This post was written by Jeri Smith-Ready and originally posted on her blog. Since she's happy to share it, and I think it's great information, I'm cross-posting it here as kind of a guest post:
***
Has this ever happened to you? You walk into a bookstore on any given Tuesday (the usual day for new releases), giddy with excitement over the book you've been dying to read for weeks. Within a few hours you'll be curled up on your couch with your favorite hot drink, or stretched out in the sun with your favorite cold drink, reveling in the printed word.
You search the store's shelves, the tables, and endcaps. But the book isn't there. If you're feeling intrepid, you check the computer or go to the information desk and ask for it.
Nope. It ain't there. Maybe the store only ordered a few copies and they're already sold out. Maybe the books haven't been delivered yet. Maybe the store simply hasn't ordered any at all.
SADFACE!!
You go home, disappointed, and write the author an e-mail, or comment on their blog or Facebook or Twitter, telling them the store didn't have their book.
DOUBLE SADFACE!!
Now two people feel bad, but there's a difference between these two people.
Because authors have no control over which stores sell their books (oh, how we wish we did). Even publishers don't have that control (oh, how they wish they did).
But readers do. By making one phone call, you can be sure your favorite store will have a copy of Shift waiting for you on or near release day.
After all, your store wants to sell books. An order is a guaranteed sale, so they are more than happy to get a book in for you. Everybody wins!
There are two ways to do this, in order of certainty:
1. Phone your closest bookseller. Here are links for store locators for independent bookstores, Barnes & Noble, Borders, and Books-A-Million. Tell them which book you want. They'll call you when it comes in. No wasted time and gasoline on your part--yay!
2. Sometimes you can pre-order it online for in-store pickup, or order it online for pickup once it comes out. But if it's not in stock to begin with, the website might disable this option, and the only way to get it is to call. Here are the links for Shift:
Independent bookstores
Barnes & Noble
Borders
These days, bookstores are buying smaller initial amounts of each book from the publishers than they used to. It has nothing to do with the individual books--it's across the board (not including huge bestsellers, of course). If a book sells out fast, they might reorder it, they might not.
So if you really want to help to an author (and help yourself), pre-order their book at your local store. It will not only help get that copy where you want to buy it, it'll also encourage the bookseller to buy more of that author's next novel. And thus, we get to stay employed. Everybody wins again!
There's certainly nothing wrong with preordering from Amazon or another online bookseller. Authors still earn royalties on those sales. We love you for buying our books anywhere and any time.
But each pre-order on Amazon results in one sale. If enough people pre-order a book from their local chain or independent bookseller, that might convince the store to order extra copies to put on their shelves. Clearly people want this book! So a pre-order (or an order) to your neighborhood store might ultimately result in two, three, five, or ten sales.
I know, the business of bookselling is really confusing, and it's changing every day. I can't guarantee that your store will be carrying Shift next Tuesday, or at all.
But you can. You have the power. USE THE FORCE, LUKE! Or, you know, the telephone.
Thanks--you rock!
***
Thank you, Jeri and congrats on your upcoming release of Shift! One thing I just want to add, because as a reader I never really considered this. While there's nothing morally wrong or illegal with buying books used, unfortunately none of the proceeds get to the author that way. Rather than buying used books, I now save myself the two or three dollars (plus shipping) and check them out from my library (or ask my library to order them if they don't already carry them). Heaven knows most of us can't afford to buy every book we want to read brand new, but library sales do still benefit authors - and hey, isn't "free" the best price?
Join my Mailing List for Free Books!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Ordering From Bookstores by Jeri Smith-Ready
This post is written by Jeri Smith-Ready, originally posted on her blog, but she's happy to share it around. I thought it was good information so I'm cross-posting it here as kind of a guest post.
***
Has this ever happened to you? You walk into a bookstore on any given Tuesday (the usual day for new releases), giddy with excitement over the book you've been dying to read for weeks. Within a few hours you'll be curled up on your couch with your favorite hot drink, or stretched out in the sun with your favorite cold drink, reveling in the printed word.
You search the store's shelves, the tables, and endcaps. But the book isn't there. If you're feeling intrepid, you check the computer or go to the information desk and ask for it.
Nope. It ain't there. Maybe the store only ordered a few copies and they're already sold out. Maybe the books haven't been delivered yet. Maybe the store simply hasn't ordered any at all.
SADFACE!!
You go home, disappointed, and write the author an e-mail, or comment on their blog or Facebook or Twitter, telling them the store didn't have their book.
DOUBLE SADFACE!!
Now two people feel bad, but there's a difference between these two people.
Because authors have no control over which stores sell their books (oh, how we wish we did). Even publishers don't have that control (oh, how they wish they did).
But readers do. By making one phone call, you can be sure your favorite store will have a copy of Shift waiting for you on or near release day.
After all, your store wants to sell books. An order is a guaranteed sale, so they are more than happy to get a book in for you. Everybody wins!
There are two ways to do this, in order of certainty:
1. Phone your closest bookseller. Here are links for store locators for independent bookstores, Barnes & Noble, Borders, and Books-A-Million. Tell them which book you want. They'll call you when it comes in. No wasted time and gasoline on your part--yay!
2. Sometimes you can pre-order it online for in-store pickup, or order it online for pickup once it comes out. But if it's not in stock to begin with, the website might disable this option, and the only way to get it is to call. Here are the links for Shift:
Independent bookstores
Barnes & Noble
Borders
These days, bookstores are buying smaller initial amounts of each book from the publishers than they used to. It has nothing to do with the individual books--it's across the board (not including huge bestsellers, of course). If a book sells out fast, they might reorder it, they might not.
So if you really want to help to an author (and help yourself), pre-order their book at your local store. It will not only help get that copy where you want to buy it, it'll also encourage the bookseller to buy more of that author's next novel. And thus, we get to stay employed. Everybody wins again!
