I've recently developed a little bit of a crush on Kiera Cass, author of The Selection. I fell in love with her cover first, which features a redhead in a beautiful gown and this tagline: "35 girls. 1 crown. The competition of a lifetime." I adored it for about three months before I was able to save up the money to purchase the book, and it was worth every penny.
The Selection is dystopian meets The Bachelor meets the Queen Esther story*. A fun combination, right? It ended up being both frightening and indulgent. The book is about a girl named America; the only girl in the nation who doesn't want to be drafted into the reality show to win Prince Maxon's heart. But what if the opportunity provides her with a life and a purpose greater than she could've imagined? What if the royal family and the country need someone just like her?
Cass' world is compelling and deeply layered with the history and societal structure of her Illea (America's country). America is a girl you can genuinely like and root for. And both Aspen and Prince Maxon have dream-worthy qualities. I happen to be a Maxon girl myself--his desire to do the right thing and his treatment of America as a lady won my heart. Sure, America may have tons of chemistry with Aspen, but that respect Maxon has for her? It makes me swoon.
Okay, stopping. This post is about Kiera not her characters :)
After voraciously reading The Selection in one night, I hopped online to see when book two comes out. (It's a trilogy like most YAs). What I found was one of the most delightful author sites I've looked at. There aren't cutesy graphics or flashy extras, just one really fun lady. When I read her bio, my first thought was "She talks like me and Erynn, we could totally be BFF." She's also really cute. She has great musical taste. And she's down-to-earth and completely approachable.
Also, The Selection has been picked up as a CW pilot. How cool is that?
Kiera was in Winston-Salem last weekend for the Bookmarks Festival. I had planned to go, meet her, and get her to sign my book, but alas, my own writing goals got in the way, and I was majorly bummed. I do, however, plan to stalk . . . I mean, meet her sometime this fall. Even if I have to make a trip to Charleston in November for YAllfest. I'm not above it; that's how cool I think she is.
Suffice it to say that I could go on and on. Instead, I'll just link you to her website and let you decide :)
*Full disclosure: this is my own description. I have no idea whether Cass intended the Queen Esther allusions or whether I'm just reading them into the book.
Showing posts with label books I love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books I love. Show all posts
Friday, September 14
Friday, August 31
Why We Connect With Dystopian Literature
I'm continuing with the theme of introducing you to authors smarter than me tonight with a link to a post of Kim Vandel's. Kim is a YA AND Speculative author who blogs book reviews and writing craft thoughts. Back in July, Erynn introduced me to Kim's blog, and I must tell you, it is both fun and thoughtful.
I really enjoyed Kim's thoughts on dystopian lit and why it connects so strongly with teenagers (and adults). She says the genre is growing because readers want to believe that one person can make a difference in a dark, broken world, and I completely agree. I believe it's the reason dystopian lit never really disappears. In fact, the premise for my The Free and The Brave series is--One can save them all. Noah's introduction into Maddison's world, and his subsequent salvation, changes everything for an entire nation, and I hope readers will fall in love with my dystopian world and the characters that inhabit it.
Do you read dystopian lit? If so, why does it appeal to you? And what is your favorite? (You can pick out a classic like 1984 or Brave New World or a new best-seller like The Hunger Games, Divergent, or Uglies.)
I really enjoyed Kim's thoughts on dystopian lit and why it connects so strongly with teenagers (and adults). She says the genre is growing because readers want to believe that one person can make a difference in a dark, broken world, and I completely agree. I believe it's the reason dystopian lit never really disappears. In fact, the premise for my The Free and The Brave series is--One can save them all. Noah's introduction into Maddison's world, and his subsequent salvation, changes everything for an entire nation, and I hope readers will fall in love with my dystopian world and the characters that inhabit it.
Do you read dystopian lit? If so, why does it appeal to you? And what is your favorite? (You can pick out a classic like 1984 or Brave New World or a new best-seller like The Hunger Games, Divergent, or Uglies.)
Tuesday, July 24
YA Crush
If you were on the interwebs circa 2004, you're familiar with the Teen Girl Squad phrase, "I have a crush on every boy." Well, I have a crush on most everything YA. When I walk into a Barnes & Noble, I head straight for the YA section to see what's new. I have Demi Lovato, Taylor Swift, and the Jonas Brothers on my iPod. I paid money to see High School Musical 3 in the theater, and I've been known to curl up and watch the Disney Channel on my sick days.
(Some judge this behavior, but I prefer to categorize it under quirky and market research :)
So, beginning next week, I'll be sharing my YA love with you through three new features: YA Author Crush, YA Book Crush, and YA Site Crush. These won't be just any recommendations; only the things I truly rave about will make the cut.
Coincidentally enough, NPR is showing their own YA love this week with their Best-Ever Teen Novels poll. Several of my newest loves like Matched and the Gallagher Girls series made the list. While beloved favorites such as the Christy Miller Series and the Chronicles of Narnia were robbed. I'm trying to decide if I should start a petition.
Just kidding :)
What about you? What's your favorite YA? Did it make the list? Did you vote?
Update (8/7/2012): Voting is complete. You can view the Top 100 list here.
(Some judge this behavior, but I prefer to categorize it under quirky and market research :)
So, beginning next week, I'll be sharing my YA love with you through three new features: YA Author Crush, YA Book Crush, and YA Site Crush. These won't be just any recommendations; only the things I truly rave about will make the cut.
