REM

Experimenting with Experimental Fiction

2012-03-04T06:35:00.002-08:00

My application for the Vermont College of Fine Arts has made it's way to the admissions office. Whew.
Now, more waiting. I've realized the life of a writer is a life of waiting. If nothing else, I'm learning patience.
Sort of.

Meanwhile, I've thrown myself into a new project that stemmed from my current fiction class and this application for my MFA. In class, we are required to submit original fiction a couple times a semester. Last year, I was able to shoot out a brand new short story, which will be published in the school's literary journal, Ars Poetica, this semester. This time, I wanted to start a new novel. I do have yet another manuscript started; it's about 30k words in and I love it, but I'd gotten myself all wrapped up into it's complicated plot. It's a dystopian, and so the world is beyond regular confusing. I think I can go back and finish it, but as I thought about applying to the MFA program, I realized I didn't want to work on a dystopian for that. I wanted to write something unusual for me. Something realistic.

Not everyone would suggest genre jumping. In fact, many professionals say it's a bad idea to drop a project and start a new one because you risk project jumping and never finishing anything. I've always gone along with that way of thinking until I came up with this new idea. I said, "Self, you are not yet published. You are learning and developing your craft. You can do whatever the heck you want."
And so, We Were Neighbors First began.

Neighbors is a journey into realistic experimental fiction. I wrote about experimental fiction, where it began and what it looks like for my MFA critical essay. I used the popular YA novel The Book Thief as my main example of an unconventional POV (only one example of experimental fiction) and how it can work and be highly successful. Now, I have no idea of everyone considers Thief an experimental fiction piece, but I created a pretty good argument that it is, why it's successful, and why it's okay for writers to try it. Some feel that experimental fiction is more creative than straight, traditional narrative, and I tend to agree because it's structure is so different from traditional narrative. It's also riskier, though, and may have an even harder time finding a publishing home today. But I really loved the idea of blending narrative with other venues--poetry, art, photos, etc. And so, with this blip of an idea I'd already started with Neighbors in my fiction class, I decided to dive in.

I'm not going to explain the project in full because I'm becoming wary of my work being out in cyberspace. Recently a movie came out that was so unbelievably similar to a previous manuscript that has made a lot of rounds in the professional publishing word--right down to the main characters name--that I couldn't help but wonder. I may have joined the ranks of paranoid writers everywhere. But I also don't want to lay it all out there yet because it's likely to change. I'm rough drafting, brainstorming, etc. This part of the creative process is rather private for me--with the exception of my husband and a few close friends, I don't share much at this stage in the game. (Although, obviously my classes will be critiquing and helping with development.)

I can say this: I'm partnering with a very talented artist and while I know authors traditionally don't get to pick their collaborators, I really don't care about the rules this time. This is the story I want to write, and this is who I want to write/create it with. If it means in the end I have to self-publish, then I will hire my own editor and do just that. But maybe, just maybe, I can pull it off. Maybe the unique approach will work in my favor. I won't know until I try.

**The image above is a page of James Joyce's Ulysses, which, when it was published, was considered experimental. Experimental fiction evolves, changes with societal and publishing norms, and so will look different from decade to decade, artist to artist.

Hit Send

2012-02-27T11:54:00.002-08:00

I am a slight risk taker.
Slight.
I say this because as it looks to outsiders, I try a lot of new things, when in reality, I only try the things I'm pretty sure I'm going to do well at.

That's sort of cheating in the risk-taking department.

This is the fear of the perfectionist: failure to meet one's own expectations.
And then, ironically: the fear that one will.
Because, then what?
What's next?

How stupid is this way of thinking!

I'm preparing my application package for the Vermont College of Fine Arts.
Ta-da! I said it out loud. Sort of.
Yes, I'm officially applying for my MFA. This decision has been a long time coming. It has been in the back of my mind for the last five years or so, so while it looks like I'm taking another big ole' leap, in reality, it's taken five years just to hit the damn send button. Though I didn't actually hit it yet. I'll be sending out the goods tomorrow afternoon or Wednesday, depending on when I get the time to finish proofreading my submissions.

I don't think I'm going to breathe for the next few weeks. I keep thinking: what if I get in, and then I get an offer on my book?
How will I do both?
Or what if I get in, get an offer on my book, AND need brain surgery?
I might as well be planning for December 21, 2012. (The end of the world?) I'm actually freaking out about the possibility of succeeding? How many "what if's" can I fit into the simple action of the thought of hitting the send button?

Then I remind myself.
I only have one life.
I am going to live it as best as I can.
I'm going to love my family and friends and I'm going to improve upon what I enjoy: writing.
This is just a natural next step and many others have gone before me and actually survived.

Inhale.
Exhale.

I think I can do it.

Updates

2012-02-20T04:59:00.000-08:00

How many times do you find yourself saying: "I can't believe this month is over already?" It's amazing to me how fast time seems to pass now that I'm an adult. And the more things that are going on in my life, the faster it moves. So, February is almost over. To be fair, February is a short month to begin with, but usually it's a month full of freezing weather and a lot of snow. This year--we've had neither. Supposedly, Europe has received all of our horrible winter weather this year while we've maintained a balmy 40-50 degree average. It's been my favorite winter yet!

2012 is proving to be a fun year (with some unexpected twists, as per my last post) for me. My manuscript is out in the world and I'll be pitching face to face at the GLVWG Write Stuff Conference in a few weeks. I participated in my first public reading (outside my school campus) which was held at the Doylestown Bookshop and hosted by Lucas Magnum, a new friend added to my ever-growing list, where I met yet more writers/authors. Some of the attendees included author Donna Galanti, a good friend who will be celebrating the release of her first novel A Human Element in March, Kathryn Craft, who has just signed with agent Katie Shea from the Donald Maas Agency, and many more talented and fun people.

While of course I wish it were me adding a release date of some sort to my blog, it's very exciting to see friends make their first, second, or third step into the world of publishing. It's encouraging to see writers making it! I'm so glad that I have joined this wonderful circle and I look forward to more from the above folks as well as other authors such as Marie Lamba, Jonathan Maberry, and more.

I was also invited to read my work on WRNJ, a local AM radio station out of Hackettstown, NJ. The program was called Educationally Speaking and was hosted by Joyce Estey. In conjunction with Warren County Community College--which has one of only four accredited Associate in Fine Arts programs in the country--four of us, including my friend S. Michael Wilson, were invited along with our professor, poet BJ Ward, to discuss the program and share some of our work. It was such a fun experience! I wish I'd thought to have someone record it, because the station doesn't seem to podcast.

In the coming months, I will be participating in more conferences, classes, and readings, gleaning all I can from those who've gone before me--literally and figuratively. As my semester wraps, I have to decide whether to apply to an MFA now or next year. The decision weighs heavily on residency timing as I have to make sure it coincides with summer break and doesn't interfere with our trips. In June, we are heading to Costa Rica--a small dream come true for me--and in August we head back to the Outer Banks--the source of my best childhood memories. This summer shall hold many opportunities for great stories, as well as wonderful memories made with my own family.

And through it all, I plan to keep on writing. I love that. That knowing that words, despite the uncertainties of life, will always just be there.

The Monday of all Monday's

2012-02-11T05:47:00.000-08:00

We all refer to our lives as a roller coasters once in a while. Maybe all the time. It's true, especially when you have a family, that your lives seem to sometimes precariously hang over the edge of oblivion or soar to the tops of the mountains at any given moment. We realize in those moments, good and bad, that we have less control than we think we have. That, while frightening, is a good realization. It forces us to either hide in fear or learn and grow. I choose the second option--even when it takes me a couple weeks to decide to do so.

With each of my pregnancies, there was some medical reason the doctor wanted the baby monitored for the entire term. My first son had an enlarged kidney, my daughter had too much (or too little--I don't even remember) amniotic fluid, and my youngest son's hand was trapped in the placenta in a way that could inhibit the growth of his arm. In all three cases, my babies were born healthy, with no lasting effects of any of their "problems". If you think about how many pregnancies there were before ultrasounds when we weren't made aware of every single oddity, it makes you realize that while the technology is amazing and wonderfully helpful in solving real problems, sometimes it just causes undue worry. For my husband and I, we are fairly level headed, just took each month as it came and were grateful for our healthy babies in the end.

When your children are sick, real or suspected, you must be strong for them, help keep them at ease and get through it together. We are pretty good at that and our kids have never had any life-threatening (thank God) situations, although there have been some scary moments here and there: croup hospitalizations, elbow surgery, even a kidney stone! As a mom, I'm always thinking about keeping the kids healthy, making sure they get their check-ups, their dentist visits, find a good specialist when it's needed. Usually I put myself on the back burner. And my husband is worse than me in that department (Yes, honey, you need to go to the dentist one of these years...)

I have Crohn's disease, so I am very careful about what I eat, I'm tall, thin and I think I fool myself sometimes that I'm more healthy than I think I am. But on a day to day basis, I am healthy. I am virtually never sick, somehow gained huge immunity from the germs the kids seem to bring in on a bi-weekly basis, and I'm a pretty energetic individual. I'm not in fantastic aerobic shape, nor do I have any muscular strength, but Zumba is helping me in that department. I don't particularly like that I'm approaching forty, but most of the time, I know it'll be just fine.

Monday, January 23rd was not one of those days. It was a roller coaster day defined. I was awaiting some results from an MRI I had due to some odd neurological symptoms. My mother has MS and so it seemed natural to look for MS. I was also awaiting responses from a few agents regarding my manuscript that I had sent out over the weekend. It was the agents' emails I got first. Two requests for a full in one day. I was ecstatic. Of course, REM is ready to go, so I popped in my travel drive to pull up the file and BAM! Like hitting a brick wall, the file was corrupted. And I had no backup. Up...and plummeting down. I tried several different methods of recalling it and nothing worked. I was in a bit of a panic, I will admit. But then it occurred to me that I had just sent REM out a couple days ago. Surely it would still be in my Sent box. And, thank the cyber-gods, it was. I made half a dozen back-up copies and sent the manuscript on it's way. Relief does not define what I felt in that moment. But of course, as all roller coasters go up, they must come back down. And that was when I got the call from the doctor.

Long story longer, I am still in the process of testing, but it looks like I have something called a Colloid Cyst in a ventricle of my brain. A colloid cyst is a nice PC term for a benign tumor that can block the flow of brain fluid and cause hydrocephalus. It's a rare cyst, often asymptomatic and usually found when doctors are looking for something else. However, it has the potential to be dangerous and must be monitored. My neurosurgeon said he wanted to be 100% sure it was a colloid cyst before we proceeded because my symptoms don't coincide with this type of cyst. So, now I'm on a two-fold path: determine what exactly is in my brain and figure out what is causing my symptoms. It reminds me so much of those monthly ultrasound days...lots of scanning, waiting, and going on with life despite the uncertainty.

I will admit, when I first looked up "colloid cyst" I was a little freaked out. But it's been a few weeks, lots of good conversations, and now we just crack jokes. Perhaps this explains my lack of memory? My inability to pronounce words with "n" and "m" in them? My nutty-where-are-my-glasses moments?

Probably not.
I think I'll have to accept I'm crazy with or without a brain tumor.

Public vs Private

2012-02-10T04:44:00.000-08:00

When I'm writing a story, it begins in my head. This first stage can take a year or a day. Every story is different and some ideas never even leave the brain stage, but regardless to how long they are in Stage One, they never feel real until I've finally gotten something down on paper--aka: Word Doc. Once the characters begin to evolve on the screen and paragraphs start to swell and pages fill with hundreds of words, I feel like I have a real story. That everything I've made up in my head is now true. (Not real-life true--fiction true: a distinction most writers surely appreciate.)

My journaling life is very much the same. I began my first journal--diary--at age ten. I learned very quickly that although I couldn't express myself to the people around me, I could say whatever I wanted in my diaries. I could even write the "F" word. Gasp! This became a release for me; a little corner of truth in a childhood that was filled with lies and confusion. And when I wrote down my experiences in my journal, they became confirmations of both good and bad events: This is really happening to me. Journals not only gave me a voice, as a voice-less child, but they gave me documents to read when I was older, confirming that I was not crazy: these things really happened (or at least how my child-self perceived them to be happening, which is just as important to be aware of).

Not much has changed. I don't often feel solidified until my thoughts--fiction or truth--are written out. I can then look at my words and examine them in a way I can't when they are jumbled in my head or flying out of my mouth. Blogging has taken the place of journals for me, and for many, many others on the internet, and the lines between public and private are quickly blurred. I blog because I know others will read it. Not many, but some strangers, close friends and family will (if they stick around long enough) get little glimpses into my life with regards to writing and many other things. I keep it truthful, but I don't share every aspect of my life. Really only exposing the things that coincide with what I think writers will relate to because that's why I'm creating a presence for myself online: to connect with other writers.

But sometimes I even blur the line between public and private. Sometimes it's actually something I have to fight--the desire to post some snarky remark on Facebook or blog about one of my children--because I know that I will get a response from others. Because that response is fun, or not, but at least it's a reaction from other people. Isn't that our hope as writers? To get a response from our readers?

So how do you determine what makes the blog/facebook/twitter cut?

The Puzzle of Poetry

2012-01-23T08:11:00.000-08:00

Writing is often like putting together a puzzle. Plot, characters, theme, setting: it all has to fit together. None of the elements work entirely on their own and only when snapped together do they create a viable story. I find the puzzle metaphor to be especially true with poetry. (Yes, I'm back in school, can we tell?)

The only time I write poetry is when I have to. That sounds negative. But I don't avoid it because I dislike it, I avoid it because it's extremely difficult. It's a lot of work--and a lot of different work when compared to fiction. In my Advanced Creative Writing course this semester, we have an assignment every week that involves fiction and poetry. I have to write at least one of each. For non-writers, or non-serious writers, that may not seem like much, so for you I will just say: it is. It's a lot of piecing together of the puzzle: writing and re-writing just to submit, have it critiqued and then re-write it again!

I plunked out the first draft of my fiction assignment in a matter of minutes last week. But when I moved on to the poem, I just glared at the screen. Why are you making me do this again, Word Doc? I tend to look at a writing assignment as a limitation, because my mantra is: No one will tell ME what to write (do). But in reality, I'm proved wrong again and again. Not only are assignments helpful, they force you to try something you normally wouldn't. I have found that some of my most creative ideas had a basis in a seemingly benign assignment. One might say: But outside the world of school, what purpose would an assignment have? I won't even discuss journalism, where the place of the assignment is obvious. But even when working with an agent or editor--they are going to make you do things to your manuscript you hadn't planned and you must be pliable. Especially if it's your first book. So, get over it (self).

Today I sat down, stared at that same threatening screen, moved a few words around, dreamed up some new lines, and realized that my jumbled thoughts might just turn into a poem. After a couple of days of processing, new ideas cropped up and those little pieces that eluded me before were right at my fingertips today. It was an "ah-ha!" moment--which I pretty much thrive on--that reminded me that no matter what you are writing, creativity is work. And work is good.

Hats

2012-01-20T08:47:00.000-08:00

I have many different roles: mom, wife, employee, student, daughter, sister, etc. Sometimes I will joke with friends that it's time for me to put on the "good-mom" hat to go to my child's basketball game, or the "the-customer-is-always-right" hat when I go to work. Or the "pretend-to-be-a-social-butterfly-even-though-I'm-shaking-in-my-shorts" hat when I go to a party. Like many women, I wear a lot of hats. I think that it's important to not derive your identity from any single costume, but of course some hats hold more value than others, perhaps especially when your sense of self is pushed to the side while you wear it. Mom is a role that defines a very large part of who I am and effects many decisions I make regarding other aspects of my life. And the other roles will sometimes effect how well (or unwell) I am carrying out motherhood. There is a fine balance in the making every day of my life. Regardless, they all make up me.

