Heidi Schulz's Blog, page 12
January 17, 2014
On My Mind: January 17, 2014
one
Did you know pirate giraffes are a thing? I did not. But two dear friends did and have bestowed pirate giraffe goodies upon my head car and um… torso.
Thank you, Michelle!
Thank you, Summer!
two
Last week my niece texted me that Hook’s Revenge was up for preorder on Amazon. I had no idea. It felt a lot like this:
Only happy.
two-point-six-two-five
There is no cover image up on that amazon page yet, but I have seen the artwork and it is GORGEOUS. I want to marry it. And make a real jacket from my book jacket so I can wear it always. That’s not weird right?
Anyway, I’m not sure when I can share it, but watch this space.
three
Winter break has ended and with it, our commute-free days. A couple days a week Hannah attends a homeschool co-op nearly an hour’s drive away. We don’t want to waste time so we are sure to do educational things in the car. For example, listening to this song:
What? It’s history.
four
I made dinner last night. Real food. We sat around the table together. That was the norm for quite some time, but over the last year or so, it has occurred less and less. I have a lot more to say about this, but I think I’ll save it for it’s own post. However, this is what is on my mind today: It felt good.
five
THE FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC REMAKE IS ON LIFETIME TOMORROW NIGHT. Who else is going to watch it and relive being twelve? Who else is going to watch it and think “Holy crow, I watched/read this when I was twelve?”
The eighties, right? What are you gonna do?
I think it may be just about time for a reread.
January 10, 2014
Hurrah! Hook’s Revenge Across the Pond
I made a little announcement yesterday and couldn’t be happier about it.
What does Doctor Who, steak and kidney pie, and HOOK'S REVENGE have in common? Here's a hint: pic.twitter.com/hJZKRqn0yc
— Heidi Schulz (@HeidiSchulz) January 9, 2014
I'm thrilled to announce that HOOK'S REVENGE will be published this fall in the UK and commonwealth by @chickenhsebooks! #yay
— Heidi Schulz (@HeidiSchulz) January 9, 2014
First, Chicken House?!?!? Can you think of a better name? Sarah Jane and Hannah can’t.
I’m also beside myself with excitement that my UK editor, Barry Cunningham, has worked with some of my literary heroes HEROES.
I assure you, the capslock is absolutely necessary here. I mean, just check out his bio. When I read it for the first time, I burst into wet, noisy tears at my desk. Because, you guys, I just can’t believe it.
I’m tearing up again right now, thinking of it.
Hook’s Revenge isn’t even out in the world yet, but I am already very humbled and overwhelmed at this amazing experience. And, even more so, by the outpouring of support, excitement, and encouragement so many of you have given me.
I am truly grateful.
Pip pip! Cheerio!
P.S. A few people have asked for clarification on dates: Hook’s Revenge will be available in the US on 9/16/14 and shortly after in the UK and commonwealth. Yay!
January 8, 2014
In the Middle with Michelle Schusterman
Hey guys, guess what.
My very first book comes out this year!
You know who else is debuting fun, new middle grade fiction this year?
Lots of people! Hooray for readers everywhere!
I thought you might like a chance to get to know some of these authors and their fabulous books, so I’m starting a new feature: In the Middle with {Insert Amazing Middle Grade Author Here}.
Watch this space—I’ll be posting short interviews with fellow debut authors and details about their books as they release.
Our first victim guest is Michelle Schusterman with her simultaneous release of
I Heart Band and I Heart Band 2: Friends, Fugues, and Fortune Cookies.
Holly Mead’s first day of seventh grade isn’t going as planned. Her brother ruins her carefully chosen outfit, she’s almost late, and her new band director has some surprisingly strict rules. Worst of all, it seems like her best friend, Julia, has replaced her with Natasha, the pretty, smart, new French horn player! Holly is determined to get first chair, but Natasha is turning out to be some pretty stiff competition—and not just in band. Band might be a competition, but friendship isn’t—and Holly needs to figure it out before she loses Julia for good.
