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Tag, you’re it! Free-tique round results
Posted by Cynthea on February 26th, 2010
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Hey everyone,
Snoop had a great time munching through your entries (over 250, way to go!). We took the liberty of modifying some of your ideas. Here is what was passed up to my publisher. If your entry was the first to inspire the final version, you were emailed already to notify you of your win. Here are the final results.
We would love it if you could vote which ones you like best. You may pick more than one!
***
WINNERS: Again, if you won a one-page freetique (250 words max), we have emailed you already to notify you of your win. There were some cases where we got identical taglines. If you did not receive an email from us saying you won, that means your entry wasn’t the first one of its kind.
Thanks for voting and participating in this special free-tique round. If you won something, please email your submission to tagline AT cynthealiu DOT com. PASTE 250 words (maximum) into your email. FICTION children’s works only. Thanks! We will turn these back to you as soon as we can! Hopefully, before the end of next week, if not sooner!
Hope you all had fun and thanks again for playing!
Cynthea (and Snoop!)
Freetique round: Tag, You’re it! Updates available on Twitter
Posted by Cynthea on February 26th, 2010
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Hey everyone,
The taglines are rolling in, and man, this is soooo awesome. Snoop and I are going to post our thoughts about which ones we like and offer more guidance. To see those thoughts, “hop” on over to http://www.twitter.com/thesnooper
BTW, this is really a great exercise for everyone when they think about titling and query letter pitches. A great tagline can really help sell your manuscript before it’s sold, if you know what I mean. So keep exercising those brains!
If you missed the post about this special free-tique round, full details on how to participate are posted here.
A Special Free-tique Round is Open: TAG, You’re it!
Posted by Cynthea on February 26th, 2010
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*THIS FREE-TIQUE ROUND IS NOW CLOSED. Results are posted here. *
Hey everyone, I told you a free-tique opportunity was coming soon and it’s here. It’s finally here!
This one should be lots of fun and it’s a chance for YOUR words to get published for the paperback version of PARIS PAN TAKES THE DARE! How cool is that?!
Not only am I offering up this coolness, but if your words are chosen by Snoop and me to be forwarded to my publisher for consideration, you automatically win a first-page tique (250 words max) of your FICTION children’s manuscript (PB, ER, CB, MG or YA) for FREE.
DUDE.
I think many of you already know what Snoop can do with a one-page tique.
A lot!
If your words are actually selected by my publisher, you win a RESERVED SLOT free-tique (three-chapters (25 pages max) or a full PB).
Now here’s why this round is called TAG, You’re it!
I am looking for a great tagline for PARIS PAN - something that will make a reader grab that book and carry it to the cash register. Or at least beg her parents to buy it! What’s a tagline? Here’s an example:
PARIS PAN TAKES THE DARE … “Everyone who’s Anyone takes the Dare.” <— What is in quotes would be the tagline. So think glossy, intriguing, catchy, snappy… funny would be great... You do not have to read the book to create a great tagline. You don’t even have to be good at it. You just have to think of something that might work and turn it in. We want lots to choose from. (BTW, you can’t use this one because I already passed that one up as a possible.)
You can also try things like fragments. One night. One Dare. And a whole lotta fun. <— I don’t know. I kinda stink at this and that is why I am asking for your help.
These words will appear on the cover for the paperback version of PARIS PAN. In case you need to know more about the book … here’s a summary!
About PARIS PAN…
PARIS PAN TAKES THE DARE
So what if it’s a rite of passage for every seventh grade girl in town to spend a night in the woods? Paris Pan only just moved here, the woods are super creepy, and she has enough weirdness to deal with in her own family. Finding out a girl died mysteriously years ago while on the Dare—right near Paris’s new house, no less—is bad enough, but the unmistakably ghostlike noises coming out of the broken-down shed at the edge of the Pan’s property? Definite deal breaker. All Paris wants is to make friends, try to fit in, and not have to deal with a dead girl. But everyone has to take the Dare, and the new girl’s turn is up . . . .
You might also check out the first pages of PARIS PAN on Amazon for possible lines to use from the actual text. Or if you have a copy of the book, by all means, feel free to use anything that’s already in there.
OR … make up whatever sounds good to you. We are considering anything and everything. Let’s put those brainstorming caps on!