Coincidentally enough, NPR is showing their own YA love this week with their Best-Ever Teen Novels poll. Several of my newest loves like Matched and the Gallagher Girls series made the list. While beloved favorites such as the Christy Miller Series and the Chronicles of Narnia were robbed. I'm trying to decide if I should start a petition.
Just kidding :)
What about you? What's your favorite YA? Did it make the list? Did you vote?
Update (8/7/2012): Voting is complete. You can view the Top 100 list here.
Sunday, June 24
Book Recommendation: Short-Straw Bride
Karen Witemeyer's Short-Straw Bride is neither YA, nor Speculative. (Which you may have already figured out by glancing down at the cover photo below :) However, I cannot pass up the opportunity to tell you how much I adored this book. So, if you'll indulge me, we'll step back in time to 1882 and meet Meredith Hayes and the Archer brothers.
"Four brothers. Four straws. One bride.
No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a long-standing debt compels her to take the risk.
Years of constant vigilance harden a man. Yet when Travis Archer comes across a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt prompt him to attempt to rescue her once again.
Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she vows to stand by his side. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her as merely a short-straw bride?" -from Short-Straw Bride's back cover
Okay, I admit it. I'm a sucker for a marriage of convenience story. When I heard the premise of this book, I marked my calendar and counted down the days until its release. I enjoyed Witemeyer's Head in the Clouds and her A Tailor-Made Bride previously, so I knew to anticipate an endearing book with original characters.
And Short-Straw Bride did not disappoint. I think it's Witemeyer's best yet.
I connected with spunky, selfless Meredith Hayes on the first page, and Travis Archer won my heart as the noble cowboy and eldest brother as soon as I met him. In fact, all of the Archer brothers were distinct and delightful, even with their anti-social tendencies. I couldn't wait to see how Crockett would tease Travis next, how Neill would try to be taken seriously despite his youth, or when Jim would actually say a word. The relationships between Travis and each of his brothers, as well as the one between Meredith and her cousin Cassie, were deep, unique, and part of the reason I found the book so satisfying.
In addition, Witemeyer's writing is well-paced, funny, and engaging. Both Travis' and Meredith's spiritual journeys developed organically and encouraged me to step back and think about my own submission to and trust in to God's plan. To put it simply: I thoroughly enjoyed every last minute of Short-Straw Bride, and I hope you'll hunt down a copy yourself.
If you want to find out more about Karen or her other books, visit her website. I spent an hour there this afternoon, and my estimation of Karen's awesomeness skyrocketed during that time. Her website includes a Character Corner where you can learn more about the characters in and history behind her books as well as a Fan Fiction Contest page where she's posted a winning entry based on her To Win Her Heart. (Personally, I love how the fan fiction contest engages readers and aspiring writers, and I may have to ask her permission to borrow the idea for my own website in the future).
What about you? Do you have genres you tend to gravitate to? If you do, what are they? And what are some books you love that fall outside of those genres?
No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a long-standing debt compels her to take the risk.
Years of constant vigilance harden a man. Yet when Travis Archer comes across a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt prompt him to attempt to rescue her once again.
Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she vows to stand by his side. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her as merely a short-straw bride?" -from Short-Straw Bride's back cover
Okay, I admit it. I'm a sucker for a marriage of convenience story. When I heard the premise of this book, I marked my calendar and counted down the days until its release. I enjoyed Witemeyer's Head in the Clouds and her A Tailor-Made Bride previously, so I knew to anticipate an endearing book with original characters.
And Short-Straw Bride did not disappoint. I think it's Witemeyer's best yet.
I connected with spunky, selfless Meredith Hayes on the first page, and Travis Archer won my heart as the noble cowboy and eldest brother as soon as I met him. In fact, all of the Archer brothers were distinct and delightful, even with their anti-social tendencies. I couldn't wait to see how Crockett would tease Travis next, how Neill would try to be taken seriously despite his youth, or when Jim would actually say a word. The relationships between Travis and each of his brothers, as well as the one between Meredith and her cousin Cassie, were deep, unique, and part of the reason I found the book so satisfying.
In addition, Witemeyer's writing is well-paced, funny, and engaging. Both Travis' and Meredith's spiritual journeys developed organically and encouraged me to step back and think about my own submission to and trust in to God's plan. To put it simply: I thoroughly enjoyed every last minute of Short-Straw Bride, and I hope you'll hunt down a copy yourself.
If you want to find out more about Karen or her other books, visit her website. I spent an hour there this afternoon, and my estimation of Karen's awesomeness skyrocketed during that time. Her website includes a Character Corner where you can learn more about the characters in and history behind her books as well as a Fan Fiction Contest page where she's posted a winning entry based on her To Win Her Heart. (Personally, I love how the fan fiction contest engages readers and aspiring writers, and I may have to ask her permission to borrow the idea for my own website in the future).
What about you? Do you have genres you tend to gravitate to? If you do, what are they? And what are some books you love that fall outside of those genres?
Wednesday, June 6
I Am Alive ... I Promise
Hello faithful followers!
Thanks for not giving up on me during my hiatus. I had not planned to take such a break, but sometimes life--or, more specifically, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome--gets in the way. In December, I experienced a worsening of my CFS symptoms which warranted doctors' visits, new medication, and an overall lifestyle change. One of the casualties, unfortunately, was the blog.