There's certainly nothing wrong with preordering from Amazon or another online bookseller. Authors still earn royalties on those sales. We love you for buying our books anywhere and any time.
But each pre-order on Amazon results in one sale. If enough people pre-order a book from their local chain or independent bookseller, that might convince the store to order extra copies to put on their shelves. Clearly people want this book! So a pre-order (or an order) to your neighborhood store might ultimately result in two, three, five, or ten sales.
I know, the business of bookselling is really confusing, and it's changing every day. I can't guarantee that your store will be carrying Shift next Tuesday, or at all.
But you can. You have the power. USE THE FORCE, LUKE! Or, you know, the telephone.
Thanks--you rock!
***
Has this ever happened to you? You walk into a bookstore on any given Tuesday (the usual day for new releases), giddy with excitement over the book you've been dying to read for weeks. Within a few hours you'll be curled up on your couch with your favorite hot drink, or stretched out in the sun with your favorite cold drink, reveling in the printed word.
You search the store's shelves, the tables, and endcaps. But the book isn't there. If you're feeling intrepid, you check the computer or go to the information desk and ask for it.
Nope. It ain't there. Maybe the store only ordered a few copies and they're already sold out. Maybe the books haven't been delivered yet. Maybe the store simply hasn't ordered any at all.
SADFACE!!
You go home, disappointed, and write the author an e-mail, or comment on their blog or Facebook or Twitter, telling them the store didn't have their book.
DOUBLE SADFACE!!
Now two people feel bad, but there's a difference between these two people.
Because authors have no control over which stores sell their books (oh, how we wish we did). Even publishers don't have that control (oh, how they wish they did).
But readers do. By making one phone call, you can be sure your favorite store will have a copy of Shift waiting for you on or near release day.
After all, your store wants to sell books. An order is a guaranteed sale, so they are more than happy to get a book in for you. Everybody wins!
There are two ways to do this, in order of certainty:
1. Phone your closest bookseller. Here are links for store locators for independent bookstores, Barnes & Noble, Borders, and Books-A-Million. Tell them which book you want. They'll call you when it comes in. No wasted time and gasoline on your part--yay!
2. Sometimes you can pre-order it online for in-store pickup, or order it online for pickup once it comes out. But if it's not in stock to begin with, the website might disable this option, and the only way to get it is to call. Here are the links for Shift:
Independent bookstores
Barnes & Noble
Borders
These days, bookstores are buying smaller initial amounts of each book from the publishers than they used to. It has nothing to do with the individual books--it's across the board (not including huge bestsellers, of course). If a book sells out fast, they might reorder it, they might not.
So if you really want to help to an author (and help yourself), pre-order their book at your local store. It will not only help get that copy where you want to buy it, it'll also encourage the bookseller to buy more of that author's next novel. And thus, we get to stay employed. Everybody wins again!
There's certainly nothing wrong with preordering from Amazon or another online bookseller. Authors still earn royalties on those sales. We love you for buying our books anywhere and any time.
But each pre-order on Amazon results in one sale. If enough people pre-order a book from their local chain or independent bookseller, that might convince the store to order extra copies to put on their shelves. Clearly people want this book! So a pre-order (or an order) to your neighborhood store might ultimately result in two, three, five, or ten sales.
I know, the business of bookselling is really confusing, and it's changing every day. I can't guarantee that your store will be carrying Shift next Tuesday, or at all.
But you can. You have the power. USE THE FORCE, LUKE! Or, you know, the telephone.
Thanks--you rock!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Winners!
Thanks for all those who entered the Hoppy Easter Eggstraveganza Contest!
I had several hundred entries, so as promised, I will give away three books from my shelves. There were a few people who couldn't read the titles, and I apologize for my lame camera, but rest assured, everyone's name did go into the hat, whether you had chosen books or not.
The winners are...
WAKE will go to Leebee19!
LOSING FAITH will go to Stellarbookblog!
PERSONAL DEMONS will go to brittanylovesbooks!
Congrats to all, and thanks so much for entering!
I had several hundred entries, so as promised, I will give away three books from my shelves. There were a few people who couldn't read the titles, and I apologize for my lame camera, but rest assured, everyone's name did go into the hat, whether you had chosen books or not.
The winners are...
WAKE will go to Leebee19!
LOSING FAITH will go to Stellarbookblog!
PERSONAL DEMONS will go to brittanylovesbooks!
Congrats to all, and thanks so much for entering!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Teen Author Tuesday Presents Allan Woodrow and THE ROTTEN ADVENTURES OF ZACHARY RUTHLESS!
Today I'm happy to welcome another debut author from The Elevensies. Allan Woodrow's first novel, The Rotten Adventures of Zachary Ruthless, releases May 1, 2011 from Harper/HarperCollins. It is a Humorous Middle Grade, for ages 8-12.
Welcome, Allan! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?
World's most evil kid, up to rottenness.
Ha. Sounds great! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your debut novel and why?
Zachary Ruthless would be helpless without his henchman, Newt. But despite his lofty evil position, doubts remains about Newt's true rottenness. After all, he has freckles and evil people never have freckles. True, one of his freckles looks like a small rat. Well, maybe it's the shape of a kitten. No, definitely a rat. But he does play a "Jiminy Cricket" role to help guide Zachary down less evil paths. He's the "heart" of the books.
Can you tell my readers a little bit more about yourself, Allan?
Growing up, I was cursed with a boring, happy and loving family, giving me nothing interesting to write about. I resented it for years. Eventually, a voice inside my head convinced me to write children’s books. At least that’s what I think the voice said; i had a head cold at the time. The Rotten Adventures of Zachary Ruthless is my debut novel, with additional Adventures launching every six months. Additionally, I have written for TV and work as an advertising Copywriter and Creative Director. I live in the Chicago area with my family and two goldfish. The goldfish are wanted in 22 states.