Writing, I'm discovering, is similar. If a non-writer looks at the singular role of "writer", he may gel all of us into this little box of what his description of a writer looks like. Just like some teenagers might gel all moms and dads into a singular, perhaps demeaning box of "the parentals." Yet, I am sure I speak for many writers when I say that "writer" (just like "mom") encompasses a much bigger picture.

The two most defined, and at times diverging, roles in this writer's life are "Writing as business" and "Writing as craft". I simultaneously attend courses and conferences on both. I can tell you that there are certainly times when they butt heads, like my seven year old son and eleven year old daughter arguing over who gets to read the back of the Cheerios box at breakfast. The veins of writing come up against each other in a fight to see who is right. Who will prevail and come out the better party. Writing for publication is a sell out. Writing for craft-only goes nowhere. The plastic crap-toy in the cereal box is MINE!

I have found, over the last year especially, that you can combine both. Business and craft are simpatico--if you want them to be. Maybe you've had a few rejections and you say to your friends: "Eh, it's a waste of time anyway." Or maybe someone's told you that your book would be better off used as firewood. Or maybe your professors say, "Don't look for the ending" and your colleagues say, "You better know where you're going with this" and you think: How am I supposed to know what is right?

This is the joy in writing: There is no right.

No matter what hat you wear:

Write what you love.
Decide what you want.
Work toward making it shine.

In reality, that's probably good advice for all of our roles in life.

First Impressions

2012-01-13T05:11:00.000-08:00

The old adage reads: Don't judge a book by it's cover.

I wanted to find out where that worn out phrase came from, so I asked the Google gods, of course. I only found a couple references to a novel that uses a similar notion in it's narration and a lot of posts about what the phrase means--which we already know--is to not make a decision solely on the first impression.

Who actually adheres to that?

As an avid reader, I can somewhat appreciate the cliche'. When I'm looking for a new book to read, I judge my choice on several things. The author, the story-line blurb on the back, reviews, and, ahem, price. The cover isn't always the clincher in the deal. For instance, I don't really like Stephen King's 11/22/63 cover, but it's Stephen King. It'll probably be a good read. (And it is..I've already started digging into the massive beast.)

However, if just browsing the bookstore--or library--the covers are the first thing you see. They either catch your eye or they don't. And unless I've heard about a book or the author's reputation precedes it, I don't usually pick up novels with less exuberant covers. (Unless the title grabs me--another first impression) Yes, many beautiful books are overlooked this way. Which is exactly why, as a writer seeking publication, I think this old adage is misleading. Especially in YA. Teens are going to be grabbed by a hot cover. Period.

There are exceptions, of course, but marketing is a huge aspect of publishing a book. How can a book with a lousy cover stand out? There are so many challenges in this industry, I don't want to start out already behind with a boring first impression.

As I research small presses, the first thing I look at is their website. If they have an awful website, then how much worse will their book covers be? I've seen a few horrific sites and the covers they boast and I just can't bring myself to submit to them. But then I run into a few that impress me quite a bit. Such as Quirk Books and Flux. (Of course, upon further inspection, I found out that Flux no longer accepts unsolicited manuscripts. So much for the direct benefit of a small press.)

I want to be published, but I want to be published well. I understand the collaboration that goes into a small press package, the marketing and self-promotion I'll be responsible for, the direct contact with the publisher, etc. I'm willing to do the work; I want to do the work. But I don't want my book to start off a lap behind because it has a poorly conceived cover. And, sure, I'd like to think the story line will grab the reader and that my work will stand for itself, but in this visual day, I'm not sure I want to take the risk. I want a standout cover that grabs the attention of the most reluctant reader. Something I can stand behind and be proud to market all over the place.

If agents and publishers are picky about their writers, why can't writers be picky about who they submit their work to? Yes, I realize the odds are piled against me in that manner of thinking, but I have to ask myself: Am I just desperate to be in print or do I want to start a real, breathing career?

For me, it's the latter. So, I'll stick to being a cover snob.

Why YA?

2012-01-11T04:06:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine, who shall remain nameless, but will know I’m talking about him if he reads this post, asked me this question: Why YA? In other words, why do I choose to write it? No one had ever asked me that question before, even though I’ve been actively writing Young Adult novels since 2006 and have surrounded myself with a broad circle of other authors and writers of YA. Those people, of course, wouldn’t question it, and so it had never been asked. And I was stumped.

Why do I write YA?

I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately, especially during my Fiction class where I pushed myself to write from POV’s other than young adults. However, the main short story I wrote ended up being from a child’s POV, although not a child’s story. I tend to gravitate toward the voice of a young person. Does this mean I’m immature or not a good enough writer for adult fiction? One might think that, (and of course, I may not be a good enough writer for any fiction, that's a matter of opinion), but I don’t believe that YA writers have less talent or a smaller vocabulary than adult writers. In fact, I think, if they take their job seriously, it might be more difficult.

The voice in YA might be the most important thing to nail. Spelling, grammar, punctuation aside—because I’m talking about crafting a story, not the technical side of writing—the voice is what’s going to grab the average reader. If you think about your favorite books as a teen, most likely it was the protagonist’s voice that pulled you in. My mind goes straight to Judy Blume. I think I learned everything a girl needs to know about a social life from Judy Blume. Her books have a strong voice and strong characters and in the end, always a fantastic message for young readers. (Though you shouldn’t write YA to “teach” a message, but that’s another blog post.)

Capturing the voice of a teen when you are writing as a thirty-six year old can be difficult. Some writers do this so flawlessly it makes me wonder if they have a teenage ghost-writer. At the same time, while an authentic teen voice is important, the character is generally wiser than her adolescent counterparts, which is what makes that character strong. Conversations such as: “Like, OMG, what did you do at the mall last night?” aren’t going to fly. If you haven’t read any YA novels, pick up a few of the contenders. Hunger Games, a popular dystopian series, for example, is filled with profound observations right from the first page. The heroine is a strong, yet flawed young woman and we identify with her immediately. There is no "dumbing down" the characters despite the plot driven style.

Perhaps certain YA books have tainted the genre. (They will remain nameless because we thank them for catapulting the genre into publishing history.) We tend to look at YA, these days, as an enterprise rather than a literary pursuit. I have come across many affected fiction writers, and they tend to scoff at YA, writing it off as “kids stuff.”

But let’s think about this for a minute:

Catcher in the Rye

To Kill a Mockingbird

The Giver

The Outsiders

Forever

Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry

Tom Sawyer

Chronicles of Narnia

Little Women

Lord of the Flies

Island of the Blue Dolphin

Many of these books are considered classics across the borders of genre. There is value in them, both in content and style. And all of them are Young Adult.

Did you read when you were a teen? Did any books grab you and never let go? Is there a book or two that influenced you to think about something in a new way?

That’s my answer; why I write YA. When I think about the wealth of novels I read as a kid/teen and how I clung to the characters and stories, that’s what I want to reproduce in my own writing. Stories that kids will remember into adulthood, characters that they identify with at a time in their lives when they think no one “gets” them, and intriguing plots that make them think. I enjoy writing for teens. And I hope someday, teens will enjoy reading my books.

Are Grades Important?

2012-01-06T06:27:00.000-08:00

Recently we put a challenge out there for our two older kids. Since both of them are bright and very good readers, we feel they should struggle very little in their classes. There are a few exceptions: math can be difficult for both of them from time to time. And Spanish, which they didn't have in their old school. But they shouldn't be bringing home C's in anything English related...unless they aren't doing their work, which is far too often the case. So, we are all working hard to change some of the lazy habits they have when it comes to studying and completing homework and a reward challenge seemed to be a good incentive. So we let them each pick an award for making honor roll on their next report card. Although part of me hates this idea, part of me also wants to try anything to help them care about what they are doing to get them through middle school--even if that means somewhat of a bribe.

It seems contradictory to say: We don't expect A+ across the board, but we do expect you to do all of your work and do it well. In my head, that sounds like an A+. And I know both of them are quite capable to get A+'s. I've seen them. So what are we really telling them? Do grades matter that much or is it the process of learning that's more important? As an educated adult, I say it's the process, the critical and analytic thinking skills that they need to gain. Learning to enjoy learning. But how do we know whether or not these things are occurring if they are bringing home all C's? Or when teachers start emailing that your son or daughter is "not paying attention in class." Grades take on all new meaning. They begin to represent your child's entire school experience. This is where it gets difficult to separate the importance of a letter grade and the importance of working to your best ability.

Up until this semester, I have had a 4.0 in my own schooling. In undergrad, I never had a single semester that was a 4.0. Close, but never made it. Something like Statistics or Economics or Astronomy always got in the way of that lofty goal. In my final year, I finally reached Honor Society, but by then my GPA had been tainted by too many C's--and even a D--to be fully revived. So, having a 4.0 as an adult student has been somewhat of an award in my mind. A sign that, even though I really don't need a number to prove what I've learned and what I've enjoyed, confirms my dedication. But when I received my grades the other day, I had gotten a B+ in one of my courses. The 4.0 bubble popped.

I knew why I hadn't received the A. And I asked myself for a couple days if it was worth discussing with the prof. Do I really need a 4.0 when I'm about to apply to an MFA program that doesn't even look at grades? Do I really need a 4.0 to tell me that I've learned a lot this past semester? No. I don't. But the more I thought about it, the more I thought--I don't need it, but I want it. I want that award, that little show of proof, that I have worked my butt off. Perhaps some people don't care about the grade--and this is what I tell my own children: Don't sweat the grade, just do the work. However, now that I actually care about what I'm doing and how much work it requires and how much I enjoy it, I do want that grade to go with it!

After a couple weeks of our new approach with our kids, which includes us being way more attentive to what they do and do not bring home, my daughter brought home her first test. It was a vocabulary test that she remembered to study for and had me quiz her the previous night. I think the total studying was twenty minutes, but that was twenty more minutes than she had been studying. She walks up to me on the playground with a grave look on her face and a slip of paper in her hand. "Mom," she says. "I got my first test back." I wait as she slowly turns the paper around for dramatic effect--yeah, she's my girl--and there on the top of her paper was a giant, red 100%. She exploded into smiles and I gave her a great big hug. Another student next to us mumbled, "You'd think that was the first time she got a 100." I actually looked over to the punk-kid and said; "It is and she worked hard for it." She was so proud of herself and that made me even happier than the A. "See how little extra time you had to put in to that to get the A!" I knew she could do it. And, more importantly, now she knows she can too.

So, I say, no, grades aren't important...unless they are important to you. The punk-kid on the playground didn't care. My daughter saw, for maybe the first time, that she is capable of so much more than she gave herself credit for. If I can help my kids see the value in hard work as well as the feeling of accomplishment when it's completed, I think that's a valuable lesson. Even if that means handing them a bribe to get them started. Looks like I'll be having a fabulous day out with my daughter when report cards come in. :-)

What a Character!

2012-01-04T05:46:00.000-08:00

One of my part-time jobs is working at my local Meals on Wheels packing site. Meals on Wheels (MOW) is a not-for profit organization that my mom worked for when I was a kid, so I've had a long history with the great things this group does for its community. Primarily run by volunteers, MOW provides meals to home-bound seniors, but it's more than just "Here's your bagged lunch, have a nice day." For some seniors, the driver is the only face they see all day, so MOW becomes much more than just a meal.

I don't deliver the meals, but MOW, based out of a senior center, also has folks who are not home-bound who come in on their own or with help from public transportation to eat with us. Some take classes at the center, which offers everything from languages to Yoga. These are the characters of which I speak. I've never had a lot of interaction with seniors in my own family as they are spread out around the country. And my eighty-one year old grandmother was zip-lining last year, so it's hard to consider her a senior. Often, the elderly get a really bad rap, but the people I've met through MOW are absolutely fantastic. Even the cranky ones. They tell me stories of the wars they've fought, the children they've lost, the loves they never had. But they also have stories of adventures in Italy and swing dancing and grandchildren who light up their day. Rich lives with endless stories.

It makes me think about our characters in fiction. As a writer, you have to create that richness for your character, the ups and downs that reflect real life, and even some that don't. It helps to have lots of interactions with real people. Not to recreate their lives on paper, but to see how the variety of life effects people, interacts with their personality, and makes them the real person they are. And you can steal bits of that for your fiction, of course, which is always helpful. We all know good writers steal a little, great writers steal a lot. And I don't think that you can write about people as well if you don't know people. While imagination goes a long way, experience seals the deal.

There is one man in particular who comes in to get a cup of coffee and say hello to us each day. He doesn't eat with us, but he takes dance classes through the center. Line-dance, swing, tap, you name it. He comes in wearing pristine clothing from the 1940's. Real Zoot Suits! He's a small, Italian man with a huge smile and still-bright eyes and he loves to chat. He even brought us little Christmas gifts--just small tokens from his home, but that made the gesture even more touching. On Halloween, he wore a bright orange T-shirt that read: This IS my Costume! and blew one of those round, plastic siren whistles all around the building. Talk about a character. I'd love to spend the day listening to him, but of course, my job doesn't allow that. However, I do appreciate the small conversations that we can have. It would be just as easy to close myself off from the folks who come in, but what would be the advantage in that? (Besides getting my work done sooner.) It's much more fun to get to know a little bit of who these people are.

We're all going to grow old. That's just a fact. But it's up to us to decide how to do it. Are you going to be one of the cranky ones who throw things and curse at the hand that feeds you? (We have one of those, too.) Or are you going to embrace life, with it's unpredictable turns, and keep on dancing? Both are rich in character, for sure, and both have had complicated lives, but it's the one blowing the whistle in the end who makes for a much more enchanting story, and even more memorable friend.

I'm Baaaa---aaack!!!

2012-01-03T16:16:00.000-08:00

Remember me? I'm that fraud who called herself a blogger!

So, I've been in the Caribbean for the last couple months perfecting my snorkeling and competing in the ultimate seashell collection contest...

No, that's not it...

I was actually overseas celebrating the New Year in Madrid and taste-testing all the tapas I could get my hands on...

Nope. That was my husband.

I was actually working three part-timers, finishing up my second semester, keeping house and preparing for the holidays while simultaneously shuffling my kiddos around from soccer to basketball and...heck, I don't even remember where else. Yeah. So that was a bit crazy.

I'm quite happy 2012 has finally arrived. Even if that means it's our last year on earth as according to my thirteen year old. (At least I'll never have to see 40) I don't make resolutions, exactly, but I do hope that each new year brings a new adventure. I'm going to be taking one class at my school--Advanced Creative Writing--and applying to an MFA program as well. (Yippee!) And, as I wrap up a final round of edits on my manuscript, I'm preparing it for this year's Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award. Yes--I was in it last year, but REM has evolved quite a bit, so I"m giving it one final shot. And I plan on being a bit more proactive in actually submitting it to agents. Hard to get something published if you don't actually send it out anywhere...just a tip. :-)

Happy 2012 everyone! Looking forward to blogging through it with you all!

A little pat

2011-10-19T05:30:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been feeling a little down about not getting as much work done as I wish. My WIP Savage Earth has been sitting in my Document file for months, growing mold, and while REM is in the hands of a very capable critique group, I am biting my nails over how they will perceive it. Other than that, I've been working--just got a second job as a matter of fact--and going to school and chauffeuring my kids around to their activities and pretending to keep up with housework. I've been busy, but when my main projects are neglected, I feel as though I'm doing nothing. This week, however, I was reminded that every project is important, no matter how small or insignificant I may think it is. (This is especially true for parenting, but I'm referring mostly to my other work for sake of this post.)

Last week, my Fiction professor pulled me aside and told me that the piece I'd submitted the week prior was a "hell of a story" and that I needed to submit it to the school's literary journal. That was a nice moment. Then this Tuesday he pulled me aside again and told me that the English department had chosen me as a Rising Writer and they'd love for me to read my short story at a special event in November. My stomach dropped first--because the idea of reading my stuff in public is a tad scary--but then I recovered and said I'd think about it and thank you!

