YA Beach Blast: Six Authors in Cincy!

When I travel for a book signing, it’s always been for just one author. But yesterday I journeyed to Cincinnati to see six – count ‘em—SIX YA authors, all at one place. All sitting at the same table. And it was glorious.

 

From top left:
Liz Coley, author of Pretty Girl-13
Mindee Arnett, author of The Nightmare Affair and upcoming Avalon

Julie Kagawa, author of the Iron Fey and Blood of Eden series

Saundra Mitchell, author of The Elementals and editor of Defy the Dark

Kristina McBride, author of One Moment and The Tension of Opposites

Aprilynne Pike, author of the Wings series, the new Earthbound series and Life After Theft

 

Here are some fancy pointers they offered throughout the Q&A:

 

On Writing Time

Show up at the same every day. You can’t wait for the muse. –Mindee Arnett

Before you stop writing for the day, start the next chapter or scene so it’s easier to dive back in tomorrow. –Kristina McBride

Find ways to make time. And don’t apologize for your writing time. –Aprilynne Pike

 

On Failure

Don’t give up. Sometimes the book you think is going to make it doesn’t. –Julie Kagawa

If I’m struggling with a project, sometimes starting a new one will bring me back to the other one and help solve those issues. –Kristina McBride

If I can summarize the plot in 2-3 paragraphs, then I can write the book. But if I can’t, I won’t even start. –Mindee Arnett

It wasn’t my first full manuscript or my second that got me my agent. It was at least my fourth. And I’ve lost count how many manuscripts I’ve finished overall. –Liz Coley

 

On Dialogue

I always attempt to Joss Whedon my dialogue. –Mindee Arnett

I was a screenwriter for 15 years, so I try to propel the story with dialogue from the beginning. –Saundra Mitchell

When writing dialogue, it’s not just about the words the character is speaking, but also what’s going on in between the lines. The character’s actions and gestures are a factor too. –Julie Kagawa

On the Everything Else

There’s a lot of non-writing time that goes into being an author. The business of writing (answering e-mails to agents and editors, interacting on social media, etc.) takes up a lot of time. It’s a job in itself. –Aprilynne Pike 

Reviews are not for authors, they are for readers. –Aprilynne Pike (in the context of Goodreads and negative reviews in general)

A surprising aspect of being a writer is the way people interact online (they aren’t always the nicest), which is why I tweet about soup. –Saundra Mitchell

 

The authors were accommodating, down-to-earth and beyond amazing. I added six signed books to my shelf (don’t worry I won’t bog down the post with pictures...though I’m tempted). I’ve heard this is an annual thing, so you can count on my being there next summer. For shore!

 

DISCLAIMER: This post in an unofficial account of the YA Beach Blast event with the aforementioned authors on August 3, 2013 at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Cincinnati, OH. The views that I present in this article are my interpretations of the event and are not direct quotations of the author’s comments. These paraphrases do not necessarily represent the opinions of these authors or their publishers.

Destination YA: The Beach

Where better to visit during the summer than the beach? The water is refreshing (or chilling if you spent your summer days at Lake Michigan like me). The warm sand feels like your own personal foot massage (until it gets too hot). And lounging under an oversized umbrella is about as relaxing as it can get. Let your worries slide into the ocean and disappear forever (or until you get back to your car).

© Billyfoto | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images

Here are some great YA gems that aren’t only awesome beach reads, but that take place near the beaches of the Carolinas, Hamptons and England too. Dive right in!

　

Along for the Ride: Sarah Dessen

Along for the Ride takes place in the fictional coastal town of Colby during the bright days of summer. Auden and Eli are both struggling to overcome their pasts, in Auden’s case her parent’s divorce which caused her to grow up too quickly and Eli is haunted by a friend that passed too soon. Together they learn what it means to be young and carefree, along the always comforting Carolina shore.

