L.J. Singleton's Blog, page 2
July 22, 2012
GOTH GIRL #2. CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER THREE
While Jay crosses the street, chillin’ like he’s out for a casual stroll, I’m sweating, slinking into night shadows, staying low as a bug. I only need to pass five houses then cross to the opposite side of the street. Sounds easy? Not so much. During those seconds when I’m crossing, I’ll be as visible as the red circle on a shooting target. Can I make it without being seen? Not so sure, although I’ll never admit it.
Slipping behind a thick tree trunk, I glance over at Garth, who has finally ended his lip-lock and is strutting away from the house with a cocky swagger like a soccer star who scored the winning goal. His hasn’t noticed Jay yet, who has stopped walking and stands motionless beneath swaying curtains of willow branches.
I blink, and Jay is gone.
Garth pauses on the sidewalk, digging into his pocket and pulling out a key ring. The keys jangle an emergency warning signal to me—hurry! I have to get into covert position before Garth reaches his car. I peer over to where I last saw Jay. Still no hint of life behind the willow vines. It’s like Jay is made of invisibility.
A rumbling noise of an engine. Headlights shine down the road--heading my way. If I stand here the beams will mark me like a splash of paint in a paint ball battle. I press up against a tree, waiting for the car to pass and clasping my hands together around the phone like I’m praying. Don’t see me, don’t see me. I step off the sidewalk close to a tree, crouching down low. Light flashes. A whirl of movement rushes by. I hold my breath and wait the count of ten then peer at the street.
The car is gone but so is Garth.
Where did he go?
I look up and down the street, puzzled because his car is still parked in the same spot. I hear a scraping sound from plastic garbage can in the opposite driveway, and Garth’s head pops up, and I realize he hid from the passing car, too. The cheater afraid of the wrath of a jealous girlfriend.
Then I get serious because I still have to cross the street. I duck behind the bushes. And I can’t think of any way to do this without Garth seeing me. I watch him pass one house then another until he’s almost to his car. And I’m still not behind the bushes.
“Hey, Garth!” I hear Jay call out all friendly like he’s greeting one of his pals.
Garth spins around, so his back is toward me. I have my chance, and I go for it. Darting across the street, focusing on running silent and fast, holding my breath until my lungs burn for air. Only when I dive behind leafy green bushes do I breathe.
“You know me?” I hear Garth say in a shaky voice, but I don’t look up. I’m stealthily pushing aside leaves, until I’ve made a hole in the bushes perfect for filming. How do I power up that phone, anyway?
“The question is—do you know me?” Jay asks in the mocking deep voice of the Grin Reaper. I don’t have to look up to know how he must appear to Garth: all dressed in black except for the yellow smiley face on the back of his knit cap, an air of being tall and powerful, rippling with muscles like he could bend a tire iron like it was a tooth pick.
I’ve finally got the phone on, and search for the camera app. Okay, there it is on the bottom of the screen. I press for video and a red light flashes. Score!
Clutching the phone, I aim through the leafy opening at Garth’s back as he faces Jay. Only two dark eyes peer from Jay’s knitted mask.
“What the hell?” Garth growls.
“Have fun with your girlfriend?” Jay taunts, stepping closer at an angle that causes Garth to turn, giving me a clear view of his face.
“None of your…Hey, you‘re that Reaper dude!” Surprise shifts into closed-mouth, narrow-eyed anger. “What do you want?”
“Just a friendly conversation.” Jay’s voice is smooth; like a fisherman throwing a lure and waiting patiently for his prey to bite.
“Get out of my way.”
“I will after we talk.”
“I got nothing to say to you.”
“Not even about your friend?” The Reaper pauses. “Newt.”
“That geek isn’t a friend of mine. G-Get out of here before I call the cops.”
“That would be my pal Sheriff Hart. Go ahead, call him.”
“I will!” Garth’s voice rises. “I’ll probably get a reward, too.”
“Yeah--handcuffs and an uncomfortable ride to jail when I tell him all abut that knife you planted in Newton’s locker.”
“I did not!” Garth raises his fists but he backs up instead of going after Jay, and it’s obvious he’s all bluster and no spine.
“You know Newton’s locker combination.”
Garth frowns. “So what if I do? I wasn’t even near his locker.”
“Someone saw you,” Jay says accusingly.
Garth’s mouth falls open then he snaps it shut, glaring at Jay. “You’re lying! Even if I was by his locker, that doesn’t mean anything. That knife came from Newton’s weapon collection.”
“And you know all about his collection because he used to be your friend. You hung out together all in elementary school. Why turn on him now?”
“I don’t hang with losers.”
“Too smart, huh? Makes you look dumb,” Jay says almost sympathetically. “I don’t blame you for hating on him. Why should he have a great future when your only chance for college is a soccer scholarship but your stats aren’t what they used to be. You put the knife in his locker.”