However, after several months of re-prioritizing, rest, and a move back to the mountains of North Carolina, I am beginning to feel like a functioning human being again. I still have to work on managing my CFS for the long-term, but there seems to be a light in the distance which tells me this tunnel won't last forever.
Speaking of slowing down, did you know that long periods of rest spark creativity? They have for me, and I'm excited about bringing some of these ideas to life. In late summer or early fall, I'll be renovating the blog, providing a YA fiction focus and moving the devotional/life diary side to another venue. Templates are already swimming prettily in my head.
With this in mind, I'll be scoping out teen and YA fiction blogs to feature and link on my main page. I already have a couple in mind, but I'd love any recommendations you can send my way. I promise to check them out!
Finally, it wouldn't be summer without some fun reads. My To-Be-Read (TBR) pile includes Ally Carter's Out of Sight, Out of Time, Robin Jones Gunn's Finally and Forever (the fourth in her Katie Weldon series), and Jill Williamson's Replication, among others. I'll pick my two favorites and sing their praises right here during the summer.
What do you think of my selections? Would you recommend an addition to the pile? If so, what? Please share!
Thanks for not giving up on me during my hiatus. I had not planned to take such a break, but sometimes life--or, more specifically, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome--gets in the way. In December, I experienced a worsening of my CFS symptoms which warranted doctors' visits, new medication, and an overall lifestyle change. One of the casualties, unfortunately, was the blog.
However, after several months of re-prioritizing, rest, and a move back to the mountains of North Carolina, I am beginning to feel like a functioning human being again. I still have to work on managing my CFS for the long-term, but there seems to be a light in the distance which tells me this tunnel won't last forever.
Speaking of slowing down, did you know that long periods of rest spark creativity? They have for me, and I'm excited about bringing some of these ideas to life. In late summer or early fall, I'll be renovating the blog, providing a YA fiction focus and moving the devotional/life diary side to another venue. Templates are already swimming prettily in my head.
With this in mind, I'll be scoping out teen and YA fiction blogs to feature and link on my main page. I already have a couple in mind, but I'd love any recommendations you can send my way. I promise to check them out!
Finally, it wouldn't be summer without some fun reads. My To-Be-Read (TBR) pile includes Ally Carter's Out of Sight, Out of Time, Robin Jones Gunn's Finally and Forever (the fourth in her Katie Weldon series), and Jill Williamson's Replication, among others. I'll pick my two favorites and sing their praises right here during the summer.
What do you think of my selections? Would you recommend an addition to the pile? If so, what? Please share!
Wednesday, November 23
Book Recommendation: The Merchant's Daughter
"Annabel, once the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is trapped in indentured servitude to Lord Ranulf le Wyse, a recluse who is rumored to be both terrifying and beastly. Her circumstances are made even worse by the proximity of the lord's bailiff--a revolting man who has made unwelcome advances on Annabel in the past.
Believing that life in a nunnery is the best way to escape the escalation of the bailiff's vile behavior and to preserve the faith that sustains her, Annabel is surprised to discover a sense of security and joy in her encounters with Lord le Wyse. As Annabel struggles to confront her feelings, she is involved in a situation that could place Ranulf in grave danger. Ranulf's future, and possibly his heart, may rest in her hands, and Annabel must decide whether to follow the plans she has cherished or the calling God has placed on her heart." -Back Cover Blurb
I love a novel based on a "what if?" In fact, this question sparked Noah's trilogy, so when I found out Melanie's Dickerson's first novel, The Healer's Apprentice, was a CBA novel based on the lore behind Sleeping Beauty, my first thought was "A fairy tale with the influence of Jesus? Brilliant."
Melanie did not disappoint. If you haven't read The Healer's Apprentice, I highly recommend you put it on your Christmas list. Right now.
So, needless to say, when I heard her second novel, The Merchant's Daughter, was releasing this fall, I began a countdown to its release date. When I met Melanie at ACFW and saw her passion for this series and graciousness as a person, my excitement grew. And when I opened my mailbox last week to find the ARC waiting for me, I knew I wouldn't get anything done until I'd finished the book.
So, what did I think?
The Merchant's Daughter exceeded even my high expectations. In a word it was: incredible. Once I began, I was unable to put it down until I'd savored the last page. With layers of the Beauty and the Beast tale and similarities to both Ruth and Esther, this fourteenth century story stole my heart.
Annabel and Ranulf are such well-formed, real, and sympathetic characters I longed to see the couple happy, and the secondary characters around them added depth and humor to the story. Although I must confess to not reading a lot of medieval fiction, the historical detail planted me firmly in Annabel's world, and the thread of suspense running throughout kept me on the edge of my seat. Dickerson's second novel is well-crafted and engaging, and this paragraph doesn't do it the justice it deserves. Would shouting its awesomeness from the rooftops help? Because I am completely open to the idea!
My favorite aspect of the book, however, is the subplot concerning Annabel's desire to read the Bible and deepen her faith. I so easily forget what a privilege it is not only to own a Bible but be able to read it as well. Seeing the Word through her eyes was encouraging to me (as was seeing Scripture quoted in the book)!
