Friday, October 31, 2008

Spooky News & Giveaways

Enter to win one of three hardcover copies of The Robe of Skulls: The First Tale from the Five Kingdoms by Vivian French (Candlewick, 2008)(author interview). From the promotional copy:

High above the mountain village of Fracture, trouble is brewing. The sorceress Lady Lamorna wants a skull-studded gown of deep black velvet, but her treasure chest is empty of gold.

That doesn't stop her, however--from kidnapping, blackmailing, and using more than a little magic to get what she needs.

Will her plans be foiled by the heroic Gracie Gillypot, two chatty bats, a gallant (if scruffy) prince, the wickedest stepsister ever, a troll with a grudge, and some very ancient crones?

Humorously macabre and wickedly illustrated in black and white, The Robe of Skulls is truly a scream. Fire up your cauldron for an exuberant, fast-moving, wildly entertaining tale with a cast of characters who are good, bad, and very, very ugly.

To enter the giveaway, email me (scroll and click on the envelope) with your name and snail/street mail address by 10 p.m. CST Nov. 3!

OR, if you're on MySpace or Facebook, you can message me on that network by 10 p.m. CST Nov. 3! But DON'T send in your contact information on MySpace or Facebook. I'll contact you for it if you win.

One copy will go to a teacher, librarian, or university professor of youth literature (please indicate), and the other two will go to any Cynsational readers. Please also type "Skulls" in the subject line.
Read a Cynsations interview with Deborah.

Winners of signed copies of The Underneath by Kathi Appelt (Atheneum, 2008) were: Greg of the University of Chicago Charter School, Woodlawn Campus; Yat-Yee of Colorado; and Becky in Texas. Read a Cynsations interview with Kathi.

More Giveaways & Auctions

Leave a Mark Auction: an auction to benefit First Book hosted by The Page Flipper. Between now and Nov. 3, bid to win a copy of Tantalize (Candlewick, 2008) that I've marked in the margins with insider tidbits about the writing of the novel and much more.

The Great Pumpkin Contest Revealed: Lee "L.A." Verday is sponsoring a contest at MySpace. The grand prize is an autographed paperback copy of Tantalize with a Tantalize bookmark.

Additional prizes include a copy of The Elite by Jennifer Banash (Berkley Trade, 2008); two copies of two copies of Chris Grimly's illustrated book inspired by Washington Irving's tale, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow;" a DVD copy of "Sleepy Hollow," starring Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci, and spooky cool stickers celebrating the release of Jessica Verday's The Hollow (Simon Plus, fall 2009)!

Here's how to enter: Carve or paint a pumpkin, take a picture, and post it to MySpace. Then--and this is important--tag the photo to Lee so it appears in her photos. Special bonus goodies for anyone who carves or paints with a sleepy hollow twist. The winners will be chosen on Halloween and notified Nov. 1st. Note: if pumpkins are sold out, you can draw one.

Codes, Spells, Incantations and Riddles: a contest at Eric Luper's Random Musings. Peek: "I have listed a bunch of spells, codes, incantations and riddles from different books, movies, songs and television programs. Your job, if you choose to accept it, is not to solve the riddles, but to identify the book, movie, song or program in which the quote appears." The prize is an author-marked copy of his debut novel, The Big Slick (FSG, 2007), and it will go to the first person to identify all the sources correctly. The contest will run through Nov. 5 (or until someone wins); however, if no one manages to rise to Eric's challenge he will draw a random winner from the entries. Read a Cynsations interview with Eric.

Recommended Read

Bats at the Library by Brian Lies (Houghton Mifflin, 2008). From the promotional copy:

"Another inky evening's here— The air is cool and calm and clear. Can it be true? Oh, can it be? Yes!—Bat Night at the library!

"Join the free-for-all fun at the public library with these book-loving bats! Shape shadows on walls, frolic in the water fountain, and roam the book-filled halls until it's time for everyone, young and old, to settle down into the enchantment of story time. Brian Lies' joyful critters and their nocturnal celebration cast library visits in a new light. Even the youngest of readers will want to join the batty book-fest!" See the teacher's guide.

More News

We Ain't Afraid Of No Vermont College Ghost from Tami Lewis Brown at Through the Tollbooth.

Check out this trailer for Soulless by Christopher Golden (MVT, 2008); trailer designed by Jen Wardrip. Read a Cynsations interview with Christopher about the novel.



Ghosts, Shapeshifters, and Vampires, Oh My! by Allie Costa from SparkNotes. Peek: "If you’re looking for a spooky story to read on Halloween, you've come to the right place. Get ready to sink your teeth into these supernatural treats."

Holly Black's Secret Library from The Steampunk Home. Note: confirms my long-standing theory that Holly Black is the most totally awesome person on earth. (I was a teenager in the '80s; therefore, I'm allowed to say "totally awesome.") Read a Cynsations interview with Holly.

PowerPoint Tricks and Treats by Julie Bowe at Kidlit Central News. Peek: "Don't let the PP slides be your program. Don't rely too heavily on PP slides for your program or your audience will begin to drift. Change the focus by showing props, inviting volunteers to come up front...!"

Attention Target Shoppers: if you visit any Target store to pick up your copy of Blue Bloods: Revelations by Melissa de la Cruz (Hyperion, Oct. 2008), you'll receive access to a special website, with a secret chapter excerpt from the book, exclusive for Target guests! Note: Melissa suggests you read the story only after you've read the book! "The secret chapter is called 'The Lie That Conceals The Truth.'" Read a Cynsations interview with Melissa. See also the Revelations trailer below.