Both books are available on Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Indiebound, and bookstores near you.
Q&A with Michelle:
What draws you into writing for a middle grade audience?
I know this is by no means an original answer, but while I’ve always read books in all sorts of genres and at all age levels, it’s the books I read in elementary and middle school—Matilda, The Witches, Sideways Stories from Wayside School—that really made me a lifelong reader. Those are the stories that have stuck with me the most, and they’re the stories I want to tell.
If you had a time machine and could visit middle grade you, what would you tell her?
“Everybody else is just as insecure as you.” Honestly, I was so painfully shy and withdrawn at that age, and I just assumed the other kids were all brimming with confidence. Being a teacher definitely taught me otherwise!
Choose your own adventure: Is there an interview question you’d love to answer, but haven’t been asked?
Honestly, I’ve been asked some pretty great questions! But one thing I’ve never gotten to talk about is Warlock, a card game Holly and her friend Owen are addicted to that’s sort of a mix of Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons. It was really fun to create the characters and rules as I wrote. And my awesome illustrator, Genevieve Kote, drew a pretty adorable set of Warlock cards which very sadly did not make it onto the cover of book three, so I’d love to share it with you here!
Image credit: Genevieve Kote
Thanks for dropping in, Michelle, and congratulations on your releases!
Michelle Schusterman is a former band director and forever band geek, starting back in the sixth grade when she first picked up a pair of drumsticks. Now she writes books, screenplays, and music in New York City, where she lives with her husband (and band mate) and their chocolate lab (who is more of a vocalist).Connect with Michelle on her website or on twitter.
December 31, 2013
Heidi in Review
Top Five Posts of 2013
In which we prove, once again, you guys really, really like your granola:
A Few Favorite Posts of 2013
An Almost-Spring Break Wherein Hannah and I escape to our favorite costal getaway and a bottle washes up at our feet.Happy Prom Season! Because if I can’t share embarrassing photos of myself online I don’t know what I am doing here.Announcing: Hook’s Revenge! Announcing the sale of my first book has been a lifelong dream.Announcing: Giraffes Ruin Everything! Announcing the sale of my second book a week later bordered on ridiculous, but who cares? It was awesome!Pumpkin Cheesecake Brûlée Because pie + brûlée torch, that’s why.Highlights
Remember when I used to blog nearly every day? Heh. I only blogged 27 times in 2013, which was far less than needed to convey the sheer amount of awesome this year held.
In addition to the things I linked to above, some favorites from 2013:
Books I Read
I read 68 books this year, some published and some in manuscript form. That was less than last year, but I’ll take quality over quantity any day. Besides, two were in the Game of Thrones series which are long enough to count as ten books each or so, right?
The first published book I read this year was The Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy by Nikki Loftin. The last was Vicious by Victoria Schwab. (Both great reads.)
My favorite read this year doesn’t actually come out until May, but I got to get a sneak peek. Be sure to snatch up Flights and Chimes and Mysterious Times as soon as you can.
Looking Ahead to 2014
Certainly the biggest thing on my horizon is the publication of my first book, Hook’s Revenge, on September 16. I am both excited and terrified at the prospect. Exciterrified!
I don’t do resolutions, but I will offer myself some advice fit for 2014 and always:
Try not to worry so much.Don’t overdo it. It’s okay to go slow.Self-care is really important. Don’t neglect that.Remember to put the most important things first.There is no such thing as too much pie.And to you, dear readers, thank you for another year together. Happy 2014!
December 16, 2013
Pumpkin Cheesecake Brûlée
I have not tried to hide my deep and abiding feelings for pie. I love it with all my heart.
Now, some people might say that cheesecake is not a pie but those people would be wrong.
It has a crust.
It has a filling.
You cut it in wedges.
Clearly, it is pie.
I made three pies on Thanksgiving, of which this masterpiece was one. I promised to share the recipe, went out of town, then forgot. But today, the memory of that cake pie floated up in my mind, urging me to share it with the world.
