C.J. Flood's Blog, page 5
January 17, 2013
My first handwritten letter from a reader...
January 14, 2013
I love Simon and Schuster, and book news...
Sincere apologies for the gush-fest that is about to occur, but I've had the loveliest experience of publishing so far, and for this I wholeheartedly and unequivocally blame the team at Simon and Schuster.
From getting a cover that I loved, to seeing the book improve due to my talented editor, copy-editor and proofreader, to meeting the sales team, my experience has been so positive. Everybody has been enthusiastic and committed to getting the book into shape and getting it noticed, and I'm so grateful.
In case you have forgotten what it looks like.
And now, as if they were trying to make me actually weep, Catherine, the Children's Publicity and Marketing Manager, has sent out these gorgeous items to important industry folks.
Swoon.
I know I'm biased, but have you ever seen anything so gorgeous? I really really doubt it.
And other book-related stuff:
Infinite Sky was on Stylist Magazine's Cult Books of 2013 list, along with my lovely friend, Nathan Filer's The Shock of the Fall about who they said: "No less than eleven publishing houses entered a bidding war for Nathan Filer's groundbreaking novel, which draws on the author’s own background as a mental health nurse. Matthew and Simon are brothers who are separated, yet united by a tragic accident. Exploring themes of loss, grief and mental illness, the reader is said to be transported 'directly into the spinning vortex that is schizophrenia.'"
About my book, they said: "Loved by young adult journalists, C.J. Flood's debut novel is also a burgeoning hit among adult readers. It tells the story of Iris, who the reader encounters at the funeral of a boy she loves - but is she mourning her tearaway brother or her tentative boyfriend? We journey through a summer with her as she encounters betrayal, conflict and first love."
His sounds better, doesn't it? Damn him. I should never have included his quote on here.
Also, I wrote a blog post over at The Lucky 13s about how Infinite Sky got its cover if you are interested in the behind the scenes stuff.
There's still a book giveaway at Good Reads.
And finally, I have really nearly finished book two, which is due for release in February 2014.
Upcoming events
February 7th, will be a launch for Infinite Sky, along with Tom Benn's Bane Book Two: Chamber Music and Andrew Cowan's Worthless Men. Starting at 8pm in the Drama Studio at UEA, there will be readings and then a winey signing afterwards. Come along! It'll be fun!
February 16th, I'm doing a signing at St Peter's Street Waterstones, Derby. From 2-4, I will be upstairs near the Young Adult section, so PLEASE come and talk to me. I will provide sweets, and am also going to do a free book raffle. So COME ALONG, for god's sake. Even if you can't afford the book/wouldn't buy it if you had one million euros, there will be other prizes too (probably a Toblerone). You can get a free ticket to be entered into it at any point, and then just pop by at four for the 'grand prize draw' (most likely me, looking embarrassed, shouting to a room containing my mum and dad and booksellers who can't quite meet my eye.
From getting a cover that I loved, to seeing the book improve due to my talented editor, copy-editor and proofreader, to meeting the sales team, my experience has been so positive. Everybody has been enthusiastic and committed to getting the book into shape and getting it noticed, and I'm so grateful.
In case you have forgotten what it looks like.And now, as if they were trying to make me actually weep, Catherine, the Children's Publicity and Marketing Manager, has sent out these gorgeous items to important industry folks.
Swoon. I know I'm biased, but have you ever seen anything so gorgeous? I really really doubt it.
And other book-related stuff:
Infinite Sky was on Stylist Magazine's Cult Books of 2013 list, along with my lovely friend, Nathan Filer's The Shock of the Fall about who they said: "No less than eleven publishing houses entered a bidding war for Nathan Filer's groundbreaking novel, which draws on the author’s own background as a mental health nurse. Matthew and Simon are brothers who are separated, yet united by a tragic accident. Exploring themes of loss, grief and mental illness, the reader is said to be transported 'directly into the spinning vortex that is schizophrenia.'"
About my book, they said: "Loved by young adult journalists, C.J. Flood's debut novel is also a burgeoning hit among adult readers. It tells the story of Iris, who the reader encounters at the funeral of a boy she loves - but is she mourning her tearaway brother or her tentative boyfriend? We journey through a summer with her as she encounters betrayal, conflict and first love."