HERE ARE THE RULES (PLEASE READ IN FULL BEFORE DOING ANYTHING):
1) You may send in as many taglines as you want, but only one PER email. Have five taglines? Send five emails. And make sure you put the TAGLINE in the SUBJECT LINE OF YOUR EMAIL.
2) If people send in the same taglines, the first person’s email to hit my inbox with that tagline, claims that tagline. So send in your taglines as soon as they come to you.
3) If more than one of your taglines is selected for forwarding to my publisher, you win a one-page tique (250 words max) for EACH tagline that is selected. So if three of your taglines is selected, you win three one-page tiques. You can combine won tiques as well if needed.
4) I highly recommend zipping a tagline to me as soon as you think of it. Snoop and I will be selecting winners and forwarding taglines to my publisher throughout the day. Get your last taglines to me by 7PM Eastern Time TODAY. Check http://www.writingforchildrenandteens.com for a new post with winning taglines. Also, for more tips on creating taglines for this contest, see http://www.twitter.com/thesnooper. Snoop is posting his thoughts LIVE to help you with the task.
5) Email your tagline as the SUBJECT of your email to this address: tagline AT cynthEaliu DOT com <– please note the E in my name. You can leave the body of the email blank. Snoop and I won’t be reading anything in the body of your message. Only SUBJECT lines.
6) Pass this on to your friends. Everyone has a chance to win something here. Have fun with it!
Now TAG! You’re it! Go, go, go!!!!
Authors on the Verge: Meet Teri Hall, young adult novelist
Posted by webmaster on February 4th, 2010
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This week, we have Teri Hall. Teri is a card-carrying hermit who loves to write.
Here’s a little bit about THE LINE, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, March 2010.
The Line
Set in the near future, THE LINE chronicles the adventures of fifteen year old Rachel Quillen. Since her father died in a war, Rachel and her mother, Vivian, have lived in relative isolation on a place called The Property; the home of Ms. Moore, a taciturn woman who makes her living growing orchids. She hired Rachel’s mother as a housekeeper, even though she sensed Vivian was in some sort of trouble. Ms. Moore couldn’t be too picky, for there are reasons that good help is hard to find when you live too near the Line. Part of the National Border Defense System, the Line is an impenetrable barrier intended to protect the Unified States from invasion. Because of an impending attack, construction of the System had to be rushed, and the last section-called the Line-was built inside the U.S. border. When it was hastily activated, it created a permanent division between those lucky enough to be on the U.S. side and those who were not. Families were ripped apart, lovers separated. The territory left unprotected became known as Away; the abandoned unfortunates who survived the enemy attack became the Others. Over the years frightening stories circulated about the Others, stories about strange abilities and evil intentions. The Line became a place to avoid. For Rachel, the activation of the Line is just a history lesson; it happened long before she was born. Life on The Property has been good, if rather dull, and the Line is just something that has always been there. But things are about to change in ways she never imagined and suddenly the world outside The Property-a world of government control and corruption, where people without power or influence have few choices-begins to intrude.
Now let’s start the interview. When you received your offer, what happened?
Smiled. A lot. And smiled some more.
So now that you have a contract, what’s it like to be on the other side-on the verge of publication? What does it feel like to be official?
It still feels unofficial. Though I know it is official in my brain somewhere, I still have revisions to get through. I am looking forward to them, but I don’t think anything will feel official until I see my book in a book store.
Tell us a little bit about your path to publication.
Wrote book. Submitted queries. Got agent. Got offer. That’s it so far in a nut shell. Seriously though, I did not think about trying to get published until a former teacher/friend of mine, who had had a novel published, suggested I should turn a thing I was writing into a novel. Then, once I had the novel, I thought “Why not?” Thanks are due to that former teacher/friend!
And here’s our favorite question. How many rejections did you receive in general (not just for this book) before you landed your first major publishing contract?
I didn’t keep track because I am not THAT organized.
Tell us about one of your most heart-breaking rejections and about one of your best.
I really am a disappointment in this area. I never really thought anything would come of my queries, so I never really had heart-breaking moments over rejection. Sometimes I would get discouraged, but I have a great friend who always told me “They are the ones who are missing out! The book is great!” So whenever I felt blue I would listen to her. Friends like that are gold.
How long did it take to sell your books, from putting the first words on the page to receiving an offer?
2 years – 3 years
Prior to selling your books, you were …
Working a full-time job unrelated to writing
Now that you’ve sold some books, you plan to …
Not change a thing
What are some of the new things you worry about now that you have a contract?
