P.J. Hoover's Blog, page 19
September 5, 2012
Former Debut: Bettina Restrepo, Class of 2k11
I admit I love doing these interviews with former debuts! I look forward to getting the emails, putting the posts together, finding out what everyone is up to, and just keeping touch in general!
Today, I'm so happy to feature Bettina Restrepo who not only is a kick-butt writer, but she's just an awesome person all the way around!
*****
Name: Bettina Restrepo
Debut Group: Class 2k11
Debut novel: ILLEGAL, 2011
Debut pic book: MOOSE AND MAGPIE, 2009
Hi Bettina! I hope to see you again soon!
BR: It’s been 17 months since Illegal came out, and just three weeks ago I turned in my option novel, Telenovela. I have been surviving life with its many ups and downs. All I can say is that debuting two books in two years in two different genres is too much. Currently, I’m mastering the fine art of taking a nap while trying to appear busy. Occasionally, I walk the dog while thinking about writing.
Love this!
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?
BR: That you have an invisible support group surrounding you. Although 98% of our friendships have existed online, it’s like I speak to these people daily over a cup of coffee. I learn. I cry. I throw imaginary rocks, but mostly I love my classmates for the support they have shared.
Having debuted my picture book alone, I didn’t have a sounding board. I would think out ideas, imagine they would be great, and half way through execution wonder – ‘is this even worth my time?’
ILLEGAL by Bettina Restrepo (Katherine Tegen Books, March 8, 2011)
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?
BR: Marketing/publicity – You will have to do most of it and pay for it out of your pocket. It will take twice as much time as you think and you’ll never know if it paid off. I wish there had been a magical scale that would ding everytime I did something right.
MOOSE AND MAGPIE by Bettina Restrepo (Sylvan Dell, June 10, 2009)
PJH: In addition to writing the next mega-million bestselling novel, what do you want to accomplish in the next five years?
BR: I’m trying to learn to pace myself so that I don’t kill myself with the publishing process. I’d like to improve my craft so that I can write beautiful books that also entertain. If anything, I plan to write slower and deeper. Hopefully, those books will go to market but I’ll be content if they come from the deepest part of my heart.
PJH: Anything else you want to add?
BR: Read Illegal with a teenager and see what discussion points arise.
BR: Read Moose and Magpie with a 1st grader and laugh at some crazy moose jokes.
BR: And, when Telenovela comes out, it will probably have a different name – but read it to see how many lies it takes to get to the truth.
PJH: Thank you so much for being here! And good luck with everything in the future!
*****
Bio:
Bettina received her Bachelor of Science in speech communication from the University of Texas at Austin in 1993. She flunked economics her freshman year and decided a business degree wasn’t a good idea. She found literature and writing were her best fit. For fun, she played cymbals in the band. She spent many years in the corporate world being an Internal Auditor and wearing pantyhose (not fun). She is married, lives near Dallas under the disguise of “Mommy”.
*****
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!
Today, I'm so happy to feature Bettina Restrepo who not only is a kick-butt writer, but she's just an awesome person all the way around!
*****
Name: Bettina Restrepo
Debut Group: Class 2k11
Debut novel: ILLEGAL, 2011
Debut pic book: MOOSE AND MAGPIE, 2009
Hi Bettina! I hope to see you again soon!BR: It’s been 17 months since Illegal came out, and just three weeks ago I turned in my option novel, Telenovela. I have been surviving life with its many ups and downs. All I can say is that debuting two books in two years in two different genres is too much. Currently, I’m mastering the fine art of taking a nap while trying to appear busy. Occasionally, I walk the dog while thinking about writing.
Love this!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?
BR: That you have an invisible support group surrounding you. Although 98% of our friendships have existed online, it’s like I speak to these people daily over a cup of coffee. I learn. I cry. I throw imaginary rocks, but mostly I love my classmates for the support they have shared.
Having debuted my picture book alone, I didn’t have a sounding board. I would think out ideas, imagine they would be great, and half way through execution wonder – ‘is this even worth my time?’
ILLEGAL by Bettina Restrepo (Katherine Tegen Books, March 8, 2011)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?
BR: Marketing/publicity – You will have to do most of it and pay for it out of your pocket. It will take twice as much time as you think and you’ll never know if it paid off. I wish there had been a magical scale that would ding everytime I did something right.
MOOSE AND MAGPIE by Bettina Restrepo (Sylvan Dell, June 10, 2009)PJH: In addition to writing the next mega-million bestselling novel, what do you want to accomplish in the next five years?
BR: I’m trying to learn to pace myself so that I don’t kill myself with the publishing process. I’d like to improve my craft so that I can write beautiful books that also entertain. If anything, I plan to write slower and deeper. Hopefully, those books will go to market but I’ll be content if they come from the deepest part of my heart.
PJH: Anything else you want to add?
