Robin Constantine's Blog, page 6
June 9, 2014
Life After Revision...at least for a few days...
The most blissful ten minutes in my life as a writer, usually happens after I hit “send” on my most recent revision.
There’s relief – yay! That much closer to making the book the best it can be!
And dancing…because, why not?
And general whooping it up because it feels so wonderful to be finished with something!
It’s that pesky eleven minute mark when I realize that there’s more work to be done and start wondering if my editor will enjoy the changes I’ve made or if the sections I thought were funny will even garner a giggle.
In short, it’s when I return to being slightly neurotic. But before I go back to dig in once again, I usually have a little celebratory downtime. And here's what I like to do:
Binge on DVR’d TV and movies
After working so hard my brain needs candy. I’m finally caught up with The Originals and Reign. Still working on Revenge!! And in the span of three days watched Authors Anonymous, The Perks of Being A Wallflower and Maleficent.
Tackle my TBR pile
Ah, give me a free weekend and a pile of books and that equals bliss.
Answering Email
Receiving email from readers is one of the highlights of my job but I can’t always get to them in a timely manner – especially during revision, where I pretty much put blinders on and tune out everything. I put as much thought into my responses as I do into my novels. So if you’ve written to me and haven’t heard anything yet – please be patient - you will soon. Promise!!
Pampering
One day as I was writing I took a moment to really feel my posture…I was sort of hunched over, shoulders forward, arm at an odd angle, clicking the mouse and slouched in my office chair. Writing may not be particularly physical but it can certainly wreak havoc with your physical being if you’re not careful. So…a massage may seem like pampering – and okay, it is to a certain extent – but I’ve found them to be a necessity. It’s also usually my reward for revision. That and shoes. Oh, and mani-pedis, but I don’t think that would count as a tax write off.
Fun writing
First drafts are not my favorite. Nope. And I have a hard time switching gears between revising and drafting. So mostly when I’m in this kind of limbo of waiting for edit notes, I write scenes from other stories that have been haunting me, or try and sketch an outline for a new project. Or write blog posts.
All of this serves to fill up the well, so that when I do go back to my recently revised manuscript, I can do it with fresh eyes and a relaxed mind. What do you like to do?
There’s relief – yay! That much closer to making the book the best it can be!
And dancing…because, why not?
And general whooping it up because it feels so wonderful to be finished with something!
It’s that pesky eleven minute mark when I realize that there’s more work to be done and start wondering if my editor will enjoy the changes I’ve made or if the sections I thought were funny will even garner a giggle.
In short, it’s when I return to being slightly neurotic. But before I go back to dig in once again, I usually have a little celebratory downtime. And here's what I like to do:
Binge on DVR’d TV and movies
After working so hard my brain needs candy. I’m finally caught up with The Originals and Reign. Still working on Revenge!! And in the span of three days watched Authors Anonymous, The Perks of Being A Wallflower and Maleficent.
Tackle my TBR pile
Ah, give me a free weekend and a pile of books and that equals bliss.
Answering Email
Receiving email from readers is one of the highlights of my job but I can’t always get to them in a timely manner – especially during revision, where I pretty much put blinders on and tune out everything. I put as much thought into my responses as I do into my novels. So if you’ve written to me and haven’t heard anything yet – please be patient - you will soon. Promise!!
Pampering
One day as I was writing I took a moment to really feel my posture…I was sort of hunched over, shoulders forward, arm at an odd angle, clicking the mouse and slouched in my office chair. Writing may not be particularly physical but it can certainly wreak havoc with your physical being if you’re not careful. So…a massage may seem like pampering – and okay, it is to a certain extent – but I’ve found them to be a necessity. It’s also usually my reward for revision. That and shoes. Oh, and mani-pedis, but I don’t think that would count as a tax write off.
Fun writing
First drafts are not my favorite. Nope. And I have a hard time switching gears between revising and drafting. So mostly when I’m in this kind of limbo of waiting for edit notes, I write scenes from other stories that have been haunting me, or try and sketch an outline for a new project. Or write blog posts.
All of this serves to fill up the well, so that when I do go back to my recently revised manuscript, I can do it with fresh eyes and a relaxed mind. What do you like to do?
April 17, 2014
Rock the Drop!!
