David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite! discussion
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Joelle Charbonneau
Author Q&A
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Joelle Charbonneau (Author of The Testing) Q&A Event--April 7-10th
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You guys I´m currently reading
, so far loving it !
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, so far loving it !"Awesome! So glad you're enjoying it :)
I haven't read the book yet, but I will soon! (hopefully)What did you studied?
When did you come up with the idea of your book?
I haven't read the book either! Although I do have the first...Is it true The Testing is based on the ACT and SAT? (well, I do know there's a written test and all that fun stuff...) :o
I haven't read any of your books yet, but they look very interesting...I do like reading fiction books that involve science. Are these books in that genre?
I've read book one, have to grab copies of two and three still.I loved The Hunger Games style feel to the series. What was your inspiration behind the viscous game that is hidden behind the guise of The Testing
Oh my gosh I loved The Testing. I'm sad that I haven't been able to read the sequel yet. But I will. What a bummer that I'll probably not be able to read it until summer... AnywayWhat was your inspiration for the series?
Which character was the most fun and/or hardest character to develop?
Does any of your character's personality were based on family or friends?
Where is your favorite place to write down your stories?
Thanks for visiting our group, Joelle. I'm really looking forward to reading The Testing.I've always thought life would be better with a soundtrack. Do you have playlists for certain characters or scenes?
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Did you have any input in the cover designs? I love the symbols and the colors!
Do you have any favorite fan moments?
Ah! Hello everyone! I'm going to answer a few questions now and then more in the morning. Thank you so much for having me as part of this amazing group! I am so thrilled.
Jenny wrote: "From April 7-10th, bestselling author Joelle Charbonneau (Author of The Testing) will be coming to our group to answer questions about her books, her life as an author, and about anything else you ..."
Let's see if I can answer a couple of the questions in the first comment here.
Phaedra - I studied Musical Theater and Opera Performance for my undergraduate and my masters degrees. So, I basically never took a creative writing class in my life. But I always loved reading and used to read about 200 books every year. So, I guess deep down I became an actor because I loved telling stories. It just took me a while to realize I wanted to tell my own.
2. Phaedra - In addition to performing on stage and writing, I also teach voice lessons. Many of my students are high school performers who want to continue on to college for music or theater. Every year, I work closely with them to guide them through the college application and admittance process and I've seen first hand how stressful the process has become. And, it sounds terrible, but as stressful and intense as the college process is now, I wanted to know what would be worse. That's where the idea for The Testing came from.
Let's see if I can answer a couple of the questions in the first comment here.
Phaedra - I studied Musical Theater and Opera Performance for my undergraduate and my masters degrees. So, I basically never took a creative writing class in my life. But I always loved reading and used to read about 200 books every year. So, I guess deep down I became an actor because I loved telling stories. It just took me a while to realize I wanted to tell my own.
2. Phaedra - In addition to performing on stage and writing, I also teach voice lessons. Many of my students are high school performers who want to continue on to college for music or theater. Every year, I work closely with them to guide them through the college application and admittance process and I've seen first hand how stressful the process has become. And, it sounds terrible, but as stressful and intense as the college process is now, I wanted to know what would be worse. That's where the idea for The Testing came from.
Jenny wrote: "From April 7-10th, bestselling author Joelle Charbonneau (Author of The Testing) will be coming to our group to answer questions about her books, her life as an author, and about anything else you ..."
3) Sophia - YES! Once I decided I wanted to create the world's worst college admittance process, I pulled on my experience with the ACT and SAT to build THE TESTING. I have to admit that I really hated taking the SAT. (Which I took for the first time as a 7th grader.) I was totally freaked out that I'd be penalized a 1/4 of a point if I got a question wrong. That seemed unfair. And yes! That is the inspiration for not being able to guess on the second round of The Testing.
4) Anne Marie - I do think that The Testing is very much based in science fiction. The amount of scientific research I had to do in order to make the world feel real to me and hopefully to readers made me feel like I was back in school! Lots of chemistry and physic and math...ugh! Having to refresh my knowledge of calculus wasn't my favorite research, but I am glad I did it.
3) Sophia - YES! Once I decided I wanted to create the world's worst college admittance process, I pulled on my experience with the ACT and SAT to build THE TESTING. I have to admit that I really hated taking the SAT. (Which I took for the first time as a 7th grader.) I was totally freaked out that I'd be penalized a 1/4 of a point if I got a question wrong. That seemed unfair. And yes! That is the inspiration for not being able to guess on the second round of The Testing.
