We have been on a blogging hiatus but I popped back in to reveal a new book...
TASTE by Kate Evangelista
Source: Goodreads.com
At Barinkoff Academy, there's only one rule: no students on campus after curfew. Phoenix McKay soon finds out why when she is left behind at sunset. A group calling themselves night students threaten to taste her flesh until she is saved by a mysterious, alluring boy. With his pale skin, dark eyes, and mesmerizing voice, Demitri is both irresistible and impenetrable. He warns her to stay away from his dangerous world of flesh eaters. Unfortunately, the gorgeous and playful Luka has other plans.
When Phoenix is caught between her physical and her emotional attraction, she becomes the keeper of a deadly secret that will rock the foundations of an ancient civilization living beneath Barinkoff Academy. Phoenix doesn’t realize until it is too late that the closer she gets to both Demitri and Luka the more she is plunging them all into a centuries old feud.
Paper Hangover has been going strong for a while now, with its followers growing weekly, I thought we should recap our Author Interview Series with some updates on what they are up to now.
We kicked off Paper Hangover with YA Highway Blogger, Travel Writer and Debut Author Kirsten Hubbard. LIKE MANDARIN was released March 8th, 2011, and Kirsten had some amazing reviews, a great marketing plan, and an amazing book. LIKE MANDARIN is followed by WANDERLOVE releasing March 13th, 2012.
Source: Goodreads.com
It all begins with a stupid question:
Are you a Global Vagabond?
No, but 18-year-old Bria Sandoval wants to be. In a quest for independence, her neglected art, and no-strings-attached hookups, she signs up for a guided tour of Central America—the wrong one. Middle-aged tourists with fanny packs are hardly the key to self-rediscovery. When Bria meets Rowan, devoted backpacker and dive instructor, and his outspokenly humanitarian sister Starling, she seizes the chance to ditch her group and join them off the beaten path.
Bria's a good girl trying to go bad. Rowan's a bad boy trying to stay good. As they travel across a panorama of Mayan villages, remote Belizean islands, and hostels plagued with jungle beasties, they discover what they've got in common: both seek to leave behind the old versions of themselves. And the secret to escaping the past, Rowan’s found, is to keep moving forward.
But Bria comes to realize she can't run forever, no matter what Rowan says. If she ever wants the courage to fall for someone worthwhile, she has to start looking back.
Last time we caught up with C.Lee McKenzie her YA Novel Princess of Las Pulgas was on the horizon. After a successful book release Ms McKenzie is back with a talented group of authors in a anthology titled, THE FIRST TIME.
25 YA authors writing about “Firsts”... first kisses, first loves, first zombie slayings, first realizations.
THE FIRST TIME is edited by New York Times Best Selling Author Jessica Verday, and includes short stories from Cyn Balog, Jackson Pierce, Carrie Ryan and many more.
Kelly Hashway filled out our next author interview, her Debut Picture Book MAY THE BEST DOG WIN was released April 2011. It went on to be repackaged into a Coloring Book.
Source: Goodreads
Kelly has some other news she recently signed a deal to publish her YA Novel TOUCH OF DEATH with Spencer Hill Press, releasing January 13th, 2013. Jodi Marshall isn’t sure how she went from normal teenager to walking disaster. One minute she’s in her junior year of high school, spending time with her amazing boyfriend and her best friend. The next she’s being stalked by some guy no one seems to know.
After the stranger, Alex, reveals himself, Jodi learns he’s not a normal teenager and neither is she. With a kiss that kills and a touch that brings the dead back to life, Jodi discovers she’s part of a branch of necromancers born under the 13th sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus. A branch of necromancers that are descendents of Medusa. A branch of necromancers with poisoned blood writhing in their veins.
Jodi’s deadly to the living and even more deadly to the deceased. She has to leave her old, normal life behind before she hurts the people she loves. As if that isn’t difficult enough, Jodi discovers she’s the chosen one who has to save the rest of her kind from perishing at the hands of Hades. If she can’t figure out how to control her power, history will repeat itself, and her race will become extinct.
All three books sound exciting, and the covers are amazing. Congratulations to Kirsten, C.Lee and Kelly on all their hard work!
Today on Paper Hangover we welcome debut author Jessie Harrell. Paper Hangover is stop number 5 on the DESTINED blog tour organized by the wonderful Damaris Cardinali of Good Choice Reading.
I had the pleasure of reading DESTINED a few weeks ago, and I can honestly say it took my breath away. I read the whole book in twenty four hours! It was something I couldn't put down, it was addicting.
