If if isn’t personal what the heck is it?

Author Interviews That Rock

 

Kimberley Griffiths Little

WHEN
THE BUTTERFLIES CAME

Here’s to Kimberley’s brand new, beautiful, bayou book! Keep on rocking, girl!

Click the pics for awesome Kimberley links!

Okay, Kimberley, tell the readers a little bit about  your book.

 My darling editor wrote this for the jacket flap, Goodreads and Amazon, and I think it’s terrific:

“Everybody thinks Tara Doucet has the perfect life. But Tara’s life is anything but perfect: Her dear Grammy Claire has just passed away, her mom is depressed and distant, and she and her sister, Riley, can’t agree on anything. But when mysterious and dazzling butterflies begin to follow her around after Grammy Claire’s funeral, Tara knows in her heart that her grandmother has left her one final mystery to solve. Tara finds a stack of keys and detailed letters from Grammy Claire. Note by note, Tara learns unexpected truths about her grandmother’s life. As the letters grow more ominous and the clues harder to decipher, Tara realizes that the secrets she must uncover could lead to grave danger. And when Tara and Riley are swept away to the beautiful islands of Chuuk to hear their grandmother’s will, Tara discovers the most shocking truth of all, one that will change her life forever.

Just to get us started, how old are you?

You can’t trick me into revealing secret, coded information! *wagging my finger* Let’s just say that I’m a few years older than most people think I am . . . which is niiice. I credit Mary Kay skin care products all the way.

What inspired you to write WHEN THE BUTTERFLIES CAME?

I/We have a cultural fascination with butterflies. I think that’s because butterflies are beautiful and extraordinary creatures. Butterflies have this magical ability to “sleep/die” when a caterpillar becomes a chrysalis and then “resurrect” into a flying flower. I also wanted to know more about my character Tara Doucet from my book Circle of Secrets. She’s a modern day Scarlett O’Hara whose family still lives in their crumbling Doucet Mansion in the South along the bayou—and who hasn’t dreamed of being Scarlett! But she’s Scarlett with a touch of OCD and a bratty older sister—and a grandmother who’s a research scientist on an island in Micronesia.

 

 

Do you have a special affinity for the bayou and its rich culture?

I’ve been visiting the bayous of Louisiana for nearly 15 years. I love the people there as well as venturing into the wild and otherworldly swamp with the local fisherman. The people have such a fascinating history, too. Combine my love of history and the setting which spoke to me so powerfully from the very first visit, I’m now an adopted daughter of Miss Olive and Mister Elward Stephens, the most darling elderly couple outside of Morgan City. It was during my very first boat trip in the swamps, that I instantly began picturing Livie Mouton, a girl who grew up there with her own pirogue and baby alligator. I worked on that book for 8 years, a labor of love, until it finally sold to Scholastic in a huge MG deal. And even then, I never dreamed I’d end up writing three more novels about the swamps. It all happened quite accidently by my Muse.

How did you get into Cajun magic?

There was a tiny mention of traiteurs (French Cajun healers) in a history of Louisiana written by a professor at the University of Louisiana. It wasn’t more than a couple of sentences about healers who used herbal medicine back in the 1600-1700s—along with prayer to heal folks. As a person of strong faith, it fascinated me. I spent months/years digging and digging to find out more. Turns out it’s not a lost art confined to that time period when there weren’t doctors and hospitals out in the wilds, but still a living breathing skill used by many trained traiteurs today. I got to meet several of them in their homes as well as meet dozens of people who have been healed by them—people I’d talk to at hotels or museums or gas stations. It seemed that everybody knew a traiteur in the local neighborhood, or was related to one.

You often write about the love between mothers and daughters, why is that topic close to your heart?

Mother, daughter relationships are difficult to explain, difficult to quantify and they are usually complicated. But full of unconditional love, too. We want our mothers to know us and love us and understand us, but we also don’t want them reading our locked and hidden diary!

What about the theme of childhood guilt and its consequences calls to you?

All good books and stories are about change of some kind for the characters. Guilt can be a powerful motivator for ill—or good. It can also be a great catalyst for change in our lives. We all feel guilty about the mistakes or trespasses we’ve made, whether we’re children or adults, and yet we also desperately need to know that we’re still valued and that we’re loved. I believe it’s a universal theme for every age and every person. Forgiveness of one’s self and forgiveness of others is crucial for self-worth and peace and good relationships, and often is the hardest thing we ever have to do.

Do you have a favorite butterfly item, token, belonging?

Oh, my, I have lots. Butterfly blouses, necklaces, candles, charms . . . Here’s a picture!

 

 

How do you get into your characters heads?

