P.J. Hoover's Blog, page 18
September 21, 2012
Five on a Friday
Happy Friday, all!
Here are my Friday Five (plus one extra)...
1) I mentioned I was going to be guest-blogging on Tor.com about the cover of SOLSTICE. You can find the guest blog here!
2) In a few weeks, the Austin SCBWI Digital Symposium is coming up! I wrote a guest blog about the importance of being able to "Do it Yourself!" that you can find here.
3) I have postcards for SOLSTICE! If you are interested in any, please email me, let me know how many you want and where to send them, and I will get them out!
4) I interviewed Gretchen McNeil for The Enchanted Inkpot! Please check it out here and show Gretchen some book love!
5) This week, we're happy to welcome our first Featured Sweetheart of the fall, librarian and blogger, Naomi Bates, over on The Texas Sweethearts & Scoundrels blog! You can learn all about Naomi here!
6) I'm busy reading THE DIVINERS by Libba Bray (Little, Brown, September 18, 2012).
Hope you all have a happy weekend!
Here are my Friday Five (plus one extra)...
1) I mentioned I was going to be guest-blogging on Tor.com about the cover of SOLSTICE. You can find the guest blog here!
2) In a few weeks, the Austin SCBWI Digital Symposium is coming up! I wrote a guest blog about the importance of being able to "Do it Yourself!" that you can find here.
3) I have postcards for SOLSTICE! If you are interested in any, please email me, let me know how many you want and where to send them, and I will get them out!
4) I interviewed Gretchen McNeil for The Enchanted Inkpot! Please check it out here and show Gretchen some book love!
5) This week, we're happy to welcome our first Featured Sweetheart of the fall, librarian and blogger, Naomi Bates, over on The Texas Sweethearts & Scoundrels blog! You can learn all about Naomi here!
6) I'm busy reading THE DIVINERS by Libba Bray (Little, Brown, September 18, 2012).
Hope you all have a happy weekend!
September 20, 2012
Former Debut: Jeri Smith-Ready, Class of 2k10
Today I'm thrilled to welcome as my former debut the very prolific Jeri Smith-Ready! Jeri has some fantastic books out, and I'm honored that she's stopped by for a visit.
Hi, Jeri! Thanks for being here!
*****
Name: Jeri Smith-Ready
Debut Group: Class of 2k10
Debut novel: SHADE (SHADE trilogy Book 1)
SHADE by Jeri Smith-Ready (Simon Pulse, May 5, 2010)
PJH: Okay, so it’s been 2 years since you graduated from your debut class. Personally, I miss the heck out of knowing what my classmates are up to. So give us the low-down. What have you been up to in the last few years? New books? New degrees? New pets? What has been going on, and what do we have to look forward to from you in the future?
JSR: Writing, writing, and more writing! I finished the SHADE trilogy (Book 3, SHINE, came out in May 2012). Mostly finished it, that is—I still have a novella, “Shattered,” from Zachary’s point-of-view coming out next year, and there may be a further short story or two from other characters as I have time to write them. I’m also wrapping up my adult vampire series this December with LUST FOR LIFE (WVMP Radio series Book 4).
As sad as I am to say goodbye to two series, I’m thrilled to be moving on to new characters and stories. My first YA stand-alone novel will be released in early 2014 from Simon Pulse. It’s still in the early stages, so it doesn’t have a title yet, but I can tell you that it’s a contemporary (no paranormal whatsoever) with a boy main character. After years and years of fantasy series told by girls, this is a welcome change and an exciting challenge!
SHIFT by Jeri Smith-Ready (Simon Pulse, May 3, 2011)
PJH: If you could summarize to a debut novelist the best part of being a member of an author group like the “Class of” groups, what would you say?
JSR: Definitely the support network. Publishing can be such a roller coaster, and no one wants to ride a roller coaster alone, right? It’s essential to have people to celebrate the good news with and commiserate with over the bad news.
PJH: Though I absolutely loved being a debut author, I’m really thrilled with all the experience I’ve gained since. What advice would you give to those who are debuting now? What do you wish you had known when you started out?
JSR: I’ve never been good at taking advice, and I’m probably even worse at giving it. Always, always, always give advice a critical eye rather than accepting it at face value. What’s right for one person might not be right for you.
But I would strongly suggest finding a way to manage your time. (This is my biggest problem, so it’s “do as I say, not as I do,” okay?) You probably wrote your debut novel at your own pace, but your follow up novel will have a deadline, and you’ll have to promote your first book. These events are likely to occur in the same week! So find a way to balance, because for most of the year, a professional author doesn’t have the luxury of going into a cave to write the next book. There are appearances to do and blogs to write and email to answer, not to mention taxes to file and, oh, I don’t know, a family who might like your attention.
SHINE by Jeri Smith-Ready (Simon Pulse, May 1, 2012)
PJH: In addition to writing the next mega-million bestselling novel, what do you want to accomplish in the next five years? Do you want to write five more books? Get your black belt in Kung Fu? Walk the Great Wall of China? Let’s hear it.
JSR: Five books in five years sounds luxurious (I’ve been writing one-and-a-half to two books a year for as long as I can remember, and I’m ready to cut back for sanity’s sake)! But seriously, I have several ideas I can’t wait to tackle, all YA. I’m also planning more short fiction, featuring both new and familiar characters.
I would LOVE to live in Europe again for a year. I think travel is one of the most important things a writer can do. Nothing stimulates my imagination and makes me love life more than the sights and sounds and challenges of a new place.
PJH: Anything else you want to add? Five reasons to read your book? A picture of your writing space? How you celebrated when you signed your contract? Your choice!