Today is Celebrate Teen Literature day!! Did you rock the drop? No, it's not a dance move - just drop off a favorite YA title out in the wild where some unsuspecting (and very lucky!) teen will find it!! Here's The Promise of Amazing out in the wild! Hope it finds a good home!
xoxo,
Robin <3
March 11, 2014
What's on Your Bucket List? Celebrating the debut of SIDE EFFECTS MAY VARY!!!
In one short week Julie Murphy’s debut novel, SIDE EFFECTS MAY VARY will be out there in the wild!! I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this fabulous story and let me tell you…the book hangover. Epic. I loved Alice and Harvey. This is one of those books I couldn’t stop thinking about long after I put it down.
SIDE EFFECTS MAY VARY is about a girl named Alice, who, after being diagnosed with cancer, creates a crazy bucket list to settle all her scores before she dies, only to go into remission.
So, in honor of the official release, I’m sharing some things from my bucket list. There’s a mix here of totally do-able and dare to dream (and some DONE!). Here goes:
*Travel the world
High priorities are UK, Italy and Egypt. I have been to Paris, where my most memorable moments took place on the Metro and in Pere Lachaise Cemetery.
*Spend a week at Canyon Ranch Spa I’m fascinated by this place. The price tag, not so much, but one can dream!
*Smoke a Cigar DONE! Btw…don’t inhale.
*Go horseback riding on the beach. Naturally, I will think of Harvey when I do this.
*Drink Champagne out of a high-heeled shoe
DONE! My brother’s wedding. Don’t judge.
*Buy (and wear) a couture outfit Because, why not?
*See the Northern Lights Because...pretty!!
*Write a book
DONE! Yay!
*Attend a red carpet event.
Maybe in said couture outfit.
*Learn to play one song thoroughly (and well) on the guitar.
I can strum the chorus of American Pie.
*Knit.
So I can make this awesome Katniss Cowl!!
*Spend the summer at the beach.
Would love to rent a house and do nothing for a summer.
*Do Crow Pose in yoga
I’ve already face planted several times trying to accomplish this. But I WILL do this. It might not look like this, but I will do it!!
So what’s on your bucket list?
What if you'd been living your life as if you were dying - only to find out that you had your whole future ahead of you?
When sixteen-year-old Alice is diagnosed with leukemia, her prognosis is grim. To maximize the time she does have, she vows to spend her final months righting wrongs - however she sees fit. She convinces her friend, Harvey, who she knows has always had feel ins for her, to help her with a crazy bucket list that's as much about revenge (humiliating her ex-boyfriend and getting back at her archnemesis) as it is about hope (doing something unexpectedly kind for a stranger). But just when Alice's scores are settled, she goes into remission.
Now Alice is forced to face the consequences of all that she's said and done, as well as her true feelings for Harvey. But has she caused irreparable damage to the people around her - and to the one person who matters most?
Julie Murphy's Side Effects May Vary is a fearless and moving tour de force about love, life, and facing your own mortality.
BUY AT:INDIEBOUNDBARNES & NOBLEAMAZON
Website / Tumblr / Twitter
Julie lives in North Texas with her husband who loves her, her dog who adores her, and her cat who tolerates her. When she's not writing or trying to catch stray cats, she works at an academic library. Side Effects May Vary is Julie's debut novel.
January 31, 2014
Debut Talk and January Roundup!
My January began with a snow storm and ended with one as well. In between, I found myself wearing flip-flops and a light throw one day and Uggs and a parka on the next. Even the weather in my debut month was a roller coaster. Well played, Mother Nature! I was up in New Jersey for my debut - which worked out great because I was able to celebrate with my family and friends.
I began my debut celebration the night before with my some friends I've known since high school! We all shared dinner and a good cry when I showed them my acknowledgements. I've been blessed with so many amazing people along the journey, but these are the gals who knew me when and being able to just relax and mark this occasion with them meant the world to me!
On my debut day, aka New Year's Eve - I went out early with some family to a local Barnes and Noble, with plans of taking photos of me with TPofA on the shelves and then going out to lunch. I walked into the bookstore a little teary eyed, because guys...this is a dream come true and something I've been working toward for a very long time. So at the prospect of seeing my book on the shelves, I was all like this:
We rode the escalator up to the Young Adult section...looked...and looked...and looked...and looked some more, that's when it went from best day ever to this:
Not exactly the stuff of dreams...
...but then my eagle eyed offspring found my book!!
On a cart!!
Ready to be shelved!!
