Nancy J. Cavanaugh's Blog, page 5
March 5, 2013
GONE FISHING by Tamera Will Wissinger – Happy Book Birthday to YOU!
One of the best parts of being an author is getting to meet other authors. Tamera Wissinger and I belong to a group called the Lucky 13s – a group of writers all celebrating their debut books in 2013. Our group is made up of picture book, middle grade, and YA authors. Thanks to some hard work and organization by Tamera, the MG authors in the Lucky 13s have banded together in an effort to help one another promote our specifically MG books. This blog post is meant to accomplish two things: One, to let readers know about Tamera’s terrific new middle grade novel GONE FISHING which is celebrating its publication day today. Two, to let Tamera know how much I appreciate all she’s done to rally the Lucky 13s MG authors into a productive, inspiring group.
So Happy Book Birthday to YOU, Tamera, and best wishes on your wonderful debut!
Happy Reading,
February 14, 2013
Ten Things I LOVE About Being a Debut Author
As I await April 2, 2013, the publication date of THIS JOURNAL BELONGS TO RATCHET, I am reflecting a little on why I love being an author, so in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, my post today will be ten things I LOVE about being a debut author:
1. I get to make things up because that’s what fiction writers get to do. It doesn’t have to be true. It doesn’t have to be something that really happened. It doesn’t even have to be something that could really happen. As long as I can dream it up in my imagination, I can write it. That’s fun!
2. I get lots of chances. Much of writing is about revising, so I know I don’t have to get it right the first time. I like that because it means I can try a lot of different things, and I don’t have to worry if I end up getting rid of many of the ideas which seemed so good when I first wrote them down. Those ideas I get rid of lead me to the ideas that are even better, and I end up loving my story so much more when the revisions are finished.
3. I get to work with the extraordinary Holly Root of Waxman Leavell Literary Agency. I love that because not only is she a wonderful person, but she works so hard to get my books into the hands of the right people. She’s encouraging, positive, and always kind.
4. I get to work with the unbelievably talented editor, Aubrey Poole, who was so instrumental in turning my debut novel THIS JOURNAL BELONGS TO RATCHET into such an awesome book. Being an author with an editor like Aubrey, is really a dream come true. She is supportive, encouraging, and extremely insightful. It was such a pleasure to work with her on RATCHET.
5. I get to work with the wonderful publisher Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky. The whole Sourcebooks team took my little book and elevated it to a level I never thought possible. The cover art and internal illustrations and design have really put me over the moon.
6. I get to see my book for sale on Amazon, B&N, BAM, and Indie Bookstores. Who wouldn’t love that?
7. I get to pass out bookmarks with my book cover art on them. (When I pass them out, it feels a little like I’m running for office.) 
8. I get to tell people I’m an author without having to explain that I don’t have a book published . . . yet.
9. I get to plan a book launch party at my local Barnes & Noble and invite every single person I know.
10. I get to hold my advanced reader copy in my hand after so many years of aspiring to become a published author.
Happy Reading & Writing!
February 10, 2013
Good Things Come to the Lucky 13s
You may or may not know that I’m part of a fantastic lucky group called the Lucky 13s. We are a group of Debut Children’s and YA authors who have banded together to help each other navigate the wonderful world of book publication.
I’d like to share a blog post by one of my fellow members, Pat Zieltow Miller, whose cover of SOPHIE’S SQUASH was just revealed. Check out the cover of her debut picture book http://patzietlowmiller.com/. I love it, Pat, and can’t wait to read!
I’d also like to share a new MG title, BETTER NATE THAN EVER, by another one of our members, Tim Federle. Already Tim’s book is receiving great reviews and being highlighted on Amazon.com. Way to go, Tim!
Lastly, I’ll share a little bit of good news about my own MG novel, THIS JOURNAL BELONG TO RATCHET coming in April. It was mentioned this week in a blog about verse novels.
Throughout the year, I’ll continue to share the fun good news we lucky authors are receiving as we enjoy the lucky year of 2013!
Happy Reading!
February 4, 2013
ARC Reader Reviews – THIS JOURNAL BELONGS TO RATCHET
Today I’d like to share reviews by three more ARC reviewers who have already read THIS JOURNAL BELONGS TO RATCHET. Here’s what they have to say about it:
A beautiful story about a little girl who bravely goes looking for the things she needs, and in the process, finds everything she ever wanted.
Jennifer Mann
Author of Sunny Sweet Is So Not Sorry
Coming October 2013 from Bloomsbury
With her grippingly honest poetry, free writing, and life event journals, Ratchet wrote her way right into my heart!
Madeleine Kuderick
http://madeleinekuderick.com/about-me
What a unique format Nancy Cavanaugh has chosen for This Journal Belongs to Ratchet! I loved that Ratchet (Rachel) was homeschooled. The assignments through her language arts journal give the book a distinctive look and a fresh approach. Reading the poetry, journal entries and other assignments offers an opportunity to delve into Ratchet’s most innermost thoughts. It also makes reading the book fun!