JSR: I love to chat with readers on Twitter, and so do my SHADE characters! Follow us here:
Jeri: http://twitter.com/jsmithready
Logan: http://twitter.com/keeley_logan
Zachary: http://twitter.com/moore_zachary
Martin: http://twitter.com/connelly_martin
Aura (Special occasions only, as her presence makes things QUITE awkward between Zachary and Logan): http://twitter.com/salvatore_aura
SHADEboys on tumblr: http://shadeboys.tumblr.com
PJH: Thanks so much for being here!
*****
Bio:
Award-winning author Jeri Smith-Ready lives in Maryland with her husband and two cats. Her plans to save the earth were ruined when she realized she was more of a “problem maker” than a problem solver. To stay out of trouble, she keeps her Drama Drive strictly fictional. Her friends and family appreciate that.
When not writing novels for teens and adults, Jeri she can usually be found—well, thinking about writing, or on Twitter. Like her characters, she loves music, movies, and staying up very, very late.
*****
Thanks for helping me celebrate former debuts! And if you are a former debut and are interested in being featured, check out this post here!
Hi, Jeri! Thanks for being here!*****
Name: Jeri Smith-Ready
Debut Group: Class of 2k10
Debut novel: SHADE (SHADE trilogy Book 1)
SHADE by Jeri Smith-Ready (Simon Pulse, May 5, 2010)PJH: Okay, so it’s been 2 years since you graduated from your debut class. Personally, I miss the heck out of knowing what my classmates are up to. So give us the low-down. What have you been up to in the last few years? New books? New degrees? New pets? What has been going on, and what do we have to look forward to from you in the future?
JSR: Writing, writing, and more writing! I finished the SHADE trilogy (Book 3, SHINE, came out in May 2012). Mostly finished it, that is—I still have a novella, “Shattered,” from Zachary’s point-of-view coming out next year, and there may be a further short story or two from other characters as I have time to write them. I’m also wrapping up my adult vampire series this December with LUST FOR LIFE (WVMP Radio series Book 4).
As sad as I am to say goodbye to two series, I’m thrilled to be moving on to new characters and stories. My first YA stand-alone novel will be released in early 2014 from Simon Pulse. It’s still in the early stages, so it doesn’t have a title yet, but I can tell you that it’s a contemporary (no paranormal whatsoever) with a boy main character. After years and years of fantasy series told by girls, this is a welcome change and an exciting challenge!
SHIFT by Jeri Smith-Ready (Simon Pulse, May 3, 2011)PJH: If you could summarize to a debut novelist the best part of being a member of an author group like the “Class of” groups, what would you say?
JSR: Definitely the support network. Publishing can be such a roller coaster, and no one wants to ride a roller coaster alone, right? It’s essential to have people to celebrate the good news with and commiserate with over the bad news.
PJH: Though I absolutely loved being a debut author, I’m really thrilled with all the experience I’ve gained since. What advice would you give to those who are debuting now? What do you wish you had known when you started out?
JSR: I’ve never been good at taking advice, and I’m probably even worse at giving it. Always, always, always give advice a critical eye rather than accepting it at face value. What’s right for one person might not be right for you.
But I would strongly suggest finding a way to manage your time. (This is my biggest problem, so it’s “do as I say, not as I do,” okay?) You probably wrote your debut novel at your own pace, but your follow up novel will have a deadline, and you’ll have to promote your first book. These events are likely to occur in the same week! So find a way to balance, because for most of the year, a professional author doesn’t have the luxury of going into a cave to write the next book. There are appearances to do and blogs to write and email to answer, not to mention taxes to file and, oh, I don’t know, a family who might like your attention.
SHINE by Jeri Smith-Ready (Simon Pulse, May 1, 2012)PJH: In addition to writing the next mega-million bestselling novel, what do you want to accomplish in the next five years? Do you want to write five more books? Get your black belt in Kung Fu? Walk the Great Wall of China? Let’s hear it.
JSR: Five books in five years sounds luxurious (I’ve been writing one-and-a-half to two books a year for as long as I can remember, and I’m ready to cut back for sanity’s sake)! But seriously, I have several ideas I can’t wait to tackle, all YA. I’m also planning more short fiction, featuring both new and familiar characters.
I would LOVE to live in Europe again for a year. I think travel is one of the most important things a writer can do. Nothing stimulates my imagination and makes me love life more than the sights and sounds and challenges of a new place.
PJH: Anything else you want to add? Five reasons to read your book? A picture of your writing space? How you celebrated when you signed your contract? Your choice!
JSR: I love to chat with readers on Twitter, and so do my SHADE characters! Follow us here:
Jeri: http://twitter.com/jsmithready
Logan: http://twitter.com/keeley_logan
Zachary: http://twitter.com/moore_zachary
Martin: http://twitter.com/connelly_martin
Aura (Special occasions only, as her presence makes things QUITE awkward between Zachary and Logan): http://twitter.com/salvatore_aura
SHADEboys on tumblr: http://shadeboys.tumblr.com
PJH: Thanks so much for being here!
*****
Bio:
Award-winning author Jeri Smith-Ready lives in Maryland with her husband and two cats. Her plans to save the earth were ruined when she realized she was more of a “problem maker” than a problem solver. To stay out of trouble, she keeps her Drama Drive strictly fictional. Her friends and family appreciate that.
When not writing novels for teens and adults, Jeri she can usually be found—well, thinking about writing, or on Twitter. Like her characters, she loves music, movies, and staying up very, very late.
*****
Thanks for helping me celebrate former debuts! And if you are a former debut and are interested in being featured, check out this post here!
September 19, 2012
What I'm Reading: TEN by Gretchen McNeil
Concept alone should be enough to make you pick up this book! Add that to the fact that Gretchen McNeil is just pretty much awesome, and this book should move to the top of your TBR stack!
And please head over to THE ENCHANTED INKPOT where I am interviewing Gretchen today!