I crouch down so low I can taste the dirt I’m stirring up, half-sitting as I hold the camera steady for a clear shot at the action. Garth clasps his hands together, fidgeting as if he isn’t sure whether to strike or run. Got to give him credit, though, when he stands his ground. I can’t see his face, but his body language is all stubborn and defiant as he snorts, “You can’t prove anything.”
“Are you forgetting the witness?”
“Lies. There wasn’t anything to see.”
“Want to bet your future on it?” Jay says quietly.
“Who’s the witness? Prove it, or get the hell out of my face.”
“I don’t have to prove it…yet. But what I can do is have a nice talk with your girlfriend.” A pause. “About you and Druscilla.”
“You…You saw that?” He glances over at Druscilla’s house, face paling to a sickly shade of gray like the concrete he’s standing on.
“And I took photos.” There’s something sexy about Jay’s grin, and I find it hard not to stare through the mask to his dark shining eyes.
“Don’t show her!” Garth cries. “Please!”
“If you care so much, why cheat on her?”
“She’s not the one who scares me—it’s her brothers. They’re on my team and they’ll kill me.”
“Like you killed Newton’s future?”
“Don’t worry about him.” Garth spits on the ground, too close to my hiding place. “Newt will do all right, he always does. But I’m toast if Missy Ann’s brothers find out about Dru.” A leaf tickles my cheek and I brush it away, my gaze tight on Garth whose shoulders hunch in defeat. “What do you want?”
“A confession.”
“Not gonna happen.” Garth shakes his head. “I’ll get kicked off the team and expelled.”
“That would really suck for the team."
“Yeah,” Garth says quickly like he’s drowning and Jay offered him a floatie. “Is it fair to punish the team—the whole school—because of me?”
“You have a point.” Jay rubs his chin, thoughtfully. I’m not sure if he’s sincere or acting. He’s that good, and I’m enjoying watching his show.
“So you’ll go away and forget all about this?” Garth gestures to his second girlfriend’s house.
Jay nods. “I’m a soccer fan and don’t want our team to lose its best goalie.”
“So you won’t show Missy Ann the photos?” Garth asks hopefully.
“I’ll delete them,” he says like a solemn promise.
“Thanks, man. I owe you.”
“So tell me how you did it,” Jay says with a hint of admiration. “I can’t figure out how you got into Newton’s house and stole his knife without getting caught.”
“Easy.” Garth lifts his shoulders, swaggering. “I still have a house key from when I fed his family’s dog when they went on vacation. Newt’s such a geek, his room has all kinds of gaming stuff, dragons, posters and even costumes like he thinks he’s a real super hero. I was in and out with the knife quick.”
“Why frame him?” Jay asks. “He must have really pissed you off.”
I grip the camera steady but it’s awkward and my arm cramps. Pain shoots up through my shoulder to my neck. Ouch. Damn. Hurry the hell up, Jay!
“Everything Newt does pisses me off,” Garth complains in a relaxed tone like he and the Grin Reaper are pals. “He’s always acting so fake and superior, bragging about colleges begging to choose them. He deserved a dose of reality, so I gave it to him.”
“But how did you make sure he’d get caught?” Jay sounds so impressed that if I didn’t know better I’d believe he a Garth fan. “If I’d found a knife in my locker, I would have ditched it, not wait around for a teacher to find it.”
“I disguised my voice and made an anonymous report of Newt carrying a knife.”
“Good thinking,” Jay approves.
“Yeah. My parents think Newt is the smart one, but I got him good.” Garth tilts his head at Jay. “So we’re good? You won’t tell my girlfriend anything?”
“Not a word. See ya around.” Jay waves his gloved hand then whirls away. Garth scampers off like a beaten dog, slamming the door of his car and burning rubber as he leaves. Finally! Groaning in relief, I lower my arm as shut off the camera.
Headlights flash then disappear down the road with Garth. Jay’s car immediately pulls up beside my leafy hide-out. The window rolls down. “Get in,” he calls out to me.
I don’t hesitate, hurrying into the passenger seat and slamming the door.
“Get it all?” He whips off his knit cap, tossing it on the dash, grinning.
“Yeah. Not a bad show.” I toss the camera over to him and he catches it. “Really bold move to confront him.”
“He almost saw you. When I saw the camera light flashing from the bushes, so I knew I had to keep him facing me.”
“Thanks.” I rub my arm and pluck a leaf from my hair. “When will you show the video to Garth’s girlfriend?”
“Never. I told him I wouldn’t.”
“You also told him there was a witness.” I lean back comfortably in my seat. “Was there?”
Jay flashes a wicked smile. “There will be tomorrow.”
I chuckle as I guess where he’s going with this. “You-Tube, right? The link will spread like crazy. By lunch tomorrow it’ll have thousands of hits. Maybe millions.”