Seemlessly blending a sassy, modern day voice with the setting of Ancient Greece. Jessie manages to make the prose bleed hotness, from both the male and female character perspectives, yet capturing the innocence of a teenage girl, caught in a world far from her own sheltered palace.
Here is a sneak peek in the first chapter, giving you a glimpse in to the strong, sassy female lead Jessie has created.
Destined, Chapter One... My stomach churned as the smell of ground charcoal and nearly-rancid oil smeared across my eyelids. Whoever decided that greasy anything should be part of a daily beauty routine deserved permanent exile.
The stink never seemed to bother Maia though. She hummed quietly while layering on the goop -- and it was driving me nuts. My teeth ground into my cheek until I managed to shred another piece of skin.
“Will you stop fidgeting? I’m going to have eye paste all over your face if you don’t hold still.”
Servant or no, Maia was good at keeping me in my place. “Sorry.” I stopped chomping my cheek in favor of twitching my foot.
Maia placed her weathered hand against my forehead; her eyes wrinkled around the edges with concern. “You don’t seem yourself today. Are you sure you’re well?”
My eyes darted to the bird sitting on my bookshelf. Maia followed my gaze and gasped.
“Good heavens, Psyche. How’d a pigeon get in here?”
She dropped the makeup onto my vanity and made as if to shoo the bird away. Instinctively, I snatched her wrist.
“No, don’t. I let her in.” I paused, debating whether it was worth correcting her that the bird was actually a dove, and not a pigeon. Or noting that the dove would turn into Aphrodite as soon as Maia left.
Better just to let it go.
“I like having her here. I’m just worried Father will make me get rid of her.” I met Maia’s eyes and plastered on my best smile -- the one Aphrodite helped me master when she wasn’t a bird.
Maia’s shoulders relaxed and she started in on phase II of my beautification regimen: crushed mulberry blush. But there was no relaxing for me.
Something was up. This was the fifth day in a row Aphrodite had come to visit. Sure, she’d shown up a couple of months ago, just after I started getting daily admirers at my window. She’d said she liked watching beauty get the attention it deserved. It was part of her domain, after all. And then she’d dropped in randomly after that, but not daily.
Even though I pretended like nothing was different, I knew she wanted something. Something more. Goddesses don’t just hang out with mortals for the fun of it. But what?
Jessie's path to publication has not been easy, yet she produced a fabulous novel and her team of designers, photographers and editors did her proud. The finished product is a glossy, eye catching dream, of any writer.
****Paper Hangover Giveaway!***
Jessie has given us an Ebook of DESTINED to giveaway, the giveaway will be open all the way until the formal release date of November 17th, 2011.
To be eligible you need to be a Paper Hangover follower and leave a comment for Jessie, include your email address and she will choose the winner on the 17th!
You can purchase an advanced copy of DESTINED here.
Today on Paper Hangover we welcome debut author Jessie Harrell. Paper Hangover is stop number 5 on the DESTINED blog tour organized by the wonderful Damaris Cardinali of Good Choice Reading.
I had the pleasure of reading DESTINED a few weeks ago, and I can honestly say it took my breath away. I read the whole book in twenty four hours! It was something I couldn't put down, it was addicting.
Seemlessly blending a sassy, modern day voice with the setting of Ancient Greece. Jessie manages to make the prose bleed hotness, from both the male and female character perspectives, yet capturing the innocence of a teenage girl, caught in a world far from her own sheltered palace.
Here is a sneak peek in the first chapter, giving you a glimpse in to the strong, sassy female lead Jessie has created.
Destined, Chapter One... My stomach churned as the smell of ground charcoal and nearly-rancid oil smeared across my eyelids. Whoever decided that greasy anything should be part of a daily beauty routine deserved permanent exile.
The stink never seemed to bother Maia though. She hummed quietly while layering on the goop -- and it was driving me nuts. My teeth ground into my cheek until I managed to shred another piece of skin.
“Will you stop fidgeting? I’m going to have eye paste all over your face if you don’t hold still.”
Servant or no, Maia was good at keeping me in my place. “Sorry.” I stopped chomping my cheek in favor of twitching my foot.
Maia placed her weathered hand against my forehead; her eyes wrinkled around the edges with concern. “You don’t seem yourself today. Are you sure you’re well?”
My eyes darted to the bird sitting on my bookshelf. Maia followed my gaze and gasped.
“Good heavens, Psyche. How’d a pigeon get in here?”
She dropped the makeup onto my vanity and made as if to shoo the bird away. Instinctively, I snatched her wrist.
“No, don’t. I let her in.” I paused, debating whether it was worth correcting her that the bird was actually a dove, and not a pigeon. Or noting that the dove would turn into Aphrodite as soon as Maia left.
