P.J. Hoover's Blog, page 66
November 15, 2010
And the Winner is...
OMG, huge thank you to everyone who entered to win the Paying it Forward with Partials chance for a 25-page critique from me. I am overwhelmed and awed and think you all are awesome!
So, it's been a fun contest, but we can't wait any longer for a winner. Yep, here it is.
(throw confetti eggs)
The winner for a 25-page critique from me is...
TINA LYNN at Sweet Niblets
Yay, Tina! And, seriously, again, thank you to everyone who entered! You all made my week!
So, it's been a fun contest, but we can't wait any longer for a winner. Yep, here it is.
(throw confetti eggs)The winner for a 25-page critique from me is...
TINA LYNN at Sweet Niblets
Yay, Tina! And, seriously, again, thank you to everyone who entered! You all made my week!
November 14, 2010
KING OF ITHAKA Winner!
Thank you so much to all my awesome blog followers who entered the contest! You guys are the best!
The winner of
KING OF ITHAKA by Tracy Barrett (Henry Holt & Co., September 2010)
is...
MIRIAM at Dancing with Dragons is Hard on Your Shoes.!
*****
Thank you!
And don't forget I'm also giving away an ARC of TYGER TYGER by Kersten Hamilton (Clarion, November 15, 2010)
Click here to enter!
And also Spot THE NECROPOLIS and win the first two books!
Click here for details!
The winner of
KING OF ITHAKA by Tracy Barrett (Henry Holt & Co., September 2010)
is...MIRIAM at Dancing with Dragons is Hard on Your Shoes.!
*****
Thank you!
And don't forget I'm also giving away an ARC of TYGER TYGER by Kersten Hamilton (Clarion, November 15, 2010)
Click here to enter!
And also Spot THE NECROPOLIS and win the first two books!
Click here for details!
November 12, 2010
Five on a Friday
It feels like forever since I've done a Five on a Friday post, so here goes!
1) I adore this review from Jen Robinson for THE NECROPOLIS!
Jen is a fabulous reviewer, and I'm grateful she took the time to review my book(s).
My favorite line from the review?
"As I've said before, I think that there's a shortage of good science fiction for kids. And the Forgotten World series goes a long way towards filling that gap. The mix of gods, mental powers, and teenage interpersonal relationships is just right for the target audience. Highly recommended."
2) I've been having a blast doing school visits this week.
I'm off today to Laurel Mountain Elementary here in Austin to talk to 3rd, 4th, and 5th!
3) NCTE!
Is next week!
At DisneyWorld!
And I'm going! Whoo hoo!
Because Disney is the most OSUM place in the world.
am going on this ride ten times!
4) Congratulations to Cynthia Leitich Smith and Barry Gott on the release of HOLLER LOUDLY!
I was so thrilled to make the book trailer for HOLLER LOUDLY!
5) Art Work Love
I adore this latest creation from my daughter, the artist. It makes me smile!
1) I adore this review from Jen Robinson for THE NECROPOLIS!Jen is a fabulous reviewer, and I'm grateful she took the time to review my book(s).
My favorite line from the review?
"As I've said before, I think that there's a shortage of good science fiction for kids. And the Forgotten World series goes a long way towards filling that gap. The mix of gods, mental powers, and teenage interpersonal relationships is just right for the target audience. Highly recommended."
2) I've been having a blast doing school visits this week.
I'm off today to Laurel Mountain Elementary here in Austin to talk to 3rd, 4th, and 5th!
3) NCTE!
Is next week!
At DisneyWorld!
And I'm going! Whoo hoo!
Because Disney is the most OSUM place in the world.
am going on this ride ten times! 4) Congratulations to Cynthia Leitich Smith and Barry Gott on the release of HOLLER LOUDLY!
I was so thrilled to make the book trailer for HOLLER LOUDLY!
5) Art Work Love
I adore this latest creation from my daughter, the artist. It makes me smile!
November 11, 2010
Book Rec: ENCHANTED IVY by Sarah Beth Durst
I've been meaning to review this book since the second I put it down. What did I love about ENCHANTED IVY? It was serious in its issues yet so lighthearted compared to much of the darker fantasy on the table for YA readers these days. Honestly, it was like a breath of fresh air and made me smile. Sarah Beth Durst does a fantastic job bringing alive the setting and characters. I loved Princeton (even though I never stepped a foot on Princeton soil on either side of the gate) and felt like I was right there back at college looking around.