Author Interview: Amber Kizer on Books and Religion from Liz Gallagher at Through the Tollbooth. Peek: "...you can be religious without being faithful and full of faith without practicing a religion. I know this will make me unpopular with some, but I’m okay with that—it's quite possible you won't like my work anyway if your ideas of religion are concrete and immovable and unquestionable."

A Talk with the NBA Finalists (or: What I Saw Underneath the Disreputable Chains of the Spectacular Now) by Sue Corbett, Children's Bookshelf--Publishers Weekly. A peek from E. Lockhart: "I had various ideas about things I'd read about that I wanted to get into a novel—urban exploring in sewers and steam tunnels, the panopticon, feminist theory I had read in graduate school. All this stuff belonged in the same book but there was no story." Source: April Henry.

Writers First Aid: a medicine chest...to ease the pains of the writing life, increase your writing energy, and help make your writing dreams come true from Kristi Holl, "the author of 35 books, both fiction and nonfiction, including Writer's First Aid. Through this blog, Kristi hopes to share the challenges of being a writer, bring you encouragement, and pump you full of perseverance!" See also information on Critiques by Kristi Holl. Note: Kristi has experience with both the mainstream and Christian markets!

"The Scavenger Bride" a spooky short story by author Linda Joy Singleton offered free online. See also "The Boy in the Mirror." Read a Cynsations interview with Linda Joy Singleton.

Here's one last book video, this one to Parties and Potions by Sarah Mlynowski (Random House, 2008)! Source: E. Lockhart.


More Personally


Boy, do I love Halloween! Here's wishing you all a happy and safe one!

This week has been spooktacular, highlighted by P. J. Hoover's launch party for The Emerald Tablet (Blooming Tree/CBAY, 2008). See P. J.'s report and party pics (below)! Read a Cynsations interview with P. J.


P. J. herself in an Emerald Tablet T-shirt. She shared her book trailer and offered a first-rate PowerPoint presentation.


The crowd was enthusiastic, and refreshments were plentiful (there was also a candy table).


YA author Jennifer Ziegler with P. J.'s editor Madeline Smoot, who also works at BookPeople. Learn more about Madeline's imprint, CBAY Books (Children's Brains are Yummy).


2008 debut author Shana Burg (author interview) and author-poet Liz Garton Scanlon (author interview).


Author Jo Whittemore (interview), illustrator Gene Brenek (interview), and author-illustrator Mark G. Mitchell (interview) and 2008 debut author-illustrator Emma Virjan. Note: Jo turns 31 today on the 31rst! Happy birthday, Jo!

My Events


Joseph Bruchac and Cynthia Leitich Smith will be chatting with readergirlz at MySpace on Nov. 6. Joe will be featuring Sacajawea (Scholastic) and Cynthia will be featuring Rain Is Not My Indian Name (HarperCollins). From Harcourt: "Joseph Bruchac has written more than 60 books for children and adults, and received many literary awards, including the PEN Syndicated Fiction Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Native Writers' Circle of the Americas." Read a Cynsations interview with Joe.

The Austin chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators will be hosting its annual holiday party from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at BookPeople (6th and Lamar) in Austin. The event will include: panels on writing picture books, on writing middle grade novels, on writing YA novels; author signings; and much more!

"Connections and Craft: Writing for Children and Young Adults:" hosted by Brazos Valley (Texas) SCBWI Nov. 15 at A & M United Methodist Church in College Station, Texas. "Editor Joy Neaves, agent Emily Van Beek, editor Kim T. Griswell of Highlights, and author Cynthia Leitich Smith comprise our faculty for this day-long event. Published BV-SCBWI authors will also conduct a hands-on Writers' Workshop." Download the brochure. Read a Cynsations interview with Emily.

Due to a technical difficulty, Cynthia Leitich Smith's discussion of Tantalize (Candlewick, 2007, 2008) and related forthcoming books on the teen grid of Teen Second at Second Life has been rescheduled for for 3 p.m. Nov. 18. See more information.

Assembly on Literature for Adolescents of NCTE (ALAN) Workshop in San Antonio Nov. 24 to Nov. 25. An event I utterly adore for the depth of discussions, sophistication and dedication of the attendees-leadership, and wonderful company of fellow YA authors. Note: NCTE stands for "National Council of Teachers of English," which has a preceding conference. Details on my signing and speaking schedule to come.

More Events

Happy Texas Book Festival weekend! Authors to be featured at the 2008 festival include: Kathi Appelt; Shana Burg; Melissa de la Cruz; Heather Vogel Frederick; Shannon Hale; Varian Johnson; Laurie Keller; Christopher S. Jennings; Marisa Montes; Yuyi Morales; Lauren Myracle; Margo Rabb; Tanya Lee Stone; Philip Yates; Paula Yoo; Emma J. Virjan; and Jennifer Ziegler. See the complete list. Note: due to a foot injury, I won't be in attendance, but I wish y'all a wonderful festival!

R. L. Stein's Halloween Party will begin at 3 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Austin Children's Museum (201 Colorado St.). R. L. Stein will read and tell a communal (audience-participation) ghost story at 3:30 p.m. and sign books from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The event is free, but space is limited to 350. Costumes welcome. Note: sponsored by the Texas Book Festival in cooperation with the museum.

Tantalize Fan Trailers; Bid on Author-Marked Copy

Happy Halloween! I thought it would be fun and timely to share a few YA-reader-produced book trailers for Tantalize (Candlewick, 2007, 2008).

I've featured this one by Jaden before, but I really love it!



These two by Jamie are new to the blog, and both are awesome!





Thanks, Jaden and Jamie! On a related note, my reader mail from guys tends to emphasize the murder mystery and from girls tends to emphasize the romance. Cynsational readers, do you think this holds for these teasers, too?

Reminder

Leave a Mark Auction: an auction to benefit First Book hosted by The Page Flipper.

