Nano coming to an end

Two more days in November.  Have you reached 50,000 words?  Will you reach the goal by tomorrow?  We're rooting for you!  Let us know how you're doing in the comments!
 

 

 

 

 

NaNo Tips from O'Abby's archive

 NaNo is almost finished.  With five days to go, most of you will probably have a pretty good idea if you are going to hit the 50K words or not, so here's a post from the archive about what to do once you're there.

And remember, even if you don't hit the word count, it doesn't matter.  You still have more words than you started the month with, and that's a win!  Just keep going until you hit "the end", even if that doesn't happen until February or March.

Dear O’Abby,

This is my first time doing NaNo and I’m pretty close to finishing my book. I’m super excited about it because I’ve never written a book before. But I was wondering, what do I when it’s finished? Send it to publishers? Do you have any advice for a newbie?

Yours,

Noob

Dear Noob,

Firstly, congratulations on finishing a book! That’s a fantastic achievement and one you should be very proud of.

But finishing a novel is really only the first step in the writing process so please don’t rush off and send your freshly finished manuscript to anyone.

The first thing you need to do is let that manuscript sit for a few weeks. Don’t look at it. Write something else or plan something else. Take a break and do something not writing-related for a while. Whatever you want to do except looking over that book you just wrote. I like to give my manuscripts at least a month before I go back to them because that’s long enough to be able to look at them with fresh eyes.

When you do go back it, you will probably find a lot of things you need to change. Character motivations may not be clear. Tension might not be high enough at key points in the manuscript. The ending may not be as satisfying as you thought it would be. You may even find stupid things like a character’s name changing between chapters or their hair going from blonde to brown. Fast drafting, which NaNo is, is a fantastic tool for getting you story on the page, but it isn’t a finished book yet, even if you have typed THE END.

Revision is crucial to the writing process. And I find it usually takes me WAY longer to revise a book than it does to write it in the first place. I would suggest doing a first read-through where you don’t make any changes, but write notes for yourself about things you notice that need to be changed. If you change them as you go, you may find things you do early on in the book no longer make sense by the time you’ve made changes toward the end. I often find that after this first pass, writing a synopsis of the book helps me to really figure out the shape of the story, and where scenes or characters may need to be changed or moved.

The next step is to make the changes you’ve noted. This could take some time, if the changes are substantial. I’ve re-written entire books from a new POV at this point, or scrapped the entire middle and re-written it so it works better with the ending, or ditched a character completely because they didn’t really have any function in the story. I’ve added 20K in some revisions, and cut the same amount in others. Each book is different.

And when you’ve done, let it rest again. Then rinse and repeat.

When you get to the point you aren’t actually changing anything substantial anymore, just moving commas or changing ‘asked’ to ‘queried’, it’s probably time to get some new eyes on your work. You need to send your book to a critique partner or beta reader to see how it reads to someone who doesn’t know your story. In fact, you probably need to send it to at least three people who aren’t intimate with it. Ideally people who aren’t just going to fangirl about the fact you’ve actually written a book. You need feedback on what you’ve written.

Once the feedback comes in, you need to read it carefully, consider it and make decisions about which pieces of advice are helpful and which are not. Not every suggestion made by a crit partner or beta is going to be useful. But if you get the same piece of feedback from multiple people, you probably should pay attention to it. I also find it’s often useful to give feedback time to settle in. Don’t rush in and change things as soon as the feedback lands. Take some time to think about the things your readers identified as problematic. You may find even better ways to address them than anything that was suggested.

Then you revise some more. And send to new readers. And revise some more.

Told you it was a long process…

Once you’re satisfied it’s as good as you can possibly get it, there are other decisions you need to make about how and where you want to publish. But maybe we’ll look at that part of the process in a new post.

Happy revising!

X O’Abby

Spotlight on New Book Debut Author Sherri L. Rose #Covid19

The Teensy Weensy Virus: Book & Song for Preschoolers by Sherri L. Rose

1- How might someone help convince elected officials, school board members, and parents to mandate masks, social distancing, and handwashing during this pandemic?

There have been so many attempts to do this, based on the science that we know. I believe that the issues regarding correct information around the pandemic started when the U.S. people were not accurately informed of the morbidity and mortality that could come without safety measures with this virus. This did create mistrust. Masks now represent political parties which is tragic. One can still receive daily information from CDC: I have worked with them and used their information throughout my entire career. The general public has not understood the concept that this is truly a NOVEL (NEW) virus, and the scientific information cannot be disbursed as quickly as usual, as daily data has to be collected to observe patterns of the virus to then interpret that to safe behavioral recommendations to the public. It’s just a tragedy that this has become political. When we have received all our other immunizations, to stay healthy, it was never political. We must keep trying on emphasizing that this is a SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION, and it will take years for us to know what we need to know. If one just looks at the WHO map of the pandemic, it is so real.

2- Would you please, in 160 characters or less, give a #WriteTip ?

Be passionate about something. My passion to write is driven by the topic and commitment to the people I am writing to. Whether about COVID or a memoir about trauma, I'm moved to share knowledge with people and hopefully relieve pain from a common topic.

3- What most motivates you to read a new book?

The topic. Right now, I’m reading White Too Long, which is the history of the Southern Baptist Church and how white supremacy has pushed this particular denomination far too long…


4- Why does "The Teensy Weensy Virus Song!" share the tune of "itsy bitsy spider"?

