Writer on the Side

Elana Johnson's new covers of awesome!

2012-01-27T10:06:00.000-08:00

The unbelievably talented and absolutely dear Elana Johnson has got a new book coming out this June. It's called SURRENDER--the sequel to her awesome 2011 debut, POSSESSION. Know what's even cooler? To match up with her super-pretty new SURRENDER cover, S&S has redesigned the POSSESSION cover for the upcoming paperback edition. Without further ado (and you know how I LOVE illustrated covers), here's the pretty! Don't we love the turquoise and periwinkle--and the freedom-trapped-flying-things motifs? (Once you've looked, pop on over to Elana's blog to say hello and discover super-spectacular writerly goodness.)

Sorry but this one looked blurry when I enlarged it!

Bookanistas: IN HONOR by Jessi Kirby

2012-01-26T04:06:00.000-08:00

FIRST, just a quick note of thanks for all the great comments on yesterday's post about award-winning book covers. Keep 'em coming!

PLOT WITHOUT SPOILERS...Struggling to come to grips with the death of her soldier brother, Honor embarks on a journey in his old Impala. Her destination: the farewell concert of her favorite rock star. Her un-planned-for (and perhaps undesired) companion: her brother's childhood best friend and current beer-swilling society drop-out, Rusty. But the place Honor is really trying to reach can't be found on any map.

OF LITERARY INTEREST...There are several things that make this an exceptional road trip novel, not the least of which is the Pala--a car, a character, a metaphor for things worth trying to fix. As in her first novel, Jessi Kirby writes in a very special way about nature, about landscapes whether they're sandy beaches or spiritual mountaintops. Tales of journeys can feel deliberate as characters tick off one stop after another but this narrative feels so natural, so effortless. As you read along, you get a sense that Honor was just meant to be at each place she discovers--to find pieces of her brother, and of herself.

FINALLY, JUST GOTTA SAY...IN HONOR, Jessi Kirby's second novel, is a bittersweetly beautiful and finely crafted jewel. I first read the arc quite awhile ago and so had to reread it to write this post. The second read was even more rewarding than the first. The novel is rich with layers of imagery, twisting and turning as much as the roads Honor and Rusty navigate, exploring one of life's great questions: Which is more important, the destination... or the journey?

Where can you click for more Bookanista goodness?

Christine Fonseca brings you a special Guestanista review of SPRINKLES & SECRETS Shannon Messenger delights in DEAD TO YOU – with giveaway
Beth Revis interviews TEMPEST author Julie Cross – with giveaway
Jessi Kirby takes a shine to the SURRENDER and new POSSESSSION covers
Jen Hayley gushes over THE GIRL WHO LOVED A CITY
Veronica Rossi is crazy for INCARNATE
Nikki Katz marvels at A MILLION SUNS
Gennifer Albin is on fire over CINDER
Tracy Banghart is all about THE OTHER LIFE
Jessica Love wonders at THE FAULT IN OUR STARS
Hilary Wagner mourns over THE DEATH OF YORIK MORTWELL -- with giveaway

Anybody notice something about the Newbery & other ALA award-winning covers?

2012-01-25T09:59:00.000-08:00

Ooh, don't you love a quiz? In no particular order, here are some winners and notables. And, in the immortal phraseology of Sesame Street, WHAT ABOUT THESE IS KIND OF THE SAME?

IF YOU GUESSED...None of these covers are photo-illustrated...YOU'RE RIGHT! (Don't you feel Sesame Street self-esteem just oozing from your pores?)

I'm no expert in book design but something in my gut tells me that if you want your novel to be taken as "award-consideration worth" or "of serious literary merit," steering away from photos-of-girls covers may be a very good idea.

IF you want to test my theory a bit further (I will add a caveat that there is the occasional photo image but the person is generally SMALL and contextualized in a LANDSCAPE, not mooning out at you while wearing a pretty red dress), take a virtual wander through this year's ALA winners or ALA Medals books from years past (hints: WHEN YOU REACH ME, THE GRAVEYARD BOOK, THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX). Or consider some other titles recently on the hype radar (hint: THE FAULT IN OUR STARS and, er, THE HUNGER GAMES).

ANYBODY WANT TO WEIGH IN ON THIS?

The Words I Never Write

2012-01-23T04:06:00.000-08:00

As a writer, the delete button is an escape, a necessary evil and, often, a friend. When I write in verse, economy of words, paring away the unneccesary, the obvious, is essential. Despite this, I think I edit myself less as a novelist than I do as an "author" and blogger. When I write a novel, I'm writing in the voice of my characters. But when I make a statement as an author-of-books, when I post an opinion on my blog, that's just me.

If you've met me at a cocktail party, or know me from the neighborhood, you know that I'm kind of an opinionated broad. And, while I'm happy to chat about ALMOST anything over wine, I usually have a sober second thought before putting these opinions in print. Where they'll never go away. And could, possibly, become fodder for one of those angry Twitter strings.

Here just a few of the topics about which I've drafted and deleted blog posts...

PIPA & SOPA
Childrens Book Reviews in the Wall Street Journal
Why Google should pay ME
Tolling on the 520 bridge and Seattle politics in general
Blogger...ahhhh, Blogger
The trouble with defining the YA NOVEL today

Honestly, I've even edited this LIST. Sometimes I get frustrated because I ~~think~~ hope I have a few interesting ideas to share--ideas that might spark productive conversations. And, in truth, with my paltry 1,000 Twitter followers and 370 blog members, I don't have a large enough bully pulpit to rock the world like, say, Miley Cyrus (heehee!). Still, I have this weird hesitation about editorializing on the interwebs.

Anybody else???

Bookanistas: Cover love for GETTING SOMEWHERE by Beth Neff

2012-01-19T04:06:00.000-08:00

The amazing Beth Neff's debut novel,

GETTING SOMEWHERE, pubs today.

GETTING SOMEWHERE is a contemporary YA novel about four girls grappling with the consequences of the actions which have brought them together at an experimental juvenile detention program--on an organic farm. I'm a total sucker for illustrated covers, and I love the way this art weaves the girls together with vines and leaves as if they're part of something green, growing, larger than each of them as an individual. Score! So, happy book birthday to GETTING SOMEWHERE and congrats, Beth!

How do you feel about photographed versus illustrated covers?

And for more Bookanista goodness...

LiLa Roecker adores AUSTENTATIOUS

Christine Fonseca is wild about WOLFSBANE

Nikki Katz takes a shine to UNDER THE NEVER SKY

Katy Upperman is dazzled by A MILLION SUNS
Shannon Messenger welcomes four wonderful new Bookanistas
Gennifer Albin joins the Bookanistas with a great giveaway
Tracy Banghart is wowed by ON FORTUNE’S WHEEL

WORDS HAVE POWER!

2012-01-17T04:06:00.000-08:00

The inimitable Holly Cupala whose second novel, DON'T BREATHE A WORD, pubbed this month, invited some author friends to share their thoughts about the power of words. Thus, I find myself in the company of these amazing writers: Beth Kephart, Denise Jaden, Melissa Walker, Justina Chen, Lish McBride, Lisa Schroeder, Sarah Jamila Stevenson, CJ Omololu, Stephanie Kuehnert, Tara Kelly, Joëlle Anthony, Janet Fox, Tina Ferraro, and Janet Lee Carey (although I am way too melodramatic--sorry). Anyway, check it out!

OMG - I Forgot to Blog!

2012-01-16T10:25:00.000-08:00

It's MLK Day and the kids are home from school. There's a LOT of snow outside (by Seattle standards) which means we're pretty well stuck in the house. After finishing up the family's post-holiday go-round of stomach flu, I'm still playing catch-up on a couple of freelance jobs. I start teaching choreography for a local school musical I'm helping with tomorrow. And I'm trying to finish a new ms.

I don't know about you, but I get into a pretty weird head-space as I feel the words "the end" getting closer and closer. Have I written enough? Too much? Is the mushy middle of the novel still too mushy? Are my secondary characters sufficiently well-drawn? Is the book okay or will my mother be the only one who really likes it? And it doesn't help to be overwhelmed with other stuff.

Translation: There's been some procrastinating going on. Here are a few things I've done this past week in the time I didn't have to spare:

1. Wrote three poems about marriage and family that have nothing to do with YA manuscript.
2. Cleaned the playroom.
3. Reaffirmed my preference for cabernet over pinot noir.
4. Read my five-year-old a book (for 10-year-olds) on chess and tried to teach him to play.
5. Finished putting the holiday decorations away (while vaccuuming up the fake pine needles, came upon a piece of Easter grass, proving that I am not always so on top of the housekeeping scene).
6. Built a snowman with my kids...and a snow fort.

You'd think I'd have found the time to write my Monday blog post but, alas, as I sit down now to finish revising aforementioned freelance job, I realized that, no, blog still has Saturday's post. So, for what it's worth, here's something.

Happy Monday! (I think)

COVER TIME: Keeper of the Lost Cities

2012-01-14T11:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, the insanely busy Shannon Messenger revealed the cover for her debut mg novel, Keeper of the Lost Cities. Check it out!

So much pretty...the author name on the pedestal, the gorgeous & complex lantern, the light shining right out from the page. What do you like best about this beautiful cover art?

Bookanistas: A MILLION SUNS & UNDER THE NEVER SKY

2012-01-12T04:06:00.000-08:00

First, a quick reminder to click on over to win a FREE, LIVE AUTHOR VISIT from me!

Now, on to this Thursday's books! I’m starting my reading year looking up to the heavens with two amazing titles by fellow Bookanistas.

Beth Revis follows her gorgeous, NYT-best-selling debut novel, ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, by reuniting readers with Amy and Elder in her second impeccably-crafted and heart-rending sci-fi mystery, A MILLION SUNS.

Veronica Rossi explodes onto the dystopian scene with the gut-wrenching adventures of sheltered Aria who is exiled to the "Death Shop" wastelands. There she meets the wild, renegade Perry, who may be her only hope for survival UNDER THE NEVER SKY.

These books are very different but I cannot help but find it kind of fitting to start the new year in REAL (?!) life, with two titles that aim for (and reach) literary heights, with ideas and images that turn us skyward.

Want more Bookanista inspiration? Click along!

Christine Fonseca introduces some fabulous reads for 2012
Veronica Rossi adores EVERNEATH
Debra Driza is in a frenzy over LARKSTORM with giveaway
Katy Upperman sings the praises of BEFORE I DIE

HOW TO WRITE A BOOK REVIEW

2012-01-10T13:00:00.000-08:00

I'm doing a huge giveaway! If you post a review of AUDITION on Amazon or B&N, you could win a FREE, IN-PERSON AUTHOR VISIT from yours truly!
BUT with all your work, homework, and extracurriculars, do you really have time to write anything extra, even for a prize? As someone who writes, wants to support YA literature, doesn’t love everything, and has limited time, I've developed this quick model. Feel free to tweak it to suit your own needs...