I worry about deadlines. I worry that I can revise successfully. But really, I don’t worry much about anything. I have always written for my own enjoyment and getting published seems like a (huge, stupefying) bonus. One should never, ever worry about bonuses.
If you’ve already begun or have finished the editorial process with your publisher, let you us know what that’s been like.
Big question mark for me–still waiting on notes. I expect it to be fun and difficult.
Describe a typical day in your writing life.
I don’t have a typical day. Some days I don’t write. Some days regular life is too demanding. Some days I think about what I will write. Some days I write a lot. Most days that I do write I find it difficult but satisfying.
Describe an Ah-ha moment you might have had that influenced your writing in a positive way.
A big Ah-ha for me was that I can make it the way I want it to be. What happens next? I get to decide! Wow!
What is one of the biggest myths in children’s book publishing that you wish aspiring writers would just forget about?
That if you get published you are somehow rich and famous and “better.” I truly think getting published is a combination of good writing, luck and perseverance. If your goal is to write, then write. If you get lucky, don’t behave differently because of it. Thank your lucky stars and spread the joy!
Any inspiring quotes you live by?
The composer Stravinsky had written a new piece with a difficult violin passage,” writes Thomas Powers, quoted in the book Sunbeams. “After it had been in rehearsal for several weeks, the solo violinist came to Stravinsky and said he was sorry, he had tried his best, the passage was too difficult, no violinist could play it. Stravinsky said, ‘I understand that. What I am after is the sound of someone trying to play it.’” I love this. You can never achieve perfection. The attempt to create something meaningful is all that matters for most of us.
Any advice for aspiring authors?
Keep writing. Be realistic about how writing can change your life. The big ways it changes it are by adding meaning (for you, certainly, and hopefully for readers) and by allowing you an outlet for your thoughts and feelings. It isn’t about status, or money, or fame.
Aside from WRITING FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS<—shameless plug, are there any other books on craft you recommend?
I am guilty of not reading books on craft. I try to write what I would like to read, and for me that is clean, well-paced, interesting stuff, where I care about the characters and the story, and where I get more than the sum of the parts from my reading experience. I love the feeling I get when I have read something that leaves me thinking about larger themes.
Finally, Snoop wants to know: So, what’s up with the cats?
What? I only have three. It takes more than three to get categorized, doesn’t it?
This concludes our interview with our latest author Teri Hall. We wish her much success with her debut novel THE LINE.
Authors on the Verge: Meet Amy Brecount White, young adult novelist
Posted by webmaster on January 28th, 2010
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Amy Brecount White
This week, we have Amy Brecount White. Amy teaches high school kids how to read (poetry and novels) and write for seven years. When she got pregnant with her own, she started writing articles for newspapers and magazines about kids and traveling and gardening. She had her mid-life crisis early — Eek! this is her life? — and started writing this novel almost eight years ago. It was a long and laborious gestation period.
Here’s a little bit about FORGET HER NOTS, Greenwillow/ HarperCollins, February, 2010.
Forget-Her-Nots
Laurel has faced some hard knocks, and her brilliant idea to start her life over at the all-girls boarding school her mom attended seems like a bust. That is, until Spring arrives and the first flowers release their perfume. Strangely, every time Laurel inhales a flower scent, she feels dizzy and tingly with a potent energy that seems to be coming from the flowers. She soon discovers that there’s a whole flower language that her mom knew and that works. Rosemary makes her remember, and lilies of the valley bring happiness back. Laurel feels like she’s blooming, too. But when she tries to use her new-found flower powers for romance, prom dates, and higher test scores, things get complicated fast. It’s a story about finding friendship, love (not lust), and the real magic in our lives.
Now let’s start the interview. When you received your offer, what happened?
Bounced off the floor, off the walls, and hugged my kids and ran around yelling “Woo-Hoo!!! I sold my book. Woo-Hoo!!!” I called my husband, my mom, and my best writer buddy right away. I had told my kids my agent would call ONLY if he had good news, so it was pretty amazing when my son handed me the phone and said with a tentative smile that it was my agent. The call came at 4:30 pm on Friday night, after I’d given up hope for that week.
So now that you have a contract, what’s it like to be on the other side-on the verge of publication? What does it feel like to be official?
My editors at Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins have been sooo complimentary, and it’s amazingly wonderful to be appreciated after struggling for so many years. I LOVE telling people that I’m a novelist! And I love to talk about my novel. The characters are like family.