What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?
Although I write this sheepishly ... how easy it was. I didn't write for years and get tons of rejection slips, which is what I expected and was prepared to endure. I promised myself to be positive and persistent. But I didn't need to be. I decided to write children's books as my New Year's Resolution, 2009. By the time 2010 rolled around I already had an agent, a book deal for four books with HarperCollins, and a boatload of hope. But I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop. I'm sure I'll need to suffer through years of writing turmoil at some point, maybe soon.
Wow, I must say, that's the first time I've heard that! But congratulations on a quick and painless journey! May it continue to be that way for you, Allan. What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
Your book isn't going to write itself. At the risk of sounding like an athletic shoe, Just do it. I dreamed of writing a novel forever and never tried it because I assumed I was going to be rejected; I wasn't good enough. Why risk my dream being crushed? Then, when I finally decided to go for broke, it happened quickly. Ignore the negative in you. You just never know.
Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?
I have two different .mss in my agent's clutches, both potential series starters: one chapter book and one older MG; and have been hired to create an entire imaginary world, humanoid characters (but not human), and three books for a potential book/TV/merchandising series . None of which I will go into detail about, in fears I'll jinx any/all the projects. But I keep busy.
Wow, a busy guy! They both sound very interesting. What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?
Lots of short stories and unfinished random books which I haven't looked at since I was a teen but might be in my basement somewhere. I wrote for my High School literary magazine and a short story I wrote for was the inspiration behind, "The Rotten Adventures of Zachary Ruthless."
What's the last book you read that you really loved?
The Chaos Walking trilogy by Patrick Ness. I could say the Hunger Games Trilogy, but that's like saying I like the Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest trilogy -- very unoriginal, although I loved them both, too.
If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?
My website: allanwoodrow.com
The book website: evilbadguystuff.com
Follow Zachary on Facebook: www.facebook.com/zachary.ruthless
My blog: woodrowbooks.wordpress.com/
Great! Thanks so much for visiting, Allan, and all the best with your first book's release!
Interested in seeing more? Here's the book trailer for THE ROTTEN ADVENTURES OF ZACHARY RUTHLESS! Enjoy!
Welcome, Allan! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?
World's most evil kid, up to rottenness.
Ha. Sounds great! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your debut novel and why?
Zachary Ruthless would be helpless without his henchman, Newt. But despite his lofty evil position, doubts remains about Newt's true rottenness. After all, he has freckles and evil people never have freckles. True, one of his freckles looks like a small rat. Well, maybe it's the shape of a kitten. No, definitely a rat. But he does play a "Jiminy Cricket" role to help guide Zachary down less evil paths. He's the "heart" of the books.
Can you tell my readers a little bit more about yourself, Allan?
Growing up, I was cursed with a boring, happy and loving family, giving me nothing interesting to write about. I resented it for years. Eventually, a voice inside my head convinced me to write children’s books. At least that’s what I think the voice said; i had a head cold at the time. The Rotten Adventures of Zachary Ruthless is my debut novel, with additional Adventures launching every six months. Additionally, I have written for TV and work as an advertising Copywriter and Creative Director. I live in the Chicago area with my family and two goldfish. The goldfish are wanted in 22 states.
What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?
Although I write this sheepishly ... how easy it was. I didn't write for years and get tons of rejection slips, which is what I expected and was prepared to endure. I promised myself to be positive and persistent. But I didn't need to be. I decided to write children's books as my New Year's Resolution, 2009. By the time 2010 rolled around I already had an agent, a book deal for four books with HarperCollins, and a boatload of hope. But I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop. I'm sure I'll need to suffer through years of writing turmoil at some point, maybe soon.
Wow, I must say, that's the first time I've heard that! But congratulations on a quick and painless journey! May it continue to be that way for you, Allan. What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
Your book isn't going to write itself. At the risk of sounding like an athletic shoe, Just do it. I dreamed of writing a novel forever and never tried it because I assumed I was going to be rejected; I wasn't good enough. Why risk my dream being crushed? Then, when I finally decided to go for broke, it happened quickly. Ignore the negative in you. You just never know.
Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?
I have two different .mss in my agent's clutches, both potential series starters: one chapter book and one older MG; and have been hired to create an entire imaginary world, humanoid characters (but not human), and three books for a potential book/TV/merchandising series . None of which I will go into detail about, in fears I'll jinx any/all the projects. But I keep busy.
Wow, a busy guy! They both sound very interesting. What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?
Lots of short stories and unfinished random books which I haven't looked at since I was a teen but might be in my basement somewhere. I wrote for my High School literary magazine and a short story I wrote for was the inspiration behind, "The Rotten Adventures of Zachary Ruthless."
What's the last book you read that you really loved?
The Chaos Walking trilogy by Patrick Ness. I could say the Hunger Games Trilogy, but that's like saying I like the Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest trilogy -- very unoriginal, although I loved them both, too.
If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?
My website: allanwoodrow.com
The book website: evilbadguystuff.com
Follow Zachary on Facebook: www.facebook.com/zachary.ruthless
My blog: woodrowbooks.wordpress.com/
Great! Thanks so much for visiting, Allan, and all the best with your first book's release!
Interested in seeing more? Here's the book trailer for THE ROTTEN ADVENTURES OF ZACHARY RUTHLESS! Enjoy!
Monday, April 25, 2011
April #wipmadness Check-In
I think this is our last Monday check-in! I won't be continuing the official check-ins here, but I do plan to keep updating once in a while on my progress. I hope you'll all continue to use the #wipmadness hashtag though, so we can keep in contact and find out how we're all doing.
As for my last week, I spent some time outlining my bright, shiny idea, and although it's really kind of a mess right now, I have found a beginning, middle, and and end for the story! I'm really happy about that, and now this week I will get back to working on my priority proposal.
