Colleen’s Comments (group member since Apr 21, 2014)

Colleen’s comments from the Colleen Houck Book Club group.

Hmm...we seem to be missing Ann! Darn. Well she's been so good about getting to everyone's questions all month, I think she's already answered most of them.

Allana wrote: "I love creative writing and I wish I could do it in school often. My english teacher doesn't allow any creative writing any time. He gave me a 75 on an essay because I had used a few metaphors in it. I'm always afraid entering that classroom everyday:) "

Creative writing was my favorite class when I was growing up. I don't think they offer it in school anymore and that's so sad. Metaphors aren't easy to use. It takes effort to come up with something original. If it was an essay though, teachers have very strict guidelines they have to follow. I love that you enjoy writing that much.

Ann wrote: "Yes, it's very different. I have to make facts match up with reality in contemporary whereas in fantasy or spec-fic I can just make everything up and since it's my world, who can say I'm wrong? :D ..."

That is true. I'm not sure I'd ever write contemporary and that's one of the reasons.

Ann wrote: "Honestly, the story of how this book came to be starts with my daughter. She wanted me to write something sweet, where nobody dies and she gave me a lot of the mission parameters, scenes that had t..."

I love that!

Sandy wrote: "I think the book was amazing and the Post-Its were a stroke of genius. Sage was so brave in her attempt to re-invent herself yet she still struggles with her past. I found her to be very genuine. S..."

I love the Post-it notes too. Really cool idea.

Ann wrote: "There is, actually, a sequel to Shiny in progress, about Ryan and Lila. Eventually you'll get Dylan's story, too. I just need time.

As for drafting, it requires a deadline and discipline. Right now I have neither. :)
"

Yay! So excited about the idea of a sequel. Would love to hear the other stories.

I hear ya about the deadline. I don't have one right now and I find so many things to keep me occupied.

Ann wrote: "Laura wrote: "There is any possibility of your book to be released in other idioms? *-*"

Yes, we're always selling foreign rights all the time. I just sold books in Taiwan and Turkey, for example."

Ah now I know what idioms meant. I was thinking graphic novel for some reason.

Marguerite wrote: "have you ever considered a sequel to The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things? Also, I've noticed that you can draft books amazingly fast, how to you get into the mindset to write full novels in short timeframes?"

Good questions. I am wondering the same thing about a sequel to TQOBAST. She is a super fast writer. I've never met another writer who can accomplish more in a day.

Tonnie wrote: "I loved your Razorland series and wonder what helped you write about them living underground? Did you do special research on that? It is fascinating."

I love that series too =)

Laura wrote: "There is any possibility of your book to be released in other idioms? *-*"

I'm wondering what you mean by idioms =)

So excited to be having this chat with Ann! She's one of my all time favorite people to hang out with at book conferences and she gives the best advice =)

Found the quote I was looking for...
“I don't know how to be a boyfriend," he warns me.
I cock a brow at him, smiling. "That's too bad...since I have a PhD in girlfriendology from the University of So Many Feelings.”
― Ann Aguirre, The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things

PhD in girlfriendology *snicker*

Rae wrote: "Colleen I just want to say thank you so much for writing these amazing books they really were there for me in my time of need when I thought my father was dying 3yrs ago (he's alive and kicking tod..."

And thank you for reading! So sorry about the hard time with your dad. My dad passed away two years ago and that was a very difficult time so I understand. Glad everything turned out okay.

The aunt is awesome by the way. I'd like to think I would be such an aunt. On second thought, if I had to tail someone for 8 miles on the bike I probably would have forced them to get into the car. I guess I'm not such an aunt after all.

Dang was feeling the burn in my legs from this character riding her bike for so so long. Poor kid!

I so love the part where everyone is using post-its. Won't say why since I don't want to be too spoilery, but I felt it so much.

Louise wrote: "I can't wait for the Tigers Curse movie to come out. Is there any clue as to when the film will be released this year and just out of curiosity will Tiger's Dream be released around the same time."

We still don't have a date. And it's unlikely they would be released around the same time but that would be cool. =)

I love that line, dang, can't find it. that goes something like, "Well I have a girlfriend degree from the college of sensitive feelings" or something like that. We need to put some quotes on Goodreads from this book. There are some great ones here.

Ann wrote: "Colleen wrote: "So you've written apocalyptic and contemporary and paranormal and probably more I don't know of yet. Do you have a genre you like to sink your teeth into more than others? Do you li..."

I like HEA endings as well. Same for me about a romantic arc. If there's no romance it's a hard sell for me. Harry Potter is an exception.

You put so much romantic tension into just a gesture or a brief touch. I love it! It's one of your strengths. The feels are always so strong in your books.