Sarah Fine's Blog, page 5
October 19, 2012
SANCTUM blog tour: The Power of Friendship
Today's stop on the SANCTUM blog tour is Good Choice Reading, where I post a few thoughts on the power of friendship. There's also a giveaway there, and all you have to do to enter is leave a comment.
This has been such a fantastic week, guys. One of the many highlights was THIS, but truly, there have been many others. I never take people's generosity or support for granted, so I've been pretty overwhelmed by the enthusiasm for my little book.
Have a great weekend, everyone! The blog tour has a few fun stops next week, and then we're done!
This has been such a fantastic week, guys. One of the many highlights was THIS, but truly, there have been many others. I never take people's generosity or support for granted, so I've been pretty overwhelmed by the enthusiasm for my little book.
Have a great weekend, everyone! The blog tour has a few fun stops next week, and then we're done!
October 18, 2012
SANCTUM blog tour: The Fighting
Today is a very special stop on the blog tour! Heidi at Rainy Day Ramblings asked me to talk about the specific brand of martial arts Malachi and Lela use in the book. Sanctum is full of action of all types, and I reveal a previously unknown bit of information about Malachi and how he learned to fight the way he does.
On top of that, Heidi, who is a very tough reviewer, tells us what she thinks of Sanctum--and gives you another chance to win a copy. What I particularly love about her review is that she lists quotes from the book that stood out to her, and it's a neat list! If you get a chance, I hope you'll check it out.
On top of that, Heidi, who is a very tough reviewer, tells us what she thinks of Sanctum--and gives you another chance to win a copy. What I particularly love about her review is that she lists quotes from the book that stood out to her, and it's a neat list! If you get a chance, I hope you'll check it out.
October 17, 2012
SANCTUM blog tour: Creating characters that don't insult readers' intelligence
Yesterday was Sanctum's pub day, and man, you guys are so awesome. I spent the day floating. Also, eating sweets. But mostly floating. I got so many notes and Tweets from people who have known me these past two years--it meant so much to me. So thank you all!
Today for the blog tour, I'm in two places (sort of).
First: At Heroes and Heartbreakers, I talk about how writers create plausible heroines in action-driven YA.
And second, please go read Lili's review of SANCTUM at Tynga's reviews. Lili's review means a lot to me because she's a bona fide member of my target audience. All my trade reviews and at least half of my Goodreads reviews come from adults, which is awesome, but whenever a teenager reads my book and shares her thoughts, whatever they are, I sit up and take special notice. Particularly because I happen to know Lili writes sharp and thorough reviews ... so please check it out!
Today for the blog tour, I'm in two places (sort of).
First: At Heroes and Heartbreakers, I talk about how writers create plausible heroines in action-driven YA.
And second, please go read Lili's review of SANCTUM at Tynga's reviews. Lili's review means a lot to me because she's a bona fide member of my target audience. All my trade reviews and at least half of my Goodreads reviews come from adults, which is awesome, but whenever a teenager reads my book and shares her thoughts, whatever they are, I sit up and take special notice. Particularly because I happen to know Lili writes sharp and thorough reviews ... so please check it out!
October 16, 2012
IT'S ALIVE!! Sanctum is loose in the world.
Well, hello there.
I need to tell you something.
My book is out. Like, you can buy it. Right. Now.
It's time to share my Lela-girl with the world. Oh, and Malachi, too.
This whole thing is surreal for me, and definitely a little bit scary, but I have to say, my overriding emotion right now is: GRATITUDE.
Yesterday I spent a lot of time with my publishers (Margery Cuyler and Tim Ditlow), publicist (Deborah Bass), and editor (Courtney Miller)--apart from my fantastic agent, Kathleen Ortiz, they are the people who have championed this book and who have made it possible for all this to happen. I don't have words for what their support--and their faith in this story--has meant to me.
So many people in the writerly/bloggerly community have helped me, made me better, supported me, cheered me on, cheered me up ... I can't even begin to name everyone. But to each of you, and especially those of you who read and comment regularly, please know I am and forever will be grateful to you for being part of my life and this publishing journey. I wouldn't be here without you.
Now, I'd like to answer a few questions I've gotten lately:
Where can I find SANCTUM?
Sanctum is published by Marshall Cavendish/Amazon Children's Publishing, so you can most definitely find it at Amazon.com, where the hardcover is currently $8.68 and the e-book is $3.99. The audiobook is about $10 and you can find it there as well. I only mention the prices because I think they are pretty sweet.
How about Barnes & Noble? Can I get it there?