Tell us a little bit about your path to publication.
This would best be titled — “A Series of Planetary Highs and Precipitous Falls.” My flower concept is highly original, so lots of editors and agents liked that, but it took me a long time to get a complicated, textured plot just so. I was a good girl and attended lots of SCBWI conferences, read books, etc. and had lots of advice — some helpful, some not so much. I had an 18-month detour off the path with another agent who promised the moon and left me in a ditch. (Metaphorically, of course.) In short, the path was not easy or direct.
And here’s our favorite question. How many rejections did you receive in general (not just for this book) before you landed your first major publishing contract?
I didn’t keep track because I am not THAT organized.
Tell us about one of your most heart-breaking rejections and about one of your best.
Gulp. This is difficult to say, but I did learn something from almost every rejection I got. Usually, it took a month or so for the frustration and anger to die down. Then I could see the value of the criticism. I did two fairly major revisions for specific editors at two large houses who said they loved it, and my hopes soared kite-high. Ultimately, it wasn’t a good match for the houses. I crashed and it was pretty devastating at the time. My agent, Steven Chudney, was a spectacular cheerleader when I was down.
How long did it take to sell your books, from putting the first words on the page to receiving an offer?
Other
Eight years!
Prior to selling your books, you were …
A freelancer
Now that you’ve sold some books, you plan to …
Not change a thing
What are some of the new things you worry about now that you have a contract?
The novel is literary and about flowers, so I worry a teeny bit about finding an audience for a book without vampires or major sex scenes. (Although I do have a pretty wild prom scene involving an orchid.) But I still love this book after living with it for eight years, so I know other people will, too. Most days, I’m just thrilled.
If you’ve already begun or have finished the editorial process with your publisher, let you us know what that’s been like.
For the first round, my editor gave me a six-page letter with both praise and suggestions. It was very respectful of me as a writer, but also showed me ways to improve the book and better connect with my audience. She also made a calendar of the book’s events which helped to clarify the plot and arc. NOTE TO SELF AND ALL: ALWAYS MAKE A CALENDAR OF YOUR NOVEL! Just found out, they loved the first revision, but I still have a little more to do …. Writing is revising!
Describe a typical day in your writing life.
If I’m on deadline — my own or someone else’s – I wake up at 5 am and write for 1.5 hours. Then I get my kids out the door, walk the dog (golden doodle), and let my subconscious play. I sit back down around 8:30 or 9 and continue writing or revising until 2 pm. Then the kids are almost home, and I switch back to carpool and snack diva. Sometimes I break or exercise or have coffee with a writer friend. Usually, I look at the manuscript again right before bedtime or jot down some thoughts.
What is one of the biggest myths in children’s book publishing that you wish aspiring writers would just forget about?
That success can be instant. Most writers have PILES of rejections, many close calls that fall through, and some “apprentice” novels in the bottoms of their closets. (Okay, mine’s in a drawer.) Fiction writing is a craft and you have to work on honing your skills. In the art world, no one expects to sell the first painting or sculpture they produce. Why should it be different with a book?
Any inspiring quotes you live by?
“Write the book that ONLY you can write” — Toni Morrison. That was really pivotal for me, because it made me define what I loved and cared about and wanted to share. Writing is revising. Someone said it. So true.
Any advice for aspiring authors?
I echo Toni Morrison: Write the book that ONLY YOU can write. What do you love? Care deeply about? Find fascinating? Make a list and see how they intersect and overlap and weave them together. Write what you love. Write what you care deeply about.
Aside from WRITING FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS<—shameless plug, are there any other books on craft you recommend?
I love John Gardner’s “The Art of Fiction” and Anne Lamott’s “Bird by Bird.” But, seriously, reading TONS of YA and older MG fiction was probably the most helpful thing I did.
Finally, Snoop wants to know: Do you grow magic flowers in your own garden?
Of course! Who doesn’t?! ALL flowers have their own magic. Their bright colors, sweet scents, and beauty catch our eyes and awaken our souls. They inspire love and gratitude and poetry. Surround yourself with flowers! My forsythia is wow-ing me today.
This concludes our interview with our latest author Amy Brecount White. We wish her much success with her debut novel FORGET HER NOTS.
To see what Amy is up to these days, visit her website at www.amybrecountwhite.com (in progress).