HOW TO WRITE A BOOK REVIEW

IN 3 EASY STEPS

Write a one-sentence plot description (without spoilers). Think of it as a movie trailer line.
Write 2 sentences explaining what interested you. Comment on a character (intense, relatable, hot), a relationship (mother-daughter, boyfriend-girlfriend), or something abstract, such as setting (cool that it takes place at Disney land) or imagery (the author uses ice cream flavors to represent different moods of the main character). Pick just one or two of these suggestions.
Write a summary comment. Here you can say, “liked” or “loved.” If you really hated it, you are welcome to say so. I’m a bit of a Golden Rule gal myself, so I try to note something that appealed to me even if I don’t think the book totally worked. For example, “The author really tries to get inside the villain’s head and, even if you don’t reach the book’s conclusion with compassion for this character, you feel like you’ve been given a detailed glimpse into the mind of an angry troll (or whatever).”

I can put together one of these reviews in about twenty minutes (for some examples, check my Reviews page). Of course, if I love a book, I sometimes take more time. However, I want to help bring awareness to YA literature so I feel that getting a decent review done quickly is sometimes better than taking six months to finish a really detailed look at a novel.

Every review written counts as one entry in my giveaway, so if everyone in your class writes a review, you’ve got tons of chances to meet me in person. I'll come to one school in the continental US for FREE (airfare, travel, hotel, all covered). Plus I’ll bring a signed book. And swag. Mystery swag :)

Dear Twitter Bots and other very random things for this Monday.

2012-01-09T04:06:00.000-08:00

Just fyi, there are a zillion words and phrases (such as barf, acne, hair color, Tom Cruise) that I plan to use once and only once in my tweets. I wish you wouldn't retweet and follow based on these terms. I will only block you (and, if you're gross, report you). What is really the point of a "Barf Bot"? Bloggy friends, did you know such a thing exhists. And, a warning, before you use the word "mascara" in a Tweet--you better really want to learn a lot about cosmetics. Just fyi.

Stomach flu ripped through our house this week, so the fact that I managed 5,600 words this weeks makes me feel a little braggy. Especially since I got the flu myself and it came with a CRUEL migraine headache--the kind that hurts so much you can't even giggle because it makes your brain rattle painfully inside your skull. That said, gonna give a shout-out to Aleve PM. That stuff rocks.

Before I got sick, drank a fantastic red wine, a 2006 Pirouette from the Columbia Valley. Just fabulous.

And, finally, while recovering on Sunday night, watched the entire first season of Showtime's EPISODES. Hilarious, intelligent, raw--great comedy. Almost great enough to make me spring for Showtime. Yeah, it was that good. Tamsin Greig is SO my new girl crush even though she...Well, if I tell you what she does in Episode 7 it'll really spoil the season for you, so I'm gonna just say, well, I'm shutting up.

Doesn't get much more random than that, eh?

Bookanistas: FIVE FLAVORS OF DUMB by Antony John

2012-01-05T10:09:00.000-08:00

Plot without spoilers…Seventeen-year-old, deaf Piper may be the last person you'd imagine landing the role of manager of a high school rock band called Dumb--it's probably the last thing she imagined doing herself. But, between her parents' "borrowing" from her college savings and her best friend (the only other deaf kid at their school) moving away, senior year is looking like it'll be a disaster already, senior year is already a bit of a nightmare so she somehow stumbles into the chaotic role. Piper got a lot to learn, not just about management and the music scene, but about hopes and dreams and people and art...and maybe about how to be happy.

Of literary interest…TThe notions of hearing and communicating, giving and receiving, through speech, sign, expression, body language and music are twisted, turned and examined with incredible elegance and insight. This is a beautifully crafted novel, with a unique and compelling protagonist. There were moments when I began to worry I was getting near the end because I didn't want to leave Piper and the band!
Finally, just gotta say…I love the way the author weaves the stories of Kurt Cobain and Jimi Hendrix into the story with such passion for their music. Oh, and the scenes with Piper and Ed in the coffee shop are great: clean, simple, and sometimes a little smokin' :)

And here's more Happy New Year Bookanista deliciousness for you...
Elana Johnson offers musings on her Bookanista moments

Jessi Kirby savors HOW TO SAVE A LIFE
Nikki Katz is crazy for ASHFALL
Debra Driza adores ANGEL FALL
Shelli Johannes-Wells celebrates January Bookanista books--plus a DISCOVERY OF WITCHES giveaway
Lila Roecker shouts for joy over SHATTER ME.

Bookanistas: GETTING PSYCHED FOR 2012

2011-12-29T04:06:00.000-08:00

For my last Bookanista post for 2011 (can you believe it?), I present to you half a dozen titles that have me psyched for the new year to begin. These are books I HAVEN'T READ YET. Not included on this list are 2012 releases that I've already read as arcs, that I've already reviewed and/or that I'll be reviewing here on upcoming Thursdays. So, with no further ado, some covers, some titles, some reasons...

UNDER THE NEVER SKY by Veronica Rossi
With international pubs and movie options galore, this is gonna make January great. Plus Veronica is absolutely delightful, and a serious dog person!

TEAM HUMAN by Justine Larbalestier & Sarah Rees Brennan
Justine is just an amazing wordsmith (if you don't believe me, go read her book LIAR) and I'm pretty much up for anything she feels like writing.

THIS IS NOT A TEST by Courtney Summers
Loved SOME GIRLS ARE and FALL FOR ANYTHING. Here's an angsty pre-apocalyptic tale. I'm in!

MAY B Caroline Starr Rose
Like Caroline, I grew up loving the novels of Laura Ingalls Wilder so I'm beyond excited for a verse novel about a young girl and the struggles of prairie life.

THE OBSIDIAN BLADE by Pete Hautman
I wrote a reading guide for Pete's GODLESS years ago and it became one of my favorite YA novels. This looks like the start to an amazing trilogy.

GILT by Katherine Longshore
My agent-buddy Katie's debut novel pubs this spring. She's an Anglophile extraordinaire and a gorgeous writer. I just can't wait to get my hands on what's certain to be the start to a great historical fiction trilogy. (Confession: I've heard an arc may be coming my way soon. Hurrah!)

Here's some more almost-New-Year's-Eve Bookanista goodness:

Elana Johnson is entranced by UNTRACEABLE
Shannon Messenger shouts about twelve 2012 releases she can't wait for--and a pre-order giveaway!
Megan Miranda marvels at UNDER THE NEVER SKY
Corinne Jackson gushes over THE MATCHMAKER AND THE GHOST

Have a safe and happy December 31. I'll catch you on the flip side :)

Back-to-Business: BOOKSTORE SIGNINGS PART II - Some Statistics

2011-12-26T04:06:00.000-08:00

In 2011, after almost two decades working in educational marketing for trade publishers, I moved to the "other side" as a debut author. I also launched a group book tour project called Stages on Pages. While I benefitted from my experience supporting other authors' books, the learning curve was still steep. I want to share what I've learned in hopes that this helps other authors, as well as librarians and educators interested in working with authors. Here's the first post if you want to catch up. Today, I'm sharing some data from my informal survey on bookstore events (it's still open, so if you want to contribute (as a reader or writer) I'd BE THRILLED--just go here).

Preliminary Bookstore Event Survey Data

RESPONDENTS WERE: 75% YA authors; 25% MG an/dor picture book authors and,
OF THESE, 75% were debut authors and 25% multi-title and/or multi-genre authors (different breakdown)

NUMBER OF BOOKSTORE EVENTS RESPONDENTS ATTENDED THIS YEAR: 50% attended 4-6; 37.5 % attended 2-3; 12.5 % attended 7 or more.

Approximately 90% of respondents cited their launch or similar (e.g., hometown publishing celebration, etc.) as their most successful signing event, generally with turnouts around the 50 mark (1 author had over 100).

The most successful events respondents attended as audience members, were signings by Ellen Hopkins, Rick Riordan, Brandon Mull, and other authors with established careers and multiple titles on the shelves.

In terms of authors' opinion of what qualifies as "GOOD ATTENDANCE" for an event, the numbers divided evenly between 15-25 and 25-50. One anonymous respondent (not incorporated in stats) felt 5 people was a good showing for a newbie author. Sadly, over 60% of respondents have been to 2-3 bookstore events with fewer than 3 attendees.

75% of authors said BOOKSTORE EVENT ATTENDEES were primarily local friends and family. Two respondents added that some blog and twitter followers also came. ONE author cited bookstore outreach & publicity as the main way attendees were drawn to an event (more on this later).

FACEBOOK INVITATIONS were the #1 vehicle for publicizing bookstore events, though some authors also used Twitter and/or personal emails/newsletters. Most authors expressed uncertainty as to a truly effective method for spreading the word.

Many authors commented that, to a greater or lesser degree, they felt a responsibility for bringing in attendees for their events...

...an author has different marketing outlets than a bookstore. The author needs to do everything she can to promote the event. It's a lot of work, but is often the difference between 5 people showing up and 50. -- Beth Revis (ACROSS THE UNIVERSE and the upcoming A MILLION SUNS)

I think that bookstore signings CAN be successful, but I also think that you've got to put work into them if you want that to happen. The bodies aren't just going to show up (unless you're Ellen Freaking Hopkins). If I'm going to sign up for a bookstore event, I'm also committing to help get the word out. Good bookstores will do their part, but it's my event and (hopefully) my royalties, so it only makes sense for me to put some work in too. -- Carrie Harris (BAD TASTE IN BOYS and the upcoming BAD HAIR DAY)

So, do you agree with the statistics? Have something to add or another question to ask? Next week, I'll post on some ways I think this data can be interpreted or used--and I'm happy to incorporate suggestions you leave in the comments, too. Let's get thinking about this!

The Best Present...

2011-12-23T04:06:00.000-08:00

This has been a funny year for Santa Claus-ing. My two oldest sons, 17 and 15, are at the point where the things they really want (to score a winning touchdown, get the lead in the school play, kiss girls (arrrrgggghhh)) can't be found in stores. The five-year-old will find his much-wished for Hot Wheels and Legos under the tree. But, our eleven-year-old is at that tricky in-between spot: no longer a "believer" but still kind of wishing for that Christmas magic. Some years, as a parent, you get to deliver.

See, every Sunday, my 11-year-old listens to a Canadian radio show called The Vinyl Cafe hosted by the great storyteller Stuart McLean. He loves it. He wants to BE Stuart McLean. Yep, my son's life's dream is to be a public radio storyteller. About a year ago, he submitted a poem to Mr. McLean who kindly wrote an encouraging email reply (which I saved--this is important!).

At holiday time, Stuart tours Canada with a stage show just like the radio show: A bit of music but mostly a guy standing at a mic telling stories about family, pets, and small-town life. It's poignant and wonderful and HE ONLY MAKES ONE U.S. STOP: Seattle. My husband bought three tickets. When my son heard the ad on the radio, he immediately asked how many pairs of shoes he'd need to shine (that's how he earns his keep at our house!) to go to the show, he told him he was already going. His eyes lit up bright as a Christmas star.

Vinyl Cafe hat logo
Note that my son
is also a hat collector!