How about you? How's progress? Do you think you'll meet your April goals?
If you haven't entered my Hoppy Easter Giveaway yet, it's not too late. I have another Teen Author Tuesday guest planned for tomorrow, but will be back with the giveaway prize winner on Wednesday.
Happy Monday, everybody!
As for my last week, I spent some time outlining my bright, shiny idea, and although it's really kind of a mess right now, I have found a beginning, middle, and and end for the story! I'm really happy about that, and now this week I will get back to working on my priority proposal.
How about you? How's progress? Do you think you'll meet your April goals?
If you haven't entered my Hoppy Easter Giveaway yet, it's not too late. I have another Teen Author Tuesday guest planned for tomorrow, but will be back with the giveaway prize winner on Wednesday.
Happy Monday, everybody!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Blog Hop & Giveaway!
This contest is now closed. I'll be back on Wednesday with the winners!
Welcome to the Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Blog Hop! This hop has been organized by I'm a Reader Not a Writer blog.
Over 260 participating blogs are offering a book related giveaway and we are all linked up together so you can easily hop from one giveaway to another. The hop runs from Wednesday, April 20th through Monday, April 25th.
I'm opening up TWO of my bookshelves for you to pick a book from. I will give books away to up to THREE winners (for every 50 entries I will add another prize). Some are advance copies, a few are even signed copies! (Click on pictures to enlarge.)
Giveaway Details:
To enter giveaway please follow this blog, then fill out the form below.
Last Day to Enter is 4/25/11
Open to Canada/US mailing addresses only
Optional Extra Entries:
+1 Be or become my friend on Goodreads
+1 Follow on Twitter
+ Follow this blog
To Enter Giveaway Please Fill Out This Form:
After you have entered my giveaway, hop to another giveaway on the list:
Welcome to the Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Blog Hop! This hop has been organized by I'm a Reader Not a Writer blog.
Over 260 participating blogs are offering a book related giveaway and we are all linked up together so you can easily hop from one giveaway to another. The hop runs from Wednesday, April 20th through Monday, April 25th.
I'm opening up TWO of my bookshelves for you to pick a book from. I will give books away to up to THREE winners (for every 50 entries I will add another prize). Some are advance copies, a few are even signed copies! (Click on pictures to enlarge.)
Giveaway Details:
To enter giveaway please follow this blog, then fill out the form below.
Last Day to Enter is 4/25/11
Open to Canada/US mailing addresses only
Optional Extra Entries:
+1 Be or become my friend on Goodreads
+1 Follow on Twitter
+ Follow this blog
To Enter Giveaway Please Fill Out This Form:
After you have entered my giveaway, hop to another giveaway on the list:
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Teen Author Tuesday Presents Amy Holder and THE LIPSTICK LAWS!
I'm thrilled to welcome another writer friend of mine to the blog today, Amy Holder. I can't believe her release date is finally here! I've been watching her go through and nerve-wracking process of waiting to see that first book on the shelves, and now that it's here, I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy!
THE LIPSTICK LAWS was released April 4, 2011 from Graphia/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. It is Contemporary YA for ages 12 and up.
Welcome Amy! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?
Judges, can we allow that? Sure! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your debut novel and why?
Can you tell my readers a little bit about yourself, Amy?
What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?
Yes, that was shocking to me too! What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
Great advice! Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?
What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?
What's the last book you read that you really loved?
Aw, you just made my day! If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, Amy, where should they look?
Thank you SO MUCH for visiting, Amy, and all the very best with your debut!
THE LIPSTICK LAWS was released April 4, 2011 from Graphia/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. It is Contemporary YA for ages 12 and up.
Welcome Amy! Can you tell me about your book in seven words or less?
Humorous coming-of-age story about popularity gone wrong. (Oops! That's nine words...can I count coming-of-age as one? lol)
Judges, can we allow that? Sure! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours in your debut novel and why?
I had a lot of fun writing Britney’s character because it was entertaining to be able to create and write a villain. But, my favorite character (other than April) has to be Delvin. He’s so awkwardly sweet, well-meaning and genuine… I wish I could pick him out of my story and be friends with him in real life.
Can you tell my readers a little bit about yourself, Amy?
I’m a huge animal lover with an affinity for chocolate, laughing, art, my CHI hair straightener, and having fun. I’m originally from upstate New York (close to the setting of THE LIPSTICK LAWS), but I currently reside in the Philadelphia area with my verbally challenged sidekicks (pets).
What's been the most surprising thing about your path to publication so far?
One of the most surprising things has been realizing the amount of time and steps that go into making a manuscript a published book. There are so many people involved in a book’s publication (author, editor, copy editor, proofreader, cover designer, marketing team, publicist, etc, etc.), it’s amazing how much effort is put into each book that’s published every year. I have a whole new respect for each and every book that’s ever been published.
Yes, that was shocking to me too! What's one piece of writing advice you would give to aspiring authors?
Never give up! The road to publication is a bumpy one…and the bumps don’t necessarily end when you secure a book deal. You have to have determination, perseverance and the talent to back up your ambition in order to succeed.
Great advice! Are you swept up with promotion for your debut book right now or can you give us a sentence or two about something new you're working on?
Getting ready for my upcoming release has sucked up most of my free time, but I am working on another humorous YA manuscript as much as I can when I have time.
What did you write when you were a teen? Did you journal? Write poetry? Write overly literary or emotional stories? Or avoid writing altogether?
I wrote angst-ridden poetry that would be fully deserving of an emo-rific award! It was filled with teen torture (my own inner torture, not torturing teens…just had to clear that up ), philosophical questions, gushing over teen love…and then venting over a broken heart. Yes, I was very overdramatic and set on a path to write tragedies. I’m not quite sure what happened between then and now.