I spend a LOT of time thinking about them. I try to get to know them from many different angles; their personality quirks, habits, their relationships with friends and family, their secrets, their motivations, and their problems, big and small. Many writers find it helpful to write diary entries or letters in their character’s voice—I’ve done that, too!—which helps the author get to know them better. It takes time to create a fully rounded character that feels like a real person. For me, it’s THE hardest writing skill and one I’ve spend years learning and honing.

What is most special about your protagonist in WHEN THE BUTTERFLIES CAME?

Tara Doucet’s life is falling apart in so many ways, a life her mother has carefully crafted so nobody knows the family’s “dirty laundry”. And yet, Tara (a modern day Scarlett O’Hara) is stronger than she realizes. Her Grammy Claire is also a strong force in Tara’s life. Grammy Claire loves Tara unconditionally, she’s a smart research scientist, and she has a great sense of humor and vivacity for life. These characteristics have a great impact on Tara and she learns that she is stronger and tougher than she ever knew she could be as a pampered Southern plantation girl.

What made you want to write in the first place?

Great books were a powerful influence on me as a child. They often substituted as my “best friends” and instilled the dream from an early age.

What keeps you writing?

I have good writing days and bad ones and some days I don’t write at all because I’m lazy and the work can be daunting and hard, especially revision. Usually, it’s my characters clamoring for my attention, pushing me to write and bring them to life that keeps me going.

What is the best piece of writing advice you wish you were given?

Writing a LOT (thousands of pages) is the best factor in becoming a better writer. That 10,000 hour rule? Um, it really seems to be the main factor in seeing success. Some writers cram their 10,000 hours into 3-4 years while other writers take 10 years or more. I fall into the latter category, endlessly revising the same manuscripts at the beginning of my writing (self-taught education) – long before I knew other writers or the internet existed. I just wish I’d heard this advice or realized this fact twenty years ago! It would have saved me lots of frustration and head-banging sessions. 

How do you discipline yourself to keep at the writing?

Deadlines are strong motivators, ha! It’s true, but most of the time the disciplines come because I’m eager to see my imagined world and characters come to life on the page.

When did you decide, this is what I really want to do? I want to be a writer! Was there a particular ah-ha moment?

When I was a child. Books were so magical and powerful to me, I wanted to try to create that same magic one day. I also wanted to see my name in the card catalog at the library!

What is the most important thing for a writer to remember?

We’re all born with talent and ability to write, but spend time learning the craft of a publishable novel. There’s so many elements that need to come together to make it work. Don’t be in a rush to get published, it can only make you frustrated. Find a mentor to help you, go to conferences, take classes—and write a LOT. Write a book, do your best work, then write the next book, and then the next. I would say 95% of published novelists out there did not sell their first book, but their 3rd or their 4th. It’s like going to medical school. It takes time to learn to write a publishable book. Never stop learning and trying to improve. And, I guess, the *most* important thing is to enjoy the journey.

If you were to mentor other writers what wisdom would you find most helpful.

I think I may have answered this above. Writers today are very blessed with such a terrific online community of writers and agents and editors who are so accessible to help you along the way. Go find them (Google is your BF) and make friends and have fun. And be flexible. Many writers have to reinvent themselves at various times in their careers—even the bestselling writers! This “dirty little secret” is not talked about much and when I went through a terrible 7 year slump when I couldn’t seem to sell any of my novels (even though I was selling short stories to Cricket magazine) I was so alone and discouraged. Then I discovered other writers in various writing groups that had gone through the exact same *famine*. Every career has lots of ups and downs. Keep going despite all that, if you really want to write.

Do you belong to any cool writerly groups on or off line?

I used to belong to an online critique group and I’ve had live critique groups. Most come and go, depending on the other writer’s in the group commitment, but my one constant writer friend Carolee Dean and I have been critiquing and mentoring each other and giving each other encouragement for more than 10 years now—through many ups and downs. Barbara O’Connor, an extraordinary MG writer from Boston, is also a LONG time “pen- pal”. We’ve been corresponding regularly for 15 years and have never actually met in person. I helped launch the huge MG website “From the Mixed-Up Files . . . of Middle-Grade Authors” and I co-founded SPELLBINDERS, a weekly email newsletter geared to teachers/librarians/parents/homeschoolers. I also hang out a lot on Facebook!

Just for kicks… What are some of your favorite TV shows, movies?

I confess I have a guilty pleasure for HART OF DIXIE. It’s the only TV show I’ve watched in years. But my daughter has been dragging me onto the couch to watch ONCE UPON A TIME the last couple of months. Fun stuff!

If you could be a character from a book who would you be?

Maria Merryweather from Little White Horse because I *covet* her very cool bedroom. (Another favorite from childhood.) or Elizabeth Bennet from Pride &Prejudice because I think I’m just as in love with the Pemberly Estate as I am Mr. Darcy. I definitely have a *thing* for mansion houses, ever since I was very small.