Better just to let it go.
“I like having her here. I’m just worried Father will make me get rid of her.” I met Maia’s eyes and plastered on my best smile -- the one Aphrodite helped me master when she wasn’t a bird.
Maia’s shoulders relaxed and she started in on phase II of my beautification regimen: crushed mulberry blush. But there was no relaxing for me.
Something was up. This was the fifth day in a row Aphrodite had come to visit. Sure, she’d shown up a couple of months ago, just after I started getting daily admirers at my window. She’d said she liked watching beauty get the attention it deserved. It was part of her domain, after all. And then she’d dropped in randomly after that, but not daily.
Even though I pretended like nothing was different, I knew she wanted something. Something more. Goddesses don’t just hang out with mortals for the fun of it. But what?
Jessie's path to publication has not been easy, yet she produced a fabulous novel and her team of designers, photographers and editors did her proud. The finished product is a glossy, eye catching dream, of any writer.
****Paper Hangover Giveaway!***
Jessie has given us an Ebook of DESTINED to giveaway, the giveaway will be open all the way until the formal release date of November 17th, 2011.
To be eligible you need to be a Paper Hangover follower and leave a comment for Jessie, include your email address and she will choose the winner on the 17th!
You can purchase an advanced copy of DESTINED here.
Today we welcome young adult author Kathleen S.Allen and WITCH HUNTER character Molly O'Claire to Paper Hangover. Kathleen began writing at the age of eight when she self-published her first book of poems. She had her first poem published when she was 17. She writes poetry, lyric essays, short stories and novels. She writes in different genres including fantasy, science fiction, space opera, contemporary, horror and mystery.
Kathleen has shared with us a character Interview with Molly O’Claire from her Young Adult book: WITCH HUNTER
Welcome to the interview Molly. Please introduce yourself to the audience.
Kathleen is giving away a copy of Witch Hunter today! Rules: Be a follower and leave an email address so we can give you the good news!
ABOUT WITCH HUNTER:
When 15 year old Molly visits her eccentric Tarot card reading aunt in Salem, MA who just happens to be a witch; her aunt takes her to Wiccan coven meetings, festivals and occult bookstores. Her aunt predicts fun. But, even her aunt doesn't predict murder. When Molly discovers a link to the Salem Witch Trials, her own ancestry and the murders, Molly is scared. Is she the next one to die?
Today on Paper Hangover, Megan Curd joins the table. She has her steaming mug of coffee and is set to answer my probing questions on her new life as an indie debut author.
I met Megan a few years or so ago, before BRIDGER was finished, before the agent and the submission process and here she is all published and totally in control of the destiny of her publishing career.
Megan is wicked fun on Twitter, by the way!
Bridger is a self-published novel, what made you decide that path was for you?
I actually had an agent at one point, and was pursuing the traditional publishing route, but decided it wasn't for me. Some people may call me crazy for letting go of that option, but for me, I wanted to be able to be involved in the publication process. I wanted to see how the publishing process worked and get a good feel for everything. Going indie allowed me to stay involved in the process and be able to build a trust with the people I worked with. I know who is publishing my book. Soul Fire Press, Christopher Matthews Publishing, and Jeremy Soldevilla have been amazing to work with and we've come up with a great plan for Bridger. I'm confident in my decision to go indie, because it gives me the versatility to still be a part of the process, but also provides my readers with the best prices for my books. That's a win-win for me.
Tell us about Bridger...but don’t spoil it, I’m almost done...
Bridger was actually written after my friend encouraged me to try my hand at writing a novel. It was during winter finals at college in 2009, and I figured writing a book was a great way to put off studying. :) I remember calling my mom and telling her I was going to write a book, but I had to figure out what to write about. We Googled "cool legends" (super scientific, I know), and I found the Irish folklore than became the bedrock of Bridger. It was a lot of fun to write, and in the span of 5 weeks, the first draft was done. Of course the final version is quite different, but it was a blast laying down the first draft and watching where the characters drove the story. I have never experienced anything quite like creating Ashlyn's world. I owe my friend a huge thanks for pushing me to write. :)
Are there any sequels in the works, or is Bridger a stand alone novel?
I am already working on Bridger's sequel, TRAITOR. It's about a third of the way done, I think... but that'll depend on where Ashlyn and co. decide to take me. :) I'm hoping it will be available this coming spring, if everything works out the way I hope it will.
I’m sure you could publish a book already on Self-publishing, what have you learned that you never knew before?
