Kim Baccellia's Blog, page 8

Friday Five

This week's been suck city with the plague(stomach flu) hitting our household hard. Son complained of a really bad tummy ache and I brushed it off as eating too much junk the night before. Well, on the way to Toys R Us guess what happened? Yep, he threw up everywhere. That went on for a while. On Tuesday he said tummy hurt a little but no throw up but on Wednesday evening? Yep, another round. Husband also got hit hard with this bug. I've been living on Airborne plus the antibacterial soap is my friend. So far I've only had a little nausea but that's it. Knocking on wood the plague will pass.

One thing that did make me feel a tad bit better has been the packages that have arrived on my porch.

Let me share what I got this week that isn't plague related!

1. Did I mention how much I'm loving Amanda Hocking's series SWITCHED? I heard alot about this author who started out by self-pubbing. I broke down and purchased one of those ebooks and admit I wasn't that impressed. But the series she sold to St. Martin's Press? It's really good!





The publicist emailed me, thanking me for my YABC review of SWITCHED and asked if I would like the other two books? Uh, YEAH!





Right now almost finished with TORN and totally loving it. Let's just say I'm in love with Finn!

Also got this YA anthology:





Love, love this collection of short stories! It's so hard to say which one is my favorite.
YA Books Central review coming soon!

I love graphic novels and I got these too:









You all know how much I loved ASHES. I was really excited to get her next book:





Alex Flinn is one of Joyce Sweeney's writers. I've worked with Joyce and she's nothing short than amazing. Very happy to get Alex's next book:





2. Am I the only one shaking her head over latest Buffy revelation in season 9:





Let's just say I don't care much for the direction this story is going. But it's still Buffy and I'll see what the writer's will do with this. **This I have to say is an example of a cover being totally misleading.

3. Pitched the idea of making NO GODDESSES ALLOWED a series. Liz said it has lots of potential and will Skype with me next week. I'm hoping to get the ok to write the next book. Very exciting!

4. Finished watching Roswell season 3:





I really loved the ending. Yes, it still had some holes-plot wise, but I loved it. I loved it so much that I bought season one. Loved the chemistry between Max and Liz even more than Buffy and Spike or Elena and Stefan. Going to rewatch and take notes.

5. Finally got neighbor to agree on replacing the fence. $3000 later...





That's my portion. Yes, fences are expensive. Plus we found out the original builder cut corners like our side is higher than neighbors and under 6 feet high. So we have to have a reinforcement built too which was more money. Such a pain. At least we only have to pay for one side while neighbor has to pay for two sides.

**Guilty pleasure:

Hope to go to movie and also get my favorite iced tea:



This is Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's Moroccan mint iced tea latte with chocolate base. It's totally to DIE for. I love it even more than Starbucks. Yeah, it's that nommy.

Friday Five

1. Doing final galley edits on EARRINGS OF IXTUMEA. Finding some more mistakes but nothing like the first time around. If anything this experience has taught me a lot. For one it's better to take your time and not be so worried about getting published, which I admit I was. Second, I'm going to be very leery to sign with another epublisher especially one that says the book will be out within 6 months of signing. This is a huge red flag that means your book will not get the editing time it deserves. I found a not too great review of EARRINGS on GoodReads from someone who's been a thorn in my side since this whole thing started. But I do have to agree with her comment that my book needed to be edited more. It's just sad that they told me this AFTER it went out in print. Well, live and learn plus I now have a fab home for it at Muse It Up. So I did make a terrible experience into a better one.

2. Reading DEMONGLASS by Rachel Hawkins:





Love the voice of this story. Great premise and story too!


3. Very excited to read the premise of this book:





This paranormal uses Sicilian mythology. I'm a fourth generation Italian. Both sides of my family came over from Sicily at the turn of the 1900s. So I can't wait to read this story!

4. Whew. So glad Comic Quest still had a copy of this comic book. Had to purchase it just for the cover alone:





Love Buffy and Spike together. Can't wait to read this one!

5. Also reading more of PARIS, MY SWEET. Loving all the lush descriptions of the Parisian sweets.

Admit I've never eaten one of these:





Want to eat this:





This is a crumble that is very similar to our own apple crumble but only French style!

Now I need to find a good French Bakery around here in South Orange, Co., Ca and try some authentic French sweets out!

**My Romance and YA guest blog at Coffee Time Romance:

http://coffeetimeromance.com/CoffeeThoughts/romance-in-ya-by-kim-baccellia/

I finished this and realized I didn't have a gay couple on it! Here's one of my favorites:



I love Blaine and Kurt and was so happy when Blaine FINALLY kissed him. I'm like, You go, Blaine!