As a child what was your favorite book?

HARRIET THE SPY – and it’s a true fact that my BFF Starr and I got notebooks and ran around spying on people and writing things down. I’m not sure we fooled anybody though.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A writer or a librarian. I NEEDED to be near books 24/7.

If your protagonist could give one piece of advice to your readers, what would it be?

Follow the butterflies . . . and your heart.

Is there a special Cajun spell you’d like to share with us?

Those are well-guarded secrets, actually. Information about the prayers (in old French, mind you) and herbal remedies are passed from one traiteur to another. So, since we don’t have that, I suggest using some essential oils, say a prayer or meditate, and you’ll feel a whole lot better – whatever ails you!

 

Other than writing, what do you like to do for fun? Hobbies?

I adore baking all kinds of goodies. Brownies, cookies, cinnamon rolls, pies, cakes. And I can eat them all day long. Used to be able to get away with it in my 20s – not anymore! I’m also a pianist and a belly-dancer. I love research trips and recently returned from Jordan and Israel, research for my upcoming YA trilogy which will debut from Harpercollins Fall of 2014, a delicious story about belly dance, the goddess Temple of Ashtoreth and tribal warfare in the ancient Middle East. (No firm title yet).

Any closing words of wisdom for other author-wannabees out there?

Read what you love. Write what you love. Share the love. And treasure your supportive writing friends.

Leave a comment on butterflies, Cajun magic, the bayou, or anything Kimberley to win a signed copy of WHEN THE BUTTERFLIES CAME!

And there you have it! Personal and Real with Kimberley Griffiths Little!

“Thank you so much for this terrific interview, Pam, and to Ink & Angst for having me!” Any time Kimberley

If if isn’t personal what the heck is it?

Author Interviews That Rock

Julie Cross

TEMPEST
& VORTEX

Click the pics for awesome Julie links!

Okay Julie, tell the readers a little bit about  your books.

Tempest is the first book in a young adult trilogy that follows my main character, 19 year old Jackson Meyer, as he jumps through time (literally), to learn about his past and to try and save the his girlfriend, Holly. Vortex is the sequel to Tempest and it releases in the US on January 15, 2013.

Just to get us started, how old are you?

I’m 32.5 years old

What inspired you to write TEMPEST & VORTEX?

The concept for Tempest came in layers as I worked with my now editor, Brendan Deneen. My idea started with a sort of time travel story that was also about aliens and gymnastics. His idea was to acquire a teen version of The Time Traveler’s Wife. Tempest is a story that emerged from both our creative brains.

Why time travel?

The type of time travel is Tempest appealed to me as writer because I love the idea of having a character revisit moments of his or her own past. The scenes where Jackson visits years that his twin sister, who died of cancer at 14, was still alive were so emotionally powerful to write. That’s probably what made me fall in love with writing time travel.

What made you want to write in the first place?

I started writing in May of 2009. I think I was mostly looking for an escape from everyday life. The kind of escape you get from an amazing book. I read a lot and there were moments when I wanted to change the course of a book. It dawned on me that I could write my own story.

What keeps you writing?

I wish I knew the answer to that question. Once I started, I just could stop. In fact, I waited to get bored with it, to quit, but so far that hasn’t happened. It’s challenging and stimulating in a way that I hadn’t experienced before and I feel like there’s always something more to learn. It’s amazing to discover your passion, even at 29 years old. Truly amazing.

What is the best piece of writing advice you were ever given?

My first instinct is to say, Read a lot. But that’s the piece of advice I often give to writers who ask me this question, but I already read a lot so I didn’t need to hear that particular advice myself. I’d have to say reading Stephen King’s book, On Writing and the part (don’t quote me or anything) where he says something along the lines of, most importantly, you have to write a good story. It just meant that I didn’t need to feel intimidated by the idea of finding big words and creating mind-blowing symbolism and metaphors. Or even understand contracts and the publishing industry before beginning a novel. I just needed to write a good story. 

How do you discipline yourself to keep at the writing?

I only have to discipline myself to up with other aspects of my life…laundry, exercise, grocery shopping, cleaning, my kids’ homework and activities. The writing part so far doesn’t require discipline. 

When did you decide, this is what I really want to do? I want to be a writer! Was there a particutlar ah-ha moment?

When I was offered a three book deal with St. Martin’s Press/Thomas Dunne Books, all I had were questions and confusion and many of them my editor couldn’t answer right away as I searched for an agent, but he sent me an email that said basically, “Just keep in mind, from this day on YOU. ARE. GOING. TO. BE. A. PUBLISHED. AUTHOR” and he wrote it just like that and it hit me that no matter what, whether I wrote forever or not, I’d be known as a published author. That was truly my aha moment.

