Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Merry Christmas to me!

I've been sitting on some BIG news for a long time and am thrilled I can finally share it with the world.

Simon and Schuster has purchased the paperback rights for the entire REMAKE series!


What does this mean exactly? It means that Remake will be released in July 2016 as a paperback from Simon and Schuster under their Simon Pulse imprint. Having a big house behind the series will mean great publicity, marketing, and distribution that will get the novel into more reader hands!

Here's a bonus: there will be different covers for the paperback versions as well, and here's a sneak peek at the new Remake cover. It's creepy and absolutely perfect for the story. I love it.


But what about the hardcovers? Yes, all of the books in the series will still be available as hardcovers, and Shadow Mountain will be publishing those along with the ebooks and audio versions. Remake 2 is scheduled to be released next summer as well, with the paperback version coming out a year later in 2017. And so on and so forth with the next book.

Long story short, my Nine and her story will be around for a while and I'm so so grateful. It's the best present I could have asked for this year. Yippee!

My heart still beats and my skin still feels
My lungs still breathe, my mind still fears

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Why I Love NaNoWriMo

Writing can be a lonely endeavor, which is why I love it when November rolls around. There’s just something magical about thousands of writers coming together in crazy drafting bliss. It’s a roller coaster ride of emotions, but when I’m on that track next to those who get it, the dips don’t seem so scary.

My main advice is to forget all the advice and do what works for you. If that means writing forward and not looking back, do it. If that means bouncing around from scene to scene or editing what you wrote the day before, do it. Ignore the “experts” and just write—it’s as simple as that.

Each night in November my CPs and I email each other our word count for the day and a short snippet of our writing. With only positive cheerleading allowed, we pull each other through those crappy days and encourage to the finish line. Here’s a sampling of what can be found in those daily emails:

So I started out with a dream that is also a flashback within a prologue. Um…

I’m already veering from the plan. *clings possessively to 30 page outline*

For someone who doesn’t really grasp the rules of using the em dash, I sure use it a lot.

I’m just going to ignore the CP who already hit 50K. She does not exist. Poof. Go away.

Blogs. Twitter. Facebook. Other Shiny Things. How do I turn off the internet, again?

I am drowning in dirty dishes. This is why paper plates were invented, people.

My writing SUCKS. Why the crap did I ever get into this business in the first place?

Blinking cursor. Blinking cursor.

Stayed up til the wee hours to write new scene, then woke up three more times during the night because the muse wouldn’t shut up.

I wrote, like, 200 words today. Aack! Muse…where did you go?

My bar graph is still above that diagonal line…that’s all that matters.

The honeymoon is over! I hate Nano. This is stupid. :P

I made a playlist for my book. Then googled actors to play my characters. Then designed a book cover.

Got 5K in today. 5K!!!! I’m amazing. I rock. I can’t believe those around me aren’t constantly blown away by my awesomeness.

Why, hello shower. Nice to meet you.

I wrote THE BEST kissing scene today, then jumped ahead and wrote the next one, just for good measure.

Time to stalk my Nano buddy list and evil laugh at everyone I’m beating. Just kidding. Kind of.

Is there a genre called YA erotica? Because I think I just invented it.

I’m setting fire to my 30 page outline.

Dear Stomach Flu, it’s NOVEMBER. You are not allowed to visit. Be gone with thee!

Wait, MC. Where are you going? Come back. COME BACK.

I’m just going to ignore that other CP who is going out on submission before me. *deep breaths*

I cried four times today—whimpering out loud and everything. I don’t know if I can do this.

We ran out of Diet Coke. And milk. But…DIET COKE!

Nope. I did NOT go back and make all the changes needed to accommodate new idea, erasing several hundred words that no longer work. I would NEVER.

Used the F-bomb in my novel. Twice. Then the word “balls” in reference to male genitalia. I am going to hell.

I’m sure a lot of this sounds familiar. And crazy. But we writers are artists, and the best artists are a little off their rocker, don’t you think? So cheers to all you Nano-ers out there…you are crazy, and you can do it. I believe in you!