Look - I'm under The Book of Love by Lynn Weingarten! (And Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins!!) So I'm in good company. :) All in all, a nice, low-key way to celebrate my debut!! Since then friends have texted me pictures when they see it on the shelves. Every time I have to pinch myself. For reals.
Aside from trying to keep warm and searching for my book on the shelves - here's a roundup of where I've been on the blogosphere for the month of January:
Hypable.com - The Promise of Amazing was reviewed on HYPABLE!! This review made my heart sing <3 Thank you!!
Pat Esden - Mythmaker - Patty asked some great questions! We talked about writing from dual perspectives and also which spot my characters would pick as the most romantic place in the world! (you might be surprised!)
Hanging On To Wonder - I chatted with fellow One Four member Jaye Robin Brown about backstory and cupcake hangovers! Jaye is the author of the forthcoming NO PLACE TO FALL - a sweet, poignant contemporary set in the South. It'll be out in December 2014 - put it on your TBR pile!!
Adventures in YA Publishing - A guest post about perseverance in publishing!! Thanks to Martina Boone for letting me share some wisdom from my journey.
Bows & Bullets Book Reviews and More - Tabitha was at my Charlotte signing - I can't tell you how great it was to meet her!! Book bloggers are awesome!! Here's a recap of my signing from her POV AND a video clip of me reading from The Promise of Amazing.
The Author's Voice - I had the chance to speak to fellow One Four Kate Boorman for her "author's voice" series. This was a fun way to do an interview and we had to contend with some howling Canadian wind! AND I also read an excerpt from TPofA. Kate's book WINTERKILL will be out Fall of 2014. Another one to put on your TBR list! Sounds delightfully eerie!!
There are also some fun TPofA extras over on Storycrush.com:
The Official Jersey Playlist for The Promise of Amazing
Which 80's rom-com is your love life? (I'm Say Anything!)
Happy Friday!! Stay warm and curl up with a good book!!
Robin <3
Tangled Gif Source: http://imgur.com/gallery/8xuI6
Little Mermaid Gif Source: http://gif-emporium.tumblr.com/post/1...
I began my debut celebration the night before with my some friends I've known since high school! We all shared dinner and a good cry when I showed them my acknowledgements. I've been blessed with so many amazing people along the journey, but these are the gals who knew me when and being able to just relax and mark this occasion with them meant the world to me!
On my debut day, aka New Year's Eve - I went out early with some family to a local Barnes and Noble, with plans of taking photos of me with TPofA on the shelves and then going out to lunch. I walked into the bookstore a little teary eyed, because guys...this is a dream come true and something I've been working toward for a very long time. So at the prospect of seeing my book on the shelves, I was all like this:
We rode the escalator up to the Young Adult section...looked...and looked...and looked...and looked some more, that's when it went from best day ever to this:
Not exactly the stuff of dreams...
...but then my eagle eyed offspring found my book!!
On a cart!!
Ready to be shelved!!
Look - I'm under The Book of Love by Lynn Weingarten! (And Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins!!) So I'm in good company. :) All in all, a nice, low-key way to celebrate my debut!! Since then friends have texted me pictures when they see it on the shelves. Every time I have to pinch myself. For reals.
Aside from trying to keep warm and searching for my book on the shelves - here's a roundup of where I've been on the blogosphere for the month of January:
Hypable.com - The Promise of Amazing was reviewed on HYPABLE!! This review made my heart sing <3 Thank you!!
Pat Esden - Mythmaker - Patty asked some great questions! We talked about writing from dual perspectives and also which spot my characters would pick as the most romantic place in the world! (you might be surprised!)
Hanging On To Wonder - I chatted with fellow One Four member Jaye Robin Brown about backstory and cupcake hangovers! Jaye is the author of the forthcoming NO PLACE TO FALL - a sweet, poignant contemporary set in the South. It'll be out in December 2014 - put it on your TBR pile!!
Adventures in YA Publishing - A guest post about perseverance in publishing!! Thanks to Martina Boone for letting me share some wisdom from my journey.
Bows & Bullets Book Reviews and More - Tabitha was at my Charlotte signing - I can't tell you how great it was to meet her!! Book bloggers are awesome!! Here's a recap of my signing from her POV AND a video clip of me reading from The Promise of Amazing.