BR: Read Illegal with a teenager and see what discussion points arise.
BR: Read Moose and Magpie with a 1st grader and laugh at some crazy moose jokes.
BR: And, when Telenovela comes out, it will probably have a different name – but read it to see how many lies it takes to get to the truth.
PJH: Thank you so much for being here! And good luck with everything in the future!
*****
Bio:
Bettina received her Bachelor of Science in speech communication from the University of Texas at Austin in 1993. She flunked economics her freshman year and decided a business degree wasn’t a good idea. She found literature and writing were her best fit. For fun, she played cymbals in the band. She spent many years in the corporate world being an Internal Auditor and wearing pantyhose (not fun). She is married, lives near Dallas under the disguise of “Mommy”.
*****
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 1, 2012
Chainmail update
Because I am seriously addicted to this new hobby! I've ordered colored wire, gold wire, lots of wire. I want to make chainmail forever :)
My top is coming along nicely. I plan to outline it in gold rings, but the basic shape is now here!
Sorry about the sassy pose. It was actually not intentional :)
Hope you all have a great holiday weekend!
My top is coming along nicely. I plan to outline it in gold rings, but the basic shape is now here!
Sorry about the sassy pose. It was actually not intentional :)Hope you all have a great holiday weekend!
August 30, 2012
Featuring: Kai Strand and SAVE THE LEMMINGS!
I'm so happy to feature Kai Strand and her brand new book today on the blog! I've been waiting for this book for MONTHS, and I'm happy to report it is finally here!
Today, Kai joins us with a top ten list about the main character in SAVE THE LEMMINGS, Natalie!
***
10 Things You Should Know About Natalie
Hi! I’m Natalie. My entire name is Natalie Isabelle Cailean Edwards. N.I.C.E. Isn’t that funny? I think my parents knew right off the bat that I was going to be a super happy and positive person.
I’ve been asked to share 10 things you should know about me.
I have an inspirational phrase for every situation. For instance to inspire myself to think of ten things about me to share I told myself, “You must first open your book if you want people to read along.”I think I’m more approachable if I dress in monochromatic clothing. I’m especially drawn to pastels, though I have a bold persimmon colored outfit. I had to dye a pair of tennies to match.I’m an inventor. I like to take existing ideas and improve on them. My newest invention, the Texty-Talky, was produced by Father’s company! Can you believe that?I have three lifelong friends. They are all as smart as me. Sandra is a mathlete, Tamilla is a technology wizard and Jayne is a fashion designer. I was tricked by the class bully, Trudy, to participate in a graffiti incident. I was rather discouraged by the lack of faith the adults in my life showed during that time, but an inspirational phrase helped me to move on.I’m not a fan of photo shoots or hairspray.People like you more when you are famous.People don’t like you when they think you do drugs and steal.The media can be absolutely ruthless in pursuit of the next big headline.Poor defenseless lemmings need our support, so I joined the SAVE THE LEMMINGS! Foundation to help build tiny picket fences along the cliffs of the arctic.
There, now you might know as much about me as my three bestest friends! But there’s only one way to find out. Order your copy of SAVE THE LEMMINGS here.
About the book:
8th grade inventor, Natalie Isabelle Cailean Edwards is the N.I.C.E. girl who finishes last with the kids in school. Sappy inspirational phrases and monochromatic outfits have all but her best friends wrinkling their nose at her. When Natalie’s invention, the Texty-Talky, goes nationwide, she becomes an overnight sensation. Suddenly her days consist of photo shoots and interviews with little time left for her friends. A local reporter shatters her good-girl image by reporting a graffiti incident and the media launches into a smear campaign. It is so bad, even her friends start to believe the stories. Will Natalie be able to overcome the lies being printed about her? And will she SAVE THE LEMMINGS?
About the author:
Kai Strand writes fiction for middle grade and young adult readers. Her debut novel, The Weaver, was a finalist in the 2012 EPIC eBook Awards. The Wishing Well: Another Weaver Tale is set in the same storytelling village as The Weaver. She is a (very lucky) wife and the mother of four amazing kids. The most common sound in her household is laughter. The second most common is, "Do your dishes!" She and her family hike, geocache, and canoe in beautiful Central Oregon, where they call home.
To find out more about Kai’s books, download companion documents, find links to her published short stories and discover all the places to find Kai both virtually and in person, visit her website: www.kaistrand.com. She loves to hear from readers, so feel free to send her an email or visit her facebook page, Kai Strand, Author.
***
Thanks for visiting today, you all!
Today, Kai joins us with a top ten list about the main character in SAVE THE LEMMINGS, Natalie!
***
10 Things You Should Know About Natalie
Hi! I’m Natalie. My entire name is Natalie Isabelle Cailean Edwards. N.I.C.E. Isn’t that funny? I think my parents knew right off the bat that I was going to be a super happy and positive person.
I’ve been asked to share 10 things you should know about me.