TEN by Gretchen McNeil (Balzer & Bray, September 18, 2012)
FIVE THINGS ABOUT TEN:
1) There is nothing better than when a book keeps you up late, late, late into the night reading. Such is the case with TEN. Seriously, as I got closer to the end, I honestly could not stop reading. I had to know what was going to happen. I had to know who the killer was!
2) No, I didn't guess the killer ahead of time. At all. And do you realize how cool that is? Sure, looking back, the clues were dribbled in beautifully, but I completely fell for the red herring. Really well done, Gretchen!
3) Concept is boss! Ten Teens. Three Days. One Killer. Yes, I know, this book will sell on concept alone. But then the book completely delivers a bundle of awesomeness.
4) I love the fact that Gretchen was not afraid to take risks with her characters. These people have some serious hardships and flaws, and they play into the story beautifully.
5) In short, TEN is Agatha Cristie's AND THEN THERE WERE NONE meets 13 REASONS WHY. It's perfect for boys and girls and a great fit for almost any genre of interest. It's mystery. It's realistic. It's drama. It's romance. TEN has something for everyone. Highly recommended!
Source of Book: From author by request
****
About TEN:
And their doom comes swiftly.
It was supposed to be the weekend of their lives – three days on Henry Island at an exclusive house party. Best friends Meg and Minnie each have their own reasons for wanting to be there, both of which involve Kamiak High’s most eligible bachelor, T.J. Fletcher. But what starts out as a fun-filled weekend turns dark and twisted after the discovery of a DVD with a sinister message: Vengeance is mine.
Suddenly, people are dying and the teens are cut off from the outside world. No electricity, no phones, no internet, and a ferry that isn’t scheduled to return for two days. As the deaths become more violent and the teens turn on each other, can Meg find the killer before more people die? Or is the killer closer to her than she could ever imagine?
And please head over to THE ENCHANTED INKPOT where I am interviewing Gretchen today!
TEN by Gretchen McNeil (Balzer & Bray, September 18, 2012)
FIVE THINGS ABOUT TEN:
1) There is nothing better than when a book keeps you up late, late, late into the night reading. Such is the case with TEN. Seriously, as I got closer to the end, I honestly could not stop reading. I had to know what was going to happen. I had to know who the killer was!
2) No, I didn't guess the killer ahead of time. At all. And do you realize how cool that is? Sure, looking back, the clues were dribbled in beautifully, but I completely fell for the red herring. Really well done, Gretchen!
3) Concept is boss! Ten Teens. Three Days. One Killer. Yes, I know, this book will sell on concept alone. But then the book completely delivers a bundle of awesomeness.
4) I love the fact that Gretchen was not afraid to take risks with her characters. These people have some serious hardships and flaws, and they play into the story beautifully.
5) In short, TEN is Agatha Cristie's AND THEN THERE WERE NONE meets 13 REASONS WHY. It's perfect for boys and girls and a great fit for almost any genre of interest. It's mystery. It's realistic. It's drama. It's romance. TEN has something for everyone. Highly recommended!
Source of Book: From author by request
****
About TEN:
And their doom comes swiftly.
It was supposed to be the weekend of their lives – three days on Henry Island at an exclusive house party. Best friends Meg and Minnie each have their own reasons for wanting to be there, both of which involve Kamiak High’s most eligible bachelor, T.J. Fletcher. But what starts out as a fun-filled weekend turns dark and twisted after the discovery of a DVD with a sinister message: Vengeance is mine.
Suddenly, people are dying and the teens are cut off from the outside world. No electricity, no phones, no internet, and a ferry that isn’t scheduled to return for two days. As the deaths become more violent and the teens turn on each other, can Meg find the killer before more people die? Or is the killer closer to her than she could ever imagine?
September 17, 2012
SOLSTICE Cover Reveal! And a Huge Giveaway!
Woot! Woot! The time is finally here! I am so excited to share the cover for SOLSTICE (Tor Teen, June 2013) with you guys!
“Solstice is one red-hot read—it intrigues, sizzles, and satisfies.” —Cynthia Leitich Smith, New York Times bestselling author
I'm guest blogging over on Tor.com today, talking about my inspirations for SOLSTICE that made it onto the cover. (Yes, some are totally nerdy, but did you expect anything less?) By the way, do you guys read Tor.com? The place is filled with the best posts ever, and I am super honored to be guest blogging there today!
I want to offer up a special thank you to the bloggers who are helping me spread the word about SOLSTICE today! You guys are seriously the best, and I owe you all margaritas!
Cari's Book BlogEx LibrisMundie MomsI Read Banned BooksBook Chic ClubThe Story SirenYA Books CentralWastepaper ProseThe Mod Podge BookshelfShooting Stars MagAmaterasu ReadsThe Soul SistersElana JohnsonThe Library Ninja BlogLori Calabrese Writes!Fragments of LifeImaginary Reads
About SOLSTICE:
Piper's world is dying. Each day brings hotter temperatures and heat bubbles that threaten to destroy the earth. Amid this global heating crisis, Piper lives under the oppressive rule of her mother, who suffocates her even more than the weather does. Everything changes on her eighteenth birthday, when her mother is called away on a mysterious errand and Piper seizes her first opportunity for freedom.
Piper discovers a universe she never knew existed—a sphere of gods and monsters—and realizes that her world is not the only one in crisis. While gods battle for control of the Underworld, Piper’s life spirals out of control as she struggles to find the answer to the secret that has been kept from her since birth.
Yes, I also want to share the full dust jacket of SOLSTICE because I can't stop looking at it :)
I admit to being a total dork. My editor sent me some beautiful copies of the cover, and I couldn't help but take this picture while at my local Barnes & Noble. Any guesses as to which book I covered up to take the picture? :)
Solstice, not yet published, but already in the wild!
Thank you all so much for all your support! And what better way to celebrate than with a contest? How about three awesome prizes: 2 sets of five books each for US residents, and a $20 gift card to the online bookstore of your choice open to everyone (so long as I can easily buy it for you if you are international).