Who am I to deny a true love’s request, and the chance to show off my torch wielding skills?
(Alternately, you may brûlée under your oven’s broiler. Place rack as close to the broiler as possible. Broil for 5 to 10 minutes, rotating them frequently so that they broil evenly. Take them out when they are golden brown and bubbling.)WordPress Recipe Plugin by EasyRecipe3.2.1255
November 23, 2013
What’s for Thanksgiving Dinner?
It is nearly upon us…
This year, my parents and Walt’s mom will be joining us at our home. Want to know what we’ll be eating?
Schulz Family Thanksgiving Dinner Menu
Links marked with * are my own recipes.
Baked Brie Bites in Puff Pastry
Stuffed Mushrooms
Veggie Centerpiece *
Baby Greens with candied pecans, pears, pomegranate, feta, and maple vinaigrette *
Butternut Squash Soup
Brown Bag Roasted Turkey *
Mashed Potatoes, chunky, with skins on
Stuffing *
Turkey Gravy
Honeyed Carrots
Roasted Broccoli
Homemade Rolls * (using the dough from my cinnamon roll recipe)
Pumpkin Cheesecake Brûlée, but with a gingersnap crust instead of graham cracker
Caramel Apple Pie
Ice Cream
And, of course, we’ll set the table with our Handprint turkey runner.
Thanksgiving Table Runner, tutorial here
Are you staying home or traveling? Having guests? Cooking, ordering takeout, or eating out? Tell me about your plans because I am nosy interested in you.
Happy Thanksgiving!
November 19, 2013
On My Mind: November 19, 2013
one
The Happiest Place on Earth
We just returned home from a weeklong trip to Disneyland.
View of California Adventure Park from our hotel room
We have precious few pictures of the three of us together, but we were all there.
We must have walked 100 miles over the course of the week. In one day I wore holes in a brand new, never-worn pair of socks. We passed out early every night and took Advil every morning.
We had a lovely time.
two
A few weeks ago the New York Post ran an article declaring giraffes to be the new “it” animal. That must be why they seem to be everywhere! Ruining everything!
To combat this invasion, I created a Pinterest board depicting things that I see being ruined by giraffes. If you would like to contribute, please email your original photos (ones that you have taken yourself) to heidi@franticallysimple.com with the heading: Giraffes Ruin Pinterest.
Giraffes Ruin Shrubbery
three
I love this little girl. You will too.
four
If you are not busy on September 16th, you could use that day to maybe buy Hook’s Revenge. I mean, if you want. (It releases just in time for International Talk Like A Pirate Day–9/19!)
I’ve had a few people ask if it is available for pre-order. Not just yet, but I will let you know as soon as it is.
four-point-two-five
Speaking of Hook’s Revenge, I saw some early sketches of cover art last week and I loved them so much. I can’t wait to see and share the final.
They did not look at all like this, but I felt like I should put something here, so:
Closet by *Sheharzad-Arshad on deviantART
five
Even though it is actually raining outside, I still keep listening to this. My favorite mix is Rain on the Roof, Thunder, and Frogs.
What’s on your mind today?
November 8, 2013
In Which I Declare You All Winners (but only award prizes to only one)
Recap: Last week, I announced a contest celebrating my new website. Entrants had to write a story, 100 words or less, using the words Giraffe, Cutlass, Hook, Chicken, Pink, Clock, and Pie. Bonus points were awarded for using “AAAAAAAAR” in a way that was neither pirate-speak nor an exclamation of pain.
The winning writer will receive a copy of my favorite illustrated Peter Pan, the 100th anniversary edition with artwork by Michael Hague:
And his/her choice of a tote bag or t-shirt featuring the best pirate giraffe the internet has to offer:
Onward Tote Bag, Studio 6
There were quite a few entries, and all were wonderful! Each person should consider him or herself a great big winner! Albeit, most are great big winners without a prize, but such is life, right?