He shakes his head. “If I do that it’ll punish the victim, too. Newton doesn’t deserve that kind of humiliation.”
My seat belt digs into me as I twist to stare at him. “So what are you going to do with the video?”
“Send it to one person.”
I’m silent for a moment, thinking. Sheriff Hart? Principal Blank? Missy Ann?
When Jay tells me, I smile.
Perfect.
July 21, 2012
GOTH GIRL #2. CHAPTER 2
If there's still interest, I'll post chapter 3 tomorrow. PS - While I self-edit, this hasn't been professionally edited. I really appreciate all the editors I've worked with. No matter how much I reread something, I usually find a mistake later. Be warned (g).
GOTH GIRL MYSTERY #2: REAPER
CHAPTER TWO
Jay slides down the rope he’s hooked to my balcony and offers to catch me if I fall. But I’m already climbing down, reminding him he’s not the only one with skills. He nods with what I think is respect.
“This way,” he whispers, gesturing for me to follow.
We cross through the backyard, staying close to bushes as we hurry away from the three-story ramshackle farm house my family recently moved into. Brittle leaves crackle on the road, shaken from skeletal autumn-dying trees, and a chilly breath of wind moans along the quiet country road. I love the eerie night in its cozy cloak of darkness. It’s no secret black is my favorite color, which some people think that’s a sign I’m into devil worship or other ridiculous assumptions, but black is the most interesting color; unable to reflect light, independent and mysterious; coloring the night when the world seems most alive.
And I’m feeling more alive than ever, aware of rough pavement beneath my feet, chilly air tingling my face and woodsy smell from burning fireplaces. We travel silently down a road dimly lit by orbs of street lights and a shine of moon through an overcast October sky. I stay close to Jay, my two steps matching each of his longer single strides.
When we reach a dark-brown sedan, more like something grandparents would drive than a car for a rich high school senior, Jay clicks a button on his key ring.
“Entrez s’il vous plait.” With a gentlemanly gesture, he opens the door for me.
As I duck inside the vehicle, his arm brushes my shoulder. Electricity sparks through my body. I glance sharply to read his expression, wondering if he’s jolted too, yet see not even a flicker of emotion. He climbs into the seat, clicking a seat belt and we’re off.
We drive west, away from the rural area of Nevada Bluff, toward brighter lights of the city. Questions slam my thoughts, about where we’re going and what will happen when we get there. Mostly, though, I wonder why Jay invited me tonight. Is it because he knows I can keep a secret and don’t scare easily? Or could it be something more personal? How does he really feel about me? But this is a question I can never ask.
Jay turns onto a street with rutted pavement, few working street lights, junk cars for lawn decorations and blocky single-story homes crowded close together.
I look around, curious. “Where are we going?”
“To catch a liar,” he says with a light smile but his dark eyes narrow.
“Anyone I know?” I ask.
“Garth Calloway.”
I pause, testing the name through my memory, but I’m a newbie at NB High, only moving from California a few months ago. NB High is too conservative and cowboy for my gothtastic taste but it’s growing on me.
And so is Jay, I think, giving him a sideways look. No one ever discovered the Grin Reaper’s true identity until I ripped off his mask a few weeks ago. I’m up for revenge as long as Jay doesn’t play rough like when we first met and he shoved me and stole my backpack. Not exactly a “romantic” first meeting. Yet I smile at the memory now. Jay goes to extremes to right wrongs at school all for justice. It’s a coincidence his first name is Justice. Or maybe fate, as my psychic friend Sabine would say.
“..and then hide with the—Thorn! Are you listening?” Jay demands, glancing at me sharply.
“Not so much. I was thinking.”
“Good things about me?” he teases.
“You wish.” My tone is light but my cheeks burn. “So what did this Garth dude do to deserve a visit from the Grin Reaper?”
Jay grins—a sight his victims never see thought his trademark knitted mask that covers all but his black eyes. But he’s not wearing his mask now; half of his attention on driving, the other half on me. ”Did you hear about the honor student being expelled for having a knife in his locker?”
“Who hasn’t? Stupid move for someone who’s supposed to be smart. His future is screwed.”
“Screwed by Garth.”
“And you know this, how?” I arch my pierced brow.
“I never reveal my sources, but I have lots of friends who tell me things and know for a fact Garth did it. The honors kid—Newton Howell—was framed.”
“Why?”
Jay shrugs. “Don’t know. Garth is usually cool and a hell of a soccer player.”
“As if being good at soccer is a personality endorsement?”
“Clearly you’re not a soccer fan.”
“I’m not a fan of a jock on a power trip. Garth probably through it was a big laugh putting a knife in Newton’s locker, but in a zero tolerance school, possession of a weapon is serious.”