What is the most important thing for a writer to remember?

There is almost never one clear answer, one clear path, one right way to do anything, to tell any story, and to interpret any story. Open your mind to the realm of possibilities and don’t dwell on the impossibilities and improbabilities and all things that begin with a negative.

Do you belong to any cool writerly groups on or off line?

I’ve recently been emailing with some YA authors that I’ve met at events and doing some beta reading and critique.

If you were to mentor other writers what wisdom would you find most helpful.

I like honest critique, even brutally honest. I’m one who can handle it just fine. But I realize others need to work in phases. I think the idea of being able to pitch a story in a sentence is so helpful to new writers. Even if you figure everything out in your story and it doesn’t quite fit into a one-line mold, chances are you’ve worked out some issues while trying to get it narrowed a bit. It took me such a long time to figure out what it meant to be able to summarize a story in a short statement. Whenever I couldn’t do this, there was always something wrong with my plot. If you can address this even before you begin writing, it could be a huge factor in getting a finished product that can actually be sold.

Just for kicks… What are some of your favorite TV shows, movies?

My current favorite shows are GLEE, Dance Moms, The Voice, Parks and Rec, 30 Rock, Falling Skies. My movie favorites are very all over the place, I almost never go to the theater (just for the big ones like Harry Potter, Hunger Games, Twilight, ect…). I love comedies and I’ll watch any cheesy romantic comedy, even the DCOM and ABC Family ones. I typically write/read edgy, emotionally heavy and sometimes intense thrillerish stuff so that must be why I choose the lighter movie/TV options.

If you could be a character from a book who would you be?

Katniss Everdeen. Hands down. I need her survival skills. I’m assuming while taking over her body, I’d also be allowed to acquire the knowledge stored up in her brain?

Last movie you saw at the theater?

Hunger Games

What is your favorite board game?

Monopoly.

How do you get into your characters heads?

Good question. I’m not sure, but I’m sure that I do get in their heads and become them. I leave myself and my views and opinions completely in the dust.  

What is most special about your protagonist?

For Jackson, it’s his potential to be great, however sometimes I’d have to say that comes in second to watching him fail in the process of reaching his potential. It took me a while to realize how much I wanted him to experience the struggle to be great just as much as I wanted to see him get there.

Do you listen to music while you write? If so what gets you motivated?

I usually don’t listen to music, but I could if I wanted to. I’m pretty relaxed about my writing place and time. I can shut out the world around me even if it’s quite hectic.

Other than writing, what do you like to do for fun? Hobbies?

Reading. I also love running. I’m really great at it but it brings a different challenge and a lot of clarity within the creative part of my brain.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A teacher. Always a teacher. But the type of teacher changed constantly.

If your protagonist could give one piece of advice to your readers what would it be?

Always prepare for the worst. Write everything important down in notebook that you always have on you.

What would your villain/villains have to say about that?

Well…I suppose they would support this advice fully. They are very intelligent and capable people. Unfortunately.

Any closing words of wisdom for other author-wannabees out there?

Enjoy the freedom of writing just for you even if publication is your end goal. If you enjoy reading books in your genre and you create a story that you enjoy reading there’s a good chance other people will like it, too.

And there you have it! Personal and Real with Julie Cross!

Check out Tempest & Vortex on Goodreads-http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13364300-vortex

If if isn’t personal what the heck is it?

Author Interviews That Rock

 

Liz Fichera

HOOKED

HOOKED releases from HarlequinTEEN on January 29, 2013

Click the pics for awesome Liz links!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liz Fichera is an American author originally from Chicago who now lives in the American Southwest.  HOOKED is her debut young adult novel.  It’s the story of a Native American girl golfer with a killer golf swing who takes on the boy on her team with the killer smile.

It’s Perfect Chemistry meets Catching Jordan with a dash of West Side Story.

Check out the  HOOKED trailer!
Click Liz’s banner…

Now let’s hear from Liz Fichera!

Just to get us started, how old are you?

Old enough to remember having a crush on David Cassidy from The Partridge Family. (Me too )

What inspired you to write HOOKED?

Living in Phoenix, Arizona, I’m continually inspired by the Native American cultures and desert landscapes that surround my home.  I got the idea for HOOKED as I was driving down a long stretch of desert called Pecos Road about 4 years ago.  I actually did a whole inspiration video (set to music!).  It’s on my YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFP9bNCTW4E

Do you have a special affinity for the American Southwest?

Absolutely.  I love the desert. I find much beauty in its simplicity and starkness.  That said, having grown up outside of Chicago, I never in a million years thought that I’d one day call the desert home.

What made you want to write in the first place?

I’ve loved writing stories ever since the fifth grade when a teacher told me she loved a story that I wrote about my dog.  My parents were always very encouraging too.  My mother, in particular, loved it when I’d read my stories to her.  Those are some of my fondest memories.