I'd highly recommend this one for seventh grade and up readers looking for a nice break from dark, gritty paranormal. It offers a crisp, clean plot and a love triangle that's sure to make readers smile. I'm already looking forward to a book 2 :)
ENCHANTED IVY by Sarah Beth Durst (Margaret K. McElderry, October 2010)
And do I just adore Sarah talking about the book here or what :) Seriously. Take the time to watch it!
From Amazon:
What Lily Carter wants most in the world is to attend Princeton University just like her grandfather. When she finally visits the campus, Grandpa surprises her: She has been selected to take the top-secret Legacy Test. Passing means automatic acceptance to Princeton. Sweet!
Lily's test is to find the Ivy Key. But what is she looking for? Where does she start? As she searches, Lily is joined by Tye, a cute college boy with orange and black hair who says he's her guard. That's weird. But things get seriously strange when a gargoyle talks to her. He tells her that there are two Princetons—the ordinary one and a magical one—and the Key opens the gate between them. But there are more secrets that surround Lily. Worse secrets.
When Lily enters the magical Princeton, she uncovers old betrayals and new dangers, and a chance at her dream becomes a fight for her life. Soon Lily is caught in a power struggle between two worlds, with her family at its center. In a place where Knights slay monsters, boys are were-tigers, and dragons might be out for blood, Lily will need all of her ingenuity and courage—and a little magic—to unite the worlds and unlock the secrets of her past and her future.
I'd highly recommend this one for seventh grade and up readers looking for a nice break from dark, gritty paranormal. It offers a crisp, clean plot and a love triangle that's sure to make readers smile. I'm already looking forward to a book 2 :)
ENCHANTED IVY by Sarah Beth Durst (Margaret K. McElderry, October 2010)
And do I just adore Sarah talking about the book here or what :) Seriously. Take the time to watch it!
From Amazon:
What Lily Carter wants most in the world is to attend Princeton University just like her grandfather. When she finally visits the campus, Grandpa surprises her: She has been selected to take the top-secret Legacy Test. Passing means automatic acceptance to Princeton. Sweet!
Lily's test is to find the Ivy Key. But what is she looking for? Where does she start? As she searches, Lily is joined by Tye, a cute college boy with orange and black hair who says he's her guard. That's weird. But things get seriously strange when a gargoyle talks to her. He tells her that there are two Princetons—the ordinary one and a magical one—and the Key opens the gate between them. But there are more secrets that surround Lily. Worse secrets.
When Lily enters the magical Princeton, she uncovers old betrayals and new dangers, and a chance at her dream becomes a fight for her life. Soon Lily is caught in a power struggle between two worlds, with her family at its center. In a place where Knights slay monsters, boys are were-tigers, and dragons might be out for blood, Lily will need all of her ingenuity and courage—and a little magic—to unite the worlds and unlock the secrets of her past and her future.
November 10, 2010
On the Book Trailer making front...
I have to show off this book trailer I made for the super-awesome, fabulous picture book
BIG BOUFFANT by Kate Hosford, illustrated by Holly Clifton-Brown (Carolrhoda Books, April 2011)
I adore this book and was beyond thrilled to make the trailer. I hope you guys enjoy!
BIG BOUFFANT by Kate Hosford, illustrated by Holly Clifton-Brown (Carolrhoda Books, April 2011)
I adore this book and was beyond thrilled to make the trailer. I hope you guys enjoy!
November 9, 2010
Writing from the Place: TEN THINGS TO DO AFTER RECEIVING A REVISION LETTER
...or a critique. Because hearing others tell us what needs to be changed in our work can be painful.
Because we are in love with our stories.
And we think they are perfect.
And we can't imagine why the world doesn't feel this way, too.
But reality hits and the critique comes in, and our rosy colored world can come crashing down.
(um, if this hasn't happened to you, then you're either the rare, perfect author, or you aren't getting enough feedback on your work. You decide.)
We here at The Place (being K. A. Holt, Jessica Lee Anderson , E. Kristin Anderson, Madeline Smoot, and sometimes member Jenny Ziegler) have come up with a list to help you cope with this event.
We give you...