The character journey of The Healer's Apprentice emphasized God's sovereignty, and Dickerson follows up beautifully in this book with the truth that God is good and for our good. These truths walk hand in hand to strengthen our faith, and I'm grateful for the way Dickerson interweaves them into the fabric of her books.
So, to sum up--this book is awesome; go buy it. You will not be disappointed. And if you are, come find me; I'll just be in my local bookstore putting copies in the hands of unsuspecting shoppers :)
Monday, October 24
Book Recommendation: Open Minds
"I was a match in the middle of a keg of gunpowder."
So began my love affair with Open Minds. . . .
Almost two years ago, my friend Sue, aka Susan Kaye Quinn, submitted portions of her NaNoWriMo baby, Open Minds, to our online critique group. To say I was blown away by the concept behind the novel is not an understatement. I remember Erynn and I having long conversations outlining how incredible we found it that these addictive chapters were a result of writing a novel in thirty days. I distinctly recall talk of creating Team Raf and Team Simon t-shirts. Seriously. It was that good.
Fast forward to this fall when I get an e-mail from Sue explaining that she's planning to self-publish Open Minds as the first in The Mindjack Trilogy and could she send me an ARC (advanced reader copy)? Could she? That wasn't even a question, was it?
I opened the e-ARC the moment it arrived in my inbox. I savored my favorite characters and lines from the first draft, spiffed up to be their best selves, while enjoying the new scenes and ending I'd never had a chance to read. Sue has created a dangerous and intriguing world of mind-reading and mind-control (known as mindjacking) that makes me glance over my shoulder to see whether others are close enough to read my thoughts. And her protagonist Kira is a strong, sarcastic, and empathetic character thrust into a world she never knew existed, or wants to be a part of.
When I read the quote above in its position halfway through the book, I was stopped in my tracks. It's the perfect summation of Kira's immediate situation as well as her life in general. Kira is the key: to control, to the future, and to freedom--an empowering and frightening thought for a sixteen year old girl.
And that's why the book works. It's why I can't wait until Closed Hearts releases next year, and it's why I think you'll enjoy Open Minds too.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Sixteen-year-old Kira Moore is a zero, someone who can’t read thoughts or be read by others. Zeros are outcasts who can’t be trusted, leaving her no chance with Raf, a regular mindreader and the best friend she secretly loves. When she accidentally controls Raf’s mind and nearly kills him, Kira tries to hide her frightening new ability from her family and an increasingly suspicious Raf. But lies tangle around her, and she’s dragged deep into a hidden world of mindjackers, where having to mind control everyone she loves is just the beginning of the deadly choices before her.
Open Minds (Book One of the Mindjack Trilogy) by Susan Kaye Quinn will be available in e-book (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords) and print (Amazon, Createspace) on November 1st.
Just in case you're counting that's only seven days from today!
Sunday, October 9
Exciting Books Releasing This Fall
I love fall--colorful leaves, hot coffee, and crisp evenings. It's my favorite season, and this fall feels especially exciting because of the authors who have new books out this month and next!
Robin Jones Gunn released a new book, Love Finds You in Sunset Beach, Hawaii, on October 1. I grew up reading her Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen series, and I loved how characters from one series or book would show up years later in another book. In her new release, we get another glimpse into Sierra's life, and I can't wait.
November 1 will be a busy day as TWO books debut:
Ally Condie's Crossed, the sequel to Matched, releases, and I have been anxiously awaiting this installment since reading Matched last November. That's right, I've been waiting a whole year to know what going on with Cassia, Ky, and Xander! This anticipation only grew after meeting Ally at a book signing in the spring. She is delightful, giving, humble, and a great dresser, too. It's going to be all I can do not to buy this book on day one. You can bet I'll be letting you know my thoughts once I finish it.
Also on November 1, Susan Kaye Quinn's Open Minds hits shelves (so to speak). Sue is a good friend, mentor, and encourager, and I'm so excited for her. I had the pleasure of reading a first draft of Open Minds in our critique group, and it was amazing! Seriously, Erynn and I were talking about how it rivaled many successes in the YA market. And why not? It has all the best elements: a strong and sympathetic protagonist in Kira, an uncomfortable, yet intriguing future, and two guys vying for our protag's attention. Sign me up. Sue's been kind enough to send me an ARC, so I'll be posting more about Open Minds before November 1!
Finally, Melanie Dickerson's sophomore novel, The Merchant's Daughter, releases in November, the 22nd I believe. Melanie's a master at starting with a fairy tale basis, putting it in medieval history, and giving her characters a Christian worldview. Plus, she's such a gracious lady (as I've mentioned before :) Beauty and the Beast? Jesus? Yes, please. You'll be hearing more about this release as we get closer to the date as well.
So, that's what I'm excited about this fall. What books are you looking forward to getting your hands on?
Robin Jones Gunn released a new book, Love Finds You in Sunset Beach, Hawaii, on October 1. I grew up reading her Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen series, and I loved how characters from one series or book would show up years later in another book. In her new release, we get another glimpse into Sierra's life, and I can't wait.
November 1 will be a busy day as TWO books debut:
Ally Condie's Crossed, the sequel to Matched, releases, and I have been anxiously awaiting this installment since reading Matched last November. That's right, I've been waiting a whole year to know what going on with Cassia, Ky, and Xander! This anticipation only grew after meeting Ally at a book signing in the spring. She is delightful, giving, humble, and a great dresser, too. It's going to be all I can do not to buy this book on day one. You can bet I'll be letting you know my thoughts once I finish it.