You can find the hardcover and audiobook at Barnes & Noble online (they've matched the Amazon price), but not in their physical stores, because it is currently B&N's policy not to carry Amazon Publishing books. If you're wondering what I think about this, I'll tell you: It is the right of any bookstore to stock what books they like, and it's never guaranteed they'll stock any particular book. I understood this when I chose Amazon Children's Publishing as my publisher. So although I'd love for every bookstore in the entire world to stock SANCTUM, I don't expect it, and I'm grateful to any store that decides to do so.
Can I get SANCTUM for my Nook?
At this time, Sanctum is a Kindle exclusive, which means that if you have a Kindle, you're golden. If you have any device with the Kindle app, actually, you're golden. If you have a Nook or Nook tablet ... what? Hey, don't look at me. I'm just blogging here.
Can I get it at my local indie bookstore?
Maybe (in person) and definitely (online). As I said above, every bookstore chooses what to stock, and some will decide not to stock Sanctum, while some might. If you have a favorite local bookstore, go take a look, and maybe ask if they're going to put it on their shelves (and if they do, by all means, reward them for it!). You can also purchase Sanctum online from your local indie bookstore at IndieBound.org.
And that's about it. Once again, thanks for hanging around. I adore every single one of you.
I need to tell you something.
My book is out. Like, you can buy it. Right. Now.
It's time to share my Lela-girl with the world. Oh, and Malachi, too. This whole thing is surreal for me, and definitely a little bit scary, but I have to say, my overriding emotion right now is: GRATITUDE.
Yesterday I spent a lot of time with my publishers (Margery Cuyler and Tim Ditlow), publicist (Deborah Bass), and editor (Courtney Miller)--apart from my fantastic agent, Kathleen Ortiz, they are the people who have championed this book and who have made it possible for all this to happen. I don't have words for what their support--and their faith in this story--has meant to me.
So many people in the writerly/bloggerly community have helped me, made me better, supported me, cheered me on, cheered me up ... I can't even begin to name everyone. But to each of you, and especially those of you who read and comment regularly, please know I am and forever will be grateful to you for being part of my life and this publishing journey. I wouldn't be here without you.
Now, I'd like to answer a few questions I've gotten lately:
Where can I find SANCTUM?
Sanctum is published by Marshall Cavendish/Amazon Children's Publishing, so you can most definitely find it at Amazon.com, where the hardcover is currently $8.68 and the e-book is $3.99. The audiobook is about $10 and you can find it there as well. I only mention the prices because I think they are pretty sweet.
How about Barnes & Noble? Can I get it there?
You can find the hardcover and audiobook at Barnes & Noble online (they've matched the Amazon price), but not in their physical stores, because it is currently B&N's policy not to carry Amazon Publishing books. If you're wondering what I think about this, I'll tell you: It is the right of any bookstore to stock what books they like, and it's never guaranteed they'll stock any particular book. I understood this when I chose Amazon Children's Publishing as my publisher. So although I'd love for every bookstore in the entire world to stock SANCTUM, I don't expect it, and I'm grateful to any store that decides to do so.
Can I get SANCTUM for my Nook?
At this time, Sanctum is a Kindle exclusive, which means that if you have a Kindle, you're golden. If you have any device with the Kindle app, actually, you're golden. If you have a Nook or Nook tablet ... what? Hey, don't look at me. I'm just blogging here.
Can I get it at my local indie bookstore?
Maybe (in person) and definitely (online). As I said above, every bookstore chooses what to stock, and some will decide not to stock Sanctum, while some might. If you have a favorite local bookstore, go take a look, and maybe ask if they're going to put it on their shelves (and if they do, by all means, reward them for it!). You can also purchase Sanctum online from your local indie bookstore at IndieBound.org.
And that's about it. Once again, thanks for hanging around. I adore every single one of you.
October 15, 2012
SANCTUM blog tour resumes! YA and psychology at Book Brats.
Today in the real world, I'm in New York, meeting with the awesome folks at Amazon Children's Publishing and celebrating tomorrow ... when SANCTUM is unleashed. I'll also be having coffee with another of my fabulous editors--meeting her for the first time in person! Because I am that lucky.
Today in the blog world, I'm at Book-Brats.com. They asked me to write a bit about psychology and YA, which was a great opportunity to talk a little about why YA is my favorite thing ever. If you do head over there, there's another chance to win a hardcover copy of Sanctum.
Also: I blogged this weekend about bullying and cyberharassment, in light of recent events, and about creating a culture of compassion within our world of bookery. Just wanted to mention that.
One more day. Less than 24 hours. You can't see me right now, but I'm probably shaking. Or prancing around NYC with my agent (her words, not mine).
