Jamie Scallion's Blog
January 13, 2016
FAME
I’m standing here (I stand to write, better for my back and for my fitness, especially after the Christmas food party I had with myself) writing book 4 and thinking about this coming year with some considerable excitement. I get to release all of my books and all of the music that I have worked on over these past years.
A life’s work would be putting it a bit strong but I have certainly dedicated a fair portion of it to this world.
The quartet charts the journey from teen years into adult hood. We watch our main protagonists Burt, Egg, Tea, Clipper and Bex grow from fifteen year old wannabees into twenty one year old superstars, all under that microscope of fame.
I won’t give away too much about book 4 but that exploration into what fame does to a young person, how it can twist and turn a person really interests me. Two of my characters have just had a chat about it. Just now. A talk that stemmed from a chat I had with one of my partners . We concluded that fame does change a person. It just does. Not necessarily into a bad person. I won’t give away why I think that. I will let the book do the talking but I am always genuinely interested in others view on this matter. Tweet me, reply me, message me. I always have an eye out for a good point of view.
@JamieScallion
Have a look at the amazing landing page Amazon created for me...
amazon.co.uk/rocknrolldiaries
A life’s work would be putting it a bit strong but I have certainly dedicated a fair portion of it to this world.
The quartet charts the journey from teen years into adult hood. We watch our main protagonists Burt, Egg, Tea, Clipper and Bex grow from fifteen year old wannabees into twenty one year old superstars, all under that microscope of fame.
I won’t give away too much about book 4 but that exploration into what fame does to a young person, how it can twist and turn a person really interests me. Two of my characters have just had a chat about it. Just now. A talk that stemmed from a chat I had with one of my partners . We concluded that fame does change a person. It just does. Not necessarily into a bad person. I won’t give away why I think that. I will let the book do the talking but I am always genuinely interested in others view on this matter. Tweet me, reply me, message me. I always have an eye out for a good point of view.
@JamieScallion
Have a look at the amazing landing page Amazon created for me...
amazon.co.uk/rocknrolldiaries
October 29, 2015
The Rock’n'Roll Diaries Book 2 “Making it” – Preorder now!
Hi Everyone,
The first book in The Rock ‘n’ Roll Diaries series is OUT NOW on Amazon. The 2015 edition features new material plus a special thank you for some of the hard-core fans. The RockAteers have also recorded new material and it’s available to stream and buy for the first time. And the wait for Book 2 in the series is finally over, now available to pre-order. It’s all available exclusively on Amazon (Kindle, Audible, Create Space & Amazon music).
So that’s Book 1 available now with new music and Book 2 out in January!
Have you shown your support for the project over the past year or so? See if you can spot your Twitter handle in the pages of the Kindle and new paperback editions. Help us spread The Rock ‘n’ Roll Diaries story and your name could make it into the pages of Book 2.
Share with us on social media, send us your favourite quotes, what do you think the band looks like? We adore fan art! Which member of The Rockateers are you most keen on? Write reviews of the music and the book on the Amazon landing page. We ALL read them.
Biggest Best
Scallion,
Mark, Danny & Rodney
July 7, 2014
Review of TFIOS
The Fault in Our Stars by John GreenMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
When someone follows me on twitter it bounces back a message that asks what their favourite book, TV show and band is. 90% of people that replied, said TFIOS. So I read it and I found it charming, alarmingly honest and dare I say… life affirming.
Whilst reading it I've had a few people say... “I don’t read cancer books.” I kinda get that. I get it can be monumentally sad to read about anybody with a terminal illness. Thing is, and at the risk of sounding like a large baked camembert, this isn’t a “cancer book.” At least it isn't to my mind. It’s a book about triumphant and unfailing love. It is a book about “getting it”. I don’t mean getting sex, I’m talking about self-discovery, I’m talking about realising that leaving a mark behind pales into insignificance versus getting to really love another person and to be loved in return.
A story like this, treated in the wrong way, could have been sentimental syrup but the level of precision and care taken, delivers a profound and compelling punch that is hard to recover from after you've been hit . The dialogue is sharp, witty and fearless. I say fearless because there is a high level of commitment involved in telling a story like this. I.E. You can’t turn away from conveying the terrible sadness of it all. (I'm not contradicting myself. Terrible sadness is life affirming. Without darkness the stars cant shine etc etc)
In addition the author manages to convince me that 1. He is a teenage girl (no mean feat if you’re a 30 year old man). 2. He has cancer. 3. He is deeply in love with a boy. John Green is a method actor.