4) Anne Marie - I do think that The Testing is very much based in science fiction. The amount of scientific research I had to do in order to make the world feel real to me and hopefully to readers made me feel like I was back in school! Lots of chemistry and physic and math...ugh! Having to refresh my knowledge of calculus wasn't my favorite research, but I am glad I did it.
Jenny wrote: "From April 7-10th, bestselling author Joelle Charbonneau (Author of The Testing) will be coming to our group to answer questions about her books, her life as an author, and about anything else you ..."
Kelly - Ha! I love that you see a vicious game behind The Testing. I never looked at it that way. To be honest, I always looked at the behind the scenes of The Testing as people who really want to do the right thing for the country. They aren't hurting students for fun. They are looking for the best leaders and they can't or don't believe they can blindly trust that leaders say they can do what they claim. They have to test and see if they really can. One poorly chosen leader could destroy the world again...and no one wants that to happen.
6) Xandra - I love your name! It could totally be in a science fiction book:) And my inspiration is my work with my high school voice students and the stress that I see them go through when they are applying and auditioning for college. It's stressful and not all students deal with that stress well. The teacher in me hates that. The writer in me used it to create a story. (Sorry to all my students!)
Kelly - Ha! I love that you see a vicious game behind The Testing. I never looked at it that way. To be honest, I always looked at the behind the scenes of The Testing as people who really want to do the right thing for the country. They aren't hurting students for fun. They are looking for the best leaders and they can't or don't believe they can blindly trust that leaders say they can do what they claim. They have to test and see if they really can. One poorly chosen leader could destroy the world again...and no one wants that to happen.
6) Xandra - I love your name! It could totally be in a science fiction book:) And my inspiration is my work with my high school voice students and the stress that I see them go through when they are applying and auditioning for college. It's stressful and not all students deal with that stress well. The teacher in me hates that. The writer in me used it to create a story. (Sorry to all my students!)
Jenny wrote: "From April 7-10th, bestselling author Joelle Charbonneau (Author of The Testing) will be coming to our group to answer questions about her books, her life as an author, and about anything else you ..."
7) Xandra - I LOVE writing Will. He's tons of fun and was interesting to play with. His world view is very much tied up in being a twin and I used that idea of having to form his own identity as a basis for a lot of his character development. Stacia is another favorite of mine and not just because I named her after my literary agent. She is incredibly focused and pragmatic. That is in direct contract to Cia's optimistic and trusting nature.
8) Jesse- I don't think I based any of my characters personalities directly on friends and family, although I admit that the student whose meltdown about college auditions and applications triggered the idea for The Testing is 5' 2" and has dark hair. So....perhaps that was in my head when I was visualizing Cia:)
9) Jesse - My favorite place to write is on my deck. Of course, since I live in Chicago, I only get to do that a few months out of the year. So, mostly, I write whenever and wherever I can. You can often find me typing away at the McDonald's play land while my son is sliding down the slide.
7) Xandra - I LOVE writing Will. He's tons of fun and was interesting to play with. His world view is very much tied up in being a twin and I used that idea of having to form his own identity as a basis for a lot of his character development. Stacia is another favorite of mine and not just because I named her after my literary agent. She is incredibly focused and pragmatic. That is in direct contract to Cia's optimistic and trusting nature.
8) Jesse- I don't think I based any of my characters personalities directly on friends and family, although I admit that the student whose meltdown about college auditions and applications triggered the idea for The Testing is 5' 2" and has dark hair. So....perhaps that was in my head when I was visualizing Cia:)
9) Jesse - My favorite place to write is on my deck. Of course, since I live in Chicago, I only get to do that a few months out of the year. So, mostly, I write whenever and wherever I can. You can often find me typing away at the McDonald's play land while my son is sliding down the slide.
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OK, so I LOVED the first two books in this series and can't wait for the third one!
Now that your books have gained such an amazing following, do you feel added pressure to deliver a great third book in the series? It seems more and more that YA series authors are being held to an exceptionally high standard by their readers, particularly when it comes to the third book in a series. What do you think of some of the negative reader responses to highly anticipated third books in series like Divergent, The Hunger Games, and Delirium?
Other than to read and write a lot, what are some of your tips you have for aspiring authors?When did you know you wanted to become an author?
What was the hardest thing about becoming an author? Was it the actual writing of the book? Or was it getting an agent/publisher..etc..