The Author's Voice - I had the chance to speak to fellow One Four Kate Boorman for her "author's voice" series. This was a fun way to do an interview and we had to contend with some howling Canadian wind! AND I also read an excerpt from TPofA. Kate's book WINTERKILL will be out Fall of 2014. Another one to put on your TBR list! Sounds delightfully eerie!!
There are also some fun TPofA extras over on Storycrush.com:
The Official Jersey Playlist for The Promise of Amazing
Which 80's rom-com is your love life? (I'm Say Anything!)
Happy Friday!! Stay warm and curl up with a good book!!
Robin <3
Tangled Gif Source: http://imgur.com/gallery/8xuI6
Little Mermaid Gif Source: http://gif-emporium.tumblr.com/post/1...
January 6, 2014
The Lovestruck Tour!!
Sooooo....
This is the news I've been waiting to share! I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be on a five stop Southeastern tour this February with three AMAZING authors: Megan Shepherd, Kasie West and Megan Miranda!! And we want to share our passion for books with YOU!
Not on one of the stops? You still have the chance to win an awesome prize pack of signed books and swag!! For details on the giveaway and the tour stops here's the official LOVESTRUCK TOUR website.
Robin <3
This is the news I've been waiting to share! I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be on a five stop Southeastern tour this February with three AMAZING authors: Megan Shepherd, Kasie West and Megan Miranda!! And we want to share our passion for books with YOU!
Not on one of the stops? You still have the chance to win an awesome prize pack of signed books and swag!! For details on the giveaway and the tour stops here's the official LOVESTRUCK TOUR website.
Robin <3
December 27, 2013
4 Days and counting
As I type this, I'm in the midst of packing for a road trip up to NJ to spend time with family for the holidays. Then it hits me...The Promise of Amazing will be out in four days. I panic and squee momentarily...then I realize I still need to pack socks.
Yep, that's about how it feels. I know it will hit me all at once, but if I had to choose one word to describe my journey this past year it would definitely be: Surreal.
So while I'm angsting it out over here, I thought I'd share some of the fabulous blogs I've visited in the past week or so. Several have giveaways for a signed hardcover of The Promise of Amazing!! (and one blog will be giving away an annotated copy!) I hope you check it out, there are some really fun interviews ranging from what food I love to the inspiration behind TPofA.
Dear Teen Me - In which I talk about the trials and tribulations of being a cheerleader (complete with embarrassing photo of really bad hair)
Reading is My Treasure - I'm part of the What's In The Snow Scavenger Hunt!
Feature Friday with A.L. Davroe - Find out what Southern food I like!!
Adventures of a Book Junkie - Win an annotated copy of The Promise of Amazing! I chat a bit with Stacee about the inspiration behind TPofA! I know I talk a lot about what inspired Wren's portion of the story, but here I give a little insight into Grayson's part!
And I have some really exciting, fun tour news I've been wanting to share but can't yet...soon!!!
Happy Friday!!!
Yep, that's about how it feels. I know it will hit me all at once, but if I had to choose one word to describe my journey this past year it would definitely be: Surreal.
So while I'm angsting it out over here, I thought I'd share some of the fabulous blogs I've visited in the past week or so. Several have giveaways for a signed hardcover of The Promise of Amazing!! (and one blog will be giving away an annotated copy!) I hope you check it out, there are some really fun interviews ranging from what food I love to the inspiration behind TPofA.
Dear Teen Me - In which I talk about the trials and tribulations of being a cheerleader (complete with embarrassing photo of really bad hair)
Reading is My Treasure - I'm part of the What's In The Snow Scavenger Hunt!
Feature Friday with A.L. Davroe - Find out what Southern food I like!!
Adventures of a Book Junkie - Win an annotated copy of The Promise of Amazing! I chat a bit with Stacee about the inspiration behind TPofA! I know I talk a lot about what inspired Wren's portion of the story, but here I give a little insight into Grayson's part!
And I have some really exciting, fun tour news I've been wanting to share but can't yet...soon!!!
Happy Friday!!!
December 9, 2013
December...ALREADY?!
I swear it feels like yesterday we were handing out Halloween candy and now BAM - Christmas is only a few short weeks away. For me this year, it also means I get to say MY BOOK COMES OUT AT THE END OF THE MONTH! (sorry for shouting!)