10 BOOKS
$20 GIFT CARD
THREE WINNERS!
PRIZE PACK #1 (US only):
An ARC of MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH by Bethany Griffin (Greenwillow, April 24, 2012)
An ARC of An ARC of THUMPED by Megan McCafferty (Balzer & Bray, April 24, 2012)
An ARC of ILLUMINATE by Aimee Agresti (Harcourt, March 6, 2012)
An ARC of FALL FROM GRACE by Charles Benoit (Harper, May 8, 2012)
PRIZE PACK #2 (US only):
An ARC of GLIMMER by Phoebe Kitanidis (Balzer & Bray, April 17, 2012)
An ARC of THE INFECTS by Sean Beaudoin (Candlewick, September 25, 2012)
An ARC of ECHO by Alyson Noel (St. Martins Press, November 13, 2012)
A Paperback of THE WOOD QUEEN by Karen Mahoney (Flux, February 8, 2012)
An ARC of IMMORTAL CITY by Scott Speer (Razorbill, April 3, 2012)
PRIZE #3 (US and International):
$20 GIFT CARD to the online bookstore of your choice
*****
It's easy to win! Two things to note...
1) This giveaway is open until 12:01 am on September 29, 2012
2) Book prizes are US only. Gift card is international.
To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck, and thank you all! Okay, do you mind if we look at the cover just one more time?
xxx-ooo
“Solstice is one red-hot read—it intrigues, sizzles, and satisfies.” —Cynthia Leitich Smith, New York Times bestselling author
I'm guest blogging over on Tor.com today, talking about my inspirations for SOLSTICE that made it onto the cover. (Yes, some are totally nerdy, but did you expect anything less?) By the way, do you guys read Tor.com? The place is filled with the best posts ever, and I am super honored to be guest blogging there today!
I want to offer up a special thank you to the bloggers who are helping me spread the word about SOLSTICE today! You guys are seriously the best, and I owe you all margaritas!
Cari's Book BlogEx LibrisMundie MomsI Read Banned BooksBook Chic ClubThe Story SirenYA Books CentralWastepaper ProseThe Mod Podge BookshelfShooting Stars MagAmaterasu ReadsThe Soul SistersElana JohnsonThe Library Ninja BlogLori Calabrese Writes!Fragments of LifeImaginary Reads
About SOLSTICE:
Piper's world is dying. Each day brings hotter temperatures and heat bubbles that threaten to destroy the earth. Amid this global heating crisis, Piper lives under the oppressive rule of her mother, who suffocates her even more than the weather does. Everything changes on her eighteenth birthday, when her mother is called away on a mysterious errand and Piper seizes her first opportunity for freedom.
Piper discovers a universe she never knew existed—a sphere of gods and monsters—and realizes that her world is not the only one in crisis. While gods battle for control of the Underworld, Piper’s life spirals out of control as she struggles to find the answer to the secret that has been kept from her since birth.
Yes, I also want to share the full dust jacket of SOLSTICE because I can't stop looking at it :)
I admit to being a total dork. My editor sent me some beautiful copies of the cover, and I couldn't help but take this picture while at my local Barnes & Noble. Any guesses as to which book I covered up to take the picture? :)
Solstice, not yet published, but already in the wild!Thank you all so much for all your support! And what better way to celebrate than with a contest? How about three awesome prizes: 2 sets of five books each for US residents, and a $20 gift card to the online bookstore of your choice open to everyone (so long as I can easily buy it for you if you are international).
10 BOOKS
$20 GIFT CARD
THREE WINNERS!
PRIZE PACK #1 (US only):
An ARC of MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH by Bethany Griffin (Greenwillow, April 24, 2012)
An ARC of An ARC of THUMPED by Megan McCafferty (Balzer & Bray, April 24, 2012)
An ARC of ILLUMINATE by Aimee Agresti (Harcourt, March 6, 2012)
An ARC of FALL FROM GRACE by Charles Benoit (Harper, May 8, 2012)
PRIZE PACK #2 (US only):
An ARC of GLIMMER by Phoebe Kitanidis (Balzer & Bray, April 17, 2012)
An ARC of THE INFECTS by Sean Beaudoin (Candlewick, September 25, 2012)
An ARC of ECHO by Alyson Noel (St. Martins Press, November 13, 2012)
A Paperback of THE WOOD QUEEN by Karen Mahoney (Flux, February 8, 2012)
An ARC of IMMORTAL CITY by Scott Speer (Razorbill, April 3, 2012)
PRIZE #3 (US and International):
$20 GIFT CARD to the online bookstore of your choice
*****
It's easy to win! Two things to note...
1) This giveaway is open until 12:01 am on September 29, 2012
2) Book prizes are US only. Gift card is international.
To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck, and thank you all! Okay, do you mind if we look at the cover just one more time?
xxx-ooo
September 14, 2012
Cover Reveal for SOLSTICE is coming!
I absolutely can't wait to share my cover for SOLSTICE (Tor Teen, June 2013) with you guys! I've been seeing some pretty awesome sketches over the last couple months, but the final cover is actually here!
So please stop back by on Monday at noon EST! I'll be doing the cover reveal here along with some other awesome, fantastic blogs around the Internet (did I mention how much I love book bloggers?). And because the cover makes me so happy, I'll also be hosting a giveaway of massive proportions (or something like that)!
So until Monday, you guys can gaze upon my dummy cover for a final few days...
[image error]
Hope your weekend is filled with all things awesome! Me? I'm looking at copyedits, chainmail, and hopefully a little bit of Wizard101. :)
So please stop back by on Monday at noon EST! I'll be doing the cover reveal here along with some other awesome, fantastic blogs around the Internet (did I mention how much I love book bloggers?). And because the cover makes me so happy, I'll also be hosting a giveaway of massive proportions (or something like that)!