I remember hearing Radiohead’s “High and Dry” for the first time and thinking, I want to write something as good as that.
Right, that is all. I’m off to read ‘Looking for Alaska’.
View all my reviews
March 14, 2014
#ScallyChat 5 (Movies)
So, we Scally chatted films and it didn’t disappoint. I almost wish we had talked only about worst books made into films. One Day was mentioned also Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, both stinkers I am told. I think the big winners were Dirty Dancing and Shawshank (the Verbose Ivanna chimed in with the latter and then took herself out of the conversation because she felt it was, “job done”. BRILLIANT). Which is fascinating because they are so so different but yet have an emotive core.
Gabbie was first to reply with a big love of The perks of being a Wallflower, the book and the film, Helen and Claire love Harry Potter and actually get excited when they go down a Privet drive near their home. Hayley jumped on my bandwagon and said the Goonies (copycat). Sioned laid down a few bad boys The Goonies, The GodFather, Harry Potter, The old Karate Kid, Highlander. I approve. Pet said the Fast n Furious series! RIP Paul Walker. Hockaday A League of their Own and Pretty Woman. She wasn’t horrified when I said I hadn’t seen them. Glen said Pirates of the Caribbean. Eileen said Jacobs Ladder, brilliant call E. What a scare fest that one was. Rachel said ET and we admitted to one another that we blubbed our hearts out to it. Annie boshed in with Lord of the Rings. Lynsey said Notting hill and then I had to admit that film was a bit of a thorn in my side as people kept recognising me as Rys Ifans. B said Coming To America and Tracy said she preferred Trading Places. Hmmm, it’s a tough call. I think Jamie Lee Curtis might just pip it for me. Cant think why.
Amy caused controversy by saying Hugh Jackman deserved last years Oscar for Les Mis. I haven't seen it but im sure he did. I then went on to say pound for pound Day-Lewis was the best actor on the block. Who was it that said they thought Tom Hanks? How dare you!! Sarah had the audacity to say that AristoCats was not a Disney classic. I agree it’s not Jungle Book but it’s still pretty nifty. LOL. Cath pulled out another Swayze classic, Ghost. Kayleigh said Stephen Kings IT. Alexis said she wasn't a big fan of IT. Marie said another King adaptation, The Green Mile and once again we agreed that it made us blub. On closer examination, I get teary at quite a few films, it seems. Agnes T said The Goonies, Gladiator, Schindler's List. I think all three are great choices. Pam went back a way but pulled a black and white classic out of the hat, It's A Wonderful Life. And finally Lucie said One Flew over the cuckoo’s nest and quite rightly pointed out that it was directed by the great Czech, Miloš Forman.
So, until next time. Please do keep sending me suggestions on who should play the parts of The RockAteers in the film and also suggestions on what the next #ScallyChat should be. Have great W/Ends.
Gabbie was first to reply with a big love of The perks of being a Wallflower, the book and the film, Helen and Claire love Harry Potter and actually get excited when they go down a Privet drive near their home. Hayley jumped on my bandwagon and said the Goonies (copycat). Sioned laid down a few bad boys The Goonies, The GodFather, Harry Potter, The old Karate Kid, Highlander. I approve. Pet said the Fast n Furious series! RIP Paul Walker. Hockaday A League of their Own and Pretty Woman. She wasn’t horrified when I said I hadn’t seen them. Glen said Pirates of the Caribbean. Eileen said Jacobs Ladder, brilliant call E. What a scare fest that one was. Rachel said ET and we admitted to one another that we blubbed our hearts out to it. Annie boshed in with Lord of the Rings. Lynsey said Notting hill and then I had to admit that film was a bit of a thorn in my side as people kept recognising me as Rys Ifans. B said Coming To America and Tracy said she preferred Trading Places. Hmmm, it’s a tough call. I think Jamie Lee Curtis might just pip it for me. Cant think why.