Just to cover your bases on all the legalities that go into it! Book covers, images, even fonts need to be allowed to be used for commercial use. I never thought about things like that until I began this process. It's a huge deal to make sure your bases are covered and everything is legal. It's also a huge headache sometimes, haha. :)
You also make book trailers, pretty amazing ones too. How did you get in to that side business and how does it feel when the author loves the finish product?
I actually used my good friend and fellow author, Hope Collier, as my first guinea pig for a book trailer. I just decided one evening to try my hand at it. I absolutely love anything to do with graphic design and social media outlets. I'm actually designing my new webpage right now, as well. Anything that has to do with audio/visual outlets, I enjoy. I guess I'm just a creative soul. I love to create things, be it via my books, book covers, or trailers. I love watching them come to life. Working with fellow authors and knowing I'm meeting their needs, fulfilling what they "see" for their book, that's huge to me. I love it when they're gushing about something, and I love it even when they're saying, "hey, this isn't right." Coming up with the feel for the book and the look they're going for is such a rush. I love the creation process. The end results when they're happy, that's just something that can't be explained. It makes the job worth it when they're happy.
What’s next for Megan Curd?
Next on the docket is getting THE GUARDIAN CHRONICLES: FORBIDDEN, primed and ready for public consumption! It's being edited right now, adding some fun stuff in places, cleaning up other areas. It's a new YA series I'm working on, but it can stand alone as well. I'm kind of wanting to see how readers take to it. If there's a good response, I've left it open for future novels. I'm hoping people like it... the main character and I really bonded, so I'd love to keep him alive for a while. :)
And just for fun...What can’t you write without?
I can't write without music, and while it's not a necessity, I write better when I'm at Acoustic Cafe. It's a little local cafe in Eau Claire, WI, and I LOVE their chili and turtle mochas. I could take stock in them. It's sad when they all know what you're going to order before you even get up to the register, but I go there a lot just to people watch, be in the nice environment, and enjoy the music. They have live music a lot of nights, so it's a pretty cool place to go. If anyone ever ends up passing through Eau Claire, you definitely have to hit up the Acoustic. Get the Texas Chili. :)
Thanks so much Megan for joining us on Paper Hangover today, please come back later in the year and update us on your progress. Wishing you lots of luck as you travel through your publishing career.
You can purchase BRIDGER here and follow Megan on Twitter, she is even on Facebook and has a blog.
This week on Paper Hangover, we welcome Leanne Beattie author of CAGE OF BONE.
Leanne’s Blog is aptly named ‘Writing to Save my Soul,’ she hits home with her creativity and enthusiasm for writing, I hope it will rub off just interviewing her.
CAGE OF BONE is an indie release for Leanne, like many of our authors featured in the next month, working on book promotion is tiring but fulfilling.
The message behind CAGE OF BONE is one we can all recognize, it may not be through the same medium as suicide but denying our feelings is an all to familiar fall back. Learning to deal with feelings, of grief, unhappiness or self-loathing are all lessons we could all have used at some time in our lives.
Leanne, Where did the idea for CAGE OF BONE come from?
I am very influenced by music and get a lot of ideas from lyrics. CAGE OF BONE grew out of a phrase from the Jann Arden song Will You Remember Me? At first I thought I would be writing about someone with an eating disorder but eventually the book turned into the story of a girl eaten up with grief.
Tell us about CAGE OF BONE.
CAGE OF BONE is a young adult novel about a 16 year-old girl, Ronnie Campbell, as she tries to cope with her sister’s suicide. It’s an emotional story because Ronnie is very confused about the death. Her sister was the quintessential “golden girl” in high school: popular, smart and going places, so her suicide leaves Ronnie struggling to find answers. On top of everything, Ronnie’s parents are getting divorced and her father is starting a new family with another woman, so Ronnie feels abandoned and pushed aside. At an age when other kids are dating and going to parties, Ronnie is facing some pretty heavy burdens.
Once I had the basic story idea, I got an image of a girl who seems tough on the outside but is really hurting. Her toughness is all a façade. I think a lot of people can relate to that because everybody is suffering in some way. Griffin McNay, her love interest, is the ideal boy for Ronnie: cute, creative and understanding. He shows her there is more to life than what she is experiencing right now. Her best friend, Danielle, accepts Ronnie as she is, flaws and all, and has great faith in her.
CAGE OF BONE was released as an e-book on Amazon.com and Smashwords.com in May 2011. There will also be a print version available in late July.
What path led you to self-publishing? How does it feel to go it alone? Any advice?
I have a really good friend who has been an independent musician for many years and I was always fascinated by the process he went through of creating music and sharing it with the world. Because of him, I understood I didn’t need to wait for an agent to validate my writing by offering me representation—I could do it all myself.