　

Rules of Summer: Joanna Philbin

When Rory signs on to be a summer errand girl for a wealthy family in the Hamptons, she descends into another world of beachfront mansions, expensive cars and the latest fashion, not to mention a summer romance that is all her own. The other staff warns Rory not to get close to the family she’s working for, but soon she’s friends with Isabel Rule. It’s all fun and laughter until some hidden Rule family secrets come to the surface and their picture-perfect summer takes a turn like a storm approaching shore.

　

The Prince of Mist: Carlos Ruiz Zafón

This isn’t your typical beachy-fun novel with swimsuits, cute lifeguards and a plethora of pool floaties. The Prince of Mist takes places in an English coastal town during World War II, where three young teens are confronted with a legend of old that manifests into a ghostly, deadly prince of the mist. The coastal environment plays a role as Max, Alicia and Roland explore the old house where they just moved and fields and beach surrounding it. If you’re looking for something a little darker to beat away the perpetual sunshine, this is it!

　

More books with beaches:

The Lifeguard: Deborah Blumenthal

The Moon and More: Sarah Dessen

The Summer I Turned Pretty: Jenny Han

　

Don’t forget to wiggle your toes in the sand!

Keeping Up the Juggling Act of Writing and Life

Juggling my work, passion and everything else seems to be more of a job than anything these days. In balancing my work and passion (which I posted about last month), I have so many balls in the air that I’ve created an unsteady balance, which I’m desperately trying to keep manageable. Metaphorically, I’ve become quite the juggler. Luckily I’m a natural at organization (thanks Mom & Dad for those genes!) so it’s not as difficult as it could be to keep everything straight. However, sometimes it seems that if I get distracted in making sure one ball flies high, the rest might tumble down on my head.

Then at least I'd have my own ball pit to go nuts in.

Here’s what I have in the air at the moment:

Passion:

·         Novel Writing

·         Short Story Writing

·         Blogging

·         Tribe Writers course

·         Freelance work

·         Reading (books, blogs, etc.)

 

Work:

·         Work #1: Bookstore

·         Work #2: Bank

Personal:

·         Boyfriend time

·         Family time

·         Me time

·         Cleaning/Cooking/Keeping my life livable

I have to admit that I don’t spit my focus equally. If I tried, I would likely fail. But I think the point is to keep all these aspects of my life in the air, yet really concentrate on two or three at a time. I strive to make sure that all my focuses are kept at a manageable level (clean clothes to wear, blog kept up-to-date, showing up at work on time and with a smile) but I need to ensure that I’m thriving at the most important.

Some suggestions that help:

1.       Write every day! Or (if I’m working a double) at least contemplate my story daily to keep the plot and my characters in the front of my mind

2.       Passion first: On my days off, I try to write/blog/read first, so if I run out of time/caffeine by the end of the day, the other stuff (cleaning/errands/miscellaneous) will get cut

As I keep up this crazed, caffeine-charged juggling act, I can’t forget why I have so many balls in the air. The reason behind the madness is my passion for writing, and the goals I'm working toward. These can’t fall by the wayside. Keeping up the juggling act is hard work, but hopefully, one day, accomplisihng my dream will be the ultimate reward.

15 Must-Read Teen Books: 2013 Update

Just about a year ago, I gathered a list of the top 15 must-read teen books (that can be found in the teen section in a bookstore). At the time, I thought it was a pretty solid (though slightly subjective) list. Recently, I took a look back and decided I would change a few things. (That happens with time.) So here’s my 2013 update, with many repeats, but with some new (though not necessarily newly published) and awesome teen books!

All Unquiet Things: Anna Jarzab (new)

Truthfully, this should have been on last year's list. All Unquiet Things is murder mystery set in California. It’s intelligent, intriguing and profound not to mention one of the best teen books I read in 2010. Jarzab's debut continues to impress me, as well as her follow-up works The Opposite of Hallelujah and Tandem.