I have an inspirational phrase for every situation. For instance to inspire myself to think of ten things about me to share I told myself, “You must first open your book if you want people to read along.”I think I’m more approachable if I dress in monochromatic clothing. I’m especially drawn to pastels, though I have a bold persimmon colored outfit. I had to dye a pair of tennies to match.I’m an inventor. I like to take existing ideas and improve on them. My newest invention, the Texty-Talky, was produced by Father’s company! Can you believe that?I have three lifelong friends. They are all as smart as me. Sandra is a mathlete, Tamilla is a technology wizard and Jayne is a fashion designer. I was tricked by the class bully, Trudy, to participate in a graffiti incident. I was rather discouraged by the lack of faith the adults in my life showed during that time, but an inspirational phrase helped me to move on.I’m not a fan of photo shoots or hairspray.People like you more when you are famous.People don’t like you when they think you do drugs and steal.The media can be absolutely ruthless in pursuit of the next big headline.Poor defenseless lemmings need our support, so I joined the SAVE THE LEMMINGS! Foundation to help build tiny picket fences along the cliffs of the arctic.
There, now you might know as much about me as my three bestest friends! But there’s only one way to find out. Order your copy of SAVE THE LEMMINGS here.
About the book:
8th grade inventor, Natalie Isabelle Cailean Edwards is the N.I.C.E. girl who finishes last with the kids in school. Sappy inspirational phrases and monochromatic outfits have all but her best friends wrinkling their nose at her. When Natalie’s invention, the Texty-Talky, goes nationwide, she becomes an overnight sensation. Suddenly her days consist of photo shoots and interviews with little time left for her friends. A local reporter shatters her good-girl image by reporting a graffiti incident and the media launches into a smear campaign. It is so bad, even her friends start to believe the stories. Will Natalie be able to overcome the lies being printed about her? And will she SAVE THE LEMMINGS?
About the author:
Kai Strand writes fiction for middle grade and young adult readers. Her debut novel, The Weaver, was a finalist in the 2012 EPIC eBook Awards. The Wishing Well: Another Weaver Tale is set in the same storytelling village as The Weaver. She is a (very lucky) wife and the mother of four amazing kids. The most common sound in her household is laughter. The second most common is, "Do your dishes!" She and her family hike, geocache, and canoe in beautiful Central Oregon, where they call home.
To find out more about Kai’s books, download companion documents, find links to her published short stories and discover all the places to find Kai both virtually and in person, visit her website: www.kaistrand.com. She loves to hear from readers, so feel free to send her an email or visit her facebook page, Kai Strand, Author.
***
Thanks for visiting today, you all!
August 29, 2012
Former Debut: Gae Polisner, Class of 2k11
Before I introduce today's former debut, I really want to thank you all for all your support in this series of posts. It is so much fun to do, and so great to see what former debut authors are up to. So, thank you!
And on with it, today, please help me welcome Gae Polisner as our former debut!
*****
Name: Gae Polisner
Debut Group: Class of 2K11
Debut novel: THE PULL OF GRAVITY (fsg/Macmillan)
Hi, Gae! Thank you for visiting!
PJH: Okay, so it’s been more than a 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 in the last year? 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?
GP: Writing-wise, I finally sold my next YA to Algonquin Books. I’m really excited to be working with Elise Howard who is starting the YA division there. Because it’s a new division, it will take a bit longer for the book to come out, so I’m practicing patience and focusing on writing next books. I’ve been bouncing between two upper YA’s that are written but need to be (hugely) revised, and a new YA that I started. And of course, my women’s fiction that I’d like to get back to, calls to me constantly in the background.
Life-wise, I continue to spend my days parenting and swimming and, working my part-time day job as a divorce mediator, not to mention maintaining my blogs, and hanging on facebook and twitter. My days are pretty full, and go way, way, way too fast.
THE PULL OF GRAVITY by Gae Polisner (FSG, May 10, 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?
GP: In the beginning you join for the sake of your book and marketing support; in the end you stay for the sake of your well-being and the camaraderie and emotional support. ;) Here’s the thing: No one knows better what you are going through – both highs and lows – than another debut author.
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?
GP: The advice I would give is the advice I got: write a good book. Write the best book you can. That is really the only thing that you can control.
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.
GP: Well, I’m about to attempt one of my biggest goals next weekend: A five-mile open water swim. After that (er, I plan to succeed, can you tell?), I’ll probably want to try six, then 8, then 10… I’m not much of an athlete on land, but in the water, I’m pretty capable. I also really want to get back to my women’s fiction and get it published. I first got agented with that – not my YA -- but never sold either of my two manuscripts. I have a publisher or two interested, if I could just find time for revisions. There’s actually lots of writing I still want to do. Oh yeah, and The Pull of Gravity has been optioned for film, so it would be pretty cool if the next five years held a movie premiere.