Most preschoolers have heard and sung “The Itsy Bitsy Spider.” Hence, they do not need to learn another melody for this song, all they have to do is substitute the new lyrics to “The Teensy Weensy Virus Song.” It’s so much easier for them to sing that way. Gotta keep in mind the developmental level of children when you are producing something for them to enjoy and understand.

5- Would you share a picture with us of your book in a kid-friendly setting?



6- How many translations does your book offer so far?

We currently have six: English, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, French, Hindi & Italian. Soon to be published are Simple Chinese and Thai.

7- What's your Twitter handle, and do you have two or three writer friends on there to shout-out to for #WriterWednesday ?

My twitter handle is @sherrirosebooks . No, I have not acquired writer friends to do that. Great idea!

8- Do you have a favorite #bookstagram image or account/ profile?

No, I do not.

9- Are you a Plotter, Pantser, or Plantser, and how did you adopt that style?

My little book is nonfiction, so I’m not certain I fall into any of these categories. I’m definitely not a Pantser. One could say that I had a plot or goal of writing TTWV, but I wrote it in more of a scientific format, at the developmental level of preschoolers.

10- What does your basic writing schedule look like, and how often do you write?

My preference is to write every morning, Mon-Fri and sometimes Sat. The very best recent interruptions are my new grandchildren. I am trying to spend one day/week with them to also help their precious Mama and Daddy.

11- What is your favorite book by someone else, what's the author's Twitter handle, and what do you love most about that book? #FridayReads book recommendation time!

I am currently writing my memoirs, which includes an experience I had in Thailand, working with Cambodian Refugees in 1979. I have recently thoroughly enjoyed the following book:
Author name: Rosemary Rawlins @rorawlins
Title: All My Silent Years
Love because: It shared the history of the Cambodian Refugees who were fleeing their country due to Pol Pot’s Regime, and I now better understand what their lives were like before they came to us in 1979, in the refugee camps in Thailand. I helped nurse hundreds of them in my short time there.


12- What emotions do you hope your book will evoke for the reader?

My goal was to introduce to preschoolers (and include parents and caregivers resources for more information regarding COVID) what in the world was going on around them, and the three basic safety guidelines, which continue: Masks, Handwashing & Distancing. I also wanted to prompt children to express their feelings about the changes around them and possible confusion. I wrote the song was to uplift the children and end with something “jolly” after a somewhat heavy topic. You can see this in the faces of the children in the video while performing the song:



13- What kind of impact do you hope your book will have?

This has been a global mission for me. I was limited in funds as to how many translations I could create, but it is my ultimate hope that this little book will educate little children all over the world to decrease their anxiety and/or stress they might be experiencing over this horrible pandemic. It gives them ways to “feel safe” and to sing about it in a fun way. I also wanted to educate parents and caretakers about the science of the virus and resources they can use for during these difficult times.

14- What is your favorite creative non-writing activity to do?

For right now, fatigue is my enemy, so my husband and I love to watch a good movie at night while I knit, crochet, sew, needlepoint or more. I continue to decorate a three-story doll house he built for me (and the grands); I also love to play the piano, sing, and garden.

15- In what ways are the main characters in your book diverse? diversebooks.org #WeNeedDiverseBooks

I am so proud of the illustrator, Megan Elizabeth Brawand, who provided immense diversity throughout this children’s book. She included so many examples of different kinds of people, lifestyles and even disabilities and she incorporated these beautifully throughout the book.

16- What method do you feel is the best way to get book reviews?

I started by asking friends who had read the book. Then reviews continued as the book has been published.

17- What was the deciding factor in your publication route?

It was urgent for me to get this little book out ASAP. So – self-publishing was the only way to go. I am so pleased with my local publishing and self-publishing companies, Brandylane and Belle Isle Books, here in Richmond, Virginia. They worked so hard as a team to get the books out and to the distributor due to the urgency of the topic.

18- What's the biggest writing goal you hope to accomplish in your lifetime?

I will be very pleased if I can get my first memoir out in the next year or so. Have been working on it since 2017. Good writing takes a long time.

19- Would you please ask our audience a question to answer in the comments?

I would love feedback about my book – and if you wanted to share the book with the little ones in your family! Very sadly, I’ve become painfully aware of how political this scientific topic has become – which makes no sense to me as a retired health care provider. There were no arguments about so many of our immunizations in the past – why now? Please keep your comments nonpolitical, and no name-calling, please.

20- Anything else you would care to share about your book and yourself?

Sherri Rose grew up in Richmond, Virginia. As a retired pediatric and family nurse practitioner, as well and a hospice and palliative care nurse, she recognizes the critical importance of helping children understand what is happening during this pandemic that is currently sweeping our globe. COVID-19 has created so much stress, anxiety, grief, and loss for adults—imagine what children must think but be unable to express!

Inspired by her concerns for the smallest among us—as well as by her own significant grief over not being able to hug her children and grandchildren during quarantine—Sherri began to write this book to help preschoolers understand what is going on and why all of us must follow new rules. As a mother of three daughters and three stepdaughters, as well as a grandmother to many, she hopes that the resources found in this book will be useful to all the readers all over the world. Sherri is having six translations created to spread the importance of basic safety guidelines with this very smart virus. She wrote the lyrics to the little song at the end of the book to have something light and happy after reading about a serious topic.

https://sherrirosebooks.com
https://facebook.com/teensyweensyvirus
https://twitter.com/sherrirosebooks
https://instagram.com/sherrilroseauthor/
https://youtube.com/


The Teensy Weensy Virus: Book & Song for Preschoolers by Sherri L. Rose

Write Club 2021

Write Club is accepting submissions through November 28.