Between now and Nov. 3, bid to win a copy of Tantalize (Candlewick, 2008) that I've marked in the margins with insider tidbits about the writing of the novel and much more.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Leave a Mark Auction: Bid to Win an Author-Marked Tantalize

Leave a Mark Auction: an auction to benefit First Book hosted by The Page Flipper.

Between now and Nov. 3, bid to win a copy of Tantalize (Candlewick, 2008) that I've marked in the margins with insider tidbits about the writing of the novel and much more.

Note from Chelsea at The Page Flipper

"If any authors have bookmarks/postcards/promo items made for their book(s), and would like me to pass them out in my prize packs, as well as to booksellers and other readers, I'd gladly do so."

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Author Interview: Vivian French on The Robe of Skulls

Vivian French on Vivian French: "Born in England, now living in Edinburgh, Scotland--and loving it!" See also Vivian's author bio from Candlewick Press.

Would you like to update us on your recent back list, highlighting as you see fit?

My most recent books: a new series of The Tiara Club, and a picture book for older children called Singing to the Sun. It's illustrated by Jackie Morris--I think she's wonderful, and I'm so pleased to have had the opportunity to work with her at last. (We've known each other for a long time.) She's got a truly wonderful website--Google her, and enjoy!

Oh, and last year there was Chocolate: The Bean that Conquered the World. (Illustrated by Paul Howard. He's amazing--I'm such a fan of his.)

Congratulations on the publication of The Robe of Skulls (Candlewick, 2008)(excerpt)! Could you fill us in on the story?

Thank you so much. The Robe of Skulls is a story about Lady Lamorna, a sorceress living in the high mountain village of Fracture. Lady Lamorna wants a new black velvet dress (decorated with skulls, hence the title) and sends an order to the Ancient Crones...only to find she has no
money left in her treasure chest. Together with her servant, Gubble, (a troll with an unreliable head--if slapped, his head falls off) she makes a plan to blackmail the local royalty.

Luckily, Gracie Gillypot and Prince Marcus are able to thwart her plans with the help of a bat called Marlon (a great admirer of M Brando)--and no help at all from Gracie's wicked step-sister, Foyce Undershaft.

What was your initial inspiration for writing this book?

It was more desperation than inspiration.

I'd had an idea that had gone terribly wrong, and wasn't sure what to do--and then I heard someone on the TV talking about evil. The actor had a very distinctive voice; I remembered seeing her in a play years and years and years ago, and I also remembered she had worn a long black velvet dress. I put the two things together, and Lady Lamorna appeared.

What was the timeline between spark and publication, and what were the major events along the way?

I'm not sure quite how long the timeline was--about eighteen months, perhaps? The first draft only took me about three months; I enjoyed writing Robe enormously--I had fun.

Looking back on it it feels as if it went very smoothly, although I'm sure I had more than a few wobbly moments along the way. I do remember my wonderful editor suggesting I write an extra chapter at the end, which I did--and she was quite right. It really needed it.

What were the challenges (literary, research, psychological, and logistical) in bringing it to life?

I certainly didn't do any research. When I was little I loved fairy stories and folk tales, and I was a storyteller for many years using those very same stories, so I think a lot of the characters come from the same background.

When it comes to a story like The Robe of Skulls I just sit down and get on with it... I can always hear the characters talking and see the actions unfolding in my head as I write.

I make a lot of notes about the plot before I begin, but then I usually lose the notes--but I don't miss them. If something doesn't seem to be working out I delete that section, then begin again and again until it feels right.

A lot of it is instinct; I read sections out loud, and I can tell (I hope!) if something isn't working.

If you could go back and talk to yourself when you were beginning writer, what advice would you offer?

I became a writer very suddenly. It wasn't something I'd always wanted to do; I wanted to be an actor or a long distance lorry driver when I was growing up.

I think I'd tell myself, Always make sure it's as good as it possibly can be. Actually, I think I've always told myself that--I am so incredibly lucky to be able to do what I do.

How do you balance your life as a writer with the responsibilities (speaking, promotion, etc.) of being an author?

Not very well. Sometimes it gets to be a bit of a muddle, but I'm taking time out next year so I can spend more time writing and less time rushing around.

I do think it's important to talk to children, and tell them that they can be writers. Nobody ever said that to me when I was at school, so I was extremely surprised when I had my first books published. (So was my mother.)

What do you do outside the world of books?

I have a lovely husband, four daughters and three grandchildren, so I spend time with them. I read a lot, and I adore going to hear live music (anybody else out there love Mary Gautier? Or The Willard Grant Conspiracy?)

Also I have a number of really good friends, and I probably spend much too much time drinking coffee and talking...

What can your fans look forward to next?

The Bag of Bones is another story from Tales From the Five Kingdoms; Gracie and Marcus have to cope with a hideous witch called Truda Hangnail. And I'm currently working on the next story--The Heart of Glass.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Spooky Cyn-terview and Sanguini's T-shirt Giveaway Contest

Spooky Cyn-terview and Sanguini's T-shirt Giveaway Contest from Liz Gallagher at Through the Tollbooth.

The focus is reading and writing with an emphasis on Gothic fantasy (with the obvious caveats that mileage--and approaches--may vary).

Peek: "Of course it's okay for books to stretch the audience in a myriad of ways. But I'd like to make a special case for unreliable narrators. For worse and better, people are unreliable. We don't always represent themselves or facts truthfully—sometimes with negative intent, sometimes for other reasons.

"For example, consider the current election cycle. Whatever your political predispositions, I hope we can all agree that future and/or new voters need to be prepared to process potentially unreliable information in a critical manner. Frankly, it's an important life skill."

