Whew! Yep, I going to admit that it can get a little scary finding out that your book is going out into the world. While ARCs of The Dead-Tossed Waves aren't out yet, the manuscript is. I didn't even realize this until I got a fantastic note from someone at RHCB about it and that's when I might have maybe started to hyperventilate a bit.
I mean, of course I know that's one of the whole points of this gig: I write, a ton of people help make the book pretty and shiny, and then it goes out into the world to get read. But somehow I'm always able to disconnect myself from that last step and forget about it. Otherwise I end up in this really surreal situation as I type on the rough draft where I think "Will this word make it in the final draft? Will someone somewhere read this phrase that I type while the dog kicks my keyboard and the cat begs for pets?"
So yeah, the whole "people are reading your book" part of the process sort of snuck up on me this time. Surprise! And yeah, I've been sort of holding my breath wondering what they're thinking. Which means that I was utterly over the moon to see someone out there say that The Dead-Tossed Waves is even better than The Forest of Hands and Teeth. WAHOO!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
RAMPANT out today!! (plus a giveaway!)
Two words: Killer Unicorns. Two more words: Out Today. One last word: OMGit'sanamazingbookgoreadit. Yes, I've been waiting for this book to come out for AGES. In fact, when Diana and I first became critique partners back during NaNoWriMo in 2005, she was working on Rampant and I was working on The Forest of Hands and Teeth. Which I why I'm just to ecstatic that both our books have come out in the same year! Squee!
So Rampant is about killer unicorns -- we thought they were extinct and they're not; we thought they were fluffy and rainbow farting and they're not. They're vicious and can only be killed by virgin descendants of Alexander the Great. This book is packed with action while at the same time dealing with so many huge issues that affect all of us (not just teens). How do you figure out who you are and what you want in the world? How do you balance everything thrown at you? What choices do you make?
This book is tremendously thoughtful in addition to being totally thrilling. It's a gorgeously layered book and I'm so excited it's finally out so I can share it with everyone!
Speaking of sharing it with everyone, I'm going to give away two personalized/autographed copies of Rampant. To enter, post a comment on my blog or LJ telling me if you're team zombie or team unicorn (if you want to explain why, that's awesome). If you want more than one entry, tweet (+1) or blog (+1) about Rampant or this giveaway. There's also an AWESOME video for Rampant at www.killerunicorns.org so I'll give another point for linking (+1) or tweeting (+1) to that. Just make sure to post a comment letting me know about the tweets and blog posts!
Contest closes Friday night! Thanks everyone for celebrating the release of Rampant with me and congratulations Diana!!!
This book is tremendously thoughtful in addition to being totally thrilling. It's a gorgeously layered book and I'm so excited it's finally out so I can share it with everyone!
Speaking of sharing it with everyone, I'm going to give away two personalized/autographed copies of Rampant. To enter, post a comment on my blog or LJ telling me if you're team zombie or team unicorn (if you want to explain why, that's awesome). If you want more than one entry, tweet (+1) or blog (+1) about Rampant or this giveaway. There's also an AWESOME video for Rampant at www.killerunicorns.org so I'll give another point for linking (+1) or tweeting (+1) to that. Just make sure to post a comment letting me know about the tweets and blog posts!
Contest closes Friday night! Thanks everyone for celebrating the release of Rampant with me and congratulations Diana!!!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Foreign Sales!
Hey Y'all! This week The Forest of Hands and Teeth comes out in Germany - huzzah! The title over there is The Forest - Wald der tausend Augen and has an awesome cover. The foreign rights department at Random House Children's Books has been totally amazing -- they've blown my mind multiple times and I honestly can't thank them enough for everything they've done!
Here's an updated list of all the places they've sold The Forest of Hands and Teeth (plus the audio edition):
* just FYI, for my own records I'll be updating this chart as more rights sell!
Here's an updated list of all the places they've sold The Forest of Hands and Teeth (plus the audio edition):
Audio | |
Germany | |
UK/Oz/NZ | |
Spain/Latin America | |
France | |
Greece | Platypus Publishing |
Czech Republic | Mlada fronta |
Portugal | |
Turkey | Pegasus Yayincilik |
Vietnam | Hagiang Comcul |
* just FYI, for my own records I'll be updating this chart as more rights sell!
Smart Chicks Kick It Tour
I'm so super excited to be part of a really awesome tour happening in September 2010. Melissa Marr, Alyson Noel and Kelley Armstrong are putting it together and there are tons of other fantastic and totally squee-worthy authors involved. The tour's still in the planning stages and you can still suggest cities and stay up to date on the latest news on the facebook page. This is a tour totally focused on the readers and we definitely want your input!
I know it's going to be an awesome time... only problem is waiting the whole year before it happens!!
I know it's going to be an awesome time... only problem is waiting the whole year before it happens!!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Time - how long from idea to publication
I read a review of my book the other day that found it "strangely similar" to another book that came out six months before mine. I have another friend who got a similar review -- comparing her book to another one that came out six months before hers (and in that one flat out accusing her of writing a "knock-off"). And another friend who's asked if she wrote about unicorns in her books to escape the current trend of "vampire, faeries, and zombies."
This got me thinking -- being surrounded by writers and the writing industry there's a lot that I take for granted about how things work. And I suspect that most of my readers know all of this too, but I figured there's no harm in writing up a short little post talking about how long this process really takes.
I know the exact moment I got the idea for The Forest of Hands and Teeth. Sure JP, my fiance, and I had been talking about a forest filled with zombies but I hadn't really planned about writing anything in that world. It was more of a thought exercise more than anything else because I'd become obsessed with zombies after he took me to the opening night of the Dawn of the Dead remake.
Anyway, on my way home from work one night a first line popped into my head and I emailed it to myself. It was Thursday, November 2, 2006 at 7:38PM. The subject line was "Meh" and the email said only: "My mother used to tell me about the ocean. She said there was a place where there was nothing but water"
Funny to see how during the whole process, that never changed! So yeah, my idea for a zombie book came late in 2006 and believe me, there was no zombie trend at the time. Trust me, I love zombies and had been scrambling for a long time to get my hands on any book or movie I could (as I've mentioned before, I was actually convinced FHT would never sell simply because it had zombies and who would want a book like that?).
So the long and short of the timeline is this:
November 2006: Start writing rough draft of FHT
April-ish 2007: Finish rough draft, start revising
August 2007: Start querying
September 2007: Sign with Jim McCarthy, my agent
October 2007: Sell FHT
January 2008: Final draft of FHT approved and sent to copy-editing
June 2008: ARCs arrive (and start getting mailed out)
March 10, 2009: FHT release date
Time from start of FHT until the book hit the shelves? 859 days or 2 years, 4 months, 8 days.
It's a long process (and I know that Diana began the preliminaries of working on her unicorn book in 2005). I've always been amazed by the synergy of the writing world. How we can go from almost no zombie YA books to a shelf of them in a year because that means that there were quite a few authors out there two years ago who almost all in a vacuum decided "hey, I'll write about zombies!" It's like how I know of about 5 authors out there -- none of them connected in any way -- writing about mermaids/sirens. It feels like there's this sudden zeitgeist where people are similarly inspired. And it's not just in writing that this happens -- huge discoveries in our world happen the same way. It's pretty amazing!