It's been a wild, wild year both professionally and personally for me - highs, lows and everything in between. I'm so excited that The Promise of Amazing will actually be OUT THERE. Where you can get it!! In the meantime, if you'd like to find out even more about it, I've been out and about online doing a couple of interviews with some really awesome book bloggers. Here are just a few of the places you will find me:
November
Pandora's Book Blog - An interview where I share my biggest writing quirk and some of the books I'm looking forward to in 2014!
The Bookshelf Sophisticate - Guest post about the siren song of bad boys! I dish a little about my male MC Grayson Barrett, and why I think he's really not so bad after all. (November 20th Post)
December
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club is hosting a really fun blog tour featuring The Promise of Amazing!! I am so thrilled that TUABFC and A Reading Nurse put this together. The interviews have been so much fun - I got to cast Wren and Grayson, make an 80s playlist and talk a little bit about real life inspiration for the book!! There are different stops along the way, so make sure to check out the links on the main TUABFC page...and you can also enter to win a signed copy of The Promise of Amazing, along with some swag!
I'm also over on The YA Book Butterfly. Em runs YA author interviews every Monday in a feature called "Get to Know the Brain Behind the Book"! Want to know which fictional character I'd like to be? You can find out here!!
I'll be around more in December too, including Dear Teen Me and Adventures of a Book Junkie!! Links to follow!!
And I LOVE these social media tags B+B came up with, with quotes from the book. THANK YOU!!!
xoxoRobin
It's been a wild, wild year both professionally and personally for me - highs, lows and everything in between. I'm so excited that The Promise of Amazing will actually be OUT THERE. Where you can get it!! In the meantime, if you'd like to find out even more about it, I've been out and about online doing a couple of interviews with some really awesome book bloggers. Here are just a few of the places you will find me:
November
Pandora's Book Blog - An interview where I share my biggest writing quirk and some of the books I'm looking forward to in 2014!
The Bookshelf Sophisticate - Guest post about the siren song of bad boys! I dish a little about my male MC Grayson Barrett, and why I think he's really not so bad after all. (November 20th Post)
December
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club is hosting a really fun blog tour featuring The Promise of Amazing!! I am so thrilled that TUABFC and A Reading Nurse put this together. The interviews have been so much fun - I got to cast Wren and Grayson, make an 80s playlist and talk a little bit about real life inspiration for the book!! There are different stops along the way, so make sure to check out the links on the main TUABFC page...and you can also enter to win a signed copy of The Promise of Amazing, along with some swag!
I'm also over on The YA Book Butterfly. Em runs YA author interviews every Monday in a feature called "Get to Know the Brain Behind the Book"! Want to know which fictional character I'd like to be? You can find out here!!
I'll be around more in December too, including Dear Teen Me and Adventures of a Book Junkie!! Links to follow!!
And I LOVE these social media tags B+B came up with, with quotes from the book. THANK YOU!!!
xoxoRobin
August 29, 2013
The Next Big Thing Blog Tour
So excited to share in The Next Big Thing blog tour.
TNBT Blog Tour is a series of questions for authors to talk about what they have in the works. Thank you Kathryn Rose for tagging me! I had so much fun with this. You can see which awesome writers I'm tagging at the end of my post.
What is the title of you book?
THE PROMISE OF AMAZING.
Where did the idea come from for the book?
TPofA is definitely a mash-up of a lot of ideas. I'd wanted to write a story about a shy girl who was thrust into the spotlight after saving a local celebrity's life. It was one of those ideas that burrowed into my brain while I worked on other things. I'd fool around with it every so often, but I'd never get very far.
Then we moved. While researching my current area, I was alarmed to find that home invasion was the biggest part of the crime pie. So even though I loved the idea of a sprawling, green suburbia after being a city gal for so long, the home invasion statistic bothered me. I asked the realtor about it and she explained that while yes it was alarming (indeed!!) the break-ins usually weren't random - more like a rash of crimes. She then went on to describe a crime spree involving a group of teens who would scope out shopping centers, take garage door openers from cars, get the address off the registration and then go to the target's house while they were still out shopping. I thought three things after hearing that:
1) I was not going to leave my garage door opener in my car.
2) That was a pretty thought out (well, sort of) crime.
3) That would make a great story.
But - it was nothing I could see myself writing. When the time came to work on something new the idea kept stalking me. I ran a rough outline by my agent and she told me to go for it and offered some suggestions. I took Wren's story, changed the 'local celebrity' to 'former thief' and put a different spin on a break-in and it fell into place.