Amy caused controversy by saying Hugh Jackman deserved last years Oscar for Les Mis. I haven't seen it but im sure he did. I then went on to say pound for pound Day-Lewis was the best actor on the block. Who was it that said they thought Tom Hanks? How dare you!! Sarah had the audacity to say that AristoCats was not a Disney classic. I agree it’s not Jungle Book but it’s still pretty nifty. LOL. Cath pulled out another Swayze classic, Ghost. Kayleigh said Stephen Kings IT. Alexis said she wasn't a big fan of IT. Marie said another King adaptation, The Green Mile and once again we agreed that it made us blub. On closer examination, I get teary at quite a few films, it seems. Agnes T said The Goonies, Gladiator, Schindler's List. I think all three are great choices. Pam went back a way but pulled a black and white classic out of the hat, It's A Wonderful Life. And finally Lucie said One Flew over the cuckoo’s nest and quite rightly pointed out that it was directed by the great Czech, Miloš Forman.
So, until next time. Please do keep sending me suggestions on who should play the parts of The RockAteers in the film and also suggestions on what the next #ScallyChat should be. Have great W/Ends.
March 7, 2014
World Book Day Blog #ScallyChat 4
Really fascinating one. Lots of great books Scally Chatted about. I suppose the best suggestion (only my opinion) were the Roald Dahl calls. Achanti said Matilda. Also talked about were The Twits and Danny the Champ. How did he manage to write all those masterpieces in one lifetime?
Lots of mentions of books I haven’t read, mostly ones with an edge of scandal and naughtiness. Hockaday said 50 shades and Lynz was ashamed to say Jilly Copper. I’m not sure my heart rate can deal with putting them on my reading list? Lynz. Did I tell you I met Jilly Cooper. We were on the same TV show. She was lovely. #NameDropAlert
Lusiana said Little Women by Louisa may Alcott was her all time fav. Sioned said Harry Potter and so did loads others. I agree. 7 brilliant books. Christa said The Kite Runner (I'm a massive fan of this book).
Hallahan got The worst witch for her 7th birthday. Jodie fell in love with The Gruffalo when she was young! Ivanna is a Bridget Jones' Diary gal and said now she only ever makes blue soup. ;-). Louise was a big Enid Blyton fan as a child, and wanted to be in the Famous Five! ME TOO!! Julie was all about the Velveteen Rabbit! Supergirl said Anne of Green Gables cuz she is an orphan and a feisty sassy chic too. I got into a bit of trouble because I think I accidentally implied she was old skool. I will make it up somehow. Rusty said the Little Princess. Annie loved all the Narnia books and used to take them everywhere with her! I love this and Robyn said the Magic Faraway Tree.
I think what it really tells us is just how furtive and keen we are as children and just how important reading for pleasure is for young people. The majority of the story telling that stays with us into adult hood are these amazing stories. A lovely chat. Thanks, as always, all.
P.S. Hayley and Alexis said The Rock n Roll Diairies. That’s the greatest compliment any writer can get. I thank you.
Lots of mentions of books I haven’t read, mostly ones with an edge of scandal and naughtiness. Hockaday said 50 shades and Lynz was ashamed to say Jilly Copper. I’m not sure my heart rate can deal with putting them on my reading list? Lynz. Did I tell you I met Jilly Cooper. We were on the same TV show. She was lovely. #NameDropAlert
Lusiana said Little Women by Louisa may Alcott was her all time fav. Sioned said Harry Potter and so did loads others. I agree. 7 brilliant books. Christa said The Kite Runner (I'm a massive fan of this book).
Hallahan got The worst witch for her 7th birthday. Jodie fell in love with The Gruffalo when she was young! Ivanna is a Bridget Jones' Diary gal and said now she only ever makes blue soup. ;-). Louise was a big Enid Blyton fan as a child, and wanted to be in the Famous Five! ME TOO!! Julie was all about the Velveteen Rabbit! Supergirl said Anne of Green Gables cuz she is an orphan and a feisty sassy chic too. I got into a bit of trouble because I think I accidentally implied she was old skool. I will make it up somehow. Rusty said the Little Princess. Annie loved all the Narnia books and used to take them everywhere with her! I love this and Robyn said the Magic Faraway Tree.
I think what it really tells us is just how furtive and keen we are as children and just how important reading for pleasure is for young people. The majority of the story telling that stays with us into adult hood are these amazing stories. A lovely chat. Thanks, as always, all.
P.S. Hayley and Alexis said The Rock n Roll Diairies. That’s the greatest compliment any writer can get. I thank you.