Giveaway Contest

Think up a creepy, gross food item for the Predator menu, and post it in the comments! Or, tell The Tollboothers the most disgusting thing you've ever eaten.

They'll pick a random commentor (names-in-hat style) on Halloween, and that person will receive his or her choice of a Sanguini's T-shirt. Note: Sanguini's is the fictional vampire-themed restaurant in Tantalize (Candlewick, 2007, 2008).

Pictured here, we have the ever popular "Cell Phones Will Be Eaten" T-shirt. Other designs include: "I HEART Baby Squirrel;" "Drop in for a Late Night Bite;" the bird and dragon "Predator or Prey" logos; and the classic Sanguini's restaurant logos (flowers and fang-marks). See all of the designs.

Winners will be able to specify color and size.

Notes

The upside down skull in a crystal ball photo was taken on my dining room table with the lens facing the ball and the skull behind it. The ball was purchased as part of my research for an upcoming short story, "Cat Calls," which will appear in Sideshow: Ten Original Tales of Freaks, Illusionists, and Other Matters Odd and Magical, edited by Deborah Noyes (Candlewick, July 2009). The skull was purchased at Pottery Barn simply as a Halloween decoration.

Read a Cynsations interview with Liz Gallagher on her debut novel, The Opposite of Invisible (Wendy Lamb, 2008). Peek: "I love Halloween time and wanted to set a story then. While walking past a big junk shop in Fremont (the neighborhood of the book, and the one where I live now, though I didn't at the time), I realized that it was the perfect setting for a Halloween story. The original first line--'It all started with this dress.'--came to me on the page, and I just kept going."

The Sanguini's T-shirts were designed by illustrator Gene Brenek. Read a Cynsations interview with Gene.

Spooky News & Giveaways

Reminder

The Great Pumpkin Contest Revealed: Lee "L.A." Verday is sponsoring a contest at MySpace. The grand prize is an autographed paperback copy of Tantalize with a Tantalize bookmark.

Additional prizes include a copy of The Elite by Jennifer Banash (Berkley Trade, 2008); two copies of two copies of Chris Grimly's illustrated book inspired by Washington Irving's tale, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow;" a DVD copy of "Sleepy Hollow," starring Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci, and spooky cool stickers celebrating the release of Jessica Verday's The Hollow (Simon Plus, fall 2009)!

Here's how to enter: Carve or paint a pumpkin, take a picture, and post it to MySpace. Then--and this is important--tag the photo to Lee so it appears in her photos. Special bonus goodies for anyone who carves or paints with a sleepy hollow twist. The winners will be chosen on Halloween and notified Nov. 1st. Note: if pumpkins are sold out, you can draw one.

More News

"The Christian Science Monitor is sponsoring the 13th annual Young Poets Contest. Winning entries will be published in the newspaper in early January. Eligibility: students in preschool through high school. Deadline: Dec. 2." Source: PEN Weekly NewsBlast.

35 Going on 13: Teen Books for Adults: a new blog by Angelina Benedetti from the King City Library System (Washington). Peek: "While many of today's teen readers easily navigate the teen collection and fully appreciate the depth and breadth of what is being published for them, those of us new to this world need a place to start." Note: Angelina's October roundup is fantastic! Source: Original Content.

The 2008 Nominations for the Cybils Awards. Peek: "If you don't see a book you suggested, it's likely on another list. We did a little horse-swapping behind the scenes as some books didn't quite fit the category where they'd been nominated." Congratulations to all of the nominees! Read a Cynsations interview with Kelly Herold and Anne Boles Levy on The Cybils.

"Yikes! It's M. T. Anderson:" an interview with the author on horror writing from Through the Tollbooth. Peek: "One of the things that I think makes this particular clutch of early Gothic novels resonate still is that (like Shelley's Frankenstein) they are about identity and they investigate that in a really troubling way. They don't externalize the evil, but instead trouble us by connecting the hero with an evil so sticky it can’t be wiped off--it keeps clinging and burning." Also enter to win "a deluxe M. T. Anderson prize package...filled to the gills with all kinds of nifty M. T. Anderson stuff."

CBAY Books: an imprint of Blooming Tree. Love the kicker: "Creating the Banned Books of Tomorrow." See submission guidelines. Check out the editor's blog, Buried in the Slush Pile.

A Day in the Life: Book Publicity by Amy Ehrenreich, senior publicist at Random House Children's Books. Peek: "Usually I'm in the office by 8:45 a.m. and out around 7:30 p.m. The first thing I do each day is..." Source: Elizabeth Scott.

Following the Cyber Trail by Robin LaFevers from Shrinking Violet Promotions. Peek: "Pick a recently published, successful book that is similar to yours in tone and genre and (most important) potential audience. Then, using the miracle that is Google..."

Check out the book trailer for The Ghosts of Luckless Gulch, an original tall tale by Anne Isaacs, illustrated by Dan Santat (Atheneum, Nov. 2008)(excerpt):



Soul Enchilada Supremes: a fan network for David Macinnis Gill's debut fantasy. See also: Authors on the Verge: Meet David Macinnis Gill, middle grade novelist from Cynthea Liu at Writing for Children and Teens. Peek: "It feels every bit as nerve-wracking as being on the unsold side. Only the model of racks has changed. The self-doubting questions have changed from 'will an editor ever buy this?' to “will a reader ever buy this?'"

"So Much to Compare" by Daphne Grab from The Longstockings. Peek: "Comparing my experience, my publicity, readings, etc. to that of other authors seemed the best way to understand if what I had was good or not. It sounds crazy as I write it, but it's really how I felt." Note: this is one of the best years for debut authors in recent memory. Hooray for you all!