Joelle I love your cozy mystery glee choir series and about to start your roller rink cozy series. I find from my interactions here on Goodreads a lot of cozy fans are also fans of YA books. Are you also personally a fan of both genres?
What is your writing process? Are you more a plotter or a pantser? Do you have a set writing schedule? Sorry for all the questions. I'm so curious.
Jenny wrote: "From April 7-10th, bestselling author Joelle Charbonneau (Author of The Testing) will be coming to our group to answer questions about her books, her life as an author, and about anything else you ..."
Lauren - I love music! However, I have found I can't write when music is playing because I stop and listen to whatever is on. I think it is former music major in me that insists on paying such close attention to whatever is on the radio. Funny enough, I can have television playing when I am writing. I don't have to pay attention to that!
Karen - I don't really have a lot of say in the covers. They do ask me what I think and if I have any ideas, but I can't draw a stick figure very well, so it's good they have people who know this stuff better than I do. Strange story, but the original artist who started work on the first cover was not the same one who did the second cover. When Independent Study's cover showed up, we all loved it so much that it was agreed to ask that artist to put his stamp on the first cover. I'm so glad he did because he is really wonderful and all the covers are going to look like they belong together. And the colors they chose are fabulous. (Personally, I think they chose them to go with my hair. The red head in me thanks them!)
Lauren - I love music! However, I have found I can't write when music is playing because I stop and listen to whatever is on. I think it is former music major in me that insists on paying such close attention to whatever is on the radio. Funny enough, I can have television playing when I am writing. I don't have to pay attention to that!
Karen - I don't really have a lot of say in the covers. They do ask me what I think and if I have any ideas, but I can't draw a stick figure very well, so it's good they have people who know this stuff better than I do. Strange story, but the original artist who started work on the first cover was not the same one who did the second cover. When Independent Study's cover showed up, we all loved it so much that it was agreed to ask that artist to put his stamp on the first cover. I'm so glad he did because he is really wonderful and all the covers are going to look like they belong together. And the colors they chose are fabulous. (Personally, I think they chose them to go with my hair. The red head in me thanks them!)
Jenny wrote: "From April 7-10th, bestselling author Joelle Charbonneau (Author of The Testing) will be coming to our group to answer questions about her books, her life as an author, and about anything else you ..."
Karen - All engaged reader moments are really wonderful. (I have such a hard time thinking of readers as fans. Me? Have fans? Um... I have trouble even imagining that!) I think the best moments have been when a reader tells me that they hated reading...and then they picked up The Testing! Oh - and I had one younger reader at an event this weekend ask if she could hug me so she can always say that she did. That was just amazing!
Hi David! - Ugh - third books are incredibly polarizing. Readers do have very set expectations for third books and often those expectations are impossible to match. I should know. I've had those same expectations for lots of series that I've read. The good news for me is that with such a quick publication schedule (which when I was writing seemed more like scary news than good news) I was done writing all three books before THE TESTING was published. I still had to revise, but the essential story was written. So...basically no readers had expectations, yet - other than myself and my team at my publisher. So, the story was mine the entire time I was writing. Now...it belongs to the readers and I hope the third book is a fulfilling ending for them.
Karen - All engaged reader moments are really wonderful. (I have such a hard time thinking of readers as fans. Me? Have fans? Um... I have trouble even imagining that!) I think the best moments have been when a reader tells me that they hated reading...and then they picked up The Testing! Oh - and I had one younger reader at an event this weekend ask if she could hug me so she can always say that she did. That was just amazing!
Hi David! - Ugh - third books are incredibly polarizing. Readers do have very set expectations for third books and often those expectations are impossible to match. I should know. I've had those same expectations for lots of series that I've read. The good news for me is that with such a quick publication schedule (which when I was writing seemed more like scary news than good news) I was done writing all three books before THE TESTING was published. I still had to revise, but the essential story was written. So...basically no readers had expectations, yet - other than myself and my team at my publisher. So, the story was mine the entire time I was writing. Now...it belongs to the readers and I hope the third book is a fulfilling ending for them.
Jenny wrote: "From April 7-10th, bestselling author Joelle Charbonneau (Author of The Testing) will be coming to our group to answer questions about her books, her life as an author, and about anything else you ..."