Today in the blog world, I'm at Book-Brats.com. They asked me to write a bit about psychology and YA, which was a great opportunity to talk a little about why YA is my favorite thing ever. If you do head over there, there's another chance to win a hardcover copy of Sanctum.
Also: I blogged this weekend about bullying and cyberharassment, in light of recent events, and about creating a culture of compassion within our world of bookery. Just wanted to mention that.
One more day. Less than 24 hours. You can't see me right now, but I'm probably shaking. Or prancing around NYC with my agent (her words, not mine).
October 13, 2012
A Culture of Compassion
This weekend I have a little break in the Sanctum blog tour, and I want to shift back into my usual blogging habits to post on something a lot of folks are talking about, and with very good reason.
Bullying and harassment.
In this post, I'm speaking specifically about this phenomenon within our writing, reading, reviewing, publishing, blogging, book-celebrating community (because the topic in general is massively broad and can't be addressed in a single post!)
October is Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. It's a chance for all of us to sit down and ponder this phenomenon. It's not new, and no one's arguing that it is. However, the reach and impact of bullying and harassment has clearly been intensified by technology, like so many other aspects of our lives. We're connected to each other 24/7, and we can speak to people who are thousands of miles away as easily as we speak to our neighbors, classmates, colleagues, and family. That brings a lot more people into our worlds, but in a very particular way: none of us have to look each other in the eye.
First, a definition. Bullying is not a synonym for criticism. It's just not. Bullying is an abusive, coercive behavior with the intention to intimidate or control its target. This is a repetitive behavior, not a one-time occurrence. Often there is a power imbalance. When this is happening online and between adults, it's called "cyberharassment" or "cyberstalking". In technical parlance, "cyberbullying" is a term reserved for when the victim is a minor.
There have been many research studies on what makes for effective bullying prevention. You know what I've noticed? One factor seems to be a key determinant in stamping out bullying or harassment within a system, be it a school, a workplace, or any other venue: CULTURE.
If the culture or climate of a place tolerates bullying/harassment or reinforces it, whether through active participation or silent complicity, cruelty will thrive.
In light of that, I have a few suggestions to help promote a culture of compassion while preserving our discourse. And I'm going to assume I'm talking to people who are not actively engaging in bullying or harassment. I also want to specify that I'm speaking not as someone who is above this fray, but as a member of this community. Everything I say below is something I'm working on doing, not something I've got down pat.
BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE. Obviously, those aren't my words (they're Ghandi's). But I had to open with that because it's so powerful: We can't stamp out bullying if we don't carefully guard our hearts, mouths, and typing fingers from spewing hatred. And if we start to do this, we can step back from it--we can change our behavior. We can speak to each other with civility and respect while still disagreeing. It's not always easy, especially online where the emotional consequences of our actions are largely invisible to us. This means we also need to support each other to keep things cool. If we fire each other up in hatred, we're not helping--we're hurting. One truly awesome example of someone who uses her power for good is Maureen Johnson. I've become a huge fan of hers as I've watched her deal with people online with constant respect and measured civility, even when she vehemently disagrees with them. It's lovely to watch. It can't always be easy for her, but her online persona is an example of how to extend grace to others while being strong and assertive.
DON'T GO THERE. In the online world, it's clear that pageviews often reinforce bullying/harassing behavior (I've seen harassers say this themselves). The person who is harassing sees how much traffic s/he's getting and takes it as a sign that people are enjoying watching the spectacle. Refusing to give someone an audience, as hard as it is (because outlandish, incendiary stuff is sometimes morbidly entertaining to read, right? I admit my own guilt in this--I might read something and shake my head, but I'm still providing an audience, and I've been trying to stop that recently). Let's help each other resist providing a constant source of attention directly to the behavior we'd like to see go extinct.
SUFFOCATE THE FIRE. Let's not speak directly to online bullies/harassers. Truly. If you engage the harasser in a flame war, you're not helping. That kind of intense connection often fuels bad behavior and sometimes costs well-intentioned people the moral high ground. We can't fight hate with hate. If you feel yourself getting riled up and wanting to rage, STEP AWAY FROM THE KEYBOARD for at least several minutes. I'm not saying "stay silent." I'm just suggesting we direct our energy elsewhere, in a constructive way that will reduce harassment rather than intensifying it.
REACH OUT. If we witness someone being harassed and intimidated, let's reach out. THAT'S where we can put our energy. Especially to those who are vulnerable and not necessarily shiny, not popular, not established. Let's let them know they are worthy of time and compassion. Let them know they matter. Let them know they are deserving of peace. We shouldn't be shy about telling others that we're happy to be sharing the world with them and that their voices can be heard. In fact, let's not wait until someone gets bullied to do this. Let's get in the habit of doing it now.