This got me thinking -- being surrounded by writers and the writing industry there's a lot that I take for granted about how things work. And I suspect that most of my readers know all of this too, but I figured there's no harm in writing up a short little post talking about how long this process really takes.
I know the exact moment I got the idea for The Forest of Hands and Teeth. Sure JP, my fiance, and I had been talking about a forest filled with zombies but I hadn't really planned about writing anything in that world. It was more of a thought exercise more than anything else because I'd become obsessed with zombies after he took me to the opening night of the Dawn of the Dead remake.
Anyway, on my way home from work one night a first line popped into my head and I emailed it to myself. It was Thursday, November 2, 2006 at 7:38PM. The subject line was "Meh" and the email said only: "My mother used to tell me about the ocean. She said there was a place where there was nothing but water"
Funny to see how during the whole process, that never changed! So yeah, my idea for a zombie book came late in 2006 and believe me, there was no zombie trend at the time. Trust me, I love zombies and had been scrambling for a long time to get my hands on any book or movie I could (as I've mentioned before, I was actually convinced FHT would never sell simply because it had zombies and who would want a book like that?).
So the long and short of the timeline is this:
November 2006: Start writing rough draft of FHT
April-ish 2007: Finish rough draft, start revising
August 2007: Start querying
September 2007: Sign with Jim McCarthy, my agent
October 2007: Sell FHT
January 2008: Final draft of FHT approved and sent to copy-editing
June 2008: ARCs arrive (and start getting mailed out)
March 10, 2009: FHT release date
Time from start of FHT until the book hit the shelves? 859 days or 2 years, 4 months, 8 days.
It's a long process (and I know that Diana began the preliminaries of working on her unicorn book in 2005). I've always been amazed by the synergy of the writing world. How we can go from almost no zombie YA books to a shelf of them in a year because that means that there were quite a few authors out there two years ago who almost all in a vacuum decided "hey, I'll write about zombies!" It's like how I know of about 5 authors out there -- none of them connected in any way -- writing about mermaids/sirens. It feels like there's this sudden zeitgeist where people are similarly inspired. And it's not just in writing that this happens -- huge discoveries in our world happen the same way. It's pretty amazing!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Unshelved!
I can't tell you how tickled I was to see Unshelved, the comic set in a public library, tackle The Forest of Hands and Teeth. Awesome! Here's the link!
Monday, August 03, 2009
Who would you cast?
Last week I mentioned that MTV (!!!!) posted a fantastic review of The Forest of Hands and Teeth and mentioned that they'd be following up with a "who would you cast in the movie" post. Here it is! They lead off by asking whether Kristen Stewart should play the lead role of Mary.
As I told Sabrina Rojas Weiss, I'm pretty terrible at trying to figure out who I'd cast in the movie versions of my books. One reason is that I never really see the characters that clearly as people, and the other (contradictory) reason is that what I do see I have a hard time equivocating on. So I know all these traits about my characters and then when I try to pair them up with an actor or actress, there's never someone exactly dead on.
That's one reason I was so stunned when I first saw the cover of The Forest of Hands and Teeth. She's a fantastic Mary. Maybe not exactly what I saw in my head, but I can very much see her being Mary. I feel the same way about Kristen Stewart -- I'd love to see what she could do!!
And of course as y'all know, I love to day dream :) So who would you cast in the movie version of The Forest of Hands and Teeth? Do you agree or disagree with who MTV chose?
As I told Sabrina Rojas Weiss, I'm pretty terrible at trying to figure out who I'd cast in the movie versions of my books. One reason is that I never really see the characters that clearly as people, and the other (contradictory) reason is that what I do see I have a hard time equivocating on. So I know all these traits about my characters and then when I try to pair them up with an actor or actress, there's never someone exactly dead on.
That's one reason I was so stunned when I first saw the cover of The Forest of Hands and Teeth. She's a fantastic Mary. Maybe not exactly what I saw in my head, but I can very much see her being Mary. I feel the same way about Kristen Stewart -- I'd love to see what she could do!!
And of course as y'all know, I love to day dream :) So who would you cast in the movie version of The Forest of Hands and Teeth? Do you agree or disagree with who MTV chose?
Friday, July 24, 2009
Starting
I'd forgotten (again) how strange and difficult it can be to start writing a book. I go through this every time (well, except for when I started The Forest of Hands and Teeth because that sort of came out of nowhere and was just an experiment). And yet, every time I forget.
I've described writing as being a series of hallways with infinite numbers of doors. Each time we write a word, we make a decision, we start closing those doors. In the beginning, every possibility exists and in the end (hopefully) you look back along the course of the book and realize that there really was only one path all along.
Except that before you start writing, it's hard to even figure out which hallway you're in. Where to start walking!
It's funny for me because this is probably the first time that I've really had a clear picture of what I want the book to be. I know the characters (except for the pesky detail of one of their names which is driving me insane), I know the tensions, etc. I've been super excited about this book ever since I turned in the proposal. But I feel like I've got this character and she's staring at me and I'm staring at her and we're both just trying to figure out how to dive in.
Trust me, she's been ready to dive in for quite some time.
It's just made me realize that when you're in the middle of writing a story, you have the weight of all the words you've already written behind you. You already have the characters set in time and place and circumstances. For example, when I had Mary et al on the path outside the village, there were only a limited number of things that could happen to them. But in the beginning... limitless possibilities.
And the beginning sets the course for the entire book. The obstacles you set up now will come back around at the end, the character arc's established, etc etc.
How do y'all approach beginnings? Usually I'm a huge proponent of BICHOK -- butt in chair, hands on keyboard -- when it comes to writing. But with beginnings... I tend to do a lot more meandering. I have to stop distracting myself and just spend time thinking. Lots of lounging about which many people call "napping" and which I like to call "working." After all, at the edge of sleep and awake I find the mind kind of lets go and all sorts of possibilities open up!
I've described writing as being a series of hallways with infinite numbers of doors. Each time we write a word, we make a decision, we start closing those doors. In the beginning, every possibility exists and in the end (hopefully) you look back along the course of the book and realize that there really was only one path all along.
Except that before you start writing, it's hard to even figure out which hallway you're in. Where to start walking!
It's funny for me because this is probably the first time that I've really had a clear picture of what I want the book to be. I know the characters (except for the pesky detail of one of their names which is driving me insane), I know the tensions, etc. I've been super excited about this book ever since I turned in the proposal. But I feel like I've got this character and she's staring at me and I'm staring at her and we're both just trying to figure out how to dive in.
Trust me, she's been ready to dive in for quite some time.
It's just made me realize that when you're in the middle of writing a story, you have the weight of all the words you've already written behind you. You already have the characters set in time and place and circumstances. For example, when I had Mary et al on the path outside the village, there were only a limited number of things that could happen to them. But in the beginning... limitless possibilities.
And the beginning sets the course for the entire book. The obstacles you set up now will come back around at the end, the character arc's established, etc etc.