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Excuse me while I take a nap

The launch party crowd, me with
fellow authors Chad Morris, Shannon
Hale, Sara Larson, and J. Scott Savage,
and a wide shot of all the authors
It's been pretty eventful around these parts. First off, the TRUE HEROES launch party was a hit. We had a great crowd come out to support this wonderful cause. I enjoyed getting to speak on a panel with fellow authors and sign books for almost two hours straight, but my favorite part was getting to meet several of the children battling cancer who are featured in the book. What an amazing day.

A picture of my TV while watching
NBC Nightly News :)
On top of a great launch and much local coverage, TRUE HEROES has been getting a lot of national attention too. We were featured on People.com, Publishers Weekly, NBC Nightly News, and even appeared on The View. Crazy! Along with some amazing trade reviews and being an Amazon #1 bestseller, it's been a very exciting ride that I'm thrilled to be a part of.

Me and three of my kids posing with
James Dashner
We got to attend a private viewing of THE SCORCH TRIALS the night before release with James Dashner's family and friends. Not only was it a blast to watch the movie with such a fun crowd and listen to Jamie talk about the ins and out of the movie-making process, but the movie was INCREDIBLE. Seriously, it hit #1 worldwide that first weekend, and if you haven't seen it yet, go!

Comic Con was kind of insane. The crowds were crazy, the cosplayers were amazing, and speaking on three panels and signing books for an hour wore me out. The event broke several records, including attendance (right up there with San Diego and NY), the highest public transportation users ever, and the largest amount of comic book characters in the same place. Kind of cool.

Me and Azog, posing with Groot and Starlord, and my favorite cosplay of the day...
Owen and Blue from Jurassic World. :)

It was a lot of fun, especially since I got to spend the day with my daughter. I spoke on a panel about writing the first five pages, another about writing good characters, and my favorite was a TRUE HEROES panel where many of us teared up talking about the project, and one of the kids from the book was in the audience too. I'm sure I'll be ready to head back to Comic Con in a year, but for now I will crawl into my introvert cave and recover with a nap, because holy crowds!

How has your fall been so far? 

Don't be so scared of the things you love.


Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Hello, September


Well, summer is over and I've finally faced the fact that I need to get back to writing obligations. This is the first time all of my kids are in school and while I miss them terribly, I admit I'm getting a lot done. My agent has me putting the final touches on one book, revising another, and studying a massive text on writing craft all while I need to outline and draft a certain book 3. Back to the grind.


You can find me a few places out in the wild this month. First up, I'll be at Midway, Utah's Swiss Days this weekend. My books will be available for sale in "The Book Shoppe," including a few signed copies, and I will be there in person to sign books on Saturday from 2:30-4:30 pm. So please stop by and say hi! (or guten tag?)




I'll be at the launch party for TRUE HEROES on September 12th at the Provo City Library speaking on a panel and signing books. Not only will most of the authors who contributed to the project be there, but many of the children featured in the stories as well. I can't wait! Consider stopping by if you can. Here are details about the event and here is a bit more about the book itself. You can preorder it here.
Also, I'll be at Salt Lake Comic Con at the end of the month. Besides speaking on panels and signing books, I might secretly stalk Samwise and Captain America. Okay, not so secretly. :) Anyone else planning on getting their nerd on and attending?


How was your summer? Tell me what your plans are this fall.

If we're strong enough to let it in, we're strong enough to let it go.

Friday, August 7, 2015

Conference Season

I've taught at a lot of writing conferences this year. I love interacting with other writers and seeing all my writing friends, but as an introvert, those interactions drain my energy. After a brief hiatus the last month or so to recover, I'm ready to tackle some writing projects and focus on my writing again. And maybe take a break from teaching for a bit. Mostly. We'll see.

In the meantime, here are a few pics from this years' conferences that I haven't shared on the blog yet. I'm terrible at taking pics, so these are all stolen from other people. And there are a couple of conferences I have zero pics from. Oh well. :)

Author signing at Writing for Charity

Writing the Unputdownable Story class at Teen Author Boot Camp

Whitney Awards Gala

Teen Author Boot Camp Crew

The back of my head...signing books at TABC

Whitney Awards with my editor and fellow SM authors

Storymakers

Diversity class at Storymakers

My captive audience :)

Author signing at Storymakers

Storymakers Selfie

Storymakers

Have you been to any writer conferences this year?