The journey to becoming a "public" writer has taken me on some interesting paths. While I've always been a writer in the sense that I put words on paper, I'd never set out to write for anyone other than myself. It was more of a therapeutic endeavor than a creative one. But once I decided to make the shift and truly start to develop it as a craft, my entire world has evolved. I've met countless, inspiring writers and authors--both online and in person--I've learned about the publishing world in more ways than I ever thought possible, and most importantly discovered that writing is something that I not only enjoy but that I'm good at. I am starting to feel confident that I've made a good decision--the right decision--in sticking this one out and while I'll continue to fall short of my own expectations, the journey is well-worth the potholes.

Planking

2011-09-26T06:32:00.000-07:00

My 13 year old

Planking. Now that's a curious activity.

It started about ten years ago, actually, which surprised me. A few guys thought it would be funny to pose for photos lying down instead of the usual "Say Cheese" grin. After a few years, the oddity started flying around the internet and became an international phenomenon. Apparently there is a bit of an argument about who started this game--Australia or England--but in any case, it's everywhere now.

Planking even has it's own Facebook and Website. The website is particularly funny. There are photos of people planking in the craziest places. When I was in Europe this past summer, people did this everywhere, but I hadn't heard much about it yet. Since then, I've seen it on TV, commercials, online, etc. Guess laying down didn't stand out to me previously. I don't know how I could have missed out on such fun! (there is a note of sarcasm in my voice that you probably can't hear)

Now, the idea is to plank in the strangest places possible, juxtaposing a great photo with this odd pose. But people have been taking it to extremes and there has been at least one death reported when someone planked on a balcony and lost balance. Tragedies like that put a bit of a shadow over an otherwise harmless game. Even the founders don't endorse the dangerous extremes. But it can still be enjoyable and safe.

I personally cannot plank anywhere but the ground, but I thought it would be funny to get a picture of our son over the weekend. He thought it was great and I think he was surprised I even knew what I was talking about. (I'm a great mom, aren't I.) Don't worry, the drop off the wall was only about ten feet. :-)

Where art thou blogger?

2011-09-23T04:57:00.000-07:00

I don't even know where I've been, so if you have any ideas, please post them here.

A Hundred and Ten Dollars Smarter

2011-09-13T17:23:00.000-07:00

Everyone is officially back to school now that I've attended each of my courses for this semester. I'm taking two workshop classes which are like small critique groups with assignments. One is Fiction and the other is Creative Non-fiction. Both seem like they are going to be a lot of fun--a lot of work, but work I love. I'm sure I'll have a few moments like the girl above, but for the most part, I truly enjoy school. Especially now that I can just pick and choose the classes I want. No requirements. No Economics. No Algebra. Just the stuff I love. Too bad college couldn't have been like that the first time around.

(Me in college the first time...I'm in the back; long brown hair.) 1998

I can tell you one thing that hasn't changed with me going to school for the second time. The cost. While I'm saving a pretty penny by attending a community college with an excellent Fine Arts program, the textbooks are still a hefty fee. Two classes, two trade paperback-size textbooks: $110. And that was for used books. it amazes me that schools get away with that. The same size book, not being sold as a text book, would be $17.99. Do these expensive books make you smarter? Do they contain the secrets to finally becoming a published author? Doubtful. Hopefully, they will at least help me improve upon the craft of writing, which is what I really want. In my class with Jonathan Maberry and Marie Lamba, I learn much about the business of writing. In school, I learn more about the art of writing. A fantastic blend, I believe.

September is off and running. It's probably my new favorite month of the year. My brain is already spinning with all of the little ideas I plan on developing through these classes. (One being the little flash fiction entry I posted a couple days ago.) Whether you are taking classes like I am this semester, or plotting away on a current WIP, here's to many more words written!

Tropical Storm Lee

2011-09-08T08:34:00.001-07:00

Delaware River

Rain, First Days, and more Rain.

2011-09-08T06:27:00.000-07:00

Hurricane Irene, August 27th

If it EVER stops raining--we are going on day four now--then I will post a photo of what the river looks like this week. I have barely even left my house other than to bring my kids to school. Normally, we walk the half-mile, but the rain has been so consistent (and we only have one umbrella) that we sadly had to start the new year out squeezed in the car.

If you look back to my post on Irene, you will see that our town suffered from a pretty bad flash flood. Even when I wrote that post and included the photo of the fish in the street, I didn't realize how extensive the damage was. Throughout the next week, the residents lined the contents of their basements along the sidewalk for pick-up--everything had been destroyed. Then out came the wall-board and carpet and electronics. Those folks along the creek lost a lot, but the town helped them clean up efficiently and as of the beginning of the week, all that was left was natural debris and the layers of red-shale dirt washed up by the creek. The firemen put a message up on their marquis: Good Night Irene

And then came Lee. Now, see, I'm a bit of a weather geek. I watch these things come off the coast of Africa, make their journey across the Atlantic, and wait with the rest of the meteorologists to see what they are going to do. I just find weather fascinating. I will post the progress of a storm online, check on friends who I know are in some sort of "red warning" zone, and keep tabs throughout it's life, or at least until I know it's not heading for my house.

I used to tease my father like crazy for calling me to warn me about the weather. Until one night in December 2006, he called at 6pm to tell me I had a Tornado Warning. I sort of scoffed at him; "I live in Pennsylvania!" But I turned on the TV as we chatted and sure enough the obnoxious warning signal was blaring from the speakers. I hung up with my father and no sooner than thirty seconds later, the lights blacked out and I heard, what they always say it sounds like, a freight train headed for the house. We were unharmed, our house untouched, but after the storm cleared the property looked like a war-zone. That was my brush with a tornado--I'd say it was pretty minor on the scale of potential weather, but it certainly left an impression on me. I realized: I could know what was going to happen if I watched the weather like my geeky Dad. And now, I'm worse than him.

So, anyway, back to Tropical Storm Lee. I haven't seen so much water in my life. I keep thinking, thank goodness I don't live in Pennsylvania any more because the house there probably has about 4 feet of water in the basement. Most likely a septic system failure with all the rain. Power outage. A lake in the backyard. Who knows. That house is so rural, I imagine it was without power for the week following Irene like the rest of the township. Sometimes I complain about the house that I'm in for various petty things, but this week I am thankful I live on this little hilltop outside of town. Our power has stayed on, our basement is (mostly) dry, and there are no leaks in the roof. (I did lose internet a few times and, let me say, that is a travesty, but we survived.) (That's sarcasm, in case you couldn't hear it.) (Okay...so I was really upset about the internet being out...)

On a drier note, tonight is my first class of the new semester. (yay!) It's a Creative Non-Fiction workshop--three hours a week--and I'm really looking forward to it. Hopefully the rain won't delay or postpone my class, because unlike my children who are thrilled they get to go into school late today, I will not be jumping for joy. I've been pining for this class ever since my poetry class ended last semester. My brain craves the extra stimulation that a class provides and two months is too long to go without!

So, here's to the rain ending and September returning to normal. And lots of prayers to my neighbors in town and in other towns affected by this monster storm. Stay safe.

The door swung open...

2011-09-06T07:21:00.000-07:00

Writing is a weird beast. All morning I was trying to complete my blog campaigning challenge while freaking out at the lack of talent I have in flash fiction. 200 words or less, beginning with the prompt: "The door swung open" and (optional) ending with "The door swung shut."

Can I first say I tend to buck rules and therefore prompts initially make me angry? My first thought is: "You're not going to tell me what to write." Yet, I want to do these challenges, I appreciate these challenges--from the campaign and from my classes when they are in session. Every single time, I learn that prompts are valuable. Last semester, my poetry class taught me that assignments are valuable. Even when you are struggling through--especially when you are struggling, because it teaches you to work it out. Just do it. Finish something. It's a good thing my head wins over my attitude.

Regardless, I panicked when I first saw the challenge. I started plinking out an idea that I liked, an idea from a future novel that has been playing with my emotions lately. Then I got sidetracked and started reading other entries, other blogs, facebook, twitter, folded the laundry...you know...distracted myself from the task at hand. I'm really good at that. Eventually I came back to it and finished it in exactly 200 words, including the beginning and ending prompts. So. There. It's done. It was slightly excruciating, but I finished it.

Then I read a post on The Blood-Red Pencil blog. You have to go check out the post because the challenge they put up today was to try to fix a nearly un-fixable manuscript. It's so horrific, I can hardly interpret it. (It will make you feel like a damnfantabulous writer.) I went with it, rewrote the disaster, and wouldn't you know it? It was under 200 words. (You can see my version in the comments under JMCooper.)

So, today, I wrote TWO flash fiction pieces. After all that grumbling. You'd think I'd learn.

Here's my official entry for the campaign: (But don't forget to check out the other one, too. I actually like it better, but it doesn't fit the rules of this challenge.)

Carnival

The door swung open as Mema shuffled into the screened porch, cane in one hand, pitcher of lemonade in the other. Her flowery dress hung off her bones, played at her knees. I knew better than to help; she’d swat me off and tell me she was perfectly fine, thank you very much, and to sit my bee-hind down. My foot tapped. I waited for her to pour my glass, because she’d insist on that too.

“You want to hear about the carousel,” Mema said.
“The dance troupe, actually.”

“Ah…Ballaster’s Dancers. The carousel is more romantic. Sure you don’t want to hear about that, Livvy?”

I smiled, shook my head.

“When Henry Ballaster stepped off that train, I knew I was going to marry him.”

“And you won him over Mary…what’s her face?”

“Steinert. Mary Steinert was also in the troupe. An amazing dancer.”

“But you were better.”
“Yes.” Mema sipped her lemonade. “I wish I knew it then.”

“Grandpa knew.”

“Not all of it was roses.”

“I want to know the thorns.”

“I know you do, dear. I’m gonna need something stronger than lemonade, though.” Mema hobbled back to the kitchen and I jumped when the door swung shut.

On Tap

2011-09-06T03:56:00.000-07:00

It's the Tuesday after Labor Day. And if you have children or ever been a child, you know what that means.

First Day of School!

Of course many schools, perhaps most, start way before today. But our school still follows the traditional calendar of beginning after Labor Day. I've always loved the first day. It seems to hold some kind of promise of a new year and new adventures. For some, it signifies the beginnings of a repeated personal hell, but I've, for the most part, always enjoyed school. Which is probably why I'm getting ready for my first day as well--though mine is on Thursday. I cannot wait to get back into the classroom. I am taking a Creative Non-fiction workshop and a Fiction workshop this semester. Can't wait!

My kids have always enjoyed (most of) school. They complained last night, mourned the last day of summer, in which it rained the entire time, and lolled their heads around on their shoulders as though school was a prison sentence. But all three were bouncing off the walls--they couldn't completely hide their excitement. When I tucked in my youngest he said; "I'm so EXCITED! I can't stay in my bed!" This was right after he stomped his foot about going to bed early and said; "I hate school!"

My oldest's opinion was a little less dramatic. "I'm excited and not-excited about going back to school. Know what I mean, Mom?" Yup. I sure do. I was not happy to see 6:15, but I will be happy walking my bunch to school. My daughter enjoys school more than the boys do--which I believe is typical. My theory is that school is geared toward girls way more than boys, but I'm not going to get into all that gender-stereotyping stuff this early in the morning. I've only had one cup of coffee so far.

So, what's on tap for me today? Well...first and foremost...a very quiet day with just me and my Sheltie. (yay!) A lot of rain as Tropical Storm Lee crawls up the east coast. (rain is a creativity inducer!) A 200 word story for my first Blog Campaign challenge. (gah!) And maybe I'll clean the bathroom. We will see.

Not going to push it.

Pick-me-up

2011-09-01T10:09:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's really easy to feel lost in the shuffle of the publishing world--even when your manuscript is still in your hard-drive--because it's a really big world. It can be overwhelming. Overall, I write for me, but there is a part of me that feels like my WIP's will always be WIP's unless they are eventually published. REM just doesn't seem finished, and I don't think it will unless I get to see it on a shelf someday. That is why I continue to persevere. Not for fame, glory, or, god-forbid, money. Just to feel as though that project is done and I can move on. (Because I have so many ideas for others!)

This morning I went to Shoprite--talk about being lost in the shuffle--and as I pushed through the aisles trying to be patient with my kids and the shoppers all around us and the lack of room for a grocery cart (WHY do they do that!?), I just felt completely insignificant. Chores as mundane as this really get to me. I don't know why, but I feel as though the only reason I buy food is for my family. I would avoid it at all costs if I were just me. I'd probably live on veggies from my garden and cheese from the local market. So, it's probably a good thing I have a family--they keep me grounded. And fed.

Upon returning home, my kids helped bring everything in the house and put it all away. They did it all without complaining--okay, so the seven year old threw a tiny fit. Then they made their own lunches and were off playing with the neighbor kids. I am proud of them and how they are getting older and so much more self-sufficient. I know that my working and going to school has helped them to make this transition from "mom does it all" to "we all do it all". I'm thankful for that. But I have to admit, as a mom it makes you feel slightly less significant. They don't need me like they used to.

Then I sat down to check my email, my facebook, my twittter, and my blog. Exhausting. I am trying to do all of the right things--the networking, the social connection that is so important for YA writers in their quest for publication. My blog is relatively new and so my followers are few--though they have been increasing on a daily basis thanks to the blogging campaign that I joined--so I don't always expect much. A comment is a fantastic surprise. But this time I had more than a comment. I received an award!

The Liebster Blog Award! What a sweet, little treat for my newbie blog! This award recognizes blogs with fewer than 200 followers and captivating posts. Wow! For me!? I feel so honored. So, thank you so much, Angela, for making me feel just a bit more significant today. It came at a very good time. I will now think about the five people who I am going to bestow this honor to...so get your blogs ready, friends. I will decide soon!

Rubik

2011-09-01T05:23:00.000-07:00

This is how I feel about Rubik's Cubes (and certain people).

Rubik’s Cube, 1980

Deceitful, colorful block,

I thought I could figure you out.

But when I twisted and turned

I got nothing. So, don’t flout

Your irritating 3x3 squares

In my face, I won’t look.

I’ll just pick off all your stickers

And go back to my book.

Book Signings and the Zombie Apocalypse

2011-08-31T05:17:00.000-07:00

Last night my husband and I took our oldest, who turned thirteen this past Saturday, to a book signing in Doylestown, PA. The author was NYT bestseller Jonathan Maberry and the book was Dust and Decay, the second in a YA series that zombie lovers of all ages would enjoy. In particular, thirteen year old boys. Jonathan co-teaches a YA novel writing class that I attend and I asked him to sign the first book in the series at class, which my son had already read. I gave that original book back to my son at his birthday and told him he'd get to meet the author and he was pretty excited. I love when my kids are excited about books.

On the way home, we took a route that my dad had previously told us was probably a bad idea due to Hurricane Irene--also this past Saturday. (Nice birthday present, huh!) But not knowing the area all that well, I wasn't sure how to get back to the road my dad had recommended. Case in point for a GPS. So, we took the back roads and ran into some pretty serious damage from the storm. It's amazing how clueless you can be to what has happened around you. We knew our little town had a flash flood and that people are still cleaning up from that, but across the river in PA it looked like the end the of world.

At one point, we saw the signs that said Road Closed to Thru Traffic, but a lot of times that just means they don't want general traffic through and you can still, well, get through. So we did what any good zombie hunter would do. We went around the signs. We drove for a couple miles and the road was a mess. The Delaware was on one side and a cliff on the other. There had been landslides and trees down and none of the homes had power. We even saw a man walking through his old Victorian with a lantern--tad eerie! But we kept on serpentining (I don't think that's a word, but I don't care.) around the downed trees and rocks and thought--hey, we are almost to our bridge; we're home free!