Here's info on how to enter and how the contest works:

https://www.dlhammons.com/p/write-club-2021-tenth-edition.html

2021 is the tenth anniversary so if you've been hesitating in the past, this year is the year to submit your entry!

In case you aren't familiar with Write Club, here's the description from that link above:

Contestants submit a 500-word writing sample, identified by only a pen name, in any genre or writing style, even poetry. Thirty of those submissions are chosen to battle head-to-head against one another in the ring, the winners of those bouts chosen by reader votes, until only two remain. Those finalists will then provide a 1000-word sample to a panel of CELEBRITY judges, who then decide on the ultimate winner.

Get your entry in by November 28!

NaNo Tips from O'Abby's Archive

 At this point in November I imagine that some of you are struggling with NaNo.  I know that the first half is always easier for me than the second and we're a few days into the second half now.  You can do it!  And if you find you're feeling stuck, here's some advice from O'Abby's archives to help get you past that sticking place. 

I remember this book and the problem I was having with it when I wrote this, and I can assure you that I managed to move past the point I got stuck and hit my 50K goal.  I also have to admit this book is still sitting in my hard-drive, unfinished at around 70K...  Maybe I need to take some of my own advice, huh?

Dear O’Abby,

I’m doing NaNo and I’m stuck.  I’m at a point where there are multiple choices for my MC and I can’t for the life of me figure out which way to make her go.  I’ve tried skipping beyond this point, but because it’s a crucial decision, what happens next depends on this choice and I can’t write what happens next without her making this decision.  I’ve been going back and forth with different ideas for days, but I’m not happy with any of my choices.

Any ideas how to get past this?

Yours,

Stuck.

Dear Stuck,

I know this feeling all too well.  When there are 155,000 options for your character and you’re not sure which one is the right one. 

Well, my advice is to choose the wrong one.

Fiction is better when characters make mistakes.  So whenever your character is faced with a decision, make her pick the one that is going to create the most trouble for her.  Pick the thing you would never select personally if you were faced with the same dilemma. 

I’ve had the same problem with the book I’m writing this month.  As a grown woman, I know the right thing for my protagonist to do in his particular situation is to call the police or some other authority figure and tell them what’s going on.  There will be a whole string of consequences from this choice of course, but all of them lead to the main problem he is facing being dealt with.  So as a writer, I’ve made him stubbornly refuse to go to the authorities, preferring to deal with the tricky, illegal situation on his own.  And of course making that foolish decision will lead to a whole lot of other, trickier situations for him to deal with. On his own.

That's important too.  To be interesting, your character needs to be active and really driving the outcomes from any decisions she makes.  If doing something one way puts the outcome into someone else's hands, choose another direction, one that forces your MC to solve her own problem, or places another one directly in her path.

So be decisive.  Never let your character dabble in her options.  She needs to pick the wrong path and navigate it, however feels natural for her.  And each time she reaches another branch in the road, she needs to choose the direction that leads to the most trouble, the most conflict.  It’s hard, I know.  We grow to love these characters like our own children and it’s hard to send them off in the wrong direction, especially when we know their choices are going to lead to them or someone else getting hurt.

I hope that helps!  Now, I’m off to give my MC some unexpected consequences for his poor decision making. Poor guy!  He doesn't know what's coming at him...

XX 

O’Abby

Spotlight on New Book Debut Author Olivia Swindler

Cynthia Starts a Band by Olivia Swindler

1- What are some of the values of family, as found in this book?

Eleanor has a complicated family relationship. She is extremely close with her cousin, who was her first call when she decided to leave Kittanning but has a strained relationship with her sister. But as the book progresses it is clear that family is extremely important. One of the main family values is being a reliable constant in someone’s life. The beauty of family is we have the opportunity to stand alongside people for their whole life, which can create not only a stronger bond but a healthier relationship.

2- Would you please, in 160 characters or less, give a #WriteTip ?

Write every single day. Even if what you are writing is not good, set aside time every day to write. When inspiration strikes, you already have the habit built.

3- What most motivates you to read a new book?

Every new book feels like a window into someone else’s experience. I love learning from the lives and experiences of others, and reading is one of the best ways to do that!

4- Have you ever started a band, or known someone who has? #cynthiastartsaband

I wanted to be in a band my whole childhood, but much to my dismay, I am pretty tone-deaf. Somehow, all of my best friends are musical, so I have gotten to support them in various capacities!

5- Would you share a picture with us of your book in a fun autumn setting?



6- Do you take part in NaNoWriMo? (http://nanowrimo.org)

I have never taken part, but I love the concept. I write pretty consistently each day, and unfortunately, November is a busy time of year for me. However, I would love to participate one year!!

7- What's your favorite book to movie adaptation?

This is slightly cheating because it is a TV show, not a movie, but I loved the recent adaptation of The Flight Attendant. Both the book and the movie highlight different parts of the story, and I honestly think I love them both equally.

8- Do you have a favorite #bookstagram image or account/ profile?

I follow so many bookstagrammers! I really love the Novel Pairings podcast’s instagram! It has inspired me to read more classics this year. @novelpairingspod

9- Are you a Plotter, Pantser, or Plantser, and how did you adopt that style?

I am a planster! I have a general roadmap in my head of where I want a story to go, but I hold it loosely and mostly keep it in my head or random notes on my phone. I like to know where the story is going and where I want each character to end up, but I want to be able to have freedom within that as I get to know the characters better.

10- What does your basic writing schedule look like, and how often do you write?

When I am working on a project I try to write 1,000 words each day. Because writing is not my full-time job, I need to organize it into my schedule, or else it will be put on the backburner.