What keeps you writing?

It helps to make a few sales. But I write because I love to write.  There’s always a story bubbling inside my brain that wants to come out. (Me too. Kind of a blessing and a curse! )

What is the best piece of writing advice you were ever given?

Keep writing.  Even as you query, watch your rejections stack up, or start to investigate all of your publishing options, keep writing.  You should always be writing your next book, even as you try to sell or market your current one.

How do you discipline yourself to keep at the writing?

I’m fortunate that I’m able to write full-time.  It hasn’t always been that way.  So, I treat my writing like it’s a job.  I’m in my office, butt in the chair, writing, at least 5-6 hours a day.  The rest of the time is devoted to other things like promotion and social media. (Atta girl!)

When did you decide, this is what I really want to do? I want to be a writer! Was there a particular ah-ha moment?

I’ve known that I wanted to be a full-time writer since I was ten years old.  However, life kind of got in the way and there were other obligations that surfaced—you know, life’s curve balls.  But I never stopped working towards my goal.  I was able to write full-time 7 years ago.

Do you belong to any cool writerly groups on or off line?

I belong to The Class of 2K13, a group of debut YA and MG authors, along with The Lucky Thirteeners.

Just for kicks… What are some of your favorite TV shows, movies?

I am currently head-over-heels over two shows: HELL ON WHEELS and LONGMIRE.  I love angsty gritty shows set in the The Wild West.  TEEN WOLF is also a guilty pleasure.

As a kid what was your favorite book?

I loved THE BOXCAR children and all of the Laura Ingalls books.  Re-read each a million times.

What is your favorite board game?

Chess and Scrabble. (Yeah for Scrabble!)

What is most special about your protagonist?

Fred Oday is the main character in HOOKED.  She’s a Native American girl (Gila).  She dreams big dreams and doesn’t let anything get in her way, including being the only girl on an all boys’ team.  I wish that there were more Native American characters in mainstream YA. (Ditto)

Other than writing, what do you like to do for fun? Hobbies?

I read every day. I usually have at least 2 books going at once.  I also love to hike and run in the desert around my home.  I post a lot of my hiking pictures on my Facebook page. (I love hiking too. Check out my Facebook page. )

If your protagonist could give one piece of advice to your readers what would it be?

Dream big. Nothing is impossible. When you can’t achieve what you want, figure out another way.  There’s always a way. (Amen)

Any closing words of wisdom for other author-wannabees out there?

Write, write, read, and then write some more.  If you don’t love what you’re doing, do something else.

And there you have it! Personal and Real with Liz Fichera!

To check out Liz’s awesome Blog Tour with HarlequinTEEN with daily giveaways and gobs of free stuff Click the beautiful HOOKED banner!

HOOKED’S most recent reviews will rock your socks! Check them out…

 

Getting Real With Real Authors

If it isn’t personal, what the heck is it?

Author Interviews That Rock!

Miriam Forster

CITY OF A THOUSAND DOLLS

Click on the pics for Miriam’s excellent writerly links.

HERE’S THE BLURB!

Nisha was abandoned at the gates of the City of a Thousand Dolls when she was just a child. Now sixteen, she makes her way as Matron’s assistant on the grounds of the isolated estate, where orphan girls are apprenticed as musician, healers, courtesans…and assassins. Only when Nisha begins a forbidden flirtation with a handsome young courier does she let herself imagine a life outside the city’s walls. Until, one by one, girls around her start to die.

And We’re Off!

Just to get us started, how old are you?

Ten years away from being the answer to Life, the Universe and Everything. (Lauging and grinning ear-to-ear )

What inspired you to write CITY OF A THOUSAND DOLLS?

A single line in a book about Guinevere that referenced her being groomed for someone. The idea of an entire city where girls were groomed for different places in society took hold of me and wouldn’t let go.

Are you drawn to murder mysteries?

I’m a huge Agatha Christie fangirl and reread a bunch of them every year. Also Sherlock Holmes. I used to be much more into contemporary mysteries then I am now, and I still have a special place in my heart for the genre.

What made you want to write in the first place?

A computer game. No joke. In high school I had a game called Heroes of Might and Magic III. It was a turn-based strategy game where you built your army and collected resources and fought random groups of monsters as well as other players. I didn’t actually PLAY the game very much, but I bought it because it had a fantastic map editor. You could build an entire fantasy world from scratch, with castles and dragons and sirens and treasure. So I built this whole world and then I thought. “I should write a story about this.”

What keeps you writing?

Partly the love of what I do, but also belief. I believe very strongly that the right words and the right story can do amazing things, can heal and inspire and comfort and challenge. The world is pretty messed up in a lot of ways. Writing might not be a lot to give, but it’s what I have. (It’s a whole universe of great stuff to give, my friend.)