What's the last book you read that you really loved?
Well, that’s an easy one! LOSING FAITH by Denise Jaden, of course!
Aw, you just made my day! If readers want to find out more about you and your writing, Amy, where should they look?
Please visit my author website to find out more information about me, my book(s), upcoming events and more at www.amyholder.com
Thank you SO MUCH for visiting, Amy, and all the very best with your debut!
Monday, April 18, 2011
April Check-In! #wipmadness
Well, it's the 18th, my deadline day, and I'm almost done this revision! I should be done it in the next couple of hours and send it off to my editor. Very happy about that!
I've been thinking about my goals for the rest of the month. My next *should* project is a proposal my agent and I have been working on. It's not that I don't want to work on this, but it's just that I have another project I want to work on more. Remember that bright, shiny new project that tried to distract me in the third week of March Madness? Well, it's still nagging at me. So I've decided I want to give it a week to fester in my mind. I'll allow myself to brainstorm a bunch of notes, and then I hope by next Monday I'll have gotten it out of my system for the time being and can get back to work on my proposal.
How about you? I've seen on Twitter that many of you are making great word count milestones! Congratulations! Have your goals been staying pretty consistent on one project through April then? I want to hear all the deets!
I've been thinking about my goals for the rest of the month. My next *should* project is a proposal my agent and I have been working on. It's not that I don't want to work on this, but it's just that I have another project I want to work on more. Remember that bright, shiny new project that tried to distract me in the third week of March Madness? Well, it's still nagging at me. So I've decided I want to give it a week to fester in my mind. I'll allow myself to brainstorm a bunch of notes, and then I hope by next Monday I'll have gotten it out of my system for the time being and can get back to work on my proposal.
How about you? I've seen on Twitter that many of you are making great word count milestones! Congratulations! Have your goals been staying pretty consistent on one project through April then? I want to hear all the deets!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Readergirlz - I Rocked the Drop!
Readergirlz is supporting Teen Lit Day with their annual Rock the Drop, where people all around the world are "dropping" books for others to find!
Click the link above to find out more.
I just finished Rocking The Drop at my old high school right near my house. It was kinda fun, being covert and all, sneaking into the school and leaving a copy of LOSING FAITH right inside the main doors for someone to find!
Did you Rock The Drop today? Remember, it doesn't have to be your own book and you don't have to be an author to do it. Just print off the nameplate from the Readergirlz website, slip it into a teen-targeted book, and leave it anywhere you like!
Click the link above to find out more.
I just finished Rocking The Drop at my old high school right near my house. It was kinda fun, being covert and all, sneaking into the school and leaving a copy of LOSING FAITH right inside the main doors for someone to find!
Did you Rock The Drop today? Remember, it doesn't have to be your own book and you don't have to be an author to do it. Just print off the nameplate from the Readergirlz website, slip it into a teen-targeted book, and leave it anywhere you like!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Teen Author Tuesday Presents Carole Estby Dagg and THE YEAR WE WERE FAMOUS!
I'm happy to welcome another Class of 2k11 author to the blog today! Carole Estby Dagg's debut novel, THE YEAR WE WERE FAMOUS, releases April 4, 2011 from Clarion Books, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. It's Historical Fiction for tweens, ages 11 and up.
Welcome, Carole! Please tell me about your debut novel in 7 words or less:
adventure, 232-day walk, mother-daughter, women’s suffrage
Sounds very unique! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours and why?
Clara Estby’s mother, Helga (my great-grandmother), because she is such a flawed yet noble character.
Can you tell my readers a little bit more about yourself?
Since childhood I wanted to be a writer, but was afraid to try so I became a librarian instead. My first book finally comes out the year I turn 67. I write in Everett, Washington, and a converted woodshed on San Juan Island. I am a techno-idiot and don’t own a cell phone.
What's the most surprising (and best) thing about your path to publication so far?
I submitted part of my manuscript for critique at the national Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators conference in LA. At the end of my 15 minutes, my critiquer, Candie Moonshower, asked me if I’d like her to submit my work for the Sue Alexander Award. “What’s that?” I asked. It was my ticket out of the slush pile. After winning the award I signed a contract with Clarion Books, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
What a wonderful story! Congratulations! Can you offer any advice to aspiring authors?
If you have a story to tell, keep trying. I had 29 rejections on The Year We Were Famous over a period of 10 years before I signed a contract. I didn’t just keep submitting the same manuscript again and again though. During that time I took 8 college-level writing classes, attended countless writing workshops and conferences, and completely rewrote the book at least a dozen times, going from diary format to third person to first person, sassy voice, more mature voice, adventure focus to character development focus, 400 pages down to 250.
Great advice (and insight!) Can you give us a sentence or two about your current project?
After spending over ten years writing about Clara Estby I couldn’t let her go, so I’m writing a sequel that involves secretarial school and the Klondike Gold Rush.
Excellent. What did you write when you were a teen, Carole?
Very long term papers. Even then I liked the research more than the writing. I read a lot, though, and still read over 100 books a year.
What’s the last book you read that you really loved?
Ship Breaker, by Paolo Bacigalupi. I’m relieved that you phrased that question the last book you really loved; otherwise the list would go on for pages.
Wonderful. Thanks again for visiting, Carole, and if readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?
My website is www.CaroleEstbyDagg.com
And here's the book trailer for THE YEAR WE WERE FAMOUS. Enjoy!!
Welcome, Carole! Please tell me about your debut novel in 7 words or less:
adventure, 232-day walk, mother-daughter, women’s suffrage
Sounds very unique! Other than your main character, who's a favorite character of yours and why?
Clara Estby’s mother, Helga (my great-grandmother), because she is such a flawed yet noble character.
Can you tell my readers a little bit more about yourself?