Authors on the Verge: Meet Olugbemisola Rhuday Perkovich, middle grade novelist
Posted by Cynthea on January 22nd, 2010
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Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich
This week, we have Olugbemisola Rhuday Perkovich. Olugbemisola is the daughter of a Jamaican mother and Nigerian father, and married to a man of Croatian descent. So, that’s what’s up with the name. She’s worked as a freelance writer and contributing editor at various magazines, and has developed educational materials geared to educators and students. Olugbemisola has worked extensively in youth development, at community organizations and New York City schools. She was twice awarded a public service fellowship by the Echoing Green foundation to work on a creative arts and literacy project with adolescent girls. She received her M.A. in Educational Communication and Technology, with a concentration in Adolescent Literacy and English Education, her B.Sc. from Cornell University, and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. “I spent a number of my younger years in different communities across the globe. I attended public, private,’international’, and religious schools. These experiences have had lasting benefits as I was exposed to many languages, traditions, customs – new and thrilling worlds. And each move brought with it both an opportunity and a struggle surrounding identity, which is a recurring theme in my work.” She lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Here’s a little bit about EIGHTH GRADE SUPERZERO, Arthur A. Levine Books.
8th Grade SuperZero
Reginald Garvey McKnight created a superhero character in kindergarten; now he dreams of being a real-life leading man: The Guy who’s got game and gets The Girl. Instead, he threw up on the first day of school. In front of everyone. Seventh grade has gone downhill ever since. Reginald Garvey McKnight created a superhero character in kindergarten; now he dreams of being a real-life leading man: The Guy who’s got game and gets The Girl. Instead, he threw up on the first day of school. In front of everyone. Seventh grade has gone downhill ever since. In SEVENTH GRADE SUPERZERO, Reggie’s faith at all levels is challenged by his friendships, his work at a homeless shelter, and a pair of “Dora The Explorer” shoes. His involvement in a school election leads him to the superhero within, and he learns that sometimes winning big means living small.
Now let’s start the interview. When you received your offer, what happened?
I jumped up and down, cried, laughed, and called people. Repeatedly.
So now that you have a contract, what’s it like to be on the other side-on the verge of publication? What does it feel like to be official?
I continue to have random jump up and down moments…wait, here I go!
Tell us a little bit about your path to publication.
I only sent my manuscript to one editor, the one who ended up acquiring it. It took a while from query to offer, as I was in the ’slush pile’ — I am still amazed that I made it out of one of those mountains of manuscripts! — but I was certain that these were people that I wanted to work with. I queried agents rather slowly, as I spent a lot of time researching them, their preferences, reading their clients’ work, etc. I waited a long time to meet the person who ended up becoming my agent, because she only takes queries based on referral or conference meetups, and it was definitely worth the wait. Sometimes I felt like I was so much slower or less aggressive than other authors seeking representation, but it was important to me to pursue relationships that felt “right”. And things feel very right!
And here’s our favorite question. How many rejections did you receive in general (not just for this book) before you landed your first major publishing contract?
0-10
Tell us about one of your most heart-breaking rejections and about one of your best.
I got a rejection from an agent that was simultaneously very insulting and really complimentary. It was pretty impressive, the way the agent made me feel such extreme highs and lows in a matter of minutes.
How long did it take to sell your books, from putting the first words on the page to receiving an offer?
3 years +
Prior to selling your books, you were …
A stay-at-home mom.
What are some of the new things you worry about now that you have a contract?
Meeting expectations. Continuing to improve, to hone my craft. The paralyzing effects of fear and perfectionism.
Describe an Ah-ha moment you might have had that influenced your writing in a positive way.
In struggling with SEVENTH GRADE SUPERZERO, I realised at one point that I was thinking more about myself and how I wanted to be perceived as a writer than about my character and his story. I really had to get over myself and “serve the work”, as one of my writing teachers used to say.
Any advice for aspiring authors?
Write even when you don’t feel like it, even if it’s just a few words. Do your homework — read, read, read. Figure out what resonates, and why. Find critique partners that are truly concerned with being supportive, and with making the work better. Listen; take some time to digest critiques, even when they sting, or when they’re overwhelmingly positive — sometimes it takes a little time to get past your emotional response to the substance of the critique. (How many times can I write “critique?”)
Aside from WRITING FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS<—shameless plug, are there any other books on craft you recommend?