Boy Meets Boy: David Levithan (new)

This is an expertly crafted book about a boy who loves another boy and the crazy unique high school that they attend. Its ground-breaking impact continues to be felt throughout the YA genre, especially as it’s celebrating its 10^th anniversary this year.  

Divergent: Veronica Roth (new)

When Tris Pryor chooses to leave her family behind for the danger of the Dauntless, she has no idea the hard work, controversy and ultimately the consequences and heartbreak that will come. Roth creates a magnificent dystopian tale where Tris, Four and others are not only in the midst of the action, they are the action.

Eleanor & Park: Rainbow Rowell (new)

The relationship of Eleanor and Park is not only moving, but makes for an astounding and unputdownable read. It's ground-breaking in its realness, and their love is relatable in its imperfection. This is the only book on my list published in 2013, and it's quickly becoming a headliner of YA.

Ender’s Game: Orson Scott Card

Ender's tale is not only a teen mainstay but a science fiction classic as well. With the story soon to grace the big screen, the popularity (and controversy) will surely increase in the coming months.

Graceling: Kristin Cashore

This is Cashore's debut novel, and a repeat on this list. Katsa is a strong, Graced but flawed girl struggling to break from her uncle's control. Her world is medieval fantasy, and the story is definitely worth the read. Katsa appears in the sequel Bitterblue and briefly in the companion Fire.

Heist Society: Ally Carter

Kat Bishop is from a family of thieves but strives to use her skills for good, which equals an intriguing yet mischievous female Robin Hood. Carter writes light-hearted teen novels that are fun yet entrancing reads. Heist Society is the first in her second series, and is a repeat from last year on this list.

If I Stay: Gayle Forman

Mia is in a coma after a devastating car accident that took the lives of her family. In an out-of-body experience, she relives past events and watches her friends and family gather around her. Will she join her family on the other side, or wake to the everyday struggle that is life? This is a profound, moving YA book about the importance of choices and the will to fight. This is its second year on this list.

Levithan: Scott Westerfeld

Westerfeld writes an alternate version of WWI in a story that pits the Darwinists (British, French) and their living creatures against the Clankers (Austro-Hungarians, Germans) and their war machines. Imaginative, full of action with sprinkles of history, this tale is not only a repeat on this list, but on the forefront of YA steampunk.

Shadow & Bone: Leigh Bardugo (new)

When Alina, a lowly mapmaker in the nation of Ravka, discovers an ancient and terrifying power, she's whisked away by the mysterious yet alluring Darking. Bardugo crafts an intriguing, new tale with hints of Russian legend and lore. I devoured this debut as well as its sequel Siege & Storm and am anxiously awaiting the third and final in this must-read trilogy.

The Book Thief: Marcus Zusak

This historical fiction novel has quickly become a modern classic, and is a repeat on this list. Narrated by Death during the Holocaust, the story follows Liesel and her life in Nazi Germany. This is a fascinating, powerful tale and a new take on this time in history.

The Fault in Our Stars: John Green (new)

Hazel and Augustus’ story caused my heart to break and to leap with joy (though not at the same time). Admittedly, I took my time picking this one up, which is why it's not a repeat this year but a new addition. It will surely be a bestseller, must-read and feat of YA fiction for years to come.

The Giver: Lois Lowry

A classic dystopian novel, this is a quick, intriguing read that leaves the reader thinking. A precursor to today's dystopian sub-genre and a repeat on this list, Lowry created a classic in her telling of Jonas and his seemingly perfect world. Son, the last in the Giver quartet, was released just last year.

The Hunger Games: Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games will likely be immortalized as the poster-child for YA dystopia. In a televised fight to the death in a futuristic world where the U.S. has fallen and the Capitol controls twelve districts in a grueling manner, one girl starts a revolution. With the movie sequel to be released this November, if you haven't heard of the awesomeness of this trilogy, then I don't know where you've been hiding.

