Becky Wallace's Blog, page 5
June 9, 2015
The time I was an angry feminist…
I feel like this post needs a preface. I’ve never been anti-feminist, but I live a very “traditional” lifestyle. I’m a very happy — and sometimes very exhausted — stay at home mother. I love it. I love being with my kids, and I honestly believe that I’m doing the right thing for my family by being home with them.
Even saying that much is a bit terrifying for me. I’m always hesitant to talk about being a SAHM because I feel like there are so many women (and men) who look down on me for that choice. I’ve seen self-proclaimed feminists on social media say that staying at home is anti-feminist. I don’t like confrontation. It makes me very uncomfortable. But in this case, I guess we’ll just have to disagree. For me, being a feminist means standing up for all women without judgment, without ridicule, without tearing each other down.
Now, on to the moment when I was an angry feminist…
My nine-year-old son is doing a little physical training with a coach to help prepare him for football season. His coach is darling and fantastic at motivating my son to work hard. He’s also very young. As he was working with another young client, I heard him say, “Stop punching like a girl.”
Very quietly, I said, “Some girls hit hard.”
The coach smiled at me and said that he knew it was true, but that this particular phrase motivated this particular client.
The proof was obvious. The little boy was punching harder, and I didn’t say anything else.
But I fumed. I stewed. And for nearly two weeks I’ve thought about that phrase.
The coach may not have meant it as dismissive or misogynistic, but he taught that eight-year-old boy that there was something fundamentally wrong or weak about being a girl.
I can’t go back and undo my actions. I didn’t stand up for girls, myself and my three daughters included. But I can move forward with this lesson under my belt. I can teach my son that I am not less. That his sisters are not less. That we can and will do things better, faster, and smarter than he can. We may not be able to knock him down with one blow, but we will definitely knock him down with many. And I mean that both literally and figuratively.
There is nothing wrong with doing anything like a girl.
If this post wasn’t clear enough, then here’s a quick reminder from a superbowl ad that has stuck in my head for nearly six months.
I hope that we can teach our children that doing anything like a girl means doing it well.
April 23, 2015
Conference Insanity (with pictures!!)
Have you heard of TXLA? It’s amazing! Librarians from all over Texas (and other places) meet up with authors and publishers to do my very favorite thing: talk about books! It was my first official conference as an author and it was an incredible experience. I might have had a few fangirling moments. (Justine Larbalestier is the kindest human being of all time. Ally Carter is all sorts of sweet southerness! She gave me some awesome pro tips. Daniel Nayeri is an incredible story teller and he wears flip flops made of duct tape. Cinda Chima [who blurbed my book!] stopped in the middle of her signing line and took a picture with me! Laurie Halse Anderson is so wise. I wish I could sit at her feet and listen to her talk all day)
I didn’t say all that to name drop, but because I’m amazed how down-to-earth and real and wonderful all these people are. It was an awesome experience, and I really, really hope I get to do it again!
Now for pictures!!
From L to R: Chandler Baker (ALIVE out 6/15!!), Lydia Kang (CONTROL & CATALYST…also a doctor and mother of three…whuuuut?), Me, and Aisha Saeed (WRITTEN IN THE STARS out now!)
There are a few incredible programs that TXLA runs during their conference specifically focused on teens: Texas Tea, TT4L, and the Meet and Greet. All of these teens left with a tote full of free books, autographs, swag, and also has a chance to have face-to-face discussions with some amazing authors!
This is the lovely Jennifer Haight of Houston. She’s a librarian, blogger, and mother extraordinaire. I was so happy to see her face in the crowd!!
That’s the very talented Justin Chanda, publisher at S&S. He ran crowd control for me while I signed. I felt pretty awesome. :)
This is one of the groups of teens that stopped by my table for the Meet & Greet. They were AMAZING. I’m so impressed with the smart, insightful questions that I got to answer from these young people. My favorite part of the conference, for sure!
April 6, 2015
Video Interview: Me on The Storyspinner
On a rainy afternoon in September, I visited the Simon & Schuster offices in New York City. It was exciting and crazy and so much fun to meet all the people behind the scenes! While I was there, I filmed a little interview about The Storyspinner and its origins.
My book has been out for a month, and I’m so amazed by this journey! Fingers crossed that the path stays smooth!