TEN THINGS TO DO AFTER RECEIVING A REVISION LETTER (or critique):
1) Drink eight cups of coffee
We recommend picking a favorite coffee mug for this step, and avoid anything that can be crushed (such as Styrofoam).
2) Hide the critique in the freezer
Things have a way of getting lost in the freezer, at least in mine. I'm thinking the critique could hang out with that half-full bag of frozen peas that never seems to get used. Or maybe those ice cubes in the far back that you have to chip off the walls.
3) Tell your cat or dog or tortoises about it
The love you. They agree with you. They listen and never tire of hearing your voice.
And they think you are the rare, perfect author.
4) Commiserate with writer friends at The Place.
Unless of course they were the ones to give you the critique. In that case, go back to step (3).
5) Cry.
6) Bury yourself in a plate of nachos and eat your way out.
If you're going gluten-free, substitute yogurt and nuts for this step.
(But come on, you know you want the nachos.)
7) Take up belly dancing.
You would look fab in that belly dancing costume.
8) Use your Kung Fu skills to pummel a pillow
9) Try to hold off on responding for as long as possible.
Except for a nice thank you. There is always a place for a nice thank you in the world.
10) Read or watch something inspiring and make a plan of attack.
I recommend this video.
And then get busy revising!
Because we are in love with our stories.
And we think they are perfect.
And we can't imagine why the world doesn't feel this way, too.
But reality hits and the critique comes in, and our rosy colored world can come crashing down.
(um, if this hasn't happened to you, then you're either the rare, perfect author, or you aren't getting enough feedback on your work. You decide.)
We here at The Place (being K. A. Holt, Jessica Lee Anderson , E. Kristin Anderson, Madeline Smoot, and sometimes member Jenny Ziegler) have come up with a list to help you cope with this event.
We give you...
TEN THINGS TO DO AFTER RECEIVING A REVISION LETTER (or critique):
1) Drink eight cups of coffee
We recommend picking a favorite coffee mug for this step, and avoid anything that can be crushed (such as Styrofoam).
2) Hide the critique in the freezer
Things have a way of getting lost in the freezer, at least in mine. I'm thinking the critique could hang out with that half-full bag of frozen peas that never seems to get used. Or maybe those ice cubes in the far back that you have to chip off the walls.
3) Tell your cat or dog or tortoises about it
The love you. They agree with you. They listen and never tire of hearing your voice.
And they think you are the rare, perfect author.
4) Commiserate with writer friends at The Place.
Unless of course they were the ones to give you the critique. In that case, go back to step (3).
5) Cry.
6) Bury yourself in a plate of nachos and eat your way out.
If you're going gluten-free, substitute yogurt and nuts for this step.
(But come on, you know you want the nachos.)
7) Take up belly dancing.
You would look fab in that belly dancing costume.
8) Use your Kung Fu skills to pummel a pillow
9) Try to hold off on responding for as long as possible.
Except for a nice thank you. There is always a place for a nice thank you in the world.
10) Read or watch something inspiring and make a plan of attack.
I recommend this video.
And then get busy revising!
November 8, 2010
TYGER TYGER ARC Giveaway!
Have you guys heard what the new vampire is? It's not a werewolf and it's not a zombie. Nope, it's a goblin, and Kersten Hamilton is out with hew brand new Goblin Wars book
TYGER TYGER by Kersten Hamilton (Clarion, November 15, 2010)
From Amazon:
Teagan Wylltson's best friend, Abby, dreams that horrifying creatures--goblins, shape-shifters, and beings of unearthly beauty but terrible cruelty--are hunting Teagan. Abby is always coming up with crazy stuff, though, so Teagan isn't worried. Her life isn't in danger. In fact, it's perfect. She's on track for a college scholarship. She has a great job. She's focused on school, work, and her future. No boys, no heartaches, no problems.
Until Finn Mac Cumhaill arrives. Finn's a bit on the unearthly beautiful side himself. He has a killer accent and a knee-weakening smile. And either he's crazy or he's been haunting Abby's dreams, because he's talking about goblins, too . . . and about being The Mac Cumhaill, born to fight all goblin-kind. Finn knows a thing or two about fighting. Which is a very good thing, because this time, Abby's right. The goblins are coming.
