find your publishers or agents you are working with? It seems like an overwhelming process. My wife is also a writer and is looking for an agent. I just wondered about how that process went for you.
Dear Friend,
Thanks for your message! It can appear to be a rather overwhelming process at the beginning, but just like anything else, finding a agent/publisher must be taken one step at a time. I actually don't have an agent, but know the process, because I've tried both routes. ;-)
My skeleton answer to your question is this: I started my journey by querying agents; I queried somewhere around 60, but alas, for me, it was not to be. If your wife wants to go that route, however, she must A) first have a complete, polished manuscript. B) Compile a list of agents that represent the genre she has written. C) Research said agents and write a query letter to each respective agent, individualizing each letter to let the agent know she did her research (they happen to like that.) And D) Finally, following the specific guidelines of each agent, she must mail out her submissions packet, and then wait anywhere from 6-12 weeks to hear back. Sometimes agents will ask to see more--anywhere from a few chapters to an entire manuscript--and if they like what they see then, they'll offer to represent her.
Anyway, that is the A+B+C=D formula for getting an agent.
Unfortunately, for most aspiring authors, it hardly ever goes that smoothly. Thankfully, there are a plethora of other ways to get one's work published if the agent route doesn't work out. Furthermore, the following routes to publishing may eventually lead to the acquisition of an agent down the road--so, never, ever, ever, ever, ever give up. Anything can happen.
In the meantime, here's how my journey worked:
Surprisingly, I got my publisher after self-publishing my first novel Cobbogoth--the book my publisher ended up deciding to publish. (It will be out in May 2014!) That was my way of breaking into the industry. It turns out Cedar Fort liked being able to see that my book was well-received by an audience before investing in it. It used to be that self-publishing could completely ruin your chances of getting a particular work published, however, the book industry has changed so much since the technology for the e-book came out, that self-publishing is becoming a much more viable way to finding a publisher/agent. For me, and many other authors, self-publishing has eliminated the very subjective gate-keepers (agent) and allowed us to go straight to the publisher, because we already have credible evidence to show them that our work is worth investing in.
If your wife is interested in going the agent route--which isn't a bad route to go--she should get herself a copy of the 2014 edition of Writer's Market, and start compiling her list of desirable agents. When she has that, she should start querying with her finished manuscript. And make sure you tell her not to get discouraged if she doesn't get an agent after the first 10, 20, or even 50 reject her, because regardless of how good her manuscript is, they just might. As I said above, the publishing industry is extremely subjective, and you only need one agent to represent you. That agent might end up being # 105 I have friends who queried over 300 agents before finding their's.
If your wife doesn't know how to write a query letter, or even what a query letter is--I didn't--there is a great book by author Elana Johnson called From the Query to the Call that was extremely helpful in clarifying that enigma for me. Another very helpful tool, if she isn't already doing it, would be to start attending writer's conferences: LDS StoryMakers is a great one in Utah. Dave Wolverton has some fantastic workshops that he does, and if you subscribe to Writer's Digest they have ads for conferences all over the country in the back of the magazine. Conferences and workshops are not only a great way to familiarize oneself with the industry, but are also a great place to network, especially since writing is such an isolated career. Writer's groups are also a great way to learn from other writers and their experience. Lastly, any answers she might be looking for can be found online at author websites, author forums, list-serves, etc--that's how I learned 75% of what I know about the industry.
Finally, I wish I could tell your wife a 100% fail-proof way of getting her work published, but the truth is, there just isn't one. There are as many ways to break into the industry as there are authors. That can be discouraging, but if looked at in the right light, it can also be really liberating. It's an individual journey of honing one's craft, familiarizing oneself with the market/industry, and networking that happens for each author. For me, that journey took a total of 13 years--a 5 year degree plus 8 years of completely immersing myself in my craft. Everyone learns at their own pace and has very different goals where writing is concerned, so your wife's journey might go MUCH faster than mine. The most important thing in her journey, however, is for her to determine whether or not she really LOVES writing. Any published author will tell you that the road getting there--with very few exceptions--isa rough one. It requires fearlessness, determination, and a grueling work ethic. If your wife really loves writing enough, then I whole-heartedly believe she'll find her way to success!