Since childhood I wanted to be a writer, but was afraid to try so I became a librarian instead. My first book finally comes out the year I turn 67. I write in Everett, Washington, and a converted woodshed on San Juan Island. I am a techno-idiot and don’t own a cell phone.
What's the most surprising (and best) thing about your path to publication so far?
I submitted part of my manuscript for critique at the national Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators conference in LA. At the end of my 15 minutes, my critiquer, Candie Moonshower, asked me if I’d like her to submit my work for the Sue Alexander Award. “What’s that?” I asked. It was my ticket out of the slush pile. After winning the award I signed a contract with Clarion Books, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
What a wonderful story! Congratulations! Can you offer any advice to aspiring authors?
If you have a story to tell, keep trying. I had 29 rejections on The Year We Were Famous over a period of 10 years before I signed a contract. I didn’t just keep submitting the same manuscript again and again though. During that time I took 8 college-level writing classes, attended countless writing workshops and conferences, and completely rewrote the book at least a dozen times, going from diary format to third person to first person, sassy voice, more mature voice, adventure focus to character development focus, 400 pages down to 250.
Great advice (and insight!) Can you give us a sentence or two about your current project?
After spending over ten years writing about Clara Estby I couldn’t let her go, so I’m writing a sequel that involves secretarial school and the Klondike Gold Rush.
Excellent. What did you write when you were a teen, Carole?
Very long term papers. Even then I liked the research more than the writing. I read a lot, though, and still read over 100 books a year.
What’s the last book you read that you really loved?
Ship Breaker, by Paolo Bacigalupi. I’m relieved that you phrased that question the last book you really loved; otherwise the list would go on for pages.
Wonderful. Thanks again for visiting, Carole, and if readers want to find out more about you and your writing, where should they look?
My website is www.CaroleEstbyDagg.com
And here's the book trailer for THE YEAR WE WERE FAMOUS. Enjoy!!
Monday, April 11, 2011
April Check-In! The Madness Continues...
How's the madness going? I've had lots of fun checking in with the #wipmadness tag over on Twitter this week. It makes me feel not-so-alone.
My deadline for my revision of the novel formerly known as APPETITE FOR BEAUTY (still no title!) is April 18th, which if you're neurotically counting as I am, is exactly one week from today. The good news is, I think I've fixed all the major problem parts. This pass is more about cutting back on inner monologue and showing things more through actions. I find it's getting easier the more I get into my girl Loann's head. Still not easy, but easier!
So that's where I'm at. I'll have to think about what my goals will be after April 18th, but for the moment, I'm just sprinting for that particular finish line. How about the rest of you? I've seen big bouts of progress (and many virtual stickers awarded) on Twitter, so I sense things are going well all around, but I can't wait to hear all the deets!
My deadline for my revision of the novel formerly known as APPETITE FOR BEAUTY (still no title!) is April 18th, which if you're neurotically counting as I am, is exactly one week from today. The good news is, I think I've fixed all the major problem parts. This pass is more about cutting back on inner monologue and showing things more through actions. I find it's getting easier the more I get into my girl Loann's head. Still not easy, but easier!
So that's where I'm at. I'll have to think about what my goals will be after April 18th, but for the moment, I'm just sprinting for that particular finish line. How about the rest of you? I've seen big bouts of progress (and many virtual stickers awarded) on Twitter, so I sense things are going well all around, but I can't wait to hear all the deets!
Friday, April 8, 2011
MARCH MADNESS Prizes - The Last One!
I haven't heard from our latest prize winner yet, so I'll announce our last winner and then the two of you can race to get me your choice of prize!
Our previous winners have chosen a prize! Here are the prizes that are still up for grabs:
A hardcover copy of RADIANT SHADOWS by Melissa Marr!(US only)
Our previous winners have chosen a prize! Here are the prizes that are still up for grabs:
An ARC of REVOLUTION by Jennifer Donnelly! (US only)
A hardcover copy of RADIANT SHADOWS by Melissa Marr!(US only)
Our last winner is...
Ghost Girl!!!
Congratulations to you, and to not only all of our winners, but also to all of you who worked toward a goal during March! Ghost Girl, please send your mailing address to d (at) denisejaden (dot) com .
And the rest of you...I hope to see you back here for check-in on Monday!
I'll see the rest of you back here tomorrow!
And the rest of you...I hope to see you back here for check-in on Monday!
I'll see the rest of you back here tomorrow!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
MARCH MADNESS Prizes - Two More!
Our previous winners have chosen a prize! Here are the prizes that are still up for grabs:
A hardcover copy of RADIANT SHADOWS by Melissa Marr!(US only)
An ARC of REVOLUTION by Jennifer Donnelly! (US only)
A hardcover copy of RADIANT SHADOWS by Melissa Marr!(US only)
Our next winner is...
L.S. Taylor!!!
Congratulations to you! You will have approximately 24 hours to pick a favorite prize from above and email me the choice at d (at) denisejaden (dot) com , along with a mailing address (if applicable).
I'll see the rest of you back here tomorrow!
I'll see the rest of you back here tomorrow!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
YALITCHAT and MARCH MADNESS Prizes!
Tonight I'm the guest author on #yalitchat! The topic is faith in YA, and if you're on Twitter, I hope you'll stop by and join the conversation. It would be great to have a variety of perspectives. It starts at 6PM PST / 9PM EST and runs for a little over an hour. Just watch for the hashtag #yalitchat !
Our previous winners have chosen a prize! Here are the prizes that are still up for grabs:
A hardcover copy of RADIANT SHADOWS by Melissa Marr!(US only)
A custom-made bookmark, courtesy of Joan Stradling (International)
Our previous winners have chosen a prize! Here are the prizes that are still up for grabs:
An ARC of REVOLUTION by Jennifer Donnelly! (US only)
A hardcover copy of RADIANT SHADOWS by Melissa Marr!(US only)
A custom-made bookmark, courtesy of Joan Stradling (International)
Our next winner is...