Source of Book: From publisher for review
For your chance to win this awesome ARC, all you need to do is:
1) Follow this blog
2) Comment on this blog post
For extra entries:
1) Blog about this contest and leave a comment telling me
2) Tweet about this contest and leave a comment telling me
And make sure you leave me a way to get in contact with you when you win!
The contest will run through midnight on Friday, November 19, 2010!
And don't forget to check out:
Enter to win a 25 page critique! Ends Nov. 15
Enter to win KING OF ITHAKA by Tracy Barrett! Ends Nov. 12
Spot THE NECROPOLIS and win the first two books!
TYGER TYGER by Kersten Hamilton (Clarion, November 15, 2010)
From Amazon:
Teagan Wylltson's best friend, Abby, dreams that horrifying creatures--goblins, shape-shifters, and beings of unearthly beauty but terrible cruelty--are hunting Teagan. Abby is always coming up with crazy stuff, though, so Teagan isn't worried. Her life isn't in danger. In fact, it's perfect. She's on track for a college scholarship. She has a great job. She's focused on school, work, and her future. No boys, no heartaches, no problems.
Until Finn Mac Cumhaill arrives. Finn's a bit on the unearthly beautiful side himself. He has a killer accent and a knee-weakening smile. And either he's crazy or he's been haunting Abby's dreams, because he's talking about goblins, too . . . and about being The Mac Cumhaill, born to fight all goblin-kind. Finn knows a thing or two about fighting. Which is a very good thing, because this time, Abby's right. The goblins are coming.
Source of Book: From publisher for review
For your chance to win this awesome ARC, all you need to do is:
1) Follow this blog
2) Comment on this blog post
For extra entries:
1) Blog about this contest and leave a comment telling me
2) Tweet about this contest and leave a comment telling me
And make sure you leave me a way to get in contact with you when you win!
The contest will run through midnight on Friday, November 19, 2010!
And don't forget to check out:
Enter to win a 25 page critique! Ends Nov. 15
Enter to win KING OF ITHAKA by Tracy Barrett! Ends Nov. 12
Spot THE NECROPOLIS and win the first two books!
Paying it Forward with Partials!
Because paying it forward rocks!
And let me tell you what else rocks. Okay, I'll give you five things that rock, and only the last one is me :)
1) Elana Johnson
2) Shannon Messenger
3) Lisa and Laura Roecker
4) Sarah Wylie
5) Me (yes, you knew it was coming)
So what's the deal? Why are these 5 (really 6 because despite what you might think Lisa and Laura are NOT the same person. They are separate individuals with separate minds.) awesome authors being put into a list?
Here are your hints:
Pay it forwardPartials
Yes, every single blog in the list above is offering up a critique. And not just a query critique or a first page critique. But a 25 page critique.
YES! 25 pages *
So to enter a critique giveaway from me, all you have to do is
1) Comment on this post
2) Follow my blog (and I promise to try to entertain you with my posts)
To enter the critique giveaways from the other gals, you'll need to visit their blogs. And trust me you'll want to because they're awesome! In fact, here is one interesting fact about each of the other authors:
Elana Johnson is like a goddess when it comes to blogging. I'm going to officially declare her the Goddess of Blogging because not only does she does it more faithfully than Japanese trains, but she smiles with every click she makes.
:) Shannon Messenger has a favorite Comic characters which you can check out here. And she does a mean vlog which can be viewed in all it's glory here. Wait, and she has a kick-butt agent. This I know because it's my agent, too. Okay, I know that was three things. (And an interesting fact is that the author of the book PAY IT FORWARD, Catherine Ryan Hyde, is also repped by our agent.)
I'm going to officially declare Shannon the Goddess of ComicCon!
Lisa and Laura Roecker - Not only do they not kill each other, they manage to write a book together. I'm not sure how this is done. But it's not the first time I've seen siblings manage to be so cooperative. Still, that abandoning Nancy Drew thing is questionable.
Lisa and Laura are the twin Goddesses of Cooperation.
Sarah Wylie has never read a book I managed to read seven times in seventh grade. Can you guess which one it is? But you know what? I think it's awesome. Because she writes a mean blog. And she has a fab book coming out. (And I don't think my reading "the book" seven times advanced my writing career one bit. What do you think?)
Sarah? Yes, she's going to be the Goddess of Hoop Skirts (this is a hint).