Your cover art is gorgeous, how did you feel when you first saw it?

I was stunned. It was so far beyond anything I’d even imagined and it was totally different then what I was expecting. But the more I looked at it, the more I fell in love. I love that the girl is present, but not the whole cover, and I love how strong and awesome she looks. And I love that she looks like my main character too.

What is the best piece of writing advice you were ever given?

“Write another book.” It’s advice that’s saved me so many times while I was querying because it takes the pressure off. Plus you learn things from a new project that you would never learn in revisions. I wrote four books between writing City of a Thousand Dolls and selling it, and every book taught me something that I could take back to City and use to make it better.

Do you belong to any cool writerly groups on or off line?

I’m a member of the Lucky 13ers, an awesome group of fellow debut authors, and I’m lucky enough to get to hang out with the wonderful writers at the Enchanted Inkspot blog as well. I have some awesome critique partners here in Boise too.

 

Just for kicks… What are some of your favorite TV shows, movies?

I love pretty much any show that starts off with a shot of a dead body: NCIS, CSI, Bones, Castle. Criminal Minds is my favorite, which worries me sometimes. And BBC’s Sherlock, of course. I was really into Doctor Who for a while and still want to get caught up, but the angst in season six was KILLING me. I can do murders, but not tons of angst. As a general rule, I’m much more into TV shows than movies, with a few glaring exceptions.

Last movie you saw at the theater?

The Avengers. For the second time. (This is one of the glaring exceptions I mentioned before.) And if you get me started on how much I love that movie, this will turn into a shameless fangirl post. J (Let’s all join the “Shameless Fangirl Club!”)

What is most special about your protagonist?

Nisha was an interesting person to write. I love a good kick-ass fantasy heroine, but that’s not what I wanted for this book. I wanted to write a girl who was insecure and made mistakes and had emotions and attachments and lapses of judgment. But she’s also independent and determined to protect the people she cares about. I see her arc as going from someone who’s uncertain and afraid to someone who can confidently step forward and put everything on the line for someone else. I don’t know if I succeeded, but that’s what I was trying to do. (Beautiful character arc, one we should all strive for.)

If your protagonist could give one piece of advice to your readers what would it be?

“You can’t change what’s been done, no matter how much you want to. But you can move forward.”(I love this because it holds true for everyone everywhere.)

How about your villain? What advice would he/she give readers?

 “Some people are more important and special than others.” (Villains give bad advice.)

Any closing words of wisdom for other author-wannabees out there?

My writing advice is simple: write for love and keep writing.

My publishing advice is this: Never pay an agent upfront (agents are paid after they sell things.) And never trust a “traditional” publisher who asks for money. Writers have more options than they’ve ever had, which is great, but you need to be educated. And be careful. There are a lot of scammers out there.  I recommend Writer Beware and Preditors and Editors as good resources.

http://www.sfwa.org/for-authors/writer-beware/

http://pred-ed.com/ 

(Great recommendations. Let’s stay safe and aware!)

And there you have it! Personal and Real with Miriam Forster

Please show your writerly love and leave a comment for Miriam(or Gate Crashers)

“Surround yourself with people who know more than you and soak up knowledge like a sponge!” P.K. Witte

 

“Surround yourself with people who know more than you and soak up knowledge like a sponge!” P.K. Witte

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone Crashing the Gate!

Greetings Gate Crashers! Come on in. You know how it works. Every month I invite authors to stop on by, crash the gate and leave a little something behind. Usually, it’s a bit of wonderful writerly advice to share with other folks learning how to thrive in the kidlit industry. This month is a little bit different.

Because it’s Thanksgiving, I’ve invited authors to share what they’re thankful for. And Wow, lots of fantastic writers stopped by full of writerly thoughts!

Fun, funny, poignant, perfect!

Spend some time learning what these authors are thankful for. You’ll have a cornucopia (okay I couldn’t help being a little bit corny) full of fun learning more about them.  Keep on scrolling, leave no author unvisited There’s only one Thanksgiving and we’re celebrating it together. One BIG happy family!

Click on the pics for excellent writerly links.

Chris Howard

ROOTLESS

November 1st was the official release day of my debut novel ROOTLESS (Scholastic Press). I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share this story with the world, and am thankful beyond words to the beautiful people who’ve inspired and supported me along the way… family, friends, artists and teachers… THANK YOU for joining me on this adventure, and for all your help and love along the way!

(To Gate Crashers) I LOVE that you are helping spread some GRATITUDE around, because too often it’s all too lacking! (Thank you very much, Chris!)