Graphic Novels: resources from Cynthia Leitich Smith Children's Literature Resources. Note: Cynsations is now actively seeking submissions of graphic novels published for the children's-YA markets for author-illustrator interviews, etc. See guidelines and contact information. See my really cool new graphic novels page designed by the miracle that is Lisa Firke at Hit Those Keys AKA my Web goddess.

Talking with Mary Downing Hahn: the award-winning author discusses the inspirations behind her hair-raising ghost stories by Angela Leeper from Book Links. Peek: "Children have taught me that they love a good story—especially if it's scary. Or funny. Or exciting. Or magical. Just so it's not boring." Note: Book Links is "the [ALA] magazine that has been helping librarians, teachers, and parents connect children with high-quality books for more than 15 years." Note: it's also an excellent source of book lists according to subject matter for writers as reader researchers.

Hurricane Ike Recovery Fund for Rosenberg Library in Galveston, Texas. Peek: "The Children's Department, Technical Services, Circulation Department and Operations were located on the first Floor and all are gone. [emphasis added]" See more information. Note: Please consider yourself encouraged to pass on this blurb and link. The media has moved on to other stories, but efforts to deal with the aftermath are ongoing.

JacketFlap: "a social networking community where you can connect with more than 3,000 published authors and illustrators of books for Children and Young Adults." Note: These days it's easy to feel overly networked, but JF is well worth the effort. Read a Cynsations interview with CEO Tracy Grand on JacketFlap.

Lisa McMann: redesigned author site and contest. Peek: "Have you reviewed or blogged about Wake (Simon Pulse, 2008)? Or maybe shared the love in another way? If so, you are eligible to win. If not, you still have time to become eligible!" Deadline: Nov. 25. See more contest information. Note: I've read an ARC of Fade (Simon Pulse, Feb. 2009), and it's excellent! More on that later!

M. J. Rose on Book Marketing from Nathan Bransford - Literary Agent. Peek: "The question is how many books have succeeded without any pr and marketing and the answer to that is very very few." Read a Cynsations interview with Nathan.

Meet the Author: Maggie Stiefvater from Reality Bypass. Peek: "All of my villains are me. Well, they're a tiny part of me, exaggerated (hopefully) beyond recognition. But I think that the truest villains are the ones you can sympathize with. That you can see why they're being evil." Read a Cynsations interview with Maggie.

Monster Month of Giveaways: Faerie Week at Brooke Taylor Books. Enter to win a prize pack!

Take a Chance on Art: purchase one or more $5 raffle tickets to enter to win illustrator Don Tate's painting "Duke Ellington," and support the Texas Library Association Disaster Relief Fund. Note: it's especially important this year in light of devastation caused by Hurricane Ike. To learn more, read interviews with TLA librarian Jeanette Larson and illustrator Don Tate. Note: I've seen the piece in person, and it's absolutely outstanding! Please consider yourself encouraged to pass on this blurb and link. As mentioned above, Gulf Coast libraries have been hard hit and need our support!

The Writer on the Factory Floor by Coert Voorhees at Crowe's Nest. A first-rate essay on research. Peek: "I don't believe that research should be simply a matter of gathering information before sitting down to write. I've found that the most helpful aspect of research can often be finding out how wrong my initial attempts are."

Writer Tip: it's increasingly common to find agents who work in the adult lit market (and may or may not also represent YA) in the kidlitosphere, which is a great thing. However, keep in mind that some of their insights into publishing may not be applicable to the youth-lit market specifically.

More Personally

In response to Jay Asher's senioritis challenge, I'm offering my junior-year picture (circa 1985), which is the only teen one I have access to at the moment. Read a Cynsations interview with Jay.

Reminder: in case you missed it, Susan Gray interviewed me at Gottawrite Girl! Peek: "...my first book was one of the few that was first bought by one publishing company (Lodestar), produced by a second (Morrow Junior), and released by a third (HarperCollins). Whew!"

This past week's highlights included The Austin Youth Lit Social -- Spooky Style. Read my report, Greg's, Jo Whittemore's, P.J. Hoover's, Jennifer Ziegler's, and Jody Feldman's. Don't miss Shana Burg's party tie-in essay, "Beware: Apples Fall Far From Tree." Note: I should be credited for one apple, and Greg had another this week!


And we enjoyed Debbie Gonzales' speech on writing the sports novel at the October monthly meeting of Austin SCBWI.

Greg and I also had the honor of speaking at Dr. Judy Leavell's children's literature class Monday night at St. Edward's University in south Austin. Thanks to Judy and all for your hospitality! Note: we hope no one was injured when I tossed a hardcover into the middle of the room. Next time, I'll come up with a more elegant approach to the giveaways.

I'm enjoying the spooky season, though my pumpkins have become a donation to the local squirrel community. They and/or the crows have also made off with six "decorative" ears of corn. It's been amusing.

In terms of mail, I love to hear from my YA readers (and make every effort to write back), but please understand that I'm not available to read, critique, or proof writing. There are time and legal limitations, and if I said yes, my agent would pelt me with fuzzy bunnies.


Writing-wise, I've finished up a guide to the Tantalize (and Beyond) Universe, which was a necessary step in writing Blessed. I could hold it all in my head through Eternal (Candlewick, Feb. 2009), but once I hit book 3, I needed to pause and compile a serious cheat sheet--20 pages, single-spaced, encyclopedia-style.

Speaking of Eternal, I have an ARC in the house and look forward to announcing the gorgeous cover art and flap copy as soon as Candlewick gives me the green light next month.

On a related note, a huge thanks to Brittmet Bear for the spiffy, spooky redesign of the Tantalize Fans Unite! group at MySpace! To all, the continuing enthusiasm and support is most appreciated!

Reminder: if you would like a signed bookplate, you're welcome to email me (scroll and click on the envelope) with your name and snail/street mail address.