Cindy - my biggest advice to writers is to get to THE END. That seems simplistic, but so many writers start stories and then ditch them part of the way through for lots of reasons - they think it is bad...they have a new idea...they think it will never sell because the market has turned...because they gave it to friends to read an they tore it apart... The list of reasons to abandon a work is endless. Every author thinks their work is terrible at some point while writing a book. The middle is always hard! (And I'm talking from page 50-page 275 is the middle.) The most important thing you can teach yourself as a writer is that you can get to the end. (Trust me...when you are on deadline you are going to want to KNOW this or you'll never sleep again.) We all get new ideas and worry about whether our work is good enough. Only by getting to the finish line can we truly look back and decide if what we have written represents the story we want to tell. And trust me - the middle that seems so bad when writing it never seems so bad when you read it after you're done. Funny how that works!
And Cindy - I never thought I wanted to be an author. I always say that growing up I thought authors were like Unicorns...mythical creatures...because I had never actually met one. In fact, because I was in the honors program while attending college, I never even took an English class. However, after doing dinner theater and performing professionally in operas for several years, I had something strange happen....I had the opening line of a book in my head. After several days, I decided to use the time I wasn't in rehearsals or performing to see if I could write that book. I never dreamed I'd eventually change careers or be published. I just wanted to know if I could get to The End. That book was horrendous, but I was fascinated by the process. I wanted to know if I could write something someone might want to read. So I tried again, and again, and again.
Cindy - my biggest advice to writers is to get to THE END. That seems simplistic, but so many writers start stories and then ditch them part of the way through for lots of reasons - they think it is bad...they have a new idea...they think it will never sell because the market has turned...because they gave it to friends to read an they tore it apart... The list of reasons to abandon a work is endless. Every author thinks their work is terrible at some point while writing a book. The middle is always hard! (And I'm talking from page 50-page 275 is the middle.) The most important thing you can teach yourself as a writer is that you can get to the end. (Trust me...when you are on deadline you are going to want to KNOW this or you'll never sleep again.) We all get new ideas and worry about whether our work is good enough. Only by getting to the finish line can we truly look back and decide if what we have written represents the story we want to tell. And trust me - the middle that seems so bad when writing it never seems so bad when you read it after you're done. Funny how that works!
And Cindy - I never thought I wanted to be an author. I always say that growing up I thought authors were like Unicorns...mythical creatures...because I had never actually met one. In fact, because I was in the honors program while attending college, I never even took an English class. However, after doing dinner theater and performing professionally in operas for several years, I had something strange happen....I had the opening line of a book in my head. After several days, I decided to use the time I wasn't in rehearsals or performing to see if I could write that book. I never dreamed I'd eventually change careers or be published. I just wanted to know if I could get to The End. That book was horrendous, but I was fascinated by the process. I wanted to know if I could write something someone might want to read. So I tried again, and again, and again.
Jenny wrote: "From April 7-10th, bestselling author Joelle Charbonneau (Author of The Testing) will be coming to our group to answer questions about her books, her life as an author, and about anything else you ..."
Cindy - You know - I always think I know what the hardest part about being published is for me and then something new comes along. But I would say finding a literary agent is perhaps the toughest part. And not just any agent - but the right agent for you....it's a lot like dating and marriage. Just because you find a fun person to date doesn't mean they are the right person to spend a lifetime with. And because it is so hard to find an agent who agrees to represent you, lots of people would rather jump in and say yes before really deciding if that is the right fit. I'm lucky that after almost 200 rejections (over 5 manuscripts) I found the right fit for me. In fact, I dedicated The Testing to her. Agents (and editors) - especially the ones with large lists of published authors - are reading to reject. That seems harsh, but it's the sad truth. They already have lots of books they love and lots of clients who are going to continue to write books they love and work on. So, they are looking for that one book they can't find a reason to say no to. A lot of authors forget that when they are looking for an agent and get disheartened at the rejections. For me, every rejection was one step closer to finding the right fit. And you have no idea how lucky I am to have found her!
Cindy - You know - I always think I know what the hardest part about being published is for me and then something new comes along. But I would say finding a literary agent is perhaps the toughest part. And not just any agent - but the right agent for you....it's a lot like dating and marriage. Just because you find a fun person to date doesn't mean they are the right person to spend a lifetime with. And because it is so hard to find an agent who agrees to represent you, lots of people would rather jump in and say yes before really deciding if that is the right fit. I'm lucky that after almost 200 rejections (over 5 manuscripts) I found the right fit for me. In fact, I dedicated The Testing to her. Agents (and editors) - especially the ones with large lists of published authors - are reading to reject. That seems harsh, but it's the sad truth. They already have lots of books they love and lots of clients who are going to continue to write books they love and work on. So, they are looking for that one book they can't find a reason to say no to. A lot of authors forget that when they are looking for an agent and get disheartened at the rejections. For me, every rejection was one step closer to finding the right fit. And you have no idea how lucky I am to have found her!