It had gotten dark by now, so it was slow going the entire time as I navigated around debris, but then suddenly up ahead it seemed as though the road ended. Not that it had been washed out, just stopped. As we creeped closer we realized it was like a wall had come down on the road, a wall of trees and rock completely blocking access to the other side. In fact, you couldn't even see through the fallen trees--it was solid. The worst part was, the mess was supported by someone's house on the opposite side of the road. We couldn't see the house well because it was dark and there were a ton of trees on it, but I imagine the damage was extensive. All three of us just stared for a few minutes. Then we high-tailed it out of there.

By this point, my son was getting a little nervous, so we joked that it was the Zombie Apocalypse like in the book he'd just had signed. He said in his quiet, calm voice (which he never uses, so that means he's freaked out); "How many MPG's does this car get?"

After asking for directions and then running into another road block, I had to call my dad and find a third...make that fourth...route home. It probably took us about triple the time to get home that it should have, but we made it safe. My heart goes out to those in Bucks Co, however, still without power like so many others right now, their only road out completely blocked. They must be quite frustrated. I hope that the clean up crews are able to get there soon--I've never seen destruction like that in my life.

(At least there were no zombies...)

Blogging Campaign

2011-08-29T06:44:00.000-07:00

When you spend a few minutes---okay, sometimes an hour or more---networking online, you come across a lot of cool opportunities. This morning, after I posted my interview with Donna Galanti, which you mustn't miss, I was cruising through my list of blogs that I like to visit a couple times a week. In the world of blogging, it's not only polite to read and comment on each other's posts, it's fun! I was reading my friend Christine Murray's blog and she mentioned a blog Platform Building Campaign. So, of course I had to click on the link, just like YOU'RE going to!

What a cool idea! Did you notice that Rachael Harrie has done this for three years and the number just keeps doubling, maybe tripling?! I thought that this would be a great networking opportunity for myself and several of my new-to-online marketing friends. So, please, everyone jump on board and let's see where this takes us!

Interview with Donna Galanti

2011-08-29T06:18:00.000-07:00

Please welcome Donna Galanti to my blog today! Donna is a very talented writer and new friend and she has graciously accepted my call for an interview. Without further ado...

Thanks for having me, Jess! I am a freelance writer for an advertising agency now but was also a Navy photographer, news reporter, resume writing service owner and had a career in marketing communications for many years. I published a memoir titled Letters from Boot Camp. When my mom died two years ago, I knew I had to realize my dream of writing novels. The first book is hidden away somewhere (aren’t all first novels rat puke?). The second I have out on submission, a paranormal suspense. The third is a middle grade and I am having fun writing it for my 8 year old son. And I am thrilled to start my fourth book this month, a psychological suspense with a Sixth Sense twist. I love writing dark, tormented, and twisted characters. My husband is a great supporter and gives me all the writing time I need. Funny thing is, he doesn’t enjoy reading and hasn’t read any of my work. He’ll get razzed for this someday when I am interviewed with him on The Today Show!

(I'll help you with that razzing!)

Right this moment, is your bathroom clean?
NO! But my husband promises to clean them tonight. It’s “his” job and I am so grateful he does it. He also cleans up the kitchen each night. He is a gem. I do his meals, laundry and iron his shirts ;)

When you were growing up did you imagine yourself as a mother? As a writer?
I absolutely never, ever wanted to be a mother. Can I emphasize ‘never’ again? Then it happened and now I can’t imagine a day without Joshua in it. I wanted to become a writer since I was 7 and fell in love with the worlds of Narnia and Roald Dahl. I lived at the time in England, where I attended school in a Harry Potter kind of castle. The itchy uniform was a treat with bowling hat and tie included. My first story was a screenplay – murder mystery.

Is your son an inspiration to your writing? How so?
Joshua is awesome – and an inspiration! I am writing my middle grade fantasy adventure now for him, rightfully titled: Joshua and the Lightning Road. He hounds me each day to write more chapters so I can read them to him. He is my greatest champion.

In your career as a mom and a writer, when have you faced the biggest challenges and what are they?
Definitely facing those challenges now. Finding time to write when I have 3 projects burning and having to “shut it off” for school pick up time. And forget about the summer. I force myself to get off the computer and just hang out with my son. He is #1. My writing will always be there, but he won’t. Another challenge I am facing this year is the social media frenzy in trying to build a network of folks around me. The challenge is that is takes over writing time. If you have a fix for that, please let me know!

Many mothers describe the phenomenon of “Mom-Guilt” when they are doing anything other than direct parenting. Have you ever experienced this and if yes, how do you overcome it?
YES, YES, YES! See answer to the question above! Wanting to be alone and write does create guilt. However, I am the main caretaker for my son so when my husband is home on weekends I don’t feel guilty about going to the library for a few hours for solid writing time. Plus it’s good “daddy” time for my son. I also often get up at 5AM to write. I crave winter for long dark days to huddle with fingers flying.

How do you stay organized and on task with your work?
I am? LOL. I badly need routine. I set daily writing, editing and research goals for myself. If it all goes down the drain due to my procrastination or other forces, I start over again the next day. Right now I am counting the days until school starts. I have decided that summer is another season where writing will just be on leisure time too.

What does your son think of your books?
He says Joshua and the Lightning Road is the best book ever! Okay. He is biased. He is also an active participant in the creation of it. He has given me many wonderful ideas that I incorporated such as Vapes (spears with snake heads on top that vaporize you when they strike) and Cave Rippers (cute but evil cave-dwelling chiuhuah’s that suck up lava to squirt at you). Cool, huh?

(He sounds like quite the imaginative kid! Very cool!)

Do you have any advice for writing mothers?
Carve out your time and have a supportive family member to help you with this. Writing time for mom = happy mom and wife (and happy husband!). I know it’s hard when your children are very young to write. My son was six when I got down to business. Often we lose our identities when we become mothers. Don’t be hard on yourself if that happens.

When I feel unproductive I then realize how much I have accomplished in two years. Some of it occurred slowly, but it all added up over weeks and months. I wrote a 120K word novel in 7 months mostly writing from 4:30 to 6:30 AM, 5 days a week, capturing 500 to 1,000 words a day. You can accomplish a lot slowly too IF you stick with it.

Find a networking writer’s group where you can belong in your role as writer and sharpen your craft in workshops and classes. Plan, plot, take notes, brainstorm. Start with a short story or flash fiction piece. It could lead to a chapter in a book someday. It did for me. All those ideas will come in handy someday when you can make the time and create your new identity – as a mom AND a writer. As a writer this is the one thing that is all ours.

www.donnagalanti.com
www.lettersfrombootcamp.com
Twitter: @DonnaGalanti
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Typical Sunday Night

2011-08-28T21:50:00.000-07:00

This past week has been anything but typical.

On Monday a box arrived from Amazon containing several new YA reads. I read teen's books for research and entertainment and so it felt like Christmas. There's something about new books. I started the first several pages of all four novels. I do that a lot because I like to see which one hooks me first. In this case, it was Susan Beth Pfeffer's Life As We Knew It. I interviewed Ms. Pfeffer a while back and have been dying for the chance to finally read this book. It's about the end of the world, basically, complete with climate change and a really big moon. It grabbed my attention right from the start. The narrator's voice is truthful and seamless. The characters were rushing through the pages stocking up on food and supplies in preparation for the unknown and I was glued. It's going to be a great read.

And then, on Tuesday, we had an earthquake. In New Jersey. (Okay, so technically it was in Virginia, but I felt it in NJ!)

Meanwhile, a very good friend of mine, Heather Pasqualino, has been promoting some of her recent art in an unique event called 31 Miniatures in 31 days. She is an extremely talented artist from Seattle who creates these mind-blowing oils. I fall in love with every single one. "Miniatures" is mostly coastal inspired and I have a major love affair with bodies of water, so I am eagerly awaiting each piece she posts. I already own a couple originals, but I'm drooling for another and just watching to see what each day brings.

And then, yesterday, not only did my oldest child turn thirteen, the east coast was swept up in Hurricane Irene. My little state is half underwater and the coastal damage is widespread. We were fortunate in that we didn't even lose power, but much of the state is in a bad way. It will be a little while until things get back to normal.

Another book that I received on Monday was Scott Westerfeld's Pretties. This is the second book in a four book series. I enjoyed the first book's (Uglies) premise quite a bit so I'm looking forward to continuing the series. It takes place in a dystopian world where all teens have a surgical procedure done at age sixteen to ensure they are beautiful for the rest of their lives. It seems a little far-fetched as most dystopians do, but it has that ring of truth to it which is essential for pulling it off. In our culture, physical attractiveness is touted as being most important and people have plastic surgery every day, so Westerfeld's projection of where this leads, theoretically, is effective.

Then today, on the news, I heard a story about new legislation to fight appearance discrimination. I'm not ignorant to the "beauty bias" nor to people being discriminated against for various reasons, but how would that be enforced, I wonder? Who decides when it's discrimination against appearance and how do they prove it? Who decides where the line between attractive and unattractive falls? Maybe we all just agree on a "beautiful" description and then change to fit that definition. Perhaps government will fund it.

I've heard of art imitating life imitating art, but this is getting a little freaky.

It's been an interesting week. So much to think about. Earthquake, hurricane, tornado warnings, weird news stories, a book I should be working on, books I should be reading, my kids turning into teenagers, school about to start, fish in the streets...no really...

Fish. In the street.

All of this running through my head, keeping me awake---so typical for a Sunday night.

Hurricane Hysteria

2011-08-26T05:18:00.000-07:00

Let's hope it doesn't go this far...

2011-08-25T04:49:00.001-07:00

Searching for Joy

2011-08-24T04:09:00.000-07:00

This is a personal reflection and so I wavered on which blog to post it, if any at all. I decided here, on REM, was just as good as anywhere else. Perhaps, if it gets around a bit, it will inspire others to do their own searching.

Every family has secrets. This truth has haunted me for most of my life. But not for the reason you might think. While my family’s history is full of dark patches, it’s the spaces in between that make us a family—the reconciliations and love that light up those frightening corners. What haunts me is the realization that I’ve taken this truth of universal family secrets and buried it, convincing myself that since all families have secrets, mine is not unique, not a big deal and not worth my worry. Not worth even thinking about it or bringing it to light. But I’ve been wrong.

This secret didn’t belong to me first. Perhaps that’s why I’ve ignored it for so long. It’s never felt like my secret to tell. But that’s not true either and I can’t continue pretending it has nothing to do with me. All of my life, I’ve known about my older half-sister, represented by a school photo of a blonde five year old girl, but I’ve never met her nor thought I’d ever get the chance. In today’s internet world, however, the chance is much higher. She walks into my mind at times I’m not expecting her to. I picture her living her own life somewhere, possibly not even aware she has two younger sisters or maybe not caring. It's a rabbit hole, another dimension. A second family I was never intended to be part of.

When I was a little girl, Rachael was not a secret in our house. Her photo was in our family album. Her existence and how she was related to us was never kept from us. I remember holding that little picture and trying to see myself in her face. She had platinum hair like my younger sister and a sweet smile. What would it have been like to have had an older sister? I was the boss of my little sister; would Rachael have been the boss of me? I knew she had a different mother than me, whose name was Carol, but I’d never met her either. It was difficult wrapping my head around the fact Dad had another girlfriend before Mom. But he was eight years older than her, so there was a bit more experience there. When I found out—or maybe understood is a better word—that my parents married because I was born, I think it resonated with me that dads don’t have to stick around. They can pick where they want to be. That was my child-reasoning. My father never wanted to leave his first little girl—her mother, yes, but Rachael, no. But I didn’t understand this either. When my own parents got divorced years later, that child-truth was magnified. Despite the fact my mother was the catalyst for the divorce, it was Dad's presence that was omitted from my daily life. Dads were not permanent.

So, Rachael became classified. Without fully understanding the situation, the way families worked—hell, the way sex worked—I voluntarily made Rachael a secret. Every now and then as I was growing up I’d bring her up in a mysterious whisper. I have a sister who I’ve never met. Everyone loved that line. I didn’t exploit her, entirely, but I enjoyed the reaction of my friends. I was intriguing because I had a secret sister. But it never went any further than that revelation. I didn’t know anything else about her. I never thought I’d be searching for Rachael. After all, she was really Dad’s secret.

I believe Rachael is thirty-eight or nine now. I’ll be thirty-six in December. I don’t know her birth month, and though it would be easy enough to ask my Dad, I don’t. I try to spare him of the pain in knowing she wants nothing to do with him. He’s tried a few times to contact her over the years, but each attempt has been met with nothing. Unless you count her move from the east coast to the west coast an answer. I hope not. I hope it was just coincidental. She disheartened all of us, however, when she moved. Massachusetts is much more attainable than California. Either she really loves the sun or really wants nothing to do with us.

I’d like to think that if a long-lost family member contacted me, I’d be eager to meet them. Even if it was just to scream in their face. But, then I am the daughter who he ran to when he left her. Perhaps it’s me that she hates. That thought arrests me. Makes me realize how much courage it took my father to write to her. And how crushed he must have been when she did not respond.

Now all I can do is wonder what my part is in this story. I’ve played around with the idea of driving across country and knocking on her door. But could I really do that alone? I’m not even brave enough to talk to certain strangers, let alone an estranged sister. What if I drove all that way and she slammed the door in my face? What if she invited me in?

I am heartbroken with the thought that my dad might go through the rest of his life without ever reconciling with his daughter. That is the stuff of a Nicolas Sparks novel. It’s fiction. Right? Wouldn’t Rachael regret never giving him a chance? Can I really psychoanalyze someone I’ve never met?

As I approach the second half of my thirties, this nagging desire gets stronger. I know that I am going to have to at least try to contact her. I would regret not trying. She may not respond, she may slam a door in my face or scream obscenities. But I have to drive on the hopes that she may find joy in meeting the sisters she never met, in patching a father-daughter relationship, and in knowing we all did as much as humanly possible to reconcile our family.

Social Media, Earthquakes, and Twix.

2011-08-23T14:10:00.000-07:00

Today I saw first-hand how quickly news travels. Gone are the days of turning on the television for breaking stories. In fact, it wasn't until much later that I finally turned the news on and realized that everything they were saying, I'd already read on Twitter.

I live in New Jersey. I'm 60 miles from NYC and about 300 miles from where today's 5.9 earthquake struck Virginia. Seeing how I was sitting on my butt--where I am far too often these days--surfing the internet for interesting facts, I was able to experience this quake. I've heard it was felt as far north as Boston, and as far west as Detroit, but many of my friends right across the river in PA didn't feel a thing. When it first began, I thought I was dizzy, perhaps finally succumbed to Twitter's hypnotic feed, and so I looked up from my laptop to get my bearings. The dizziness didn't stop. That's when I realized that my entertainment center was swaying, the mason jars of zinnias clinking together, and it felt as though my little cape cod was on ice. It was all over within seconds and my three kids who were all playing outside didn't feel a thing. They ran around the yard like maniacs when I told them we'd just had an earthquake. "It's the end of the world! We survived!"

So, of course, I had to do what any other rational mother would do in times of crisis. I posted my experience on Facebook and Twitter. What unfolded next was just as interesting as the quake. Within seconds of the tremor, Twitter became alive with quake posts. NJ, PA, NY, VA, DC, NC...posts from all over the east coast all Tweeting the same thing. "Was that what I think it was?" "I just survived my first quake." The quake hit Virginia at 1:51pm and the tremor rippled up to us by 1:54. The Twitter posts rippled faster. After all of the reaction posts, came all of the news posts. "5.8 in VA" "5.9 in VA" "Pentagon evacuated" "State buildings okay" and on and on. Then I went on the National Earthquake site and got to see how the quake mapped out, who was reporting the effects, and what the official data was. Within minutes of shifting on my couch in my living room, I knew exactly where, what, when and how. And I never once turned on my TV.

Gone are the days of television. Gone are the days of reporting. At least in the traditional sense. I still got reports, they were just from average people like myself. Agents and publishers in NY--because that's who I follow on Twitter--as well as the major news stations all posted the details. Why bother turning on the TV?
Soon, Twitter and Facebook calmed down. After the adrenaline rush, people began posting about how they were now heading back inside, (nothing had fallen, after all) getting back to work (there are books to be had!), and munching on Twix (a darn good choice after an earthquake, if you ask me). Back to normal mundane Tweets.