Anne Lamott, Bird By Bird; Madeleine L’Engle, The Rock That is Higher: Story as Truth; Stephen King On Writing; Uta Hagen, Respect for Acting; Orson Scott Card, Characters and Viewpoint.
Finally, Snoop wants to know: Would you like something sweet to eat? YES.
This concludes our interview with our latest author Olugbemisola Rhuday Perkovich. We wish her much success with her debut novel EIGHTH GRADE SUPERZERO.
To see what Olugbemisola is up to these days, visit her blog at http://olugbemisola.livejournal.com or her website at http://www.olugbemisola.com.
Outstanding Free-tique Update
Posted by Cynthea on January 19th, 2010
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As of today, I have finished all outstanding free-tiques owed to participants from the Take the Dare: Show You Care launch. Thank you so much for supporting Tulakes Elementary and my book PARIS PAN TAKES THE DARE.
If you did not receive yours, check your spam box. If you can’t find it, contact me!
Authors on the Verge: Meet Rhonda Stapleton, young adult novelist
Posted by Cynthea on November 19th, 2009
filed in Authors on the Verge | 5 Comments »
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This week, we have Rhonda Stapleton. Rhonda started writing a few years ago to appease the voices in her head. She has a Master’s degree in English and a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. Rhonda works as an editor for a legal publishing company and enjoys freelance editing and offering editing workshops. Because one writing group is never enough, she belongs to Romance Writers of America, several online and local writing chapters, and Romance Divas. Rhonda lives in Northeast Ohio with her two lovely, energetic children and fiancé, who are more than enough to keep her busy when she’s not writing. In the twelve minutes of free time she has each day, Rhonda enjoys reading, writing poetry, singing in the shower (and in the car, at work, or basically anywhere that provides oxygen), drinking chai tea, and playing on the internet.
Stupid Cupid by Rhonda Stapleton
Here’s a little bit about STUPID CUPID, Simon Pulse, December, 2009.
STUPID CUPID is the first book of a trilogy in which a 17-year-old girl becomes a cupid for her high school, arranging matches with a tricked-out Palm Pilot.
Now let’s start the interview. When you received your offer, what happened?
…cried like a baby–I got the email from my agent that the book passed the acquisitions meeting, turned toward my fiance, and bawled into his shirt. I was so relieved and happy that I couldn’t even think straight. haha
So now that you have a contract, what’s it like to be on the other side-on the verge of publication? What does it feel like to be official?
It’s a little frightening, actually, in some ways–because I sold on proposal, the pressure’s on to make sure the rest of my book, as well as books 2 and 3, are up to snuff. However, it’s a wonderful, thrilling validation of my writing to be contracted. Someone else out there loves it and believes in me enough to invest time and money in me! What an amazing gift!!
Tell us a little bit about your path to publication.
I started writing seriously back in 2004. My first book (an adult chick lit) was sent out to over 100 agents, and no one picked it up (some because it WAS a chick lit). I honestly don’t know why, as it was a brilliant book. haha. I found an electronic publisher for it though, and moved on to my second book, which was my first young adult novel. That one got me my agent. However, it was my second young adult novel, STUPID CUPID, that got me contracted with Simon Pulse.
And here’s our favorite question. How many rejections did you receive in general (not just for this book) before you landed your first major publishing contract?
I plead the fifth.
Tell us about one of your most heart-breaking rejections and about one of your best.
Oh, man. Let me tell you, I’ve had some heart-breaking rejections before, including ones from agents who said they love my writing, but didn’t know where to place my work. Those really are the worst AND the best, I think, because I KNEW I was SO close to finding that right home, but not quite there…it was like an oasis within my grasp, but it faded between my fingers. Torture!!
How long did it take to sell your books, from putting the first words on the page to receiving an offer?
1 year – 2 years
Prior to selling your books, you were …
Working a full-time job unrelated to writing
Now that you’ve sold some books, you plan to …
Reduce the number of hours I’m working at my current occupation
What are some of the new things you worry about now that you have a contract?
I worry about making sure my writing is on par with where it should be, obviously. I also worry about being able to obtain future contracts and keep my books coming out consistently.
What is one of the biggest myths in children’s book publishing that you wish aspiring writers would just forget about?