His sounds better, doesn't it? Damn him. I should never have included his quote on here.
Also, I wrote a blog post over at The Lucky 13s about how Infinite Sky got its cover if you are interested in the behind the scenes stuff.
There's still a book giveaway at Good Reads.
And finally, I have really nearly finished book two, which is due for release in February 2014.
Upcoming events
February 7th, will be a launch for Infinite Sky, along with Tom Benn's Bane Book Two: Chamber Music and Andrew Cowan's Worthless Men. Starting at 8pm in the Drama Studio at UEA, there will be readings and then a winey signing afterwards. Come along! It'll be fun!
February 16th, I'm doing a signing at St Peter's Street Waterstones, Derby. From 2-4, I will be upstairs near the Young Adult section, so PLEASE come and talk to me. I will provide sweets, and am also going to do a free book raffle. So COME ALONG, for god's sake. Even if you can't afford the book/wouldn't buy it if you had one million euros, there will be other prizes too (probably a Toblerone). You can get a free ticket to be entered into it at any point, and then just pop by at four for the 'grand prize draw' (most likely me, looking embarrassed, shouting to a room containing my mum and dad and booksellers who can't quite meet my eye.
November 30, 2012
Infinite Sky in The Bookseller...
Infinite Sky was Editor's Pick in The Bookseller!
This is what they said: "Another strong debut with huge support in-house, this is a heartbreaking coming-of-age novel about a summer that changes everything. She's one to watch."
In case it isn't clear, when they write, 'she's one to watch', they're talking about me.
Also, Julia Eccleshare (Children's Editor of The Guardian) wrote this about the book on LoveReading4Kids:
"Shot through with danger as adolescence can be, this is a powerful coming of age novel which combines dark realities with optimism and naivety. When Iris’s mother takes off on a road trip, things at home begin to fall apart. The arrival of a family of travellers close by sets off a chain of events which leads to tragedy. But Iris sees Trick and his family differently; she knows he isn’t the boy his is made out to be. But, when everything spirals out of control, will she ever be able to feel the same about him? Beautifully written, this is a poignant story of young love from a talented new author."
There's still a couple of days left on the Goodreads Giveaway too. If you can't wait till February 14th, enter the competition there.
This is what they said: "Another strong debut with huge support in-house, this is a heartbreaking coming-of-age novel about a summer that changes everything. She's one to watch."In case it isn't clear, when they write, 'she's one to watch', they're talking about me.
Also, Julia Eccleshare (Children's Editor of The Guardian) wrote this about the book on LoveReading4Kids:
"Shot through with danger as adolescence can be, this is a powerful coming of age novel which combines dark realities with optimism and naivety. When Iris’s mother takes off on a road trip, things at home begin to fall apart. The arrival of a family of travellers close by sets off a chain of events which leads to tragedy. But Iris sees Trick and his family differently; she knows he isn’t the boy his is made out to be. But, when everything spirals out of control, will she ever be able to feel the same about him? Beautifully written, this is a poignant story of young love from a talented new author."
There's still a couple of days left on the Goodreads Giveaway too. If you can't wait till February 14th, enter the competition there.
November 26, 2012
What early readers think of Infinite Sky...
I'm a l i t t l e excited today, as I just got a really lovely blurb from Keith Gray, award-winning writer of Creepers and Ostrich Boys.
He says this about Infinite Sky:
"I think a lot of people are going to be surprised that it's a debut novel from someone in their 20s - most of us writers probably need twice as many years and at least half a dozen books to get that good… So I hope it does brilliantly. I'll definitely be including it in my YA roundup for the Scotsman in the new year. Thanks again for sending it through and introducing me to a fantastic new author."
I also got a nice quote from Simmone Howell, award-winning writer of Notes From The Teenage Underground and Everything Beautiful:
"Infinite Sky is beautiful. It made me cry on the train! I love how the place and the 'natural world' is like a character and how it reads contemporary and classic at the same time. I love the romance - how it's more than a romance, really, and not at all sentimental or typical. I can't wait to see the reception it gets - I think there will be big love!"