Heidi *Listen. I'll just keep talking anyway. * wrote: " Joelle I love your cozy mystery glee choir series and about to start your roller rink cozy series. I find from my interactions here on Goodreads a lot of cozy fans are also fans of YA books. Are..."
Heidi! YAY:) I am so glad you like reading my other books. They are very different from my YA books in tone, but I love writing them. I admit that I love mysteries and thrillers - both YA and adult. I tend to be fans of the wacky mysteries and the intense ones, so I guess it isn't a surprise that I write with two completely different tonalities. Funny enough, it was because of my mystery writing experience that I didn't at first think The Testing was young adult. In those books, I am not allowed to kill the teenagers Paige Marshall teaches. They can be put in jeopardy, but they can't die! So, imagine my surprise when I learned that in YA teens die all the time.
Heidi! YAY:) I am so glad you like reading my other books. They are very different from my YA books in tone, but I love writing them. I admit that I love mysteries and thrillers - both YA and adult. I tend to be fans of the wacky mysteries and the intense ones, so I guess it isn't a surprise that I write with two completely different tonalities. Funny enough, it was because of my mystery writing experience that I didn't at first think The Testing was young adult. In those books, I am not allowed to kill the teenagers Paige Marshall teaches. They can be put in jeopardy, but they can't die! So, imagine my surprise when I learned that in YA teens die all the time.
Michelle wrote: "What is your writing process? Are you more a plotter or a pantser? Do you have a set writing schedule? Sorry for all the questions. I'm so curious."
Michelle - I wish I had a set writing schedule. What I do have is a 6 year old son who is in 1/2 day kindergarten. That means my schedule is mostly decided by his schedule. I do try to get some writing done when he is at school, but mostly I end up writing after he goes to bed. So if you are on Twitter, you will often see me tweeting that I am going to write one more page late at night!
My process is pretty loose since I don't outline a plot in advance. I am a pantser, although I long to be a plotter and have failed miserably each time I have tried. So, mostly, I come up with the "what if" idea for the story. Once I know the story question - like for The Testing "What if the SATs and college admittance process was WAY worse" I then decide where to set the book and who my main character is. After that, I figure out how chapter one ends. That's typically as much as I know. I have to write to learn the rest. Each time I write it feels like a leap of faith that I will get to The End. Fingers crossed I reach The End of my current book sometime soon! I want to know how it ends.
Michelle - I wish I had a set writing schedule. What I do have is a 6 year old son who is in 1/2 day kindergarten. That means my schedule is mostly decided by his schedule. I do try to get some writing done when he is at school, but mostly I end up writing after he goes to bed. So if you are on Twitter, you will often see me tweeting that I am going to write one more page late at night!
My process is pretty loose since I don't outline a plot in advance. I am a pantser, although I long to be a plotter and have failed miserably each time I have tried. So, mostly, I come up with the "what if" idea for the story. Once I know the story question - like for The Testing "What if the SATs and college admittance process was WAY worse" I then decide where to set the book and who my main character is. After that, I figure out how chapter one ends. That's typically as much as I know. I have to write to learn the rest. Each time I write it feels like a leap of faith that I will get to The End. Fingers crossed I reach The End of my current book sometime soon! I want to know how it ends.
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Do you read books of the same genre that you write in?
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Hi Joelle - I love The Testing series, and let me just say right here that I'm one of the impatient readers who greatly appreciates your quick publication schedule. : ) Thank you so much for taking time to talk with us!Here's my question - So many authors write trilogies; is that because your story (The Testing) couldn't be told in one or two books, or is a publisher thing? Were you encouraged to stretch the story to encompass 3 books or were there 3 installments of the story that you wanted to tell?
I've been curious about this for awhile; I know publishers want us to buy books, and I wonder just how much that plays into the trilogy concept.
Joelle - I just wanted to stop in and say thanks for doing this. It's always great for someone who wants to write to be able to suck as much information as possible from someone who's doing itAlso, double thanks for the "I'm a pantser" statement. I've tried outlining over a dozen novels, because, you know, you're "supposed to. Each time I got 5 or fewer chapters in and just felt bored. I'm "pantsing" for the first time and am currently on chapter 8. Knowing that this was your approach does a lot to alleviate fears. Haha.