**Guilty pleasure:

Not much going on today. Tomorrow plan on doing a Costco run as I want to watch this movie next week:



For sure will break down and have one of my weekly Starbucks drinks.

YA Couples

As a YA author I literally immerse myself in everything that deals with this market which includes movies, books, and yes, even TV shows.
I admit it, I'm a romantic. I love when I find a great romance within the storyline. I'm also a big sucker for forbidden love stories. I especially love the ones where against all odds, somehow, the heroine keeps coming back. Sometimes it works out and other times, well, it doesn't. Yes, I go through tons of Kleenex.
Here's a few of my favorites:
TV
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER








Who can forget the romance between Buffy and Angel? Then after Buffy's 'first time', Angel ends up going all nasty and mean. I really don't think Buffy got over that even when later on she has a brief but passionate fling with Spike.
VERONICA MARS







Sure Logan blamed her for the death of his sister but once he got together with Veronica, their romance sizzled. I hated when they did break it off and really think this couple might have gotten back together if the series hadn't been canceled so soon.
ROSWELL





Liz always thought Max was kind of cute even if he was distant. We all find out why. He's an alien who ends up blowing his cover when he brings Liz back to life after she's killed. Their love brings new meaning to being on a rollercoaster ride with all its ups and downs. Still there is something magical whenever they do get together. A touch, a glance, that's all it takes. Wow. Seems not even Max's brief romp with a fellow alien could extinguished this love.
VAMPIRE DIARIES




What's a girl to do? Both Stefan and Damon are vampires who are in love with Elena. Sure she looks exactly like their first love, Katherine, who lived back in 1864. We find out Elena's a doppelganger and the brothers need her not only to survive but for other reasons too. I admit I'm more camp Damon. This season Stefan has gone all dark and I love that Elena isn't doing a Bella, whining and moaning he isn't in to her anymore. Then Damon lays a kiss on her which is totally wow-worthy. It'll be interesting to see where this goes!

GOSSIP GIRL






Wow, what was with the one wedding episode? Blair and Chuck are so much alike and you can't help but wish they'd be together but fate and other things like another unlikely love interest, keep tearing them apart. I can't help but wonder what will happen with these two.

So you can see I love a good romance and tried to use the above models when writing my own YAs.
CROSSED OUT







In my own YA paranormal, sixteen-year-old Stephanie Stewart finds herself looking at the boy next door, Dylan, in a whole different light. Sure, they had a little Dawson Creek going which is similar to Joey finally realizing her childhood friend is hot:

Enter the bad boy Mark into Stephanie's life and everything goes crazy. Oh, did I mention Stephanie is a rescuer, someone who has to make talismans to help release murdered girl's souls to their version of heaven? Stephanie struggles against her calling and her heart.
CROSSED OUT available now on Amazon, Fictionwise, and Barnes and Noble.com

NO GODDESSES ALLOWED
This YA fantasy is lighter but still has some romance. Fifteen-year-old Jordan Lake loves vintage clothing, romance, and Audrey Hepburn. Plus she really wishes Ethan would ask her to the upcoming school dance.
Imagine her disbelief when she finds out her favorite movie was based on a mysterious aunt's life. Then she finds an antique bracelet that looks a lot like the one Audrey Hepburn wore in that movie. Let's just say that Jordan finds out sometimes a girl needs to be careful on what she wishes for.
While writing GODDESSES, I listened to tons of Taylor Swift. The song that reminded me of Jordan had to be Love Song:





And of course I did tons of research on Audrey Hepburn. Let's just say I'm totally in love with this icon!





Just a hint of what's in store for Jordan next!
NO GODDESSES ALLOWED coming this Spring with Zumaya Publishing.

What are some of your favorite couples? And why?

**Cross linked to Coffee Time Romance guest blog:
http://coffeetimeromance.com/CoffeeThoughts/romance-in-ya-by-kim-baccellia/

My take on being a final Cybils judge

This year I was on the second round of Cybils judging. I got to help decide which MG fantasy/Sci-fi book was the best of 2011. I was able to read some amazing, awesome books. Trust me, it was hard to decide which was the best. And the one that I totally fell in love with was one I would have never read unless it was pointed out to me. Another reason why you should never say never. That's one thing I LOVE about the Cybils. I'm exposed to so many great books! The hardest part of this all was not saying anything for two months. And if you know me, I have a huge mouth when it comes to telling everyone how much I love a book! So now that the winners have been announced, I can speak!

I thought I'd give my spill on the finalist books, which were all great in their own ways!