In what genre does your book fall?
Young Adult Contemporary Romance
What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in the movie rendition?
Fun question, but tricky since one of the most magical things about books is that the reader gets to decide what a character looks like. I'm not sure I have a good idea of who I would cast - that said I definitely had certain types in mind as I was writing.
Wren - I imagined Wren as someone quietly pretty - a person you might not notice at first, but once you take a closer look and get to know her, you can't help but be drawn to her. She feels more comfortable in jeans than a prom dress but can pull off both looks and totally be a knockout. Saorsie Ronan is pretty close to the way I imagined Wren.
Grayson - I thought of Gray as hot but quirky. A guy who could look slightly dangerous but someone who doesn't take himself too seriously. Tyson Ritter circa the "Move Along" video is sort of the Grayson in my mind.
What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?
Splutters.
Um...I...
Girl saves boy, boy pukes on girl's shoes, after a series of complicated events they realize they are perfect for each other? Confession: I hate one sentence elevator pitches. As I said to a writer pal recently - If I were ever pitching you a story in an elevator, I'd end up following you out the door, down the hall and onto your destination and even then wouldn't be able to describe it sufficiently.
It's also a story about finding your place in your family and in a bigger sense, the world.
Who is publishing your book?
TPofA will be released on December 31st, 2013 by Balzer +Bray/HarperCollins. I will never forget the moment my agent called and told me that Donna Bray loved my book. Outwardly I kept my cool, inwardly I was... OEMGEEEEEEDONNABRAYLOVESMYBOOK. I am so grateful to be working with such an innovative and awesome imprint. It's really a dream come true.
How long did it take to write the first draft of the manuscript ?
Six months.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
I've had some crit partners tell me TPofA reminded them of Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles which is supremely flattering.
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
A guidance counselor did say "None of you are going to Harvard" to my honors lit class. I always thought that was an odd way to inspire someone to action but I guess in a roundabout way it did inspire me to write this story! So maybe I should thank her.
I also liked the idea of a love interest being someone who is far from perfect. Grayson started out as a character in another book I'd been writing and when I shelved that - I took him along with me. He's definitely not the boy next door.
Oh, and I wanted to write a kissing scene in a dressing room!
What else about the book might pique the reader's interest?
The place where Wren and Grayson work, The Camelot Inn, is loosely based on a catering hall I worked at during college. It was one of those jobs that was fun and horrible at the same time!! Lots and lots of characters.
And now for the tagging!! Meet these awesome writers and hear about their Next Big Thing:
Susan Adrian
Ariel Zeitlin Cooke
TNBT Blog Tour is a series of questions for authors to talk about what they have in the works. Thank you Kathryn Rose for tagging me! I had so much fun with this. You can see which awesome writers I'm tagging at the end of my post.
What is the title of you book?
THE PROMISE OF AMAZING.
Where did the idea come from for the book?
TPofA is definitely a mash-up of a lot of ideas. I'd wanted to write a story about a shy girl who was thrust into the spotlight after saving a local celebrity's life. It was one of those ideas that burrowed into my brain while I worked on other things. I'd fool around with it every so often, but I'd never get very far.
Then we moved. While researching my current area, I was alarmed to find that home invasion was the biggest part of the crime pie. So even though I loved the idea of a sprawling, green suburbia after being a city gal for so long, the home invasion statistic bothered me. I asked the realtor about it and she explained that while yes it was alarming (indeed!!) the break-ins usually weren't random - more like a rash of crimes. She then went on to describe a crime spree involving a group of teens who would scope out shopping centers, take garage door openers from cars, get the address off the registration and then go to the target's house while they were still out shopping. I thought three things after hearing that:
1) I was not going to leave my garage door opener in my car.
2) That was a pretty thought out (well, sort of) crime.
3) That would make a great story.
But - it was nothing I could see myself writing. When the time came to work on something new the idea kept stalking me. I ran a rough outline by my agent and she told me to go for it and offered some suggestions. I took Wren's story, changed the 'local celebrity' to 'former thief' and put a different spin on a break-in and it fell into place.
In what genre does your book fall?
Young Adult Contemporary Romance
What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in the movie rendition?
Fun question, but tricky since one of the most magical things about books is that the reader gets to decide what a character looks like. I'm not sure I have a good idea of who I would cast - that said I definitely had certain types in mind as I was writing.