My agent, Brooks Sherman, and I spent some time in intense deliberation this morning before agreeing on a winner.
Honorable mentions to Grant S., an inventive ten-year-old boy who took us on quite a journey, and Jeff DeCoursey for making me hungry.
Runner up: Karin Archibald who displayed an impressive creativity in her use of the words. See?
Time to Go
She picked up his plate that held only crumbs of a chicken pot pie.
“Are you having dessert”?
No answer.
She refilled his coffee cup and gazed out the window. His faded, pink Oldsmobile Cutlass was parked in front of the diner. The filthy windows made it hard to see what was inside, but she swore there was a large stuffed giraffe in the back seat.
She looked at the clock and realized her shift was almost over.
“AAAAAAAAR YUUUUUUU HAAAAAV-ING DE-ZURRRRRRT”?!!!
He wiggled the hook of his hearing aid.
“WAAAAAAAT”?!!
And now, without further ado, the grand only prize winner, Andrea M! Her entry was hilarious and had a surprising twist.
The giraffe was back.
It was peeking in Captain Salty’s kitchen window. Third-floor kitchens are irresistible to giraffes.
Salty looked at the clock. The minute hand clicked.AAAAAAAR!
“Bleedin’ timer.” Salty grabbed a potholder from the hook on the wall. He retrieved an apple pie from the oven and set it on the counter next to the roast chicken.
A pink giraffe tongue poked through the open window and inched toward the pie.
Salty unsheathed his cutlass. He raised it above his head and slashed the air.
The pie was now two pieces.
The giraffe gobbled up both.“Bleedin’ giraffes.”
Andrea, check your email!
Everyone else, thanks for entering or simply reading along. I’m so glad you’re here!
October 30, 2013
HeidiSchulzBooks.com Grand Opening (and Contest!)
Things look a little different around here don’t they? This blog is now a part of a whole new website: HeidiSchulzBooks.com. I have been looking forward to showing it off for months and am thrilled to finally share it with you!
If you haven’t taken the time to look through the whole site (especially that incredibly detailed map on the landing page, under the home tab above) go look. Yes, now. It’s okay. I’ll wait.
Isn’t it AWESOME?
All summer I researched websites I liked. Once I had a clear idea of what I wanted, I assembled my crack team of amazing designers. By that I mean, I went to two of my very talented friends and begged for the opportunity to hire them. Lucky for me they both said yes.
My Team
Annie Laurie Cechini created all the gorgeous and incredibly detailed original artwork. Drew Heacock brought that artwork to life with his amazing programming and design skills. (I’m talking dark wizard level skills. I asked Drew if he could make that beautiful clock actually keep time, local to the user. He wrote a program and did it.)
Two months ago, I sent them both a few pages of notes, including some drawings so rudimentary they would make a five-year-old shake his head. They took those rough notes and made them into something absolutely wonderful, as represented by the following figure:
I love it so much!
Celebratory Giveaway
To celebrate, I’d like to do a little giveaway. I’m going to pick one of you to win the following two prizes:
A copy of my very favorite illustrated Peter Pan, the 100th anniversary addition with artwork by Michael Hague:
And your choice of a tote bag or t-shirt featuring the best pirate giraffe the internet has to offer:
Onward Tote Bag, Studio 6
To Enter
You do not have to subscribe to my blog, follow my twitter, or like my Facebook (though, I mean, you certainly can do those things if you like). Instead, I want you to tell me a story. But make it a short story–I don’t have all day.
Please write a story in 100 words or less using all of the following words:
Giraffe
Cutlass
Hook
Chicken
Pink
Clock
Pie
Bonus points if you use “AAAAAAAAR” in a way that is neither pirate-speak nor an exclamation of pain.
Enter your story in the comments. Next Friday, November 8, my agent, Brooks Sherman, and I will bicker and fight over them until we have agreed upon a winner.
Contest is open to those living in the U.S. or Canada, please.
Good luck!