Reminder: I'll be appearing to discuss Tantalize (Candlewick, 2007, 2008) and related forthcoming books Oct. 28 on the teen grid of Teen Second at Second Life. See more information.

More Events

Celebrate the release of The Forgotten Worlds Book 1: The Emerald Tablet by P. J. Hoover (Blooming Tree, 2008) at 4 p.m. Oct. 26 at BookPeople in Austin, Texas! From the promotional copy: "Benjamin and his best friend Andy are different from normal. They love being able to read each other's minds and use telekinesis to play tricks on other kids. In fact, they are getting all set to spend their entire summer doing just that when Benjamin's mirror starts talking. Suddenly, Benjamin's looking at eight weeks of summer school someplace which can only be reached by a teleporter inside the ugly picture in his hallway. And that's the most normal thing he does all summer." Read a Cynsations interview with P. J. Note: The Emerald Tablet is on Blooming Tree's CBAY imprint debut list, and P. J. is a debut author to watch!

R. L. Stein's Halloween Party will begin at 3 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Austin Children's Museum (201 Colorado St.). R. L. Stein will read and tell a communal (audience-participation) ghost story at 3:30 p.m. and sign books from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The event is free, but space is limited to 350. Costumes welcome. Note: sponsored by the Texas Book Festival in cooperation with the museum.

Texas Book Festival will be Nov. 1 and Nov. 2 in Austin. Authors to be featured at the 2008 festival include: Kathi Appelt; Shana Burg; Melissa de la Cruz; Heather Vogel Frederick; Shannon Hale; Varian Johnson; Laurie Keller; Christopher S. Jennings; Marisa Montes; Yuyi Morales; Lauren Myracle; Margo Rabb; Tanya Lee Stone; Philip Yates; Paula Yoo; Emma J. Virjan; and Jennifer Ziegler. See the complete list.

The Austin chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators will be hosting its annual holiday party from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at BookPeople (6th and Lamar) in Austin. The event will include: panels on writing picture books, on writing middle grade novels, on writing YA novels; author signings; and much more!

"Connections and Craft: Writing for Children and Young Adults:" hosted by Brazos Valley (Texas) SCBWI Nov. 15 at A & M United Methodist Church in College Station, Texas. "Editor Joy Neaves, agent Emily Van Beek, editor Kim T. Griswell of Highlights, and author Cynthia Leitich Smith comprise our faculty for this day-long event. Published BV-SCBWI authors will also conduct a hands-on Writers' Workshop." Download the brochure. Read a Cynsations interview with Emily.

Assembly on Literature for Adolescents of NCTE (ALAN) Workshop in San Antonio Nov. 24 to Nov. 25. An event I utterly adore for the depth of discussions, sophistication and dedication of the attendees-leadership, and wonderful company of fellow YA authors. Note: NCTE stands for "National Council of Teachers of English," which has a preceding conference. Details on my signing and speaking schedule to come.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Author Interview: Justine Larbalestier on How to Ditch Your Fairy

I last featured an SCBWI Bologna series interview with you in 2006! Highlighting as you see fit, could you update us on your back list and writing life since that time?

Since that interview Magic's Child (Razorbill, 2007), the final book in the Magic or Madness (Razorbill, 2005-2007) trilogy, was published. All three volumes are now available in paperback.

Scott and I still haven't written anything together and are unlikely to do so for at least another few years.

I have a new publisher, having shifted from Penguin to Bloomsbury. I love my new publishing house!

Congratulations on the release of How To Ditch Your Fairy (Bloomsbury, 2008)! What was the timeline between spark and publication, and what were the major events along the way?

Thank you! I started writing HTDYF on the day that Magic Lessons (Razorbill, 2006) was due in January 2005. This is not really the best meeting-deadline practice, but what can I say? It seemed like a really good idea at the time.

The very first thing I wrote was what became the third chapter. Once I finished Magic Lessons, I kept working on HTDYF and continued writing it on and off as I worked on Magic's Child.

Writing HTDYF was the most fun I'd had writing in ages. It's amazing how much more enjoyable it is to write a novel without a big honking deadline. Also I enjoy the naughty feeling of working on something I'm not supposed to be working on.

If you could go back and talk to yourself when you were beginning writer, what advice would you offer?

Spend more time writing and less time worrying about getting published.

Advice for the just-published me: Pay no attention to Amazon rankings! It has little bearing on your actual sales figures.

What would you say on the topic of writing young adult fiction?

Just do it! It's the most exciting genre right now. Everyone should be reading and writing it.

A lot of people who don't write or read YA seem to be under the impression that the genre is defined by what you can't do. Not true.

YA can be written as simply or complicatedly as you want. You can cover any subject matter. But it has to be through the lens of adolescent experience.

At a fundamental level, YA is about coming of age, which typically means your protagonist is a teenager but can extend into their early twenties.

Though once you've made a name as a YA writer, pretty much everything you write will be published as YA. I don't think Marcus Zusak's The Book Thief (Knopf, 2006) or Margo Lanagan's Tender Morsels (Random House, 2008) would have been published as YA if it weren't for those authors' track records. Indeed, in Australia those books are published as adult titles.

We both have writer spouses. How does it work at your house? Do you write together, critique one another's work, or write totally separately?

Scott [Westerfeld (author interview)] and I frequently write in close proximity. Same room, occasionally same desk or table. Though when we're writing and deep in our books, it's not like we notice anyone else. Except when we look up from time to time to ask for another word for "pulchritudinous."

When we're working on first drafts, we read the other one chapters every few days. Reading it out loud means you don't get an annoying close criticism, just general comments about story and characters, which bits are boring, what works, what doesn't.