My youngest came into me a few minutes after the tremor and said, in his cutest seven-year-old voice, "Mommy, did we really have an earthquake?" I told him yes, we did, but it was actually very far away and we only felt the effects of it. Like when you throw a rock in the water and it ripples out for a long time--that's how we felt the shaking. He smiled when I explained it like that and went back to his sword-fighting. Back to a normal afternoon of slicing down the bad-guys, fending off big brothers and sisters, and bringing justice back to his little world.

Only I still have lingering thoughts about how amazing it is that the plates underground can shake so violently that I can feel it from hundreds of miles away. And that the world of the internet ripples in the exact same way, sending information out to anyone who is online, changing the topography of our lives on a daily basis.

Inception

2011-08-23T05:31:00.000-07:00

Inception is definitely in my Top Five favorite movies. It's one of those movies that I can watch several times over and still second-guess what I am seeing. I love movies that make you think AND entertain you at the same time. (And an attractive cast is always a benefit.)

In Inception, the crux of the plot is that an idea is the single most contagion. An idea is planted in your mind and you never let it go, you explore it to its frayed ends, stretch out all four corners to better see the weave, and it can consume you. Then it's taken so far to say than an idea can be planted in your subconscious mind while you dream and you never realize where or when that idea took root. I love this premise. Not only because of the connection to dreams and subconscious, but also because of the obsession that results in the characters due to ideas.

I can relate to that. Sometimes I feel like someone with OCD when I have an idea heating up. It's difficult for me to focus on anyone or anything else. Even when I'm not writing it out or researching it, I seem to walk around in a fog, not quite present in my own body. Driving is a little...peculiar. Suddenly I'm at my destination without much of a thought as to how I got there. And I'm terribly guilty of not quite paying attention to you when you ask me a question.

What makes some people more susceptible to ideas than others? Has an idea ever put its hooks into you and left you spinning? How do you break free when it's necessary to join the rest of the human race?

An idea really can seem like a contagion. A virus without a antidote. But I'm not really looking for a cure.

Interview with Marie Lamba

2011-08-22T04:53:00.000-07:00

Please welcome author Marie Lamba!

(you can go to her website if you click on her name)

(Insert applause here)

Marie graciously accepted my call for interviews to chat a bit about the dynamic of motherhood and writing. She has given us a wonderful little glimpse into her family and craft, so please, without further ado, enjoy!

Take it away, Marie!

Hi Jessica!

(hi!)

First of all, THANK YOU for inviting me to your blog.

(of course! anytime!)

I’m a fulltime freelance writer, and I pretty much have been since my first child was a baby (she’s now 21!). I have two daughters, my youngest is now 16 and learning how to drive(!!!). I’ve wanted to be novelist since I was 10 years old, so I read like a demon and scribbled garbage down for years. At U. of Penn I double majored in English and in Literary Art, a major I invented so that I could take all the writing and fine art courses I wanted. After graduation, I worked in publishing as a publisher’s assistant, an editor, a book promotion manager, and I did a stint as a public relations writer. All along, I was trying to write a novel, a bunch of picture books, etc.

When my first child was born, I got more serious. Freelanced fulltime, and started getting tons of magazine assignments. I wrote for national magazines about garden design, writing, sports, parenting, travel, etc. But what I REALLY wanted, still, was to be a novelist. So I stop taking assignments and focused on that. I worked on and marketed one middle grade novel for 10 years, to no avail. Then I wrote what would be my first novel, WHAT I MEANT…, a YA published by Random House in 2007. Since then, I’ve done some more magazine work, my essay “The View from the Outside” was published in an anthology CALL ME OKAASAN: ADVENTURES IN MULTICULTURAL MOTHERING (Wyatt MacKenzie), and just this summer I’ve published the followup to my first novel. It’s a summery YA titled OVER MY HEAD about a high school senior who falls for a 20-year-old lifeguard who is either the love of her life or a player out to break her heart. Looking ahead, I have another completed YA called DRAWN out on submission to publishers right now, and my short story “What I Did…” will be published in the Liars Club anthology LIAR, LIAR! (Mendacity Press) this September.

As for my family dynamic, I’ve got a tight-knit family, which includes my professor husband who also often shares my writing studio space with me. We sit back to back at our computers toiling away, and I often forget he’s there until he startles me by asking if I want a cup of tea. My daughters are avid readers and excellent editors, which really comes in handy when I’m writing YA. Oh, and I also have an adorable poodle who has breath that smells like seafood…not in a good way.

Okay, so, lets just get things straight: Right this moment, is your house clean?

Oh God no. My fantasy is that someday I’ll be successful enough to HAVE A MAID. That would be the good life. I can’t seem to balance real life and my fictional world very well. If my writing is truly cranking, then you can bet I’ve forgotten to do the laundry, run the dishwasher, or to make any dinner at all. Then I take a break and whip through the house with cleanser and cook up a storm.

When you were growing up did you imagine yourself as a mother? As a writer?

I never thought about being a mother, honestly. Even in college, I was going to be the world traveler, the independent one. Of course I was the first of my friends to get married and have kids. I did want to be a writer though. Ever since I read HALF MAGIC by Edward Eager in 5^th grade. I fell in love with books and stories and creating crazy worlds.

Are your children an inspiration to your writing? How so?

My poor kids. They and their friends give me endless material for my young adult novels. My two novels WHAT I MEANT… and OVER MY HEAD feature a family similar to ours. The dad is from India, the kids are biracial. People are convinced it’s them. Of course it’s fiction, but still… Fortunately my newest novel DRAWN takes the heat off them because it’s modeled more on who I was as a teen. It features a teen artist from New Jersey who starts channeling a hot ghost through her drawings (of course, sadly, I never did the whole hot ghost channeling part).

(DRAWN sounds sooo cool!!)

My kids also inspire me because they are so incredibly proud of what I do. That really keeps me going. They are my first readers, and when they finish one of my manuscripts and come to me with tears in their eyes to tell me how much it moved them, well, that’s about as good as it gets.
In your career as a mom and a writer, when have you faced the biggest challenges and what are they?

It was definitely tougher when the kids were little. No surprise there. I was doing a ton of magazine work that involved interviewing all sorts of experts, designers, Olympic athletes, that sort of thing. So I’d put the baby down for her 2-hour nap, and sit down with my questions and make my calls. Sometimes it worked out great. Other times, they wouldn’t be there and they’d call me back at the worst possible time, like, say, mid-diaper change. Or, I’d be in the middle of an intense interview, and the baby would start to cry. Keep in mind that this was back in the early 90’s when working from home wasn’t that common and people weren’t so understanding. But most interviewees were okay with this. Mostly I was the one who would cringe, feeling less than professional.

Many mothers describe the phenomenon of “Mom-Guilt” when they are doing anything other than direct parenting. Have you ever experienced this and if yes, how do you overcome it?

When I started doing signings and conferences, I remember talking with an author who had had several books out. I asked her, how do you do it? Don’t you feel guilty about leaving a child who is pouting as you pull away in the car, or missing some of your child’s events, or coming home long after they are asleep? She said that when she first started, she used to feel she had to make a huge roast before she went anywhere. Now her family is used to it.

And so it goes. My family adapted. My husband took up the slack when needed. My kids missed me but filled me in on every detail that I missed when I got home. When it comes to writing time, first that was nap time, then I had the neighbor watch the kids for a few hours a week, and then there was nursery school. By the time they were in full-time school, I tried to restrict my writing to school hours. I can’t tell you how many times I was lost in a great scene and suddenly saw that I would be late picking up my kids unless I FLAT OUT RAN! Yeah, I was that crazy writer mom who was out of breath and had reading glasses perched, forgotten, on her head.

(Um...yeah. Been there. Done that!)

How do you stay organized and on task with your work?

I think that most artists have an open-ended approach to their art. They create. They dabble. They wander through their works. But to be a working writer, it definitely helps to have a brain that’s wired for completing tasks. I hate when things are left undone, and so I tackle tasks and take them straight to the end as soon as I can. That’s just how I work.

My real challenge is to not take on too many things. Especially non-writerly things. When I do stuff, I tend to do it in a big way. Example: I’m not just a girl scout leader, but I’m the leader that took her troop to London for a week! I do my own promo, I teach, I do workshops for teens. I’m in a crit group called the Rebel Writers, I’m in the Liars Club, I belong to the Bucks County Romance Writers Group, and for all of these groups I do press and organize stuff and I just can’t stop myself. But I have to. All of these things are great and they feed my writing, but they aren’t WRITING. So that’s something I have to work on more. One thing I try to do every month is spend a week only writing as if I’m in a book in a week challenge. It’s a step in the right direction.
I thought it was really cool that your daughter came to the fundraising event in Philly. Have you always had your kids involved in your writing life? What do they think about your books?

I remember when my oldest daughter was about 18 months old. She set up her little table next to my desk and pounded away on her toy typewriter when I would be putting finishing touches on an article. My daughters come to my signings, my classes, my workshops whenever they can. It’s wonderful how supportive they are, and they always have been right there by my side. Just like I’ve always been there for them at voice recitals and swim meets and school plays. They love my books, and their favorite is always the most recent one I’ve written.

Do you have any advice for other writing moms?

If you feel like you don’t have a single moment to sit down and compose a thought on paper, if you are beyond frustrated that you don’t have the energy or the time to attack a project you’ve been longing to write, just tell yourself: This too shall pass. Before you know it, your little ones will be at school all day. It seems like an eternity at times, waiting for that writing time to open up, but it does. And then, of course, you’ll miss the little ones banging on the toy typewriter by your side, and all the endless interruptions that mean that we are the center of our children’s world. Jot down notes, do what you can, and above all, enjoy.

MFA Versus Workshops

2011-08-19T05:44:00.000-07:00

Recently I attended a fundraising event in which some of the silent auction prizes included critiques by professional agents, editors and authors. I had set a small budget for myself before I left my house because the temptation to hoard bids on these people was great. I mean, Sara Crowe? Jennifer DeChiara? How much would you pay to have these agents critique your work? Over the phone, no less!

Each auction was an unpretentious piece of 8.5x11 paper with a small description of the "prize" and a long list for bids. The agents all quickly rose well past my meager budget. (I did, however, win a fantastic critique with a group called the Rebel Writers and I am getting ready to send REM off to them.) But something caught my eye on one of the agents bios. She was looking for debut YA authors--me!--with MFA's. Not me. Huh. And yet, I would have loved--LOVED--to win a critique with her.

Obviously, without an MFA, I won't query her because there's a reason agents put suggestions in their bios and it's not to challenge non-MFA writers to try to slip in their spectacular work under the radar in hopes she will read it and be amazed right out of her MFA stupor. I understand her point to weed out some YA writers. There are a lot. I wouldn't be surprised if we start seeing more and more agents specify qualifications considering the booming market that is YA.

But it causes me to ask a couple questions. I've toyed around with the idea of getting my MFA quite a bit--prior to seeing this agent's requirement. I love school and love writing. Some of the programs out there sound fabulous. (Right now I've got my eyes on the Vermont College of Fine Arts) I know I'd love every minute of it. Well, most minutes, anyway. And the improvement I'd (hopefully) gain would be priceless. But, let's face it, the program itself is anything but priceless. We're talking several thousand dollars for a piece of paper that would entitle me to what? To query said agent? That's a pretty expensive query.

Is it right for an agent to weed out writers based on socio-economic status, because really, that's what this requirement comes down to. Whoever can afford an MFA may query. And yet...I'll admit, I was intrigued by her bio at that silent auction. I thought: her expectation has to be higher than other agents, so maybe her critique is worth more. I really don't know whether or not that's true. I didn't win the prize and I won't query her now. (Unless I get my MFA!)

As I attend conferences and workshops and take classes at my community college, I'm spending quite a bit of money anyway. I love every minute of these opportunities, but in the end, there is no certificate, no degree. Can I list them all on my query letter? Should I? Many writers attend all these same things, it doesn't guarantee they are accomplished. In a good MFA program, your work gets you in. That alone says something to the degree of your work and seems more worth while mentioning on a query. But which ever way you go--workshops or MFA's--aren't we all trying to improve upon our craft? Does that mean nothing?

What are your thoughts? If money wasn't an issue, would you go for the MFA or stick to local groups? Or maybe you already have an MFA...has that helped you? Do you feel it was worth it in regards to craft? How about in regards to publication success?

Writing Mothers

2011-08-18T03:24:00.000-07:00

Combining motherhood with work (or play) of any kind can be a challenge. I can't help but assume that women without children have less conflicting lives. I may be dead wrong, but I believe there is a significant difference between those who mother and those who don't when considering a woman's work, hobby, or creative endeavor. And certainly one's recreational time. Without a doubt, all women face challenges and conflicts when managing their time and priorities, but mothers have an added heart-tug of small faces, tiny hands, and a list of needs that have nothing to do with the other side of her being.

Over the last several years, as my kids have gone from infants to preschool to middle school students, the level at which I mother them has changed. There are new challenges and trials and joys, but as they grow one thing that has continued to occur is that I take a step back from their lives. Little by little, letting them go. The steps are tiny right now, but they are there nonetheless, and each step back from their lives lets me step further into my own.

For instance, last year was the first year all three of my kids were in school all day long. Being a part-time employee and a part-time student, I'd have a couple days a week where I was just home. I can't tell you how much I love those days. I'd bounce back between errands or chores and writing and that flexibility did wonders for my craft. Oftentimes the writing took over the dishes, but the dishes can always be washed later. They certainly aren't going anywhere! But that sparkling idea? That surge of inspiration? It has to be taken advantage of immediately. That is, if you value your craft and want to keep improving it.

Same goes for setting out time to work when the children are home. (Like over summer break.) There is no mothering law that says the children need to be at your side 24 hours a day--unless you're talking about an infant--and so setting out time in your day or your week to get something done for yourself is a valuable tool. Not only for your own progress and sanity, but also for your children to entertain themselves. Children need time to play on their own, read on their own, and imagine on their own. When my first two were little and still taking naps, even if they didn't sleep I required them to stay in their rooms every afternoon for about two hours. It was "quiet time". They could read or even draw in bed, but they had to stay in bed. I'd be naive to think they always stayed in bed, but they didn't leave their rooms. And they were quiet. I'd take that time to finish chores in the house, read, or even watch some TV. That was before my writing took off. Now, I'd write.

Not everyone understands this. Not all mothers agree with this. Everyone has their own methods and priorities and ideals and that's fine. I speak mostly to those with an artistic bent or a job they love. I hope to start posting interviews with artists--mostly writers, but others as well--who are also mothers. I want to hear about the processes and methods other moms utilize and how they ensure their children are loved and encouraged and possibly even involved in their mother's work. Or maybe your mother was an author or artist and you have some interesting anecdotes about growing up. I'd love to hear from you.

Nothing like a little humility...

2011-08-17T05:08:00.000-07:00

I found this interview with literary agent Jennifer DeChiara while cruising the internet. For all of my non-writing friends--if you've ever wondered how difficult it is to get published, this little blip should give you an idea:

Q: How many submissions do you see a month? Have you taken on many new clients this year?

A: About 20,000 each month; I honestly couldn’t tell you how many new clients I’ve taken on this past year – at least six, I’d say.

Oy.

I Love Dreams

2011-08-16T06:10:00.000-07:00

Ever since I was a little girl, I've had my dreams analyzed. No, I don't live with Freud. My dad was--and still is--an analyzer. Books, songs, movies, and dreams. Even ads on television. He'd pick apart every little aspect of a movie to the exasperating point in which my sister and I would brace ourselves as soon as the credits rolled. "It's just a movie, Dad!" And if we told him about a weird dream one of us had the night before? Well, lets just say we quickly learned better than to do that. His analysis of our dreams was a little too personal. Not to mention, a little too right.