Myth–anyone can write a children’s book; they’re so much easier than writing for adults (and because I’ve been around kids, I can write them). Truth–WRONG. Pick up a book and read it. REALLY study it. Children’s books (especially YA, which I write) have a surprising amount of sophistication, and writing them requires tapping into the core of an adolescent’s emotions and experiences and conveying them AUTHENTICALLY. It’s not an easy thing to replicate, and it takes effort. Luckily, since I seem to be a perpetual teen trapped in a woman’s body, I find it suited to my own voice. hahaha
Any inspiring quotes you live by?
For me, one of the most inspiring quotes was, “Don’t consider yourself a writer–consider yourself a rewriter.” This reminds me to not too much pressure on myself when writing that first draft. No one’s manuscript comes out perfectly; all works need anything from minor tweaking to major overhauling, and my work will likely fall somewhere in the middle. haha
Any advice for aspiring authors?
My first piece of advice–READ READ READ! This is vital–not only read novels and current books, but read agent/publisher/author blogs, keep up on the industry news, etc. Knowing what’s out there, what’s hot, etc is vital for both new and established authors, I believe! My second piece of advice–WRITE! This is obvious, but if you don’t actually finish a manuscript, how do you know that you can write one? When I’m working on a novel, I write steadily, five days a week, until I finish it. I take this as seriously as my day job.
Aside from WRITING FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS<—shameless plug, are there any other books on craft you recommend?
Here are some of my favs: Strunk and White’s _The Elements of Style_ is a must-have. Having a sophisticated style is vital in writing, in my opinion. Browne and King’s _Self-Editing for Fiction Writers_ is another great resource. Scharton and Neuleib’s _Things Your Grammar Never Told You_ is a really fun, funny grammar source. I always recommend this book. Stilman’s _Grammatically Correct_ (can you tell I have a lot of grammar/style books on here? Well, I think it’s important, and a writer can never have too many tools) Lukeman’s _The First Five Pages_ is another must-read. You really don’t have much time to grab the attention of that agent or editor! Marshall’s _The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing_ is a good one if you have problems staying organized or pacing yourself properly. I hope some of these help!
Finally, Snoop wants to know: why do you hate blue food so much? What did the raspberry slushy ever do to you? A–Why, that’s a fantastic question. Frankly, I think blue food is gross, and I have a total mental block against eating it. That includes M&Ms, slushies, juice, etc. You don’t find blue food in nature (and NO, I don’t think blueberries count, as they’re purple). Actually, blue is an appetite suppressant, so if you’re dieting, eat on a blue plate, and you actually eat less food. So, there ya go. haha
This concludes our interview with our latest author Rhonda Stapleton. We wish her much success with her debut novel STUPID CUPID.
To see what Rhonda is up to these days, visit her blog at http://www.rhondastapleton.blogspot.com or her website at http://www.rhondastapleton.net.
WFCAT has changed outfits, temporarily!
Posted by Cynthea on November 4th, 2009
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You’re in the right place. WFCAT has changed outfits temporarily until we figure out what is going wrong with the old site design. Until then, you can still visit your favorite haunts. It just won’t look the same as it did before. Enjoy!
Authors on the Verge: Meet L.K. Madigan, novelist
Posted by Cynthea on September 30th, 2009
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Flash Burnout by L.K. Madigan
This week, we have L.K. Madigan. Lisa is married with one son, and two big black dogs. She lives in Portland, Oregon, where it’s green and gray. When she’s not reading, writing or playing with her family, she pursues hobbies like photography, music, bike riding, and sweeping up dog hair.
Here’s a little bit about FLASH BURNOUT, Houghton Mifflin, Fall 2009.
FLASH BURNOUT chronicles a chaotic year for sophomore Blake, who, after taking a picture of a passed-out street person for his photography class, finds himself ditching his girlfriend, prowling skid row and tracking down his best friend’s long-lost mother.
Now let’s start the interview. When you received your offer, what happened?
L. K. Madigan
Tried to keep the car on the road. Tried to unfreeze my brain enough to understand what my agent was telling me. Shook. Made three semi-coherent phone calls to my husband, my sister, and my friend. Went to my job, where I squealed, and jumped up and down, and did almost no work the rest of the day.
So now that you have a contract, what’s it like to be on the other side-on the verge of publication? What does it feel like to be official?
For me, it symbolizes validation … that all those solitary hours of writing time were not in vain.
Tell us a little bit about your path to publication.
Write. Revise, revise, listen to critique partners, revise, revise, submit. Collect rejections. Start a blog on LiveJournal. Enjoy wider writing community and meet new friends. Collect rejections. Soak up sympathy and wisdom from writing friends. Accept book deal! Live happily ever after.