Thirteen Reasons Why: Jay Asher

This thought-provoking novel lists the thirteen reasons why Hannah committed suicide. It's a heart-wrenching, masterfully-written story and a must-read for the YA genre (as it's a repeat on this list). Asher has only one other YA novel, The Future of Us co-authored with Carolyn Mackler.

 

Let me know your thoughts! Thanks for reading!

Poison as Motivation

I picked up Poison because I liked the cover. How many times have you done that? This one had a girl in the woods and a near-hidden piglet. It was colorful and intriguing and I felt, just by seeing the cover, that it would be something I’d like. And after reading the description, I knew this would be my next read.

Right as I was making my final decision, something on the back inside cover caught my eye. The word “was” doesn’t usually make an appearance when describing the author. So I read through and discovered the tragic news: the author of Poison, Bridget Zinn, had not lived to see the book published. Over two years ago, she passed away from cancer.   

Suddenly my desire to read this book catapulted into an aching need. I felt that I owed it to Bridget, who hadn’t lived to see her dream of publication come true. I wanted to experience her writing and pass it along. As I read the book and grew to love it, it was difficult to know that I wouldn’t be able to dive into a sequel or another story by her. There was so much potential between the lines: Bridget’s potential to create more and to write more.

Poison is quirky, fun, imaginative and engulfing. The organization of the book was expertly crafted,and the surprises continually astonished me, particularly the last one which I didn’t see coming. It was gasp-worthy and smile-worthy and even though I wish there was a sequel, I appreciate Poison as a great stand-alone fantasy tale.

For me, Poison serves as a reminder that life is unpredictable. There are many people whose lives are lost before their dreams come true. For Bridget, the love of her husband and the help of many friends led to her dream being accomplished posthumously.  But for the vast majority of people, their passing means their dreams perish as well.

It is a reminder, and a motivator. I may have decades to achieve my dreams, but I can’t rely on it. I can hope for years upon years, but that doesn’t mean I can procrastinate. I need to work toward my dreams now. I need to work hard to accomplish what I want to now. Life is unpredictable. Anything can happen, which can be both a blessing and a curse.  

Cheers to Bridget, and the accomplishment of Poison. Cheers to all those that assisted with its publication.

Find out more about Poison here!

Review of 101 Secrets for your Twenties

So the 101 secrets aren’t exactly secrets (at least not now that they’re published). But they feel like secrets. They feel like something I’d pass between cubicles disguised as some-report-or-another as to hide it from my boss, who’s parading as a real-life, half-dead adult. They’re secrets in that I didn’t realize how true they were until I read them. I knew they existed, but I didn’t know how to put them into words. But thankfully Paul did that for me.

The best thing about this book is when I realized that I’m not alone (Secret 32). I’m not alone in my lousy job, frustration, disappointment, confusion and insecurity. I’m not alone feeling as if my dream is so far away from coming true. But this book didn’t gloss over or skirt around the truth. It’s real and relatable, and proclaims truths which may be hard to swallow (like 73). However it’s what I need. It’s what most twenty-somethings need. Oh so desperately.

If you’re a twenty-something, this book has something for you. It addresses work, love, dating, marriage, relationships, friendships, faith, passion, emotional, financial, and physical health, goals, etc. The advice is concise,and comes from someone who (you can just tell) has been there, done that. Paul’s voice is clear and friendly, as if he’s sitting next to me at a bar, telling me how it is in a straight forward yet encouraging tone.

Plus, 101 Secrets for your Twenties is unbelievably quotable! Consider these great selections:

·         “You have to be on stage to win.” Secret 2, pg19

·         “Attack your insecurities before they can attack you.” Secret 33, pg74

·         “Complaining is passive and powerless. Creating is proactive and powerful.” Secret 38, pg84

·         “Change or die! …Those who know how to change will win.” Secret 62, pg125

·         “Complacency is a disease!” Secret 69, pg139

·         “Declare the truth of your bright future instead of the reality of your lackluster present.” Secret 83, pg165

·         “All explorers have to get lost. That’s when they make their biggest discoveries.” Secret 93, pg182

There were so many connections and ah-ha moments for me, including but not limited to secrets 19, 29, 68, 69, 73, 86, 87. And as I read, I found secrets to share with my boyfriend (43, 96), my brothers (55, 87), high school friends (10, 66), co-workers (11, 45) cousins (15) and on and on.