February 28, 2014
#ScallyChat 3 on Twitter
The power that is Glen texted me before #ScallyChat and said he would beat my quote like he beat me in a type off. LOL. If you haven’t seen it yet- www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRtyZv9t37Q He certainly got more RTs and Faves (1000+ on each) His quote did rock. Excuse the pun. 'Worry is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere'
I think the award for most amount of quotes goes to Petra. My goodness she did a load of great ones. I loved Christa quoting Charles Dickens, Ninja quoted Mandela. Sarah put in a fantastic bunch of quotes also. Cath went all Hollywood and quoted John “Sparrow” Depp. Zach came in with the master blaster and quoted the mighty truth that is Martin Luther. Ivanna came up with an old skool quote and improvised some of her own shizzle on top of it. Brilliant.
You can see them on the #’ScallyChat feed @JamieScallion. It’s worth it, no one let themselves down. Even Karen dashed to the bog during very important meetings to post.
I really loved the one Tracy posted also. “Life always offers us a second chance, its called tomorrow.”
Lauren wondered why I only had 5,000 followers. I said "It’s better to have 5,000 good pals’ that 100,000 acquaintances."
See you all next week. What shall we
#ScallyChat about?
I think the award for most amount of quotes goes to Petra. My goodness she did a load of great ones. I loved Christa quoting Charles Dickens, Ninja quoted Mandela. Sarah put in a fantastic bunch of quotes also. Cath went all Hollywood and quoted John “Sparrow” Depp. Zach came in with the master blaster and quoted the mighty truth that is Martin Luther. Ivanna came up with an old skool quote and improvised some of her own shizzle on top of it. Brilliant.
You can see them on the #’ScallyChat feed @JamieScallion. It’s worth it, no one let themselves down. Even Karen dashed to the bog during very important meetings to post.
I really loved the one Tracy posted also. “Life always offers us a second chance, its called tomorrow.”
Lauren wondered why I only had 5,000 followers. I said "It’s better to have 5,000 good pals’ that 100,000 acquaintances."
See you all next week. What shall we
#ScallyChat about?
February 21, 2014
ScallyChat 2 The Sequel
I love Scally Chat. We basically created the top ten heart break songs of all time. Breakeven was massive and had so many of you tweeting. @HalFaithBlssing said graffiti on the train @stereophonics. @Nutterpw said Tears from Heaven by Eric Clapton and Love and War The RockAteers. BRILLIANT. I’m not sure it’s a breakup song but @D_O_D_MoonBoots said She's leaving home by The Beatles. @the1christa said My immortal by Evanescence. @cindytb_ 21h said All of Me by Angus & Julia Stone.
Loz said It's not over by Daughtry. @Laura_Eliz_beth said Coldplay – Sparks. @KAHockaday was a little late to the party but she came out with a corker. @jtimberlake Cry Me a River. Massive shout came from @missydaisies with "Nothing Compares to you" by Sinead O Conner.
That led us to chat about great songs Prince had penned for others. She didn’t know he wrote nothing compares to you. #youlearnanewthingeveryday. He also wrote The Bangles “Manic Monday”.
Then @alexistaft suggested we start chatting about first gigs. @4EvaGlowing told us her first gig was His Purple Highness Prince back in 92 #vintageyear. #Purple&Proud
We had a few Boyzones and Take Thats. My favourite was @dannys_mole who said Del Amitri. I’m a big fan and they are actually touring again.
We had some funny moments also. Like when @_fragilerose went and temporarily added “Onion” as my middle name on my name on Wikipedia. Ha ha. Also when we randomly got onto the subject of my middle name coz I told @rach_peacock that JLS (her first gig) were named after my initials.
So then @IvannaC dived in with a tweet that had me in stitches. She guessed my middle name was LANCELOT and then she scored a most excellent poem (can be viewed on my twitter).
What are we gonna #ScallyChat about next week?
Loz said It's not over by Daughtry. @Laura_Eliz_beth said Coldplay – Sparks. @KAHockaday was a little late to the party but she came out with a corker. @jtimberlake Cry Me a River. Massive shout came from @missydaisies with "Nothing Compares to you" by Sinead O Conner.
That led us to chat about great songs Prince had penned for others. She didn’t know he wrote nothing compares to you. #youlearnanewthingeveryday. He also wrote The Bangles “Manic Monday”.