As a self-published author I have total control of my writing career, everything from creating the product (the book) to editing, cover design, and marketing. It takes a lot of confidence and energy to self-publish because if you don’t do something yourself, it doesn’t get done. You have to have complete faith in your work to be able to sell it to others.
I am very active on Twitter (my handle is JoyMagnet) where I have developed a lot of good relationships with writers and readers, so I don’t feel like I am going it alone. My Twitter friends have been great at sharing my work with their followers and I do the same for them. It’s a very cooperative community and we share the ups and downs of being indie authors. I also have a Facebook author page, a blog and I have listed my book on Goodreads.
My advice would be to make connections with other writers and build a community long before your book is released. Don’t be afraid of sharing information because in the end it all comes back to you. By helping others you help yourself.
Today we introduce Dawn Metcalf, her debut LUMINOUS will be released June 30th, from Dutton.
Dawn is a regular on Twitter, Co-Founder of the Twitter Chat#YaLitChat and what I believe to be an authority on world building and all things Karate and Chocolate.
I asked Dawn to join us to talk World Building and Speculative Fiction.
Most of our readers write books with a major element of world building. What are your tips for World Building?
My favorite thing about speculative fiction is solid world-building, that it is in some way entirely believable and true and that I can trust-fall into the author's arms and completely immerse myself in this strange reality that they've created. For me, a lot of the richness comes in subtle things: the little turns of phrases, idiosyncrasies, habits and symbolism that pop up throughout the narrative as second-nature to the characters, supported by the world itself. It's not just a matter of the religion or long names with Xs, Ks or apostrophes in odd places, but the background myths and stories that exist inside the narrative, the superstitions and Things You Just Don't Do make it real for me. For example, no one said "Voldemort", they said "You-Know-Who" in hushed tones. That said a lot more to me about the character and the world's opinion of this person than any long paragraph of narrative ever could. It's the smallest things that, added together, give depth to a storybook world.
How do you organize your thoughts and the world you are building from conception to completion?
Honestly, it's not hard because, in my mind, the world is logical--no matter how illogical or crazy I make it, *I* believe it so everything has to stay internally relevant and "realistic" given the surreality. I think that's a true test of good world-building: if, as a reader, I believe that I could ask the author a question about any aspect of their story and they could instantly turn-around a clear answer, then it's real. I feel confident because my guide, the writer, wrote confidently. If I walk into my writing knowing what a character would or would never do, then I have to do the same with how the world would and would never work. There are some great stories that have setting as a strong character: Middle Earth in THE HOBBIT, the entirety of DISCWORLD in the many Terry Pratchett's stories (my favorite by far being the Chalk in the Tiffany Aching series), the swamp in CHIME, the reservoir in IMAGINARY GIRLS, the moors of THE NEAR WITCH...I'll admit that these are some of my favorite devices in writing! While some might need charts and notebooks, all I really need is to dive right in and believe.
Is there a coherent order to your worlds or is it whatever works and really strikes a chord within you?
I'm for order versus chaos, even if it's a sort of fluid, chaotic order. I think it helps if your world has rules and then you can play havoc within those rules. If you break your own rules of world-building, magic, character, whatever, you risk undoing the trust you've created with the reader and break the fragile soap bubble of suspended disbelief. Lie to readers, and you've lost them. Period. So to avoid doing that, I like to have a reason behind every aspect of the world and its systems: why does magic work this way, why are houses made of this material, what shape are the plates, how do ordinary folks get around, what are the curse word expressions; again, all those little things make a world solid, stable. It's probably why I liked to watch every single extra reel on the L-RD OF THE RINGS dvds! When you hit the details just right, they often feel real (and, when you read the whole thing aloud--a real must in the revision process--it will sound real, too!)
Genres can be subjective, what is your take on Speculative Fiction?
Speculative Fiction is when you ask "What If?" and spin out a creative, possible interpretation to its logical conclusion. It's the best sort of curiosity and definitely the genre that I like best.
So I’ve heard you say... you cannot lie, you had a normal, great upbringing, did everything in order and your writing is everything but. Do you feel that somewhere amongst the normalcy of your life you were corrupted in alternate reality or your mind is just a realm of it’s own?
HAHAHA! Well, while *I* consider my upbringing normal, perhaps not everyone was raised by high school sweethearts under cut-out felt banners proclaiming "Love", "Peace", and "Togetherness" while watching Muppets and M*A*S*H. My parents were also volunteer teen educators and out-of-the-box creative thinkers so I grew up thinking a dozen teenagers talking and writing about their hopes and fears and feelings about G-d and sex and what it means to be a Human Being was a normal Saturday evening. That and the costume parties. And the blintz-making marathons. And the imaginary family cooking shows... Okay, my upbringing was weird.