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!
GP: Hmmm. Five reasons to read The Pull of Gravity:
1. The characters are quirky and real;
2. It’s poignant, but also funny;
3. It’s a classic story of friendship – of how friends can save us when everything else is falling apart;
4. There’s a road trip with adjoining hotel rooms, and some, um, unique (?) kissing on a bus;
5. Yoda and Steinbeck in the same book? Come on. Resist that, you know you cannot. ;)
PJH: Thank you so much for being here! And good luck with everything in the future!
GP: Thanks, PJ, Back atcha!
*****
Bio:
Gae writes young adult and women’s fiction. When Gae’s not writing, she swims. When she’s not swimming, she’s often thinking about cake. She likes cake and wishes she had some now. She lives on Long Island with her great family, who, despite their greatness, doesn’t often make her cake. She’s clearly hungry while writing this bio.
*****
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!
And on with it, today, please help me welcome Gae Polisner as our former debut!
*****
Name: Gae Polisner
Debut Group: Class of 2K11
Debut novel: THE PULL OF GRAVITY (fsg/Macmillan)
Hi, Gae! Thank you for visiting!PJH: Okay, so it’s been more than a 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 in the last year? 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?
GP: Writing-wise, I finally sold my next YA to Algonquin Books. I’m really excited to be working with Elise Howard who is starting the YA division there. Because it’s a new division, it will take a bit longer for the book to come out, so I’m practicing patience and focusing on writing next books. I’ve been bouncing between two upper YA’s that are written but need to be (hugely) revised, and a new YA that I started. And of course, my women’s fiction that I’d like to get back to, calls to me constantly in the background.
Life-wise, I continue to spend my days parenting and swimming and, working my part-time day job as a divorce mediator, not to mention maintaining my blogs, and hanging on facebook and twitter. My days are pretty full, and go way, way, way too fast.
THE PULL OF GRAVITY by Gae Polisner (FSG, May 10, 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?
GP: In the beginning you join for the sake of your book and marketing support; in the end you stay for the sake of your well-being and the camaraderie and emotional support. ;) Here’s the thing: No one knows better what you are going through – both highs and lows – than another debut author.
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?
GP: The advice I would give is the advice I got: write a good book. Write the best book you can. That is really the only thing that you can control.
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.
GP: Well, I’m about to attempt one of my biggest goals next weekend: A five-mile open water swim. After that (er, I plan to succeed, can you tell?), I’ll probably want to try six, then 8, then 10… I’m not much of an athlete on land, but in the water, I’m pretty capable. I also really want to get back to my women’s fiction and get it published. I first got agented with that – not my YA -- but never sold either of my two manuscripts. I have a publisher or two interested, if I could just find time for revisions. There’s actually lots of writing I still want to do. Oh yeah, and The Pull of Gravity has been optioned for film, so it would be pretty cool if the next five years held a movie premiere.
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!
GP: Hmmm. Five reasons to read The Pull of Gravity:
1. The characters are quirky and real;
2. It’s poignant, but also funny;
3. It’s a classic story of friendship – of how friends can save us when everything else is falling apart;
4. There’s a road trip with adjoining hotel rooms, and some, um, unique (?) kissing on a bus;
5. Yoda and Steinbeck in the same book? Come on. Resist that, you know you cannot. ;)
PJH: Thank you so much for being here! And good luck with everything in the future!
GP: Thanks, PJ, Back atcha!
*****
Bio:
Gae writes young adult and women’s fiction. When Gae’s not writing, she swims. When she’s not swimming, she’s often thinking about cake. She likes cake and wishes she had some now. She lives on Long Island with her great family, who, despite their greatness, doesn’t often make her cake. She’s clearly hungry while writing this bio.
*****
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!
August 28, 2012
What I'm Reading: ROOTLESS by Chris Howard
Even if Chris Howard weren't my agent-brother, I would have been psyched to read this book!
ROOTLESS by Chris Howard (Scholastic, November 1, 2012)
Five things about ROOTLESS:
The whole concept of building trees is AWESOME! Yes, even if there were still trees in the world, I would still want one built for me. With glowing lights. I kind of want one now in my hot, Texas backyard to provide some shade-I-desperately-need. When my Bradford Pear out front finally dies, I am searching out Banyan. This story is seriously crazy and cool and out there! It took me in directions I never expected when I started reading the book. I expected a dystopian similar to those I've been reading. What I got? Something totally cool and different!I adore that the cover matches the story! Different. Eye-catching. Way cool. Sure to appeal to boys and girls, just like the story.Touch of romance? Yes! Somehow it sneaked in there when I wasn't even expecting it and from a completely different direction than I expected. And I kind of adored that!This book takes so many different turns and leaves so much open, I can seriously hardly wait until next year when I get my hands on book 2! Well done, Chris, on making the story complete while still leaving so much open! In short, ROOTLESS is highly recommended for boys (finally!) and girls, fans of dystopian, those who haven't yet been introduced to dystopian, fans of sci-fi, seventh grade and up. It's fast and scary and has such a freaky and vivid vision of the world of the future. Bring on book two!