December 13 was the big night. We took our son our to the show. The theater was packed. My son laughed and sighed and clapped his palms red. But the best was yet to come. The week before, I'd dug through my emails and found the one from Stuart McLean. I wrote him, asking if he might meet my kid and he put us on the backstage list. After the show, a mystified son followed us not toward the exit but down to the stage, past two black-clad, important-looking security guys, up three flights of stairs to the dressing room. Mr. McLean kindly remembered my son, greeting him with "here's my young poet friend." I've never seem my son's eyes so huge--he was barely able to speak.

It was the kind of night you can never repeat. The kind of magic for which you can only be grateful. Yesterday, my son said to me, "I kind of don't need Christmas this year. For me, Christmas has already happened."

Enough said.

Corrine Jackson cover reveal!

2011-12-21T12:17:00.000-08:00

The talented and delightful Corrine Jackson has an early Christmas present for YA-dom today: She's revealing the cover for her upcoming debut novel, IF I LIE.

Here it is:

Go over to Corrine's website to read the flap copy and get to know her (she's also a rockin' YA Rebel, a beautiful Bookanista and, heck, just a lot of fun!).

Bookanistas: ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS...

2011-12-15T04:06:00.000-08:00

First, a quick request to published authors to take a moment to complete my Book Signing Survey for a future Back-to-Business post.

Now, on to the festivities...What am I doing putting books on my holiday wish list when I've got an office floor covered in arcs and a tbr list as long as Santa's "good 'n' bad" one? As far as I'm concerned, there's no better way to spend Christmas night than curled up by the fire with a brand new book -- the old-fashioned paper-over-boards kind (sorry, Kindle) -- and a steaming cup of cocoa. I asked the Twitterverse for some contemporary YA titles and, after looking through the many great suggestions (some of which were awesome but I'd already read them), I've chosen four that were brought to my attention by multiple tweeps, with rave reviews. Now I just need to hope that Santa reads my blog!

PAST PERFECT
by Leila Sales

SAVING JUNE

by Hannah Harrington

FIVE FLAVORS OF DUMB
by Anthony John

THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER
by Stephen Chbosky

\

Want some great suggestions for your holiday and/or future wish lists? Here's what a few other Bookanistas are raving about this week:

Elana Johnson takes a shine to A MILLION SUNS
Jessi Kirby devours BITTERSWEET
Veronica Rossi is in a frenzy over FRACTURE
Katy Upperman ponders THE FUTURE OF US
Shannon Whitney Messenger adores UNDER THE NEVER SKY with preorder giveaway

Book Signings - a survey for published writers

2011-12-13T11:30:00.000-08:00

BOOKSTORE SIGNINGS PART I: Tough Realities

2011-12-12T13:08:00.000-08:00

Me siging.
Note the swag,
and candy!

There's a two-word phrase that rattles the nerves of most authors: BOOKSTORE SIGNING. Why? The notion seems thrilling. You show up at a bookstore, read a bit, sell and sign copies, and meet readers. Easy-peasy, huh? Ask a few published authors (and not Stephenie Meyer (no disrespect) and the thrill may morph into something like nausea. Because, unless you're a MAJOR, best-selling, movie-deal type author with a massive fan base and tons of publisher-publicity support, the scenario very well may go something more like this:

Find an opportunity to sign your book at a bookstore.
Help bookstore publicize as much as you can (and tell all of your friends and relatives).
Show up and pray some folks are there to hear you.
Sell a few books.
Go home.
Drink wine.

I know, I know, it's holiday time. Why am I stomping on your jollies? Don't worry, some cheer will follow. First, I want to explain WHY many book signings go like this. Note that I am not referring to the special case of book launch parties here but signings more generally.)

So...WHY do many book signings turn out as described above?

1. You are competing with nearly INFINITE OPTIONS for peoples' time. In the case of MG and YA readers, you've got homework, sports, extracurriculars, birthday parties, the commitments of the parents who'd need to drive them, favorite television programs, plans with friends... In sum, kids are oversubscribed.
2. You are inviting folks to something they don't necessarily understand all that well. This is a sad fact for folks like me but, face it, book signings are not mainstream entertainment. So, they require a LOT of explaining and incentivizing to get past barrier #1 above. If you're a debut author on top of this, you've only got one title to offer, limiting the interest and incentives even further.

3. You may also be trying to invite a second population: the adult YA writer-reader community. They're often a more reliable crowd than tween/teen readers but are, again, over-committed (often with kids of their own). PLUS, targeting your event to two readership groups may mean your event isn't ideally structured and/or marketed to either.

4. Publicizing any book signing is very difficult. There are great indies with weekly events, a newsletter, a dynamic website--even if you're listed in all these venues, the events folks will tell you turnout is a roll of the dice. Listings in newspapers, radio, etc., are difficult to get and, again, yield major roll-of-the-dice results.

5. Book signings are often in competition with each other. Despite the end of Borders, the plights of the indies, etc., there are still many bookstores in some urban centers. I did one group signing in LA on a Saturday when it turned out there were FIVE OTHER YA/MG book events happening in the city that afternoon. I also did a signing at a bookstore that had hosted another event the previous night (burnout for the local crowd) that was also just an hour after another bookstore in that city had hosted an event for an AWESOME, NYT-bestselling YA author (I would have gone if I didn't have my own event that night!).

So, what's an author to do? First, don't worry. THERE ARE WAYS TO UP THE ODDS, CREATE GREAT EVENTS, and SPREAD THE WORD EFFECTIVELY. Plus, tune back on Wednesday when I'll be posting a survey where you can share your own information.

Another reason to love Stephen Colbert

2011-12-09T11:42:00.000-08:00

The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive

Bookanistas: DON'T BREATHE A WORD by Holly Cupala

2011-12-08T04:06:00.000-08:00

Plot without spoilers...Joy Delamere runs away from a family trying to protect her and a boy who is trying to own her -- but can she find freedom or safety on the streets of Seattle?

Of literary interest... In her second novel, Tell Me a Secret author Holly Cupala again explores dark issues of teen life and relationships. Joy has asthma, so the notion of "breathing a word" is both intensely literal and richly metaphoric. How long Joy can keep secret the truths of her abusive romance, her real identity, and even the dangers of her disease keeps the book racing forward.

Finally, just gotta say...I was fascinated by the way Cupala slowly reveals the details of what happened between desperate Joy and dark, angry Asher, adding a layer of mystery to this gritty, realistic tale. I also loved the way asthma works as a plot element and leitmotif throughout the novel. While I've seen several asthma-themed picture books, the incorporation of breathing issues into a work of YA fiction is unusual and it's been done wonderfully well here--exploring the medical and emotional issues associated with this Joy's life-threatening condition. An intense, fascinating and important read.

And here's where you'll find more Bookanista book love this week...

Elana Johnson roars for FURY
Shannon Whitney Messenger marvels at A MILLION SUNS plus a preorder giveaway
Shelli Johannes-Wells swoons for UNDER THE NEVER SKY
Carolina Valdez Miller is all about HERE with giveaway
Gretchen McNeil twirls for AUDITION
Corrine Jackson hails THE CATASTROPHIC HISTORY OF ME AND YOU
Katy Upperman gets in the spirit with ELF ON A SHELF
Nikki Katz dishes on WHY WE BROKE UP

Books for Thought

2011-12-07T11:46:00.000-08:00

What is the fate of the paper book? I was asked this question by journalism student and blogger Rachel Chinapen, who created this terrific video for a research project. What do you think about the future of books versus e-books?

Books for Thought from Rachel A. Chinapen on Vimeo.

Some thougts on Writing Workshops

2011-12-06T04:06:00.000-08:00

I've recently had the pleasure of teaching writing workshops at libraries on both the east and west coast. And I wanted to share a few things that, for me, make the writing workshops lively and satisfying.

Set a goal for your writing workshop. I say something like, "Our goal for today will be to explore where our stories come from and how we give them depth and rich details."
Make it clear that this is a safe space for sharing. Especially if this is the first time you've taught a given group, point out that today is about writing and sharing--it's not a critique group--and the feedback you offer will be about the things in the story that are working. STICK TO THE POSITIVE--don't shut down beginning writers!
Always do the writing assignments with the group. I think this shows respect for the folks who have come to learn from you and your own dedication to your craft.
READ OUT LOUD. I think that teens are often asked to write about books but rarely shown how they can USE examples from novels to hone their own craft. I use excerpts from THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak, REVOLUTION by Jennifer Donnelly, and THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE by Jandy Nelson, among other texts, to model how NAMES/WORD CHOICE, DESCRIPTION/SETTING, and LITERARY FORMS can be explored to enhance your story. (Plus, I love hearing good work read aloud and I think lots of other people do, too!)
LISTEN. Encourage writers to share and, when they do, stay focused, take a few notes, and give clear feedback on what is working. The MOST IMPORTANT goal for a writing instructor (I think) is to send students away wanting to write MORE.

We're all in a safe space here!

You're here writing--not home watching television.
Congratulations -- you're already a success tonight!

Ask folks to put down pencils when they're finished
so you know when the work is done.

Who says boys don't read--and write?!

If adults want to join the writing group,
I say YES - but they have to really JOIN
the improv and sharing time, too!

Leave time to chat, sign books, and generally hang out after the workshop.
And make sure to continue to encourage young writers
even though your "teacher hat" is off!

FLYAWAY author Helen Landalf's fang-tastic audition story

2011-12-05T04:06:00.000-08:00

Helen Landalf is a fellow western Washington writer, a dance teacher, and an all around amazing person. I am so excited to have her guest posting here today--the first audition story to debut here at my blog (moving some of the other audition stories over next year). Make sure to check out Helen's debut novel, FLYAWAY, on sale December 20th!

What a lot of people don't know about me is that before I became a writer, I was an actress. I starred in lots of shows at my high school, acted in community theatre in my hometown of San Diego, and even won a scholarship to study drama at San Diego State University. I dreamed of being a star, and that dream almost came true. The one thing that stopped me was my tooth.

See, I have this one pointy tooth at the front left side of my mouth that I've always called my fang. I was so self-conscious about it when I was younger that I developed a lopsided smile. It was this tooth which lost me a role and changed the course of my life.

When I was in my early 20s, I entered a contest called "Catch a Rising Star," hosted by the local TV station. As one of the finalists, I ended up with an agent, who sent me out on an audition for the lead female role in an independent movie being filmed at the prestigious American Film Institute in Los Angeles. It was the perfect part for me: a sweet small-town girl who wants to be a singer. I dressed in a skirt and heels and drove to L.A., where they had me read from the script and then sing a few bars of "You Light Up My Life." I wanted that part and I wanted it bad, so I opened my mouth wide and belted my heart out.

A few days later, my agent called to say that I'd come close but didn't get the part. What ultimately swayed the director's decision? My tooth. It didn't look good when I sang on camera. Naturally, I was devastated. My agent told me that if I seriously wanted a career in film, I needed to see a dentist and get that tooth capped. After many agonizing weeks of thought, I refused. I decided that if I had to change myself in order to make it as an actress, it wasn't what I truly wanted to do.

And so I embarked on the path of becoming a writer. And when my debut novel, FLYAWAY, releases in December, I can guarantee you that, fang or no fang, I'll be grinning from ear to ear.

Helen Landalf's debut YA novel, FLYAWAY, releases from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt this December. Visit her online at http://www.helenlandalf.com/.