This is by no means an exhaustive list of "how to's" but I hope its helpful just the same. Wish her luck for me! :-)
Sincerely,
My reader asked:
How did you find your publishers or agents you are working with? It seems like an overwhelming process. My wife is also a writer and is looking for an agent. I just wondered about how that process went for you.
Dear Friend,
Thanks for your message! It can appear to be a rather overwhelming process at the beginning, but just like anything else, finding a agent/publisher must be taken one step at a time. I actually don't have an agent, but know the process, because I've tried both routes. ;-)
My skeleton answer to your question is this: I started my journey by querying agents; I queried somewhere around 60, but alas, for me, it was not to be. If your wife wants to go that route, however, she must A) first have a complete, polished manuscript. B) Compile a list of agents that represent the genre she has written. C) Research said agents and write a query letter to each respective agent, individualizing each letter to let the agent know she did her research (they happen to like that.) And D) Finally, following the specific guidelines of each agent, she must mail out her submissions packet, and then wait anywhere from 6-12 weeks to hear back. Sometimes agents will ask to see more--anywhere from a few chapters to an entire manuscript--and if they like what they see then, they'll offer to represent her.
Anyway, that is the A+B+C=D formula for getting an agent.
Unfortunately, for most aspiring authors, it hardly ever goes that smoothly. Thankfully, there are a plethora of other ways to get one's work published if the agent route doesn't work out. Furthermore, the following routes to publishing may eventually lead to the acquisition of an agent down the road--so, never, ever, ever, ever, ever give up. Anything can happen.
In the meantime, here's how my journey worked:
Surprisingly, I got my publisher after self-publishing my first novel Cobbogoth--the book my publisher ended up deciding to publish. (It will be out in May 2014!) That was my way of breaking into the industry. It turns out Cedar Fort liked being able to see that my book was well-received by an audience before investing in it. It used to be that self-publishing could completely ruin your chances of getting a particular work published, however, the book industry has changed so much since the technology for the e-book came out, that self-publishing is becoming a much more viable way to finding a publisher/agent. For me, and many other authors, self-publishing has eliminated the very subjective gate-keepers (agent) and allowed us to go straight to the publisher, because we already have credible evidence to show them that our work is worth investing in.
If your wife is interested in going the agent route--which isn't a bad route to go--she should get herself a copy of the 2014 edition of Writer's Market, and start compiling her list of desirable agents. When she has that, she should start querying with her finished manuscript. And make sure you tell her not to get discouraged if she doesn't get an agent after the first 10, 20, or even 50 reject her, because regardless of how good her manuscript is, they just might. As I said above, the publishing industry is extremely subjective, and you only need one agent to represent you. That agent might end up being # 105 I have friends who queried over 300 agents before finding their's.
If your wife doesn't know how to write a query letter, or even what a query letter is--I didn't--there is a great book by author Elana Johnson called From the Query to the Call that was extremely helpful in clarifying that enigma for me. Another very helpful tool, if she isn't already doing it, would be to start attending writer's conferences: LDS StoryMakers is a great one in Utah. Dave Wolverton has some fantastic workshops that he does, and if you subscribe to Writer's Digest they have ads for conferences all over the country in the back of the magazine. Conferences and workshops are not only a great way to familiarize oneself with the industry, but are also a great place to network, especially since writing is such an isolated career. Writer's groups are also a great way to learn from other writers and their experience. Lastly, any answers she might be looking for can be found online at author websites, author forums, list-serves, etc--that's how I learned 75% of what I know about the industry.
Finally, I wish I could tell your wife a 100% fail-proof way of getting her work published, but the truth is, there just isn't one. There are as many ways to break into the industry as there are authors. That can be discouraging, but if looked at in the right light, it can also be really liberating. It's an individual journey of honing one's craft, familiarizing oneself with the market/industry, and networking that happens for each author. For me, that journey took a total of 13 years--a 5 year degree plus 8 years of completely immersing myself in my craft. Everyone learns at their own pace and has very different goals where writing is concerned, so your wife's journey might go MUCH faster than mine. The most important thing in her journey, however, is for her to determine whether or not she really LOVES writing. Any published author will tell you that the road getting there--with very few exceptions--isa rough one. It requires fearlessness, determination, and a grueling work ethic. If your wife really loves writing enough, then I whole-heartedly believe she'll find her way to success!