So until Monday, you guys can gaze upon my dummy cover for a final few days...
[image error]
Hope your weekend is filled with all things awesome! Me? I'm looking at copyedits, chainmail, and hopefully a little bit of Wizard101. :)
September 12, 2012
Former Debut: Amy Fellner Dominy, Class of 2k11
Today, I'm so excited to feature a Former Debut with a brand new book to celebrate! Congratulations, Amy! We are all celebrating with you!
So here's Amy to catch us up on debut groups, books, and what she's been up to!
*****
Name: Amy Fellner Dominy
Debut Group: Class of 2k11
Debut novel: OyMG
Hi, Amy! Congratulations on your new book!
PJH: Okay, so it’s been 1 year since you graduated from your debut class. Personally, I miss the heck out of knowing what my classmates are up to. So give us the low-down. What have you been up to? New books? New degrees? New pets? What has been going on, and what do we have to look forward to from you in the future?
AFD: Well, there have been lots of new things in the past year. New shoes (there are ALWAYS new shoes), new gray hairs, and yes—a new book! In fact, my second book arrives this month on bookstore shelves (and the kindle/nook/ipad airwaves.) It’s an upper middle grade called Audition & Subtraction. To read a summary, click here.
AUDITION & SUBTRACTION by Amy Fellner Dominy (Walker, September 4, 2012)
PJH: If you could summarize to a debut novelist the best part of being a member of an author group like the “Class of” groups, what would you say?
AFD: It’s nearly impossible to summarize the “Class of” experience because the group did so much for me in so many areas. But I can tell you this: It is, by far, the single BEST thing I did for myself and my writing career. No exaggeration, either. The friendships and support continues even now that we’re graduates. Makes me want to go find the authors who started this and give them all a huge hug.
PJH: Though I absolutely loved being a debut author, I’m really thrilled with all the experience I’ve gained since. What advice would you give to those who are debuting now? What do you wish you had known when you started out?
AFD: When I sold OyMG, I thought I’d reached the finish line. That I’d “made it.” Now, I realize that I just reached a new starting line. My advice is to just soak it all in, learn what you can, do what you’re comfortable with and don’t beat yourself up over the rest of it. Mostly, I’m referring to marketing and promotion. Talk about a whole nother world! I had no idea what to expect and I tried to do everything. (Bad idea!) Most importantly, surround yourself with people you can share things with—good and bad.
PJH: In addition to writing the next mega-million bestselling novel, what do you want to accomplish in the next five years? Do you want to write five more books? Get your black belt in Kung Fu? Walk the Great Wall of China? Let’s hear it.
AFD: I’d really like to publish one book a year—that’s my goal on paper. The other goal that I keep in my head is I want to write books that make me proud. Seems like a given, right? But sometimes I find myself wanting to write something “popular” or something “big.” I’m not even sure what that means, but it’s a messed-up way to think because I end up with stuff I don’t even like myself. It’s like I told my kids when they were in school. They’d bring down their homework on crumpled paper, full of mistakes and I’d point to their name at the top. When something has your name on it, it represents you and you ought to be proud of it. (Of course they rolled their eyes at me.) But that’s what I want to do as an author. So if I can write things that matter to me and keep publishing, then I’ll be happy. (Not that I’d turn up my nose at the title “best-seller.”)
OyMG by Amy Fellner Dominy (Walker, May 10, 2011)
PJH: Anything else you want to add? Five reasons to read your book? A picture of your writing space? How you celebrated when you signed your contract? Your choice!
AFD: In honor of the release of Audition & Subtraction, here’s a little teaser. You can find an excerpt on Amy’s website here, but this is the First Five. (The first sentence of the first five chapters.)
1. “Death by bikini.”
2. The guy heading our way on a skateboard was no dweeb.
3. “You alone?”
4. In the fifty-two days since Dad had loaded two suitcases in his truck and drove off, my house had become a weird place to be.
5. Five more minutes.
PJH: Thank you so much for being here! And good luck with everything in the future!
AFD: Thanks PJ! Best of luck to you, too. And cheers to the Classes of 2k!
*****
Bio:
Amy Fellner Dominy worked as a copywriter in the advertising business for twenty years before leaving to earn her MFA as a playwright. Her plays for adults and children have been staged in various cities around the country. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with her hubby and two teenage children. Amy is also the author of OyMG (Walker, 2011), distinguished by the Association of Jewish Libraries as a Notable Book for Teens. Visit her at www.amydominy.com.
*****
Thanks for helping me celebrate former debuts! And if you are a former debut and are interested in being featured, check out this post here!
So here's Amy to catch us up on debut groups, books, and what she's been up to!
*****
Name: Amy Fellner Dominy
Debut Group: Class of 2k11
Debut novel: OyMG
Hi, Amy! Congratulations on your new book!
PJH: Okay, so it’s been 1 year since you graduated from your debut class. Personally, I miss the heck out of knowing what my classmates are up to. So give us the low-down. What have you been up to? New books? New degrees? New pets? What has been going on, and what do we have to look forward to from you in the future?
AFD: Well, there have been lots of new things in the past year. New shoes (there are ALWAYS new shoes), new gray hairs, and yes—a new book! In fact, my second book arrives this month on bookstore shelves (and the kindle/nook/ipad airwaves.) It’s an upper middle grade called Audition & Subtraction. To read a summary, click here.
AUDITION & SUBTRACTION by Amy Fellner Dominy (Walker, September 4, 2012)PJH: If you could summarize to a debut novelist the best part of being a member of an author group like the “Class of” groups, what would you say?
AFD: It’s nearly impossible to summarize the “Class of” experience because the group did so much for me in so many areas. But I can tell you this: It is, by far, the single BEST thing I did for myself and my writing career. No exaggeration, either. The friendships and support continues even now that we’re graduates. Makes me want to go find the authors who started this and give them all a huge hug.