Reading out loud is also a good way to hear which sentences suck. If you can't read them out loud without stumbling it's usually a sign of suckage. We have a rule that you can stop at any point to make edits, which can be frustrating for the person listening who's gotten caught up in the story, but is invaluable for making the books better.

What do you love about the dynamic? What are its challenges?

One of the lovely things about both being full-time writers is that when one of us has an imminent deadline, the other one can drop what we're doing and take care of what needs taking care of, leaving the other one to concentrate on their book. We each get to be wife!

However, we now have the same deadline---we both have fall books---and that system fell apart. We solved the problem by staying in a hotel for the last month and having the hotel staff be wife. Expensive but it worked. It's the most relaxed we've both been in ages.

Writing was fun! We finished our books at the same time and they were on time, too, and if I don't say so myself, um, which I am---they're the best we've written thus far.

How do you balance your life as a writer with the responsibilities (speaking, promotion, etc.) of being an author?

I'm not one of those writers who generates a lot of income by doing school visits. I spend way more time writing novels than I do on the road promoting my books.

Though I'm about to go on my very first tour to promote HTDYF. I can't tell you how excited I am. Meeting your readers and the booksellers who sell your books is one of the best parts of the job. [Note: Justine's tour is ongoing; see: Toronto, Central Texas information.]

You have one of my favorite author blogs! What is your approach to blogging? Why do you make the time and effort?

Thank you! I love blogging. It's my favouritest thing in the whole world (other than eating mangosteens).

It's so much more immediate than novel writing because the gap between writing and publication can be a matter of minutes, not months or years.

I love the reader responses and seeing lively discussions develop in the comments threads. I often use the blog to find out what my readers are thinking and to help me with my research, which is probably cheating, but who cares.

When I'm on the road or staying somewhere without Internet access, I get twitchy. I really hate it when I don't get to blog every day.

What can your fans look forward to next?

Most immediately I have a very long story, "Thinner than Water", that will be out in November in a collection, Love is Hell, edited by Farrin Miller (HarperCollins, 2008). It's a dark faery rewrite of a couple of different Cruel Lover ballads. I've been writing this story, under many different titles, on and off for twenty years. I'm thrilled to have finally got it right.

Love is Hell also includes stories by Scott (it's wonderful) as well as by Melissa Marr (author interview), Laurie Faria Stolarz (author interview), and Gabrielle Zevin. I haven't read their stories, but I'm sure they're wonderful, too.

The novel I just finished is called Why Do I Lie? after the song of the same name by Luscious Jackson. It's about a compulsive liar and is my first realist novel. It's also my first novel without any Australian characters---that was quite a challenge. Right now I'm really proud of it, but then I haven't gotten my editorial letter yet.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Author Interview: P. J. Hoover on The Emerald Tablet (The Forgotten Worlds: Book One)

P. J. Hoover on P. J. Hoover: "Basically, I grew up a cool nerd. I loved math, computers, and 'Star Trek' but also happened to be captain of the cheerleading squad.

"I opted out of AP English to take Astronomy instead. After all, at the time, I thought drawing planetary orbits was way more fun that reading As I Lay Dying [by William Faulkner (1930)].

"But I always had a love for the unknown (Astronomy being a good example). So, even though I headed off to college for electrical engineering, I had a mid-college crisis and almost became an archaeologist.

"After all, what could be more fun than sitting in a baking desert brushing of bits of pottery? But engineering was hard to throw away, so I settled for a second degree in History."

P. J. makes her home in the Austin area. Read her blog, Roots in Myth.

What made you decide to write books for young readers?

It was only after the birth of my second child that I decided to start writing. She happened to be this fabulous sleeper (sleeping through the night by four-weeks old—I know, please don't hate me), we'd sworn off TV, and so, all of a sudden, I had tons of extra time on my hands.

Okay, really, when I say "tons," I mean a couple hours in the evening I'd never had before.

I always loved reading and decided to start creating my own contribution to the writing world. And I realized by writing a couple hours a night, every night, I could write novels.

Could you tell us about your path to publication? Any sprints or stumbles along
the way?


I started working on The Emerald Tablet (The Forgotten Worlds: Book One)(Blooming Tree, 2008) late in 2004, knowing almost nothing about the writing and publishing world.

After an initial draft and tons of revisions, I joined SCBWI and started sending the manuscript off. But talk about needing plenty of work! My draft at the time was around 120K words and full of back-story.

I headed to the National SCBWI conference that winter in New York and happened to meet an editor who said she’d be happy to read it and give me some feedback. (Yes, traveling to conferences is totally worth the money and effort).

When she told me I needed to cut at least a third of it, I thought she was nuts, but, once she explained and I started learning more about writing, I found her feedback eye opening, and I dove into revisions.

How did your first sale come about?

Once I finished initial revisions, I sent the manuscript back to the same editor, Madeline Smoot from Blooming Tree Press. She kindly read it again and gave me more feedback.

This went on a few more times until one day she said something along the lines of, "After one more revision, this will be ready for acquisition."

Up until this point, I'd tried not to let myself get too excited about the prospect of signing on with her, but, once she said this, I realized she actually meant to buy it! I signed a three-book contract with Blooming Tree Press in early 2007 for Fall 2008, 2009, and 2010 releases.

[Note: above photo shows Blooming Tree Publisher Miriam Hees (green shirt); P. J. (orange shirt); and Madeline (white shirt)].

How did you react to the news?

I blogged it! I emailed all my relatives. I treated myself to a massage.

There's just something really amazing about having someone else you're not related to believe in your writing and want to see it succeed as much as you do.

Congratulations on the publication of The Emerald Tablet (The Forgotten Worlds: Book One)(Blooming Tree, 2008)! Could you fill us in on the story?