2011 Finalists
Fantasy & Science Fiction (Middle Grade)



A Monster Calls: Inspired by an idea from Siobhan Dowd
by Patrick Ness
Candlewick Press
Nominated by: Monica Edinger





I totally LOVED this book. It's about a thirteen-year-old boy who's mother is slowly dying of cancer and the yew tree that becomes a 'monster'. What I loved? The way this book handled the whole grieving process the boy goes through. The monster has some tales he tells to the boy that aren't all black or white. Loved it. The boy also ends up confronting his deepest fear at the end. A total must read book!




Breadcrumbs
by Anne Ursu
Walden Pond Press
Nominated by: Katie Ahearn





What can I say? This is another book I totally LOVED. **Can you see how hard it was to narrow down these books to the top book of the year?** I loved the protagonist who's multicultural and also adopted. The breadcrumbs are like clues throughout the story that the protagonist needs to follow in order to get to her lost friend. Not only is this a fantasy but the book deals with some fifth grade issues such as how it might not be so cool to hang with someone of the opposite sex without being labeled an 'item'. How the author deals with the subject of adoption is right on the mark. My own son is ten years old and in the fifth grade. This year he's also been asking lots of questions about his birthparents. Loved how the author weaves in the fairy tales too. Another must read book.



Dragon Castle
by Joseph Bruchac
Dial
Nominated by: April Conant





This story alternates between two different POV. There's Prince Rashko who's not too happy when his parents just take off and leave him right when Baron Temny and his army of invaders show up. It seems no one can help him as his older brother is bewitched by the beautiful Princess Poteshenie who has one nasty cat. This story draws on Slovakian folktales and later the two POV combine together. Interesting twists and turns throughout, this book has total boy appeal.





Icefall
by Matthew J. Kirby
Scholastic
Nominated by: Betsy Bird





This book has total boy appeal. My ten year old loved the cover and wanted to take the book away from me even before I'd finished! Always a good sign! What I loved had to be how the author was able to build tension and paranoia in this story of a princess stuck with others as they wait for her king father. Someone betrayed them and clues are scattered throughout. This book is LIGHTNING THIEF meets Norse Mythology. A great read for those who love strong protagonists and a thrilling story.

April Conant
http://www.goodbooksandgoodwine.com




The Cheshire Cheese Cat: A Dickens of a Tale
by Carmen Agra Deedy
Peachtree
Nominated by: Monica Edinger

**CYBILS 2011 WINNER FOR BEST MG FANTASY/SCIENCE FICTION BOOK





When I first heard that a book with talking animals was a finalist, I was thinking at the time--Just great. I usually don't care for books where animals are the protagonists. But once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down.
I fell in love with this story that is set during Dickens's time in England. As a matter of fact Charles Dickens plays a minor role in this story. He has a huge writer's block and can't figure out how to start his one book GREAT EXPECTATIONS. He observes the coming and goings of the inn and can't help but think there's something more to the buck tooth mouse and cat.
Enter a cat that loves cheese and a mouse that can read/write plus a mystery on what is happening to the Cheshire cheese and you have one humorous, adorable tale that is sure to worm itself into your heart. I swear at the end of this story, I held the book close to my heart and couldn't stop smiling. I loved it that much! Great writing, with very engaging characters and setting. A must read!

The Inquisitor's Apprentice
by Chris Moriarty
Harcourt
Nominated by: Laura Wadley





I really loved the whole premise of this story. Sacha is recruited to be an apprentice. What's unique about this is he's Jewish and can sense witches. There's also historical characters like Thomas Edison who develops his own witch finder machine that will put people like Sacha out of a job. I'd say this book almost has a steampunk feel to it. Plus it also does a great job of addressing the whole them vs. us as Americans idea. My own great-grandparents dealt with discrimination and prejudice being Mexican-Americans. The unique twist of this book makes it a must read.





Tuesdays at the Castle
by Jessica Day George
Bloomsbury USA
Nominated by: Sondra Eklund



What's not to love about this recent Jessica Day George book? The castle in this story is one of the main characters as it changes on whim. Kind of like the castle in Harry Potter but with more personality. The adventures of Princess Celie as she tries to get the castle to help her save the kingdom are engaging. Even my 10 year old son was fascinated with Celie's adventures and wanted to read more.

I want to thank the publishers who send me copies of these books to read! I just donated them to my local library. The librarians there want to thank the Cybils and the publishers too! I love to share with libraries as they mean so much to me. I also want to thank the amazing Sheila Ruth, who asked if I'd like to do the second round this time. She's beyond amazing. She rocks big time. And thanks to all the other panelists. Another thing I love about the Cybils is I get to meet some many great bloggers, librarians, and authors. Rock on Cybils!