Kimberley Griffiths Little

THE HEALING SPELL, CIRCLE OF SECRETS,
WHEN THE BUTTERFLIES CAME

“Right now I’m especially thankful for my wonderful editors at both Scholastic and Harpercollins. My family has been in a heart-wrenching crisis as my baby brother is dying from brain cancer and my editors as well as my agent have sent me many loving and supportive emails and phone calls and have rearranged deadlines and book schedules for me. It’s easy to think of the publishing world as a “hurry-up” business and mostly worried about the bottom line and their bestsellers, but both my editors have been incredibly generous and told me that family is the most important thing right now and that I need to take care of myself. They’ve told me that the books can wait and all will be well. That’s given me such peace of mind and room to breathe and do my best work.”

Nicole McInnes

BRIANNA ON THE BRINK

During this season of giving thanks, I am incredibly grateful for all the people who have supported my writing over the years. The list includes my parents, my editor and publishing team, teachers from grade school through graduate school, my students over the years, the writing community at large and authors of the amazing books that first made me start dreaming of writing my own novels some day.

I heart your Gate Crashers features, Pam! (Thanks bunches, Nicole!)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Jay Kristoff

STORMDANCER

Book bloggers. Which totally sounds like I’m butt-kissery, I know. But the enthusiasm and energy and commitment of those guys is totally mind-blowing. They’re absolutely awesome, and I’m not sure we (authors) say thank you enough. (Not butt-kissery at all!)

Ink & Angst’s very own…

Elle Cosimano
NEARLY GONE

I’m thankful for veteran authors who share their time and experience with new and debut authors. I am continually amazed, and made grateful by, the openness and generosity within the YA community. My special thanks go out to Ellen Hopkins and Holly Black for the gift of their mentorship and guidance this year. To the Apocalypsies who reach back and offer advice and support to the Lucky 13s. And most of all, to my brilliant and talented crit partner, Megan Miranda, for taking me underwing (and occasionally absorbing my crazy). I am so, so lucky.

Rachele Alpine

CANARY

Coffee…endless supplies of coffee…it’s what keeps me writing!

Okay, okay, in actuality, while coffee is great, I’m especially thankful that I’m surrounded by such a supportive group of people who encourage me to write and understand my love of writing. My husband and family always make sure I have time to write, the school where I work at allows me to participate in opportunities that will improve my writing, and my students are excited about my book. I’m also thankful for such a great online community of bloggers, writers, and readers. When you have so many people cheering you on, you can’t help but feel inspired!

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Gina Damico

CROAK, SCORCH

What I’m thankful for: my bigass dry erase board. I bought it while working on my third book this summer, in order to help out with plotting and brainstorming, and it has been a godsend. Doodles, arrows, flow charts – this puppy does it all. And when you invariably write something absolutely ridiculous that might get you committed to a mental institution under any other circumstance, you can just wipe it away! Evidence destroyed!

And Pam, thanks for all your promoting prowess! (Any time, Gina!)

 

Cynthia Leitich Smith 

TANTALIZE, BLESSED, DIABOLICAL, ETERNAL

I’m most thankful that I get to belong in this magical, inspiring, stressful, changing, intellectual, fun world of books for young readers, that I get to skip among its stars and learn on bended knee from both its newest voices and living legends.

Thanks for this opportunity! (You bet, Cynthia!)

K.M. Weiland

BEHOLD THE DAWN, DREAMLANDER,A MAN CALLED OUTLAW, OUTLINING YOUR NOVEL

This year, I have found myself thinking over and over again how blessed I have been by the kindness, generosity, and enthusiasm of fellow authors. The online writing community, in particular, overwhelms me with their general wonderfulness. I am extraordinarily thankful for those among my writer acquaintances who selflessly make time to help me (and others) with critiquing, proofreading, networking, and just general opiniating and supporting.

Polly Holyoke

THE NEPTUNE PROJECT

I’m so grateful to be under contract to two fabulous publishers for the Neptune series. These books are SO much fun to write because they contain plenty of action and I get to do cool research every day on all kinds of fascinating sea topics. I had a real dry spell before the sale to Hyperion, so first and foremost I appreciate being employed! The basic premise of these books contains a strong environment message. I’m also grateful that I may have a chance to reach kids around the world and let them know that they should care about our climate and our seas before it’s too late.

Liz Fichera

HOOKED

I am most thankful for my parents.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Linda Boyden

GIVEAWAYS

As a Native American writer, I am most thankful for being alive at a time when my work can be published by mainstream publishers. Books written and/or illustrated by Native people diminish the hurtful stereotypes of Native Americans that still lurk in many places. Our books give non-Indian children a true picture of our country’s Native people; they empower Indian children of all tribal nations, but most of all they help all children realize how similar they are.

Kit Grindstaff

THE FLAME IN THE MIST

For one, people like you who make our road to publication so much more fun and easy! Thank you so much. (It’s always a pleasure!)