I just remember reading fairy tales and seeing pictures of dragons and elves and aliens and puppets and wondering "What if they were real? What if they were alive? What would that be like?" I was fascinated by that possibility. I would lie on my back and stretch my feet towards the ceiling and wonder what the room would look like if the ceiling was the floor, all neat and clean, with the light fixtures sticking up like a table instead of hanging down by a chain and the floor littered in carpet and toys and upside-down me. That bizarre childhood perspective was probably the best training for writing speculative fiction.
That said, I'll admit that every time I share a first chapter of a new project with my parents, they hand it back, look at me at little strangely, and sigh, "What did we do to you when you were a kid?"
So, evidently, it's just me.
Thanks so much Dawn for dropping by Paper Hangover.
Today on Paper Hangover we welcome L.M Preston MG/YA author of THE PACK, EXPLORER X-Alpha and celebrating her new release BANDITS, released June 1st, from Phenomenal One Press.
You will find L.M online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It seems as though she is from a Science Fiction world all of her own. I met her online when I started writing and figuring out this whole other world, a few years ago, and we have stayed in touch ever since.
What is most intriguing about L.M is her enthusiasm, and trust me, it’s contagious. She is always there to boost you up, when she is struggling herself. Be it, marketing her books, assisting with the Maryland Writers Association, taxi-ing her FOUR children from here to there or trying to keep up with her creativity in her writing.
L.M writes both middle grade and young adult and from a unique perspective, a boy. Not many books are written for boys and in their perspective, let alone by a female writer. I sat down with L.M to find how she channeled a boys perspective in womans mind.
How in the world do you think like a boy, when we are programmed so differently?
Thinking like a boy comes easy to me. I'd been a tomboy growing up and my career as an engineer makes me the only girl in the room lots of times. I spend most of my time observing the guys I work with and my son with his friends is another great resource.
Was it a hard decision to write from Daniels Perspective?
Yes, it was. I really took a moment to see what the trends in YA books were for the last few years and most of the main characters were girls. I took a chance and realized I really enjoyed the freedom in writing a male's pov.
What made you go that route?
This is a boy's story. It had all the makings of a tortured, growing, misguided male. My son was insistent that he wanted me to write a book about a guy pirate - although I think a girl pirate would have been a great twist. In the end I realized I'd have much more fun writing it as Daniel.
BANDITS has been very well received in the publishing world with 5 star reviews, if there is a way to explain, how does that feel?
Honestly, for me, it's a shock. I'm not one of those writers that dream of being the next JK Rowling. I really just love to write. To share my stories - especially for those boys who seem to get left out sometimes. And the fact that my kids cheer me own is a boon. But now that people get Bandits and like it I'm just over the moon humbled by it all. But most of all, when my son read it and kissed me saying, "Mom you nailed it!" that was the best review of all.
You are major parts of many writing communities, how do you keep up with them all and what have they bought to your writing career.
Well, I'm an insomniac. Truth is, I'm an over hyper writer. I write in sprints, like 15 min or so then I have to do something and come back. Weird I know, but it's just the way I'm wired. So I kill time playing on twitter, or yalitchat, absolutewrite or shewrites to stay motivated. Writing communities give me a boost and the encouragement that keeps me plugging away at this.
What has been the most satisfying moment on your journey?
The most satisfying moment in my journey was when I was at a middle school doing a program and a student came up and hugged me when I gave her my book.
You were an author taking part in the Book Expo America 2011, what did you take away from that experience?
That experience was the most eye opening one of my career. I networked with all publishers, big, small, self-pub, authors, entertainers turned authors and you know what - they were all nice, gracious and encouraging. The other thing I took from it was, dreams do come true - I couldn't believe I actually had a line for my books.
You are a tireless marketer for your writing career, any advice?
Yeah, I am kind of obsessive. When this journey started for Phenomenal One Press, the first thing we did was create a business plan - stating our goals for the first 3 years of my writing journey. Then we purchased the best book ever for the budding publisher, 1001 Ways to Market Your Book by John Kremer. That was the basis for our first book marketing plan. My pub and I set in motion to have one event a month, to spend 30 min a day promoting and 1 day at the beginning of the year planning. We also employ interns and my older kids who've come up with awesome ideas to get the word out. If a writer wants to promote themselves, they should start out making a book marketing plan. Our marketing plan is ever growing and you know what - we learn something new everyday.
And just for fun, what can’t you write without?