“Yeah,” Jay agrees, scowling. “I know Garth did it but I don’t know why. He used to be really tight with Newton—their parents are close friends. But now Garth only hangs out with his soccer pals.”
“And what about Newton?” I ask.
“He hangs with no one.”
“Sad,” I say softly, knowing what it’s like to feel alone.
Jay nods like he understands loneliness, too, although he’s never alone at school, strutting around like king of the campus with a group of followers nicknamed the Jay-Clones. But I’ve seen the other side of Jay; the do-gooder who tries to even the scales of justice because his father, a corrupt judge, is into payoffs and bribes.
The car slows into a left turn onto a street with a sign reading “dead end.” Jay parks the car behind a huge motor home then clicks his seat belt.
“Garth’s in there.” He leans across the street to point at a yellowy house across the street and his brushes against my cheek; soft with a sweet shampoo scent of lemon.
I suck in a Jay-scented breath, my body tingling in a strangely nice way. Being so close to him, I’m aware of his every move, and I long to be reach for his hand, pull him closer, to touch, to be touched….
Stop it, Thorn! I tell myself. Need to focus, not on Jay, but on the house he’s pointing to: a rectangular single-story with darkened windows and a yellow porch light shining on a motorcycle. In the driveway, a truck is propped up on blocks; minus tires.
“That truck’s not going anywhere soon,” I say lightly with a gesture to the wheel-less truck. “If we’re going to do damage to that truck, someone already beat us to it.”
Jay chuckles. “That’s not Garth’s truck. This isn’t his house either although he’s inside. His car is over there.” He points down a few houses to a silver compact Nissan parked on the street.
“Sounds like he has a secret,” I say slyly.
“Not for long. Take this,” Jay says, handing me his smart phone.
I hold the phone longingly; shiny black, hand-sized with a pop-out keyboard. “You want me to call someone?”
“No—use the video app.”
“I’m not familiar with the model.” Much cooler than admitting I can’t afford my own phone.
“Press here.” He touches a camera-shaped app. “When it flashes, you’re recording.”
“Got it,” I say.
“You need to be close enough for a clear image so find a hiding place near his car,” Jay adds, pointing.
I peer down the street. “I can squeeze behind that big bush.”
“That’ll work. Then start filming when I give this signal.’ He makes a rolling gesture with his hand. “Be careful, and do not let him see you.”
“Do I look stupid?” I retort.
“No, thank God,” he says with a chuckle. “That’s why I asked you to join me tonight.”
The only reason? I think with a jolt of disappointment.
“I’ll watch the house and you get into position. Garth should be coming out of the house soon. He’s with-” Jay stops abruptly, his gaze fixed across the street where the front door is opening.
A skinny kid shaved head kid in a cool leather jacket with a dragon emblem steps out of the house, lingering to kiss a brown-haired girl. I can’t see her face since it’s pressed against his but I recognize her anyway from my Spanish class. Teacher’s Pet, Druscilla Espenza. She giggles so much I’ve nicknamed her Dru-Silly.
“Nice,” I say in a tone that means the opposite, noting Garth’s hand has slipped to her butt. “They should get a room.”
“Already did. Hers.” Jay flicks his hand toward the house. “Like clockwork every Wednesday night. Garth stays till 12:30 then hops on his bike back home so his girlfriend has no clue.”
“His girlfriend? But isn’t Dru-Silly his girlfriend?”
“Nope. And blood will spill if his real girlfriend Missy Ann catches him cheating.” Jay reaches up to turn off an overhead light then opens his door and the car remains dark. Still I can see him reaching for his Reaper knit cap from his pocket and slither it over his face. “He’s done earlier than usual tonight. Damn. Think you can get behind that bush without him seeing you?”
“I’ll try,” I say.
“Hold the camera steady and make sure you get everything Garth says.”
“But what will you be doing?”
“Convincing Garth to bare his soul in confession.”
“Confession?” I snort. “As if he’s going to admit to anything.”
“Just watch,” Jay says then he leaps from the car. “And keep on filming --no matter what happens.”
July 20, 2012
GOTH GIRL MYSTERY #2: REAPER (spin-off of THE SEER)
GOTH GIRL 2 – REAPER
By
Linda Joy Singleton
CHAPTER ONE
I lie in bed, waiting.
Since finding the cryptic note in my locker, I’ve thought of nothing else:
To defend an honor,
Come join me,
Meet at midnight
Balcony. 
The smiley face is the mark of the Grin Reaper, a vigilante cloaked in a knit cap instead of a cape. Justice Blankenship the Third (Jay) plays the pretty rich boy at school but after classes he fights for the underdog. I’m the only one at Nevada Bluff High who knows Jay is the Grin Reaper although I don’t know much else about him. What I do know I like. And I’d like to know more.
Nine minutes till midnight.