Sorry for the lack of question, just wanted to let you know you've played your part in encouraging someone to keep going.
Would you ever consider writing in The Testing's world again in another series?
Hi Joelle! What was your reaction when Paramount asked for the film rights to The Testing?
First of all, I loved The Testing and Independent Study! I can't wait for Graduation Day!What was your favorite book (or books) growing up?
Also, is there any advice you'd give to someone who has lots of great ideas for stories, but doesn't particularly like writing?
Hi Joelle, thanks so much for doing this. Great series so far!!! Looking forward to Graduation Day.My question is - how did you name your characters?
Jenny wrote: "From April 7-10th, bestselling author Joelle Charbonneau (Author of The Testing) will be coming to our group to answer questions about her books, her life as an author, and about anything else you ..."
Karen- I'm currently working on a stand alone thriller called N.E.E.D. - we'll see if I get to keep the title. It involves an elite social networking site that asks favors from users to get what they need. I'm over halfway done and hoping that I don't screw it up now that I'm in the home stretch!
Renee - Do I read books in the same genre I write in? Huh...that's a hard question to answer since I tend to read everything. So yes...I read in the genres I've written in thus far, but I also read historical fiction, romance, fantasy, non-fiction and just about everything else. Oh - and if the book has a mystery in it, especially a zany one or a mystery that is especially dark (I tend to prefer the spectrums on that one) I'm there! I will say that I don't read New Adult. Probably because I just haven't had the time to investigate that category.
Karen- I'm currently working on a stand alone thriller called N.E.E.D. - we'll see if I get to keep the title. It involves an elite social networking site that asks favors from users to get what they need. I'm over halfway done and hoping that I don't screw it up now that I'm in the home stretch!
Renee - Do I read books in the same genre I write in? Huh...that's a hard question to answer since I tend to read everything. So yes...I read in the genres I've written in thus far, but I also read historical fiction, romance, fantasy, non-fiction and just about everything else. Oh - and if the book has a mystery in it, especially a zany one or a mystery that is especially dark (I tend to prefer the spectrums on that one) I'm there! I will say that I don't read New Adult. Probably because I just haven't had the time to investigate that category.
Jenny wrote: "From April 7-10th, bestselling author Joelle Charbonneau (Author of The Testing) will be coming to our group to answer questions about her books, her life as an author, and about anything else you ..."
Jen - I'm not sure if I'm an oddity, but I specifically wanted The Testing trilogy to be three books with three specific themes. The first was getting into college. The second was the experience of moving away from home and going to college where no one knows anything about you other than who you are at that moment. And for the first time you are free to explore the world and understand what you - not your family or your teachers - believe about how it functions and your place in it. And the third book is about Graduation and how graduating is not what makes you an adult or in Cia's case a leader. It is a set of circumstances and the choices a person makes that transitions them from youth to adult and the choices a person makes and the willingness to risk for something they believe in that makes a leader.
I'm just lucky my publisher was willing to let me tell the story in three books. While there are a lot of trilogies that have been published, most publishers have begun to shy away from them.
Jen - I'm not sure if I'm an oddity, but I specifically wanted The Testing trilogy to be three books with three specific themes. The first was getting into college. The second was the experience of moving away from home and going to college where no one knows anything about you other than who you are at that moment. And for the first time you are free to explore the world and understand what you - not your family or your teachers - believe about how it functions and your place in it. And the third book is about Graduation and how graduating is not what makes you an adult or in Cia's case a leader. It is a set of circumstances and the choices a person makes that transitions them from youth to adult and the choices a person makes and the willingness to risk for something they believe in that makes a leader.
I'm just lucky my publisher was willing to let me tell the story in three books. While there are a lot of trilogies that have been published, most publishers have begun to shy away from them.
Jenny wrote: "From April 7-10th, bestselling author Joelle Charbonneau (Author of The Testing) will be coming to our group to answer questions about her books, her life as an author, and about anything else you ..."
Alyssa - Would I write in The Testing world again? Maybe! I will say that at the moment I don't have a conflict or a major story question I want to address. But if I suddenly had a "What if" question that could be answered in the world of The Testing - you bet I'd go back. I have become very attached to the desire of that future country to find a way to make the world whole again.
Courtney - Ha! Well, apparently I don't react to good news well. When I got the news, it was the day before The Testing launched. My mother walked in the door minutes after the call came in and she asked me if I was sick or if something was wrong. According to her, I looked sheet white. So, clearly I was surprised.