OC RWA chapter meeting

Yesterday I spend the day with my writing mentor Lou Nelson from UCI Extension and author Marcia Sargent, DAY MONSTERS, to attend the February OC RWA chapter meeting.

My observations? I loved how supportive and encouraging this group is with it's authors. Not just authors who publish with the big 5 traditional houses but even small press and self-pubbed authors.

The first speaker was Carol Snow who is the author of the YA paranormal SWITCH.





Her topic was setting in a story.





Some things I took out of her talk:

1. Setting is subjective. How a character acts in one setting can be different in another.

2. Are the characters natives or new to a place? For example, Is this the first time they've gone to Paris? How do they feel? Very seldom are their feelings neutral.

What is the purpose of setting:

1. Have to set story somewhere
2. Setting should reveal your characters
3. Setting should push story along
4. **Don't put setting in for setting sake

What do you do with setting?

Choose setting
research-gather details
write book/draft
go back and do yet more research
revise and use those details

How to research?

1. read about it-find out as much as you can to get details
2. visit
3. Go to YouTube
4. Interviews-remember person is bring their own bias

**Focus on 5 senses to pick out details

1. See
2. Hear
3. Touch
4. Smell
5. Taste


Carol Snow's next YA book is coming out in 2013 with Holt
BUBBLEWORLD which is about a teen who finds out she in fact lives in a virtual reality world.

I spoke with her afterwards. Carol Snow has a sense of humor and was very
approachable.

Marcia Sargent's book link:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0075FVY2G/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk


Tomorrow will share Developing Characters.

Friday Five

1. Today we plan to go out to breakfast at the Pancake House. I'm going to order my favorite--

the dutch baby:



MIL is coming with us. I think I can handle as long as I don't talk that much or change subject. I'm sure she'll comment on how 'big' this breakfast is but you know I don't care. I'm going to enjoy.

2. Finished reading the Cybil finalists books and we did chose a winner! But that's all I'll tell you until Valentine's Day when the winners will be announced. I'll give you my recap of the MG finalist books then. I know, I'm a tease!

3. Started reading this book and haven't been able to put it down:





This is a case of the galley cover NOT reflecting the book at all. I love the photo on the left as this is how I see the characters. Amazing read with a traveling sequence that isn't boring at all. Love the premise and the characters so much.

4. Ordered this book:





Can't wait to read it!

5. Of course still reading the memoir of Paris:





Plus need to do more research on the Greek Goddesses.

**Guilty pleasure:

Getting a pedi later on and then grabbing one of my favorite lattes. No, it's not a mocha:





Love these vanilla lattes! I use soy and it makes one nommy drink!

Plus getting ready for tomorrow's RWA mtg:

http://occrwa.org/

And wasn't last night's episode of Vampire Diaries amazing?

Friday Five

1. Publisher is interested in an outline for a sequel to my upcoming book NO GODDESSES ALLOWED. So I've been researching where else Jordan can go:





Another goddess to mess with her:





And of course it boils down to--What would Audrey Do?






2. Just finished this book:





Loved it! YA Books Central review coming soon!

3. Buying this book:





Read some of this already and loved it! What's not to like? It's a memoir of a woman's journey in Paris and her stops at chocolate houses. Nom.


4. Also read the first Roswell book.





My take? It fills in some of the questions I had about the series. Only in the book Max is blond and Michael has dark hair. Also the formatting of my ebook was off which was distracting while reading it. I might read some more.

5. Finally, broke down and watched the wedding episode of GOSSIP GIRL. I haven't watched show all season but I had to watch this. And boy was I glad I did! Take about crazy, twists throughout. Think Runaway bride goes Manhattan. Who Blair does end up with totally surprised me. What the Prince revealed was totally unexpected. And the whole wedding. Wow, wowza.





**Guilty pleasure:

This whole week's been crazy as husband's been home sick with this cough. This meant I was driving everywhere. I think I deserve a break, right?

Tomorrow going to the Irvine Spectrum and do a little shopping plus get a yummy drink. Also really loving this one skin care place that is from Korea.





Love this coffee bean body scrub. Also their lipsticks are fun. A great little shop.

Friday Five

1. My guest post at YA Authors You Haven't Heard of is on motivation, something that I've been struggling with this whole month:
http://obscurekidlitauthors.blogspot.com/2012/01/motivation-time.html

2. Right now reading A BREATH OF EYRE:




Really enjoying this story of a girl who ends up becoming Jane in the story Jane Eyre but finds maybe her 'real' life might not be so bad after all.

3. Got so many great books this week. Where to start?





This is being offered in the February Tab Scholastic book order club for $8.95.