How do y'all approach beginnings? Usually I'm a huge proponent of BICHOK -- butt in chair, hands on keyboard -- when it comes to writing. But with beginnings... I tend to do a lot more meandering. I have to stop distracting myself and just spend time thinking. Lots of lounging about which many people call "napping" and which I like to call "working." After all, at the edge of sleep and awake I find the mind kind of lets go and all sorts of possibilities open up!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
MTV on FHT (and who would you cast?)
Am I the only one that when I think of MTV and MTVNews I see the little typewriter wheel spinning across the screen stamping out each letter? Boy that reminds me of hours upon hours of watching music videos growing up! And... er... lots of reality TV now :) So you can totally imagine what went through my head when I saw a google alert for The Forest of Hands and Teeth on the MTVNews website.
Well, a lot of things went through my head, and then I started holding my breath as I always do when I think I'm about to read a review.
And then I jumped up and down and ran around the house when I read Sabrina Rojas Weiss describe FHT as "a pretty freakin' amazing, empowering and absolutely thrilling young-adult post-apocalyptic zombie love story."
Squee!! Empowering!! You can read the entire review here! So yeah, you can imagine how much of boost that gave me right in the throes of revisions! Thanks MTV!!!!! To make things even better, they're apparently going to do another post this week or next asking for dream-casting for the movie! I can't wait to see what people come up with!! I'll post the link once it's up!
I also promise to post more about The Dead-Tossed Waves, the companion to FHT, soon!
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Free Books! Summer of Seven is here!
First off, the winner of Satirica is Katterley!!!!!!! Email me your address (to carrie [at] carrieryan.com) and I'll have it shipped to you!
Second, today starts the Summer of Seven! Seven debut authors giving away seven books during seven days during the seventh month of July! Let me tell you, rocking books on this list!! We'll be giving away a book each day and at the end of the week, two people will win the ultimate prize pack: one collection of all seven books with their US covers and one collection with the UK covers!
So yes! Lots and lots of books being given away here! How can you be entered to win? Go here! And while you're there, check out all the free stuff! Interviews, downloadable bookmarks, even a summer song! It's just our way of kicking off your summer right!
Here's the official contest entry blurb from the website:
freeBOOKS
Voting begins July 1st, 2009.
You want to win free books, but how, how, how do we achieve that? It's so easy. Starting July 1st vote for Team US or Team UK- and we'll enter you to win one of two prize packs!
US Prize Pack features all 7 escape with 7 books with US covers, and the UK Prize Pack features all 7 escape books with UK covers where available. But you only win if you vote!
Voting will open from July 1st, 2009 - July 7, 2009. Prizes will be awarded July 8th, 2009. Come back and see us soon!
Second, today starts the Summer of Seven! Seven debut authors giving away seven books during seven days during the seventh month of July! Let me tell you, rocking books on this list!! We'll be giving away a book each day and at the end of the week, two people will win the ultimate prize pack: one collection of all seven books with their US covers and one collection with the UK covers!
So yes! Lots and lots of books being given away here! How can you be entered to win? Go here! And while you're there, check out all the free stuff! Interviews, downloadable bookmarks, even a summer song! It's just our way of kicking off your summer right!
Here's the official contest entry blurb from the website:
freeBOOKS
Voting begins July 1st, 2009.
You want to win free books, but how, how, how do we achieve that? It's so easy. Starting July 1st vote for Team US or Team UK- and we'll enter you to win one of two prize packs!
US Prize Pack features all 7 escape with 7 books with US covers, and the UK Prize Pack features all 7 escape books with UK covers where available. But you only win if you vote!
Voting will open from July 1st, 2009 - July 7, 2009. Prizes will be awarded July 8th, 2009. Come back and see us soon!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Do you Daydream? (also giveaway reminder!)
First off, don't forget to enter the contest from yesterday here. All you have to do is post on that entry congratulating JP for becoming a finalist in Writers of the Future and you're entered to win a short story collection that has one of this stories!
I have all sorts of bubbly things going on that I don't know if I can talk about but rest assured, there's been lots of me bouncing around. I'm not sure anything will come out of the exciting things except that it's sparked many a lovely day dream which is always nice.
JP and I were talking about this over dinner last night as he's a big fan of the "don't count any chickens until they hatch" philosophy. And I totally agree with him -- I'm not really counting chickens. I'm just sort of playing with the eggs -- holding them up to my ear, rattling them around a bit to see if anythings inside, etc.
I think some people are more like him -- afraid somewhat of day dreaming about things for fear of them not happening and then what? Me on the other hand -- day dreaming is how I fall asleep at night. It's funny, I think the only down side to having my first book out is the inability to day dream about it any more. For YEARS I spent my falling asleep time day dreaming about getting The Call. I can't even begin to tally up the different scenarios that I played out in my head.
Incidentally, the real thing was even better and I wonder if that's one reason why I still allow myself to day dream -- because I haven't been let down by reality? It's funny, in my every day life I tend to be someone who can always point to the worst case scenario (which can be infuriating when you play against me in Risk but also made me a good attorney in some ways). And yet when I close my eyes and daydream, it's always about the best case scenario.
Maybe I'm just able to separate my day dreams from reality, or maybe it's that I have a fundamental belief that things tend to work out in the end. So even if my day dreams don't come true, it's not necessarily a bad thing -- it's just a different path. Maybe I also separate my day dreaming from "wanting." Sure I'd love the things I day dream about to come true, and I do to some extent want them to come true, but there's just not that NEED there. Life will go on even if they don't come true.
To me, it's just about the day dream. Something nice and fun to ponder while falling through the edge of sleep. And who knows, maybe those years of day dreaming about getting the call pulled double duty as goal visualization.
What about y'all? Do you day dream? If so, what do you dream about? If not, why?
I have all sorts of bubbly things going on that I don't know if I can talk about but rest assured, there's been lots of me bouncing around. I'm not sure anything will come out of the exciting things except that it's sparked many a lovely day dream which is always nice.
JP and I were talking about this over dinner last night as he's a big fan of the "don't count any chickens until they hatch" philosophy. And I totally agree with him -- I'm not really counting chickens. I'm just sort of playing with the eggs -- holding them up to my ear, rattling them around a bit to see if anythings inside, etc.
I think some people are more like him -- afraid somewhat of day dreaming about things for fear of them not happening and then what? Me on the other hand -- day dreaming is how I fall asleep at night. It's funny, I think the only down side to having my first book out is the inability to day dream about it any more. For YEARS I spent my falling asleep time day dreaming about getting The Call. I can't even begin to tally up the different scenarios that I played out in my head.
Incidentally, the real thing was even better and I wonder if that's one reason why I still allow myself to day dream -- because I haven't been let down by reality? It's funny, in my every day life I tend to be someone who can always point to the worst case scenario (which can be infuriating when you play against me in Risk but also made me a good attorney in some ways). And yet when I close my eyes and daydream, it's always about the best case scenario.
Maybe I'm just able to separate my day dreams from reality, or maybe it's that I have a fundamental belief that things tend to work out in the end. So even if my day dreams don't come true, it's not necessarily a bad thing -- it's just a different path. Maybe I also separate my day dreaming from "wanting." Sure I'd love the things I day dream about to come true, and I do to some extent want them to come true, but there's just not that NEED there. Life will go on even if they don't come true.