Bookanistas: Meet My Very UnFairy Tale Life author Anna Staniszewski

2011-12-01T04:06:00.001-08:00

I was thrilled to cyber-meet the lovely Anna Staniszewski, author of MY VERY UNFAIRYTALE LIFE, and I just had to ask her this question: IF YOU COULD BE ANY MAGICAL CHARACTER, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

Here's what she said: One of my favorite fantasy characters is Miri from Princess Academy by Shannon Hale. She's a strong, determined girl who isn't afraid to speak her mind--she's certainly much braver than I am! While there's only a touch of magic in Miri's world, I love that it's rooted in her community; it gives people a way to connect with each other and with the land. I'm fascinated by the idea of magic that's tied to nature, and that people can tap into it if they have the ability. And finally, I must admit that my ten-year-old self would have killed to be sent off to learn how to be a princess! I wasn't a girlie-girl when I was younger, but I had a soft-spot for princesses. After all, who doesn't like a little sparkle?

Anna was born in Poland and raised in the United States. Oh, and she is amazing! She was named the 2006-2007 Writer-in-Residence at the Boston Public Library and was a winner of the 2009 PEN New England Susan P. Bloom Discovery Award. Currently, Anna lives outside of Boston with her husband and their adopted black Labrador, Emma. When she's not writing, Anna spends her time teaching, reading, and challenging unicorns to games of hopscotch. Visit her online at http://www.annastan.com/.

And for more Bookanista goodness, hop along to...

Lisa and Laura Roecker gush about HOW TO SAVE A LIFE

Shannon Messenger raves about CINDER--with an ARC Giveaway!

Megan Miranda spreads the love for UNTRACEABLE

Corrine Jackson falls for UNDER THE NEVER SKY

Debra Driza sings the praises of EVERYBODY SEES THE ANTS

Katy Upperman gets swept away by THE SCORPIO RACES

AUTHOR TOURS: Part I - The Cost-Benefit Analysis

2011-11-28T16:06:00.000-08:00

This is the first in my multi-part series on group author tours. Over the past months, I founded and coordinated a tour called STAGES ON PAGES (http://www.stagesonpages.com/) comprised of authors who write about the performing arts and who were/are musicians, actors, and dancers.

Stages on Pages Fall 2011 was a blast and we are SO continuing on into 2012, adding new writers, and expanding in all sorts of ways. However, it's not all rainbows and unicorns. I'm going to be brutally honest here about what worked, what didn't and what I still really wish I knew. So, let's begin at the beginning...

What is a group author tour?

Well, duh, it's a book tour involving multiple authors. But, seriously, a GOOD group tour is a collective that makes sense in some of these ways:

1. Authors are writing in the same genre or age/grade range (e.g., YA/upper middle grade; picture books; mysteries; etc.)
2. The authors themselves have reasons to be together (e.g., backgrounds, writing interests, geography)
3. Everyone is excited about coming together and is willing to help organize, promote and otherwise support the tour.

First leg of Stages on Pages
LA - October 2011 with
Gretchen McNeil,
Elise Allen, me,
& Allen Zadoff

So, say you like this definition and the idea of putting together a group author tour is starting to excite you. Before you get started, you might want to consider these drawbacks.

1. Group author tours have become rather trendy. Smart Chicks Kick It and Ash2Nash are author-originated tours, while Dark Days of Supernatural is tour organized by Harper Teen. Author collectives such as the Elevensies and Seattle7Writers, and writers who just happen to be coming together in a give city also arrange group events. So...there are LOTS of them. Sometimes more than one in the same city on the same day!
2. Group tours are a LOT of work.

BUT I DON'T MEAN TO DISCOURAGE YOU because, goup tours also have terrific benefits.

1. You don't have to speak for ages or sign books alone.
2. If you're a debut author with one title, in hardcover, and no backlist, it's nice to be signing with others so there are a variety of books to offer to readers in attendance.
3. Publicity and other tasks related to the tour can be shared.
4. Hitting the road to promote your book enables you to visit bookstores where you'll meet many terrific booksellers and connect with bloggers, librarians and teachers who often come to author events.
5. You make lots of nice writer friends. (Don't joke--this is really fantastic!)

So, do the cost-benefit analysis. Does the idea of organizing a book tour excite you? Are you willing to take the risk that you'll be competing with lots of other tours, and do the work required? Do you enjoy meeting booksellers, readers and people in general and want some brick-and-mortar bookstore events to be part of the way you send your novel out into the world? If the answer is yes, my next BOOK TOUR post will be all about how to find your tour peeps. Come back soon!

A Very Young Dancer, A Very Young Paparazzo, and some thoughts on fame

2011-11-24T04:06:00.001-08:00

Recently, a friend directed me to an article about the adulthood of the real-life star of Jill Krementz's iconic 1976 ballet book, A Very Young Dancer. Here is the link to the poignant and rather sobering tale.

I was not yet in double digits when this book was published, but I had already been dancing for years. I thought the photographs were beautiful and I loved the book but, honestly, I was not deceived by the rather glamorous picture it painted. I already had a sense of the bittersweet life that is ballet (or gymnastics or elite soccer or any activitiy a child decides to pursue at an intense, professional level). Still, something I had never considered was the impact of the fame which befell (word choice intentional) the book's star, Stephanie. Oddly, in a fit of procrastionation this week, I also saw parts of Adrian Grenier's film Teenage Paparazzo, another exploration of a child experiencing fame in the wake of another famous person's creation. Neither young ballerina Stephanie nor teen celebrity photographer Austin could have truly understood the creative power and reach of the people who made a book and a film about them.

Should these "subjects" be considered victims of the fame machine? Certainly, the world viewed them with great envy (at least for awhile). Was it all worth it for Stephanie or Austin? For Grenier or Krementz? What is the artist's responsibility to his muse? This is a question I wanted to explore in my novel, AUDITION, which at this very moment I am happy is a work of my own imagination and NOT a documentary.

It would be hard to deny that writing books is, at one level, a grasp at immortality and as such, a grasp at some type of fame. I won't deny that, while I'm getting lots of nice feedback on Audition, had it leapt out of the gate as a prize-winning novel of the year, I would not have turned away whatever celebrity came with that. And, yeah, I do have occasional nightmares about being remaindered (book lingo for no-more-print-runs!).

So, in the context of my novel, the question I see is: Is Remington a villain or just another desperate artist fearing obscurity? What were Stephanie and Austin? Grenier and Krementz? What am I?

Here it comes--a dance thriller!

2011-11-21T04:06:00.000-08:00

Is internet fame as a dancer Ali's dream-come-true or a step toward real danger?

Check out Carol Tanzman's new book here!

HAPPY TO BE WRITING AGAIN!

2011-11-19T04:06:00.001-08:00

I've been home a little more than 24 hours, cooked two dinners (much appreciated by hubs and kids), wiped a lot of sticky surfaces, and posted a bunch of tour pictures over at Stages on Pages.

Here are just a few highlights of my own:

Stopping in to a B&N in Holyoke, Massachusetts where there just happened to be a group of teen mothers from the amazing Care Center gathering to read their own poetry. I was thrilled to be able to give them a copy of my Audition and to spend a bit of time enjoying their reading.

Getting to know the incredible, awesome, amazing, generous and smart authors of Stages on Pages. I have learned so much from each and every one of them--and from the many other authors, bloggers and writers whose paths I crossed along the tour.

Being surprised by the dear Suzanne Morgan Williams in the audience at Books of Wonder.

I really should disappear for awhile now to fulfill some writing obligations. But the truth is that I'm kind of addicted to blogging. Also, I really want to share some of the things I've learned about organizing a grassroots book tour, bookstore appearances, school visits, and more. So, before I forget, I'll be doing some posts on those topics. Oh yeah, and I'll be mailing a lot of stuff I owe people.

Home at last!

2011-11-18T07:45:00.000-08:00

Honestly, I'm just writing this post to see if Blogger & IE9 have gotten to be friends. So, the pictures and fun stuff will come later. But I am definitely very happy to be home with my family and SO excited to get back to a normal writing schedule. Happy Friday!

In beautiful New Hampshire

2011-11-13T04:06:00.000-08:00

I am so looking forward to finishing up my swing back east with stops in my home state. I'll be giving a writing workshop at the lovely Hopkinton Town Library on Monday 11/14 at 6:30 pm (all are welcome), then visiting Hopkinton High School on Tuesday afternoon before joining the ever-wonderful Stages on Pages author Rosanne Parry, plus NH Arts Commissioner Van McLeod and a some wonderful arts educators and teen performers at GIBSONS'S BOOKSTORE in Concord, NH, at 7 pm.

Here's a very nice review from The Concord Monitor. I feel a bit braggy posting it here but I really do love what she says about verse, plus there are a few nice excerpts in case you're curious.

Anyone else love Books of Wonder?

2011-11-10T04:06:00.000-08:00

The first time I ever went to Books of Wonder in New York City, I met the amazing Peter Sis, whose books I adore, especially, THE WALL and THE STARRY MESSENGER. At the time, I was just overwhelmed by the everything awesome of that store. And TODAY, I'll be signing there myself with the Stages on Pages gang! Nervous much? Umm, yeah!

Oh, and from there, the Stages on Pages crew is on to three more awesomely amazing indies: VORACIOUS READER (Larchmont, NY 11/11); DOLPHIN BOOKSHOP (Port Washington, NY 11/12); and OBLONG BOOKS (Rhinebeck, NY 11/13). Swing by Stages on Pages for details.

Catching my breath

2011-11-08T11:58:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe that it's been about a month since Audition landed on shelves: The longest and shortest four weeks of my life. I have learned a ton that I want to share as soon as I wrap up the final 2011 leg of the Stages on Pages book tour.

By this evening, I'll have lots of pictures up at http://www.stagesonpages.com/ so you can take a look at how the west coast portions of the trip went. Then, when I get home, I'll be sharing my thoughts on some of these things:

Live Book Tours - pros and cons
Virtual Promotion - how much is too much
The Awesome that is the Book Blogger Community
Thoughts on THE POST-DEBUT NOVEL (choosing what to write)

I am SO EXCITED to get back to the on-the-side part of my blog--to share insights of value to other writers who are on the journey, be they published, agented, awaiting their debuts, or in an earlier stage and wanting to educate themselves. I am also looking forward to having a bit more time to write my own stuff and to read more books by my friends and colleagues.

Right now, though, it's back to preparing for school and library programs, coordinating with tour authors, and connecting with the many friends I hope to see in New York and New Hampshire in the coming days. Okay, I guess I've only got a minute to catch my breath right now. Well, it's been nice!

Final PacNW Stop for Stages on Pages - A CHILDREN'S PLACE, Portland on Sunday 11/6 at 2 PM

2011-11-05T16:06:00.000-07:00

Join me, Jessica Martinez, Tara Kelly, Conrad Wesselhoeft and special guest blogger-writer Sara Gundell as we wrap up the west coast leg of STAGES ON PAGES at A CHILDREN'S PLACE, Portland, OR, on Sunday, November 6 at 2 PM. What a wild and wonderful week in the PacNW!