Fly to me

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

True Heroes

I'm so excited to announce that I am one of the authors contributing to this collection of short stories and gorgeous photographs featuring children with cancer and their dreams. TRUE HEROES releases on September 8th from Shadow Mountain Publishing and you can pre-order it here.


I had so much fun writing about Sarah whose dream is to be a space explorer. Here's a little more about the book:

Twenty-one imaginative authors were paired up with twenty-one extraordinary kids. What makes these kids so special? They all have two things in common: They all have very big hopes and dreams, and they all have battled cancer.

Photographer Jonathan Diaz asked each of these remarkable children, “If you could be anything, what would you be?” Their answers were the inspiration for this one-of-a-kind book.

So turn the page and meet Korbyn the firefighter, Bre the dancer, Braelyn the superhero, William the dragon rider, Tristan the football star, and Rae the princess—and more—who were all photographed in full costume and digitally inserted into a background showing them as the hero of their own story. Then read the original short stories that were based on each child’s specific dream.

True Heroes shares the powerful message that children can do hard things. They are dreamers. They are fighters. They are heroes.

“This beautiful volume provides a hopeful antidote that combines fantastical and inspirational pictures with prose designed to engage children’s imaginations and remind them that they are full of power, strength, and hope.” —Richard Paul Evans, #1 New York Times bestselling author


We are young and unafraid.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Where in the world is my book?

I have some fun news! My publisher sold Turkish rights for REMAKE a while back, and the book released a few weeks ago. How neat is that? The title is simply "9" and it has a new cover and everything. So if you're ever in Istanbul...



Also, I recently did an interview for the WIFYR blog in which I divulge a little fact about my first kiss. And a local paper reviewed REMAKE. The reviewer says, "I would highly recommend this book to be read either on your own or in a book club. Remake is a story that both adults and youth can enjoy and learn from and will spark conversation." I agree, haha.

Remake 2 is done and I'm finishing up another book before diving into book 3. Summer is so busy but I love the warm weather and lots of family time. What have you been up to this summer?

Even though it's not always heaven, we still fly together...

Monday, May 4, 2015

Remake book trailer debut + giveaway!

It's here! It's here! The book trailer for REMAKE has arrived. Check it out...


I love it so much. I think it captures the feel of the book and Nine's dilemma perfectly. You can read more about REMAKE and how to purchase it here.

I'm also giving away a $25 Amazon gift card to celebrate the trailer release. Let me know what you thought about the trailer, follow me and Ideas For Hollywood (the producer of the video) online, or share the trailer with friends to enter. Details can be found in the Rafflecopter thingy below.

A great big thanks to everyone helping me spread the word!

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

April Crazies

My little Nine has been busy. REMAKE is a Foreword Reviews' 2014 INDIEFAB finalist in the Young Adult Fiction category. I am thrilled with this news and love being in such amazing company. Winners will be announced at the ALA conference in June.

REMAKE was also reviewed in the Examiner. I appreciated the mention of Nine's character development as realistic and beautiful, as that was one of my favorite parts about writing the book.

And REMAKE made Kiss The Book's yearly top 50 list for Secondary 2015 which is presented every year at the Utah school librarians's conference, so that's cool.

I did a guest post on the Insecure Writer's Support Group blog along with Dianne Salerni and Stephanie Faris about the author-agent relationship.

The Writing For Charity conference was a big success. I helped to critique attendee's first pages, spoke on a couple of panels (Writing Diverse Books and Dealing With Writer's Block), and donated a couple of items for the silent auction. All the money earned at the conference goes toward the We Need Diverse Books organization and First Book, which gets books into the hands of needy children. I'm already excited for next year!

Writer's Block Panel
Catching up with writer friends

Diversity Panel

In addition to spending time with my family this week for spring break, this Saturday I'll be teaching at Teen Author Boot Camp. And next Thursday, I'm teaching about characters at the Pleasant Grove Library--free! What are your plans this April?

I hope everyone had a great Easter!