Also on November 1, Susan Kaye Quinn's Open Minds hits shelves (so to speak). Sue is a good friend, mentor, and encourager, and I'm so excited for her. I had the pleasure of reading a first draft of Open Minds in our critique group, and it was amazing! Seriously, Erynn and I were talking about how it rivaled many successes in the YA market. And why not? It has all the best elements: a strong and sympathetic protagonist in Kira, an uncomfortable, yet intriguing future, and two guys vying for our protag's attention. Sign me up. Sue's been kind enough to send me an ARC, so I'll be posting more about Open Minds before November 1!
Finally, Melanie Dickerson's sophomore novel, The Merchant's Daughter, releases in November, the 22nd I believe. Melanie's a master at starting with a fairy tale basis, putting it in medieval history, and giving her characters a Christian worldview. Plus, she's such a gracious lady (as I've mentioned before :) Beauty and the Beast? Jesus? Yes, please. You'll be hearing more about this release as we get closer to the date as well.
So, that's what I'm excited about this fall. What books are you looking forward to getting your hands on?
Wednesday, September 28
The ACFW 2011 Recap
"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." -Ephesians 3:20-21
These verses were the theme of my first ACFW conference. Every single expectation I had about the conference God blew out of the water. He is always good and always working on behalf of His children and His name's sake, but sometimes that work is extra visible. Sometimes He moves in special ways, and that was definitely true last week. I'm not sure these posts will do justice to all God did, but I'm going to try by using a list. Because I love a list :)
1--At the My Book Therapy (MBT) Pitch and Promotion Scrimmage, Susan May Warren taught us the essential elements of a pitch, and James Rubart mentored the writers at the speculative table. (For those that don't know, speculative fiction --spec fic-- encompasses any work that contains a timeline, event, or character that we speculate about: fantasy, science fiction, futuristic novels, and my own dystopian book fall under this genre). Although I was intimidated at first to give Jim Rubart my pitch, the entire afternoon was a huge encouragement. I left the room feeling prepared to pitch Unclean to an agent or editor.
2--Erynn and I also left the room with two new friends! Amanda Stevens writes dystopian as well (plus she was home-schooled :) and Jessica Keller Koschnitzky writes Romantic Suspense like Erynn. We were able to grab dinner together at a local pub and lunch the next day. We four were a team, and I'm so grateful for these new lifelong friendships.
3--We were given FIVE free books (between ACFW and MBT). Several of these novels haven't been released yet, and I was eagerly anticipating these shelf dates. Free books? It's like a writer's dream :)
4--I felt great for most of the trip. I knew people were praying and God was giving me strength because this girl doesn't do five hours of sleep anymore without getting really sick. However, I had three of these nights in a row at the beginning of the trip, and though I had to skip a session each day to rest, I did not feel the exhaustion symptoms until Saturday night once all the appointments were over.
5--I met the talented Melanie Dickerson, author of The Healer's Apprentice. Melanie and I had e-mailed back and forth before the conference, and I was so excited to meet her in person. She was incredibly gracious. We were able to get to know each other during lunch on Saturday, and she was so kind to answer my questions about her upcoming novels and her life. Melanie is a Carol Award finalist (among other award nominations), and she graced me with an invitation to sit at her table for the Carol Awards Ceremony. Melanie's first book is a twist on the fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty, and I've always been a sucker for fairy tales. But a fairy tale with a Christian worldview? Even better. Her second book, The Merchant's Daughter, releases in November, and I'll be posting more as the release date draws nearer. I was humbled by the welcome Melanie and the other YA authors gave us newbie writers; they are all as giving as they are talented, and I hope you'll check out their work.
And that's just the half of it.
More to come later this week....
These verses were the theme of my first ACFW conference. Every single expectation I had about the conference God blew out of the water. He is always good and always working on behalf of His children and His name's sake, but sometimes that work is extra visible. Sometimes He moves in special ways, and that was definitely true last week. I'm not sure these posts will do justice to all God did, but I'm going to try by using a list. Because I love a list :)
1--At the My Book Therapy (MBT) Pitch and Promotion Scrimmage, Susan May Warren taught us the essential elements of a pitch, and James Rubart mentored the writers at the speculative table. (For those that don't know, speculative fiction --spec fic-- encompasses any work that contains a timeline, event, or character that we speculate about: fantasy, science fiction, futuristic novels, and my own dystopian book fall under this genre). Although I was intimidated at first to give Jim Rubart my pitch, the entire afternoon was a huge encouragement. I left the room feeling prepared to pitch Unclean to an agent or editor.
2--Erynn and I also left the room with two new friends! Amanda Stevens writes dystopian as well (plus she was home-schooled :) and Jessica Keller Koschnitzky writes Romantic Suspense like Erynn. We were able to grab dinner together at a local pub and lunch the next day. We four were a team, and I'm so grateful for these new lifelong friendships.
3--We were given FIVE free books (between ACFW and MBT). Several of these novels haven't been released yet, and I was eagerly anticipating these shelf dates. Free books? It's like a writer's dream :)
4--I felt great for most of the trip. I knew people were praying and God was giving me strength because this girl doesn't do five hours of sleep anymore without getting really sick. However, I had three of these nights in a row at the beginning of the trip, and though I had to skip a session each day to rest, I did not feel the exhaustion symptoms until Saturday night once all the appointments were over.