Wren - I imagined Wren as someone quietly pretty - a person you might not notice at first, but once you take a closer look and get to know her, you can't help but be drawn to her. She feels more comfortable in jeans than a prom dress but can pull off both looks and totally be a knockout. Saorsie Ronan is pretty close to the way I imagined Wren.
Grayson - I thought of Gray as hot but quirky. A guy who could look slightly dangerous but someone who doesn't take himself too seriously. Tyson Ritter circa the "Move Along" video is sort of the Grayson in my mind.
What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?
Splutters.
Um...I...
Girl saves boy, boy pukes on girl's shoes, after a series of complicated events they realize they are perfect for each other? Confession: I hate one sentence elevator pitches. As I said to a writer pal recently - If I were ever pitching you a story in an elevator, I'd end up following you out the door, down the hall and onto your destination and even then wouldn't be able to describe it sufficiently.
It's also a story about finding your place in your family and in a bigger sense, the world.
Who is publishing your book?
TPofA will be released on December 31st, 2013 by Balzer +Bray/HarperCollins. I will never forget the moment my agent called and told me that Donna Bray loved my book. Outwardly I kept my cool, inwardly I was... OEMGEEEEEEDONNABRAYLOVESMYBOOK. I am so grateful to be working with such an innovative and awesome imprint. It's really a dream come true.
How long did it take to write the first draft of the manuscript ?
Six months.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
I've had some crit partners tell me TPofA reminded them of Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles which is supremely flattering.
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
A guidance counselor did say "None of you are going to Harvard" to my honors lit class. I always thought that was an odd way to inspire someone to action but I guess in a roundabout way it did inspire me to write this story! So maybe I should thank her.
I also liked the idea of a love interest being someone who is far from perfect. Grayson started out as a character in another book I'd been writing and when I shelved that - I took him along with me. He's definitely not the boy next door.
Oh, and I wanted to write a kissing scene in a dressing room!
What else about the book might pique the reader's interest?
The place where Wren and Grayson work, The Camelot Inn, is loosely based on a catering hall I worked at during college. It was one of those jobs that was fun and horrible at the same time!! Lots and lots of characters.
And now for the tagging!! Meet these awesome writers and hear about their Next Big Thing:
Susan Adrian
Ariel Zeitlin Cooke
June 26, 2013
What's Up Wednesday?
What's up Wednesday is a weekly meme started by Jaime Morrow and Erin L. Funk. This awesome blog hop is a fun way to keep up with what your writer and reader buds are doing. If you wish to participate you can find the link near the bottom of Jaime and Erin's blog posts. LOVE this idea!!!
WHAT I'M READING
I am giggling my way through Lauren Morrill's MEANT TO BE. This book is so much fun. "Wooooooo!"
WHAT I'M WRITING
Well...not much at the moment but I'm thinking a lot. I know this sounds a lot like procrastination, but truthfully the thinking/dreaming part of my process is just as important as any other. Although I do get really impatient with it - especially when I go on Twitter and see the amazing word counts some of my writer pals have been clocking. I have to remind myself that I'll be there soon. I will. I just came off of two months in the revision trenches and always find the transition from revising to drafting a little challenging. I also have to remind myself to have fun with the first draft. Play. I will tell you this. It's YA. And told from the POV of a character I adore and a new character I'm falling in love with and I'm really looking forward to it!!
WHAT INSPIRES ME RIGHT NOW
Being in New Jersey. The night-time sky. The chance to see the Atlantic Ocean up close and personal again. Oh, and pizza.
WHAT ELSE I'VE BEEN UP TO
My small, all-girl, private high school is closing its doors after 88 years. In order to raise funds to settle some still outstanding bills, the alumni association had a multi-year class reunion. Class reunions are not my thing. I'm still besties with a handful of girls from my school so there hasn't been any reason to go back. It's amazing though how all those old insecurities appear when the word 'reunion' pops up but the timing was right, so we decided to go for it. I am soooooooo glad I did this!! The reunion was held at the school and walking those halls, as an adult (with a glass of wine in hand) was oddly dream-like. And so much FUN.
Here's me at my senior year locker:
And a photo of the hallway - I swear I still have nightmares, err, I mean, dreams where I forget my schedule and I don't know what class I"m heading to, but suddenly remember I'm not in high school anymore so I don't have to worry about detention...