Alyssa - Would I write in The Testing world again? Maybe! I will say that at the moment I don't have a conflict or a major story question I want to address. But if I suddenly had a "What if" question that could be answered in the world of The Testing - you bet I'd go back. I have become very attached to the desire of that future country to find a way to make the world whole again.
Courtney - Ha! Well, apparently I don't react to good news well. When I got the news, it was the day before The Testing launched. My mother walked in the door minutes after the call came in and she asked me if I was sick or if something was wrong. According to her, I looked sheet white. So, clearly I was surprised.
JP - Oh - wow! How much time do you have? I read everything I could get my hands on when I was a kid. The first book I remember rereading is The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I mean - a hidden world inside a closet? Sign me up! I read all the Boxcar Children -kids living in their own boxcar...yep! I'm in. Hmm...I'm sensing a theme. Around 5th grade I found Stephen King's Firestarter and I was hooked on everything horror in addition to all things adventure. Then my brother introduced me to David Edding's The Bargariad and I added that fantasy series to my favorite list.
JP - Hmm...advice for a story teller who doesn't like writing? Well, how about acting? Specifically - improv! Improv is creating stories on the fly for an audience. More important, it is about taking risks and working together to create a fun experience. It might be totally up your alley.
JP - Hmm...advice for a story teller who doesn't like writing? Well, how about acting? Specifically - improv! Improv is creating stories on the fly for an audience. More important, it is about taking risks and working together to create a fun experience. It might be totally up your alley.
Jenny wrote: "From April 7-10th, bestselling author Joelle Charbonneau (Author of The Testing) will be coming to our group to answer questions about her books, her life as an author, and about anything else you ..."
Daniel - for The Testing, I wanted to create a bunch of character names that looked familiar, but were still slightly altered from what we would see today. That way it was easy for the reader to connect with the name, while also being aware of the time period of the story. Tomas and Michal are good examples of that. For Cia - I have always like the name Mia. I decided to alter it and loved the idea of Cia. Then I decided I wanted that to be a nickname and that she would grow into her full name as the series progressed. That took a little more thought, but eventually I decided to expand the name to Malencia and really loved it. Oh - and Stacia - well, Stacia is special. That's the name of my literary agent. I never really thought The Testing would sell to a publisher and I liked creating a smart, calculating character named after my agent (whom I adore and couldn't survive without.) She is totally rooting for Emma Watson to play her character in the movie if Paramount decides to move it from development into production.
Daniel - for The Testing, I wanted to create a bunch of character names that looked familiar, but were still slightly altered from what we would see today. That way it was easy for the reader to connect with the name, while also being aware of the time period of the story. Tomas and Michal are good examples of that. For Cia - I have always like the name Mia. I decided to alter it and loved the idea of Cia. Then I decided I wanted that to be a nickname and that she would grow into her full name as the series progressed. That took a little more thought, but eventually I decided to expand the name to Malencia and really loved it. Oh - and Stacia - well, Stacia is special. That's the name of my literary agent. I never really thought The Testing would sell to a publisher and I liked creating a smart, calculating character named after my agent (whom I adore and couldn't survive without.) She is totally rooting for Emma Watson to play her character in the movie if Paramount decides to move it from development into production.
Mod
Do you have any others in your "dream cast"? ;)
How long did the publishing process take for you? From finished manuscript to agent to publisher to bookstore?
What do you have to have near you when you're writing?
Turns out I do have questions, both which involve the "pantser" approach to writing.A lot of writers, especially pantsers, claim that they always reach a point where they're scared the story just isn't good(I see you've already made the claim yourself in this thread).
Now that you've been published multiple times, have the pressures and fears of writing lessened, changed, or stayed the same for you?
And:How many drafts does it take you before you feel like a story is "good to go"?
David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite!
Books mentioned in this topic
The Testing (other topics)The Testing (other topics)
The Testing (other topics)
Independent Study (other topics)
Graduation Day (other topics)
Joelle has generoursly donated a Testing Trilogy Tshirt for a giveaway! It comes in blue and is available as a S,M,or L. This is international! To be entered to win, all you have to do is ask Joelle a question!
Here's a pic of the Tshirt for you all to see!
https://twitter.com/jcharbonneau/media
If you haven't checked out her books yet, I encourage you to try them! They are wonderful dystopian reads!