From Amazon:
17-year-old Banyan is a tree builder. Using salvaged scrap metal, he creates forests for rich patrons who seek a reprieve from the desolate landscape. Although Banyan's never seen a real tree--they were destroyed more than a century ago-his missing father used to tell him stories about the Old World. Everything changes when Banyan meets a mysterious woman with a strange tattoo-a map to the last living trees on earth, and he sets off across a wasteland from which few return. Those who make it past the pirates and poachers can't escape the locusts . . . the locusts that now feed on human flesh. But Banyan isn't the only one looking for the trees, and he's running out of time. Unsure of whom to trust, he's forced to make an alliance with Alpha, a beautiful, dangerous pirate with an agenda of her own. As they race towards a promised land that might be a myth, Banyan makes shocking discoveries about his family, his past, and how far people will go to bring back the trees.
Source of book: Netgalley
ROOTLESS by Chris Howard (Scholastic, November 1, 2012)
Five things about ROOTLESS:
The whole concept of building trees is AWESOME! Yes, even if there were still trees in the world, I would still want one built for me. With glowing lights. I kind of want one now in my hot, Texas backyard to provide some shade-I-desperately-need. When my Bradford Pear out front finally dies, I am searching out Banyan. This story is seriously crazy and cool and out there! It took me in directions I never expected when I started reading the book. I expected a dystopian similar to those I've been reading. What I got? Something totally cool and different!I adore that the cover matches the story! Different. Eye-catching. Way cool. Sure to appeal to boys and girls, just like the story.Touch of romance? Yes! Somehow it sneaked in there when I wasn't even expecting it and from a completely different direction than I expected. And I kind of adored that!This book takes so many different turns and leaves so much open, I can seriously hardly wait until next year when I get my hands on book 2! Well done, Chris, on making the story complete while still leaving so much open! In short, ROOTLESS is highly recommended for boys (finally!) and girls, fans of dystopian, those who haven't yet been introduced to dystopian, fans of sci-fi, seventh grade and up. It's fast and scary and has such a freaky and vivid vision of the world of the future. Bring on book two!
From Amazon:
17-year-old Banyan is a tree builder. Using salvaged scrap metal, he creates forests for rich patrons who seek a reprieve from the desolate landscape. Although Banyan's never seen a real tree--they were destroyed more than a century ago-his missing father used to tell him stories about the Old World. Everything changes when Banyan meets a mysterious woman with a strange tattoo-a map to the last living trees on earth, and he sets off across a wasteland from which few return. Those who make it past the pirates and poachers can't escape the locusts . . . the locusts that now feed on human flesh. But Banyan isn't the only one looking for the trees, and he's running out of time. Unsure of whom to trust, he's forced to make an alliance with Alpha, a beautiful, dangerous pirate with an agenda of her own. As they race towards a promised land that might be a myth, Banyan makes shocking discoveries about his family, his past, and how far people will go to bring back the trees.
Source of book: Netgalley
August 27, 2012
ADR3NALIN3!
I think I mentioned that I spoke at the San Antonio SCBWI meeting a couple weeks ago on world building (and if I didn't, it was a blast! Great group, questions, energy! They had it all. I'll post on world building soon.) Anyway...
...beforehand, I had the pleasure of meeting with Jordan Dane for coffee. We joked because we met at Starbucks, but Starbucks was actually inside Target. Perfect time for socks shopping. So Jordan mentioned she was part of this amazing blog filled with amazing people and extended an invitation to me to join. Seriously, how was I going to refuse that?
So here I am, a brand new member of the ADR3NALIN3 blog.
What is ADR3NALIN3?
ADR3NALIN3 is the brainchild of a group of authors who write the dark side of teen fiction. We are far from cozy and we don't do warm and fuzzy. When you send us emails during the early morning hours to tell us you've lost another night of sleep reading our books, we secretly do a strange “happy” dance that is borderline Voo Doo Hoo Doo.
We want to make your skin crawl and your heart beat faster as you venture deeper into the dark recesses of our imaginations. Reality can be overrated or just plain scary. We offer you a savory feast of chilling contemporary thrillers, eerie mysteries, fantasies from your worst nightmares, dark futuristic post-apocalyptic visions, techno-thrillers, and our bent and twisted take on mythologies and the paranormal.
Come hungry and enjoy!
Who is part of ADR3NALIN3?
Well, you can surf over and check everyone and their books out, but here is the quick list...