But as all parenting influences that we try to run away from go, my sister and I can now analyze with the best of them. She could take on Don Draper and I'd definitely give Roger Ebert a run for his money. We find ourselves analyzing everything. To death. I think our favorite, though, is to listen to and pull apart each other's dreams. What does it mean to sit down to a chocolate cake piano? Why does an ex reappear over and over again? Why do all these weird things happen in our heads while we sleep!?

According to the Sleep and Dreams Center in California, there are three different categories of dreams: Normal, Lucid, and Nightmares.

A "normal" dream doesn't refer to the content, but rather the way in which the dreamer experiences the dream. In a normal dream, the dreamer has no control over the dream and is perceived as a real event (until the dreamer wakes up, anyway). This is the way most people usually dream.

Lucid dreams are far more interesting. With this type, the dreamer is aware she is dreaming and can actually control what happens in the dream to a certain extent. Or make herself end the dream by waking up. When I first started researching dreams and read about lucid dreams, I was amazed to realize that this is the way I frequently dream. I think--and this is my own deduction--that when you have shallow, interrupted sleep (aka: you're a light sleeper) lucid dreaming occurs more frequently. I find during the nights that I wake up intermittently, I have lucid dreams. Honestly, I wouldn't want to change this about myself. These dreams have formed the basis of many stories!

Lastly, nightmares. These are similar to normal dreams in which the dreamer is unaware, but they bring on a strong physical and emotional reaction and upon waking the dreamer is relieved. Sometimes when I wake up from a nightmare, I feel as though my entire body is in a vice grip. Not a fun feeling.

I typically analyze dreams just for the fun of it; I don't hold on to what I dream as a way to live my life. But I do think you can glean some interesting information about yourself from your dreams. Yes, sometimes it's just a mess of images like a badly edited movie that you can't make sense of, but sometimes, if you really think about it, some of those scenes hold interesting moments. Dreams are like metaphors. Just like a good poem, it can hold all sorts of meaningful levels. But only if you want it to.

Stalker

2011-08-02T13:43:00.000-07:00

One of the things I do when I am not frantically writing, as I was for the last couple weeks, is stalk other writers blogs. I try to visit the blogs of those who follow mine as often as I can, see what they have going on, or any new tips or insights they may have. (Plus, it makes me feel sane(r). As Mark Twain said: "Sanity and happiness are an impossible combination.")

The support we give each other as writers is invaluable. The hearts and minds of writers are resoundingly similar. Striving, crafting, creating, destroying, mourning, rejoicing. We are all under the umbrella of the "artistic mind" regardless of style, technique, voice, or talent. It's encouraging to read another's words and feel completely "gotten". And I always appreciate the unexpected comments I get from online and offline friends on my blog.

Sometimes, I stalk the blogs of successful authors as well. Am I alone here?

Most recently, I stalked Lisa McMann's blog. For those of you who are into YA lit, you will recognize her as the author of the Wake trilogy. Wake is about a teen girl who has the ability (and sometimes curse) of getting sucked into other people's dreams. (I'm sure you can guess why this book grabbed MY attention) It's a very fast read. In fact, when I first started it, the scenes were so fast I felt like my ADD had just stepped up about ten notches. Once I got used to the speed with which the story propelled, I truly loved the characters and plot. It's such a fun read. And it showed me that even a quick moving, short, fantasy novel can contain quite a bit of depth.

Ms. McMann's books ended up on ALA's Top Ten list for reluctant readers. What a wonderful privilege to have your novels reach kids who wouldn't normally read--her books could be a turning point in a young person's attitude about books. Wake has received backlash from some critics and parents because of it's use of strong language and themes, so it may be more appropriate for older teens, but overall a very fun read.

But I didn't go stalking her blog to read about her NYT bestsellers. Nope. I went looking for her first few original posts. Before the NYT's lists. Before the awards. Before the agent, even. I read through the 2006 archives and scanned them closely like all good stalkers should. I read through posts about normal life. A new dog. Book reviews. Life before book tours and fame. And then a post about landing an agent. A post about publishing.

I can't tell you just one reason why I like to read these posts. Part is fascination in the process, hoping I'll find some key piece of information that might propel my own career. Part is finding that agents name because my work is also about dreams. Part is getting to share in a tiny piece of the joy of an author in the making--made possible by archived posts. Part is knowing that possibility is there: even Lisa McMann stewed in query purgatory!

I hope someday someone will stalk my archived posts. (And hopefully that someone won't be the online photo police because I steal a little too much.) I hope a young writer will stumble upon the blog of an admired author and read that she, too, had to work her ass off to succeed. Maybe it will happen, maybe not. I'm going to keep on writing, just the same.

I doubt Ms. McMann will ever see my blog, but I thank her for keeping her old posts online for those of us stalking the past-lives of authors for those little glimpses of hope that our dreams may someday come true too.

Interviews: Jim Bernheimer

2011-08-01T03:33:00.000-07:00

After a bit of a hiatus from blogging, here's a great interview with author Jim Bernheimer!

You can visit his website HERE.

What do you write?

Fantasy (both Urban and Epic), Science Fiction, and even some Horror. Basically, whatever comes to mind. I'm more interested in the story itself than the genre it will fit into.

Tell us about your most recent project:

My latest release is Confessions of a D-List Supervillain. It was originally a 5 chapter novella in my 2009 short story collection (Horror, Humor, and Heroes Vol. One), but garnered enough feedback that I did it as a full length novel. Cal, Mechani-Cal, Stringel is a down on his luck low level supervillain who gets one last shot at redemption - whether he wants it or not. I wanted to do a send up of a real antihero as the main character, but still have the readers rooting for him. It's gotten such strong response that I've partnered with www.perfectvoices.net to bring Confessions to an audiobook format and test the waters in the audio market. The project is coming together rather nicely.

The next project is in final edits. It is the sequel to Dead Eye: Pennies for the Ferryman and is currently titled Dead Eye 2: The Skinwalker Conspiracies.

Tell us a little about yourself:
I started writing originally in the early 90's, but walked away from it without ever really submitting anything. In late 2005, I began dabbling in the world of fanfiction and found I had a knack for storytelling. After a few years cutting my teeth and developing a following there, I moved on to writing original short stories in 2008 and publishing that aforementioned short story collection in early 2009. The first Dead Eye came in May of 2009 from Gryphonwood Press. As for what inspired Dead Eye: Pennies for the Ferryman, I wanted to tap into the strong sales of the paranormal genre and concentrate more on the adventure/thriller aspect than the smutty side of things. Ghosts were a good choice for this as vampires, werewolves, and zombies seem like they are getting overplayed.

Who are your favorite authors/books?

Heinlein, Poe, and a little known author named C.T. Westcott. He had a post apocalyptic adventure trilogy called Eagleheart (first book - Silver Wings and Leather Jackets) which really crafted a perfect antihero.

What is your writing process like?

I write in the family room on my couch. I either get up early to do it or stay up late because I have a pair of daughters that make it difficult to get any writing done while they are awake.

Who is your favorite character from your work?

Mike Ross is the hero of the Dead Eye series. He's a down on his luck guy in his early 20's who has just been medically discharged from the US Army after a roadside bomb injury in Iraq. As he tries to get his life back together, he discovers that he can see, hear (sort of), and even touch ghosts. He's destined to become The Ferryman (like the Greek Myth of Charon). Mike is sarcastic and a bit jaded. He's something of a throwback to Magnum PI and the Rockford Files as a hero who tries hard, but often doesn't get the money or the girl, but keeps plugging away at it.

Any self promoting tips?

I watch to see what others are doing to see if it will work for me. I pretty much stay out of the Amazon forums, especially now that I hear they've pushed all the small press/indies into a single forum. I do look at books similar to mine and the reviewers who have reviewed those novels. If they're a Amazon Vine member or the run a book review site, I'll check them out in a bit more depth and decide if I'll send them an email offering them the opportunity to review one of my novels (their choice). My advice to others out there is don't skimp. If a review site says they prefer paperbacks, be willing to send them a paperback. Yes, many of us small press and indies are operating on a shoestring budget, but a "free pdf" is only going to impress someone who often talks about how much they like their ereader in their blog. If they have a kindle, be prepared to gift them a copy and not ask them to do the pdf to kindle conversion for you.

What has been your experience in the self-publishing industry?

Down - Contacting a review site that was kind of snarky to begin with to review my short story collection and having the review become a long winded personal attack on me and anyone that dares to self publish. Up - Knowing that it's the only negative review Horror, Humor, and Heroes Volume One has received in the two years and over 2000 copies sold. Up - Having David Wood at Gryphonwood excited to pick up the Dead Eye series. I originally thought that it would take a year or two after completing the manuscript to find publisher, but he responded within 3 months. Down - Reviews that point out where I missed something. Up - Knowing those reviews are showing up less frequently. You've got to try and improve as an author.

What is your favorite brand of coffee?

I don't drink coffee, so I really don't have a favorite brand.

(gasp!) :-)

Give us a little known fact:

I keep trying to use speech to text software, but can't do it while anyone is in the house because it's too weird to have my family listen to me "talk" through a scene.

Thank you so much, Jim, for taking the time to talk with us!

Growth

2011-07-30T06:58:00.000-07:00

I've been ignoring my blog for the last couple weeks for good reason! A while back I sent REM out to a few test readers who faithfully made their way through my manuscript and reported back to me. The response was overwhelmingly similar: The story was fantastic, but it took a little while to get into. The beginning was rough. I knew that this might be a problem, but before hearing it from a few others, I wasn't ready to dive in and rip it apart. After my sister read it and said the same thing, I knew I had to just do it. It's amazing how much destruction goes into a creation. But it's all good. Even in the moment I sat staring at my laptop shaking my head and wondering how in the world I was going to do this, it was good. And then I jumped.

A week later, my sister began editing REM line by line. I consider her a qualified editor and while many writers say "don't depend on family for honest feedback", I do depend on her. Not only is she an English teacher with an English masters and has experience in the publishing industry, she wants me to succeed. It's not a matter of just telling me I did a great job, she's helping me to do a great job. Like the brainstorming partnership I have with my husband, my sister and I have a fantastic editing partnership. It takes a village to raise a book.

With our obsessive concentration, we pounded out REM in a matter of hours. She sent me line-edits, I reviewed and fixed my manuscript and we'd text each other each time something else got sent through email. Thank God for email. With me in NJ and her in NY, there's no other way this would happen. I felt like a true writer, working to an invisible deadline, but working nonetheless. This is not a game to us, it's a serious step toward publication and every time someone else takes an interest it steps the project up a notch. I'm hoping for another notch very soon.

Nothing has ever given me such satisfaction as writing this book. While it's not my first, or my last, this book in particular has made me feel like I've made an accomplishment worth sharing, worth printing even. I look forward to REM's future. Because I know it has a future. I won't consider it finished until it's published, but I am so thrilled at where it's gone over the last year. From a three-week fast draft for NaNoWriMo, to the Semi-finalist round of the Amazon First Novel Award, to a few agent's in-boxes.

We're getting there.

Back in the Saddle...er, Desk Chair.

2011-07-14T05:07:00.000-07:00

I just came off one of the highest highs I think I've ever had: A 15 day tour of Europe. We traveled at the speed of the TGV train, literally climbed mountains, and saw historical landmarks I never thought I'd see in my lifetime. During many moments, such as overlooking Paris from the Eiffel Tower, I couldn't believe I was standing there. It felt an honor to stand at the base of Mt. Pilatus in the Swiss Alps, to walk the circle of the Coliseum and peer down the narrow canals of Venice. I don't know if I'll ever get the chance to visit these places again, but I feel like I've connected a piece of the puzzle that is my life and I'm so grateful for the opportunity I had.

Lucerne, Switzerland

There were moments of insanity, for sure. Don't forget we were traveling with seventy-some high school students from our school, and another fifty from another school. Imagine cramming 130 (extra) people onto the metro at rush hour. But getting to see their excitement and wonder was also a reward. I definitely want my own kids to have traveling experience by the time they've reached graduation. There's nothing like it for building confidence, communication and acceptance for those who are different from us. Overall, it was probably the best experience I've ever had--even if it came a little late in life for me.

Me and my girls at dinner in Paris.

You'd think after four countries, eight cities, and two weeks I'd have blog post after blog post to expound on, but I think it's all still processing in my brain. It was such a whirlwind that it may take me a while to sort through and truly reflect. I wish I could have written in a journal everyday--that had been my intention--but I was just way too exhausted. By the time we got all the students in their rooms at night, we crashed. A writing tour of Europe would have to take place without 100 other travelers.

The challenge before me now is getting back to my routine. Not only did the traveling disrupt it, but there are still several weeks of summer and my children and husband are off from school. I may have to barricade myself in my office to get anything done. I find it much easier to write during the school year and especially in winter when the garden is not beckoning me. I will have to take it day by day. Little bursts of blogging will help, I'm sure.

As I come down off my mountain high, I am reminded that writing lifts me right back up. Here's to creativity and the traveling that breeds more of it.

In my geeky delight, standing under King Henry VIII's gate at Windsor. Perhaps one of my finest moments was seeing his tomb in St. George's Cathedral. Normally tombs and monuments do next to nothing for me, I'm more of a mountain and river girl, but I love the Tudor history and this past semester I even wrote a paper on Henry. It was beyond cool to stand where he stood.

Out of the Office

2011-06-27T04:43:00.000-07:00

I have failed miserably in the blogging department this last week. As well as the Twitter and Facebook and email departments. I've not written a word toward my current WIP. Some may consider this a massive setback, but I don't. The past couple weeks have been full of life. Living, breathing, social contact. Imagine that! And the next two weeks, I'll continue to stray from online interaction--there may be a little facebooking in there--because today I'm heading to Europe!

I've been looking forward to this trip for two years, perhaps more because I've always wanted to go to Italy and that is stop number 4 on our route. I don't imagine I'll be squeezing in much writing because we are chaperoning a high school trip. There isn't much down-time. But I am bringing my journal and my camera--with an extra card for 3200 photos--and I hope to return with many inspired blog posts! I also have a new interview lined up with Jim Bernheimer, so stay tuned for that!

We take off tonight and begin our tour first thing tomorrow morning in London. Then off to France, Switzerland, and finally Italy. But first, I must finish cleaning my house and pack the final essentials. So, off this blog I go.
Ciao!

A Few Good Stories

2011-06-15T10:48:00.000-07:00

Last night my husband and I saw X-men: First Class. It was very fun. I have a thing for super-heroes. Of course, they have to be super-heroes with fantastic back story otherwise it's just "BAM!" "POW!" "ZING!" and I don't get into that much. If I don't care about who is beating up who, then it's just another cartoon. But throw in a bullied teenager or orphaned alien or Nazis and then you've got my attention. Because then you have a story.

I love the suspension of reality that Hollywood movies provide. I also love the intellectual, artistic, sometimes mellow nature of Indie flicks, but now and then I just need a loud, sexy blockbuster. The special effects, impossible feats, and super-powers are certainly entertaining, albeit not all that full of substance. But when writers add sympathetic characters with realistic problems, that's when the story takes off for me. Love, war, friendships, sex, politics, etc...those conflicts make the suspension gripping. The friendship and eventual conflict between the protagonist, Charles Xavier, and the antagonist, Erik Lehnsherr, were all that was needed for me to be completely drawn into this movie. Without that dynamic, it would have done nothing for me.

It's the same for all genres. I can tolerate a fantasy film/novel for it's pretty scenery and stereotypical quests, but if there is a relationship like Sam and Frodo's, then the story has me completely in love. Science fiction will generally grab me because of the questions it asks; how it intrigues me on an intellectual level. Throw in a mysterious character like Cobb (Leo DiCaprio) in Inception, and then my heart is also hooked--not because DiCaprio is exceptionally good-looking, even though that helps--but because that human side is touched. You watch the story unfold and while some questions are answered you wonder what he is hiding from us.