Ready for Jay, I’m draped in black; the color of night and secrets. My nerves are strung tighter than the strings on the guitar lying beside me. I’ve been strumming, tweaking notes of a bluesy song I’m writing, trying not to focus on the glowing numbers from my alarm clock.
Dying flames from my burning incense casts eerie shadows around my room, shifting ordinary furniture into unearthly shapes. I’ve drawn back the curtains over the sliding glass door to my balcony, so my room is too dark for prying eyes yet offers me a moonlit view through glass. I can’t relax, wondering when Jay will arrive and whose honor needs defending. Some poor kid at school, I guess. Last time (the only time actually) I joined Jay for a vigilante night out involved sneaking into a barn and pink spray paint. Not knowing where I’m going tonight is crazy-making. It’d be easier if Jay would just talk to me at school instead of leaving cryptic messages. But oil and water mix better than his group of friends and mine. It’s a secret we even know each other, much less like each other. My friendship with Jay is complicated. Is it even a friendship? We’re more like co-conspirators. Allies.
A sound on the balcony makes me jump and my elbow smacks my bed’s brass headboard. Ignoring my throbbing elbow, I move my guitar aside, crossing my room to peer beyond glass to the balcony. Silvery moonshine defuses the darkness so I can clearly see each potted plant and the two rod iron chairs on my balcony.
But no sign of Jay.
I return to my bed and reached beneath my pillow, pulling out a folded paper. I’ve read the note so many times it’s creased into dark roads tempting me into dangerous directions. I’ve told no one; hiding my distraction during dinner with nods and smiles for my family. Only K.C., my “like a brother” friend who lives in a room over our garage, noticed, shooting me a suspicious look when I fake-yawned and said I was going to bed early.
As if I could sleep!
My nerves are razor-sharp, and my thoughts spiking back and forth. What will I say when Jay shows up? He’s assuming a lot with the note—that I’ll jump at his invitation without explanation. Sure, being with Jay is a thrill ride like nothing else, but if I go with him tonight where will it lead?
Three minutes to midnight.
My jacket hangs on a hook beside my tallest dresser, socks and sneakers laid out ready for a quick exit. I bend over, slipping on the socks and sneakers.
Ready, set…waiting….
I stare at the illuminated clock numbers, willing them to speed up while listening outside for rustling leaves, footfalls, a car’s motor. Nothing. Maybe he’s changed his plans and won’t be coming. Am I relieved or disappointed? The smart thing to do would be to burrow under my covers and forget all about Jay. But I’m not the smart kid in the family. That would be my younger studious sister Amy. She’d never accept an invitation from a guy who breaks rules, laws and hearts. She doesn’t know what she’s missing….
My balcony is on the third floor, facing the backyard. Impossible to climb, you’d think. Not for Jay, who blends into shadows. He won’t need a ladder; he’ll use a grappling hook and rope like he’s freaking Spiderman. He’s not my boyfriend so he can’t expect much from me, yet I can guess what he wants. What will I tell him?
No would be the sensible answer. As a P.K.—preacher’s kid—I’m supposed to set a good example for Mom’s congregation, heavy expectations that I usually give a middle finger salute to. Fortunately Mom’s cool with who I am, but not so much Dad. He still frowns when I come to breakfast in black leather, chains, army boots and piercings.
Midnight. So where is Jay?
A soft footfall from my balcony and like a magic trick he unfolds from shadows. Medium-tall, slim, muscular, black jeans, black jacket, and piercing black eyes through slits in a black knit hat. He whips off the hat, his blond hair glinting under moonlight, and tucks the hat into his pocket.
I slide open the door, a gust of chilled night air shivering up my skin.
Jay grasps a flashlight in his gloved hand which he shines on me.
“Not in my face.” I lift my hand to shield my eyes.
“Sorry.” He lowers his arm. “You look good, Thorn.”
“Thanks.” I keep my expression calm but inside I slap the moon a hi-five.
“What about me?” he asks in a swaggering tone that I’m never sure whether to take seriously or not. “Don’t you think I look good?”
“You always do,” I say, and it’s true. Oh, yeah. So black-leather delicious, he’s a walking dessert, served steaming hot. Still his ego could use some knocking down so I add, “But that’s what I expect from a preppy rich kid.”
“You think that’s who I am?” His words have edge, as if I’ve struck too close to a raw nerve.
“Not really,” I admit. “But you assumed a lot with your note.”
“Didn’t you like my poem?”
“Meter was a little off but not bad.”
“Made you curious enough to wait up for me, didn’t it?”
“Maybe.” I shrug. “So what’s this about? Whose honor are we defending?”
“I’ll fill you in on the way. Good to see you’re wearing warm, dark clothes.” He gestures to my black jeans and long-sleeved shirt.
I grab the jacket I’ve left hanging on a chair, but don’t slip it on. Instead I tilt my head, regarding him with reproach. “I’m not going anywhere without an explanation.”