I've also been to the Jersey shore doing my bit to boost the economy after Superstorm Sandy...
And putting my toes in the sand....
What have you been up to??
<3 Robin
WHAT I'M READING
I am giggling my way through Lauren Morrill's MEANT TO BE. This book is so much fun. "Wooooooo!"
WHAT I'M WRITING
Well...not much at the moment but I'm thinking a lot. I know this sounds a lot like procrastination, but truthfully the thinking/dreaming part of my process is just as important as any other. Although I do get really impatient with it - especially when I go on Twitter and see the amazing word counts some of my writer pals have been clocking. I have to remind myself that I'll be there soon. I will. I just came off of two months in the revision trenches and always find the transition from revising to drafting a little challenging. I also have to remind myself to have fun with the first draft. Play. I will tell you this. It's YA. And told from the POV of a character I adore and a new character I'm falling in love with and I'm really looking forward to it!!
WHAT INSPIRES ME RIGHT NOW
Being in New Jersey. The night-time sky. The chance to see the Atlantic Ocean up close and personal again. Oh, and pizza.
WHAT ELSE I'VE BEEN UP TO
My small, all-girl, private high school is closing its doors after 88 years. In order to raise funds to settle some still outstanding bills, the alumni association had a multi-year class reunion. Class reunions are not my thing. I'm still besties with a handful of girls from my school so there hasn't been any reason to go back. It's amazing though how all those old insecurities appear when the word 'reunion' pops up but the timing was right, so we decided to go for it. I am soooooooo glad I did this!! The reunion was held at the school and walking those halls, as an adult (with a glass of wine in hand) was oddly dream-like. And so much FUN.
Here's me at my senior year locker:
And a photo of the hallway - I swear I still have nightmares, err, I mean, dreams where I forget my schedule and I don't know what class I"m heading to, but suddenly remember I'm not in high school anymore so I don't have to worry about detention...
I've also been to the Jersey shore doing my bit to boost the economy after Superstorm Sandy...
And putting my toes in the sand....
What have you been up to??
<3 Robin
June 20, 2013
COVER REVEAL: THE PROMISE OF AMAZING
<!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:fixed; mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;} @font-face {font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:fixed; mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} </style> <br /><div class="MsoNormal">Shortly before my wedding, my best friend’s mom pulled me aside and gave me some advice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She told me that every so often I needed to stop and take in the moment, like really take it in, live it, breathe it, and create a mental snapshot because my wedding day would go by so quickly. It’s advice that I love and use frequently, because there are some moments in life that need to be savored.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is how I feel about these months before my debut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are so many non-glamorous moments in writing, heck, most of writing is fairly non-glamorous — hours spent clicking away at the keyboard, personal hygiene taking a backseat to edits, yoga pants — that when a glamorous moment pops up, well you want to grab it and hold on for dear life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal">This is one of those moments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one I’m going to grab and hold onto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal">My COVER!!! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mGl9V3pjUJM..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mGl9V3pjUJM..." width="420" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> <style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:fixed; mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;}</style><br />And jacket flap:<br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">Wren Caswell is average. Ranked in the middle of her class at Sacred Heart, she’s not popular, not a social misfit. Wren is the quiet good girl who’s always done what she’s supposed to—only now in her junior year, this passive strategy is backfiring. She wants to change but doesn’t know how.</span><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">Grayson Barrett was the king of St. Gabe’s: star of the lacrosse team, top of his class, and on the fast track to a brilliant future—until he was expelled for being a “term-paper pimp.” Now Gray is in a downward spiral and needs to change but doesn’t know how.</span><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><br style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">One fateful night, their paths cross at Wren’s family’s Arthurian-themed catering hall. What follows is the complicated, awkward, hilarious, and tender tale of two teens shedding their pasts, figuring out who they are—and falling in love.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /><br /><style> </style>The cover designer is Erin Fitzsimmons and I know I’m biased but I could look at this cover all…day…long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />So happy I can finally share it with you!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In honor of my cover reveal I’m giving away two advanced reader copies to two lucky winners! (US only, sorry!!) There are also iTunes gift cards and The Promise of Amazing bookmarks!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The contest runs through next week!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So make sure you enter with the link below!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ARCs will be sent out as soon as they become available. Thank you for stopping by!!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: red;"><3 Robin </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp..." id="rc-c759340" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="http://robinconstantine.blogspot.com/...