11- What is your favorite book by someone else, what's the author's Twitter handle, and what do you love most about that book? #FridayReads book recommendation time!

Author name: Elle Cosimano @ElleCosimano
Title: Finlay Donovan Is Killing It
Love because: It was laugh out loud funny while tackling difficult themes! I could not put this book down.


12- What emotions do you hope your book will evoke for the reader?

I want readers to feel empowered. We can do hard things, and I hope that my book helps readers believe and see that in themselves.

13- What kind of impact do you hope your book will have?

I want my book to connect with people and give words to help tell their own stories and experiences.

14- What is your favorite creative non-writing activity to do?

I love to paint!

15- diversebooks.org #WeNeedDiverseBooks What's your favorite book with a diverse main character?

My favorite book with a diverse main character is Infinite Country. The writing was stunning, and it was such a heartbreakingly beautiful commentary on what it is like to immigrate to the United States.

16- What method do you feel is the best way to get book reviews?

As this is my first novel, I have thought about this question a lot. I tend to be an over recommender. If I read or watch something good, I want all of my friends to do the same. I think the best way to get book reviews is by others recommending my book to a friend. That is such a highly coveted honor!!

17- What was the deciding factor in your publication route?

I met with Karen Anderson and Morgan James and had a sense of peace about how they viewed the process. I could tell instantly that they love and care for their authors. Because they are a small press, everything feels much more like a family.

18- What's the biggest writing goal you hope to accomplish in your lifetime?

There are countless bestseller lists and book clubs I would love for my books to be featured in; the biggest goal is to write full time.

19- Would you please ask our audience a question to answer in the comments?

The book features a lot of music. What is the soundtrack to your life?

20- Anything else you would care to share about your book and yourself?

Olivia Swindler was raised in Spokane, Washington but resides currently in Grenoble, France, where she eats approximately a baguette a day. She serves as the Communication Coordinator for Young Life in Europe. Cynthia Starts a Band is her first book.

@oliviaswindler on Instagram and Twitter


Cynthia Starts a Band by Olivia Swindler

Top 50 Literature Trivia Quiz

Beowulf and the dragon

 
Top 50 Literature Trivia Quiz

Question 1 - Who wrote the Iliad?

Take a short break from Nano and take this quiz.  Out of 50 questions, I only got 27 right!  What about you?  Did you do better than I did?  Tell us in the comments!

NaNo tips from O'Abby's archive

 As I mentioned last week, most of the questions O'Abby is receiving are about NaNo, and most have been answered in previous years.  So here's another from the archive to help you out if you're doing NaNo.  And if you are, let us know how you're getting on in the comments.  I'm not participating this year, but love cheering people on from the sidelines!

Dear O'Abby.

I'm behind on my word count for NaNo, and I'm not sure I have the time to catch up.  

Do you have any advice about how to do it? 

Have you ever managed to get there when you're way behind on the word count?

Yours,

Behind.

Dear Behind,

I'm with you.  I'm also behind on my word count.   At the pace I'm working, it's unlikely that I'll reach 50K by November 30.  So here are a few things to try if you want to pick up the word count and make it to the end.

The most important thing is to prioritize your writing.  If, like me, you have a demanding day job and a family, it's hard to make time for writing.  But this week, talk to your family and see if they can make a few concessions to your writing.  Maybe your partner can cook dinner a couple of nights so you can write for an extra hour.  Maybe your kids can.

If you have to take your kids to swimming lessons or ballet or any other activities, see if you can write while they participate.  Sit in the car and do it, if you have to.  Just make the most of that time.

And this weekend, see if on at least one of the days your partner or another relative could take the kids out for a few hours to give you space to write.  Or stay home with them so you can go somewhere quiet to write.

Or, if it's at all possible, see if you can take a day off work.  Two even.  Maybe you have a lot of leave days piling up or haven't taken any of your sick days yet this year.  Take one or two days and write during the hours you would normally be working.  You'll be amazed how much you can do in just two days.

That's what I'm doing this week.  Taking two days off to just write.  I'm hoping to get through 10K in those two days, which will get me back on track to finish by 30 November.

But that's not going to work for everyone.  So if you can't take time off, and you can't find anyone to watch the kids or take over any of the chores, you will have to find the time somewhere else.  If you put your mind to it, it's amazing what you can get done in an hour.  So maybe get up an hour early and write before everyone else gets up.  Or stay up an hour later at night if you're an evening person.

Use your lunch breaks if you need to.  Or your commute if you're not driving.  But I think I've talked about those pockets of time elsewhere.

The key thing to remember is, you can do this.  You can find time.  Any time you find yourself swiping idly through your phone, that's time you could be writing.  So use it and use it well.

Good luck!

X O'Abby

Spotlight on New Book Debut Author Alysa Wishingrad

The Verdigris Pawn by Alysa Wishingrad

1- Where did the idea for your book come from?

The inspiration came from a writing prompt in a workshop some years ago; “tsk, tsk, poor little boy,” I saw this boy being raised like a bird in a gilded cage in a Manor house on a hill, an old man his guardian (or perhaps jailer). It also sparked a new writing voice for me—it took some time, but the story eventually evolved and unfolded. But I’m also always deeply inspired by philosophy and politics—not along party lines, but rather how we organize ourselves in society. Power, truth, how easily people can be corrupted are important are concepts many upper middle grade readers are beginning to grapple with. This is a time when they’re beginning to realize that not only do adults not have all the answers, but that they can often be outright wrong.

2- Would you please, in 160 characters or less, give a #WriteTip ?