“No time. If we don’t hurry, we’ll be too late.”
“Too late for what?”
“Justice. You know what I do on nights like this.” He flashes me a smug, irresistible grin. “Ready to go?’
I fold my arms over my chest. “Give me one good reason why I should.”
“Because you’re up for anything exciting, and you know I’ll deliver.” His black eyes shine. “Coming with me or not?”
It’s so tempting to say “or not,” and kill his smug grin.
When I hesitate he arches his brows in challenge. “You afraid?”
“Seriously? I can’t believe you said that.” I snort. “Afraid of what?”
“Breaking laws.”
I shrug. “Depends on the laws.”
“Misdemeanors only.”
“Hmmm….” I grip the edge of the sliding glass door. Stay here, a voice hisses in my head. Close the door and forget all about Jay.
“I’ll understand if you refuse,” he adds more seriously. “If we’re caught, things could get ugly.”
“So we won’t get caught.”
His face lights up with a grin. “I like your attitude.”
I like a lot about him, too, not because he’s great looking but because he cares so much about justice that he goes after mean kids with vengeance.
“Come with me, Thorn,” he says softly, holding out a gloved hand.
I stand between my sandalwood scented room and the dark mysteries of the night, aware of moonlight, his nearness and the thudding of my heart.
“Let’s go.” I grasp his hand.
Turning away from safety and home, I close the door behind me.
And blend into the night with the Grin Reaper.
July 19, 2012
If you loved Katniss, you'll love Ellie...Australia's kick-ass heroine
When I finished, it felt like my brain and emotions had run a marathon, and I had to have more books. But I quickly found out these were Australia books and it wasn't easy to get them in the US. After some research, I found all 7 books available in the US through Houghton Mifflin, the original copyright 1993 and first American printing in 1995. I'm guessing the series was a huge hit in Australia since there are 7 books then 2 addition featuring Ellie after the war. I didn't discover this series until 2003. The books were expensive in dj hardback, but I had to own them. (And to get the two Ellie ones later took some trading with an Australian friend).
Now I've been a voracious reader since I was 8. So when I say that this series consumed me like no other, that is no small tribute. Each time I started one of the books, I could NOT stop reading till night turned into morning. My heart raced, my hands gripped the book, I forgot this world and lost myself in Ellie's Australia. I felt so fortunate to discover a series when it was completed at 7 (spin-off came later). I was waiting for Harry Potter still, praying that JK Rowling would stay healthy and avoid accidents. So to have all SEVEN books was heaven...and a little bit of hell when I read them and characters died in horrible ways. There's one death in that series that still haunts me.
So imagine my absolute THRILL to hear there was a movie. I checked online and found it only available in Australia. I waited and checked again, and found it in DVD but not certain it would work on US DVD's. More time passed, and I saw it was listed on Netflix. I put it on que and it still hasn't come. I checked online again and it was like $30 to buy a copy, and I really just wanted to watch it, not necessarily own it. So I waited again -- and two nights ago I found it on our movie channel and set my DVR.
Well I just watched the movie of TOMORROW, WHEN THE WAR BEGAN and I can not understand why US kids are not talking about this movie. It's very different than Hunger Games, but it packs a similar intensity, powerful teens and even small doses of humor. The characters seemed very much like how I remember them in the books, too. If it were released some some hype, it could be HUGE! I loved the cast and only hated when it ended and I'd already heard there wasn't a movie sequel. What's with the Australia movie makers -- get busy and film the second movie before those teens become adults.
If you haven't checked out these books and the movie, do it NOW. Start with the books:
http://www.amazon.com/Tomorrow-When-War-Began/dp/0439829100/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342734149&sr=1-2&keywords=tomorrow+when+the+war+began
Enjoy!
June 26, 2012
ALA and more...
BEST CONFERENCE MOMENT: While in Marlene Perez's line, I noticed two teens in front of me. The two girls whispered and looked at me then admitted they were SEER fans and loved Dominic, and I handed out bookmarks then offered them my last copy of BURIED. The girls were excited and it felt great to have a signing in a line for someone else's signing. Some librarians recognized my name, too. Nice.
OTHER BEST MOMENT: I have a book close to contract that I can't publicly announce yet, but the publisher was at ALA and I stopped by their booth and they recognized who I was and seemed pleased to meet me. I stopped by for a signing of one of their authors later, hoping to be there signing my own book in about 2 years.
BOOKS I GOT AT ALA and more...
BEST CONFERENCE MOMENT: While in Marlene Perez's line, I noticed two teens in front of me. The two girls whispered and looked at me then admitted they were SEER fans and loved Dominic, and I handed out bookmarks then offered them my last copy of BURIED. The girls were excited and it felt great to have a signing in a line for someone else's signing. Some librarians recognized my name, too. Nice.