Set sail!


Wednesday, March 11, 2015

March Update!

Here's a quick update on what I've been up to:

I'm smiling because the
filming is over, lol. *shaka*
I was interviewed by my local CBS station. They came to my house and we sat down to talk about everything from writing to Remake to homeschool to Hawaii. Since the reporter and cameraman have ties to Hawaii, we had a great time talking about the islands, making me miss home. :) You can watch the interview here.

REMAKE is a Whitney award finalist in two categories: Best YA Speculative Novel and Best Novel by a New Author. I may have done a fistpump or two upon hearing the news. I'm up against some tough competition, including NYT best selling authors, so I think my chances of winning are slim, but becoming a Whitney finalist is one of my writing bucket-list items, so the fact that I can check that one off makes me absolutely giddy. You can find all the finalists here.

Me, Rachelle Christensen, Shelly Brown,
Josi Kilpack, Sarah Eden

I've updated the events tab above so you can see where I'll be this spring--mostly teaching at several local writing conferences.

My publisher hosted an author appreciation dinner, and it was so much fun enjoying a fancy date night with my husband. We got to rub shoulders with other authors, and I met a ton of people who work behind the scenes in getting my book out in the public. I also learned some incredible news from my editors about REMAKE that I hope to share soon. :)

Playboy roll (my fav) and squid
I also just finished drafting my 9th novel. Woot! I've been working on this one off and on for a long time, and I have to admit it's my favorite story I've written so far. It's another YA sci-fi with themes of virtue and self-worth featuring a mixed-race main character who I absolutely love. I can't wait to dive into revisions. The book takes place in an East-Asian inspired future, so of course we celebrated with sushi. (note: I celebrate everything with sushi, ha) Yum!

Do you like being in front of the camera? What was your favorite novel of 2014? Will I see you at any writing conferences this year? How do you celebrate reaching your writing goals?

'Cause life's for living right.

 

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Interview with "Silence" author Deborah Lytton

I want to wish a happy book birthday to my friend Deborah Lytton and her novel SILENCE! I loved this book and will be rereading it often. It has excellent writing, a sweet clean romance, and a heart-melting story with endearing characters I wish I could meet in real life. I highly recommend this book. Here's a little bit about it:


Isn't this cover gorgeous?
Stella was born to sing. Someday Broadway. Even though she is only a sophomore at a new high school, her voice has given her the status as a cool kid. But then a tragic accident renders her deaf. She cannot hear herself sing not to mention speak. She cannot hear anything. Silence. What happens when everything you have dreamed of and hoped for is shattered in a single moment?
Enter Hayden, the boy with blonde curls who stutters. He is treated like an outcast because he is not normal. And, yet, Stella feels an attraction to him that she cannot explain. As Hayden reaches out to help Stella discover a world without sound his own tragic past warns him to keep a distance. But their connection is undeniable. Can the boy who stutters and the girl who's deaf find a happily-ever-after?
SILENCE is a story of friendship and hope with a lesson that sometimes it takes a tragedy to help us find beauty and love in unexpected places.

I had the chance to meet Deborah last year at ALA in Las Vegas. She is the sweetest person you will ever meet and I adore her daughters. I'm thrilled she agreed to answer a few questions about herself and her writing.

I: Tell us about yourself.

D: I'm a single mother of two girls who are 10 and 13. I work as an attorney in the daytime and write at night and on weekends. We have a funny little dog with giant ears called Faith. One more super important fact about me is that I can't go a day without chocolate. SILENCE (Shadow Mountain) is my second published novel. My first published book, JANE IN BLOOM (Dutton), was released in 2009.

I: I need my daily chocolate fix too, lol. Have you always wanted to be a writer?

D: I never imagined I could become a writer. I was a child actor from the age of six to eighteen, so I thought I would always work in the entertainment industry. I had dreams of becoming a film director. In my twenties, I was a singer and songwriter. The first significant thing I ever wrote was a screenplay, but I realized fairly quickly that I had more to say than would fit in a script. So I turned to writing novels. Being an actress and singer helped me to access emotions in my writing and translate them into words.