Here's some things book bloggers and other early readers have been saying:
"...one to watch out for. [Infinite Sky] is the best type of real-life fiction for young adults, full of messy old emotions and small conflicts that sometimes lead to unexpected and devastating consequences. It felt so genuine as I was reading it, and Iris is one of the most believable characters I can remember ever encountering; I almost recognise her. - Sarah Watkins from And Then I Read A Book
"...I chose Infinite Sky by C.J. Flood, mostly because I'd been hearing wonderful things about it already. And oh, it is a beautiful book. It's got a lovely cover, and I really fell in love with the story and the characters. I found myself crying my eyes out, and I do so love such an emotional story that is written incredibly well." - Michelle at Fluttering Butterflies
"Stunning book, inside and out." - Claire Wilson, literary agent at RCW
And finally, my editor, Venetia Gosling, says this:
"Infinite Sky is one of the books I’m most excited about publishing next year. Simply and beautifully written, it’s the heart-breaking story of the summer Iris experiences love and loss for the first time.When Iris’s mum leaves home, her brother, Sam, goes off the rails and her dad is left trying to hold it all together. So when a family of travellers sets up camp illegally in front of their farm, it’s the catalyst for a stand-off that can only end in disaster. But to 13-year-old Iris, it’s all an adventure. She secretly strikes up a friendship with the gypsy boy, Trick, and discovers that home can be something as simple as a carved out circle in a field full of corn…Starting as it ends, with a funeral, Infinite Sky keeps us guessing about the identity of the boy Iris is left mourning – is it her tearaway brother, Sam, or Trick, her tentative new boyfriend? The conclusion is devastating, and will make you cry. A stunning read from a really talented new author - whose writing reminds me of early Meg Rosoff and David Almond - this is a book to fall in love with. I really hope you enjoy it as much as I did."
Release date isn't until February 14th next year, but the book is available for pre-order on Amazon. There's an advanced reader copy giveaway at Good Reads too.
He says this about Infinite Sky:
"I think a lot of people are going to be surprised that it's a debut novel from someone in their 20s - most of us writers probably need twice as many years and at least half a dozen books to get that good… So I hope it does brilliantly. I'll definitely be including it in my YA roundup for the Scotsman in the new year. Thanks again for sending it through and introducing me to a fantastic new author."
I also got a nice quote from Simmone Howell, award-winning writer of Notes From The Teenage Underground and Everything Beautiful:
"Infinite Sky is beautiful. It made me cry on the train! I love how the place and the 'natural world' is like a character and how it reads contemporary and classic at the same time. I love the romance - how it's more than a romance, really, and not at all sentimental or typical. I can't wait to see the reception it gets - I think there will be big love!"
Here's some things book bloggers and other early readers have been saying:
"...one to watch out for. [Infinite Sky] is the best type of real-life fiction for young adults, full of messy old emotions and small conflicts that sometimes lead to unexpected and devastating consequences. It felt so genuine as I was reading it, and Iris is one of the most believable characters I can remember ever encountering; I almost recognise her. - Sarah Watkins from And Then I Read A Book
"...I chose Infinite Sky by C.J. Flood, mostly because I'd been hearing wonderful things about it already. And oh, it is a beautiful book. It's got a lovely cover, and I really fell in love with the story and the characters. I found myself crying my eyes out, and I do so love such an emotional story that is written incredibly well." - Michelle at Fluttering Butterflies
"Stunning book, inside and out." - Claire Wilson, literary agent at RCW
And finally, my editor, Venetia Gosling, says this:
"Infinite Sky is one of the books I’m most excited about publishing next year. Simply and beautifully written, it’s the heart-breaking story of the summer Iris experiences love and loss for the first time.When Iris’s mum leaves home, her brother, Sam, goes off the rails and her dad is left trying to hold it all together. So when a family of travellers sets up camp illegally in front of their farm, it’s the catalyst for a stand-off that can only end in disaster. But to 13-year-old Iris, it’s all an adventure. She secretly strikes up a friendship with the gypsy boy, Trick, and discovers that home can be something as simple as a carved out circle in a field full of corn…Starting as it ends, with a funeral, Infinite Sky keeps us guessing about the identity of the boy Iris is left mourning – is it her tearaway brother, Sam, or Trick, her tentative new boyfriend? The conclusion is devastating, and will make you cry. A stunning read from a really talented new author - whose writing reminds me of early Meg Rosoff and David Almond - this is a book to fall in love with. I really hope you enjoy it as much as I did."