Loved Schreiber's vampire series and can't wait to read this one too.





This one sounded fun.





This one is about a girl who's pulled from an accident by a hot guy who also happens to be dead. I know, premise sounds so familiar but I admit it, I really love these kinds of tales.





I'm a huge fan of Knowles' books. They have a quiet beauty to them. Can't wait to read her latest!

4. Liz at Zumaya is interested in a sequel to my upcoming book NO GODDESSES ALLOWED. So I plan to start the outline and submit it to her!

5. Did I mention how much I'm also loving reading the Cybil's books? Can't say anything else. I know, I'm a tease.

***Also enjoyed this new TV series with Kiefer Sunderland:



**Guilty pleasure:

Well, my hair is showing it's age. I have some serious gray that needs to be colored. So today I'll be at the salon sags MIL. **She's been going to my same salon every Saturday. So now I've been trying to go on another day. Less stressful. I plan to grab an iced green tea and ask for some shots of either raspberry or strawberry. Nom.

Also on Saturday plan to celebrate my birthday, which was on Tuesday, by going to Cheesecake Factory. Love their cheesecake. Problem though is which one to chose?

Friday Five

1. Read latest from Heidi Kling:



My YA Books Central review: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/11122-witchs-brew

2. Heidi's latest is with a new publisher that puts a twist on ebooks with interactive YAs.

http://www.coliloquy.com/blog/

Just downloaded another YA ebook:



This is a mystery with a paranormal twist.

3. Love reading Cybil's books. Can't say anything else! I know, I'm a tease!

4. Just finished watching ABDUCTION with cutie Taylor Lautner.



Lots of inconsistencies in movie but still enjoyed.

5. Yes, almost done with my Roswell marathon. So far I love season one. Season two had too many inconsistencies and plot points I didn't care for. Like why would Max just go to bed with Tess even though he still loved Liz? And boy does that come back to bite him in the butt big time in season 3. Love the Michael and Maria love story though in season 3 they throw a curve in that. Still curious how this ends. If anything, love the love between Liz and Max.



**Guilty pleasure:

Tomorrow having a pumpkin enzyme peel. My skin so needs it! Also loving Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Moroccan Mint ice latte. Nom.



We were going to go to an adult church function and have MIL watch son but husband said she might want to come with us. It's really hard to be around her for too long. Yesterday nephew who's living with her and a real angel, told me basically that she doesn't 'care' for me. As if that was a secret. What helps me is knowing I do have people who love me for who I am. That gives me strength. Also I try to limit being around her. What's sad is her own daughters are fed up with her nastiness too. I just need to take some yoga breaths and treat self for a few. Plus promise self when I'm around her age--83--I won't give self permission to be nasty with the excuse I'm older. That's total BS.

Friday Five

1. Today son performs at The Attic theater in Costa Mesa. The name of the play is Mr. Noble Books and he plays the part of Jim from Huck Finn. The premise is some boys stumble into a bookstore where books come to life. Should be fun. Will post photos later!

2. Ok, it's been less stressful this last month with the whole MIL thing. Thank goodness her grandson is living with her and helping out. The times I've gone over have been more than enough as she's not really all there and says things that are biting and nasty. Everyone, except me, excuses this behavior saying she's 'old'. I disagree. My grandfather and great-grandmother lived to be almost 100. My aunt did see 100 and all of them were active. Outspoken, yes. But there's a huge difference between being nasty and speaking your mind.

3. Finished reading SWITCHED by Amanda Hocking:



I'd been hearing tons about Hocking and had to read one of her books. Let's say I was pleasantly surprised. Wendy finds out the reason she doesn't feel like she fits in is well because she doesn't. She's a challenging. Cute tracker comes to take her back to her real home and she finds herself even more confused on where she exactly belongs.

YA Books Central review coming.

4. Right now reading CINDER:



Really enjoying this twist on the Cinderella story. Cinder is a cyborg and lives with her wicked guardian and her two daughters. When the one daughter falls ill with the dreaded plague, her guardian 'volunteers' Cinder to be tested to help find a cure. Cyborgs have no rights. What happens next is surprising to all involved. Oh, add a very hawt prince too.

5. I admit it. I'm a huge fan of THE VAMPIRE DIARIES. I'm team Damon. I've also read the books and will purchase this next Tuesday:



Also I'm on season 3 of ROSWELL. I ended up purchasing two of the books. Husband's like, "You bought the books too?" Well, I had to read the backstory, right?



Love the whole forbidden love story premise:



**Guilty Pleasure:

Tomorrow having another pedicure. Thinking this time around blue with white dots. Also will break down and have a Starbucks drink. My treat for the weekend.