Dan Haring
Ilsa J Bick
Jamie Manning
Carol Tanzman
Jennifer Archer
A. G. Howard
Maureen McQuerry
Amanda Stevens
Michelle Gagnon
Jordan Dane
P. J. Hoover
I'll be posting about every other week on the weekend. And instead of just posting features and book reviews, I'll be posting about real stuff. Or at least as real as writing fantasy and sci-fi gets. So please add ADR3NALIN3 to your blog roll! We will be forever grateful! Thanks, and I hope your Monday is awesome!
...beforehand, I had the pleasure of meeting with Jordan Dane for coffee. We joked because we met at Starbucks, but Starbucks was actually inside Target. Perfect time for socks shopping. So Jordan mentioned she was part of this amazing blog filled with amazing people and extended an invitation to me to join. Seriously, how was I going to refuse that?
So here I am, a brand new member of the ADR3NALIN3 blog.
What is ADR3NALIN3?
ADR3NALIN3 is the brainchild of a group of authors who write the dark side of teen fiction. We are far from cozy and we don't do warm and fuzzy. When you send us emails during the early morning hours to tell us you've lost another night of sleep reading our books, we secretly do a strange “happy” dance that is borderline Voo Doo Hoo Doo.
We want to make your skin crawl and your heart beat faster as you venture deeper into the dark recesses of our imaginations. Reality can be overrated or just plain scary. We offer you a savory feast of chilling contemporary thrillers, eerie mysteries, fantasies from your worst nightmares, dark futuristic post-apocalyptic visions, techno-thrillers, and our bent and twisted take on mythologies and the paranormal.
Come hungry and enjoy!
Who is part of ADR3NALIN3?
Well, you can surf over and check everyone and their books out, but here is the quick list...
Dan Haring
Ilsa J Bick
Jamie Manning
Carol Tanzman
Jennifer Archer
A. G. Howard
Maureen McQuerry
Amanda Stevens
Michelle Gagnon
Jordan Dane
P. J. Hoover
I'll be posting about every other week on the weekend. And instead of just posting features and book reviews, I'll be posting about real stuff. Or at least as real as writing fantasy and sci-fi gets. So please add ADR3NALIN3 to your blog roll! We will be forever grateful! Thanks, and I hope your Monday is awesome!
August 26, 2012
PERSONALIZED SKETCH WINNER!
August 23, 2012
Former Debut: Sheila O’Connor, Class of 2k11
Today I'm excited to feature Sheila O’Connor who just had her debut last year in 2011. It's hard to believe how quickly time is passing by!
***
Name: Sheila O’Connor
Debut Group: Class of 2k11
Debut novel: SPARROW ROAD
Hi, Sheila! Thanks for being here!
PJH: Okay, so it’s been a little more than a 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 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?
SO'C: Well it’s been a whirlwind since the debut of Sparrow Road—and more so since our class time officially ended—although many of us are still together so it doesn’t feel over for me. Sparrow Road came out in paperback in May; I went to IRA in Chicago to accept an award for Sparrow Road; ALA in Anaheim to present on The Magic of Middle-grade Fiction with my editor, Stacey Barney; and I spent a month as a writing fellow at the Anderson Center in Red Wing. Beyond writing, I have my work as a professor, teaching fiction in the MFA program at Hamline University, where I was recently tenured. And then there’s Keeping Safe the Stars, my new middle-grade novel due out in October 2012—naturally the Stars have kept me busy with all kinds of things—edits and revisions and arcs—but I’m especially excited to have that book coming out into the world.
If I sound too busy, I am too busy.
KEEPING SAFE THE STARS by Sheila O'Connor (Putnam, October 11, 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?
SO'C: Company. Book writing and releases can be solitary experiences, and while I have many friend and colleagues who are writers, the constant companionship of the 2k11 group gave me invaluable perspective. I learned so much from my fellow writers—practical things like Facebook and bookmarks and postcards, and more important things like generosity and perseverance and friendship. It’s such an innovate model—collaborative not competitive, which is the best kind of professional friendship.
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?
SO'C: I give myself the same advice I give newly published writers—be brave. Write the best book that you can, and then let it go out in the world. Write the next book, and the next book. The book you are dreaming now is the book that matters most.
SPARROW ROAD by Sheila O'Connor (Putnam, May 12, 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.
SO'C: I write for adults as well as young people, and I’m eager to get back to my short story collection; it’s been sidelined since I signed the contract for Sparrow Road. So there’s a dream. And I am welcoming Keeping Safe the Stars into the world, and hoping it arrives in the hands of children. I’d also like to do more school visits—to find a way to connect with kids in person. Professionally, I’m committed to two more MG novels, so I imagine they will be the work of the next many years. Perhaps my true great dream is to publish one of my picture books. If that happens in the next five years I will be delighted. And poetry—I want to write more poems.
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!
SO'C: I will close here with a picture of my writing space, which is deeply sacred and waiting for me right this minute! I have a deadline and the writing space doesn’t want me to go far. It’s a little writer’s shed I built in my backyard, a fulfillment of a lifetime dream, a small house of my own, and here it is.