SHAWN OR SHANE & a WHALE of a good time at ORCA BOOKS, Olympia - Saturday 11/5 at 4 PM

2011-11-04T16:03:00.000-07:00

Trying to put some finishing touches on a new manuscript BUT I'm having trouble with the name of the love interest character. For ages he was Seth but I've recently read TWO novels containing Seths, each so interesting and quirky that I cannot get them out of my head. However, for a variety of word-crafty reasons, I want to keep a one-syllable name beginning with S. (Truth: I have over time developed weird formulaic restrictions about character names--how many can be mono-syllabic versus multi-syllabic, end in IE or Y, start with a hard consonant... Yup, just another freak-fact about me!) So, what do we think:

SHAWN or SHANE?

Leave a comment below or, if you live near Olympia, WA, come tell me in person this Saturday at

ORCA BOOKS

509 E. 4th Ave.

Olympia, WA 98502

Meet the authors of the books shown below.

Win signed books, posters, literary swag & more!

Plus a surprise performance event!

BOOKANISTA THURSDAY & Signing at Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, WA 11/4 at 4 PM

2011-11-03T19:03:00.000-07:00

No review this Thursday since I'm on the road with Stages on Pages but there's plenty of Bookanista goodness to be found...

Elana Johnson is crazy about Crossed and Shatter Me
LiLa Roecker swoons for Sirenz
Christine Fonseca interviews Kids Inventing! author Susan Casey
Shelli Johannes-Wells dishes on Become (Desolation Book #1)
Beth Revis celebrates books for which she’s grateful – with gigantic signed book giveaway
Jessi Kirby applauds Virtuosity
Megan Miranda marvels at How to Save a Life
Rosemary Clement Moore is wild for The Iron Witch
Veronica Rossi is amazed by Shatter Me

And, if you're in the Seattle area, swing by Third Place Books on Friday 11/4 at 4 PM. Besides the awesomeness of spending some time with fellow authors

JESSICA MARTINEZ, CONRAD WESSELHOEFT, ROSANNE PARRY & LOUISE SPIEGLER

there's the YUM of Honey Bear Bakery jam thumbprint cookies and this window!

Bring your family for book talk then dinner (or, in my case, straight to the bakery treats!). Fun for readers of all ages and a perfect Friday night!

I'll be dancing & signing at SECRET GARDEN BOOKS, Seattle 11/3 at 7 PM

2011-11-02T04:06:00.000-07:00

Come join me and friends Jessica Martinez (Virtuosity), Rosanne Parry (Second Fiddle), Louise Spiegler (The Jewel & the Key), Conrad Wesslehoeft (Adios, Nirvana) and student actors from Seattle Childrens Theater as we bring our novels to life and admit the many reasons we are both writer and theater geeks!

Audition Blog Tour Winners & Something Special!

2011-11-01T04:06:00.000-07:00

Wow, thanks to everyone who entered the AUDITION BLOG TOUR GIVEAWAY. We had 181 individual entries, so I've added two more signed poster prizes to the winner list below (I'll email you all, too):

Ballerina Swag Packs (3):
Sonia; Rose C; Michelle Santiago

Signed Audition Posters (5):
Vivien; RivkaBelle; Kristi-The Book Faery: Jennifer-YA Booknerd; Myra C

Signed copy of AUDITION:
Lisa McGeen

These are some old
ones of mine--prize
shoes will be new
(and clean!)

BUT THERE'S MORE! I'm so grateful for your awesome support that I want to do something extra special. So, I owe you guys one more prize and it's gonna be a doozy. Everyone who entered this giveaway (even if you've already won something) will have their names dropped back in the hat for A PAIR OF POINTE SHOES SIGNED BY MANY OF YOUR FAVORITE YA AUTHORS (including me) through the month of November. Plus you can enter again up to once a day through November 30 (contest closes that day at 9 PM Pacific time). AND, I'll be tweeting and facebooking every time I get a new signature on the shoes!

Ready for a Halloween Scare (heehee)?

2011-10-31T04:06:00.000-07:00

Gretchen McNeil and I are vlogging about our fears over at

Total Bookaholic's HAUNTED HALLOWEEN!

Click over and get your spooky on!

Wrapping up the blog tour with whip cream & a cherry

2011-10-29T07:06:00.000-07:00

Chatting Audition with Pam over at her amazing blog, BOOKALICIOUS!

Meet AUDITION bad boy Remington over at A Good Addiction!

2011-10-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

Click here for the character interview!

Plus chatting about writing and dancing at Novel Novice!

Bookanistas: THE DAY BEFORE by Lisa Schroeder

2011-10-27T04:06:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled to be reviewing another verse novel--especially one with a layer of music! Before jumping in, I did want to mention that I'll be opining on writing, dancing and bad boys at Novel Novice, in case you haven't had enough of my blog tour ;)

Plot without spoilers…An exceedingly complex family situation has turned Amber’s life into a mess of confusion. In an attempt to sort things out, she decides to run away to the beach—for just one day. But instead of peace, she finds Cade, whose life may be as full of heartache as her own.

Of literary interest…The Day Before is a novel in verse, a form dear to my heart. Beyond this, though, Lisa Schroeder intersperses letters from various past times that give the “day before” greater meaning. I also love the way the novel feels as evanescent, as fleeting, as the time that slips away from Amber and Cade as the story progresses.

Finally, just gotta say…As one verse/chapter title notes, there’s a very big “reveal” toward the end of the novel and I so don’t want to give it away. What I will say is that this novel is full of surprises and texture. I particularly enjoyed the way Cade’s band and its lyrics meshed into the story. And, oh, that romantic night at the beach…!

What are the other Bookanista's rockin' on today?
Elana Johnson REVEALS something awesome!
LiLa Roecker announces a winner - plus Past Midnight series giveaway
Christine Fonseca reveals books she cannot wait to read
Beth Revis interviews My Very UnFairytale Life author Anna Staniszewski
Shannon Whitney Messenger interviews Skyship Academy-Pearl Wars author Nick James & agent Jennifer Rofe – with giveaway
Jessi Kirby twirls for Audition
Shana Silver burns for Circle of Fire
Carrie Harris devours Deadly

Tonight! Meet some great Western Washington Writers!

2011-10-26T04:06:00.000-07:00

SCBWI Western Washington's

FALL 2011 INSIDE STORY

Wednesday 26 October - 7 PM

Sunset Hill Community Association

3003 NW 66th Street, Seattle (Ballard)

SWING ON BY AND GET THE SCOOP on NEW BOOKS BY

Helen Landalf * Pam Withers * Laurie Isop * Bonny Becker * Jim Whiting * Carole Lexa Schaefer * Margaret Read MacDonald * Jesse Joshua Watson * Wendy Wahman * Holly Cupala * Heather Davis * Lois V. Harris * Kevan Atteberry * Louise Spiegler...and me!

AMPLIFIED

2011-10-25T04:06:00.000-07:00

Tara Kelly's second novel totally rocks!

Read all about it!

Happy Saturday!

2011-10-22T04:06:00.000-07:00

I'll be signing with Gretchen McNeil and Allen Zadoff at the B&N in sunny Manhattan Beach, CA. We're featuring LIVE TEEN ACTORS (yep, they'll all be breathing) performing scenes from our novels! C'mon out. Or, if you live, say, a zillion miles away you can catch up with me online at Books Devoured.

And, if you feel like winning stuff...

Bookanistas: VIRTUOSITY by Jessica Martinez

2011-10-20T04:06:00.000-07:00

It's been wild times here since Audition pubbed this past Thursday. I've been bopping round the blogosphere, including this stop at The Well-Read Wife. And today, I'm signing books at Mrs. Nelson's in LaVerne, CA. BUT FIRST, I want to encourage you to read this gorgeous debut novel. The review below does not do it justice but (sorry for the bad pun), it is a virtuosic work of contemporary YA.

Plot without spoilers...Carmen is a celebrated violin prodigy with a recording contract and a place at Juilliard waiting for her in the fall. Then, weeks before the most important competition of her life, she meets a boy who might change everything.

Of literary interest...Like a complex symphony, Jessica Martinez has created a novel with many layers. It is at once coming-of-age-story, romance, and even has a bit of music insider intrigue. At its core, though, is the story of her wonderful main character: the anguished, lovely, wanting-to-grow-up Carmen.

Finally, just gotta say...The author lays bare the quest for artistic mastery and the vulnerability of a girl experiencing her first romance in a novel that is once achingly raw and poignantly elegant.

What are the rest of the Bookanistas rhapsodizing over today?
LiLa Roecker hosts The White Assassin blog tour stop – with giveaway

Christine Fonseca celebrates How to Save a Life
Jessi Kirby twirls for Audition
Shana Silver shivers for Shatter Me
Veronica Rossi is ensnared by Girl of Fire and Thorns
Shelli Johannes-Wells delves into Ditched

Enter the Stages on Pages Book Tour Giveaway

2011-10-19T04:06:00.000-07:00

It's INTERNATIONAL!

You can win a signed book PLUS a 30-minute Skype visit with an SoP author--use it to discuss your own manuscript-in-progress, work out an author interview, or just get some insights into the writer life and publication process--your choice!

Happy Pub Day to VIRTUOSITY

2011-10-18T04:06:00.000-07:00

Jessica Martinez's debut novel is a symphony in words, so GO READ SOME MUSIC !

And for you blog-tour junkies, I'm answering 5 tough questions over at The Well-Read Wife!

Kicking off the Stages on Pages Book Tour!

2011-10-17T04:06:00.001-07:00

I am SO EXCITED to be joining Gretchen McNeil, Allen Zadoff & Elise Allen for the first leg of the Stages on Pages Book Tour featuring a dozen authors who write about the arts.

Check out our trailer--debuting today!

My favorite page

2011-10-14T04:06:00.000-07:00

So, a week or so ago, a box came in the mail. Here's what's was inside:

It was a pretty wild feeling but one thing hasn't changed since the day I wrote it: my favorite page. It's not the opening, Sara's moment of realization, or even the end. It's this:

I'm a bad photographer, but it says
"In loving memory of Kevin James Kehoe, Sr.
and Charlotte Elizabeth Eck."

During the time I was writing AUDITION, my family lost two very special members--far too soon. They were very much in my mind and heart as I worked on the novel. And when the happy time came to write the dedication page for the book, I didn't hesitate.

Writing novels is, in its way, the author's grasp at immortality. I won't deny it, there's something strangely satisfying about leaving some kind of tangible proof that I was here on this planet--that I had stories to tell. Still, better than this is sealing in ink the fact that others, who will not have the opportunity to do it for themselves, were here and were loved and mattered so much.

So, it's my pub date...

2011-10-13T04:06:00.000-07:00

I've heard all kinds of stories from fellow debut authors about how the day is an odd one--both thrilling and depressing. I was super-afraid of this day for a long time. Then, my lovely publisher decided to send me off to the Pacific NW Booksellers Association Convention on this very day. A place to go with copies of my book to sign and other authors to hang out with? Kind of ideal. And then, when I get home, I'll have a glass of wine with the hubs, take a deep breath, and catch up on bad television.