Release date isn't until February 14th next year, but the book is available for pre-order on Amazon. There's an advanced reader copy giveaway at Good Reads too.
Love for Infinite Sky...
I'm a l i t t l e excited today, as I just got a really lovely blurb from Keith Gray, award-winning writer of Creepers and Ostrich Boys.
He says this about Infinite Sky:
"I think a lot of people are going to be surprised that it's a debut novel from someone in their 20s - most of us writers probably need twice as many years and at least half a dozen books to get that good… So I hope it does brilliantly. I'll definitely be including it in my YA roundup for the Scotsman in the new year. Thanks again for sending it through and introducing me to a fantastic new author."
I also got a nice quote from Simmone Howell, award-winning writer of Notes From The Teenage Underground and Everything Beautiful:
"Infinite Sky is beautiful. It made me cry on the train! I love how the place and the 'natural world' is like a character and how it reads contemporary and classic at the same time. I love the romance - how it's more than a romance, really, and not at all sentimental or typical. I can't wait to see the reception it gets - I think there will be big love!"
Here's some things book bloggers and other early readers have been saying:
"...one to watch out for. [Infinite Sky] is the best type of real-life fiction for young adults, full of messy old emotions and small conflicts that sometimes lead to unexpected and devastating consequences. It felt so genuine as I was reading it, and Iris is one of the most believable characters I can remember ever encountering; I almost recognise her. - Sarah Watkins from And Then I Read A Book
"...I chose Infinite Sky by C.J. Flood, mostly because I'd been hearing wonderful things about it already. And oh, it is a beautiful book. It's got a lovely cover, and I really fell in love with the story and the characters. I found myself crying my eyes out, and I do so love such an emotional story that is written incredibly well." - Michelle at Fluttering Butterflies
"Stunning book, inside and out." - Claire Wilson, literary agent at RCW
And finally, my editor, Venetia Gosling, says this:
"Infinite Sky is one of the books I’m most excited about publishing next year. Simply and beautifully written, it’s the heart-breaking story of the summer Iris experiences love and loss for the first time.When Iris’s mum leaves home, her brother, Sam, goes off the rails and her dad is left trying to hold it all together. So when a family of travellers sets up camp illegally in front of their farm, it’s the catalyst for a stand-off that can only end in disaster. But to 13-year-old Iris, it’s all an adventure. She secretly strikes up a friendship with the gypsy boy, Trick, and discovers that home can be something as simple as a carved out circle in a field full of corn…Starting as it ends, with a funeral, Infinite Sky keeps us guessing about the identity of the boy Iris is left mourning – is it her tearaway brother, Sam, or Trick, her tentative new boyfriend? The conclusion is devastating, and will make you cry. A stunning read from a really talented new author - whose writing reminds me of early Meg Rosoff and David Almond - this is a book to fall in love with. I really hope you enjoy it as much as I did."
Release date isn't until February 14th next year, but the book is available for pre-order on Amazon. There's an advanced reader copy giveaway at Good Reads too.
He says this about Infinite Sky:
"I think a lot of people are going to be surprised that it's a debut novel from someone in their 20s - most of us writers probably need twice as many years and at least half a dozen books to get that good… So I hope it does brilliantly. I'll definitely be including it in my YA roundup for the Scotsman in the new year. Thanks again for sending it through and introducing me to a fantastic new author."
I also got a nice quote from Simmone Howell, award-winning writer of Notes From The Teenage Underground and Everything Beautiful:
"Infinite Sky is beautiful. It made me cry on the train! I love how the place and the 'natural world' is like a character and how it reads contemporary and classic at the same time. I love the romance - how it's more than a romance, really, and not at all sentimental or typical. I can't wait to see the reception it gets - I think there will be big love!"