Nice!
PJH: Thank you so much for being here! And good luck with everything in the future!
***
Bio:
Sheila O’Connor is the award-winning author of Sparrow Road, Where No Gods Came and Tokens of Grace. Her new novel, Keeping Safe the Stars, is forthcoming from Putnam in October 2012. A fiction professor at Hamline University, Sheila also serves as the fiction editor for Water~Stone Review. A passionate educator and lover of stories, Sheila has also taught writing to thousands of young people in K-12 schools.
***
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: Sheila O’Connor
Debut Group: Class of 2k11
Debut novel: SPARROW ROAD
Hi, Sheila! Thanks for being here!PJH: Okay, so it’s been a little more than a 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 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?
SO'C: Well it’s been a whirlwind since the debut of Sparrow Road—and more so since our class time officially ended—although many of us are still together so it doesn’t feel over for me. Sparrow Road came out in paperback in May; I went to IRA in Chicago to accept an award for Sparrow Road; ALA in Anaheim to present on The Magic of Middle-grade Fiction with my editor, Stacey Barney; and I spent a month as a writing fellow at the Anderson Center in Red Wing. Beyond writing, I have my work as a professor, teaching fiction in the MFA program at Hamline University, where I was recently tenured. And then there’s Keeping Safe the Stars, my new middle-grade novel due out in October 2012—naturally the Stars have kept me busy with all kinds of things—edits and revisions and arcs—but I’m especially excited to have that book coming out into the world.
If I sound too busy, I am too busy.
KEEPING SAFE THE STARS by Sheila O'Connor (Putnam, October 11, 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?
SO'C: Company. Book writing and releases can be solitary experiences, and while I have many friend and colleagues who are writers, the constant companionship of the 2k11 group gave me invaluable perspective. I learned so much from my fellow writers—practical things like Facebook and bookmarks and postcards, and more important things like generosity and perseverance and friendship. It’s such an innovate model—collaborative not competitive, which is the best kind of professional friendship.
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?
SO'C: I give myself the same advice I give newly published writers—be brave. Write the best book that you can, and then let it go out in the world. Write the next book, and the next book. The book you are dreaming now is the book that matters most.
SPARROW ROAD by Sheila O'Connor (Putnam, May 12, 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.
SO'C: I write for adults as well as young people, and I’m eager to get back to my short story collection; it’s been sidelined since I signed the contract for Sparrow Road. So there’s a dream. And I am welcoming Keeping Safe the Stars into the world, and hoping it arrives in the hands of children. I’d also like to do more school visits—to find a way to connect with kids in person. Professionally, I’m committed to two more MG novels, so I imagine they will be the work of the next many years. Perhaps my true great dream is to publish one of my picture books. If that happens in the next five years I will be delighted. And poetry—I want to write more poems.
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!
SO'C: I will close here with a picture of my writing space, which is deeply sacred and waiting for me right this minute! I have a deadline and the writing space doesn’t want me to go far. It’s a little writer’s shed I built in my backyard, a fulfillment of a lifetime dream, a small house of my own, and here it is.
Nice!PJH: Thank you so much for being here! And good luck with everything in the future!
***
Bio:
Sheila O’Connor is the award-winning author of Sparrow Road, Where No Gods Came and Tokens of Grace. Her new novel, Keeping Safe the Stars, is forthcoming from Putnam in October 2012. A fiction professor at Hamline University, Sheila also serves as the fiction editor for Water~Stone Review. A passionate educator and lover of stories, Sheila has also taught writing to thousands of young people in K-12 schools.
***
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!
August 22, 2012
On The Enchanted Inkpot...
Thanks for all who stopped by to read about Nikki Loftin's debut novel THE SINISTER SWEETNESS OF SPLENDID ACADEMY (Razorbill , August 21, 2012) yesterday!
For those who want to know more about Nikki, I'm interviewing her today over on The Enchanted Inkpot! Candy, fairy tales, and creepy reading!
For those who want to know more about Nikki, I'm interviewing her today over on The Enchanted Inkpot! Candy, fairy tales, and creepy reading!
August 21, 2012
What I'm Reading: THE SINISTER SWEETNESS OF SPLENDID ACADEMY by Nikki Loftin
I'll admit I've been in a bit of a slump when it comes to middle grade reading. Maybe I've gotten pickier? Maybe I just haven't found the right books? But when I managed to snag an ARC of fellow-Austinite Nikki Loftin's debut novel, I started it and fell absolutely in love! And as it turns out, today is Nikki's release day, so please help me offer up congratulations for her and her amazing novel!