Don’t be afraid to scratch a draft and return to the blank page. And always listen to that little voice in the back of your head when it tells you there’s still work to be done. It’s probably right.

3- What most motivates you to read a new book?

I’d be lying if I didn’t confess that covers play a part in my decision to pull a book off the shelf. But mostly I’m most attracted to fantasies that have some tethering to the real world—a historical setting or fantastical twists on real events. I like a to read on the upper edges of MG fantasy, books that have a little darkness and that truck in big themes without feeling pedantic. I tend to have a spidey sense of what books will hit my sweet spot.

4- What are your hopes for our world in 2022?

That we remember that we’re all here trying to do our best, to live lives of meaning, that we all deserve to be housed, and healthy, to be fed, and educated, and that it’s alright that we’re not all the same. Differences are what make a community healthy and strong, divisions only serve the dividers.

5- Would you share a picture with us of your book and your dogs?



6- Do you take part in NaNoWriMo? If you don't take part -- Why not? (http://nanowrimo.org)

I’ve had the intention a couple of times, but I’m not a fast drafter. Writing a new project for me is about exploring and listening and wandering for quite a while. Chasing a word count takes away a lot of the joy of writing for me. But I sure do admire people who can work that way, and I love watching their word count tick up through the month.

7- What's your Twitter handle, and do you have two or three writer friends on there to shout-out to for #WriterWednesday ?

My Twitter is @agwishingrad @rebeccaksansari , author of The Missing Piece of Charlie O’Reilly, and The In-Between is a dear friend, and indispensable writing buddy. I’ve been so incredibly lucky to make some outstanding friends through my debut experience. I don’t know about other debut classes, but the MG writers of #the21ders are an incredibly kind, generous, and immensely talented group of writers. I love them all, but will give a special shout-out to @katealbus , author of A Place To Hang The Moon, and @Yvettewrites , author of Glitter Gets Everywhere

8- Do you have a favorite #bookstagram image or account/ profile?

@intotheforestdark is always inspiring!

9- Are you a Plotter, Pantser, or Plantser, and how did you adopt that style?

I’m trying hard to become a reformed pantser, but the road is rocky and fraught with lots of pants and plot holes.

I like to build the entire world of my story out before I begin drafting. That usually involves cracking open a new notebook, sharpening a new pencil and telling myself the story of the story. Things change and evolve as I explore the new terrain. Then once I get the shape of the story (I usually know by this point where I’m beginning and where I’ll end, but not necessarily how I’ll get there) I’ll start playing with the voice. And then I let myself pants for a bit, to play in the world, see what comes up.

Once I have the shape of the story down, then I plan. I plan the arc, and I plan out each chapter as I get to it; the beats, the questions that gets answered, and the questions that arise. But honestly things change all the time, and my best laid plans always get mislaid.

10- What does your basic writing schedule look like, and how often do you write?

I write most every day of the week when I’m on deadline, and five days a week when I’m drafting something new. I sit down at my desk anywhere between 8:30am and 9 and will work until lunch, or until the dogs demand I take them for a walk. I try to take a break somewhere in the afternoon for a run or errands, or, if I’m lucky lunch with a friend. But I might often be back at it again after dinner if I’m chasing a deadline.

11- What is your favorite book by someone else, what's the author's Twitter handle, and what do you love most about that book? #FridayReads book recommendation time!

Author name: Frances Hardinge @franceshardinge
Title: The Lie Tree
Love because: Where do I begin? Aside from being a masterclass in storytelling, The Lie Tree has that perfect blend of the historical and the fantastic that I love so much. It’s a mystery that explores religion vs science, women’s places in society, and the lies we choose to tell ourselves, all told in Hardinge’s gorgeous prose. If you haven’t read any Frances Hardinge yet, please do yourself a favor and read her right now.


12- What emotions do you hope your book will evoke for the reader?

Empathy, empowerment, a bit of healthy rage at the conditions under which many people in the Land must live. Courage, curiosity, and love, both for oneself and community.

13- What kind of impact do you hope your book will have?

I hope that the book inspires readers to bravely look outside the boundaries of their own lives, to examine what they have to offer to their community, and to understand that those traits we often think of as our weaknesses are our true super-powers. I hope too that they can come to see, as Beau does, that they are the ones who get to decide who they are you. And that even as family, community, or society at large might try to pigeon hole us, we owe it ourselves, and to others to embrace the gifts we’ve been given.

14- What is your favorite creative non-writing activity to do?

Well, right now I’m on deadline, so I don’t have a whole lot of non-writing time, but when I do, I love to cook, to bake, and to can—especially fresh jams and jelly. Ask me for my recipe for Peach Pit Jelly – you won’t be disappointed!

In the before times, I used to go to see as much theater as I could. I’m so glad to see it returning now! Otherwise, I try to use my time away from work to fill my well. Sometimes that means hiking, other times going to see art. But quite often it’s just going out to be among people, listening, watching, and snatching ideas out of the air.


15- diversebooks.org #WeNeedDiverseBooks What's your favorite book with a diverse main character?

Oh goodness, I can’t say I have one favorite, so I’m going to shout to a few recent releases that I love.

Josephine Against The Sea by Shakirah Bourne, is fun, funny, harrowing and rich with Bajan culture. I love it!

Take Back The Block by Chrystal Giles takes on gentrification and is so smart and inspiring, it’s a brilliant community or classroom read.

Just Right Jillian by Nicole D. Collier, is about a shy girl finding her voice, and it will be out in February.



16- What method do you feel is the best way to get book reviews?