Here's some things book bloggers and other early readers have been saying:
"...one to watch out for. [Infinite Sky] is the best type of real-life fiction for young adults, full of messy old emotions and small conflicts that sometimes lead to unexpected and devastating consequences. It felt so genuine as I was reading it, and Iris is one of the most believable characters I can remember ever encountering; I almost recognise her. - Sarah Watkins from And Then I Read A Book
"...I chose Infinite Sky by C.J. Flood, mostly because I'd been hearing wonderful things about it already. And oh, it is a beautiful book. It's got a lovely cover, and I really fell in love with the story and the characters. I found myself crying my eyes out, and I do so love such an emotional story that is written incredibly well." - Michelle at Fluttering Butterflies
"Stunning book, inside and out." - Claire Wilson, literary agent at RCW
And finally, my editor, Venetia Gosling, says this:
"Infinite Sky is one of the books I’m most excited about publishing next year. Simply and beautifully written, it’s the heart-breaking story of the summer Iris experiences love and loss for the first time.When Iris’s mum leaves home, her brother, Sam, goes off the rails and her dad is left trying to hold it all together. So when a family of travellers sets up camp illegally in front of their farm, it’s the catalyst for a stand-off that can only end in disaster. But to 13-year-old Iris, it’s all an adventure. She secretly strikes up a friendship with the gypsy boy, Trick, and discovers that home can be something as simple as a carved out circle in a field full of corn…Starting as it ends, with a funeral, Infinite Sky keeps us guessing about the identity of the boy Iris is left mourning – is it her tearaway brother, Sam, or Trick, her tentative new boyfriend? The conclusion is devastating, and will make you cry. A stunning read from a really talented new author - whose writing reminds me of early Meg Rosoff and David Almond - this is a book to fall in love with. I really hope you enjoy it as much as I did."
Release date isn't until February 14th next year, but the book is available for pre-order on Amazon. There's an advanced reader copy giveaway at Good Reads too.
November 16, 2012
Infinite Sky Giveaway on Good Reads...
So, as promised, I am giving away an advanced copy of Infinite Sky on Good Reads.
All you have to do is visit Good Reads - register, if you're not already signed up - and click the Enter to Win button next to my book. That's it. The competition is open for a month.
Also, Michelle, over at Fluttering Butterflies is running a giveaway for a number of lovely-looking books, mine included. All you have to do is comment on her blog. I think the magic words are Pick me! But have a read, and check.
All you have to do is visit Good Reads - register, if you're not already signed up - and click the Enter to Win button next to my book. That's it. The competition is open for a month.
Also, Michelle, over at Fluttering Butterflies is running a giveaway for a number of lovely-looking books, mine included. All you have to do is comment on her blog. I think the magic words are Pick me! But have a read, and check.
November 13, 2012
First ever book signing
Look! Here's me, yesterday, having a day that dreams are made of. I went to Simon and Schuster HQ to talk to my very talented editor about book two, meet the marvellous publicity team, and sign a table full of copies of Infinite Sky destined for key booksellers and journalists. Somehow, in all my years of dreaming, I hadn't thought about how I would sign them, so the first batch of books have my bank signature on.
The wonderful Phil Earle having a tiny sleep.
There is lots of excitement about Infinite Sky in-house, and it was lovely to sign copies for members of the team, even if I was too bedazzled to know what to write (or to recall what I wrote). There was much talk of crying on public transport while reading my book, which is one of my favourite things to hear. Bus, tube or train, I don't mind, so long as the tears are falling.
We made a short video and a podcast about Infinite Sky and how it came to be, and I read a short extract. I will post these things here when they are ready. Also, I was really pleased to find out that the book will be on sale at The Clothes Show next month, so, you know, go there and buy it.
I will be giving away another copy soon, through Good Reads. So if you're not already registered there, sign up, and add it to your Want to Read list in preparation.
Thanks for stopping by!
The wonderful Phil Earle having a tiny sleep.There is lots of excitement about Infinite Sky in-house, and it was lovely to sign copies for members of the team, even if I was too bedazzled to know what to write (or to recall what I wrote). There was much talk of crying on public transport while reading my book, which is one of my favourite things to hear. Bus, tube or train, I don't mind, so long as the tears are falling.