Jenn B!!!
Congratulations to you! You will have approximately 24 hours to pick a favorite prize from above and email me the choice at d (at) denisejaden (dot) com , along with a mailing address (if applicable).
I'll see the rest of you back here tomorrow!
I'll see the rest of you back here tomorrow!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
MARCH MADNESS Prizes - Day 5
Our first four winners have chosen a prize! Here are the prizes that are still up for grabs:
A hardcover copy of RADIANT SHADOWS by Melissa Marr!(US only)
An ARC of THE EXILED QUEEN by Cinda Williams Chima (US only)
A custom-made bookmark, courtesy of Joan Stradling (International)
An ARC of REVOLUTION by Jennifer Donnelly! (US only)
A hardcover copy of RADIANT SHADOWS by Melissa Marr!(US only)
An ARC of THE EXILED QUEEN by Cinda Williams Chima (US only)
A custom-made bookmark, courtesy of Joan Stradling (International)
Our fourth winner is...
Akoss!!!
Congratulations to you! You will have approximately 24 hours to pick a favorite prize from above and email me the choice at d (at) denisejaden (dot) com , along with a mailing address (if applicable).
I'll see the rest of you back here tomorrow!
I'll see the rest of you back here tomorrow!
Monday, April 4, 2011
April Check-In! (And of course more March Prizes!)
Those of you who are still working away through April, I'm thrilled to have you hanging out with me. This can be really, really hard work and even though we pretty much need to do it alone, there can still be camaraderie. We are the only ones who really understand each other.
So if you're having a good week, share, and your success can inspire us! If you're having a more difficult week, share that too, so we can offer you unlimited virtual hugs, chocolate, and words of wisdom (I'm sure there are some wise people here, right?)
As for me, my goal was to get through the first 80 pages of my book by the time my husband got home from a business trip. This was the major "problem area" of my manuscript. Well, I got to page 78, so I'm feeling pretty satisfied with that. (Believe me, it was so hard to NOT just stay up and making it to page 80, but because of reorganizing, I would have had to start in on a whole new section that I don't have detailed plans for yet. So essentially I think I met my first April goal!) How about the rest of you?
And yes! I have another March Madness prize to give away! Our first three winners have chosen a prize! Here are the prizes that are still up for grabs:
A hardcover copy of RADIANT SHADOWS by Melissa Marr!(US only)
An ARC of THE EXILED QUEEN by Cinda Williams Chima (US only)
A copy of DELIRIUM (ARC) by Lauren Oliver! (Canada/US only)
A custom-made bookmark, courtesy of Joan Stradling (International)
So if you're having a good week, share, and your success can inspire us! If you're having a more difficult week, share that too, so we can offer you unlimited virtual hugs, chocolate, and words of wisdom (I'm sure there are some wise people here, right?)
As for me, my goal was to get through the first 80 pages of my book by the time my husband got home from a business trip. This was the major "problem area" of my manuscript. Well, I got to page 78, so I'm feeling pretty satisfied with that. (Believe me, it was so hard to NOT just stay up and making it to page 80, but because of reorganizing, I would have had to start in on a whole new section that I don't have detailed plans for yet. So essentially I think I met my first April goal!) How about the rest of you?
And yes! I have another March Madness prize to give away! Our first three winners have chosen a prize! Here are the prizes that are still up for grabs:
An ARC of REVOLUTION by Jennifer Donnelly! (US only)
A hardcover copy of RADIANT SHADOWS by Melissa Marr!(US only)
An ARC of THE EXILED QUEEN by Cinda Williams Chima (US only)
A copy of DELIRIUM (ARC) by Lauren Oliver! (Canada/US only)
A custom-made bookmark, courtesy of Joan Stradling (International)
Our fourth winner is...
JRO!!!
Congratulations to you! You will have approximately 24 hours to pick a favorite prize from above and email me the choice at d (at) denisejaden (dot) com , along with a mailing address (if applicable).
I'll see the rest of you back here tomorrow!
I'll see the rest of you back here tomorrow!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
MARCH MADNESS Prizes - Day 3
I have not heard from yesterday's winner , so here are the prizes that are still up for grabs:
An ARC of REVOLUTION by Jennifer Donnelly! (US only)
A hardcover copy of RADIANT SHADOWS by Melissa Marr!(US only)
An ARC of THE EXILED QUEEN by Cinda Williams Chima (US only)
A $20 Barnes & Noble gift card! (International if you're able to use it)
A copy of DELIRIUM (ARC) by Lauren Oliver! (Canada/US only)
A custom-made bookmark, courtesy of Joan Stradling (International)
Congratulations to you! You will have approximately 24 hours to pick a favorite prize from above and email me the choice at d (at) denisejaden (dot) com , along with a mailing address (if applicable).
I'll see the rest of you back here tomorrow!
A book of your choice (up to $15) from The Book Depository! (for international winners, as long as they ship to your country)
An ARC of REVOLUTION by Jennifer Donnelly! (US only)
A hardcover copy of RADIANT SHADOWS by Melissa Marr!(US only)
An ARC of THE EXILED QUEEN by Cinda Williams Chima (US only)
A $20 Barnes & Noble gift card! (International if you're able to use it)
A copy of DELIRIUM (ARC) by Lauren Oliver! (Canada/US only)
A custom-made bookmark, courtesy of Joan Stradling (International)
Our third winner is...
Joy!!!
Congratulations to you! You will have approximately 24 hours to pick a favorite prize from above and email me the choice at d (at) denisejaden (dot) com , along with a mailing address (if applicable).