The Emerald Tablet tells the story of a boy, Benjamin Holt, who, upon turning thirteen, finds out not only is he not human, he's from a whole different world. The world, Lemuria, is hidden beneath the Pacific Ocean, and within minutes, he's being whisked off to spend his summer there, learning to control his telepathy and telekinesis talents. Except in this new world, they aren't even talents anymore. Everyone has them, and he's just normal.

His best friend happens to be along also, and, within hours of being on the new world, the two of them and three other kids sneak off and find something hidden in the basement of the ruling hall. But it turns out this ancient relic (The Emerald Tablet) has been waiting for Benjamin for ages.
As soon as Benjamin touches the tablet, it binds them together (telepathically) and gives them the task of saving the world.

And he thought summer was going to be all fun and games.

What was your initial inspiration for writing this book?

Television sci-fi and fantasy. I'm happy a childhood of TV watching was not wasted.

There used to be this high quality TV show back in the early 80's called "The Powers of Matthew Star." Matthew Star was basically this ordinary kid who had special powers like telepathy and telekinesis. He could pop popcorn with his mind so fast, other kids thought he was magic—which I guess he kind of was. He was good looking and cool and oh-so 80's.

The show was on air for about six months, but I loved it, and it always stuck with me. How cool would it be to have powers like that and to have to pretend to be a normal kid? And so Benjamin Holt and telegens were born.

As for the lost continents, I've always loved ancient civilizations, and I've wanted Atlantis to be real. So I knew Atlantis would have to be in the storyline. But while researching, I came across the sister continent of Lemuria and knew immediately my main story would be set there.

What was the timeline between spark and publication, and what were the major events along the way?

I began The Emerald Tablet in December 2004, and the publication date is October 2008. So about four years from conception to publication.

The most major event along the way was meeting my editor at the national SCBWI conference in New York. Not only did she help my writing immensely, she gave me confidence and ended up signing me.

What were the challenges (literary, research, psychological, and logistical) in bringing it to life?

Learning to write! Seriously!

As for research, the web is so full of great information, I had no problems pulling together thoughts and ideas. The Emerald Tablet has plenty of New Age elements (Atlantis, Lemuria, The Emerald Tablet itself), and there are more than enough sources of online information for research.

After the first draft and initial revisions, I read tons of books on writing craft. I started reading other novels like a writer, seeing how other authors expressed emotions and showed descriptions. And as I kept writing and revising, I incorporated things I learned along the way.

What is it like, being a debut author in 2008?

It's a great year to be a debut author! I am fortunate enough to have been accepted into the Class of 2k8, a fabulous group of 27 other debut authors with books coming out in 2008.

Aside from the group marketing premise of the Class, I've made friends and connections with authors I may never had met otherwise.

Plus, it's fun being a debut author, no matter what the year!

If you could go back and talk to yourself when you were beginning writer, what advice would you offer?

Take as much time between revisions as you can stand. Seriously. A month. Four months. A year. This is so hard to do, so it helps to have other stuff you're working on (like the second and third books of a trilogy). But the longer you can wait between revisions, the more clear problems with the manuscript will be to you.

What advice do you have for those writing fantasy?

Look for something unique you can contribute to the fantasy or sci-fi world.

Toss aside the first idea which comes into your head and go with the second. Or the third.

Try to incorporate something cool on each page. Cool things can make all the difference in a reader's mind.

How about for those interested in marketing a multi-book project?

I'm all for writing that first book and submitting it. But while it's being submitted, work on the second. And the third. Then you may find when you come back to the first, you can seed it with lots of great details that will come up later in the series.

As for mentioning multi-book projects in queries, conventional wisdom says not to do this. Once you get some interest, maybe then it's time to bring up your ideas for the next ten books in the series. But when you're selling the first, keep that in mind. It's only the first which will be on the shelves, and this will need to hook readers.

Other than your own, what your three favorite fantasies of 2008 and why?

I'm a huge Rick Riordan fan, so I'd be remiss if I didn't put The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson & The Olympians: Book 4)(Hyperion, 2008)(author interview) at the top on my list.

I thought The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson (Henry Holt, 2008)(author interview) was an awesome example of sci-fi set in our near future.

And finally, I loved The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Scholastic Press, 2008). The character and story were original and engaging.

How do you balance your life as a writer with the new responsibilities (speaking, promotion, etc.) of being an author?

Time management!

I keep a list of all the smaller things which need to get done on an ongoing basis. Interviews, contacting reviewers, signings.

In addition, for promotion, I have a separate calendar for just this. On it, I record when I need to get requested information back, when I need to respond to emails, and I can also see where I have more free time to fill with other promotional opportunities.

For writing, my evenings are still dedicated to this. During the day when my kids are at school, I dedicate days to solely writing or solely promotion. This way I can focus more on one task at a time. But it is a balance. Luckily, thus far, I enjoy all aspects of the writer’s life.

What do you do when you're not writing?

Up until April 2008 I also worked full time as an electrical engineer, designing chips for cell phones and Kindles. I decided to give the full time writing thing a try, and so far love the decision. I'm lucky enough to have a totally supportive husband.

I have two children, a daughter (age 4) and a son (age 7). They give me unlimited ideas for writing and also provide that much needed glimpse into how kids really think.

I have a Yorkshire Terrier and also two tortoises (King Tort and Nefertorti) who are supposed to live to 180 years-old. Yikes! So it looks like I'll be raising tortoises forever.

I love to read, knit, and build things around the house.

Last year was a haunted playhouse for the kids. This year, our big project is a clubhouse in the backyard.

What can your fans look forward to next?

I have a middle grade Egyptian series I'm working on along with a YA mythology fantasy.

And not to forget, the second Forgotten Worlds book, The Navel of the World, will be coming out Fall 2009.