So jump on this now! Enter each and every critique contest. You could win all five!
The contest will be open until November 15th! What are you waiting for?????
Remember, to enter a 25 page critique giveaway from me, all you have to do is:
1) Comment on this post
2) Follow my blog (and I promise to try to entertain you with my posts)
* um, yeah, standard manuscript formatting does apply (being double spaces, 12-point font, one inch margins). (okay, I admit I've cheated at this before, but that doesn't mean you can!)
And let me tell you what else rocks. Okay, I'll give you five things that rock, and only the last one is me :)
1) Elana Johnson
2) Shannon Messenger
3) Lisa and Laura Roecker
4) Sarah Wylie
5) Me (yes, you knew it was coming)
So what's the deal? Why are these 5 (really 6 because despite what you might think Lisa and Laura are NOT the same person. They are separate individuals with separate minds.) awesome authors being put into a list?
Here are your hints:
Pay it forwardPartials
Yes, every single blog in the list above is offering up a critique. And not just a query critique or a first page critique. But a 25 page critique.
YES! 25 pages *
So to enter a critique giveaway from me, all you have to do is
1) Comment on this post
2) Follow my blog (and I promise to try to entertain you with my posts)
To enter the critique giveaways from the other gals, you'll need to visit their blogs. And trust me you'll want to because they're awesome! In fact, here is one interesting fact about each of the other authors:
Elana Johnson is like a goddess when it comes to blogging. I'm going to officially declare her the Goddess of Blogging because not only does she does it more faithfully than Japanese trains, but she smiles with every click she makes.
:) Shannon Messenger has a favorite Comic characters which you can check out here. And she does a mean vlog which can be viewed in all it's glory here. Wait, and she has a kick-butt agent. This I know because it's my agent, too. Okay, I know that was three things. (And an interesting fact is that the author of the book PAY IT FORWARD, Catherine Ryan Hyde, is also repped by our agent.)
I'm going to officially declare Shannon the Goddess of ComicCon!
Lisa and Laura Roecker - Not only do they not kill each other, they manage to write a book together. I'm not sure how this is done. But it's not the first time I've seen siblings manage to be so cooperative. Still, that abandoning Nancy Drew thing is questionable.
Lisa and Laura are the twin Goddesses of Cooperation.
Sarah Wylie has never read a book I managed to read seven times in seventh grade. Can you guess which one it is? But you know what? I think it's awesome. Because she writes a mean blog. And she has a fab book coming out. (And I don't think my reading "the book" seven times advanced my writing career one bit. What do you think?)
Sarah? Yes, she's going to be the Goddess of Hoop Skirts (this is a hint).
So jump on this now! Enter each and every critique contest. You could win all five!
The contest will be open until November 15th! What are you waiting for?????
Remember, to enter a 25 page critique giveaway from me, all you have to do is:
1) Comment on this post
2) Follow my blog (and I promise to try to entertain you with my posts)
* um, yeah, standard manuscript formatting does apply (being double spaces, 12-point font, one inch margins). (okay, I admit I've cheated at this before, but that doesn't mean you can!)
November 6, 2010
I'm on THE BOOKSHELF MUSE Today!
I've often talked about what is most likely my favorite blog ever. I adore THE BOOKSHELF MUSE, the brainchild of Angela Ackerman and the newly returned Becca Puglisi (welcome back!).And I'm so excited to be guest posting today there on setting.
Wondering what setting from THE NECROPOLIS I chose? You'll have to head over and find out!
November 3, 2010
Trifecta Book Signing this weekend!
Hey! If you live in or around Austin, and you happen to be not caught up in kid's sports or church or whatever else you do on Sunday afternoons, then please come by BookPeople. Here are the details:
WHAT: Writers' League of Texas sponsored Book Signing
WHO:
PJ Hoover (me) signing THE EMERALD TABLET, THE NAVEL OF THE WORLD, and THE NECROPOLISK. A. Holt signing BRAINS FOR LUNCH: A ZOMBIE NOVEL IN HAIKU?! and MIKE STELLAR: NERVES OF STEELJacqueline Kelly signing Newbery Honor book THE EVOLUTION OF CALPURNIA TATE
WHERE: BookPeople, Austin, TX
WHEN: Sunday, November 7, 2010, 2:00-4:00PM
I hope I see you there!