PJH: Though I absolutely loved being a debut author, I’m really thrilled with all the experience I’ve gained since. What advice would you give to those who are debuting now? What do you wish you had known when you started out?
AFD: When I sold OyMG, I thought I’d reached the finish line. That I’d “made it.” Now, I realize that I just reached a new starting line. My advice is to just soak it all in, learn what you can, do what you’re comfortable with and don’t beat yourself up over the rest of it. Mostly, I’m referring to marketing and promotion. Talk about a whole nother world! I had no idea what to expect and I tried to do everything. (Bad idea!) Most importantly, surround yourself with people you can share things with—good and bad.
PJH: In addition to writing the next mega-million bestselling novel, what do you want to accomplish in the next five years? Do you want to write five more books? Get your black belt in Kung Fu? Walk the Great Wall of China? Let’s hear it.
AFD: I’d really like to publish one book a year—that’s my goal on paper. The other goal that I keep in my head is I want to write books that make me proud. Seems like a given, right? But sometimes I find myself wanting to write something “popular” or something “big.” I’m not even sure what that means, but it’s a messed-up way to think because I end up with stuff I don’t even like myself. It’s like I told my kids when they were in school. They’d bring down their homework on crumpled paper, full of mistakes and I’d point to their name at the top. When something has your name on it, it represents you and you ought to be proud of it. (Of course they rolled their eyes at me.) But that’s what I want to do as an author. So if I can write things that matter to me and keep publishing, then I’ll be happy. (Not that I’d turn up my nose at the title “best-seller.”)
OyMG by Amy Fellner Dominy (Walker, May 10, 2011)PJH: Anything else you want to add? Five reasons to read your book? A picture of your writing space? How you celebrated when you signed your contract? Your choice!
AFD: In honor of the release of Audition & Subtraction, here’s a little teaser. You can find an excerpt on Amy’s website here, but this is the First Five. (The first sentence of the first five chapters.)
1. “Death by bikini.”
2. The guy heading our way on a skateboard was no dweeb.
3. “You alone?”
4. In the fifty-two days since Dad had loaded two suitcases in his truck and drove off, my house had become a weird place to be.
5. Five more minutes.
PJH: Thank you so much for being here! And good luck with everything in the future!
AFD: Thanks PJ! Best of luck to you, too. And cheers to the Classes of 2k!
*****
Bio:
Amy Fellner Dominy worked as a copywriter in the advertising business for twenty years before leaving to earn her MFA as a playwright. Her plays for adults and children have been staged in various cities around the country. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with her hubby and two teenage children. Amy is also the author of OyMG (Walker, 2011), distinguished by the Association of Jewish Libraries as a Notable Book for Teens. Visit her at www.amydominy.com.
*****
Thanks for helping me celebrate former debuts! And if you are a former debut and are interested in being featured, check out this post here!
September 11, 2012
My Robot Helper!
Thanks to my daughter for the love! :)
September 10, 2012
Fun Quizzes for a Monday Morning
If you find yourself looking for a fun way to start the day, head over to The Enchanted Inkpot! I've pulled together some fun quizzes about fantasy books we all love. See how well you do!
(CLICK HERE FOR QUIZZES!)
And happy Monday!
(CLICK HERE FOR QUIZZES!)And happy Monday!
September 6, 2012
In which I've already done the talking!
Every so often I do one of these interview things and then totally forget about it, and then a Google alert (yes, I use Google alerts. I admit it. But that is a good topic for ANOTHER day) pops up and tells me something has been posted about me online. Sometimes those are good things (like nice reviews), sometimes those things suck (like suck reviews), and sometimes there are awesome little professionally edited videos from interviews of the past.
So here are two that turned up this week. These were filmed at the Writers' League of Texas* conference back in June and are through a group called Author Learning Center. The Author Learning Center has gobs of these fantastic videos online (the vast majority of which are other people, not me!).
I'm sure none of you guys will enjoy watching these as much as my mom, but still, here they are for your viewing pleasure. :)
Here I am talking about how I used to be an engineer (and trust me, I totally still think like one).
And here I am talking about the wonderful, beautiful thing that was Tor buying my YA novel, SOLSTICE (Tor Teen, June 2013).
*The Writers' League of Texas is a great group and totally worth joining if you live in or around the Austin area.
Hope you all have a great weekend!
So here are two that turned up this week. These were filmed at the Writers' League of Texas* conference back in June and are through a group called Author Learning Center. The Author Learning Center has gobs of these fantastic videos online (the vast majority of which are other people, not me!).
I'm sure none of you guys will enjoy watching these as much as my mom, but still, here they are for your viewing pleasure. :)
Here I am talking about how I used to be an engineer (and trust me, I totally still think like one).
And here I am talking about the wonderful, beautiful thing that was Tor buying my YA novel, SOLSTICE (Tor Teen, June 2013).
*The Writers' League of Texas is a great group and totally worth joining if you live in or around the Austin area.
Hope you all have a great weekend!
Former Debut: Joy Preble, Class of 2k9
Okay, so if you read my blog at all, then you know I adore Joy Preble! She's not only a fabulous author, she is such a wonderful gal, too! We just celebrated the release of Joy's third novel last month, and today I am happy to welcome her back to the blog as my former debut!
*****
Name: Joy Preble
Debut Group: Class of 2k9
Debut novel: DREAMING ANASTASIA
*hugs* Joy!
PJH: Okay, so it’s been 3 years since you graduated from your debut class. Personally, I miss the heck out of knowing what my classmates are up to. So give us the low-down. What have you been up to in the last few years? New books? New degrees? New pets? What has been going on, and what do we have to look forward to from you in the future?