Questions:
1. Phaedra--What did you studied?
2. Phaedra--When did you come up with the idea of your book?
3. Sophia--Is it true The Testing is based on the ACT and SAT? (well, I do know there's a written test and all that fun stuff...) :o
4. Anne Marie--I do like reading fiction books that involve science. Are these books in that genre?
5. Kelly--I loved The Hunger Games style feel to the series. What was your inspiration behind the viscous game that is hidden behind the guise of The Testing
6. Xandra--What was your inspiration for the series?
7. Xandra--Which character was the most fun and/or hardest character to develop?
8. Jesse--Does any of your character's personality were based on family or friends?
9. Jesse--Where is your favorite place to write down your stories?
10. Lauren--I've always thought life would be better with a soundtrack. Do you have playlists for certain characters or scenes?
11. Karen--Did you have any input in the cover designs? I love the symbols and the colors!
12. Karen--Do you have any favorite fan moments?
13. David--Now that your books have gained such an amazing following, do you feel added pressure to deliver a great third book in the series? It seems more and more that YA series authors are being held to an exceptionally high standard by their readers, particularly when it comes to the third book in a series. What do you think of some of the negative reader responses to highly anticipated third books in series like Divergent, The Hunger Games, and Delirium?
14. Cindy--Other than to read and write a lot, what are some of your tips you have for aspiring authors?
15. Cindy--When did you know you wanted to become an author?
16. Cindy--What was the hardest thing about becoming an author? Was it the actual writing of the book? Or was it getting an agent/publisher..etc..
17. Heidi--Joelle I love your cozy mystery glee choir series and about to start your roller rink cozy series. I find from my interactions here on Goodreads a lot of cozy fans are also fans of YA books. Are you also personally a fan of both genres?
18. Michelle--What is your writing process? Are you more a plotter or a pantser? Do you have a set writing schedule? Sorry for all the questions. I'm so curious.
19. Karen-- What are you currently working on, Joelle? :)
20. Renee--Do you read books of the same genre that you write in?
21. Jen-- So many authors write trilogies; is that because your story (The Testing) couldn't be told in one or two books, or is a publisher thing? Were you encouraged to stretch the story to encompass 3 books or were there 3 installments of the story that you wanted to tell?
22. Alyssa--Would you ever consider writing in The Testing's world again in another series?
23. Courtney--What was your reaction when Paramount asked for the film rights to The Testing?
24. J.P.--What was your favorite book (or books) growing up?
25. J.P.--Also, is there any advice you'd give to someone who has lots of great ideas for stories, but doesn't particularly like writing?
26. Daniel-- how did you name your characters?
27. Karen--Do you have any others in your "dream cast"? ;)
28. Karen--How long did the publishing process take for you? From finished manuscript to agent to publisher to bookstore?
29. Karen--What do you have to have near you when you're writing?
30. Tommy--A lot of writers, especially pantsers, claim that they always reach a point where they're scared the story just isn't good(I see you've already made the claim yourself in this thread).
Now that you've been published multiple times, have the pressures and fears of writing lessened, changed, or stayed the same for you?
31. Tommy--How many drafts does it take you before you feel like a story is "good to go"?
32. Casandra--Do you use any current events in politics to influence your books??
33. Jenny-- What is the most surprising thing to you about being a writer?
34. Karen--Do you have dogs or cats or snakes or horses, well, ANY pets?
35. Karen--What does your typical day look like?
36. Harlee--Hello Joelle, I was just wondering if there are any ideas you have for books that you haven't been able to put on paper yet?
37. Alana--Do you allow your closet door to be open at night?
38. Tommy--Do you have any less than obvious tips for a non-plotter to keep a busy story straight(as for now my method is keep a notepad nearby and scribble a loose encyclopedia as you go... it gets messy)? Do you do anything outside of the manuscript to keep all your facts in order?
39. Shauna--Creating any other books we will get to read??
40. Alana--You can take a road trip with anyone (fictional or real, living or dead, yada-yada...) who do you take and where would you go?
41. Tasha--My question is how did you come up with the symbols on the bracelets.
42. Tommy--Now, I can't help but notice the lack of avatar accompanying your cool and helpful answers. Is Goodreads a temporary stop for you as a member? Because I'd love to hit that "add as friend" button, but don't want my fellow(and more developed even if she is too modest to admit it) unicorn ripped from me as soon as we bond.
43. Tommy--Um, on a scale of 1-10, how high above 12 does Heath Ledger's Joker performance in The Dark Knight rank?