5--I met the talented Melanie Dickerson, author of The Healer's Apprentice. Melanie and I had e-mailed back and forth before the conference, and I was so excited to meet her in person. She was incredibly gracious. We were able to get to know each other during lunch on Saturday, and she was so kind to answer my questions about her upcoming novels and her life. Melanie is a Carol Award finalist (among other award nominations), and she graced me with an invitation to sit at her table for the Carol Awards Ceremony. Melanie's first book is a twist on the fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty, and I've always been a sucker for fairy tales. But a fairy tale with a Christian worldview? Even better. Her second book, The Merchant's Daughter, releases in November, and I'll be posting more as the release date draws nearer. I was humbled by the welcome Melanie and the other YA authors gave us newbie writers; they are all as giving as they are talented, and I hope you'll check out their work.
And that's just the half of it.
More to come later this week....
Tuesday, September 13
The Matched Trilogy: Crossed
I was enthralled by Ally Condie's Matched, as evidenced by this gushing post.
So, I can't tell you how excited I am that the second in this trilogy, Crossed, releases on November 1. It cannot come soon enough.
Which is why I was so thrilled to hear that Entertainment Weekly has posted the first two chapters of Crossed here.
Read. Enjoy. Count down the days with me.
Only 49 to go....
So, I can't tell you how excited I am that the second in this trilogy, Crossed, releases on November 1. It cannot come soon enough.
Which is why I was so thrilled to hear that Entertainment Weekly has posted the first two chapters of Crossed here.
Read. Enjoy. Count down the days with me.
Only 49 to go....
Monday, July 11
Erynn Won!
Some of you may have already heard since it's all over facebook and her blog, but I just wanted to say: Congratulations to Erynn for being the Suspense/Crime/Mystery winner of the Out of the Slush Pile, Novel Journey’s Fifteen Minutes of Fame Contest!
Erynn has worked hard to write, receive critique on, and edit Out Of Darkness in the last two years. I am so proud of her for finishing. I am proud of her for digging in and making it richer after a disheartening critique at the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference last year. I am proud of her for sticking to her deadline throughout May and June so she could complete the novel in time to enter this contest. Her faithfulness has certainly paid off, and I am so thankful to be her friend and celebrate this day with her.
Out Of Darkness is a beautiful picture of Christ's sufficiency in suffering, and I can't wait for it to be published so you all can read it!
And to my best friend, I love you and I just can't tell you how happy I am for you. I thank God on every remembrance of you. Thank you for sharing your life and your writing with me.
Standing on the sidelines for you is a blessing :)
Erynn has worked hard to write, receive critique on, and edit Out Of Darkness in the last two years. I am so proud of her for finishing. I am proud of her for digging in and making it richer after a disheartening critique at the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference last year. I am proud of her for sticking to her deadline throughout May and June so she could complete the novel in time to enter this contest. Her faithfulness has certainly paid off, and I am so thankful to be her friend and celebrate this day with her.
Out Of Darkness is a beautiful picture of Christ's sufficiency in suffering, and I can't wait for it to be published so you all can read it!
And to my best friend, I love you and I just can't tell you how happy I am for you. I thank God on every remembrance of you. Thank you for sharing your life and your writing with me.
Standing on the sidelines for you is a blessing :)
Tuesday, February 22
Book Recommendation: Matched
An intriguing and beautiful cover can sell me on a book, and that's just what happened when I was perusing the YA section at Barnes & Noble in November. I like to wander through bookstores every six-eight weeks, much to my wallet's dismay, and look at the new releases, cover designs, back cover copy, etc.
When I spotted Matched, I knew without cracking the cover that I wanted to read the book. When I did open the book and discovered it was a dystopian novel (a personal favorite genre), a debut novel, and days old, I knew it was leaving the store with me.
See, doesn't this scream take me home and read me?
As the novel opens, Cassia Reyes is about to enter her fully orchestrated future. Her matching banquet falls on her seventeenth birthday which leads her to believe life will be sweeter than ever. When The Society matches her with best friend Xander, all of her assumptions are confirmed--The Society really has perfected the science of giving everyone the best job, marriage, and life one can have.
Until a glitch on her match microchip displays the face of another boy.
And now she can't stop thinking about him or wondering. What if a perfectly choreographed life isn't perfect after all.
I can't say enough how much I enjoyed reading Matched. Once I began, I couldn't put it down until I finished. (I read it so quickly the first time that I decided to read it again as a lesson on craft. I'm not so sure it worked as I got just as caught up in the story the second time around. Maybe the third time will be the charm.)
Ally Condie grounds readers in a chillingly ordered society without bogging us down with too many technical details, and her characters are well developed and sympathetic. I thought Cassia's journey from blind and fervent trust to balanced and realistic independence was particularly well handled. I believed her, saw her as the naive girl, the questioning teen, and the determined young woman. On another note, Condie's prose is lyrical and poetic; several lines took my breath away and made me read them over and over again.