This is by no means an exhaustive list of "how to's" but I hope its helpful just the same. Wish her luck for me! :-)
Sincerely,
January 11, 2014
Uncovering Cobbogoth's Cover!
I am VERY excited to reveal Uncovering Cobbogoth's cover! Here's the Beauty!
Now, just a head's up for those of you who might be a little confused as to what Uncovering Cobbogoth is about. This is a revised version of Cobbogoth. We were picked up by a publisher--Cedar Fort--in October, and they have decided to do a heavily revised edition of Book 1 in the Cobbogoth series before moving on to book 2, which I am very happy about, because I am telling you guys, Uncovering Cobbogoth is 50 pages more exciting than Cobbogoth was. The love story is better, the power system--the over all story is just better!
Anyway, so there you have it! I am extremely happy with the new cover! I think it fits the tone and intrigue of the new version very well. And, bonus! Bekah's name is on there for her lovely illustrations! Can you see her beautiful star incorporated into the cover? I LOVE it! So excited for May!
Please feel free to stop over at goodreads and put it on your "want to read" list! Uncovering Cobbogoth will be released in May.
Stay tuned for a lot more awesomeness coming over the next few months! I'm going to start the party early around here! :-)
Now, just a head's up for those of you who might be a little confused as to what Uncovering Cobbogoth is about. This is a revised version of Cobbogoth. We were picked up by a publisher--Cedar Fort--in October, and they have decided to do a heavily revised edition of Book 1 in the Cobbogoth series before moving on to book 2, which I am very happy about, because I am telling you guys, Uncovering Cobbogoth is 50 pages more exciting than Cobbogoth was. The love story is better, the power system--the over all story is just better!
Anyway, so there you have it! I am extremely happy with the new cover! I think it fits the tone and intrigue of the new version very well. And, bonus! Bekah's name is on there for her lovely illustrations! Can you see her beautiful star incorporated into the cover? I LOVE it! So excited for May!
Please feel free to stop over at goodreads and put it on your "want to read" list! Uncovering Cobbogoth will be released in May.
Stay tuned for a lot more awesomeness coming over the next few months! I'm going to start the party early around here! :-)
December 5, 2013
Change Isn't Always Bad: Cobbogoth's New Title and Release Date
So when a book gets picked up by a publisher, that publisher often decides to change the title of the original manuscript to something more catchy or informative to the reader--something more marketable to increase the chance of enticing readers enough to pick it up and try it.
Well, Cobbogoth is one of those tricky titles, where the author thinks it's cool, because she already knows what the book is about. However, to readers, who are coming to the story with no idea, can find it completely ambiguous and unenticing. We've had a few complaints about the title, and so I wasn't surprised when my editor from Cedar Fort contacted me to tell me they were thinking about amending my title.
At first, when I read her e-mail, I was leery. I mean, it's kind of like someone trying to change your child's name. But after considering their reasons for the change, and discussing it with Bekah (my sister/illustrator/partner) and my husband, I quickly grew on me.
So, without further ado, may I preset to you, dear readers, the new title for Book 1 in the Cobbogoth series:
(Drum Roll!!!)
Uncovering
I know, I know, Uncovering Cobbogoth isn't that different from the original, which is one of the reasons it was so easy to sell me on it. But it is different.
By adding "Uncovering" to the title, Cedar Fort hoped to establish what Cobbogoth is, which is a place. It's been a little confusing to first time readers, something I totally get. "Uncovering" also lends to the mystery element, and I think, keeps nicely with the whole myth-chaser, archeology dig, etc themes going on. Plus it has double meaning for Norah's journey of uncovering other secrets as well.
And by keeping "Cobbogoth" in the title, all of you fine readers who have already read the first edition of my book, will be able to recognize the new and improved second edition when it comes out on May 13th!
That's right! Uncovering Cobbogoth will be released (tentatively) on May 13th, 2014. Mark your calendars!
So, when all is said and done, change isn't always a bad thing. As a matter of fact, I'm pretty happy with this one. What do you think? Do you like the original title better, or wish it was something completely different? I'd love to hear your opinions!
Well, Cobbogoth is one of those tricky titles, where the author thinks it's cool, because she already knows what the book is about. However, to readers, who are coming to the story with no idea, can find it completely ambiguous and unenticing. We've had a few complaints about the title, and so I wasn't surprised when my editor from Cedar Fort contacted me to tell me they were thinking about amending my title.