JP: I think the better question would be, what haven't I been up to? It's been a wild ride since '09. I think it has for many of us. Since Dreaming Anastasia came out, I've also been lucky to write and publish the other two books in the trilogy: HAUNTED released in February 2011; ANASTASIA FOREVER is coming on August 7th 2012. I like to remind newbies that this series sold to Sourcebooks one book at a time. So don't give up! It happens in different ways. During this time, I've been through 4 editors and 3 publicists, which has made the journey a bit rocky at times. But miraculously, editor two, Dan Ehrenhaft, is now my editor again, this time at Soho Press, where I am incredibly fortunate to be publishing my fourth YA novel, THE SWEET DEAD LIFE, which arrives in May 2013, as part of the inaugural list of their new Soho Teen imprint. In addition to that, I have a short story in a mystery anthology for Soho, called WHO DONE IT, which comes out February 2013, and edited by the very brilliant Jon Scieszka!
But the book stuff is only half of it: Just as DREAMING started to take off in early winter of 2010, I was suddenly diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Basically, in the same week in February, 2010, I was offered a contract for book two and received the cancer diagnosis. It was not an easy time. It was such a set of extremes that my agent and I actually ended up doing this sort of dark humor joking that went like this: Should we tell them I have cancer? What will happen to the sub rights negotiation? And stupid stuff like that. The good news? Surgery, followed by radioactive iodine treatment and so far, two years later, I am still cancer free!
At the end of the 2011, though, I decided to give up full time teaching and try out full time writing. So far so good. I don't know if I'm more productive, but I'm not grading 175 Julius Caesar essay while trying to finish copy edits, so that is a good thing, I do believe! I'll keep you posted on whether I can stay away from the classroom.
Beyond that, my son got married; we rescued a 40 pound basset boxer mix who is sweet but crazy, and because I wasn't teaching, I actually traveled to Wyoming and Montana last October - the first time since kindergarten that I wasn't in school.
ANASTASIA FOREVER by Joy Preble (Sourcebooks, August 1, 2012)
PJH: If you could summarize to a debut novelist the best part of being a member of an author group like the “Class of” groups, what would you say?
JP: You don't have to go into the abyss of first time publication alone. You have this amazing group of men and women accompanying you and bolstering you on the journey. And I think it really is a case of 20 + brains being so much better than 1. Collectively, we figured it out: marketing and editing and developing a platform and balancing writing with being a public figure and the inevitable ups and downs and losses and rewards of this brand new career. In the process, you will develop life long friends -- deep, deep friendships with these people you never knew but now can't imagine ever being without.
THE SWEET DEAD LIFE (SoHo, May 2013)
PJH: Though I absolutely loved being a debut author, I’m really thrilled with all the experience I’ve gained since. What advice would you give to those who are debuting now? What do you wish you had known when you started out?
JP: As that British WWII poster says: Stay Calm and Carry On.
Really, I think that's the best advice. Keep writing. Believe in yourself. Network, network, network. But don't try to do it all. You can't. If you hate blogging, embrace a form of social media that you enjoy. Learn the industry. Read. Read. Read. Be your own best advocate; don't be afraid to ask. The worst that can happen is someone will say no. That said, don't be whiny and greedy and awful. No one enjoys bad author behavior. Ever. Say thank you. Say it a lot. Thank your editor, your copy editor, your publicists. Thank everyone. Starbucks cards are everyone's friends. And no more than two glasses of wine in public. You'll thank me for that last one.
HAUNTED by Joy Preble (Sourcebooks, February 1, 2011)
PJH: In addition to writing the next mega-million bestselling novel, what do you want to accomplish in the next five years? Do you want to write five more books? Get your black belt in Kung Fu? Walk the Great Wall of China? Let’s hear it.
JP: As my stories above probably demonstrate, you really just never know. Five years is a long time. But if I had my way about it, I would sell and publish at least one new book or project of some sort each year. After I go to Ireland this fall, I would add five more places to my places I've traveled list: specifically Italy, France, Israel, Spain, Australia. I would also finally sign up for and regularly attend yoga class and perfect standing on one foot for at least a minute! And since this is my dream status, I would also sell multiple foreign rights, a movie deal, and oh yeah, finally get my bathroom remodeled and my bedroom flooring redone. Which would make me very happy.
DREAMING ANASTASIA (Sourcebooks, 2009)
PJH: Anything else you want to add? Five reasons to read your book? A picture of your writing space? How you celebrated when you signed your contract? Your choice!
JP:
5 Reasons to read the DREAMING ANASTASIA series:
The Anne/Ethan romance.Baba Yaga the witchCrazy Russian mermaidsI destroy a lot of cool Chicago landmarks. Gleefully.Ethan's sexy tattoo.
PJH: Thank you so much for being here! And good luck with everything in the future!
*****
Bio:
Joy Preble is the author of the DREAMING ANASTASIA series (Sourcebooks), which blends paranormal romance with historical fiction. The second book, HAUNTED, is out now, and ANASTASIA FOREVER is coming in August 2012. Another paranormal – about a sixteen-year-old stoner who returns from a fatal car accident as his sister’s guardian angel – THE SWEET DEAD LIFE – is set in Houston and slated for May 2013, from Soho Press. Joy grew up in Chicago, where she dreamed of being a back up singer but settled for becoming a writer so she could get paid for making up stuff. She now lives with her family and a crazy half-basset/half- boxer in Texas, where she frequently gets into wild rumpuses and other mischief. When she’s not writing, you can find her eating guacamole, fighting her Bravo Channel addiction and insisting that Twizzlers are a food group.
***
Thanks for helping me celebrate former debuts! And if you are a former debut and are interested in being featured, check out this post here!
*****
Name: Joy Preble
Debut Group: Class of 2k9
Debut novel: DREAMING ANASTASIA
*hugs* Joy!PJH: Okay, so it’s been 3 years since you graduated from your debut class. Personally, I miss the heck out of knowing what my classmates are up to. So give us the low-down. What have you been up to in the last few years? New books? New degrees? New pets? What has been going on, and what do we have to look forward to from you in the future?