Ratchet’s relationship with her dad and her longing to know more about her mother brought me through a host of emotions. I laughed, teared-up, and cheered for them both. The story touched an emotional chord with me. I know it will with so many other readers.
This Journal Belongs to Ratchet is a book that girls and boys will both enjoy reading. It’s a charming story on family relationships. Plus the authenticity of Ratchet’s mechanical ability adds another layer to the book and the character.
This Journal Belongs to Ratchet has a wonderful main character who discovers through her own ingenuity and persistence that her life and her dad really aren’t that bad. The characters come to life on the page. I believe whoever reads the book will find the characters and the story endearing and unforgettable.
Theodora Aggeles
Thanks Jen, Madeleine, and Teddie for sharing your thoughts about my debut!
Happy Reading!
January 28, 2013
Middle Grade Greats You May Have Missed
Who doesn’t love the underdog? Two of my favorite middle grade novels make heroes out of a some very unlikely characters. THE QWICKPICK ADVENTURE SOCIETY by Sam Riddleburger is one of them. It’s the story of Lyle, Marilla, and Dave planning and taking a trip to the “poop fountain.” Yes, you read correctly – the “poop fountain.” When these three somewhat misfit characters find out that their nearby sanitation site will be closing for good, they decide they can’t let that happen without getting a look at it up close and personal. What follows is a fun, kid-type adventure which made me smile and finally laugh. You’ll find yourself rooting for these three friends as they encounter a little more poop than they imagined.
My second book about underdogs is The P.S. Brothers by Maribeth Boelts, and surprisingly enough it also has to do with poop. In this book, underdogs Russell and Shawn want a puppy more than anything else, and when they find themselves with a pooper scooper, they realize that picking up dog poop might be the perfect way for them to earn enough money to buy the puppy they really want. What they discover is that earning money picking up poop is a lot harder than they thought it would be, but the real problem comes when they find out the owner of the puppy they plan to buy is running a dog-fighting ring. They are forced to decide between doing what is right and getting the puppy they have worked so hard to buy. You’ll find yourself crossing your fingers for Russell and Shawn hoping that things work out for them.
I’d love to hear about underdog books you have enjoyed! I’d love for you to leave me a comment and tell me about them.
To leave a comment,
click on the blog post title Middle Grade Greats You May Have Missed in the right hand sidebar to open the post again with a place for your comments.
Happy Reading,
January 24, 2013
Reading Rockets: A Great Resource for Teachers, Parents, & Librarians
Since beginning my blog, two of my posts have been dedicated to the read aloud, and one of my favorite websites has a great post about the same topic. Check out http://www.readingrockets.org/article/43226/. You’ll find even more reason to make read alouds an important part of any child’s reading world.
Happy Reading,
January 21, 2013
The Importance of the Read Aloud – Part 2 – Just for Parents
In an earlier post I encouraged classroom teachers to continue the practice of reading aloud to their students, something that sometimes gets pushed aside due to the amount of material teachers are expected to cover with their students. The read aloud in the classroom is important because I believe it inspires students to become readers by showing them how enjoyable a story can be.
This post, on the other hand, is for parents. How many of us, me included sometimes, stop reading to our children once they know how to read on their own? Our children work to fulfill their school reading logs reading lots of wonderful books by themselves, but in our crunch for time, we often forget we should still be reading to them.
A few of my favorites
Reading aloud to your children is important for so many reasons.
It’s a great way to model good oral expression while reading.
It’s a fantastic way for your child to enjoy a book that is above his/her reading level.
It’s an opportunity to have discussions about a variety of topics in a non-threatening context.
It’s a super way for you to show your child your own love of reading.
It’s a wonderful way to spend quality time with your child each day.
As for how long you should continue reading to your children, I say forever. Who doesn’t love to be read to? One of my favorite parts when attending writing conferences and book festivals is listening to authors read their own work. There’s just something so special about someone reading to you, and just think, you are able to give something that special to your own children every day.
Happy Reading,
Nancy
January 18, 2013
ARC Reader Reviews – THIS JOURNAL BELONGS TO RATCHET
In preparation for a new book’s publication date, a publisher prints advanced reader copies (ARCs). A limited number of these ARCs are printed and then distributed for promotional purposes.
Authors are given several copies. After ripping open the padded envelope mine came in and drooling over them for a while, I have sent a few of mine out into the world. I’ve asked my preview readers to share their thoughts about THIS JOURNAL BELONGS TO RATCHET and then pass the ARC along to another preview reader.
The happy day my ARCs arrived!
I will be posting their reviews periodically on my blog, so stay tuned to hear what people are saying about THIS JOURNAL BELONGS TO RATCHET.
Many thanks to the people who have agreed to be some of my very first readers and take the time to share their thoughts.