In terms of bloggers and bookstagrammers, I say, Ask. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask, the worst that will happen is that you don’t get a reply, or maybe a No. You won’t ever know until you try.

17- What was the deciding factor in your publication route?

I always knew I would purse traditional publishing, and I’m so grateful to have landed with amazing editors!

18- What's the biggest writing goal you hope to accomplish in your lifetime?

To have my stories read and embraced by readers, to be lucky enough to keep putting books out into the world. To keep leveling up my writing and challenging myself, and my readers. I won’t lie though; awards, prizes, a movie adaptation would be amazing, but having young readers loving my books is in and of itself a grand prize.

19- Would you please ask our audience a question to answer in the comments?

What do you do when faced with something that scares you? And if you confront it, what do you tell yourself to push yourself past the urge to runaway?

20- Anything else you would care to share about your book and yourself?

The heir to the Land should be strong. Fierce. Ruthless. 

At least, that’s what Beau’s father has been telling him his whole life, since Beau is the exact opposite of what the heir should be. With little control over his future, Beau is kept locked away, just another pawn in his father’s quest for ultimate power. That is, until Beau meets a girl who shows him the secrets his father has kept hidden. For the first time, Beau begins to question everything he’s ever been told and sets off in search of a rebel who might hold the key to setting things right. 

Teaming up with a fiery runaway boy, their mission quickly turns into something far greater as sinister forces long lurking in the shadows prepare to make their final move—no matter what the cost. But it just might be Beau who wields the power he seeks . . . if he can go from pawn to player before the Land tears itself apart.

In this high-stakes middle grade fantasy by debut author Alysa Wishingrad, a sheltered heir named Beau will soon discover that appearances aren’t always what they seem. 

“A rich, inventive, captivating story of big injustices and small heroes, The Verdigris Pawn nods to classic fantasy while asking questions deeply relevant to our world. A magical adventure that readers will adore.” 

— Anne Ursu, author of The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy

“Heartfelt, hopeful, and charming, The Verdigris Pawn is a deftly crafted tale that weaves adventure with purpose, beautifully illustrating how kids can change the world.” 

— Heather Kassner, Author of The Plentiful Darkness 

“With vibrant characters readers can’t help but cheer for, Wishingrad’s debut is a tribute to the beauty of both language and story. Filled with magic, suspense, and a shifting landscape of who is friend and who is foe, The Verdigris Pawn expertly explores the double-edged swords of power, loyalty and righteousness. A gorgeous and unforgettable book.” 

— Rebecca K.S. Ansari, author of The Missing Piece of Charlie O’Reilly and The In-Between. 

“The idea that you don’t have to be who you were raised to be is one that readers may just be considering at this age, and it’s handled with grace and depth.” 

— Bulletin of the Center For Children's Books Review 

“Wishingrad creates a cast of well-realized characters, a believable pre-industrial world, elements of magic, and a fast-paced inventive plot. 

The journey offers reflection, surprises, and plenty of adventure.” 

— Booklist 

Alysa Wishingrad was 7 years-old when she wrote her first story: The Adventures of Kinney and Korney, an instant classic in her family. She went on to become a playwright and a casting director for TV, theater, and film before leaving all that behind to write for the most open, honest, and inquisitive people around; middle grade readers Alysa lives in NY’s Hudson Valley with her family, and two very demanding dogs who dictate her writing schedule. Her debut, The Verdigris Pawn, came out in July from HarperCollins, and was a JLG Gold Standard Selection. Her next middle grade fantasy will follow in Summer 2023. 

You can visit her at http://alysawishingrad.com, on Twitter @agwishingrad, and on Instagram @alysawishingradwrites

The Verdigris Pawn by Alysa Wishingrad

NaNo Tip of the Week--Week 2 of NaNo 2021

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Welcome to week 2 of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)!

The goal for today is 1,667 words with a total of 16,670 words. How is your NaNo going so far?

I am on track for the traditional word count goal, but I am terribly behind on my double NaNo goal of a Reverse NaNo doubled word counts each day to reach 100,000 words in 30 days. I had a great first half of week one, then I had to do more for work than usual. Now I am playing catch up, just focusing on writing words and not letting the number of words I am behind drive me into panic mode.

Are you panicking? Is the outline not going to plan? Are characters are flat or uncooperative? Got dishes in the sink and no oomph to clean them? Such a typical week two.

Take a deep breath.

In. Hold. Out. Repeat.

Listen to a favorite song. 

You got this. Keep writing! Each word is one more than what you had before.

Children's Literature Quiz

 

The Ultimate Children's literature trivia quiz

Question 1 - Where does the Dursley family live in the Harry Potter series?

Out of 20 questions, I only got 9 right!  What about you?  Did you do better than I did?  Tell us in the comments!

Starting with the Query

 

Happy Friday Friends!

Have you ever typed "The End" at the end of your novel, sat back with a sigh of satisfaction, and then shot up with the harsh realization that there was still miles of work to go before you were ready to send off to agents?

Just me?

I think all of us, especially as we are starting out, have worked hard to complete a novel only to realize there are revisions needed, beta readers to bribe, synopsis to write, and the query to perfect.

As a (mostly) pantser this can be overwhelming for me. And more than once I have knocked everything out, started my query and realized there was a giant plot hole. Or WORSE, no actual conflict in the story. To this end, I did get a great piece of advice that I want to share and that's.................................

                                                START WITH THE QUERY 

Even if you are not a plotter you probably (hopefully) have some basic idea what the story you want to write is about. Plucking out the key elements that make a query shiny can help provide direction, but even more important are the pieces that are missing. 