Out of 101 secrets, there was only one that I’m in denial about (52) and that’s just because I’m not a fan of wine. (I’m a mixed drinks kind of girl.) But even so, that’s a great percentage of relatablility. I can imagine that not every twenty-something would connect with every secret, but I’d bet every twenty-something could find at least one (if not dozens) that speak to their situation. There were even secrets that relate to writers like me. Secrets 4 and 21 had writer-specific inspiration, if not directly then in metaphor.

“Don’t cram your plotline into someone else’s story!” (pg53)

This book isn’t just a list of secrets that you chuckle at then set aside. It is an affirmation. It is a call to action. It’s a reminder not to dismiss your 20s, but not to put them on a pedestal either. So many of the secrets aren’t just oh-that-makes-sense moments, but they require contemplation. And so many beg to be applied to real life.

101 Secrets for your Twenties is a connection and a community. It makes life less lonely (as well as a great college graduation gift). It’s something not to keep secret, but to share. To yell about from the top of a mountain (or here in Indiana, the top of a barely-there hill). It’s something to tweet about, blog about and is worthy of a status update… or seven. It’s just that good!

To Be Released: TOMORROW, July 1

Find it here: Barnes & Noble

                      Amazon

Experience the community: All Groan Up

 

Balancing Work with Passion

In the past few weeks, I’ve been struggling with this question:

How do I balance what I need to be doing to survive with what I should be doing to achieve my dream?

A little back story… Three months ago, I took a second part-time job (who’s offering full-time jobs these days?). It’s a steady position with set hours. I kept my part-time position at a retail bookseller where I’ve been for almost five years. The schedule there varies each week; sometimes I work 15 hours a week while sometimes I’m close to 30. Many times (already) I’ve had to work doubles and even weeks straight without a day off. It’s affected my health, happiness and of course, my writing. However, I’m finally able to pay my bills and save a little something every month.

So, where do I draw the line between happy, healthy and pursuing my dream of being a YA writer while working two jobs (up to 50 hours a week and 19 days straight at the longest) to keep my head above water and build my savings?

                *crickets*

Here’s where I’m supposed to share my brilliant, poignant, life-changing answer, right? Except I don’t have one. There isn’t a solution, perfect or otherwise. In short, I don’t know what to do.

I know that big quit-my-job (at least one of them) moment won’t happen for me. There are solid advantages to both positions. I’ve thought a lot about which one I should pursue further, which one I would keep if it came to that, but there’s no easy answer. Ideally, someday in the future, I would leave both jobs and be able to make a living with writing. Then my passion would be my work. However, I'm not there yet. 

On an optimistic note, there are a couple things I’ve done/plan on doing that may help.

1.       Say “NO”            

This is the classic: “No I can’t pick up that shift.” “No I can’t take on that commitment.” “No I can’t do this/that/the other thing.” Unless it's family or writing-related, I probably shouldn't take time away from writing for it.

2.       Kick my boyfriend out (temporarily)

We spend time together most days of the week, but occasionally I should take an hour or two from our time to spend with my words. And he can spend it with his music.  

Basically, I’m tired of using my jobs as an excuse not to write. It’s like justifying ignoring my passion by saying work is more important just because it pays the bills. And that’s just depressing. The end-all-be-all is that my writing is should be a need. It needs to be a need.

               *scurries off to work on that*

Are you in the same position, struggling to balance writing (or your passion) with everything else? How do you take on that challenge? Let me know in the comments!