I'll see the rest of you back here tomorrow!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
MARCH MADNESS Prizes - Day 2
Kiperoo chose the 50-page critique, so here are the prizes that are still up for grabs:
An ARC of REVOLUTION by Jennifer Donnelly! (US only)
A hardcover copy of RADIANT SHADOWS by Melissa Marr!(US only)
An ARC of THE EXILED QUEEN by Cinda Williams Chima (US only)
A $20 Barnes & Noble gift card! (International if you're able to use it)
A copy of DELIRIUM (ARC) by Lauren Oliver! (Canada/US only)
A custom-made bookmark, courtesy of Joan Stradling (International)
A book of your choice (up to $15) from The Book Depository! (for international winners, as long as they ship to your country)
An ARC of REVOLUTION by Jennifer Donnelly! (US only)
A hardcover copy of RADIANT SHADOWS by Melissa Marr!(US only)
An ARC of THE EXILED QUEEN by Cinda Williams Chima (US only)
A $20 Barnes & Noble gift card! (International if you're able to use it)
A copy of DELIRIUM (ARC) by Lauren Oliver! (Canada/US only)
A custom-made bookmark, courtesy of Joan Stradling (International)
Our second winner is...
Jennifer Pickrell!!!
Congratulations to you! You will have approximately 24 hours to pick a favorite prize from above and email me the choice at d (at) denisejaden (dot) com , along with a mailing address (if applicable). Tomorrow, I'll be right back here drawing another name, and I'll draw one each day until the prizes are gone. Remember, you don't have to have completed your goal to win prizes - the prize winners will be chosen randomly from those who have checked in during the month of March. As the days go on, there will be less prizes to choose from, but if you stop by and see you've won, you will get your pick of what's left. I thought this would be better than having people possibly win prizes they didn't really want.
So come back tomorrow and find out who our next winner is! Unfortunately, I don't have time to email winners, so if you don't stop by, you might miss out. And I really, REALLY wouldn't want that!
Thanks again, everybody, for joining in on MARCH MADNESS!
Thanks again, everybody, for joining in on MARCH MADNESS!
Friday, April 1, 2011
MARCH MADNESS: The Prizes!!!
We made it! If you haven't done it yet, let out a little wahoo for yourselves (or a big one, or a happy dance - who cares if the neighbors are watching!) And whether you actually met your goals or not, you must celebrate, because I guarantee you got more accomplished by checking in with us than you would have on your own. I celebrated last night with some yummy homemade guacamole. So, so good!
I also noticed that many of your goals centered around working on queries or querying agents. I just wanted to add a little note here about how much I absolutely adore my agent, Michelle Humphrey at ICM. If you haven't queried here yet, and if she reps what you write, I highly recommend her. If you decide to query her, make sure to mention that you are a follower of my blog. (There's an interview HERE on the Class of 2k10 blog with her contact info and what she's looking for.)
Now, back to business. We have some truly awesome prizes up for grabs this year! Each of our check-in hosts has generously donated to this prize fest, so even if you don't win, please say thank you in the comments to Shana, Angelina, Shari, and Craig. And also to Joan for the custom-made bookmark she has donated.
Here are the prizes that are up for grabs:
An ARC of REVOLUTION by Jennifer Donnelly! (US only)
A fifty-page manuscript critique! (again, open to international winners!)
A hardcover copy of RADIANT SHADOWS by Melissa Marr!(US only)
An ARC of THE EXILED QUEEN by Cinda Williams Chima (US only)
A $20 Barnes & Noble gift card! (International if you're able to use it)
A copy of DELIRIUM (ARC) by Lauren Oliver! (Canada/US only)
A custom-made bookmark, courtesy of Joan Stradling (International)
I also noticed that many of your goals centered around working on queries or querying agents. I just wanted to add a little note here about how much I absolutely adore my agent, Michelle Humphrey at ICM. If you haven't queried here yet, and if she reps what you write, I highly recommend her. If you decide to query her, make sure to mention that you are a follower of my blog. (There's an interview HERE on the Class of 2k10 blog with her contact info and what she's looking for.)
Now, back to business. We have some truly awesome prizes up for grabs this year! Each of our check-in hosts has generously donated to this prize fest, so even if you don't win, please say thank you in the comments to Shana, Angelina, Shari, and Craig. And also to Joan for the custom-made bookmark she has donated.
Here are the prizes that are up for grabs:
A book of your choice (up to $15) from The Book Depository! (for international winners, as long as they ship to your country)
An ARC of REVOLUTION by Jennifer Donnelly! (US only)
A fifty-page manuscript critique! (again, open to international winners!)
A hardcover copy of RADIANT SHADOWS by Melissa Marr!(US only)
An ARC of THE EXILED QUEEN by Cinda Williams Chima (US only)
A $20 Barnes & Noble gift card! (International if you're able to use it)
A copy of DELIRIUM (ARC) by Lauren Oliver! (Canada/US only)
A custom-made bookmark, courtesy of Joan Stradling (International)
Our first winner is...(drum roll, please)...
Kiperoo!!!
Congratulations to you! Well-deserved!
So here's the way it will work: Our first winner will have approximately 24 hours to pick a favorite prize from above and email me the choice at d (at) denisejaden (dot) com , along with a mailing address (if applicable). Tomorrow, I'll be right back here drawing another name, and I'll draw one each day until the prizes are gone. Remember, you don't have to have completed your goal to win prizes - the prize winners will be chosen randomly from those who have checked in during the month of March. As the days go on, there will be less prizes to choose from, but if you stop by and see you've won, you will get your pick of what's left. I thought this would be better than having people possibly win prizes they didn't really want.
So come back tomorrow and find out who our next winner is! Unfortunately, I don't have time to email winners, so if you don't stop by, you might miss out. And I really, REALLY wouldn't want that!
Thanks again, everybody, for joining in on MARCH MADNESS! I had a blast!
Thanks again, everybody, for joining in on MARCH MADNESS! I had a blast!
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