I love movies and books for so many different reasons. Some people tend to stick to comedies or romance or action, but I can fall in love with any story if it has the right elements. It does not matter which genre, who the actors are, or what the rating is. It doesn't matter if it's adult fiction, YA, or a fantastic picture book. A good story is a good story. It may be tragic, hilarious, ridiculous, mind-blowing, or maybe even sweetly indifferent to any genre, just a blip of a life, like Jack Goes Boating with Philip Seymour Hoffman. For me, the one thing that really keeps me reading, or watching, is the complexity of the characters. Obviously, there has to be some skill on the filmmaker or novelist's part to convey that depth, as well as plot, but if the characters are real--meaning they have human qualities even if they aren't particularly human--I will most likely be drawn into their world.

What do you love about your favorite stories? Is there a common thread between them? Do you have a favorite genre or are you a story junkie like me, seeking out every style? When I think about all of the things that I have enjoyed since childhood, they largely involve storytelling in one manner or another. This is how I know I am finally in the right business. There's just something about a good story.

Torture Device

2011-06-13T09:33:00.000-07:00

There's nothing like a tormented teenager--in fiction, of course. In real life, no one wants their son or neighbor's son to have issues like Donnie. But it's no wonder that writers enjoy torturing their characters--perhaps even their protagonists--with maladies small and large. It's these torturous events that push the story along, keep readers reading and help create the change in character throughout the story.

In a novel, dreams can be a pretty unoriginal way to torment characters, so in REM (the novel), I try to torment my characters with real-to-life situations and leave the dreams for other explorations such as powers and abilities and talents. But the science behind R.E.M (the sleep-state) is fascinating and in my research, I've read about RSD--R.E.M Sleep Disorder--a disorder that afflicts mainly older men, but is possible in younger populations.

The brain during REM sleep is nearly as active as when we are awake. However, conveniently so, our bodies are sent in a paralysis at that stage. It is impossible to move during REM sleep. Which is a very good thing because if that paralysis is shutoff, then the dreamer will act out their dreams causing them to flail, kick, punch, and even get out of bed and move about the house. Or leave the house. This isn't to be confused with sleepwalking. Sleepwalking actually takes place during non-REM sleep and can still be dangerous, but specifically takes place during a different point in the sleep cycle. For most people REM sleep means paralysis. Our bodies protect us that way. Most of us dream "safely" but those with this disorder do not. They may hurt their partners, knock over furniture in the house, or leave altogether.

Fortunately, RSD can be treated with medication. But it's a disorder that poses curious questions. If during REM we are "forced" to stay in bed and sleep through our dreams, does that make this stage of sleep more important than other stages? Just how important are dreams? Yes, it's true that you can have dreams in other stages as well, but generally speaking REM is the dream phase of sleep. Why are we prevented from acting out these dreams, but not necessarily other sleep-stage dreams?

I'm pretty sure RSD will make an appearance at some point in the REM series. I'm not sure which character yet, nor what the repercussions will be, but it's a terrific torture device. A young adult, away at boarding school, leaving his/her room at night and not even knowing it--lots of possible consequences there. There won't be any scary bunny rabbits, but when one is sleep deprived to the max, hallucinations are certainly possible. Now my wheels are turning. Time to get back to torturing someone.

A Real Dream Recorder

2011-06-02T05:54:00.000-07:00

In October of 2010--the same month I was plotting my outline to REM--an article came out on BBC News about a scientist named Dr. Moran Cerf who is working on a "real" dream recorder. I didn't read this article until months later, after REM was already in full swing, however, it gave me the chills to think someone was actually trying to develop similar technology to that which I was writing about in my YA science fiction story. Dr. Cerf believes that sensor technology will become developed enough to make this possible so that people's minds could be essentially "read" while dreaming.

Now if these sources are reliable, here is another instance of dream recording which is being developed in Japan. This video explains it, but it involves scanning the brain for images and reproducing them on a computer monitor. More similarities to REM!

An ethical question that immediately pops up: If dream recording or brain image recording became possible, how far could we take it? How far should we take it? What would be the psychological ramifications of seeing your own dreams play out on screen when normally we only experience them in a subconscious state? In REM, the kids begin showing some pretty hefty abilities and powers--not to mention a bit of psychosis--now wouldn't that be interesting?

Writers with ADD

2011-05-31T08:53:00.000-07:00

I tend to throw around the acronym "ADD" when talking about myself. (I tend to talk about myself too much.) I've never been officially diagnosed (because I don't like doctors) and am still on the fence as to whether or not it's a true medical condition, however the components and personality of those said to have ADD fascinate me. Mostly because I can identify. I have done a lot of research (in between the myriad of other tasks I perform everyday) on the topics of both ADD and ADHD, how it manifests differently in boys versus girls, and the advantages and disadvantages it poses in daily living. I wrote an article last year about kids with ADD and how involvement in theater could be a god-send for them. (I still need to polish it and send it out there, but I keep forgetting.)

Some people might call me scattered. Flaky. Indecisive. I call myself a writer. (Usually. Sometimes I call myself worse things.) Writers are notoriously crazy people. They are the people who I feel right at home with more frequently than not. We just get each other. (And those who are really eccentric make excellent fodder for my work.)

Are the parenthesis getting on your nerves yet? I hope they illicit some sort of reaction in you. Annoyance or amusement is fine. I wanted to illustrate that this is the way I think and the way, I believe, most with ADD think. Children with (and without) ADD get labeled quickly: disorganized, hyper, aggressive, impulsive, weird. All of those things may be true and certainly can be distracting to others, but there is one thing about ADD'ers that often gets overlooked. They are thinkers. And how appropriate for me, because writers have to be thinkers as well.

If you listen to adults with ADD, you will hear stories about how they can't keep jobs, constantly quit everything they try, have a hard time focusing or keeping their homes in order. (Yes, I'm completely describing myself, here.) No matter how hard they try, or how pure their motives, they are superiorly challenged by these things. Except, maybe, there's that one thing that they just love to do and could do it for hours at a time. (I know where some of your minds are going and that's not what I'm talking about.) For me, that one thing is writing. My process is still scattered, for sure, and an average day looks like this:

Coffee (because all good things start with caffeine)
Kids to school
Edit
Blog
Edit
Facebook
Research
Write a poem
Edit
Laundry
Blog (I have two)
Catch up with online class
Maybe eat
Write a chapter
Edit
Facebook
Walk the dog
Get the kids
Go to my real job where I actually earn a paycheck.

This is not a schedule. Especially considering that all of those things--except dropping off and picking up my kids--could be in any random order on any given day. My life is bizarre to a lot of people. My life is bizarre to me. But you know what? After so many years of wondering what to do with myself, I've finally figured it out. And all it required was me "returning" to my childhood and pulling up the thing that most entertained me and fulfilled me then: writing. What an amazing circle to complete.

There are many famous writers who were supposed to have had ADD. To name just a few: Tolstoy, Yeats, Emerson, the Bronte sisters, Fitzgerald, Hemingway, and Poe. Now, I'm not putting myself in the same box as these people as far as talent goes, nor level of sanity. But, it's encouraging to know that, if they did indeed have ADD, it's clear that the condition can be a blessing for one's work (if not their life) and that ADD can be channeled, controlled, and used for great accomplishments. I remind myself that my bizarre life is still a productive life, a fulfilling life, and I embrace it.

Interview with Susan Beth Pfeffer

2011-05-30T02:53:00.000-07:00

A big welcome to Susan Beth Pfeffer, author of 76 books for children and young adults, including her New York Times bestselling novel, Life As We Knew It, the first of the Last Survivors Trilogy. Ms. Pfeffer lives in the town of Wallkill, NY with her cat Scooter. Pictures of her and Scooter can be found on her blog.

Thank you for taking the time to talk with me! I noticed on your blog that your 77th book (WOW!), Blood Wounds is coming out in September. Where do you get the bulk of your ideas?

Ideas for my books come from all over; the real trick is to be open to the idea when it pops up in my brain. For example, Life As We Knew It is the direct result of my watching a movie called Meteor on TV one day. It got me thinking about what it would be like to be a teenager living through a world wide catastrophe. The next thing I knew, I was working out who the characters were and what the catastrophe was.

Tell us about Blood Wounds:

I don't remember a single moment of creation with Blood Wounds, but most likely I was aware of one of those news stories cable TV makes a big fuss over- father runs off with child, leaving behind other murdered relatives. Blood Wounds is about one such family. Its main character, Willa, lives in a happy blended family, when she learns that her biological father has killed his second family and may be on his way to her and her mother. This personal disaster shakes up her family and forces all of them to confront truths about themselves they have chosen to ignore to maintain the illusion of happiness.

In which genre have you written the most and why?

I love to write about families and most of my books, regardless of the age of their intended audience, are about families. Some writers write about school, others about friendship, others romance. I focus on families. Even the three Last Survivors books - Life As We Knew It, The Dead And The Gone, and This World We Live In, are about family dynamics.

Writing has been a life-long career for you. Tell us about your first book and about how things may have changed along the way.

I wrote my first book, Just Morgan, my last semester at NYU. I was 20 when I wrote it, 21 when it was accepted for publication and 22 when it was published, so I've been a professional writer my entire adult life. It's the career I've always wanted and although there have certainly been down times, I can't imagine a job I'm better suited for or one that would give me nearly as much satisfaction. Oddly enough, I don't think the obstacles have changed all that much. Right now, I have money in the bank, which sometimes is true and sometimes isn't (and it's always better when it is true), but I still have to wait for publishing houses to make up their mind about possible books. I still have to wait to hear from my agent about other projects. I still have to face the possibility of bad reviews or lower than anticipated sales. The negatives don't go away.

And the positives remain mostly unchanged as well. The biggest difference is the internet. For most of my career, I wrote in isolation. Now I hear from people who like my books daily, when they take the time to email me. I get comments from people who read my blog. And I don't have to wait for my agent or my editor to call me back. They both respond to emails quite promptly.

Often writers are rejected multiple times before getting their first book published, but you were successful immediately. Tell us about that experience:

It took me almost no time at all to get my first book published. It was accepted by the first publishing house that read it, although they did request I cut 40 pages and one particular character before they would reread it. I did exactly as they told me, and they then accepted the manuscript. The process was hastened by a letter of introduction one of my professors sent to that particular house, although, of course, if they hadn't thought the book had promise, they would have rejected it outright.

It took 2 years and a lot of writing before my second book was accepted. First books are easier because you're writing on instinct. But instinct can only take you so far, and then you have to actually know what you're doing.

Briefly describe your writing process and tell us your favorite part about it.

I pretty much write to entertain myself. I love making up stories and if the price I pay for that game is putting things down on paper (or computer screen) and rewriting them to make them as good as possible, well, I'm willing to do that. Generally, my process includes a lot of pre-writing, which is my favorite part of the process, so that works out well. Once I'm comfortable with the beginning of the book, most of the middle, and with where the characters will be emotionally at the end of the book, I begin the actual writing. I write very fast, and the more pre-writing I do, the less rewriting I have to do.

Then, of course, the editor lets me know what she thinks doesn't work. I can always use someone else's objective eye, although if I disagree strongly about something, I either make it clearer why I think it's essential, or I simply don't make the changes. But I've been very fortunate to work with a great many excellent editors and I know my books are better for it, and I'm a better writer for it as well.

Do you have any favorite Young Adult books or authors?

I don't read YA's. Actually, I don't read that much fiction unless I'm doing a lot of traveling, and then the fiction I read is pretty much of the junk food variety. When I was growing up, I read enormous amounts of YA fiction, and generally regarded it as tripe. One author stood out to me as someone who I could aspire to, and that was Mary Stolz. Years later, I wrote her to ask if I could dedicate a book to her, and she graciously agreed.

There are countless writers out there. At some point, a few decide "It's time to pursue publishing and turn this hobby into a career." What advice would you give these people?

The most important part of writing to me is enjoying the process. If it isn't fun, don't do it. But if you do want to make the leap from hobby to career, I guess it's important to know how strong your stomach is, because there's going to be a lot of failure and rejection. Some of it will be justifiable, and some will be pure nonsense, but it's going to happen. If you don't want to get rejections or bad reviews or bad sales, then don't put your work out there. Privacy never stopped Emily Dickinson from being a great writer.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with readers or writers?

Have fun!

Writing Corner

2011-05-25T04:18:00.000-07:00

^^^ Today I'm sharing a photo of my favorite corner in the house. I chose a good day to photograph it, too, because the desk is actually clean. Usually it's piles and piles of papers and books, but now that classes are over for the semester, I've managed to keep it cleared off...for a couple weeks anyway.

I wish I could say that I took a walk down to our cafe and propped open my notebook or laptop and wrote there, but alas, that doesn't work for me. I could take notes in a cafe or bookshop, or even read, but I have yet to master the distraction of food and coffee and living, breathing people while writing. No, for me it's this little corner in my office, my books by my side, my music blasting from Pandora and my Sheltie often at my feet. I can work when my family is home, though I prefer not to. Now that my kids are in school, I have plenty of time to play on the computer researching and writing while they are gone. However, Summer Break looms and I can't very well stop working for two months, so learning a balance is my top priority.

During NaNoWriMo last year, I had to work fervently and I wrote steadily seven days a week for three weeks pounding out those 50K+ words. There were times I hung a sign on my door that said: "WIP. No Children on Computer." My older two teased me: "Thanks a lot, Mom," but they knew I only meant for them to ask if they needed anything off the desk or had to go online. I was very afraid of something getting deleted, lost or spilled on. Of course, I do that every week myself. I spilled more coffee on my college textbooks than I've ever spilled coffee before. Sigh...

I think mothers who are writers (or writers who are mothers), have a unique challenge in their endeavor when it comes to distractions. More than any other role, motherhood is constant. Distractions due to your children are a guarantee, not a possibility. It's important to set boundaries for when you want to work and where you want to work, but at the same time, you have to allow for that 11 AM call from the school nurse. Having your own space in the house, however, helps a great deal. My kids will come in and sit on the stuffed chair and have a chat with me or spread their homework on the floor around us and work. My kids are wonderfully supportive in that they are interested in what I do and they (usually) respect my space. Although, I can't tell you how many pens and pencils they've stolen from me. I need to have automatic shipment direct from the Staples warehouse in order to keep up with my disappearing office supplies.

Where do you like to write? Do you have a home office? Can you shut the door? Or do you have to go to the library for complete peace? Or maybe you can curl up on the couch and tap it all out while your family goes about it's business? Wherever it is, I hope you have a space where you are comfortable to sit and write and to also have your family support you. And where you can spill coffee without endangering other people's belongings. :-)

Is Amazon Taking over the Publishing World?

2011-05-24T06:56:00.000-07:00

And can they bring me along?

Amazon recently announced a new line of their very own creation: Montlake Romance. There is also speculation of a science-fiction line and these new additions follow several others. There's AmazonEncore, Amazon Crossing, Thomas and Mercer, and more. Each line has it's own specialty and certainly provides many more opportunities for writers to get their work published. Amazon also just announced that Larry Kirshbaum will be running the NYC office. Mr. Kirshbaum comes with impressive credentials including CEO of Time-Warner Book Group and he was also a former literary agent. All of these changes mean great things for Amazon and therefore for readers and writers. More publishers = more books!

On the day of the ABNA contest announcement of the top six finalists, of which I am not included, I am thrilled to see how Amazon is offering so many opportunities. I think that as we edge into the digital world--it's inevitable--it actually gives us writers a leg up. We have more ways to get the job done. More ways to get our name out there. So, while I admit a tinge of envy--well, not envy exactly because I can genuinely say I'm happy for those who were chosen--I hold out a great deal of hope that my time will come. Perhaps the time has never been more ripe!