Then @alexistaft suggested we start chatting about first gigs. @4EvaGlowing told us her first gig was His Purple Highness Prince back in 92 #vintageyear. #Purple&Proud
We had a few Boyzones and Take Thats. My favourite was @dannys_mole who said Del Amitri. I’m a big fan and they are actually touring again.
We had some funny moments also. Like when @_fragilerose went and temporarily added “Onion” as my middle name on my name on Wikipedia. Ha ha. Also when we randomly got onto the subject of my middle name coz I told @rach_peacock that JLS (her first gig) were named after my initials.
So then @IvannaC dived in with a tweet that had me in stitches. She guessed my middle name was LANCELOT and then she scored a most excellent poem (can be viewed on my twitter).
What are we gonna #ScallyChat about next week?
February 14, 2014
#ScallyChat on Twitter
I've just set up a little weekly debate with my twitter pals. We gab every Thursday at 12.30PM GMT. All are welcome.
Yesterday’s conflab was all about food. I f-ing love food (it really keeps me alive) and it was just before my lunch so after the #ScallyChat I ended up getting down the road and snaring myself some Fish & Chips (one of the most popular threads in the conversation).
There is always an evil sub text to my wanting to chat with my twitter pals. Do I love the verbal intercourse? Yes, I love it. But I also learn loads. Like I learnt from Karen @Karendavey72 that I need Haggis in my life and I learnt from Pam @Happy_VibeHigh how to spell neeps. Karen had spelt it nips. Although I still don’t know what in blue Jesus they are. I also learnt that @Leonrestaurants have an eye in the sky. When me @SarahHallahan1 and @Hreidy were discussing the finer intricacies of the Fish Finger sanga and I mentioned the one from Leon was good and a bit posh suddenly the restaurant entered the #ScallyChat and told the three of us to get over there. Its given me an idea for the book.
I also learnt that fruit isn’t high up on the agenda. From the 512 interactions in the 45 mins we chatted there was only one mention of a fruit. Thank god for @justyvonne and her healthy mind.
Lots of mentions of Roast Dinners from @Spript_Roobear @manyscfc and @Ifyouseesoph to name but a few. I'm worried that @GabbiesJw eats too many Pot noodles (think Clipper should start eating to many in book 3). @Lupuspitasari made a clever pun and said simply Egg!
@kcmace and @saaaartjjjsuggested great books for our next chat. I like it. I also like the suggestion from @achanti to chat about music. @Katie_Glowing wants to #ScallyChat about Fave Tv Shows. I love this one too.
Anway, brilliant fun. Cant wait for the next one.
@JamieScallion
Yesterday’s conflab was all about food. I f-ing love food (it really keeps me alive) and it was just before my lunch so after the #ScallyChat I ended up getting down the road and snaring myself some Fish & Chips (one of the most popular threads in the conversation).
There is always an evil sub text to my wanting to chat with my twitter pals. Do I love the verbal intercourse? Yes, I love it. But I also learn loads. Like I learnt from Karen @Karendavey72 that I need Haggis in my life and I learnt from Pam @Happy_VibeHigh how to spell neeps. Karen had spelt it nips. Although I still don’t know what in blue Jesus they are. I also learnt that @Leonrestaurants have an eye in the sky. When me @SarahHallahan1 and @Hreidy were discussing the finer intricacies of the Fish Finger sanga and I mentioned the one from Leon was good and a bit posh suddenly the restaurant entered the #ScallyChat and told the three of us to get over there. Its given me an idea for the book.
I also learnt that fruit isn’t high up on the agenda. From the 512 interactions in the 45 mins we chatted there was only one mention of a fruit. Thank god for @justyvonne and her healthy mind.
Lots of mentions of Roast Dinners from @Spript_Roobear @manyscfc and @Ifyouseesoph to name but a few. I'm worried that @GabbiesJw eats too many Pot noodles (think Clipper should start eating to many in book 3). @Lupuspitasari made a clever pun and said simply Egg!
@kcmace and @saaaartjjjsuggested great books for our next chat. I like it. I also like the suggestion from @achanti to chat about music. @Katie_Glowing wants to #ScallyChat about Fave Tv Shows. I love this one too.
Anway, brilliant fun. Cant wait for the next one.