So many people have helped shape my book, and me as writer. Having a pool of mutually supportive author Peeps that I can dip into and give back to, and the social media that makes so much of it possible, is invaluable in navigating the hurdles, pitfalls and joys leading up to that ever-closer Publication Date. I’m grateful for them all, and don’t know what I’d do without them. But there is one, overriding person without whom all of it would still be a seemingly out-of-reach dream, and that’s the Delacorte editor who believed in my book. Her thorough insights and questions have made it sooo much better, plus she’s given me the opportunity of a lifetime. I am So. Very. Grateful.

 

Claire M. Caterer

THE KEY & THE FLAME

This year I’m incredibly thankful that I was able to complete the sequel to THE KEY& THE FLAME (working title: THE WAND & THE SEA). I had no idea how much stress I would feel trying to write the second book in about a third of the time I took to write the first book. In the spring I broke out in stress hives; in the summer I sweated through every page; in the fall I cut my behemoth down to size. And it’s finally just about ready to go to my editor, for publication in summer 2014!

Cynthia Grady

I LAY MY STITCHES DOWN

I am eternally thankful for my writing buddies who give time, support, tissues, and car rides at a moment’s notice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Helen Williams

DELROY AND THE MAROG PRINCESS

I have so many things to be thankful for. I have a loving and supportive husband and family, and enjoy good health. I live in the beautiful, inspirational country of Jamaica with a tropical climate, white sand beaches and warm seas. I have the glorious freedom of retirement in which to follow my passion of writing for children. Modern technology allows me to make new friends and keep up with old ones; research the world without leaving my house; and write and rewrite with ease, unlike the days when I wrote by hand and typed on a manual typewriter. I give thanks for my online critique group, Pam and Melanie, without whose help I would not have been published. Their remarkable insights and creative suggestions have helped me to grow as a writer. Right now I’m thankful for having been spared the wrath of Hurricane Sandy.

Tiffany T. Schmidt

SEND ME A SIGN

I am so thankful for the support of the book blogger community. I’ve been so thrilled and frequently moved to tears of gratitude by the way book bloggers have embraced Send Me a Sign and reached out to tell other readers about the book. I’ve also been so touched by the number of readers who have shared their own cancer experiences with me and told me that they felt comfort or a connection when reading Send Me a Sign. I cannot even begin to express how much this has meant to me, how much I appreciate them, and how they’ve all become a part of my dream-come-true.

 

Lydia Kang

CONTROL

I am most thankful for the internet. I know, it’s a horrible time suck, yada yada yada. But without the internet, I would have never met the amazing bloggers and forums that taught me so much about fiction writing. I would have never met my crit partners, or some of the friends who have my back, in good times and bad.

Ginjer Clarke

GROSS OUT

As a writer, I am most thankful for the opportunities I get to connect with readers in schools and the enthusiastic feedback I get from them in person and in writing. Seeing that so many students love to read and write and love learning about science is encouraging, gratifying, and humbling.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K.M. Walton

EMPTY, CRACKED

I am most thankful for the unending love and support of my family and friends. When those who you love and respect, love and respect you back, it kind of gives you superpowers and makes you believe that anything is possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Miriam Forster

CITY OF A THOUSAND DOLLS

I think this year I’m most thankful for other people’s stories. It’s very tempting as a debut author to get so focused on your book, your edits, your promotion, that you lose sight of what you loved about storytelling in the first place. Anytime I can read a great book by someone else, or listen to someone tell me a funny story, that grounds me. It widens my world back up and helps keep me sane. 

 

 

 

 

K.A. (Kelly) Barson

45 POUNDS (MORE OR LESS)

What I’m most thankful for: Spanx. Seriously, though, I know it sounds trite, but I’m thankful for my family and friends. Through all the ups and downs–triumphs and rejections–that writing brings, they support me. Come to think of it, Spanx does, too, only in a different way. Family, friends, and Spanx–I need all three to keep it together.

Mindy McGinnis

NOT A DROP TO DRINK

As a writer I want to say that I’m super thankful for my CP’s (critique partners). They are professional, thorough, inspiring – and not afraid to tell me when I fail at something… (RC Lewis can tell you all about my comma issues).

Pamela K. Witte

Head

Gate Crasher

                                   

And for me, I’m thankful for the opportunity to promote writers, for the friendships I have made, and the lessons I’ve learned from each and every Gate Crasher over the past year. I’m thankful for the gift of storytelling, my love of writing, the joy of reading, my passion for adventure and life. Most of all I’m thankful for my family and my critique partners, who never, ever give up on me or allow me to give up on my dreams!

And there you have it. Pretty wonderful, isn’t it?

Almost as good as sitting down at the same giant table and sharing Thanksgiving wishes all around.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!