And here’s our favorite question. How many rejections did you receive in general (not just for this book) before you landed your first major publishing contract?
26-50
Tell us about one of your most heart-breaking rejections and about one of your best.
Really? Okay, but I need to lie down on your virtual couch while I recount my worst rejection, hereafter to be known as The Incident. From initial query letter to rejection, I spent five months working exclusively with an agent who requested two rounds of revisions. She was kind and professional, and never promised that I would end up with representation … but if I could go back in time and kick my own ass, I would. Ultimately, she felt that the book wasn’t strong enough for her to sell. While the rejection was painful, I certainly did not want an agent who didn’t believe in my book! Another agent felt differently, and offered me representation. That same manuscript, deemed ‘not strong enough’ by the first agent, was so enthusiastically received by an editor at Houghton Mifflin that she offered me a two-book deal. I see that our time is up, Doctor, so we’ll have to discuss “best” (?) rejections next time. Perhaps I could journal about them in the meantime.
How long did it take to sell your books, from putting the first words on the page to receiving an offer?
2 years – 3 years
Prior to selling your books, you were …
Working a full-time job unrelated to writing
Now that you’ve sold some books, you plan to …
Not change a thing
What are some of the new things you worry about now that you have a contract?
That I will get run over by a bus before I live to see my book in print. No, I’m kidding. Kind of. I worry about being a one-hit wonder. Thanks for asking.
If you’ve already begun or have finished the editorial process with your publisher, let you us know what that’s been like.
I found the revision process for FLASH BURNOUT really exciting – my editor sent me a letter with big picture suggestions, and a marked-up manuscript with specific comments. I just finished the revision process for my second novel – due out in the Fall 2010 – which was a bit more intense. But still exciting!
Describe a typical day in your writing life.
First the Inspiration Fairy wakes me gently, and hands me a cup of coffee and a hot, fresh burst of genius prose. Actually, no. I don’t have typical writing days, since I work full-time at a regular job. My writing life consists of begging, stealing, and snatching time to write. You might find me staring bleary-eyed into my laptop at 5:30 a.m., scribbling notes at stoplights, or asking my family to go out for pizza while I work on a manuscript. When I’m deep in the middle of a book, the characters keep trying to talk to me throughout the day. I jot down cryptic notes until I can grab a piece of writing time.
Describe an Ah-ha moment you might have had that influenced your writing in a positive way.
Epiphanies in writing are hard to deconstruct. You may ponder a plot point for weeks, and suddenly one day the answer sneaks into your head while you’re having dinner or taking a shower. It feels like magic, but probably it’s your smart subconscious brain working away on the problem while you’re doing other things.
What is one of the biggest myths in children’s book publishing that you wish aspiring writers would just forget about?
Sadly, it is a myth that if you write a really good book, it will one day be published. As wise Jane Yolen says of the publishing process, “Know that it is out of your hands.” I’ve known several talented writers – better writers than I – who gave up. They couldn’t stand the cycle of queries, submissions, rejections, and close calls. Aside from writing a good book, elements of luck, timing, and connecting with the right people all play a part in getting published. If you believe in your book, you should never give up. But you should also keep writing, because you don’t want to pin all your hopes on one book.
Any inspiring quotes you live by?
There are so many terrific quotes! In fact, here’s a collection of them: http://www.quotegarden.com/writing.html But one that I keep handy when I’m in the middle of a novel comes from E.L. Doctorow: “Writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.”
Any advice for aspiring authors?
Observation and imagination. You need both to write fiction. And don’t fear the words! Let them pour out, even if they’re stilted and trite. Until you put words on the page, you have nothing to work with. I promise you they will improve as you polish and revise.
Aside from WRITING FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS<—shameless plug, are there any other books on craft you recommend?
BIRD BY BIRD, by Anne Lamott. ON WRITING, by Stephen King.
Finally, Snoop wants to know: What do you mean, you “love to punch and kick”? I take tae kwon do with my son. I’m still a beginner, but I love it! The round kick is my favorite. My instructor says my kicks are “gorgeous.” (Preens.)
This concludes our interview with our latest author L.K. Madigan. We wish her much success with her debut novel FLASH BURNOUT.
To see what Lisa is up to these days, visit her blog at http://lkmadigan.livejournal.com.