I can't write without music on or an action movie in the background. I'm one of those quirky folks that needs background noise.
(Adrienne - One week some is going to say a pen, I’m waiting for it!)
L.M has given us a signed copy of BANDITS to give away today, make sure you’re a follower of Paper Hangover and leave your email, one lucky winner will be chosen at random.
You can Pre-order BANDITS here and visit the blog a la L.M Preston here. You can also find her on Twitter @LM_Preston
Thanks so much L.M for joining us today on Paper Hanover. We should plant you in the next Book of Awesome!
For those of us in Canada, we are deeply jealous that our State-side friends have a holiday today and get to watch the Criminal Minds Marathon all day, 'cause you are, right?
I thought I would re cap our interviews and get you excited about our interviews to come as all the authors I approached were too busy to interview today, they are no doubt at the beach!
We first spoke with Kirsten Hubbard author of LIKE MANDARIN, many of you know her from the YA Highway and her global travel writing. Here are some pictures from her release party.
Next up was C.Lee McKenzie, C.Lee has been busy touring PRINCESS OF LAS PULGAS and had a recent interview...
Kelly Hashway is busy revising her YA Novel with her Agent, Lauren Hammond of ADA Management Group, they are featured on YaLitChat's June Newsletter on how that writing community helped them find one another amongst other writers Lauren has scooped up. I will link it up as soon as it goes live...
Up Coming Authors on Paper Hangover...
Dawn Metcalf Debut Author of LUMINOUS coming up June 13th in anticipation of her release June 30th. You can Pre-Order LUMINOUS here.
L.M Preston author of BANDITS released June 1st, 2011, will be dropping by Paper Hangover June 30th to discuss writing from a boys point of view.
July 11th, we welcome Leanne Beattie just released May 16th, 2011.
So however you spending your Memorial Day, make it a good one and think of me recording the Criminal Minds marathon to watch later...
Today we welcome Lindsey Leavitt, Young Adult Author of Sean Griswold’s Head
(Bloomsbury, March 1, 2011), Princess for Hire and The Royal Treatment releasing May 3, 2011.
Lindsey was raised in Las Vegas, yes, she had a normal upbringing, and lives there with her family among the Cacti.
I had the pleasure of asking Lindsey about creativity, time for writing with young children and coping with multiple book releases in a year.
What every mother with children wants to know, how do find the time to write?
I get this question a lot, usually around deadline or release time when I feel like THERE IS NO TIME. Why couldn’t there be one more hour, just one? Or even a day. 25/8 sounds right.
When it’s business time, I put my kids down for the night and work until I flop. I also have started to get babysitters twice a week, and work a few hours on the weekend. Add that all up, and it’s a solid part time, sometimes full-time, job. But when I’m not on deadline, I schedule a few hours a week for administrative, a few more to write, and then just kind of hang out. Writing is the best job for this—it’s usually there the next day if I need to put life things first, and there are weeks and even months in between projects where I take time off. I’m looking forward to a low-event, high-fun summer.
If creativity strikes, how do you take advantage of it?
Like most authors, I have an idea notebook in my purse for those littler bursts of inspiration. Like I met this guy the other day, and he ONLY wears red socks. And I asked if he had a lot of pink underwear because of this fashion choice/laundry disasters, and then he ran away from me. But anyway, red socks! That’s brilliant. In my idea journal.
I’m also notorious for getting out of bed to jot ideas down. There’s a notebook by my bed for that reason too. I get some of my best ideas when I’m in the not-awake, not-asleep state. AND I take a journal on vacation, because I’m usually seeing new terrain and relaxation=clarity.
So short answer=journal.
Sean Griswold’s Head, released just last month. How do you pursue marketing your books with young children at home? Do you adapt the run-of-the-mill marketing to suit you or jump on the book tours and appearances?
A mix of both. I really like the online interviews because I can do those in my pajamas, at home, while kids are in bed. Skype has also been AMAZING, because I can visit with schools around the country without worrying about travel or childcare (and actually, since I’m pacific time, most of these are still while kids are in bed).
Of course, my kids aren’t Mini Rip Van Winkles, so I have to do some promotion when they’re awake as well. I do really enjoy the signings and in-person visits—especially in schools—so I do as many as I can. And by can, I mean when I can get a babysitter. I’ve had to say no a couple of times, but I do try to take these opportunities when they arise. And if it’s west coast and on the weekend, I bring my kids along, so we’re kind of partridge family lately. Er, minus the musical talent. And bus. And David Cassidy.
Your new book, second in the series of Princess for Hire, The Royal Treatment, releases in May. What plans have you laid for the book release, writing more entertaining books and keeping your mother role?