Perseverance

2011-05-23T06:07:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I ask myself: What is the point? I have spent the last seven years training my fingers to the keyboard, my eyes to the screen, and my brain to making things up. I've spent countless hours with imaginary friends and fictitious worlds. And all I have to show for it is one published article. It's no wonder people look at me strange when I confess that I write. Sometimes I think: If I were writing illuminating works of art, theological diatribes, or philosophical theories, maybe it would seem more purposeful to the outside world. But I'm not. I'm writing stories. Stories for kids. Suddenly it all seems pretty pointless, when I look at it like that.

I said something to my husband the other day that surprised me. We were talking about revamping my novel, REM, which made it to the top 50 in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel contest. I recognize that I need to make it more marketable in order to shop it around and stir up some interest. One of the ways (a big way) to do that with Young Adult literature is to propose a series. In order for me to do that with REM, it requires an overhaul that includes: changing the ages of my characters, making sure every mention of the previous age is changed, and completely rewriting the ending. I was okay with that. The second way is to then outline a second and third book that I would propose in my query letter for REM. I said to my husband: "I have no problem outlining a 2nd and 3rd, but I really don't want to start writing them unless someone puts some interest in the first one. I don't want to waste my time."

I think I've made a big step.

Writing is work. No, I don't see a paycheck. I don't have a schedule, a boss, or coworkers. Writing is fulfilling, I thoroughly enjoy it, and I don't want to stop. But it's still work. I take it very seriously, sitting down every day and doing something to continue working on my craft. That may look like a few chapters in a WIP, a blog post, a poem, a short story, or researching skating rinks. All of it falls under the umbrella of writing and all of it is precious to me. So, suddenly, I find myself feeling like there is no point in exhausting my time, effort, and ideas in books that may never see the outside of my home office. I think, perhaps, it's time to move on to the next project. I plan on outlining two more books for REM, but I don't think I'm going to start them at this point. I know that I can write a book. I've proved that to myself a few times now. So, I know that if I am able to secure an agent for REM with the prospect of two more novels, I will be able to pop them out--as long as my outlines are somewhat complete. But why start now? It could be months, years, or never. And I have other projects in my pockets.

I have a dystopian that I'm a third of the way through and an idea for a mainstream novel that ties a local fair and the Lindberg baby story to a fictional character I dreamed about. So, you can see, the ideas are not a problem. The desire to write them out is not a problem. The pay-off, however, is.

Today, on this rainy day, I anticipate the announcement of the final three for the ABNA contest--of which I know I am not included because I never received a call--and think about which agent to query next. I have to keep it all moving along in one way or another. It's difficult. It's humbling. Sometimes depressing. At the same time, I know it's par for the course. I just hope someday my family and friends will see that it's been worth it because I've never enjoyed anything more.

Coming Soon: Author Interviews

2011-05-22T10:04:00.000-07:00

This week I'm starting my new blog challenge: Interviewing an author once a week. For one: we all crave a little advice as well as hearing about someone else's successes and two: as readers, it's fantastic to hear the "behind the scenes" information directly from the author. A wise friend, Jonathan Maberry, mentioned in our class that there is no harm in emailing authors for interviews. "What's the worst they can say? No?"

I've heard "no" plenty of times in the publishing world, so why would I let THAT stop me!

So the other day, I was cruising the aisles for YA books. I have three children who love to read--two of them in the YA category and one in children's--and as a YA writer, I need to stay on top of what is being published and where my novels would fit into the deep shelves at the bookstore. Plus: [whispering] I really love reading YA. But thank goodness I have two acceptable excuses to use when this 35 year old body is sprawled--yes, I was sprawled--across the aisle trying to read every last title. I picked up Jonathan Maberry's Rot and Ruin for my twelve year old son--who read all 400+ pages in about 9 hours flat--a couple Judy Blume's for my daughter, and The Teacher from the Black Lagoon for my little guy. The smiles on all of their faces was pure joy for me.

While I was piling all of these books next to me on the floor, I noticed a dystopian shelf. I love dystopian novels. I always have. In fact, I remember being required to read 1984 and thinking "Bleck, I hate these old books!" But was shocked when I found myself loving it. I've always been a bit of a science nerd and dystopian just hits the right blend of science and reality and fantasy that makes for a fun, yet thoughtful, ride. Anyway, a little novel with a grayish cover and a picture of a larger than life moon on it caught my attention. (They say don't judge a book...but I'm guilty of just that.) It was Susan Beth Pfeffer's This World We Live In, which is the third in her trilogy. The premise caught me immediately because it involved a meteor hitting the moon which then pushes the moon closer to the earth causing all sorts of climate change and lasting damage. Not only did it genuinely interest me, but I have a current project where the initial premise is similar, although our story-lines are not. It's a comparable, however, for me to add to my list, which is always good to have.

Unfortunately, the store didn't have book 1 or 2. ???

Therefore, I haven't had a chance to read them yet, but am really looking forward to it. When I got home from the store, I immediately hit my computer to find out more about the books and the author--typical frenzied behavior for me. I must find out what I want to know immediately and nobody better get in my way. Fortunately no one else was home, so the computer was all mine. I found Ms. Pfeffer's blog. And she had a link to her email on that blog. Here is woman who's written 77 books and still has her email linked to her blog. God bless her. So, I took the leap and emailed her, and within a day she emailed back and accepted my proposal for an email interview.

Well, how about that! I didn't get a "no" for once!

So...stay tuned. I'll be putting the interview together shortly and post when I'm finished. And I hope that this will lead to more conversations which we readers and writers love to be part of.

Shameless Self Promotion

2011-05-03T04:33:00.000-07:00

So, let's explore the highly unlikely. That's always fun!
Let's pretend I make it to the final three of the ABNA contest. Currently, REM is in the top 1% of the contenders. On or around May 16th Penguin books will contact the three finalists by phone or email. The finalists are not allowed to disclose their winning status, however, until the 24th when Amazon posts the winners on their website. Twelve days. That's how long I have to wait. But of course, being the writer and day dreamer I am, I have already scripted the results--winning and losing--and am just counting down the days until the 16th.

The three finalists will depend largely on self-promotion because the general public will vote for their favorite out of the three. IF I make it to that stage, I may be at a huge disadvantage because I don't have as large of an internet presence as I'd like. In Young Adult writing, being found online is extremely important. I've prepped my skills--I have Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and blogging accounts and I know how to use them--but I don't have a lot of following yet. I will be begging everyone I know to post the link, I'm sure.

But back to the contest specifics. The three finalists will be flown (or driven as in my case) to NYC for 3-5 nights. They will also be given 100$ spending money. I"m not sure what the finalists will be doing for those few days, but I imagine they involve meeting with publishing professionals. What a fantastic opportunity. Then the winner will be announced based on the voting process and the winner will receive a publishing contract with Penguin and $15,000 advance. Sigh....

So, here I wait, drooling all over the message boards, cruising the competition--which is fantastic, I must say--and counting down to the week of the potential announcement. I'll be disappointed if I don't make it through, but honestly, I can't be too hard on myself. Making it to the top 50 out of 5000 has been a major confirmation for me. I can do this. I can be a published author. I'm looking forward to many days of writing ahead of me.

You can check out an excerpt to REM HERE

Calling all Writers/Authors

2011-04-28T05:03:00.000-07:00

Hi all eight of you who read this blog! First of all--thanks! Second: I'd like to start interviewing YA writers (published or unpublished) for this blog. I hear interviews are all the rage. So...if you'd like to be included in this small-read blog where you'll receive little to no hits, please comment here or send me an email and we will get to work! Hopefully together we will shoot to internet fame with our witty question and answer sessions. And if not, I think we will have fun anyway.

Let me know if you're interested! (And why wouldn't you be?)

The Power of a Compliment

2011-04-27T05:57:00.000-07:00

It's been said that parents today are raising their children to be "praise-junkies". That opening sentence sounds like it belongs on my motherhood blog, but I promise I'll reign it back in. Parents my age--30 somethings--have been "taught" that children need continuous praise and affirmation in order to feel secure and loved. I believe that is absolutely true, but I also think some of us have gone too far in the affirmation department and are a little laxed in the consequences of behavior department. However, never underestimate the power of a well-deserved compliment. I wonder if a well-deserved compliment will be lost on someone who has spent their whole life expecting praise from their parents, teachers, and the general adult population? When I was growing up, I knew my parents loved me more than anything and I definitely did not receive constant praise. But when it was deserved, I was lavished upon with love. There's a big difference between praise and love and sometimes I think that difference gets lost on we inexperienced parents. As long as we say "good job", our kids will be fine, we think, when in reality, "good job" is eventually empty and meaningless if it's not supported by a strong love for our kids.

To the tie-in, you say...

Six-ish years ago, I signed up for a class called "How to Write Your First Novel." I'd always been a writer and thought someday I might write a book, so I figured the class would be fun. The teacher, who would go on to become my first editor, mentor and very good friend, Kathleen Coddington, gave me a small gift of enormous value: The courage to start. (Someday soon, Kathy, your name will be in my acknowledgements, I feel it in my bones!) From there, six years of writing books followed and I knew I'd finally found my niche. Along the way I tried on several jobs, activities, hobbies and endeavors, but kept falling back on writing. I'm not falling back on it anymore. I'm pushing it to the forefront and am determined to make this my job--as little pay as it may prove to offer, I know it's where I'm supposed to be. Thank you, Kathy, for all of your kind compliments and encouragement.

I sound like I'm giving a speech. I'm really just gushing here because I'm so undeniably excited about REM. This novel has just jumped to round three in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest. It's essentially gone from 1 of 5000 to 1 of 50. I received a favorable review from Publisher's Weekly and currently Penguin is reading my manuscript. Talk about a compliment. I feel like I've won the contest already--minus the fact I haven't. But it's raised me about a hundred notches in the confidence department. In January, when I submitted, it was a complete whim. The book was "done", so why not? Today, I'm ready to fight for this baby to be published. I'm ready to edit any line that needs to be edited. I'm ready to remove myself from the pages and do the work. So, someone grab me up now! I don't know if I'll ever feel this pliable again, but it gives me hope that writing will become me and now when people ask me what I do, I will be able to say, "I write." And if it weren't for a few key people that I've come across over the last six years, I don't know if I'd be as determined or if I'd have entered that contest in the first place. I hope to be able to return that encouragement ten-fold to a newbie writer. It's value cannot be underestimated.

Keep your eye on REM. Just one more month to go...

Desire for Beauty

2011-04-08T06:37:00.000-07:00

If you are a writer, or artist of any kind, you will likely feel right at home with this post. If you're a patron of the arts, you may identify with this quandary. This year, my three kids (who you can read about on this blog), are all in school full-time for the first time in my parenting years. My free time has doubled, leaving me countless hours to forsake housework for blogging, writing poetry, promoting my novels, and overall just being more creative. I've never been happier. But don't you know it, along with all this creative time, a new challenge emerged. One that has nothing to do with my kids or balancing jobs or what to make for dinner. Suddenly I have this overwhelming need to create something beautiful. The difficult part is: who is going to tell me it's beautiful and who am I going to believe? And why do I care?

Writers strive. They seek new ways to say important things, create new worlds and interesting characters. They construct art in a slightly different way than a painter or sculpture. You can't just look at a paragraph and know it's beautiful. It requires effort to read it. While a true art-appreciator will also take effort to examine, interpret and apply a painting, reading seems to me to be on a different level. I have an entirely new perspective on this due to a wonderful poetry class I'm currently taking. Poetry is a better example of writing as art. If genres were mediums, poetry would be the most difficult to work with. As I work on my assignments week after week, I go through a wide range of emotion. Thrill at the new challenge, exhaustion at the effort it takes, frustration with the lack of a good result. And then back to thrill with the next assignment. Overall, though, I've been feeling this need to write a poem that just stands alone. Or stands out. Or can just stand, period. I want it to be a work of art. I try over and over and never feel satisfied that I've accomplished it. Or my class tells me I haven't. Sometimes I want to bang my head on my desk. I never expected to get so caught up in poetry.

So, I keep striving. I keep trying to find new images and truths and to combine them into something of beauty. It's all subjective, I know, but at the same time, an excellent poem shouldn't be. It should be read and appreciated, on some level, by most readers. Hopefully, I'll get there.

Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest 2011

2011-03-23T13:22:00.000-07:00

I probably shouldn't admit this, but I wrote REM in three weeks. 60k words. Three weeks.

That's a lot of coffee.

I was competing in the 2010 NaNoWriMo contest which is a wonderful self-edifying event. I proved to myself that I could write a draft (however loose) in less than a month, that I could adhere to deadlines, and close out other distractions for a short period of time to just get the work done. In the few months that followed, I edited and revised REM and got some decent feedback from friends and family. Yes. I know--they don't count. But I trusted them and decided; What the heck, let's just send it to Amazon's contest! I also sent it out to a few agents and got timely rejection letters and thought I probably shouldn't have rushed it into the world just yet, but then I found out that my pitch made it through the first round of the contest. Hm. Fluke?
Maybe yes, maybe no. Because then yesterday, I found out I made it through the second round. I received decent reviews, but more importantly now my entire manuscript is going to be reviewed by Publisher's Weekly. That, in itself, is a grand prize. I will admit, I have little daydreams about winning, but I'm also aware of the competition I'm up against. But a review from PW will be fantastic--even if it's horrible--because it's an expert, third party opinion. The more people who read it, the better. The more feedback I get, the more I can improve it. That's the exciting part--even though my heart may break a little at a bad review--I can still fix it. The joy in writing.

I have written four novels and have three partials. But this story, REM, the one I wrote in twenty-some days, is the one I believe in the most. I have high hopes for this book and I know I will see them someday met.

The "What if"

2011-03-23T04:33:00.000-07:00

Most of my stories start with a "what if" question. For REM, it began with "What if we could watch our dreams while we were awake?" Seems like a fairly common question, but it's taken a step further when paired with the fact that dreaming helps us develop real cognitive and physical skills. So the question becomes, "What if we could watch our dreams while we were awake AND it increased our abilities ten-fold?" This is what happens in REM, and Charlie and her friends have to decide if it's a good thing or not.

Here are some reviews on an excerpt of the novel:

"Overall, an excellent excerpt well-written and sounds like teenagers so I think Young adults would enjoy it very much..."

"I feel this excerpt has appeal. There is the female nerd, two jocks, and an artsy type of guy. They are all good friends that attend an elite private school.The strongest aspect of this excerpt is the closeness of these four classmates. It is the cornerstone of the story..."

REM Pitch

2011-03-23T04:26:00.000-07:00

REM, my completed 60,000 word YA novel, is a story that examines the unrealized power of dreams and the young people who have them in a Dead Poets Society meets Flatliners meets Dreamscapes way.

The Fact: Dreams help us to process information past and present. They also help us to learn about ourselves. But the most extraordinary detail is that they can help us to improve upon actual physical and mental skills. So, I wondered; what would happen if we could watch our dreams while awake?

The (Science/Paranormal) Fiction: Charlene, “Charlie”, Abbott, senior at the prestigious Adler Boarding school, finds a computer that can record dreams as if they were an episode of a reality show. When she and her friends discover that watching their recorded dreams leads to remarkable skills, they begin a science experiment and turn half the student body into phenomenal athletes, musicians, and scholars. The students at Adler know how to keep a secret, but it gets difficult when they suddenly start making national news.

Then abilities surface that Charlie never predicted. Not only does she have to deal with the fact that she can suddenly boil water with her mind, she has to navigate the turbulent relationships between her best friend, Drew, and Brad who she starts to like. A lot. To make matters worse, some of the Dreamers begin to show signs of major psychological breaks. When Drew becomes one of the more severe cases, convinced that he can learn how to fly, Charlie has to decide whether or not to continue or shut down her experiment forever.

I have a BA in Social Welfare and am currently pursuing a second degree in Fine Arts. I have work in Curious Parents magazine and am seeking publishing for several YA novels.

REM Book Trailer

2011-03-23T04:22:00.000-07:00