Oh, what am I talking about? I'll get home, drive my youngest to a birthday party, make deviled eggs for the opening night party of two of my other sons' production of Oliver, attend said production, then go home and start cleaning because my parents are coming to visit.

Probably should squeeze in some writing, too :)

And, don't miss all the Bookanista goodness this week:

Elana Johnson offers a preview of upcoming awesome!
LiLa Roecker dances for Audition
Christine Fonseca is wowed by Witch Eyes
Beth Revis features a guest post by Darkfall author Janice Hardy
Carolina Valdez Miller steps up to Audition – with giveaway
Shana Silver contemplates The Future of Us
Carrie Harris is dazzled by Don’t Stop Now
Corrine Jackson celebrates the success of Epic Fail
Shelli Johannes-Wells is psyched for some swell book launches!

T-minus one day till Audition pubs

2011-10-12T04:06:00.000-07:00

I'm actually kind of mellowing out at this point. I mean, it's pretty much out of my hands now. That said, I'm looking forward to my signing at PNBA tomorrow night, getting psyched for the October 18th launch part at B&N Woodinville, and putting together outfits for the LA leg of the Stages on Pages book tour. And I'm doing some super-random Tweeting and Facebooking.

If you're wondering where I'm popping up in the cyberverse this week (and aren't totally sick of me yet), here's the hop-along list:

OCTOBER 10 G Reads
OCTOBER 11 The Book Scout
OCTOBER 12 Author Spotlight at YA Contemps
OCTOBER 13 More than Just a Book & Confessions of a Bookaholic
OCTOBER 14 The Story Siren

Vlogging & Video Insanity

2011-10-10T04:06:00.000-07:00

Okay, ever since my chat with the amazing Sara from Novel Novice, I've gotten kind of into vlogging and video stuff. I made the trailer for the Stages on Pages book tour, an instructional video on writing kissing scenes, and a bunch of vlogs for my blog tour.

Now, I'm in the process of making my second "instructional video." I started it ages ago but have been so busy I didn't quite finish. Get ready, though. 'Cause it's kinda ridiculous :)

WORDSTOCK!

2011-10-08T04:06:00.001-07:00

A weekend of book-tastic fun in Portland, Oregon (description here).

NOT TO BE MISSED.

Will be partying tonight in my cute, new, grey velvet trousers.

Full report (with pictures if I get my act together) next week!

Inspired Friday

2011-10-07T04:06:00.000-07:00

Over at Princess Bookie today chatting about INSPIRATION!

And check out Cindy's awesome CONTEST CRAZE!

Bookanista Thursday

2011-10-06T04:06:00.000-07:00

Well, I just didn't make it. I'm reading a WONDERFUL book right now that I'd love to share with you but I just didn't get to the end. Crazy week. All the same, do hop along to catch the bookie goodness at some of the other Bookanista blogs or hop by The Book Cellar where I'll be talkin' AUDITION with Erica!

Elana Johnson is obsessed with Possess

Christine Fonseca twirls for Audition

Shannon Whitney Messenger is wowed by The White Assassin – with giveaway

Shelli Johannes-Wells applauds The Pledge

Beth Revis interviews The Girl of Fire & Thorns author Rae Carson

Carolina Valdez Miller delves into The Future of Us – with signed book giveaway

Shana Silver shouts out about Shut Out

Sarah Frances Hardy fancies You Will Be My Friend

October for Arts!!!

2011-10-05T04:06:00.000-07:00

The Page Turners Blog is featuring novels
about the performing arts all month in this cool feature:

They're featuring Audition this week and more great arts books later this month.
And, lest we have no midweek fun, check out this New York Times article dishing about writers' dining delights. What's your favorite by-the-keyboard treat?

Here's mine:

Chandeliers and Challenges, Elevator Pitches and French Kisses

2011-10-04T04:06:00.000-07:00

I wish I could tell you that this beautiful chandelier was purchased with money from a book deal but, alas, it was a 19th anniversary present for my husband. I WAY LOVE art glass and can't wait for this pretty to go into my front hall.

I'll ramble now from chandeliers to another awesome CH word: CHALLENGE. As a metaphor, a plot element, and a lens through which to analyze YA fiction, I'm exploring the term at today's Audition blog tour stop at the ever-awesome YA BLISS. The post also involves ELEVATOR PITCHES and FRENCH KISSES (see, I'm very rhymey after a glass of wine and a night with only 3 hours of sleep!). Now, aren't you curious? And, make sure you check out Sabrina's awesome YA HISTORICAL FICTION CHALLENGE, too!

On Blog Tours, Ruby Red Beverages & Burning Stuff

2011-10-03T04:06:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to be blog touring over at Good Books & Good Wine today and not just because there's a wine glass in her banner that just might be filled with nice Quilceda Creek cabernet! Audition will also be featured this week at the Page Turners Blog where there's a whole lotta dancin' going on!

And, lest you think all this blog tour celebrity is making me other-than-I-am, herewith a picture of stuff I burned while answering blog tour questions this past weekend. Questions, anyone?

A lovely blurb from Novel Novice & WIN!!!

2011-10-01T04:36:00.000-07:00

Audition by Stasia Ward Kehoe is a sexy, poignant, and beautifully written coming of age story that will enchant readers of all backgrounds

--Sara Gundell, http://www.novelnovice.com/

As you know, the blog tour kicks off today.

Go HERE for a list of stops.

And go HERE to enter to win signed books, posters, and all kinds of fun writing and ballerina swag.

My first Audition blog tour vlog is up at Eve's Fan Garden today. Hope on over and say hi!

Ready...Set...Audition Blog Tour!

2011-09-30T04:06:00.000-07:00

Here's the (okay, I went a little crazy) schedule of Audition Blog Tour stops, plus a few fun detours. Here and there, there'll be prizes (referring you here to 9/28's Swag Attack post) & surprises. Hope you'll hop along from time to time to...

OCTOBER 1 Eve’s Fan Garden
OCTOBER 3 Good Books and Good Wine
OCTOBER 4 YA Bliss and Arts in YA feature week at The Page Turners Blog
OCTOBER 6 The Book Cellar
OCTOBER 7 Princess Bookie
OCTOBER 9 Missy Reads Reviews
OCTOBER 10 G Reads
OCTOBER 11 The Book Scout
OCTOBER 12 Author Spotlight at YA Contemps
OCTOBER 13 Haunted Halloween at Confessions of a Bookaholic; More than Just a Book
OCTOBER 14 The Story Siren
OCTOBER 15-16 Debut feature at Badass Bookie
OCTOBER 16 Red House Books
OCTOBER 18 The Well-Read Wife
OCTOBER 19 Good Choice Reading
OCTOBER 20 Bloggers (heart) Books
OCTOBER 21 A Backward Story
OCTOBER 22 Books Devoured
OCTOBER 23 A Backward Story & Reclusive Bibliophile
OCTOBER 24 Literary Rambles
OCTOBER 25 The Hiding Spot
OCTOBER 26 The Undercover Book Lover; The ModPodge Bookshelf
OCTOBER 27 Novel Novice
OCTOBER 28 A Good Addiction
OCTOBER 29 Bookalicious

Bookanistas: Get Ready for Teen Read Week & Ballet Manga

2011-09-29T04:06:00.000-07:00

From the awesome spokesperson, Jay Asher, to the fantabulous Teen's Top Ten novel nominees, TRW is gonna be great. It runs October 16-22, but I'll be in the thick of Audition launch insanity and the Stages on Pages live book tour, so here's my little heads-up-get-ready post!
This year's theme, PICTURE IT AT YOUR LIBRARY, celebrates graphic novels and other illustrated materials. After hearing Scott Westerfeld discuss the lost art of the illustrated novel, I've been inspired to seek out more illustrated lit. Check out this spectacular BALLERINA GRAPHICA!

TO DANCE, "...a candid view of an individual for whom ballet is essential to a fulfilling life" (Booklist, starred review), and SWAN, the classic 1970s manga series about ballet.

Do you have any plans for Teen Read Week this year? Maybe you'll get some ideas from the Bookanista linkies below...

Elana Johnson interviews Elle Strauss, author of Clockwise
LiLa Roecker disscusses S R Johannes's e-book experiment
Christine Fonseca is wowed by The White Assassin - with giveaway
Shannon Whitney Messenger loves Lola & the Boy Next Door – with giveaway
Beth Revis delights in The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer – with giveaway
Shelli Johannes-Wells falls for Fracture
Carolina Valdez Miller adores Ashfall – with giveaway
Jessi Kirby marvels at The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
Shana Silver steps up to Audition
Corrine Jackson is crazy about Cracked

Swag Attack!

2011-09-28T04:06:00.000-07:00

This is just some of the cool stuff I'll be giving away at stops along my blog tour next month. Swing back on Friday for the complete schedule!

Audition Book Trailer!

2011-09-27T04:06:00.000-07:00

So many thank-you's are involved in this book trailer...to the amazing Lisa & Laura Roecker, who put it together, to the wonderfully talented Kayla (dancer) and Jordan (filmmaker) who helped me create the raw footage, to Kristi for debuting it at The Story Siren last week. And, thanks to you for taking a look!

In case you missed it...a kissing scene!

2011-09-26T16:00:00.000-07:00

For some behind-the-scenes scoop on writing kissing scenes (or if you just wanna see what my husband looks like!), check out YA LIT 101 below!

Banned Books Week has begun!

2011-09-24T11:22:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was contact by a parent who was worried because she had purchased her son a copy of THE HUNGER GAMES only to discover it was on a banned books list. She wanted to know if I thought her son would get in trouble for reading it at school. After reassuring her that this would not be the case (and, if it was, half the class would be slammed for that one while the other half got caught reading Twilight!), I just sat back and thought, wow. Suzanne Collins has written a wonderfully-crafted, exciting read that, in my opinion, is also a terrific piece of social commentary on our current obsession with reality television. The recent suicide of a cast-member-adjacent personality from the "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" (I shirk to even write the title in this post since I'm embarassed to know it) shows me how prescient Collins' novel really was.

So, anyhow, I'd just like to know how many folks who get on the book-banning wagon watch Jersey Shore or Survivor or the aforemention rich-ladies-with-big-houses-insulting-each-other-show.

DON'T LET OTHERS TELL YOU

WHAT TO THINK!

GO READ A BANNED BOOK TODAY

(Okay, that was me telling you what to do--sorry, just consider it a suggestion)

Go check out the AUDITION book trailer...

2011-09-23T05:58:00.000-07:00

Debuting at The Story Siren today!

Bookanistas: POSSESS by Gretchen McNeil

2011-09-22T04:06:00.000-07:00

Fantastic hot-but-how-can-I-like-him boy crisis...The adorable Matt Quinn. Can Bridget be falling for the son of the man she holds partly responsible for the death of her father?

Badass heroine jewelry...Bridget's bracelet. A charm, a protection, a memory, and a fashion statement even though "...the raised scrollwork was not quite as defined as it had been when she first put it on...." (p. 128)

Why you should read this book...It has a genuine mystery feel. Don't get me wrong, the book is packed with cool supernatural stuff and an authentic, sweet relationship between Bridget and her brother, Sammy. But what makes POSSESS unique for me is that is has the kind of classic real mystery structure you rarely see this days, complete with a murder, a second crime, red herrings, and awesome clues to follow. Gretchen McNeil's book makes me hark back to some favorite novels by Josephine Tey and Arthur Conan Doyle with an added paranormal element. Actually, JT (and, uh, I don't mean Justin Timberlake) and ACD featured their share of supernatural stuff, too, now that I think of it :)

What are the rest of the Bookanistas gushing over this week?