To me, it's just about the day dream. Something nice and fun to ponder while falling through the edge of sleep. And who knows, maybe those years of day dreaming about getting the call pulled double duty as goal visualization.
What about y'all? Do you day dream? If so, what do you dream about? If not, why?
Thursday, June 25, 2009
JP, a writer of the Future, other news, and a giveaway!
So, the big happy news first! JP, my fiance, is a finalist in the 2d Quarter of Writers of the Future! This is awesome news and I couldn't be more excited, thrilled, ecstatic, happy for him! Go JP!!!!! To celebrate, I'm giving away a copy of Satirica, a collection containing one of JP's short stories. To win, comment congratulating JP and I'll choose a winner Monday night!
In other news, I turned in my very own short story (which JP has informed me is not short at all seeing as how it's cresting 10k words) and just got line edits back from my editor for The Dead-Tossed Waves. I also got an invitation to contribute another short story to an anthology and am pondering what to write about next -- anyone have any burning questions about the FHT world they'd like addressed in a short story?
I know I've been totally remiss in recapping the awesome adventures of the Gothic Girls trip to Savannah. My only excuse is being sick but really it's that I've become addicted to Twitter which has caused my blogging itch to be more satisfied. Anyone else found that Twitter's caused their blogging to go down a bit? All of the other Gothic Girls have posted such wonderful recaps of the week that I've had a hard time finding a way to describe it nearly as well as they have!
Also, I have that whole deadline thing again which crimps my time a bit. But in honor of the Gothic Girls (and my deadline) here's an awesome video that was part of a student's senior project at the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Hmmm... stop motion as procrastination eh?
In other news, I turned in my very own short story (which JP has informed me is not short at all seeing as how it's cresting 10k words) and just got line edits back from my editor for The Dead-Tossed Waves. I also got an invitation to contribute another short story to an anthology and am pondering what to write about next -- anyone have any burning questions about the FHT world they'd like addressed in a short story?
I know I've been totally remiss in recapping the awesome adventures of the Gothic Girls trip to Savannah. My only excuse is being sick but really it's that I've become addicted to Twitter which has caused my blogging itch to be more satisfied. Anyone else found that Twitter's caused their blogging to go down a bit? All of the other Gothic Girls have posted such wonderful recaps of the week that I've had a hard time finding a way to describe it nearly as well as they have!
Also, I have that whole deadline thing again which crimps my time a bit. But in honor of the Gothic Girls (and my deadline) here's an awesome video that was part of a student's senior project at the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Hmmm... stop motion as procrastination eh?
Monday, June 22, 2009
Giving it away for free (the only time Mamma would approve)
Serena Robar is giving it away for free the entire month of June. That’s right. A book a day, every day in honor of her latest book release Giving Up the V. All you have to do to is sign up for her newsletter and you're entered to win. Enter once and you're in the running to win a book every day the entire month of June!!
And in honor of all the free books, I asked Serena to answer a few questions! Thanks for dropping by Serena!! :)
What's been one of the most exciting moments in your journey to publication?
I would have to say the actual call from an editor, wanting to buy my book was a pretty sweet thing. Finally, I thought, my work is being recognized in a positive light and not with another rejection form letter. Writers get rejected. A lot. You gotta have thick skin or this industry will eat you alive.
Is there anything you can't write without?
I started my writing career with two kids in diapers. There were interruptions galore, but I managed to get the books written. Now that they are older and don’t need me as much (Typing this I should point out I have been interrupted three times as school is now on summer break) I find I need bigger blocks of uninterrupted time. I will leave and write at the library or if I am on deadline, I will hide out at my husband’s office for the weekend. It’s tough to keep being pulled away from your train of thought I often look back at the early days and wonder how the heck I managed.
When stuck on a story which do you choose: write make-out scene or explode something?
I hate being stuck. When I am, I will usually write a scene that will be placed in the book later. Something that flows easily because I had envisioned it earlier. It’s usually the first kiss, get together scene. Totally makes me happy and usually helps unblock the previous scene J. So yeah, bring on the lovin’.
Can you share a favorite line you've written either in this book or a WIP?
I love opening lines. I think they really set the tone for an entire book. My current release, Giving Up the V begins like this:
Where does the underwear go? I instantly want to know she doesn’t have her underwear on and why it has to be put somewhere.
In Giving Up the V our heroine is at her first GYN visit and she is suffering the age old dilemma put forth to every woman since the beginning of GYN visits. Where does the underwear go? The underwear is the last thing you take off so where do you put it? On top of your tidy folded clothes or hidden underneath? Where you put it says a lot about a person. I suggest picking up Giving Up the V to see exactly what I mean.
Finally: pro fast zombie or anti fast zombies?
Hah! Totally depends on my goal at the time. Am I itching to become a zombie or do I want to make my escape? I think in all fairness zombies should be slow, but then where is the conflict in that? Slow zombies just breed complacency.
About Giving up the V:
What's So Wrong With Waiting?
Spencer Davis just turned sixteen. But unlike most hormonal teenagers who seem obsessed with sex -- like her entire crew of friends -- Spencer just doesn't get it. She'd rather wait for the right guy and the right moment. But that moment may be arriving sooner than she'd thought.
Enter Benjamin Hopkins, a new transfer student who seems to have his eyes on our V-card-carrying heroine. He's gorgeous, funny, suave, athletic, and capable of making Spencer's knees wobble with a single glance. Spencer has never felt this way about anyone before, but is Ben truly V-worthy?
What's been one of the most exciting moments in your journey to publication?
I would have to say the actual call from an editor, wanting to buy my book was a pretty sweet thing. Finally, I thought, my work is being recognized in a positive light and not with another rejection form letter. Writers get rejected. A lot. You gotta have thick skin or this industry will eat you alive.
Is there anything you can't write without?
I started my writing career with two kids in diapers. There were interruptions galore, but I managed to get the books written. Now that they are older and don’t need me as much (Typing this I should point out I have been interrupted three times as school is now on summer break) I find I need bigger blocks of uninterrupted time. I will leave and write at the library or if I am on deadline, I will hide out at my husband’s office for the weekend. It’s tough to keep being pulled away from your train of thought I often look back at the early days and wonder how the heck I managed.
When stuck on a story which do you choose: write make-out scene or explode something?
I hate being stuck. When I am, I will usually write a scene that will be placed in the book later. Something that flows easily because I had envisioned it earlier. It’s usually the first kiss, get together scene. Totally makes me happy and usually helps unblock the previous scene J. So yeah, bring on the lovin’.
Can you share a favorite line you've written either in this book or a WIP?
I love opening lines. I think they really set the tone for an entire book. My current release, Giving Up the V begins like this:
Where does the underwear go? I instantly want to know she doesn’t have her underwear on and why it has to be put somewhere.
In Giving Up the V our heroine is at her first GYN visit and she is suffering the age old dilemma put forth to every woman since the beginning of GYN visits. Where does the underwear go? The underwear is the last thing you take off so where do you put it? On top of your tidy folded clothes or hidden underneath? Where you put it says a lot about a person. I suggest picking up Giving Up the V to see exactly what I mean.