I: I can totally see how acting would help in writing stories with emotion. What’s your favorite book?

D: That's such a hard question to answer because I have so many!  My favorite author is Jane Austen, so if I have to choose only one book, then it has to be PRIDE AND PREJUDICE.

I: I love P&P! Good choice. :) How did you come up with the idea for SILENCE?

D: I wanted to tell a story about a girl who loses everything that matters to her and has to find a way to reimagine herself with the help of a boy who is the only one who can communicate with her. I wanted to share their love story with readers who might feel broken to give them hope.

I: Can you tell us a little bit about Hayden and Stella?

D: Stella is a singer who is immensely talented--she is one of those people who seems destined for stardom. Her entire identity is wrapped up in this persona. When a terrible accident happens (I don't want to give too much away), all this changes. Stella is forced to see herself differently--and this is painful and difficult for her.

Hayden is an outcast with a tragic past. He has so many gifts to share but no one to share them with until he meets Stella. In helping Stella with her journey, he is able to be the person he has always wanted to be.

I: I adore Hayden and think Stella is such a good match for him. Which character in the story do you identify with most?

D: I can identify with Stella because I too was a singer and a performer, and I also understand her loss in giving up a dream. I admire Hayden because he is a survivor and instead of being bitter and angry, he is generous and caring.

I: I really liked the way you handled Stella being deaf and Hayden's stutter. Do you have any experience with stuttering or deafness, or did you have to research it?

D: I do not have personal experience with either stuttering or deafness, and I needed to research all of it. Although SILENCE is a work of fiction, I tried to make it as realistic as possible.

I: Well, I think you did an excellent job. What’s your favorite scene or line in the book?

D: My favorite scene is Hayden and Stella's date in the plant nursery. I love the romance and the honesty from both characters in that scene because they are both in the same place at the same time with their feelings for one another.

I: I love that scene. Can you tell us about your writing process?

D: I like to daydream about my stories before I actually begin writing. I have notebooks that I use to jot down plot ideas or character sketches. When the story has come together in my imagination, I begin writing, sometimes on the computer and sometimes in my notebook. I have a general sense of where I am going, but I don't outline in specifics. Instead, I let the characters direct the flow of the story. I read sections out loud to my daughters as I write to see if the voice is working. Sometimes I act out scenes as well.

I: How fun to have your daughters involved in your writing process. What’s your favorite thing about writing?

D: Freedom. Writing is pure freedom for the imagination. I love to see where it will take me.

I: Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

D: Write every single day. If a novel seems overwhelming, try short stories, poetry, blogging, songwriting. Also, save everything you write because you might want to come back to it later.  

I: Fantastic advice. Can I ask what you are working on next?

D: I am working on a story about stereotypes, bullying and true love.

I: I can't wait to read it! Thanks so much for the fabulous interview and good luck with your book launch!

D: Thank you so much, Ilima!

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Why I write.

Why do you write?

That's me on the far right working the panel. :)
For me, there are a lot of reasons: because it makes me happy, because I can't not do it, because if I don't get these characters out of my head my mind will explode. The list goes on, but publishing has brought another layer to that list. It's brought readers, and in the few months that my book has been out, I've learned how big a role they play in my reason WHY.

From online reviews to social media posts to encouraging emails in my inbox, it's been such a neat experience to hear how words I've written affect those who read it. Writing can be such a lonely endeavor, and making a connection with others who share a love for my story is a really neat thing.

Teen Ilima
I've been left in tears a few times reading about how my character and story has affected some readers, especially teens. I feel a strange combination of love, humility, and joy that I get to be a part of that experience.

So thank you, readers, for bringing a special WHY into the reason I write.

What books have deeply affected you?

What else I've been up to...

I wrote a Dear Teen Me letter to my fifteen-year-old self in which I share advice on the struggle ahead. There are also some great teen pictures of yours truly. :)

I was on a panel at FanX talking about diversity in the book community. It was my first Comic Con experience and the highlight had to be meeting Steven Yeun (Glen from The Walking Dead). Who's ready for the premiere this Sunday?

My husband Dan, Glen, and me. :)

I enjoyed this vlogger's review of Remake. It starts at around 2:30. I'm always relieved to hear people say Nine's naiveness is funny because I thought so too, ha.