THE SINISTER SWEETNESS OF SPLENDID ACADEMY by Nikki Loftin (Razorbill , August 21, 2012)
Five quick things about THE SINISTER SWEETNESS OF SPLENDID ACADEMY:
1) It's middle grade. And even though I've mentioned I've had a hard time recently finding books I love in this category, this one completely proved me wrong. The funniest thing is that about a year ago Nikki and I were having just this conversation...about how finding middle grade that really hooks the reader is hard. And Nikki said, "wait for my book."
I love that she was right!
2) It's a Hansel & Gretel retelling set in today's world. And with this retelling and the many references to food in the novel, I will be thinking about eating sticks of butter and crab shells forever. But in a good way :)
3) It's creepy and cool and clever and unique. Truly, this novel takes a story from ages ago, sets it in our world, not at a boarding school, with parents around and everything, and makes it such a treat to read.
4) Don't let the title scare you. It took me many a try to remember even what it was.
5) It's amazing! A fun read that will keep you turning pages until the very last minute! And late into the night. And while you are eeking out your last few days of summer at the pool. Grab this book. Read it. And then pass it on to kids you know!
I gobbled this one up just like the kids gobbled food in the story. And I loved every minute of it. Highly recommended for boys and girls (seriously, both will love it), third grade and up.
Source of book: From publisher by request
***
And for those in the Austin area, Nikki will be holding her release part this weekend!
WHAT: Release party for THE SINISTER SWEETNESS OF SPLENDID ACADEMY
WHERE: BookPeople, Austin, TX
WHEN: Saturday, August 25th, 2012, 4:00 pm
***
From Amazon:
“A mesmerizing read…a fantasy that feels simultaneously classic and new.”—Publishers Weekly
“A pinch of Grimm, a dash of Greek mythology and a heaping helping of fresh chills make for an irresistible contemporary fairy tale…Deliciously scary and satisfying.”--Kirkus
Lorelei is bowled over by Splendid Academy--Principal Trapp encourages the students to run in the hallways, the classrooms are stocked with candy dishes, and the cafeteria serves lavish meals featuring all Lorelei's favorite foods. But the more time she spends at school, the more suspicious she becomes. Why are her classmates growing so chubby? And why do the teachers seem so sinister?
It's up to Lorelei and her new friend Andrew to figure out what secret this supposedly splendid school is hiding. What they discover chills their bones--and might even pick them clean!
Mix one part magic, one part mystery, and just a dash of Grimm, and you've got the recipe for a cozy-creepy read that kids will gobble up like candy.
THE SINISTER SWEETNESS OF SPLENDID ACADEMY by Nikki Loftin (Razorbill , August 21, 2012)
Five quick things about THE SINISTER SWEETNESS OF SPLENDID ACADEMY:
1) It's middle grade. And even though I've mentioned I've had a hard time recently finding books I love in this category, this one completely proved me wrong. The funniest thing is that about a year ago Nikki and I were having just this conversation...about how finding middle grade that really hooks the reader is hard. And Nikki said, "wait for my book."
I love that she was right!
2) It's a Hansel & Gretel retelling set in today's world. And with this retelling and the many references to food in the novel, I will be thinking about eating sticks of butter and crab shells forever. But in a good way :)
3) It's creepy and cool and clever and unique. Truly, this novel takes a story from ages ago, sets it in our world, not at a boarding school, with parents around and everything, and makes it such a treat to read.
4) Don't let the title scare you. It took me many a try to remember even what it was.
5) It's amazing! A fun read that will keep you turning pages until the very last minute! And late into the night. And while you are eeking out your last few days of summer at the pool. Grab this book. Read it. And then pass it on to kids you know!
I gobbled this one up just like the kids gobbled food in the story. And I loved every minute of it. Highly recommended for boys and girls (seriously, both will love it), third grade and up.
Source of book: From publisher by request
***
And for those in the Austin area, Nikki will be holding her release part this weekend!
WHAT: Release party for THE SINISTER SWEETNESS OF SPLENDID ACADEMY
WHERE: BookPeople, Austin, TX
WHEN: Saturday, August 25th, 2012, 4:00 pm
***
From Amazon:
“A mesmerizing read…a fantasy that feels simultaneously classic and new.”—Publishers Weekly
“A pinch of Grimm, a dash of Greek mythology and a heaping helping of fresh chills make for an irresistible contemporary fairy tale…Deliciously scary and satisfying.”--Kirkus
Lorelei is bowled over by Splendid Academy--Principal Trapp encourages the students to run in the hallways, the classrooms are stocked with candy dishes, and the cafeteria serves lavish meals featuring all Lorelei's favorite foods. But the more time she spends at school, the more suspicious she becomes. Why are her classmates growing so chubby? And why do the teachers seem so sinister?
It's up to Lorelei and her new friend Andrew to figure out what secret this supposedly splendid school is hiding. What they discover chills their bones--and might even pick them clean!
Mix one part magic, one part mystery, and just a dash of Grimm, and you've got the recipe for a cozy-creepy read that kids will gobble up like candy.