OTHER BEST MOMENT: I have a book close to contract that I can't publicly announce yet, but the publisher was at ALA and I stopped by their booth and they recognized who I was and seemed pleased to meet me. I stopped by for a signing of one of their authors later, hoping to be there signing my own book in about 2 years.
BOOKS I PICKED UP TO READ and will review the best of them:
(These books were picked up over 4 days, so it may seem like a lot but I was actually very picky & passed on hundreds and only ARCS were free, any already published books cost between $2 to $10).
Summer of the Mariposes by Guadalupe Garcia McCall (Tu)
Every Day by Levithan
Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead
Adventures of Jo Schmo by Greg Trine
Diverse Energies (Tu)
Up, Up and Away by Ginger Wadsworth (paid $5)
Sapphire Blue
Darkwater by Catherine Fischer
Geeks, Girls and Secret Identities by Mike Jung
Scarlet by Melissa Meyer (waited in hour line!)
Summer and Bird by Katherine Catmull
Delusion by Laura L. Sullivan
Theodosia Eyes of Horus (paid $5)
Son by Lois Lowry
Teenboat -- graphic novel
Princess Academy #2
Vodnik by Bryce Moore (Tu)
What we Saw At Night by Jacquelyn Mitchard
The Sweet Dead Life by Joy Preble
Candy Shop #2 by Brandon Mull
The Raven Boys by Stiefvater
The Peculiars by Maureen Doyle McQuerry (bought $5, I think)
Jasper Jones by Silvey
Silver Phoenix by Cindy PonStarry River of the Sky by Grace Lin
The Future We Left Behind by Mike A. Lancaster
Wonder in hardback by R. J. Palacio
The Diviners by Libba Bray
Dead Girl Moon by Charlie Price
The Comet's Curse by Dom Testa
The Boxcar Children Beginning
Vordak by Egmont
Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson - already read this and LOVED IT! Will read again...
Crown Embers #2 by Carson
and my favorite prize: The FIRE CHRONICLE, #2 of Emerald Table
THE HALLOWED ONES BY BICKLE
THE TWINNING PROJECT BY LIPSYTE
ENTICE BY SHIRVINGTON
EVE & ADAM BY GRANT/APPLEGATE
SPLENDORS AND GLOOMS BY LAURA SCHLITZ
CREWEL BY ALIBIN
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT BY CLAYTON
THE ADVENTURES OF A SOUTH POLE PIG BY KURTZ
IRON HEARTED VIOLET BY BURNHILL
THIS TREE COUNTS BY ALISON FORMENTO
ZEKE MEEKS VS THE GRUESOME EIGLR BY D.L. GREEN
THE LAST DRAGONSLAYER BY FFORDE
THE THORY OF EVERYTHING BY JJ JOHNSON
ASHEN WINTER BY MIKE MULLIN
HUNTER MORAN SSAVES THE UNIVERSE BY PATRICIA REILLY GRIFF
THE LAND OF STORIES BY CHRIS COLFER
DEAD IS A KILLER TUNE BY MARLENE PEREZ
SUMMER OF THE MARIPOSAS (TU!) BY MCCALL
MAGISTEERIUM BY JEFF HIRSCH
So I have lots of reading ahead!!!
Linda
June 20, 2012
To blog or not to blog
And still I enjoy blogging here on LJ. There's something so personal and interesting, too, and the posts of my friends here. I've followed many of their successes and disappointments, and read many of their books. I love to support books by my friends. We're all in this crazy game together.
As for my game playing lately, I am feeling very encouraged and hopeful. Soon I hope to share more here.
Believe in your writing and keep blogging of hopes and dreams that do come true.
June 7, 2012
That terrifying terrific editorial letter!
It's true what writers say -- good writing is rewriting. Still when a writer receives a challenging editorial letter, there's some anxiety. But there's also an exhileration akin to climbing into a amusement ride seat, strapping yourself in tight, then zooming off for a jolting, dizzy, heart-thrilling ride.
I am nearing the end of revisions that have consumed my life for over a month. Revising might seem taunting to some authors, but I was SO excited when I received an amazing 8-page revision letter. The suggestions showed me how to delve deeper into character, theme, plotting and world-building
. My steps for revision have been:
1. Read the letter. Reread the letter. Repeat this often.
2. Jot notes on the letter, write new scenes on the back of the letter, make lists of things to change.
3. Wake up from dreams (usually at 4AM) with new passages streaming through my mind, jot them down then include in story.
4. Begin at chapter 1. Go back to chapter 1. Again. Cut extra words (like that, very) add visual details, revise dialogue. Repeat.
5. Write morning, night, at camping sites, hotel rooms, lobbies and even a bowling alley, until there are 4 new chapters and I've reached the last page. Then go over it all again. Repeat, until the only step left is to send the book off with cross-fingers.
I am so grateful for this professional insight, and hopeful it leads to some good news. Stay tuned!