March 26, 2015
The Storyspinner is a BESTSELLER!
No, no, no. It didn’t hit the NY Times or USA Today Bestseller lists, but it was the No. 1 Hard Copy Fiction Seller for Brilliant Books, in Traverse City, Michigan.
Let me tell you why this is important: because booksellers and librarians are awesome. They are putting my book into readers’ hands — staking their reputations on this fantastical adventure. And I’m so very grateful! Thank you all so much! It’s amazing to know that there are strangers out there who liked my book enough to recommend it to others.
This business can be isolated, lonely, and a little scary, but knowing that there is a whole team of people sharing their love of good stories makes it feel like a friendly neighborhood.
March 23, 2015
Cover Reveal and Giveaway! Check out SWEET MADNESS!!
Hey y’all! So excited to share the cover of my friends’ and critique partners’ newest novel, SWEET MADNESS!! It’s creepy folks. If you like spine-chilling, then this is one for you! And without spoiling anything, there are rusty saws and questionable dark spots in this book. *shivers* You’ve been warned.
Scroll down for a taste of the craziness and, of course, the cover!!!
SWEET MADNESS, September 18 2015 from Merit Press
Lizzie Borden took an axe
And gave her mother forty whacks.
When she saw what she had done,
She gave her father forty one.
About the Authors:
Trisha Leaver lives on Cape Cod with her husband, three children, and one rather irreverent black lab. She is a chronic daydreamer who prefers the cozy confines of her own imagination to the mundane routine of everyday life. She writes Young Adult Contemporary fiction, Psychological Horror and Science Fiction and is published with FSG/ Macmillan, Flux/Llewellyn and Merit Press. To can learn more about Trisha’s books, upcoming shenanigans, and her quest to reel in the perfect tuna, visit her website www.trishaleaver.com, on twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or Tumblr.
Lindsay Currie lives in Chicago with her three awesome children, husband, and a one hundred and sixty pound lap dog named Sam. She has an unnatural fondness for coffee, chocolate and things that go bump in the night. She spends her days curled up in the comfortable confines of her writing nook, penning young adult psychological horror, contemporary fiction and science-fiction and is published with Flux/Llewellyn, Merit Press and Spencer Hill Contemporary. Learn more about her at www.lindsaycurrie.com, on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.
BLURB:
Who was Lizzie Borden? A confused young woman, or a cold-hearted killer? For generations, people all over the world have wondered how Andrew Borden and his second wife, Abby, met their gruesome deaths. Lizzie, Andrew’s younger daughter, was charged, but a jury took only 90 minutes to find her not guilty. In this retelling, the family maid, Bridget Sullivan, shines a compassionate light on a young woman oppressed by her cheap father and her ambitious stepmother. Was Lizzie mad, or was she driven to madness?
Mark it to read on Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23340891-sweet-madness?from_search=true
Preorder:
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sweet-madness-trisha-leaver/1121262963?ean=9781440588945
March 11, 2015
You asked for a map for The Storyspinner…
…And I have one for you!!!
I commissioned an artist to create Santarem, the imaginary country The Storyspinner is set in, and she did an incredible job.
BUT, this is where this post gets even more exciting. If you have a copy of my book or plan to order one before March 31st, I will send you an oversized bookplate featuring the map. All you have to do is send an email to becky@beckywallacebooks.com with a picture of the book or of your receipt, and your mailing address. I’m only ordering a limited number, so this is only available to the first 300 people.
Do you want to see what you’re getting??
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I totally love it! The sketches of each of the manor houses and palaces, the beautiful trees, the ships and lighthouses, the marsh, Performers’ Camp, and Donovan’s Wall. *sighs* Jemma Young did a brilliant job!!
March 10, 2015
One launch party down, one to go!
Saturday was awesome! I felt like the real deal. I know, I know. I probably should have felt that way when I signed my contract, saw my cover, held my finished copy, etc. BUT, there’s something completely different about people talking to you about your book, saying your characters’ names, asking questions about your world…it’s an amazing, overwhelming, kinda crazy feeling. I loved it. I can’t wait to do it again, which is good as I’m having my second launch party on Saturday, March 14th at 2 p.m. at The King’s English in Salt Lake. If you’re nearby, you should totally come. There will be lots of good food and talk and fun. Like this…
These shortbread cookies were fabulous and they had The Storyspinner’s cover on it! My son asked me fifty times if he could eat the picture. The answer is YES. It’s candy!