At first, when I read her e-mail, I was leery. I mean, it's kind of like someone trying to change your child's name. But after considering their reasons for the change, and discussing it with Bekah (my sister/illustrator/partner) and my husband, I quickly grew on me.
So, without further ado, may I preset to you, dear readers, the new title for Book 1 in the Cobbogoth series:
(Drum Roll!!!)
Uncovering
I know, I know, Uncovering Cobbogoth isn't that different from the original, which is one of the reasons it was so easy to sell me on it. But it is different.
By adding "Uncovering" to the title, Cedar Fort hoped to establish what Cobbogoth is, which is a place. It's been a little confusing to first time readers, something I totally get. "Uncovering" also lends to the mystery element, and I think, keeps nicely with the whole myth-chaser, archeology dig, etc themes going on. Plus it has double meaning for Norah's journey of uncovering other secrets as well.
And by keeping "Cobbogoth" in the title, all of you fine readers who have already read the first edition of my book, will be able to recognize the new and improved second edition when it comes out on May 13th!
That's right! Uncovering Cobbogoth will be released (tentatively) on May 13th, 2014. Mark your calendars!
So, when all is said and done, change isn't always a bad thing. As a matter of fact, I'm pretty happy with this one. What do you think? Do you like the original title better, or wish it was something completely different? I'd love to hear your opinions!
November 25, 2013
Cobbogoth Found a Publisher!
So it's been a really long time since I've posted, and that is because we've had some pretty cool things in the works the last two months. As you all know, I self-published Cobbogoth two years ago this December. We had enough success from self-publishing, that back in October, we submitted Cobbogoth to a couple of pro-publishers, just to see what would happen. Well, we were extremely lucky enough to find one that was not only interested in Cobbogoth, but who was willing to take both myself, and my sister Bekah on as an author/illustrator team. If you know very much about the publishing world, you'll know that that is pretty rare, and so we just couldn't pass up this chance. Because of the way everything laid itself out so perfectly for our particular situation and book, we really feel like we were Providently led to these guys!
And so, without further ado, I am pleased to announce that Cobbogoth will be being re-released by Cedar Fort Publishing sometime next year! WE ARE SO EXCITED!!! (I'll post the release date when I know more.)
Here are a few pictures of the signing!
The actual signing! As you can see, after a lifetime of dreaming and eight years of seriously hard work, I was very excited! :-)
Celebrating at La Jolla Groves with these two handsomes after the signing!
Now, I know there are a lot of you who have been anxiously awaiting Book 2--The Lemorian Crest--that was supposed to come out next June, and I am very sorry to make you wait longer, but I think you'll find it worth the wait after you read the new and improved Book 1! I spent the last two weeks working very hard on Book 1 to put a few changes in place that I've been wanting to make ever since I finished my last draft of Book 2 back in May. I just never thought I'd get the chance to make them this soon. But I have to admit, I am VERY happy with the changes. And I think anyone who is even remotely invested in James and Norah will be interested in reading what I've added. :-)
How's that for mysteriously obtuse information?
Anyway, stay tuned, because there will be a lot more to come! And thank you so much for believing in Cobbogoth as much as you have! We wouldn't be where we are today without all of you and we feel especially blessed and thankful this November!
Happy Thanksgiving!
And so, without further ado, I am pleased to announce that Cobbogoth will be being re-released by Cedar Fort Publishing sometime next year! WE ARE SO EXCITED!!! (I'll post the release date when I know more.)
Here are a few pictures of the signing!
The actual signing! As you can see, after a lifetime of dreaming and eight years of seriously hard work, I was very excited! :-)
Celebrating at La Jolla Groves with these two handsomes after the signing!Now, I know there are a lot of you who have been anxiously awaiting Book 2--The Lemorian Crest--that was supposed to come out next June, and I am very sorry to make you wait longer, but I think you'll find it worth the wait after you read the new and improved Book 1! I spent the last two weeks working very hard on Book 1 to put a few changes in place that I've been wanting to make ever since I finished my last draft of Book 2 back in May. I just never thought I'd get the chance to make them this soon. But I have to admit, I am VERY happy with the changes. And I think anyone who is even remotely invested in James and Norah will be interested in reading what I've added. :-)
How's that for mysteriously obtuse information?