We made a short video and a podcast about Infinite Sky and how it came to be, and I read a short extract. I will post these things here when they are ready. Also, I was really pleased to find out that the book will be on sale at The Clothes Show next month, so, you know, go there and buy it.
I will be giving away another copy soon, through Good Reads. So if you're not already registered there, sign up, and add it to your Want to Read list in preparation.
Thanks for stopping by!
October 10, 2012
Infinite Sky prize draw winner!
The prize draw is here! And the winner is...
...Matt Imrie!
Like 100% of you, he chose the correct answer to the question: What is the title of said book? And so I shall post it out to him on the morrow.
Thanks for all the replies!
...Matt Imrie!
Like 100% of you, he chose the correct answer to the question: What is the title of said book? And so I shall post it out to him on the morrow.
Thanks for all the replies!
September 26, 2012
ARC giveaway!
Hello friends,
I have received some Advanced Reader Copies of my book. In the industry, we call them ARCs. Now you're in the know.
Which do you prefer: the lovely book or the lovely bed sheet? I'm undecided.
I'm giving one away, to an as yet unknown but terribly lucky human being. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is answer this intimidatingly difficult question:
What is Infinite Sky called?
A. The Infinite Possibilities of the Ether
B. Infinite Things to do with a Sky-y Day!
C. Infinite Sky
Leave your answer as a comment below or tweet it to me (@cjflood_author) and in a couple of weeks I will select a winner using entirely automated means. (Names on bits of paper in a sock.)
(N.b. So I can actually contact you, it is best if you follow my blog. That way I can send you a message to let you know if you are the winner, and get your address, etc. Alternatively, you can leave a contact detail - but you probably won't want to do that - or check back here in two weeks and we'll work something out.)
I have received some Advanced Reader Copies of my book. In the industry, we call them ARCs. Now you're in the know.
Which do you prefer: the lovely book or the lovely bed sheet? I'm undecided.I'm giving one away, to an as yet unknown but terribly lucky human being. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is answer this intimidatingly difficult question:
What is Infinite Sky called?
A. The Infinite Possibilities of the Ether
B. Infinite Things to do with a Sky-y Day!
C. Infinite Sky
Leave your answer as a comment below or tweet it to me (@cjflood_author) and in a couple of weeks I will select a winner using entirely automated means. (Names on bits of paper in a sock.)
(N.b. So I can actually contact you, it is best if you follow my blog. That way I can send you a message to let you know if you are the winner, and get your address, etc. Alternatively, you can leave a contact detail - but you probably won't want to do that - or check back here in two weeks and we'll work something out.)
August 14, 2012
The cover for INFINITE SKY...
I'm really happy to show you the cover for Infinite Sky, six months before it arrives in book shops. Release date is 14th February 2013.
Blurb from the Simon and Schuster website:
"A truly beautiful book about the summer that changed one girl's life. As her mum leaves home, Travellers set up camp in the family's field, her older brother goes off the rails and she falls in love for the very first time. Opening with a funeral, Iris is mourning the boy in the casket - but who is it? Sam, her tearaway brother, or Trick, her tentative boyfriend? Over one long hot summer, we find out just how their three lives were turned upside-down."
Thanks to Frances Castle (illustrator) and Nick Stearn (designer) for all their hard work, as well as to everyone at Simon and Schuster who was involved. I think it is beautiful.
What do you think? Would you pick up this book?
Blurb from the Simon and Schuster website:
"A truly beautiful book about the summer that changed one girl's life. As her mum leaves home, Travellers set up camp in the family's field, her older brother goes off the rails and she falls in love for the very first time. Opening with a funeral, Iris is mourning the boy in the casket - but who is it? Sam, her tearaway brother, or Trick, her tentative boyfriend? Over one long hot summer, we find out just how their three lives were turned upside-down."
Thanks to Frances Castle (illustrator) and Nick Stearn (designer) for all their hard work, as well as to everyone at Simon and Schuster who was involved. I think it is beautiful.
What do you think? Would you pick up this book?