Finally: pro fast zombie or anti fast zombies?
Hah! Totally depends on my goal at the time. Am I itching to become a zombie or do I want to make my escape? I think in all fairness zombies should be slow, but then where is the conflict in that? Slow zombies just breed complacency.
About Giving up the V:
What's So Wrong With Waiting?
Spencer Davis just turned sixteen. But unlike most hormonal teenagers who seem obsessed with sex -- like her entire crew of friends -- Spencer just doesn't get it. She'd rather wait for the right guy and the right moment. But that moment may be arriving sooner than she'd thought.
Enter Benjamin Hopkins, a new transfer student who seems to have his eyes on our V-card-carrying heroine. He's gorgeous, funny, suave, athletic, and capable of making Spencer's knees wobble with a single glance. Spencer has never felt this way about anyone before, but is Ben truly V-worthy?
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Signed copies of The Forest of Hands and Teeth
Hey y'all!
When I've been out an about the past few weeks I've tried to stop by and sign stock whenever I can, so if you're looking for a signed copy of The Forest of Hands and Teeth, try the following bookstores:
Charlotte, NC:
Park Road Books (in Park Road Shopping Center)
Barnes & Noble (by SouthPark Mall, The Arboretum, and Carolina Place Mall)
Borders (by SouthPark Mall and off Rea Road)
Joseph Beth Booksellers (at SouthPark Mall)
Savannah, GA:
Barnes & Noble (Oglethorpe Mall)
Books a Million (Abercorn St just down from B&N)
Macon, GA:
Barnes & Noble (The Shoppes at River Crossing, Riverside Drive)
Atlanta, GA:
Little Shop of Stories (Decatur, GA)
Barnes & Noble (Northpoint Pkwy and Mansell Rd in Alpharetta)
Books a Million (Canton Marketplace - 575 & Hwy 20 in Canton)
Greenville, SC:
Barnes & Noble (Woodruff Rd and Haywood Rd)
If you look for The Forest of Hands and Teeth at most Barnes & Noble locations and can't find it on the shelf it's hopefully stocked on a table of "New and Bestselling Science Fiction & Fantasy" (one reason I hit so many B&N for stock signings!) Thanks to all the booksellers I met and talked to over the past few weeks -- y'all totally rock!!!
Anywhere Else:
If you don't live anywhere near any of those locations or if you can't find it and you'd like an autographed and/or personalized copy of FHT, you can order it from my local indie, Park Road Books. Let them know if you want it personalized, etc., and they'll call me to come down and sign it for you! They're only a few miles away and I'll take any excuse to visit a bookstore :) You can email them at books [at] parkroadbooks.com or call 704-525-9239 and they'll set you up! A huge thanks to the folks at Park Road Books for offering to do this for me!
I'm also starting to schedule some things in for the fall and will let you know when I have details!
When I've been out an about the past few weeks I've tried to stop by and sign stock whenever I can, so if you're looking for a signed copy of The Forest of Hands and Teeth, try the following bookstores:
Charlotte, NC:
Park Road Books (in Park Road Shopping Center)
Barnes & Noble (by SouthPark Mall, The Arboretum, and Carolina Place Mall)
Borders (by SouthPark Mall and off Rea Road)
Joseph Beth Booksellers (at SouthPark Mall)
Savannah, GA:
Barnes & Noble (Oglethorpe Mall)
Books a Million (Abercorn St just down from B&N)
Macon, GA:
Barnes & Noble (The Shoppes at River Crossing, Riverside Drive)
Atlanta, GA:
Little Shop of Stories (Decatur, GA)
Barnes & Noble (Northpoint Pkwy and Mansell Rd in Alpharetta)
Greenville, SC:
Barnes & Noble (Woodruff Rd and Haywood Rd)
If you look for The Forest of Hands and Teeth at most Barnes & Noble locations and can't find it on the shelf it's hopefully stocked on a table of "New and Bestselling Science Fiction & Fantasy" (one reason I hit so many B&N for stock signings!) Thanks to all the booksellers I met and talked to over the past few weeks -- y'all totally rock!!!
Anywhere Else:
If you don't live anywhere near any of those locations or if you can't find it and you'd like an autographed and/or personalized copy of FHT, you can order it from my local indie, Park Road Books. Let them know if you want it personalized, etc., and they'll call me to come down and sign it for you! They're only a few miles away and I'll take any excuse to visit a bookstore :) You can email them at books [at] parkroadbooks.com or call 704-525-9239 and they'll set you up! A huge thanks to the folks at Park Road Books for offering to do this for me!
I'm also starting to schedule some things in for the fall and will let you know when I have details!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Debs Blog Tour: catching up with Sarah Ockler and Mandy Hubbard
Hey Y'all! Lots of blog posts coming this week -- where to find signed copies of FHT, recap from Gothic Girls retreat to Savannah, etc etc. But first, since I've been gone for a while I have two debs blog tour posts to catch up on. First is Sarah Ockler and her debut, Twenty Boy Summer and the second is Mandy Hubbard and her debut, Prada & Prejudice. I have to say, both of these look like awesome summer reads!!
About Twenty Boy Summer:
While on vacation in California, sixteen-year-old best girlfriends Anna and Frankie conspire to find a boy for Anna’s first summer romance, but Anna harbors a painful secret that threatens their lighthearted plan and their friendship.
TWENTY BOY SUMMER is a debut YA novel that explores what it truly means to love someone, what it means to grieve, and ultimately, how to make the most of every single moment this world has to offer.
About Sarah Ockler:
Sarah Ockler wrote and illustrated her first book at age six—an adaptation of Steven Spielberg's E.T. Still recovering from her own adolescence, Sarah now writes for young adults. After several years of wandering between New York City and Denver, she and her husband Alex now live in Upstate New York with lots of books and an ever-expanding collection of sea glass. Twenty Boy Summer is Sarah's first novel. Visit her online at www.sarahockler.com.
The Interview:
What's been one of the most exciting moments in your journey to publication?
There have been some amazing exciting moments on this journey, like finding an agent and seeing the cover for the first time and getting reader emails, but the one thing that stands out as most exciting is the thing that officially kicked off my career as an author... gGetting "the call" from the 212 area code (New York City) that Twenty Boy Summer had sold to Little, Brown!
Is there anything you can't write without?
I have my rituals and preferences, like incense and classical music and my 3-legged lucky writing pig Chancho, but I *can* write without them if I had to. I try to be flexible, because inspiration often strikes at really inconvenient times! All I really need is a pen and something to write on!
When stuck on a story which do you choose: write make-out scene or explode something?
I choose to... write an explosive make-out scene! So far, I haven't blown anything up in my books, but I'm open to the idea, especially if there's making out after. We'll see. ;-) In my opinion, any kind of fireworks are good for stories!
Can you share a favorite line you've written either in this book or a WIP?
From Twenty Boy Summer: "Summer seems to arrive with us, as though the entire place has been asleep since last September, awakening only as taxis and rental cars line up to deposit us along the beach -- families with toddlers, college kids on break, retirees seeking to warm themselves under the California sun, and our own motley crew. Together we break upon the pier like a tidal wave as she rubs her winter-sleepy eyes, stretches, and turns on the coffee for us."