As for the story? It was well-paced and kept surprising me. Just when I thought I knew where The Society stood, Condie through another twist my way. The last switch in particular made me want to go back and start from the beginning with that knowledge in mind. Finally, Condie showed a masterful grasp on the concept of a love triangle. By giving Cassia two good and honorable yet different men and by not creating enmity between them, she made the choice harder on all of us. I waffled back and forth on who was the right guy for Cassia throughout the book and felt my heart ache as I also watched the friendship between the two guys be tested.
All in all? It's an incredible book, and my only complaint is that I have to wait until November to read the second installment, Crossed.
I highly recommend Matched to anyone who enjoys reading YA, dystopian pieces, or simply good fiction. And I'd loan you my copy, but I need to hold on to it as I eagerly await her book signing here in Raleigh on Friday. It'll be my first book signing, and I'll be going to squee a little and support fellow writers. What a fun way to spend a Friday evening! I can't wait :)
When I spotted Matched, I knew without cracking the cover that I wanted to read the book. When I did open the book and discovered it was a dystopian novel (a personal favorite genre), a debut novel, and days old, I knew it was leaving the store with me.
See, doesn't this scream take me home and read me?
As the novel opens, Cassia Reyes is about to enter her fully orchestrated future. Her matching banquet falls on her seventeenth birthday which leads her to believe life will be sweeter than ever. When The Society matches her with best friend Xander, all of her assumptions are confirmed--The Society really has perfected the science of giving everyone the best job, marriage, and life one can have.
Until a glitch on her match microchip displays the face of another boy.
And now she can't stop thinking about him or wondering. What if a perfectly choreographed life isn't perfect after all.
I can't say enough how much I enjoyed reading Matched. Once I began, I couldn't put it down until I finished. (I read it so quickly the first time that I decided to read it again as a lesson on craft. I'm not so sure it worked as I got just as caught up in the story the second time around. Maybe the third time will be the charm.)
Ally Condie grounds readers in a chillingly ordered society without bogging us down with too many technical details, and her characters are well developed and sympathetic. I thought Cassia's journey from blind and fervent trust to balanced and realistic independence was particularly well handled. I believed her, saw her as the naive girl, the questioning teen, and the determined young woman. On another note, Condie's prose is lyrical and poetic; several lines took my breath away and made me read them over and over again.
As for the story? It was well-paced and kept surprising me. Just when I thought I knew where The Society stood, Condie through another twist my way. The last switch in particular made me want to go back and start from the beginning with that knowledge in mind. Finally, Condie showed a masterful grasp on the concept of a love triangle. By giving Cassia two good and honorable yet different men and by not creating enmity between them, she made the choice harder on all of us. I waffled back and forth on who was the right guy for Cassia throughout the book and felt my heart ache as I also watched the friendship between the two guys be tested.
All in all? It's an incredible book, and my only complaint is that I have to wait until November to read the second installment, Crossed.
I highly recommend Matched to anyone who enjoys reading YA, dystopian pieces, or simply good fiction. And I'd loan you my copy, but I need to hold on to it as I eagerly await her book signing here in Raleigh on Friday. It'll be my first book signing, and I'll be going to squee a little and support fellow writers. What a fun way to spend a Friday evening! I can't wait :)
Thursday, February 17
When A Children's Book Makes You Cry
As the nanny of Miss Thing (my little lady who is 15 months old and has always known her own mind), I read a lot of board books. A lot.
Which is not a bad thing--I love to read, and as an author and book lover, I want to encourage children to read themselves.
But let's just say that one can only read Snuggle Puppy so many times without losing one's mind. And I'd like to stay as sane as possible, which put me on the hunt for books we can both enjoy.
Enter The Jesus Storybook Bible.
It's recommended for children 4 and up, but we've enjoyed it already. The pictures by Jago are colorful and detailed, and the book itself lives up to its subtitle: "Every story whispers his name." Sally Lloyd Jones weaves forty-four stories into a beautiful tapestry showcasing God's plan and His love for us in Jesus. (And unlike other storybook Bibles, she doesn't shy away from the difficult places--including Abraham's almost sacrifice of Isaac and Jesus' crucifixion).
Last week, Miss Thing and I were reading in the New Testament, and on two separate mornings, I began to cry as I read the stories to her. After she went down for a nap, I stole downstairs, book in hand, to curl up and read more myself.
This book isn't just for children, parents, and Sunday School workers. It's for anyone looking to see the beauty of God's plan. The overall picture is breathtaking, and the individual stories are worded simply and yet profoundly.
Now I have my own copy at home. So, I can remember truths like "And they were lovely because he loved them" and "Jesus was making the sad things come untrue" anytime I want to (p. 26 and 220, respectively).
Want to know more? Click here for The Jesus Storybook Bible website
Which is not a bad thing--I love to read, and as an author and book lover, I want to encourage children to read themselves.
But let's just say that one can only read Snuggle Puppy so many times without losing one's mind. And I'd like to stay as sane as possible, which put me on the hunt for books we can both enjoy.
Enter The Jesus Storybook Bible.
It's recommended for children 4 and up, but we've enjoyed it already. The pictures by Jago are colorful and detailed, and the book itself lives up to its subtitle: "Every story whispers his name." Sally Lloyd Jones weaves forty-four stories into a beautiful tapestry showcasing God's plan and His love for us in Jesus. (And unlike other storybook Bibles, she doesn't shy away from the difficult places--including Abraham's almost sacrifice of Isaac and Jesus' crucifixion).