Since I’m crazy and launching two books two months apart, I’m not doing as much for the next Princess for Hire book. I’m doing a few signings, a couple of interviews, and then just trying to hit previous readers through newsletters and social networking. I worry if I’m too out there, people are going to get sick of me. Not you, though, right? Right? Hey! Don’t leave.
Also? While I strongly believe an author should have some sort of brand and market themselves, the most important thing is to be working on the next book. I’m revising the last book in the series right now, and after that I have a contemporary to write. I like to be under contract, because the deadlines help me plan vacations and school field trips and spring cleaning (ha! That one is a total lie). If you’re pre-published, I suggest setting a deadline on each project. Make it realistic, factor in other things you have in your life, but have a plan so you’re moving forward.
Thanks so much Lindsey for your insight and humor. Good Luck!
Praise for Lindsey Leavitt
Sean Griswold’s Head, Bloomsbury, March 1, 2011
“Leavitt delicately handles topics of illness, evolving relationships, and what it means to grow up. Payton’s alternately sarcastic, snappy, and reflective narration carries this insightful story.”~ Publishers Weekly
“Payton’s voice, funny and honest–drew me in from the first line. This is my favorite kind of book–one that offers laughter and hope even in the midst of a serious subject.” –L.K. Madigan, author of Flash Burnout
Princess for Hire, Bloomsbury Hardcover available now. Paperback release March 29, 2011
“I totally heart this book! Funny, witty, and magical, Princess for Hire is a must-read.” ~Lisa Schroeder, author of I Heart You, You Haunt Me and It’s Raining Cupcakes
“This story will easily appeal to fans of Meg Cabot’s “The Princess Dairies” as well as anyone who likes their princess stories with a bit of excitement.” ~Children’s Literature.
“Desi shows that she’s a heroine with heart.” ~Publisher’s Weekly
Most of us are parents, and through probably one degree of separation we have nieces, nephews, god children and friends with children. I'm sure most of us are fed up of reading the same picture book after picture book. I came across Kelly's wonderful debut at JacketFlap.
Changing it up this week from YA authors, even though that's what Kelly writes, Kelly took some time to talk picture book publishing with me and seeing her words go to print after many, many, many edits....
Most of our readers and contributors have children, writing a Picture Book seems like so much fun. Can you share with us how you write a Picture Book?
I spend most of my day reading picture books to my daughter, and that really helps. I study different books to get a feel for the sound quality, the word choice, and the balance between what needs to be written and what can rely on the illustrations. After that, I start much like I would when I’m writing a novel. I have an idea and I brainstorm how to develop that idea into a story kids would want to read.
Morality seems to play a large part in Picture Books, how do you work out what lesson to put in each book?
I don’t like to be preachy. No kid wants to have a lesson shoved in their face, so I try to be subtle. I have some picture books that are more humorous than anything else, and others that have definite lessons but also entertain so the lesson isn’t overwhelming. I never begin writing the book with the lesson in mind. I create a character or situation and the lesson will develop from that, never taking over the story though.
A Picture Books Journey...
How long would it take from First Draft to complete manuscript?
For me, it completely depends on the story. I spend a while just brainstorming ideas, jotting down everything that comes to me—bits of dialogue, plot, character names. Once the story is fleshed out in my mind, I sit down to draft it. I’m a perfectionist so my drafts can take a while. After I revise a few dozen times, I let the manuscript sit for a few weeks and work on something else. Then I’ll go back to it with fresh eyes before sending it off to my critique partners. After that it’s back to revisions again. When my eyes are about to fall out of my head, I know it’s ready to start submitting.
How long would the illustrations take to complete?
I didn’t illustrate my book, but I was paired with the very talented Valerie Bouthyette. My picture book was accepted for publication in October and Valerie had her sketches drawn pretty quickly—probably a month later. It was amazing to see my story come to life through someone else’s eyes. The sketches then became full-color illustrations by the end of December. It happened rather quickly.
Assuming the book has already sold, the road to publication of a picture book differs from that of the regular publishing process. Can you take us through the steps to publication after your work is complete.
I went through several rounds of edits. You’d be amazed how many edits you can go through with a picture book! Since the books are short, word choice is very important. Once my illustrations were competed, I went back to edits to make sure the text and pictures matched. I had to make some minor changes to accommodate some of the illustrations. It’s very much a 50/50 between the text and illustration. After these changes were made, I went to another round of edits before my final edits. I told you it was a lot of editing. Then the proof was created and the book was sent off for reviews.
Thanks so much Kelly for joining us, I'm off to order some copies for my children's school Library.