Elana Johnson shivers over Shifting

Christine Fonseca is definitely Falling for Hamlet
Shelli Johannes-Wells contemplates The Future of Us
Shana Silver finds Fateful Fabulous
Sarah Frances Hardy leads you into the Circle of Secrets
Corrine Jackson delights in a Hex Hall & Demonglass double feature

THE AWESOME THAT WAS KIDLITCON 2011

2011-09-21T04:06:00.000-07:00

Oh, yeah, that's me with
Scott Westerfeld

I got home from KidLitCon on Saturday night, my head nearly exploding with new ideas and a little bit giddy from all the fun. Being just three weeks from the publication of my debut novel, I had to jump back into the fray and catch up on all kinds of work stuff. Thus, this post got a bit delayed and, honestly, I'm still in a massive rush. BUT the two-day event was so fantastic that I MUST write something. So, here's my quick grocery list of awesome things and people...

Elissa Cruz, Rosanne Parry & Katherine Schlick Noe "From the Mixed-Up Files" on group blogging, from logistics to dynamics and beyond
Scott Westerfeld's fantastic keynote on illustration in novels
Suzanne Young and Sara Gundell on author-blogger promotion teams (swing by Sara's blog, Novel Novice to see a little vlog I decided to film with her encouragement--heehee!)
Holly & Shiraz Cupala on DIY book marketing (amazing data from an adorable couple)
Michelle Ann Dunphy and Allison Tran on podcasting (I'm so gonna try this)
Plus meeting so many fun and fantastic writers and bloggers--too many to name.
Oh, and have I mentioned the free morning coffee and evening wine in the charming Hotel Monaco lobby, or the yummy snacks and appies? Well, I have now!

L-R Me, Mindi Scott, Suzanne Young,
Kelly Jensen, Sara Gundell

Sorry this is so quick. I just wanted to make sure I got something up about this terrific weekend as soon as I could.

For a complete list of attendees, click here. And for some far better wrap-up posts about KidLitCon 2011, click here!

KID LIT CON 2012 will be in NYC.

I AM SO THERE!

If you haven't already,

check out KidLitosphere Central.

TEEN READ WEEK is one month away!

2011-09-18T04:06:00.000-07:00

With a host like the awesome JAY ASHER and a focus on graphic novels and illustrated materials, it's gonna be a great week.

SO GET READY!!!

And some "PICTURE IT" books to look forward to:

Letters plus pen-and-ink
illustrations
a gorgeous merging of words & pix

Internet-future-romance from AOL to
Facebook of the Future

Goodreads Giveaway Ends Sunday

2011-09-16T04:06:00.000-07:00

You can win a signed, annotated arc of AUDITION.

Enter here:

http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/13830-audition

Good luck :)

Bookanistas: FRACTURE by Megan Miranda

2011-09-15T04:06:00.000-07:00

On the uniqueness of the hot boys (plural)...Yes, there's a mysterious sort-of love triange here. Our hero, Delaney, is drawn to the shadowy Troy while confused by the complicated twisty turns her relationship with long-time friend (and super-hottie) Decker is taking. Haven't we all found ourselves faced with the friend-maybe-boyfriend conundrum at some point in time? It feels very real here.

Best use of clothes in a novel...From the bright, red parka into which she bundles Delaney early in the story, to the lime green sweater she has her "accidentally" buy her mom for Christmas, the author has a way of creating fabulous characterizations with color and fabric.

Why you should read this...Yes, it's an awesome mystery with a fascinating premise, great paranormal elements and some wild medical details. But beyond this, FRACTURE is an elegantly crafted story about a girl, about love and friendship and, at its core, about what makes life worth living.

For more Bookanista book love, click away...

Elana Johnson is in a tizzy over Texas Gothic
LiLa Roecker celebrates Something Like Hope

Christine Fonseca is transformed by Shifting

Shannon Whitney Messenger takes a shine to So Silver Bright – with giveaway

Scott Tracey is on board for Starship Academy

Beth Revis shouts about The Name of the Star

Shana Silver loves Lola and the Boy Next Door

Rosemary Clement Moore is distracted by Alien Invasion & Other Inconveniences

Sarah Frances Hardy adores Birdie’s Big Girl Dress

Carolina Valdez Miller goes gaga for Glow and Shifting – with giveaway

Wordy Wednesday: WISHES

2011-09-14T04:06:00.000-07:00

Okay, close your eyes (figuratively) and make a wish. Was it a big one? A funny thing happened to me this past year. My birthday-candle-shooting-star-impossible-dream wish came true. I sold my first novel! It's a pretty weird experience. First, you float around for awhile wondering if this is what Charlie Sheen feels like on an average Saturday night. Then you get a little scared wondering what next? You need to come up with a NEW DREAM and exactly how do you do that? What I discovered is that my next dream is just to write another book, to tell another story. I feel kind of lucky to have a wish that comes true yet only makes you want to wish it more!

One month 'til pub date

2011-09-13T04:06:00.000-07:00

Butterflies in the stomach does not describe it. Brontosaurauses (Brontosori???), several, stomping in my gut. Or, maybe pirouetting...

This book is SOOO cute :)

Have you checked out "Any New Books"?

2011-09-12T04:06:00.002-07:00

So, I've kind of gotten to love this service. I get their weekly updates on Children's, Art, and Teen publications. It's fun to see what new books I can buy AND it serves as an illustrated ('cause the updates come with cover pix!) report of what's happening in a given genre week by week.

So, as I ~~creep~~ race toward my pub date, I sometimes get a little clutched noticing the preponderance of paranormal/dystopian next to the teensy little list of contemporary.

Don't get me wong, I can't wait to read...Sapphique, Reckless, Torrent, Day of the Dead, The Shattering, The Poisoned House, Deadpool, Shelter, Vanish, The Hidden, After, Sweet Venom, All These Things I’ve Done (all on the New Books list for 9/8).
But, in case you're wondering, pretty much all that was left on September 8 list after that was Dear Bully (contemporary/anthology), The Beginning of After (contemporary), and one misfiled book on flower arranging (which honestly looked kind of interesting).

Just sayin...

Winners & Witch Eyes

2011-09-08T11:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Release Day, Scott Tracey!

And congrats to my dystopian debut mystery title winners: Petra & Michelle!

(If you're into Random Acts of Publicity, the above could be considered a BLuRT for Scott.

Look out for a super-fun one tomorrow and be sure to share some random love on your blog, twitter, fb, etc., too!)

Bookanistas: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

2011-09-08T04:06:00.000-07:00

So, the two AMAZING debut novels for which I just don't dare write plot summaries are...

THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER
by Michelle Hodkin
&
FRACTURE
by Megan Miranda

Now, without further ado, here's my LIPS-ARE-SEALED-NO-WAY-I'M-GIVING-THIS-PLOT-AWAY review for MARA.

The uniqueness of the hot boy...Whether you think he's bad or good, Noah Shaw is unarguably gorgeous--especially in a white shirt.

Best heroine's bedroom...The delightful decor described on page 49! Me want a bedroom where "small, ceramic roses dripped from the arms of the chandelier..." Don't you?

Why you should read this book...A most exhilarating twist at the end--and a revelation about both Mara and Noah Shaw that you WILL NOT expect. But, of course, my lips are sealed :)

Want more Bookanista fabulosity? Click away!

Elana Johnson shares some book love for Random Acts of Publicity Week
LiLa Roecker celebrates Something Like Hope
Christine Fonseca thinks you should Write Your Book Now!
Shannon Whitney Messenger loves Legend – with signed arc giveaway
Scott Tracey: Today is Witch Eyes release day – wowza!
Jessi Kirby gets inside Sean Griswold’s Head
Sarah Frances Hardy applauds Lottie Paris Lives Here

Guest Posting at SHE IS TOO FOND OF BOOKS

2011-09-07T07:06:00.000-07:00

Have you been to this amazing blog run by the delightful Dawn? The name alone, SHE IS TOO FOND OF BOOKS...AND IT HAS ADDLED HER BRAIN, draws me right in!

One of my favorite features of this blog is the SPOTLIGHT ON BOOKSTORES, celebrating indies across the U.S. I'm thrilled to be contributing to this great list today. Check it out!

Don't forget your extra clue!

2011-09-06T04:06:00.000-07:00

GONNA LEAVE IT RIGHT HERE...

Games can be as exciting as the moment before the curtain goes up on opening night! So, if you’ve got the jitters and are looking for an extra clue…both covers feature water.

IF YOU HAVEN'T STARTED PLAYING THE Guess-the-Debut-Arcs game, go HERE to learn how.

And, if you're curious about my STAGES ON PAGES Book Tour GO here!

Think you're a winner?

2011-09-05T04:06:00.000-07:00

HAVE YOU GUESSED THE DEBUT TITLES THAT SHATTERED MY REVIEW PARADIGM? (You could win arcs!)

Click here for how-to-play info!

Click here for today's clue...

Good Luck!

There's a clue up today!

2011-09-03T04:06:00.000-07:00

FIND IT HERE!

Winner!

2011-09-02T04:06:00.000-07:00

The winner of signed copies of A NEED SO BEAUTIFUL, RIPPLE and THE BODY FINDER is...

Sarah R.

Congratulations!

BOOKANISTAS: Book Reviews without Plot Spoilers - GUESS & WIN!!!

2011-09-01T04:06:00.000-07:00

I like to write my own plot summaries for Bookanista reviews. Maybe it's pride--I want to prove I've really thought about the books. Recently, I've read two amazing YA debuts (a fall 2011 & a spring 2012) that I can't summarize for fear I'll give something vital away. These books are forcing me to find a new review paradigm.

CAN YOU GUESS THE TWO TITLES?

If you can, you could win an arc of one, the other,

or BOTH! Entering is easy...

Go to the Audition by Stasia Ward Kehoe facebook page & "like" it (if you don't already)!
Click on the DISCUSSIONS tab in the left-hand menu (don't worry--there's only one discussion).
Leave your guess (2 TITLES, PLEASE) in the discussion string. You can submit ONE GUESS (different title or combo, obvs) every day!

HINTS WILL BE POSTED on the AUDITION facebook page on September 3 & 5. An EXTRA HINT will be posted on September 6 at the Stages on Pages Book Tour facebook page.

This international contest ends at midnight, Pacific Time, September 7, 2011. Everyone who guessed both titles will be entered in a random drawing for the arcs. Titles and the arc winners will be announced here and on Facebook on Thursday, September 8.

If you send friends to the contest, comment below. Reward: Entry into the drawing even if you only guess ONE title. New review format suggestions are welcome, too. HAPPY GUESSING!

Wanna know what the other Bookanistas are talking about this week?