JP: I think the better question would be, what haven't I been up to? It's been a wild ride since '09. I think it has for many of us. Since Dreaming Anastasia came out, I've also been lucky to write and publish the other two books in the trilogy: HAUNTED released in February 2011; ANASTASIA FOREVER is coming on August 7th 2012. I like to remind newbies that this series sold to Sourcebooks one book at a time. So don't give up! It happens in different ways. During this time, I've been through 4 editors and 3 publicists, which has made the journey a bit rocky at times. But miraculously, editor two, Dan Ehrenhaft, is now my editor again, this time at Soho Press, where I am incredibly fortunate to be publishing my fourth YA novel, THE SWEET DEAD LIFE, which arrives in May 2013, as part of the inaugural list of their new Soho Teen imprint. In addition to that, I have a short story in a mystery anthology for Soho, called WHO DONE IT, which comes out February 2013, and edited by the very brilliant Jon Scieszka!
But the book stuff is only half of it: Just as DREAMING started to take off in early winter of 2010, I was suddenly diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Basically, in the same week in February, 2010, I was offered a contract for book two and received the cancer diagnosis. It was not an easy time. It was such a set of extremes that my agent and I actually ended up doing this sort of dark humor joking that went like this: Should we tell them I have cancer? What will happen to the sub rights negotiation? And stupid stuff like that. The good news? Surgery, followed by radioactive iodine treatment and so far, two years later, I am still cancer free!
At the end of the 2011, though, I decided to give up full time teaching and try out full time writing. So far so good. I don't know if I'm more productive, but I'm not grading 175 Julius Caesar essay while trying to finish copy edits, so that is a good thing, I do believe! I'll keep you posted on whether I can stay away from the classroom.
Beyond that, my son got married; we rescued a 40 pound basset boxer mix who is sweet but crazy, and because I wasn't teaching, I actually traveled to Wyoming and Montana last October - the first time since kindergarten that I wasn't in school.
ANASTASIA FOREVER by Joy Preble (Sourcebooks, August 1, 2012)PJH: If you could summarize to a debut novelist the best part of being a member of an author group like the “Class of” groups, what would you say?
JP: You don't have to go into the abyss of first time publication alone. You have this amazing group of men and women accompanying you and bolstering you on the journey. And I think it really is a case of 20 + brains being so much better than 1. Collectively, we figured it out: marketing and editing and developing a platform and balancing writing with being a public figure and the inevitable ups and downs and losses and rewards of this brand new career. In the process, you will develop life long friends -- deep, deep friendships with these people you never knew but now can't imagine ever being without.
THE SWEET DEAD LIFE (SoHo, May 2013)PJH: Though I absolutely loved being a debut author, I’m really thrilled with all the experience I’ve gained since. What advice would you give to those who are debuting now? What do you wish you had known when you started out?
JP: As that British WWII poster says: Stay Calm and Carry On.
Really, I think that's the best advice. Keep writing. Believe in yourself. Network, network, network. But don't try to do it all. You can't. If you hate blogging, embrace a form of social media that you enjoy. Learn the industry. Read. Read. Read. Be your own best advocate; don't be afraid to ask. The worst that can happen is someone will say no. That said, don't be whiny and greedy and awful. No one enjoys bad author behavior. Ever. Say thank you. Say it a lot. Thank your editor, your copy editor, your publicists. Thank everyone. Starbucks cards are everyone's friends. And no more than two glasses of wine in public. You'll thank me for that last one.
HAUNTED by Joy Preble (Sourcebooks, February 1, 2011)PJH: In addition to writing the next mega-million bestselling novel, what do you want to accomplish in the next five years? Do you want to write five more books? Get your black belt in Kung Fu? Walk the Great Wall of China? Let’s hear it.
JP: As my stories above probably demonstrate, you really just never know. Five years is a long time. But if I had my way about it, I would sell and publish at least one new book or project of some sort each year. After I go to Ireland this fall, I would add five more places to my places I've traveled list: specifically Italy, France, Israel, Spain, Australia. I would also finally sign up for and regularly attend yoga class and perfect standing on one foot for at least a minute! And since this is my dream status, I would also sell multiple foreign rights, a movie deal, and oh yeah, finally get my bathroom remodeled and my bedroom flooring redone. Which would make me very happy.
DREAMING ANASTASIA (Sourcebooks, 2009)PJH: Anything else you want to add? Five reasons to read your book? A picture of your writing space? How you celebrated when you signed your contract? Your choice!
JP:
5 Reasons to read the DREAMING ANASTASIA series:
The Anne/Ethan romance.Baba Yaga the witchCrazy Russian mermaidsI destroy a lot of cool Chicago landmarks. Gleefully.Ethan's sexy tattoo.
PJH: Thank you so much for being here! And good luck with everything in the future!
*****
Bio:
Joy Preble is the author of the DREAMING ANASTASIA series (Sourcebooks), which blends paranormal romance with historical fiction. The second book, HAUNTED, is out now, and ANASTASIA FOREVER is coming in August 2012. Another paranormal – about a sixteen-year-old stoner who returns from a fatal car accident as his sister’s guardian angel – THE SWEET DEAD LIFE – is set in Houston and slated for May 2013, from Soho Press. Joy grew up in Chicago, where she dreamed of being a back up singer but settled for becoming a writer so she could get paid for making up stuff. She now lives with her family and a crazy half-basset/half- boxer in Texas, where she frequently gets into wild rumpuses and other mischief. When she’s not writing, you can find her eating guacamole, fighting her Bravo Channel addiction and insisting that Twizzlers are a food group.
***
Thanks for helping me celebrate former debuts! And if you are a former debut and are interested in being featured, check out this post here!
![[image error]](http://www.pjhoover.com/images/solstice_dummy_275_416.jpg){kind=link}