@JamieScallion
February 5, 2014
The Sun Newspaper Article
Prologue
I really have had a fascinating January. Book Two is almost finished, I wrote an article for a national newspaper, I gave my first ever talk in a School and I’ve been on the twenty first century authors programme. I’ve also been chatting with a brilliant and very gifted American writer about the process (dabs brow) and an equally ace and successful blogger.
Giving yourself the time to get into the connecting space (networking) has become an vital part of being an author. I love it. I love writing the books but equally I love chatting with people who have read the book (or not to be honest because it gives me a chance to employ my sales technique, honed over many years) and with other writers, bloggers or people in the industry.
As I confessed in an earlier blog, the life of an author is very different from the life of a lead singer, the fundamental difference being social.
Basically when you’re in a band you’re surrounded by people twenty four seven. When you are writing novels you are not. Its why I think I enjoyed the author programme so much. I had a chance to share, listen and talk about being a writer with other writers.
Equally I loved going into a school (with the very fantastic Bali Rai, if you haven’t read any of his books then do). Having the opportunity to talk face to face with my target audience was so rewarding. I am going to do a lot more of that I can tell you.
The discipline of writing an article for a national newspaper was also very interesting and challenging. Take a look at the article published in The Sun in Dec 2013. It’s a subject very close to my heart.
Rock Authors plea to teenagers
When I was fourteen I was obsessed with football, music and girls, in that order. The only books I read were the ones I was told to read by school. I didn’t relate to them at all and the fact we had to study them didn’t help. It put me off reading anything else. A few years on and
I’m still obsessed by the same things, except of course not in that order. At least that’s what I’m sticking to, my friends might tell you different.
Nowadays, I find reading for pleasure a necessity. Not just because I write songs and books - I love the detail; there are depths to a good novel that no TV show, video game or film can achieve. Once you’re hooked into a great story it’s another level of entertainment. You get lost in the pages and time flies.
We know now that reading for pleasure increases young people’s vocabulary, boosts their understanding of the world around them and is even credited with supporting good mental health into adulthood. It’s a fact that children who read for pleasure do better in life than those who do not.
On the trains and tubes I see a lot of people reading Kindles. I often peer over shoulders to see what they’re getting into. I don’t see young teenage boys reading, Kindle or otherwise. It occurred to me that the characters in my books are teenagers and that at least half of my target audience are teenage boys. I decided to dig deeper and find out why I wasn’t seeing any teenage lads reading.
Many boys leave reading behind in their mid-teens - way more so than girls. They don't find books out there that engage them as much as other leisure activities, like video games, and they think reading is boring and un-cool. Why not have a stab at changing this? I wanted to write a novel that they could instantly engage with, that could reflect their lives, use the language they use and convey the emotions and dilemmas they deal with. A teen novel like Melvin Burgess's ground breaking Junk didn’t pull its punches. I didn’t want to pull mine. Once I’d finished my novel I started to chat to people. I talked to my partners in the project (The Script). They were equally horrified at the teen reading crisis and far more altruistic than me on the subject. This isn’t just about boys not reading The Rock ‘n’ Roll Diaries, this is about boys not reading at all. Where will the next generation of writers, poets and lyricists come from? I hope I’m doing something about it by putting The Rock ‘n’ Roll Diaries out there. I’ve got over a hundred five star reviews on Amazon and readers are telling me they love it – even ones who don’t normally read. I hope we’ll start to see more books on publishers’ lists which reflect real teenagers’ lives; books they can truly identify with.
Let’s get boys reading again! We’ll be giving them an advantage as they grow up and unlocking a whole world of excitement, laughter and wonder. Maybe one day when I peer over someone’s shoulder at their Kindle I might see them reading my book, so I can give a gentle nudge, smile and say. “I wrote that don’t you know.” I imagine they would turn to me and grin. “I love it, can you sign the back of my Kindle?”
Jamie Scallion
Some reading gems for 14+ teen boys to try:
Melvin Burgess - Junk
Robert Muchamore - Cherub series
Dan Tunstall - Big and Clever
Bali Rai - (Un)arranged Marriage
The Knife That Killed Me - Anthony McGowan
Louis Sachar – Holes
Holly Smale-Geek Girl series
Kill your friends - John Niven
I really have had a fascinating January. Book Two is almost finished, I wrote an article for a national newspaper, I gave my first ever talk in a School and I’ve been on the twenty first century authors programme. I’ve also been chatting with a brilliant and very gifted American writer about the process (dabs brow) and an equally ace and successful blogger.