No conflict, no stakes, no protagonist? Now you know.

Give it a try and let me know how it works for you in the comments below or on twitter @MidlifeCreative or using the #querysupportgroup tag.

Happy Writing!

NaNo tips from O'Abby's Archive

 With NaNo in full swing, I thought this month I'd bring back some posts from years past that might have helped writers struggling with NaNo.  Post like this one from three or four years ago.

Dear O'Abby,

I signed up to do NaNo this year for the first time and a week in, I'm already struggling.  I did tons of prep beforehand and I know what I want to write, but I have a physical condition which makes it difficult to sit in one position very long, and it's hindering my ability to reach the necessary word count each day.  I already have anxiety issues, and not reaching my daily word count is making me even more anxious. And that's making it even harder to write. Do you have any advice?

Yours,

Word Panic

Dear Word Panic,

I don't know exactly what your situation is, but you mention physical discomfort while sitting too long.  Is there a possibility you could stand?  I use a standing desk at work and that has immeasurably improved a long-standing struggle I had with arm, back and shoulder pain.  If you can't get yourself a standing desk, it's possible to raise your computer or desk using phone books, bricks, dictionaries and the like.  I also find the kitchen counters are a good height for standing and typing.

If that's not an option, maybe you could break your writing time down into small chunks so you can sit and write only as long as it's comfortable.  Then stop, do something else, and go back to the writing when you feel like you can sit again.  You will soon figure out how many words you can get through in each chunk so you'll be able to figure out how many writing sessions you will need to reach your word count each day, and how to schedule them around the rest of your life.

But even if you don't figure it out, at least you gave it a shot.  You got some words on a page. NaNo isn't for everyone.  Some people thrive on the pressure of having a daily goal to reach, but for others, it's added stress that isn't needed.  Especially while juggling everyday life as well. 

If NaNo is making you anxious and you're feeling like you can't cope, it's not the end of the world if you stop.  No one is going to die if you don't write 50,000 words in November.  It's no crime if you take until January to hit that 50K mark.  What's important is that you want to write a book, and you've started it.  Keep writing, even if you're not writing the 1,667 words a day NaNo dictates.  Write what you can and keep going.

X O'Abby

Spotlight on New Book Debut Author Paulette Stout

Love, Only Better: An Empowering Novel for Women by Paulette Stout

1- What does a content marketing agency, such as Media Goddess Inc., do?

Media Goddess Inc. specializes in creating marketing content for companies, crafting everything from emails, landing pages and social media, to customer case studies, video scripts, press releases, corproate branding, and more. Our vertical expertise spans software, nonprofit, education, and more. If it’s got words, we can write it.

2- Would you please, in 160 characters or less, give a #WriteTip ?

As characters enter a room, follow their eyes and only include the setting details that propel the story or character development. Skip the rest.

3- What most motivates you to read a new book?

I love to read titles in my genre, so I look for stories that have elements I might want consider using in my own stories to see how other writers handle various plot elements. I also look for interesting storylines, new releases from my favorite authors, and titles from master storytellers that I might not have read—or read recently. Finally, I am almost always reading or listening to books on writing craft, having several going at once. I look for titles to help me refine my storytelling technique and/or run a more effective, efficient author business.

4- In your opinion, why do many women suffer in silence on their sexual journey?

Most women have had such a poor education about their own pleasure lives that, frankly, they don’t know what they’re missing. Too many have given up on sex altogether, or tolerate it only to have it over with quickly. Others lack caring partners who are interested in seeing to their woman’s needs. All of these factors contribute to women wanting to avoid the whole topic of sex entirely. And because bad sex can cause tension in a relationship, discussing it becomes a sensitive conversation that must be handled delicately, with respect and tenderness.

5- Would you share a picture with us of your book and you wearing grammar t-shirt?



6- Do you take part in NaNoWriMo? (http://nanowrimo.org)

I don’t typically participate in NaNoWriMo, but will this year. I’m using it as fuel to finish the second edit of the sequel to my debut, Love, Only Better. I’m excited to dive in and hang out with my characters again.

7- What's your Twitter handle, and do you have two or three writer friends on there to shout-out to for #WriterWednesday ?

@StoutContent
Shout out: @casey_dembowski ; @bethcarter007 ; @ShawnaBOSPDX

8- Do you have a favorite #bookstagram image or account/ profile?

My account is @paulettestoutauthor
@mindymckinleyromance is pretty hilarious as is @wearemomswhowrite
For strict book reviews: @ashleyhasty

9- Are you a Plotter, Pantser, or Plantser, and how did you adopt that style?

For my debut, I was the ultimate pantser. I took years, and I didn’t want a repeat of that saga for subsequent books. For book two, which is in progress, I super-plotted, combining a few different plotting methods. With this approach, I wrote the first draft in four months. Now I’m editing, and really appreciate having a defined structure to guide content development and keep me on track.

10- What does your basic writing schedule look like, and how often do you write?

Typically, I rise early—around 5:30 to 6am and write for a few hours, then break for a little fresh air before returning to the computer to write marketing content for my roster of clients.

11- What is your favorite book by someone else, what's the author's Twitter handle, and what do you love most about that book? #FridayReads book recommendation time!

Author name: Erica Jong @EricaJong
Title: Fanny: Being the True History of the Adventures of Fanny Hackabout-Jones
Love because: It’s a bold historical epic centered on a heroine who is growing as a woman and having outrageous adventures, all while exploring her pleasure life with abandon.


12- What emotions do you hope your book will evoke for the reader?