April 22, 2012
Editors, agents and amazing writers! Sharing Conference Notes...Enjoy!
I gave a synopsis-template talk with over 80 people signed up to attend, and it went great! Everyone seemed to love my 4-step template for writing a one-page synopsis. I won't post it online as I hope word-of-mouth spreads and other SCBWI groups invite me to give this workshop. One woman came up a few hours later and said she'd written her synopsis in a short time thanks to my template. Another woman asked if I'd come speak to her group later this year. And Lin Oliver suggested my workshop might make a helpful intensive for a future SCBWI International Conference.
Afterwards, I went to the main room and went on the stage for introductions (always a thrill to be a speaker!),
With my talk over, I relaxed and went to other workshops. Here are some notes I took. I had my iPad and we were encouraged to tweet about the event, so I sent lots of tweets too (under lindajoysinglet). Here are my notes:
First speaker was Queen of SCBWI, Lin Oliver and she gave BEST OF BEST ADVICE over 40 YEARS
Lin Oliver, has new book written with her son and also has Henry Wrinkler series.
Was on Beverly Hillbillies as staff writer as a prize for winning a contest in 70's until quit in 3 months. Got children's book writer job via employment office, and was selected to write a series with Steve Mooser. So picked 10 fave authors and invited them to a conference so they could learn how to write for kids. All 10 famous authors replied, including EB White and Judy Blume, only EB and Dr. Suess who wrote a letter in rhyme why he could't come. 55 people attended, most relatives.
SCBWI began... now 23,000 internationally
Lin Oliver's favorite advice from famous authors and her own advice:
1 From Judy Blume - Write the kind of book you want to read.
2 From Bruce Coville - Follow your weirdness
3 From Susan Patron - Begin on the day that's different
4 Sid Fleishman - Write in scenes
5 Richard Peck - Be a listener
6 Lin's own advice: Read your work out loud
7 Be emotional but not sentimental. Don't reminisce
8 It's not a children's book if a child does not solve the problem
9 Read deeply and develop own cannon (books read)
10 Paula Danziger - Create a char you love. Think what they want and decide what's keeping them from getting it.
11 Sid Fleishman Nothing is ever wasted
12 Shorten it up....Cutting is underrated skill.
13 Keep a journal
14 Know yourself and know what you're good at. Write to your strengths.
Panel with Andrea Tompa Candlewick, Minju Chang & Kendra agents, Bret Duquet Sterling, Elice Lee Random House.
Candlewick pubs about 150 books a year - like Andrea, in suit with purple top she does all genres and likes younger than YA and excited to see younger and contemporary, etc.
Minju loves funny, make her laugh-make her cry.
Brett Duquette, Sterling is owned by BN, 3 part editorial group and he's in trade books, just started Splinter list last year for YA. 3 titles a year, hoping to expand. Likes wacky, weird and he did a zombie-orgami book. NF and poetry,too. Doesn't want sweet, wants buggers-drool. Need more mg.
Agent Kendra Marcus started in 1984. Looking for honest child's voice.
Elice Lee, RH - Art director mostly mg and YA trends returning to contemporary books - looking for something that causes a reaction.
Q - why so many photo on covers? Following trends of pop culture and tough world developing YA cover, market fickle, and changed some covers several times.
Kendra - Don't give art direction in a pb mss unless different things happening in art.
Andrea -- Shouldn't need to spell out what's happening. Leave it to illustrations. Can address anything in the cover letter.
Don't make your pb in rhyme if you don't consider yourself a poet, and international market is becoming more important and rhyme is more difficult to translate. Will still publish a great rhyming book.
Andrea's talk on revising. I gave her something but don't expect it to be used and hope it isn't. Approach your revision like youre a wood carver. Start with obvious things so it's essentially the right shape, start with plot and characters. Need to revise again and again and again.
Step 1 Save your draft
Step 2 Put finished draft in drawer/file.
Step 3 Read your mss with open mind. Fix things that jump out at you.
Then real editing begins. Asy yourself these questions during rewrites:
Is this the best it can be?
Who, what, where, when, how
Are my characters well-rounded?
Are my characters relatable, too good/too bad?
Do my characters change and grow?
Can any of the characters be combined?
Watch for stereotypes.
Tips for writing race www.mitaliblog.com
Key questions:
What is the situation when the novel opens?
What happens to change the situation, and how does that lead to further events?
....
How is story resolved? "unexpected and inevitable"
And those were the highlights!! It was an amazing conference. SCBWI rocks!
April 9, 2012
Monday Chat
Well one night a week they're coming back. Go thru at www.verlakay.com and look for chat link.
Monday nights at 6 Pacific/9 Eastern.
If you remember Kia and Lyra, I especially hope you'll stop by. The room is open to all writers.
L.J. Singleton's Blog
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