Giving yourself the time to get into the connecting space (networking) has become an vital part of being an author. I love it. I love writing the books but equally I love chatting with people who have read the book (or not to be honest because it gives me a chance to employ my sales technique, honed over many years) and with other writers, bloggers or people in the industry.
As I confessed in an earlier blog, the life of an author is very different from the life of a lead singer, the fundamental difference being social.
Basically when you’re in a band you’re surrounded by people twenty four seven. When you are writing novels you are not. Its why I think I enjoyed the author programme so much. I had a chance to share, listen and talk about being a writer with other writers.
Equally I loved going into a school (with the very fantastic Bali Rai, if you haven’t read any of his books then do). Having the opportunity to talk face to face with my target audience was so rewarding. I am going to do a lot more of that I can tell you.
The discipline of writing an article for a national newspaper was also very interesting and challenging. Take a look at the article published in The Sun in Dec 2013. It’s a subject very close to my heart.
Rock Authors plea to teenagers
When I was fourteen I was obsessed with football, music and girls, in that order. The only books I read were the ones I was told to read by school. I didn’t relate to them at all and the fact we had to study them didn’t help. It put me off reading anything else. A few years on and
I’m still obsessed by the same things, except of course not in that order. At least that’s what I’m sticking to, my friends might tell you different.
Nowadays, I find reading for pleasure a necessity. Not just because I write songs and books - I love the detail; there are depths to a good novel that no TV show, video game or film can achieve. Once you’re hooked into a great story it’s another level of entertainment. You get lost in the pages and time flies.
We know now that reading for pleasure increases young people’s vocabulary, boosts their understanding of the world around them and is even credited with supporting good mental health into adulthood. It’s a fact that children who read for pleasure do better in life than those who do not.
On the trains and tubes I see a lot of people reading Kindles. I often peer over shoulders to see what they’re getting into. I don’t see young teenage boys reading, Kindle or otherwise. It occurred to me that the characters in my books are teenagers and that at least half of my target audience are teenage boys. I decided to dig deeper and find out why I wasn’t seeing any teenage lads reading.
Many boys leave reading behind in their mid-teens - way more so than girls. They don't find books out there that engage them as much as other leisure activities, like video games, and they think reading is boring and un-cool. Why not have a stab at changing this? I wanted to write a novel that they could instantly engage with, that could reflect their lives, use the language they use and convey the emotions and dilemmas they deal with. A teen novel like Melvin Burgess's ground breaking Junk didn’t pull its punches. I didn’t want to pull mine. Once I’d finished my novel I started to chat to people. I talked to my partners in the project (The Script). They were equally horrified at the teen reading crisis and far more altruistic than me on the subject. This isn’t just about boys not reading The Rock ‘n’ Roll Diaries, this is about boys not reading at all. Where will the next generation of writers, poets and lyricists come from? I hope I’m doing something about it by putting The Rock ‘n’ Roll Diaries out there. I’ve got over a hundred five star reviews on Amazon and readers are telling me they love it – even ones who don’t normally read. I hope we’ll start to see more books on publishers’ lists which reflect real teenagers’ lives; books they can truly identify with.
Let’s get boys reading again! We’ll be giving them an advantage as they grow up and unlocking a whole world of excitement, laughter and wonder. Maybe one day when I peer over someone’s shoulder at their Kindle I might see them reading my book, so I can give a gentle nudge, smile and say. “I wrote that don’t you know.” I imagine they would turn to me and grin. “I love it, can you sign the back of my Kindle?”
Jamie Scallion
Some reading gems for 14+ teen boys to try:
Melvin Burgess - Junk
Robert Muchamore - Cherub series
Dan Tunstall - Big and Clever
Bali Rai - (Un)arranged Marriage
The Knife That Killed Me - Anthony McGowan
Louis Sachar – Holes
Holly Smale-Geek Girl series
Kill your friends - John Niven
January 29, 2014
What’s it’s all about Scallion?
I think it’s best to start off by telling you that my life has been one extensive research campaign for this book. My band Office Kicks never reached the highest heights or else you would have heard of us right? We never headlined an arena tour or had a huge hit record but with my pals and partners The Scripts help I was able to see first-hand, fly on the wall style, what it’s like to be in a big band. This added an extra dimension of authenticity. I've seen the pressure, the fun and the lifestyle rock and pop stars enjoy. Don’t get me wrong, I did experience an awful lot myself. I played Glastonbury, I supported bands on big tours. My band’s music was played on radio and we made videos that were shown on MTV. It was brilliant fun.