SPEAK OUT. If we do see bullying or harassing behavior, let's label it and say that it's unacceptable. Alert authorities if applicable (website administrators, law enforcement under certain circumstances, advocacy groups). And if you are being bullied or harassed, do say so! A powerful example of this is Cassandra Clare's recent post about what she's gone through lately. She explains in detail what's happened to her--but makes it clear that talking directly to these harassers is not the thing to do. She differentiates between criticism of her books (which is not bullying or harassment) and what the people who are cyberharassing/cyberstalking her have done (whipping up outrage against her using false rumors and accusations, revealing personal details about how to find her, and a few other nasty things). She refuses to remain silent, but she channels all her energy into directing people to respond appropriately.
What say you? Shall we follow her example? Shall we openly and explicitly commit to a culture of compassion? Shall we support each other in civility and empathy (including forgiving the occasional slip up when it is accompanied by a commitment to re-engage in a kinder, more appropriate manner)? Shall we reach out to those who are vulnerable, and model treating every member of this community as worthy to share it with us?
So many of you can say this better than I can, and so many of you already do this more than I do. And so I will also say this: thank you for being good examples, and for being brave and speaking out. I am grateful. You inspire me to be better.
Bullying and harassment.
In this post, I'm speaking specifically about this phenomenon within our writing, reading, reviewing, publishing, blogging, book-celebrating community (because the topic in general is massively broad and can't be addressed in a single post!)
October is Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. It's a chance for all of us to sit down and ponder this phenomenon. It's not new, and no one's arguing that it is. However, the reach and impact of bullying and harassment has clearly been intensified by technology, like so many other aspects of our lives. We're connected to each other 24/7, and we can speak to people who are thousands of miles away as easily as we speak to our neighbors, classmates, colleagues, and family. That brings a lot more people into our worlds, but in a very particular way: none of us have to look each other in the eye.
First, a definition. Bullying is not a synonym for criticism. It's just not. Bullying is an abusive, coercive behavior with the intention to intimidate or control its target. This is a repetitive behavior, not a one-time occurrence. Often there is a power imbalance. When this is happening online and between adults, it's called "cyberharassment" or "cyberstalking". In technical parlance, "cyberbullying" is a term reserved for when the victim is a minor.
There have been many research studies on what makes for effective bullying prevention. You know what I've noticed? One factor seems to be a key determinant in stamping out bullying or harassment within a system, be it a school, a workplace, or any other venue: CULTURE.
If the culture or climate of a place tolerates bullying/harassment or reinforces it, whether through active participation or silent complicity, cruelty will thrive.
In light of that, I have a few suggestions to help promote a culture of compassion while preserving our discourse. And I'm going to assume I'm talking to people who are not actively engaging in bullying or harassment. I also want to specify that I'm speaking not as someone who is above this fray, but as a member of this community. Everything I say below is something I'm working on doing, not something I've got down pat.
BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE. Obviously, those aren't my words (they're Ghandi's). But I had to open with that because it's so powerful: We can't stamp out bullying if we don't carefully guard our hearts, mouths, and typing fingers from spewing hatred. And if we start to do this, we can step back from it--we can change our behavior. We can speak to each other with civility and respect while still disagreeing. It's not always easy, especially online where the emotional consequences of our actions are largely invisible to us. This means we also need to support each other to keep things cool. If we fire each other up in hatred, we're not helping--we're hurting. One truly awesome example of someone who uses her power for good is Maureen Johnson. I've become a huge fan of hers as I've watched her deal with people online with constant respect and measured civility, even when she vehemently disagrees with them. It's lovely to watch. It can't always be easy for her, but her online persona is an example of how to extend grace to others while being strong and assertive.
DON'T GO THERE. In the online world, it's clear that pageviews often reinforce bullying/harassing behavior (I've seen harassers say this themselves). The person who is harassing sees how much traffic s/he's getting and takes it as a sign that people are enjoying watching the spectacle. Refusing to give someone an audience, as hard as it is (because outlandish, incendiary stuff is sometimes morbidly entertaining to read, right? I admit my own guilt in this--I might read something and shake my head, but I'm still providing an audience, and I've been trying to stop that recently). Let's help each other resist providing a constant source of attention directly to the behavior we'd like to see go extinct.