Me and Jenn Johansson
I picked up a couple of great books last week from blogger friends: CUT ME FREE by Jenn Johansson and WOVEN by David Powers King...both of them signed! I also can't wait to buy SHUTTER by Courtney Alameda. So excited for new books!

Registration has gone live for WIFYR (Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers). I will be teaching an afternoon class this year. If you're serious about writing for children, this is the conference for you!

I've shared some artwork from my daughter on the blog before, but did you know she's a talented music composer? As in one of her songs will be featured on an album soon and she'll release her own album later this year. She's so talented it blows my mind. The book I'm currently drafting has a musician who writes a song for my main character and I've been working with my daughter on creating the music and lyrics. Guys, it's so amazing. I can't tell you how excited I am to have an actual song to go along with the one in my book. Hopefully I can share it here soon. :)

At DPK's and Michael's launch with Emily King, Elana Johnson,
Erin Summerill, and Caitlyn McFarland.

What have you been up to?

Floating through the slipstream...

 

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Woven!

Happy release day to my good friend David's debut novel, WOVEN. I've read this one and can assure you it's wonderful. Here's my review from Goodreads:

"A refreshingly original fantasy, WOVEN was an enjoyable read full of adventure, romance, and unforgettable characters. I really liked the sewing/textile based world and metaphors...so creative. And I can honestly say this is the first time I've had a literary crush on a ghost--I LOVE Nels. :) Well done." 
Five stars!

Congrats David! Want to check it out? Here's some info about the book:



WOVEN by Michael Jensen and David Powers King, published by Scholastic

Two unlikely allies must journey across a kingdom in the hopes of thwarting death itself.

All his life, Nels has wanted to be a knight of the kingdom of Avërand. Tall and strong, and with a knack for helping those in need, the people of his sleepy little village have even taken to calling him the Knight of Cobblestown.

But that was before Nels died, murdered outside his home by a mysterious figure.

Now the young hero has awoken as a ghost, invisible to all around him save one person—his only hope for understanding what happened to him—the kingdom’s heir, Princess Tyra. At first the spoiled royal wants nothing to do with Nels, but as the mystery of his death unravels, the two find themselves linked by a secret, and an enemy who could be hiding behind any face.

Nels and Tyra have no choice but to abscond from the castle, charting a hidden world of tangled magic and forlorn phantoms. They must seek out an ancient needle with the power to mend what has been torn, and they have to move fast. Because soon Nels will disappear forever.

Available now wherever books are sold

iTunes            

About the Authors:

Michael Jensen is a graduate of Brigham Young University’s prestigious music, dance, and theater program. Michael taught voice at BYU before establishing his own vocal instruction studio. In addition to being an imaginative storyteller, Michael is an accomplished composer and vocalist. He lives in Salt Lake City with his husband and their four dogs.

Photo credit: Michael Schoenfeld

Links:


David Powers King was born in beautiful downtown Burbank, California where his love for film inspired him to become a writer. An avid fan of science fiction and fantasy, David also has a soft spot for zombies and the paranormal. He now lives in the mountain West with his wife and three children.

Photo credit: Katie Pyne Rasmussen

Links:


Praise for Woven:
"It’s not often that you read a fantasy that feels as epic and original as Woven by King and Jensen. Clever, well-paced, and full of intrigue, it’s a superb read. Highly recommended."
— James Dashner, author of The Maze Runner
"WOVEN reads like a lost classic that was somehow just rediscovered. It has the feel of a comfortable, familiar blanket that's somehow been newly-made of the brightest, most original material possible, and it is pure pleasure to read."
 James A. Owen, author & illustrator of Here, There Be Dragons
"The worldbuilding is dynamic, original and intriguing … and the characters, appealing. A sure bet for high-fantasy fans." — Kirkus Reviews
"This brisk adventure from first-time authors Jensen and King is a charming quest tale in classic fantasy tradition." — Publisher’s Weekly

Rafflecopper Giveaway Link (One of 5 copies of Woven – signed by both authors):
a Rafflecopter giveaway