Finally: pro fast zombie or anti fast zombies?
Pro. I don't hold on to most of the traditional "rules" for zombies and I love when writers or artists take a fresh, new approach. So, bring on the Gabrielles! ;-)
I asked Sarah to share a recap post of her road to publication if she had one and the link is here.
Thanks Sarah! And now on to Prada & Prejudice by Mandy Hubbard:
About Prada & Prejudice:
Fifteen year old Callie just wants to impress the popular girls when she buys a pair of Prada heels on her class trip to London. She didn’t plan on tripping, conking her head, and waking up in 1815! Now she’s wearing corsets with her designer pumps, eating bizarre soups, and breaking up engagements. If only the nineteen year old Duke of Harksbury wasn’t so bloody annoying, she might have a little fun in Austen-Era England...
About Mandy Hubbard:
Mandy Hubbard grew up on a dairy farm outside Seattle, where she refused to wear high heels until homecoming—and hated them so much she didn’t wear another pair for five years. A cowgirl at heart, she enjoys riding horses and quads and singing horribly to the latest country tune. She’s currently living happily ever after with her husband (who, sadly, is not a Duke) and her daughter (who is most definitely a princess). Prada and Prejudice is her first novel.
The Interview:
What's been one of the most exciting moments in your journey to publication?
Holding my ARCs. It was So exciting to see the way the entire thing comes together as a package... and to read it as a book and not a word document!
Is there anything you can't write without?
I can, but prefer not to write without Diet Coke. MMM.
When stuck on a story which do you choose: write make-out scene or explode something?
Make out scenes.
Can you share a favorite line you've written either in this book or a WIP?
The first line of SHATTERED, a literary tale I'm still toying with, is "I lie in pieces on the floor." Something about that still yanks me right into the story.
Finally: pro fast zombie or anti fast zombies?
Anti! I dont want any zombies outrunning me.
While on vacation in California, sixteen-year-old best girlfriends Anna and Frankie conspire to find a boy for Anna’s first summer romance, but Anna harbors a painful secret that threatens their lighthearted plan and their friendship.
TWENTY BOY SUMMER is a debut YA novel that explores what it truly means to love someone, what it means to grieve, and ultimately, how to make the most of every single moment this world has to offer.
About Sarah Ockler:
Sarah Ockler wrote and illustrated her first book at age six—an adaptation of Steven Spielberg's E.T. Still recovering from her own adolescence, Sarah now writes for young adults. After several years of wandering between New York City and Denver, she and her husband Alex now live in Upstate New York with lots of books and an ever-expanding collection of sea glass. Twenty Boy Summer is Sarah's first novel. Visit her online at www.sarahockler.com.
The Interview:
What's been one of the most exciting moments in your journey to publication?
There have been some amazing exciting moments on this journey, like finding an agent and seeing the cover for the first time and getting reader emails, but the one thing that stands out as most exciting is the thing that officially kicked off my career as an author... gGetting "the call" from the 212 area code (New York City) that Twenty Boy Summer had sold to Little, Brown!
Is there anything you can't write without?
I have my rituals and preferences, like incense and classical music and my 3-legged lucky writing pig Chancho, but I *can* write without them if I had to. I try to be flexible, because inspiration often strikes at really inconvenient times! All I really need is a pen and something to write on!
When stuck on a story which do you choose: write make-out scene or explode something?
I choose to... write an explosive make-out scene! So far, I haven't blown anything up in my books, but I'm open to the idea, especially if there's making out after. We'll see. ;-) In my opinion, any kind of fireworks are good for stories!
Can you share a favorite line you've written either in this book or a WIP?
From Twenty Boy Summer: "Summer seems to arrive with us, as though the entire place has been asleep since last September, awakening only as taxis and rental cars line up to deposit us along the beach -- families with toddlers, college kids on break, retirees seeking to warm themselves under the California sun, and our own motley crew. Together we break upon the pier like a tidal wave as she rubs her winter-sleepy eyes, stretches, and turns on the coffee for us."
Finally: pro fast zombie or anti fast zombies?
Pro. I don't hold on to most of the traditional "rules" for zombies and I love when writers or artists take a fresh, new approach. So, bring on the Gabrielles! ;-)
I asked Sarah to share a recap post of her road to publication if she had one and the link is here.
Thanks Sarah! And now on to Prada & Prejudice by Mandy Hubbard:
Fifteen year old Callie just wants to impress the popular girls when she buys a pair of Prada heels on her class trip to London. She didn’t plan on tripping, conking her head, and waking up in 1815! Now she’s wearing corsets with her designer pumps, eating bizarre soups, and breaking up engagements. If only the nineteen year old Duke of Harksbury wasn’t so bloody annoying, she might have a little fun in Austen-Era England...
About Mandy Hubbard:
Mandy Hubbard grew up on a dairy farm outside Seattle, where she refused to wear high heels until homecoming—and hated them so much she didn’t wear another pair for five years. A cowgirl at heart, she enjoys riding horses and quads and singing horribly to the latest country tune. She’s currently living happily ever after with her husband (who, sadly, is not a Duke) and her daughter (who is most definitely a princess). Prada and Prejudice is her first novel.
The Interview:
What's been one of the most exciting moments in your journey to publication?
Holding my ARCs. It was So exciting to see the way the entire thing comes together as a package... and to read it as a book and not a word document!
Is there anything you can't write without?
I can, but prefer not to write without Diet Coke. MMM.
When stuck on a story which do you choose: write make-out scene or explode something?
Make out scenes.
Can you share a favorite line you've written either in this book or a WIP?
The first line of SHATTERED, a literary tale I'm still toying with, is "I lie in pieces on the floor." Something about that still yanks me right into the story.
Finally: pro fast zombie or anti fast zombies?
Anti! I dont want any zombies outrunning me.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
The Demon's Lexicon is made of win!
I have vanquished the revisions! Long live the revisions! Actually, the lovely Heidi Kling is reading it right now and making wonderful comments. Must say, it's hard to watch her read and gasp and worry about someone other than (a) me and (b) my editor reading this book. *quiver* It's scary to let go of things like that.So yes, big check mark next to the "revisions" on my to-do list. In celebration I'm in Savannah at a writer's retreat and pretending to write while actually just hanging and talking. With big plans to read read read. Actually my big plans are to revise a short story. Yay more revisions!
Speaking of reading, I've been remiss in lauding from on high Sarah Rees Brennan's debut novel, The Demon's Lexicon. It came out on Tuesday and let me tell you: fantastic book. Sarah is brilliant at injecting humor in all the right places -- and good humor. She's also fantastic at creating really hot characters that you fall in love with and care about.
This is one of those books that you're totally going to fall in love with. I read it on the flight down to Curacao in January and the flight just flew by (haha). And Sarah herself is a totally awesome person and I couldn't be MORE thrilled that her book is finally out and I can proclaim its brilliance from the rooftops.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Debs Blog Tour: Dull Boy by Sarah Cross
Buy this book. Seriously, do it. I know I've said it before and I plan on saying it many times again -- DULL BOY is one of my favorite books this year. I was in the middle of revisions a few months back when I got the ARC and I thought I'd just read a few pages before dead. Half the book and 2am later and I was HOOKED.