Here’s the spread. Cookies from Those Cupcakes Rock in Houston. Caramels specially imported from The Chocolate Covered Wagon in Salt Lake City, Utah. Gift bags full of gift cards, leather headbands (they play a role in the book), caramels (they are one character’s favorite treats), swag, and a special surprise I’ll announce on Thursday.
This is me and my friend Diana Wariner. She’s been my friend for more than ten years, but she’s been my critique partner for the past five. She’s brilliant, folks. I owe her so much.
There was actually a really good turn out, which totally surprised me! The North Texas Teen Book Fest and spring break were happening at the same time. I’m so grateful to all the people who took time on their busy Saturdays to come see me! *cries*
This was maybe the coolest part of the day. I got to sign the wall at Blue Willow Bookshop! There are so many amazing authors up there! *cries again*
Okay, I lied. THIS was the coolest part. My two best friends flew in from Virginia and Salt Lake to help me get ready for the party. They are the most incredible women, and they do so much for me! Thanks Stacy and Kara! I love you girls!!
March 6, 2015
Launch Party, giveaway winners, and one more teaser!
It’s been a crazy awesome week! I’m overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness and praise for THE STORYSPINNER!! Thank you!!
If you’re in Houston, come help me celebrate! Blue Willow Bookshop is hosting my launch party tomorrow (Saturday, March 7th) at 2 p.m. I’d love to see you there. There will be treats!!
I’m sure most of you are here for the GIVEWAY announcement. The winners are listed below:
Cassie B. won The Reader’s Package (A $50 gift card to a retailer of your choice, a personalized hard copy, a jade pendant and swag!)
Melody G. won The Writer’s Package (A $50 gift card to a retailer of your choice, a personalized hard copy, a ten page critique, jade pendant and swag!)
Andye R., Helen M., and Kayla each won personalized hard copies and swag!
Please email me at becky@beckywallacebooks.com to claim your prize before March 31, or it will be give to someone else.
And, as promised, here’s one last teaser from the book:
March 2, 2015
Today is the day! THE STORYSPINNER is here!!
It’s happening. It’s really happening! My book is real. It’s in the world. WHAT?!?
There is a lot of this going on:
And some of this:
And a little bit of this:
So basically I’m a HOT MESS.
Instead of giving you some more shimmies or sniveling, I’ll leave you with one last teaser.
YOU SHOULD PROBABLY GO BUY IT TODAY!!! Here are some helpful links for you!
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Blue Willow Bookshop, The King’s English, Oblong Books, or Little Shop of Stories
THANK YOU!!!
*resumes dancing*
The Storyspinner will be out TOMORROW!!
Four years ago…I finished my first book.
Three and a half years ago…I signed with my agent.
Two and half years ago…I wrote my fourth manuscript.
Twenty-two months ago…Simon & Schuster bought it.
Eighteen months ago...I revised the crap out of it. Three times.
Twelve months ago…I saw the cover.
Eight months ago...I held the first printed copy.
Six months ago…It was read by my peers.
Two weeks ago...I held the final finished copy.
TOMORROW…I’ll finally be a published author.
It’s so very surreal to write that sentence. I feel excited, and panicky, and a little bit nauseous because this thing that’s been a huge part—no—that’s dominated my life for more than four years is going to happen tomorrow.
It’s sort of amazing.
I’m also proud. So very proud that I didn’t quit when things got hard, and I thought no one would buy my books. Ever.
But more than all of those emotions combined, I’m grateful.
I’m so very grateful that all the pieces fell into place. That my husband got transferred to Virginia and the first person I met was a published children’s book author. I’m grateful to my husband and children for eating so much macaroni and so many grilled cheese sandwiches so I could spend a few more minutes working. I’m grateful to my friends who didn’t let me turn into a hermit and visited me in my writing cave. I’m grateful to my extended family who supports my crazy dreams even when they don’t understand them completely. But most of all, I’m grateful for miracles and to a God who loves me enough to let them happen.
I’m grateful for anyone who reads this and shares a dream of doing something that feels so incredibly impossible.
Thanks to you all.
P.S. Please don’t forget that this is the last day to pre-order and enter the GIVEAWAY and enter the Goodreads giveaway.