Elana Johnson succumbs to The Eleventh Plague

LiLa Roecker travels to The Day Before
Shannon Whitney Messenger swoons over Flyaway by Lucy Christopher – with giveaway
Scott Tracey is overwhelmed by A Vast Field of Ordinary
Jessi Kirby wonders at What Happened to Goodbye
Shana Silver is mesmerized by Possess
Corrine Jackson's Blogiversary celebration continues with YA Authors on Lessons Learned
Veronica Rossi says bravo to Daughter of Smoke and Bone

An interview at Mostly Reading YA

2011-08-31T04:06:00.000-07:00

In which I share a few thoughts about the debut year and offer some advice to aspiring writers...

Head on over!

And, for your viewing pleasure,

a random blurry picture.

At the SCBWI - LA "Forty Winks"
party with my friend, Dawn.

Some pix from SCBWI-LA

2011-08-29T04:06:00.002-07:00

I am a terrible photographer, both aesthetically (keep the heads in the frame, please!) and as-in I usually forget my camera or am too embarassed to ask people to pose for a snap. That said, here are a few pix from an amazing conference.

Of course I must start with chocolate - the amazing finish at the SCBWI awards luncheon!

Quintessential LA - a vending booth not of candy or water but of acne cream.

Met an adorable troupe of dancers - here we are posing with Audition!

Lunch with awesome writer chics - mostly from Western Wa (our chapter rocks!).
Deb Lund, Molly Hall, ?, me, Sara Easterly, Sara Nickerson, Nuria Coe.

Me and awesome Bookanista pals Gretchen McNeil & Jessi Kirby

A big batch of Bookanistas at Rock Sugar, including
me, Gretchen McNeil, Jessi Kirby, Cori Jackson,
Shana Silver, Shelli Johannes Wells and Veronica Rossi

Bookanistas: THE FOX INHERITANCE by Mary Pearson

2011-08-25T04:06:00.000-07:00

How did I miss this? A new book by Mary Pearson is on its way to bookshelves in just days! I haven't gotten my hands on an arc of The Fox Inheritance, but I LOVED The Adoration of Jenna Fox. Wanna know how much? Here's my REVIEW.

I like the way they've picked up on the blue and the puzzle piece motif of the Jenna Fox paperback edition to create this new story's cover. The book releases August 30. Can't wait to buy my copy!

What's going on with the other Bookanistas this week...?

Elana Johnson revels in Write Your Book Now!
LiLa Roecker is gaga for Imaginary Girls
Christine Fonseca celebrates Circle of Fire – with giveaway
Shannon Whitney Messenger catches The Eleventh Plague – with giveaway
Megan Miranda is transfixed by Between
Shana Silver delves into The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
Corrine Jackson celebrates her “Blogiversary” by presenting YA Authors on Lessons Learned

On shelves today...

2011-08-23T04:06:00.000-07:00

by the irrepressible Gretchen McNeil!

Teen Writing Workshop on Wednesday!

2011-08-22T07:32:00.000-07:00

Tday, I am finishing preparations for my

TEEN WRITING WORKSHOP

on Wednesday, August 24 from 6 – 7:30 PM

at Woodinville Library

17105 Avondale Road NE, Woodinville, WA

For more information, call 425.788.0733

If you know a Western WA teen interested in writing, come on by!

Here's the blurb: Through theater games and writing exercises, explore the connections between actions and words and find new ways to bring your stories to life. Plus get some fun info on getting a book published!

Goodreads Giveaway: Annotated Arc of AUDITION!

2011-08-19T13:10:00.000-07:00

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Audition

by Stasia Ward Kehoe

Giveaway ends September 17, 2011.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

A Write On Con Writing Tip for You...

2011-08-18T04:06:00.000-07:00

AND THEN WHAT HAPPPENS...?

This week, many of the Bookanistas are taking a break from published-book love to share some tips about the writing process for WRITE ON CON. Here's mine.

"And then what happens?" is THE question for the writer--the storyteller. Don't get me wrong, I could say a lot of things about characterization, setting, word choice, pacing, avoiding info-dump, revision techniques, and on and on. All of those things are hugely important. BUT when you get down to brass tacks, all of those finer techniques must be applied to a STORY. It's the core of your elevator speech, the stuff your editor will be trying to convey on the jacket copy and, most of all, it's your light in the storm that is writing a novel. Here are three times to put this standard to use:

1. FIRST DRAFT: As each chapter concludes, ask yourself this question.
2. REVISION: As you review each chapter or section of the book, be sure you can answer this question with something other than, "And then the MC reflects on/thinks about/wonders if..." Check to see that something else HAPPENS at reliable intervals as your story moves along.
3. THE ENDING: Reread the final pages of your book, then ask one more time. Whether you decide to answer on the page or not, you should know this answer in your head because it speaks to whether you've ended the story in the right place. Have you reached that point when the next AND THEN isn't necessary for the reader to leave satisfied at some level? And, if you're writing a trilogy or other continuing work, it's nice to hit send with a sense of where you're going next!

WE INTERRUPT THIS BOOKANISTA BROADCAST…to celebrate WRITE ON CON! For some fun writer insights and pep talks, click along to…Christine Fonseca, Beth Revis and Jessi Kirby.

And, we know you MUST have your Thursday Bookanista reviews so here you go!

Veronica Rossi loves Legend
Shana Silver serves up a Maureen Johnson double feature of The Last Little Blue Envelope & The Name of the Star
Scott Tracey is awed by Anna Dressed in Blood
Bethany Wiggins howls over How to Take the Ex Out of Ex-Boyfriend
Carrie Harris is in a frenzy over Stupid Fast
Gretchen McNeil is spellbound by Witch Eyes
Carolina Valdez Miller and Shelli Johannes-Wells are passionate about Possess
Matt Blackstone blogs From Bedside

Learn about collective blogging...

2011-08-17T04:06:00.000-07:00

From me and other writers from

Stages on Pages

Here's our vlog for WriteOnCon.

Do you have a manuscript ready to submit?

2011-08-16T04:06:00.000-07:00

Is it time to push your little darling out the door? I know, I know, I'm probably the last person to give advice on submitting your manuscript, as evidenced by my post at Literary Rambles. But maybe that's why I think this awesome WriteOnCon contest is so cool.

IF you've got the ms but are nervous about submitting, maybe the chance at $1,000 and possible agency representation will help boost your confidence. Check out this amazing contest, sponsored by The Reading Room - open through August 17 - HERE.

HURRY. You've got ONE MORE DAY!!!

This Monday, I digress for POSSESS

2011-08-15T04:06:00.000-07:00

Ever hear voices? You know, the ones telling you to stop watching Dance Moms and get back to work on your manuscript? Well, Bridget Liu hears different ones. Scary ones!

Curious?

Go HERE!

Guest Posting at the Contemps

2011-08-11T07:09:00.000-07:00

Read all about Point-of-View & the Wayne Gretzky Parable

Okay, you've gotta be curious. Head on over!

This is me

This is Wayne Gretzy
(he is much richer)

Wordy Wednesday: THREE BEAUTIFUL LESSONS

2011-08-10T04:06:00.000-07:00

I’ve learned from fellow 2011 debut authors...

1. Despite all the pressure to blog, tweet, and market, just do what feels confortable and be yourself. It'll work out better in the long run.

2. Keep writing your fiction. Find the time to do the thing you love that brought you here in the first place.

3. Though writing is a solitary task, you are not alone. Reach out. A hand will find you.

I'm ba-ack!!!

2011-08-08T04:06:00.000-07:00

A full report on my amazing weekend at SCBWI-LA will be coming soon. But right now I've got to prepare for tonight's meeting of my Teen Readers Advisory Group. We'll be discussing "judging a book by its cover." I'm interested to get real teen reactions to some of the covers that I adore and input on things that draw their attnetion to certain books on store shelves. Should be interesting...

Leavin' on a jet plane...

2011-08-05T04:06:00.000-07:00

Okay, I actually left yesterday but thanks to the magic of Blogger's posting options, I'm telling you now. I'm in...

And, though Rodeo Drive is in the pic above, my trip is all about SCBWI's HUGE LA conference. I'm so excited to meet up with bloggy friends, agent buddies, and former Washingtonians who now write and illustrate in other parts of the world. And, oh yeah, there'll be keynotes and lectures and all kinds of neat stuff to learn. Tell you all about it next week!

Bookanistas: MY LIFE, THE THEATER & OTHER DISASTERS by Allen Zadoff

2011-08-04T04:06:00.000-07:00

Plot without spoilers...Adam Zeigler is a techie. He helps run lights for the high school drama club actors who are preparing for their spring production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Still mourning the death of his father and struggling to find a way to relate to his away-at-college big brother, Adam is content to operate in the shadows, following the school adage that "techies and actors don't mix." Then, a girl named Summer, an egomaniacal student designer named Derek, a quirky best friend named Reach, and a hilarious drama teacher named Mr. Apple can help Derek find his own way into the light.

Of literary interest...Shakespearean chapter titles add a delightful layer to this behind-the-scenes drama. Adam's memories of his dad looking at a Rothko painting, describing the light in his workshop, and dissecting a glow stick in the woods give readers insight into the person Derek can become if he allows his own talents to shine.

Finally, just gotta say...As a complete Gleek, I love a good drama tale and this one is special, not just because of its unique "techie" point-of-view. While filled with lighthearted, humorous moments, MY LIFE, THE THEATRE, AND OTHER TRAGEDIES is, at its core, an honest high school story about a young artist-in-the-making.

What are the other Bookanistas applauding this week...?

Elana Johnson and Scott Tracey find wonder in The Near Witch

LiLa Roecker sings out about Where She Went

Christine Fonseca adores A Scary Scene in a Scary Movie

Corrine Jackson delights in The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

Veronica Rossi is wild about Wildefire

Wordy Wednesday: Winner!

2011-08-03T04:06:00.000-07:00

The winner of STRINGS ATTACHED by Judy Blundell is...

GHENET!

Congratulations!

You can enter to win this month's 3-AUTOGRAPHED-BOOKS giveaway HERE!

Sunday book signing

2011-08-02T04:06:00.000-07:00

As I gear up for the Stages on Pages book tour this fall, I am paying much closer attention to what goes on at bookstore events, particularly multiple author programs. This past Sunday I had the pleasure of hearing Kimberly Derting, Lisa Schroeder, Mandy Hubbard, Cat Patrick, Eileen Cook and Suzanne Young speak at Third Place Books. Three things I enjoyed about their program:

1. Nice focus question. Each author took a few minutes to share a bit about the inspiration behind their latest novel.
2. Camaraderie & humor. The panel was friendly and lively with authors taking turns fielding and answering questions.
3. Prizes & treats. Who ever minds eating Jelly Bellies and having the chance to win free books or CDs? Not moi!

See my name in the middle?

It was also great to meet two amazing book bloggers: Sarah of Sarah's Random Musings and Candace of Candace's Book Blog, who asked me to sign this cool author autograph bag. It's the first time I've been asked to sign anything (besides my own bookmarks). It felt very surreal...but nice!

Of course, I couldn't resist getting some autographs myself. So...without further ado, this month's giveaway is THREE SIGNED BOOKS--whoohoo!!! Enter here!