Last week, Miss Thing and I were reading in the New Testament, and on two separate mornings, I began to cry as I read the stories to her. After she went down for a nap, I stole downstairs, book in hand, to curl up and read more myself.
This book isn't just for children, parents, and Sunday School workers. It's for anyone looking to see the beauty of God's plan. The overall picture is breathtaking, and the individual stories are worded simply and yet profoundly.
Now I have my own copy at home. So, I can remember truths like "And they were lovely because he loved them" and "Jesus was making the sad things come untrue" anytime I want to (p. 26 and 220, respectively).
Want to know more? Click here for The Jesus Storybook Bible website
Friday, October 1
Compelling Characters
As an avid reader and writer, I love characters that won't let me go. I've even been known to continue reading a poorly written story simply because I liked the author's leads enough to care what happened to them (even if that included inventing my own version of their story once I put the book away).
Unique and sympathetic characters are one of the hallmarks of a great novel. I might even posit that without a main character exhibiting these qualities no reader will make it through your incredible plot idea. After all, I have to like someone in order to care what happens to them, right?
So, in that spirit, I am sharing four characters who keep me thinking about them long after I've turned off the TV or put down the book:
1) Todd Spencer (The Christy Miller Series, Robin Jones Gunn). I was introduced to Todd when I was sixteen--two years older than Gunn's protagonist, Christy Miller. Christy is ordinary, responsible, and a little desperate for love. The series follows her from this impressionable age through her graduation from college, and Todd is present for it all. Unlike Christy, Todd is a mature, God-seeking, purity-protecting, sixteen year old surfer with "screaming silver blue eyes." And I fell in love with him. Throughout high school and college, Todd was my ideal. I may have even prayed that God would give me a man like him. And while Todd was never perfect--he is uncommunicative to a fault--he represented something I was looking for. I still take these books out once a year to re-read Todd and Christy's story. And maybe even hope a little.
2) Lt. Walter Novak and Allie Miller (A Distant Melody, Sarah Sundin). A Distant Melody is a fairly new book, published this year as Sundin's first novel, but it is easily the best World War II fiction piece I have read. And this has everything to do with Walter and Allie. Allie is beautiful and well-off but longing for a love that is more than convenience. Walter is the stumbling, shy airman with a kind heart. Both consider themselves unattractive. Both struggle with what truth is. And both are delightful. Their chemistry and the appreciation they find in each other hooked me by page thirty-six. Love changes the way we see ourselves and that is definitely true of Walt and Allie's relationship. I couldn't wait to read their happy ending fast enough.
3) Neal Caffrey (White Collar, USA). Neal Caffrey, played by Matt Bomer, is a suave and slick criminal. The intelligent con man who can flirt his way into any situation. Neal could be the poster child for the bad boy every woman thinks she can save. And in his case, she might be able to. Neal's world thrives on shades of gray--except when it comes to his friends and the woman he loves. He'll do anything for her and is trusting to a fault. He's the con man with a heart of gold. And he's a genius creation. One of the best I've ever encountered. I just can't get enough of his story.
What about you? What do you think makes a great character and who are some of your favorites?
Unique and sympathetic characters are one of the hallmarks of a great novel. I might even posit that without a main character exhibiting these qualities no reader will make it through your incredible plot idea. After all, I have to like someone in order to care what happens to them, right?
So, in that spirit, I am sharing four characters who keep me thinking about them long after I've turned off the TV or put down the book:
1) Todd Spencer (The Christy Miller Series, Robin Jones Gunn). I was introduced to Todd when I was sixteen--two years older than Gunn's protagonist, Christy Miller. Christy is ordinary, responsible, and a little desperate for love. The series follows her from this impressionable age through her graduation from college, and Todd is present for it all. Unlike Christy, Todd is a mature, God-seeking, purity-protecting, sixteen year old surfer with "screaming silver blue eyes." And I fell in love with him. Throughout high school and college, Todd was my ideal. I may have even prayed that God would give me a man like him. And while Todd was never perfect--he is uncommunicative to a fault--he represented something I was looking for. I still take these books out once a year to re-read Todd and Christy's story. And maybe even hope a little.
2) Lt. Walter Novak and Allie Miller (A Distant Melody, Sarah Sundin). A Distant Melody is a fairly new book, published this year as Sundin's first novel, but it is easily the best World War II fiction piece I have read. And this has everything to do with Walter and Allie. Allie is beautiful and well-off but longing for a love that is more than convenience. Walter is the stumbling, shy airman with a kind heart. Both consider themselves unattractive. Both struggle with what truth is. And both are delightful. Their chemistry and the appreciation they find in each other hooked me by page thirty-six. Love changes the way we see ourselves and that is definitely true of Walt and Allie's relationship. I couldn't wait to read their happy ending fast enough.
3) Neal Caffrey (White Collar, USA). Neal Caffrey, played by Matt Bomer, is a suave and slick criminal. The intelligent con man who can flirt his way into any situation. Neal could be the poster child for the bad boy every woman thinks she can save. And in his case, she might be able to. Neal's world thrives on shades of gray--except when it comes to his friends and the woman he loves. He'll do anything for her and is trusting to a fault. He's the con man with a heart of gold. And he's a genius creation. One of the best I've ever encountered. I just can't get enough of his story.
What about you? What do you think makes a great character and who are some of your favorites?
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