My goal is to evoke deep empathy and understanding before driving toward an uplifting and empowering finish. I want my book to make people think and talk about a topic too long ignored.

13- What kind of impact do you hope your book will have?

I want my book to make women think about embracing their pleasure lives. I hope they’re inspired to explore what works for them and speak with their partners, so they can begin to experience what they’ve been missing in bed.

14- What is your favorite creative non-writing activity to do?

I love cooking fun meals, going on walks, and kayaking.

15- In what ways are the main characters in your book diverse? diversebooks.org #WeNeedDiverseBooks

Love, Only Better has a mix of characters from diverse backgrounds. The main character is biracial Latina/Jewish, her best friend is a professional Black female lawyer, and another character is written as gay, though the topic of his sexuality doesn’t overtly come up. I also included one Black side character who was a former ballerina who talks about her struggle to make it in a field where Black Prima Ballerinas were rare and not welcome. I enjoyed showing this cross-section of successful people from all walks of life because that has been my personal experience. I wanted my art to reflect this reality and felt it was important to showcase the many successful people of color in our society.

16- What method do you feel is the best way to get book reviews?

By far, having an advance reader team was essential for me getting early reviews. I cultivated them over in the months prior to release, then mobilized them the week prior to the official on-sale date so reviews would have time to go live before my marketing push began. My book was also posted to NetGalley, which drove early reviews on Goodreads. But be forewarned: pre-release reviews on NetGalley and Goodreads tend to be more critical than the average review you’d get from a reader on Amazon or other retail sites.

17- What was the deciding factor in your publication route?

I initially queried for an agent, but now understand my topic was too taboo—and genre-bending—for a big publisher. But it absolutely was a blessing in disguise for me. Owning my indie journey, working with beta readers, developmental editor, cover designer and illustrators, made the book infinitely better and more refined than the manuscript I originally submitted for consideration. Knowing what I know now about the value of intellectual property, along with the long timelines and lack of author control associated with traditional publishing, I believe indie publishing was the right choice for me

18- What's the biggest writing goal you hope to accomplish in your lifetime?

I achieved it on September 28 when I published my debut novel! Now, I can relax and have fun as I create an empire of titles. The rest is gravy!

19- Would you please ask our audience a question to answer in the comments?

Which book changed the way you thought about an issue, person, or historical event?

20- Anything else you would care to share about your book and yourself?

Love, Only Better: Book Description

For Rebecca, sex is a joke missing a punchline. No crashing waves. Only pangs of inadequacy. At twenty-eight, shouldn’t she have had one by now? Her snickering ex thought so. His taunts echo in her ears as he rolls out of her bed. Then out of her life. 

Lost, Rebecca seeks expert help, joining a study for women who can’t “finish” in the bedroom. There is such a thing? It’s unconventional, for sure, but she’s desperate for answers. The no-sex mandate is a no brainer. Who’d want to be with her anyway?

Then Kyle moves in. Her blue-eyed, black motorcycle-riding dream of a neighbor lives a heartbeat away. Sparks flew immediately. But could the timing be any worse?

If he learns her secret, she’ll lose her best chance at love. But if her lessons fail, she’ll be left eternally broken. Unlovable. 

What started as a search for fulfillment, has suddenly become a quest for something far greater.

Love, Only Better is an intimate quest full of heart, blending a fun next-door romance with steamy dates-for-one. Perfect for fans of Helen Hoang (The Kiss Quotient), Jennifer Weiner (Good In Bed), Jojo Moyes and fans of women's fiction full of wit, spice and soul.

Author Bio:

Paulette Stout is the fearless author of Love, Only Better, a contemporary novel and bedroom rallying cry for women everywhere.

Born in Manhattan, Paulette is the gold-star wordsmith and owner of her content marketing agency, Media Goddess Inc., where she crafts content for her list of global clients. Prior to MGI, Paulette led content and design teams at several tech companies, and one educational publisher where her elimination of the Oxford comma caused a near riot.

Paulette’s prior career as a media buyer/planner in New York earned her three industry awards, including a MediaWeek All-Star. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Cornell University and her MBA in Marketing from the Lubin School of Business, Pace University.

You can usually find Paulette rearranging words into pleasing patterns while wearing grammar t-shirts. 

Social Media Handles:

Instagram @paulettestoutauthor
Twitter @StoutContent
Facebook @PauletteStoutAuthor


Love, Only Better: An Empowering Novel for Women by Paulette Stout

NaNo Tip of the Week--Week 1 of NaNo 2021

 

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Welcome to week 1 of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)!

The goal for today is 3,334 words for those working toward 1,667 words every day. For Reverse NaNo, the goal is 6,562 words today. 

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How is NaNo going?

I had a good first day, and I was able to participate in several sprints on Discord with my region and attend a write in before work. 

The tip this week is to stop writing in the middle of a scene or even the middle of a sentence! 

This is helpful because when you return to write the next time, you can pick up and continue the scene or sentence. Otherwise, I tend to stare at my cursor for 5 minutes. It is easier to keep the baton moving to the next person instead of starting out cold. Think of this as a stretch and beginning the writing workout with a leg up.

How do you decide to stop writing for the day?

It's NaNoWriMo day!

Today is November 1.  You know what that means, right?  It's NANOWRIMO time!  November is National Novel Writing Month [NaNoWriMo].  Can you bang out 50,000 words of your next novel between November 1 and November 30?  Give it a shot!

https://nanowrimo.org/

If you're participating this year, please let us know in the comments so others can connect with you on the site above.

Good luck!