SUFFOCATE THE FIRE. Let's not speak directly to online bullies/harassers. Truly. If you engage the harasser in a flame war, you're not helping. That kind of intense connection often fuels bad behavior and sometimes costs well-intentioned people the moral high ground. We can't fight hate with hate. If you feel yourself getting riled up and wanting to rage, STEP AWAY FROM THE KEYBOARD for at least several minutes. I'm not saying "stay silent." I'm just suggesting we direct our energy elsewhere, in a constructive way that will reduce harassment rather than intensifying it.
REACH OUT. If we witness someone being harassed and intimidated, let's reach out. THAT'S where we can put our energy. Especially to those who are vulnerable and not necessarily shiny, not popular, not established. Let's let them know they are worthy of time and compassion. Let them know they matter. Let them know they are deserving of peace. We shouldn't be shy about telling others that we're happy to be sharing the world with them and that their voices can be heard. In fact, let's not wait until someone gets bullied to do this. Let's get in the habit of doing it now.
SPEAK OUT. If we do see bullying or harassing behavior, let's label it and say that it's unacceptable. Alert authorities if applicable (website administrators, law enforcement under certain circumstances, advocacy groups). And if you are being bullied or harassed, do say so! A powerful example of this is Cassandra Clare's recent post about what she's gone through lately. She explains in detail what's happened to her--but makes it clear that talking directly to these harassers is not the thing to do. She differentiates between criticism of her books (which is not bullying or harassment) and what the people who are cyberharassing/cyberstalking her have done (whipping up outrage against her using false rumors and accusations, revealing personal details about how to find her, and a few other nasty things). She refuses to remain silent, but she channels all her energy into directing people to respond appropriately.
What say you? Shall we follow her example? Shall we openly and explicitly commit to a culture of compassion? Shall we support each other in civility and empathy (including forgiving the occasional slip up when it is accompanied by a commitment to re-engage in a kinder, more appropriate manner)? Shall we reach out to those who are vulnerable, and model treating every member of this community as worthy to share it with us?
So many of you can say this better than I can, and so many of you already do this more than I do. And so I will also say this: thank you for being good examples, and for being brave and speaking out. I am grateful. You inspire me to be better.
October 12, 2012
SANCTUM blog tour: My Writing and Editing Process
Helloooo ... this is the last blog tour stop for this week, and on Monday we'll start up again! Today I'm at the Compulsive Reader blog, talking about my writing and editing process. Please go over and maybe share your own? And if you do, please sign up for the giveaway there.
Also, there are active giveaways going on here (Laura's Review Bookshelf--lots of chances to get multiple entries) and here (Reading Teen--all you have to do is tweet and you're done!). These are for finished copies of the book, which, if I may say, is pretty.
Thanks for being so supportive, guys. It's very strange to be promoting the book like this, but I've sincerely appreciated your patience with it, and your well wishes.
Until next week ...
Also, there are active giveaways going on here (Laura's Review Bookshelf--lots of chances to get multiple entries) and here (Reading Teen--all you have to do is tweet and you're done!). These are for finished copies of the book, which, if I may say, is pretty.
Thanks for being so supportive, guys. It's very strange to be promoting the book like this, but I've sincerely appreciated your patience with it, and your well wishes.
Until next week ...
October 11, 2012
SANCTUM blog tour: Two stops today!
Hey folks, here are some links for the stops on the blog tour for today:
First, Amy over at Reading Teen reviewed the book! If this review had lips, I'd kiss it. Also, there's a giveaway here--for a finished copy of the book. Complete with map and the 1st chapter of book 2.
Next! I'm at SF Signal talking about the mythical origins of the Guards within the dark city. The inhuman ones, at least. The human ones are a whole different story ... that you'd have to read in the book.
*glances over at countdown widget*
*swallows hard*
First, Amy over at Reading Teen reviewed the book! If this review had lips, I'd kiss it. Also, there's a giveaway here--for a finished copy of the book. Complete with map and the 1st chapter of book 2.
Next! I'm at SF Signal talking about the mythical origins of the Guards within the dark city. The inhuman ones, at least. The human ones are a whole different story ... that you'd have to read in the book.
*glances over at countdown widget*
*swallows hard*
October 10, 2012
SANCTUM blog tour: Laura's Review Bookshelf
Another stop on SANCTUM's blog tour: I'm at Laura's Review Bookshelf, talking about the authors who influenced me growing up (and a few of my favorites now). If you get a chance to go over there, you'll have a chance to enter a giveaway to get a copy of SANCTUM!
SANCTUM Blog Tour: Manga Maniac Cafe
Hey everyone: I'm talking with Julie at Manga Maniac Cafe today, sharing Malachi's theme song(s) and Lela's most prized possession, among other things. Stop by if you get a chance!