Throughout, what I found most interesting were the interactions between me and my band mates. That’s what I wanted to explore when I started writing The Rock ‘n’ Roll Diaries. It really was like a four way marriage. It can be tough at times living in each other’s pockets, but it can for the most part be a right proper laugh.
Writing from multiple viewpoints gave the book balance and objectivity. After all Singers, Guitarists, Bass players and Drummers are individuals with various characteristics. The singer in my book, Burt, is a bit of a knob head. My guitar player is a shy introvert, my bass player is relaxed and cool and the drummer is happy go lucky.
I wonder what if you had to be in a band what would you want to be? Singer? Show of hands (comments, tweets). Guitar? Drummer? Bassist?
Along with The Script lads and a brilliant fella named Jim Barry we brought The RockAteers to life. One song that features quite heavily in the book captured people’s imaginations in particular. Some lyrics from the song below.
Satellites
Verse 1
Someone give me hope
Something I can see
Something I can touch
Something I can breathe
Chorus
Give me all your satellites and all your stunted cigarettes
Give me life and give death and give me all your worry lines
Give me ups and give me downs, it don’t matter how you do
As long as you believe in me and you
*
It was important we convey how Egg really feels in the book through his lyrics. He has a lot of angst and insecurities and we needed to get that down and keep it true to his character. That was a big challenge but also a great deal of fun.
I wonder do any of you know what Egg is saying in the chorus “Give me all your satellites and all your stunted cigarettes”?
He gives it away in a later line. It’s all about ups and downs. Satellites are in space (up) and stunted cigarettes are butts crushed into the pavement (down). Egg is trying to say that we can go through anything as long as we stick together. The song is also subtly eluding to the fact that, just like Burt, he's in love with Bex.
It’s the first song he plays to the band and as I said before he’s a loner, is bullied and very shy. But he is musically very gifted. The moment he sings Satellites is a pivotal moment in the book. He finds his voice, literally.
So, that’s a little of what it’s all about. You might need to read the book and listen to the music to get the full three sixty experience.
Throughout, what I found most interesting were the interactions between me and my band mates. That’s what I wanted to explore when I started writing The Rock ‘n’ Roll Diaries. It really was like a four way marriage. It can be tough at times living in each other’s pockets, but it can for the most part be a right proper laugh.
Writing from multiple viewpoints gave the book balance and objectivity. After all Singers, Guitarists, Bass players and Drummers are individuals with various characteristics. The singer in my book, Burt, is a bit of a knob head. My guitar player is a shy introvert, my bass player is relaxed and cool and the drummer is happy go lucky.
I wonder what if you had to be in a band what would you want to be? Singer? Show of hands (comments, tweets). Guitar? Drummer? Bassist?
Along with The Script lads and a brilliant fella named Jim Barry we brought The RockAteers to life. One song that features quite heavily in the book captured people’s imaginations in particular. Some lyrics from the song below.
Satellites
Verse 1
Someone give me hope
Something I can see
Something I can touch
Something I can breathe
Chorus
Give me all your satellites and all your stunted cigarettes
Give me life and give death and give me all your worry lines
Give me ups and give me downs, it don’t matter how you do
As long as you believe in me and you
*
It was important we convey how Egg really feels in the book through his lyrics. He has a lot of angst and insecurities and we needed to get that down and keep it true to his character. That was a big challenge but also a great deal of fun.
I wonder do any of you know what Egg is saying in the chorus “Give me all your satellites and all your stunted cigarettes”?
He gives it away in a later line. It’s all about ups and downs. Satellites are in space (up) and stunted cigarettes are butts crushed into the pavement (down). Egg is trying to say that we can go through anything as long as we stick together. The song is also subtly eluding to the fact that, just like Burt, he's in love with Bex.
It’s the first song he plays to the band and as I said before he’s a loner, is bullied and very shy. But he is musically very gifted. The moment he sings Satellites is a pivotal moment in the book. He finds his voice, literally.
So, that’s a little of what it’s all about. You might need to read the book and listen to the music to get the full three sixty experience.