Anyway, stay tuned, because there will be a lot more to come! And thank you so much for believing in Cobbogoth as much as you have! We wouldn't be where we are today without all of you and we feel especially blessed and thankful this November!
Happy Thanksgiving!
October 9, 2013
Great Reads for Teens: "Just Ella" by Annette K. Larsen
I posted a while ago about collecting a list of great reads for strong girls. I'm always looking for great YA books for my son, and to share with my daughter when I finally have one. ;-) When I go speak to groups about Cobbogoth, people are always asking me for good book suggestions for their teens, and so I've decided to share any diamonds that I find here on my blog :-) When I get more organized, I will post a link of lists anyone can print for their own use, but in the meantime here's one to add to your collection:
When I came across Just Ella by Annette K. Larsen, I knew I'd found a gem. This book definitely goes on my "Great Reads for Girls" list.
Just Ella is up there with Keturah and Lord Death by Martine Levitte in memorableness for me. I loved Ella. She has probably just become one of the best YA heroines I've read in a long time. She was flawed, but she was also very level-headed, sincere, and had a lot of depth. I loved that she was able to feel some pretty deep, heart-wrenching emotions, but she didn't let them dictate her choices. She chose right even when it was excruciating, and I think that's why I liked her so much.
In her Author's Note, Annette K. Larsen talked about how she was heavily influenced by Charolotte Bronte's Jane Eyre . Her reasons mirrored my own reasons for loving that book as much as I do. (Favorite novel of all time) In my opinion there isn't a greater literary heroine than Jane Eyre. There is a lot of the steady, infallible grace of Jane in Ella, and I think that's why I liked Ella so much.
The love story is also a squeaky clean, "real love" love story, which is yet another reason to love this novel. But don't worry, there are still plenty of heart-palpitating moments. ;-) Joking aside, I don't think there are enough of these kinds of love stories out there for girls to read about. One of the things I loved so much about Jane Eyre, and the same quality can be found in Ella, as well, is that as much as they loved, they knew they wouldn't be truly loving if they went against their own conscience in order to be with the person they loved. They were true to themselves and what they knew to be right, and therein were true to the men they loved. That's a pretty big deal and a rare statement that doesn't get made often enough in today's literature, especially YA literature.
But I'm starting to soap box now, so I'm going to stop. All in all, one of the best YA books I've read in a very long time. Loved it!
Age Appropriate for : Girls 11-100 ;-)
When I came across Just Ella by Annette K. Larsen, I knew I'd found a gem. This book definitely goes on my "Great Reads for Girls" list.
Just Ella is up there with Keturah and Lord Death by Martine Levitte in memorableness for me. I loved Ella. She has probably just become one of the best YA heroines I've read in a long time. She was flawed, but she was also very level-headed, sincere, and had a lot of depth. I loved that she was able to feel some pretty deep, heart-wrenching emotions, but she didn't let them dictate her choices. She chose right even when it was excruciating, and I think that's why I liked her so much.
In her Author's Note, Annette K. Larsen talked about how she was heavily influenced by Charolotte Bronte's Jane Eyre . Her reasons mirrored my own reasons for loving that book as much as I do. (Favorite novel of all time) In my opinion there isn't a greater literary heroine than Jane Eyre. There is a lot of the steady, infallible grace of Jane in Ella, and I think that's why I liked Ella so much.
The love story is also a squeaky clean, "real love" love story, which is yet another reason to love this novel. But don't worry, there are still plenty of heart-palpitating moments. ;-) Joking aside, I don't think there are enough of these kinds of love stories out there for girls to read about. One of the things I loved so much about Jane Eyre, and the same quality can be found in Ella, as well, is that as much as they loved, they knew they wouldn't be truly loving if they went against their own conscience in order to be with the person they loved. They were true to themselves and what they knew to be right, and therein were true to the men they loved. That's a pretty big deal and a rare statement that doesn't get made often enough in today's literature, especially YA literature.
But I'm starting to soap box now, so I'm going to stop. All in all, one of the best YA books I've read in a very long time. Loved it!
Age Appropriate for : Girls 11-100 ;-)