READER REVIEWS
In her first book, Ms. Cavanaugh gives us the gift of Ratchet, a lonely homeschooled adolescent. Ms. Cavanaugh’s unique use of prose and poetry as entries in Rachet’s journal guide us through her mind and her heart. A delightful modern story. It is touching, funny, sad and happy. A must read for tween girls.
Joy Herrera
Tarpon Springs Public Library, Children’s Librarian
********
As an author and a writing teacher, I have a habit of immediately thinking of students who would love a book. I’ve made a long list of students who would love Nancy Cavanaugh’s THIS JOURNAL BELONGS TO RATCHET. The book’s easy-to-read format and variety of writing styles (poetry, essays, journal entries, and so on) will appeal to a host of readers; Ratchet, the book’s main character, is relatable and appropriately angst-ridden—a perfect heroine for many girls I know; the quest for personal identity and acceptance is universal, while unique; the save-the-park subplot will appeal to another group of kids; and the story of a home-schooled middle schooler will hit the right notes with others. THIS JOURNAL BELONGS TO RATCHET truly has something for everyone, and the good news is that its sum is even greater than its parts!
Rob Sanders
Cowboy Christmas
Fall 2012 from Golden Books/Random House
Ruby Rose On Her Toes
Summer 2014 from HarperCollins
Web site: www.robsanderswrites.com
Blog: www.robsanderswrites.blogspot.com
Thank you to Rob and Joy for being my very first preview readers!
Happy Reading,
Nancy
January 16, 2013
The Next Big Thing
Did you ever get a chain letter and groan? I don’t want to do this! Well, fellow debut author, Melanie Crowder (PARCHED due out June 2013), sent me a chain letter of sorts called the Next Big Thing; but I didn’t groan. I cheered! The Next Big Thing is a chance for me to connect with more readers.
Last week, Melanie wrote a blog post and tagged me at the bottom of her post. Today I’ll write a post and tag another author in hopes of keeping the chain going. The Next Big Thing gives authors a chance to answer a few questions about themselves and their writing. It also gives readers a chance to find out about some really great new books.
So here we go:
What is the title of your debut novel?
THIS JOURNAL BELONG TO RATCHET
Give a short synopsis of the story.
It is the story of one eleven-year-old’s quest to make a friend, save a park, and find her own definition of normal. Ratchet tells her story through the assignments in her homeschool language arts journal.
What did you love most about writing this book?
Because Ratchet tells her story through her assignments, the book is written in a unique format. I loved figuring out how to tell an entire story this way. It felt very creative, and it gave me the opportunity to write in many different forms.
How many drafts of the book did you write before it was ready for print?
Too many to count. I revised it many times before my agent read it. I revised it again before my publisher even made an offer, and then with the help of my editor, I revised it several more times. For me the revision process it super satisfying because there’s nothing like watching your story get better and better.
Here I am with just some of my many drafts.
Describe your experience working with your agent.
My agent is Holly Root of Waxman Leavell Literary Agency, and I have nothing but wonderful things to say about her. She is encouraging, helpful, and extremely talented at what she does. Having Holly in my corner has made all the difference in the world.
Describe your experience working with your editor.
My editor is Aubrey Poole of Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky, and I really can’t imagine having a more wonderful and talented person to champion my book. She has done amazing things with RATCHET, and the book has become something so much more than I ever imagined it could be.
What is next for you as a writer?
In the immediate future, I will be promoting THIS JOURNAL BELONGS TO RATCHET. I hope to visit schools, not only talk about my book, but also to teach students about the writing process. I have several other middle grade works-in-progress waiting in the wings, so I will work toward getting those into the hands of readers.
Now in hopes of keeping this chain letter going, I am tagging debut author Shannon Hitchcock http://shannonhitchcockwriter.blogspot.com. Her book THE BALLAD OF JESSIE PEARL is due out February 2013.
Look for her post in the Next Big Thing interview series next week!
Happy Reading,
Nancy
January 13, 2013
2013 – MY LUCKY DEBUT YEAR – THIS JOURNAL BELONGS TO RATCHET
When I began writing way back in 1994, I never imagined that 2013 would be my lucky debut year. How did it get here so quickly?
Over the years there were:
So many stories and books I started and never finished
So many stories and books I started, finished, and actually sent out into the world, but shouldn’t have
So many many many many many many many (okay you get the idea) rejections I collected
Looking back on all this makes me realize how truly lucky, and blessed, I really am!
Just me and a few of my Ratchet revisions.
Most authors would agree that writing a book involves:
some talent and tears
tons of patience, persistence, and perseverance
a little bit of timing and luck
I’m thankful to have somehow muddled through it all and look forward to my very first book coming out April 2, 2013 - just 77 short days from now.
My very thoughtful and most wonderful editor, Aubrey Poole surprised me with this one-of-a-kind Ratchet ornament for my Christmas tree, but 2013 is my lucky year, so I didn’t pack it away with my other Christmas ornaments.
I’m letting my Ratchet Star shine all year long!
I look forward to sharing my debut year with my family, friends, and readers.
Happy Reading!
Nancy