Sarah Cross's voice is just awesome -- her characters say and do things I wish I said and did in real life (or could even write). Dull Boy is witty and touching and just flat out fun. Trust me when I say you won't be disappointed with this book -- I plan on reading it again on my upcoming beach trip because it's just that awesome!
About the book:
Superpowers are awesome -- unless you actually have them, like Avery does. There's only so much he can pass off as "adrenaline" before people start to get suspicious. Probably it's best to lie low, so guys in white lab coats don't come to carry him away, to find out what makes his freakish body tick. Who wants to be vivisected? But flying under the radar becomes a whole lot harder when you can actually fly. It's dangerous to be different, so for now he'll pretend to be normal, unremarkable Avery -- a dull boy -- anything to keep his secret safe.
What he doesn't expect is the horrifying truth about where his powers came from, who else might have them, and the madness of one villain's plan to turn this superpowered dull boy into something even more powerful and amazing.
About the author:
Sarah Cross has saved the world, like, five times since fifth grade — and you didn’t even notice. Learn her secrets at www.sarahcross.com.
The interview:
What's been one of the most exciting moments in your journey to publication?
Seeing the interior design for the first time. The designer, Jason Henry, totally blew me away with all the cool details he chose. I love my lightning bolts! (Flip through the book to see what I'm talking about.)
Is there anything you can't write without?
My sanity. Too much noise and too much heat make me crazy.
When stuck on a story which do you choose: write make-out scene or explode something?
It depends on the book. :)
Can you share a favorite line you've written either in this book or a WIP?
"Vivisection leaves a bad taste in my mouth."
Finally: pro fast zombie or anti fast zombies?
I like my zombies slow and shambling. :)
About the book:
Superpowers are awesome -- unless you actually have them, like Avery does. There's only so much he can pass off as "adrenaline" before people start to get suspicious. Probably it's best to lie low, so guys in white lab coats don't come to carry him away, to find out what makes his freakish body tick. Who wants to be vivisected? But flying under the radar becomes a whole lot harder when you can actually fly. It's dangerous to be different, so for now he'll pretend to be normal, unremarkable Avery -- a dull boy -- anything to keep his secret safe.
What he doesn't expect is the horrifying truth about where his powers came from, who else might have them, and the madness of one villain's plan to turn this superpowered dull boy into something even more powerful and amazing.
About the author:
Sarah Cross has saved the world, like, five times since fifth grade — and you didn’t even notice. Learn her secrets at www.sarahcross.com.
The interview:
What's been one of the most exciting moments in your journey to publication?
Seeing the interior design for the first time. The designer, Jason Henry, totally blew me away with all the cool details he chose. I love my lightning bolts! (Flip through the book to see what I'm talking about.)
Is there anything you can't write without?
My sanity. Too much noise and too much heat make me crazy.
When stuck on a story which do you choose: write make-out scene or explode something?
It depends on the book. :)
Can you share a favorite line you've written either in this book or a WIP?
"Vivisection leaves a bad taste in my mouth."
Finally: pro fast zombie or anti fast zombies?
I like my zombies slow and shambling. :)
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The Forest - Wald der tausend Augen
Hey Y'all! This is yet another drive by posting. I'm rounding the bend in revisions which means I'll pretty much be offline most of the rest of the week. However, I'm still sending updates via twitter! I'm also hoping to get some free time this weekend to attend our local con (one of the reasons I didn't head off to BEA!). Last year was the first time I went to Con Carolinas and I loved it! If anyone's in the area I hope to see you there!
So when I sold The Forest of Hands and Teeth, I sold world rights which means that Random House Children's Books has been the one marketing all the foreign rights (and how all that works is for another post - lol). Anyway, they've been doing an AMAZING job. I pretty much figured that anything past the sale of the book was gravy -- I totally didn't expect anything more.
And I have to say, that like a lot of authors, one of the best things about selling foreign is getting the foreign covers. I've already shown y'all the UK/Australia/NZ cover for FHT (and if you want a sneak preview of the cover they did for DTW (which is gorgeous!) then you can find it on the FHT facebook page that my UK pub, Gollancz, put together). And while procrastinating the other day I found my German listing complete with cover! Wahoo - it comes out over there August 9! I've been drying to share it with y'all!
It's just so cool to see all the different ways to approach this book. And I feel so completely and utterly lucky and blessed by the cover gods for all three so far - love love love them all! What do y'all think?
And I have to say, that like a lot of authors, one of the best things about selling foreign is getting the foreign covers. I've already shown y'all the UK/Australia/NZ cover for FHT (and if you want a sneak preview of the cover they did for DTW (which is gorgeous!) then you can find it on the FHT facebook page that my UK pub, Gollancz, put together). And while procrastinating the other day I found my German listing complete with cover! Wahoo - it comes out over there August 9! I've been drying to share it with y'all!
It's just so cool to see all the different ways to approach this book. And I feel so completely and utterly lucky and blessed by the cover gods for all three so far - love love love them all! What do y'all think?
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Debs Blog Tour: One Wish by Leigh Brescia
Hey Y'all! Happy belated Memorial Day! Today's stop on the debs blog tour is another North Carolina author Leigh Brescia and her debut novel, One Wish.
About the book:
Overweight Wrenn Scott desperately wants to be popular and snag a hot boyfriend. Her amazing voice (for once) overshadows her weight when she lands a lead role in the high school musical. Pushing to get thinner by opening night, Wrenn's waistline shrinks as she learns all the wrong ways to lose weight from a new "it-girl" friend in the show. By opening night, the old Wrenn has almost disappeared. After a crisis reveals her weight-loss tricks, Wrenn realizes there are much more important things than being thin, popular, or even dating a hunk.
About the author:
Leigh Brescia grew up in North Carolina, spending most of her days playing in the woods behind her home and imagining she was a princess. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English Communication from Mount Olive College and her Master’s degree from Fort Hays State University. She currently teaches online English composition courses for three universities, and an online “Writing Novels for Young Adults” course for UC Irvine.
All of them! The truth is each one has superseded the last. I was excited when I got the message about WestSide wanting One Wish. I was excited when I saw the contract. I was even more excited to see my cover; more excited than that to see proof pages. I practically freaked out when my box of ARCs arrived, and now that I’m seeing my pre-order page pop up on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, that has become the highlight so far. I’m assuming when my author’s copies arrive I’m going to self-destruct. :)
Is there anything you can't write without?
All I need is my laptop, some classical music, and milk and chocolate.
When stuck on a story which do you choose: write make-out scene or explode something?
As terrific as make-out scenes are, my best writing days are the ones where characters fight. It’s amazing how quickly words fly from my fingertips when someone is yelling . . . I’m not sure what that says about me, though. So . . . if I’m stuck, all I have to do is make a character mad.
Can you share a favorite line you've written either in this book or a WIP?
This is from my currently untitled WIP:
And yet here I was—torn: wanting to pull him closer, saving him, and at the same time wishing I could hop on the back of his motorcycle and, for once, allow someone to save me.
Finally: pro fast zombie or anti fast zombies?
I’m not really attuned to the zombie world, but you know, anti-fast zombies would, in many ways, be preferable. :)
About the book:
Overweight Wrenn Scott desperately wants to be popular and snag a hot boyfriend. Her amazing voice (for once) overshadows her weight when she lands a lead role in the high school musical. Pushing to get thinner by opening night, Wrenn's waistline shrinks as she learns all the wrong ways to lose weight from a new "it-girl" friend in the show. By opening night, the old Wrenn has almost disappeared. After a crisis reveals her weight-loss tricks, Wrenn realizes there are much more important things than being thin, popular, or even dating a hunk.
About the author:
Leigh Brescia grew up in North Carolina, spending most of her days playing in the woods behind her home and imagining she was a princess. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English Communication from Mount Olive College and her Master’s degree from Fort Hays State University. She currently teaches online English composition courses for three universities, and an online “Writing Novels for Young Adults” course for UC Irvine.
When she’s not grading papers or writing, she enjoys reading and watching movies. She sings when she’s in a good mood and has killed every plant she’s ever owned. She currently lives in North Carolina with her husband and her three-year-old.
The interview:
What's been one of the most exciting moments in your journey to publication?
The interview:
What's been one of the most exciting moments in your journey to publication?
All of them! The truth is each one has superseded the last. I was excited when I got the message about WestSide wanting One Wish. I was excited when I saw the contract. I was even more excited to see my cover; more excited than that to see proof pages. I practically freaked out when my box of ARCs arrived, and now that I’m seeing my pre-order page pop up on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, that has become the highlight so far. I’m assuming when my author’s copies arrive I’m going to self-destruct. :)
Is there anything you can't write without?
All I need is my laptop, some classical music, and milk and chocolate.
When stuck on a story which do you choose: write make-out scene or explode something?
As terrific as make-out scenes are, my best writing days are the ones where characters fight. It’s amazing how quickly words fly from my fingertips when someone is yelling . . . I’m not sure what that says about me, though. So . . . if I’m stuck, all I have to do is make a character mad.
Can you share a favorite line you've written either in this book or a WIP?
This is from my currently untitled WIP:
And yet here I was—torn: wanting to pull him closer, saving him, and at the same time wishing I could hop on the back of his motorcycle and, for once, allow someone to save me.
Finally: pro fast zombie or anti fast zombies?
I’m not really attuned to the zombie world, but you know, anti-fast zombies would, in many ways, be preferable. :)
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Happy Birthday JP!!!
So today is my fiance, JP's, birthday. His last year in his twenties (yes, he's younger than me). Happy Birthday!!!
Someone asked me a while back why I mention that I live with JP in my bio. I was fairly surprised by the email (mostly surprised that someone would notice my bio and care enough about it to take the time to email me). I guess I never really thought that much about it when I wrote it, in the same way I didn't think that much about including my cats or dog in the bio. I kind of feel like a lot of authors include their significant other, where they live and what pets they live with. I always thought it was sort of the formula for author bios.
Anyway, it did get me thinking about why I'd put that info in there. I mean, I already dedicated the book to him and gave him a special shout out in the acks -- why also mention him in the bio? I guess this also dovetails into the question I'm asked a lot (esp from family) about when he and I are getting married. It's strange to me -- as if somehow our commitment to each other would be different if we had the state sanctioning our relationship. I mean, we share a mortgage -- these days I feel like that's a lot harder to get out of than a marriage.
And yet at the same time, I know just how important that piece of paper (the marriage certificate) is because massive amounts of money, ire and time are spent debating which relationships get it and which don't. I feel sort of bad that JP and I haven't gotten married because we actually *can* get married when a lot of people in love can't. Why haven't we? Time (time to plan it much less when all the family can all get together), money (they're frigging expensive), the weight of expectations (everyone has opinions on a wedding) etc etc. I don't know, I guess I wake up each morning and go to bed each night not questioning my commitment to JP or his to me -- I don't need the label. I guess I understand why other people do need to be able to label us and it makes me a little sad that they somehow think our relationship isn't as serious as it can be because of it.
Of course, I didn't mean for this to be a post about marriage, I meant it to be a post about JP! Here's why I included him in my bio: because he is my life. We're one of those disgusting couples who can literally spend all our time together and we never get tired of it. He's an amazing man -- someone who gets up early to write because he loves it, who goes to bed late so that he can edit my WIP, someone who puts his everything into his job and clients -- always trying to be better. He's wicked smart (his law school grades would make you sick) and amazingly patient and kind (as shown by his care for Daphne, our brain damaged dog). He's a great lawyer and he's a phenomenal writer and I'm a lucky lucky woman that he loves me. He's also pretty darn good looking (and did I mention younger!?).
So happy birthday, JP and I look forward to sharing MANY MANY more. And yes, family, I promise we'll get married soon :)
Someone asked me a while back why I mention that I live with JP in my bio. I was fairly surprised by the email (mostly surprised that someone would notice my bio and care enough about it to take the time to email me). I guess I never really thought that much about it when I wrote it, in the same way I didn't think that much about including my cats or dog in the bio. I kind of feel like a lot of authors include their significant other, where they live and what pets they live with. I always thought it was sort of the formula for author bios.
Anyway, it did get me thinking about why I'd put that info in there. I mean, I already dedicated the book to him and gave him a special shout out in the acks -- why also mention him in the bio? I guess this also dovetails into the question I'm asked a lot (esp from family) about when he and I are getting married. It's strange to me -- as if somehow our commitment to each other would be different if we had the state sanctioning our relationship. I mean, we share a mortgage -- these days I feel like that's a lot harder to get out of than a marriage.And yet at the same time, I know just how important that piece of paper (the marriage certificate) is because massive amounts of money, ire and time are spent debating which relationships get it and which don't. I feel sort of bad that JP and I haven't gotten married because we actually *can* get married when a lot of people in love can't. Why haven't we? Time (time to plan it much less when all the family can all get together), money (they're frigging expensive), the weight of expectations (everyone has opinions on a wedding) etc etc. I don't know, I guess I wake up each morning and go to bed each night not questioning my commitment to JP or his to me -- I don't need the label. I guess I understand why other people do need to be able to label us and it makes me a little sad that they somehow think our relationship isn't as serious as it can be because of it.
Of course, I didn't mean for this to be a post about marriage, I meant it to be a post about JP! Here's why I included him in my bio: because he is my life. We're one of those disgusting couples who can literally spend all our time together and we never get tired of it. He's an amazing man -- someone who gets up early to write because he loves it, who goes to bed late so that he can edit my WIP, someone who puts his everything into his job and clients -- always trying to be better. He's wicked smart (his law school grades would make you sick) and amazingly patient and kind (as shown by his care for Daphne, our brain damaged dog). He's a great lawyer and he's a phenomenal writer and I'm a lucky lucky woman that he loves me. He's also pretty darn good looking (and did I mention younger!?).
So happy birthday, JP and I look forward to sharing MANY MANY more. And yes, family, I promise we'll get married soon :)
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