Thoughts on Creative Compromise & Giveaway signed copy MIDDLE SCHOOL, THE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts

Last weekend, I went to a League of Vermont Writers meeting. One of the speakers was Chris Tebbetts.  He talked about his experiences with co-authoring, ghost writing, and writing alone.  The whole talk was interesting, but one particular phrase stuck in my mind: creative compromise.

It struck me how vitally important creative compromise is to any writer who strives to not just write for their own pleasure or the enjoyment of a small circle of friends and family, but rather to be published on a larger scale. At the highest levels, creative compromise is essential when working with editors and marketing. Before that, it’s indispensible when brainstorming future projects and revising with an agent. For that matter, what value is there in searching out and sharing with critique partners or mentors if you aren’t open to creative compromise?  

To me, being open to creative compromise is freeing. Its roots are in my desire to brainstorm ways to change or develop a project, or to simply figure out how to widen a story’s scope so it will be enjoyed by a larger audience, or to make a story clearer and stronger. Creative compromise is a wonderful thing.  It’s like having a million extra brain cells or as many eyes as a spider. Sure it’s important to not let the original idea morph into something which I’m unhappy or embarrassed to be connected to. Create compromise is about agreeing and disagreeing. But I think it’s equally important not to let stubbornness or tunnel vision blind me—or to fear that my ideas will get stolen if I share with others. Of course, being careful who I share with is important. 

Create compromise has helped me push my writing to the next level. How about you? How do you feel about creative compromise? Have you benefitted from it as a writer?

Since I enjoyed listening to Chris Tebbetts this last weekend, I’m giving away a signed copy of MIDDLE SCHOOL, THE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE which he co-authored with James Patterson.  Check out Chris Tebbetts' website here.

To enter you must follow me here as well as @patesden on Twitter and leave a comment below.  The winner will be drawn on February 5^th. For an extra chance to win follow @christebbetts on Twitter.

Links for Starting A New Writing Project & Giveaway: Phyllis Whitney’s WRITING JUVENILE STORIES AND NOVELS.

There is a lot of talk about how the internet is a horrible time suck, a devil waiting to distract writers from their work. This certainly is true. However, it also can be a great way to prepare for starting a new project.  The trick is to set limits on how long you rev your writing engine before you actually start writing.

In the spirit of inspired beginnings here is a podcasts series, a YouTube and websites I used recently to help me get ready to start my new project.  Read the rest at   Five Curiosities Blog

Interview: Robin Constantine THE PROMISE OF AMAZING

Hi Robin, I’m so excited about your novel THE PROMISE OF AMAZING and thrilled that you agreed to this interview.  I read the book shortly after it came out on December 31^st and absolutely fell in love with the story and characters.

First, can you tell can you tell us what THE PROMISE OF AMAZING is about?

First and foremost it’s a romance, but it’s also a story about friendship and family and a lot of high school drama!  The book opens on a day that Wren Caswell is having a “what am I going to do with my life crisis” and by the end of the chapter she is saving Grayson’s life.   Grayson is also putting back the pieces of what was once his post high school dream – so when their worlds collide, he considers it an act of fate.  The story is about their semi-volatile beginning, and how they ultimately choose to take a chance on each other in spite of some past mistakes.  Oh, and there are cocktail weenies.

I had the pleasure of hearing you read a couple of scenes from THE PROMISE OF AMAZING and I was totally hooked by Wren’s voice (and the cocktail weenies). Can you talk a little about your inspiration for Wren and about finding her voice?

Thank you, Patty!!  I was so happy everyone laughed at the right moments during that reading!

As for Wren…I wanted to write a story that would relate to some of what a typical teenager goes through when they hit junior year and are suddenly expected to have concrete goals regarding what they want to do with their life.  I know I went through this in high school and I also went through this process with my son as I wrote TPofA.  So there’s this huge pressure wondering what path you want to take to your future, and yet, you’re still living, experiencing classes, and jobs and a social life and your brain is still developing!  On this side of the experience, it’s different of course, I’m firmly a ‘bloom where you’re planted’ advocate but I wasn’t that way in high school – everything took on epic meaning.  Like “if I don’t get into this school my life will be over before it starts”.   So finding Wren’s voice was easy because it was peppered and influenced by my own experience.

The other point of view in the book is Grayson. Where did the idea for his character and voice come from, and was writing from a guy’s point of view more difficult for you?

Grayson was a character in another novel I ended up scrapping because it was a book two to a book one that never sold, so, um, you get the picture.  It was funny because he was only supposed to be a secondary character but he kept stealing every scene he was in – any time he was on the page the scene came to life, so naturally I wanted to put him with the main character of that book even though he wasn’t supposed to be with her!  So when I put that project aside, and started working on TPofA I took him with me and expanded his character.

As for writing from a guy’s POV…I was worried I couldn’t pull it off but my critique group helped me get that confidence. TPofA is the first book I’d written from dual POV and I really wanted to make it sound genuine. Boys can be gruffer and more direct, especially with each other.  It’s also about a certain cadence.  Grayson’s POV was slightly more difficult because he was very visceral and shoot from the hip in my initial draft and I had to reign him in a bit.  His chapters needed more editing during revision.

Is the book’s setting imaginary or based on places where you’ve lived? Did you have to any research to make sure the setting details were accurate?

It’s set in my hometown but everything else is fictional – the schools, the Camelot, Leaning Tower.  Now if you asked me if these places are inspired by real places…absolutely.  I didn’t even realize how much until I went back to my high school for a reunion over the summer.  I was walking down the halls and I kept thinking – this is where this scene takes place, this is where that scene takes place…it was WILD.  The same goes for when I was wandering around town.  There’s a scene in a park and I could probably point out the exact bench where I imagined it taking place.  I didn’t feel comfortable using the real name for anything because you never know how something you’ve written is going to be taken. I did do some research for the police station scenes, mostly about procedure though.  I think it’s important to have specific details to give authenticity to your writing.

THE PROMISE OF AMAZING is a story about how meeting one amazing person can change your personality and life. Have you ever met someone who has done this for you and if so what happened?

I think I might get in trouble if I don’t mention my husband!  We met when we were sixteen and we were friends for a while before we started officially dating but whenever we were in the same place we always gravitated toward each other. The thing my husband has always been able to do is make me laugh, both at myself and at life in general.  He’s the one who knows how to bring a smile to my face. I always used to take myself so seriously but he has a way of looking at a situation and pointing out the absurd.  I can be myself with him, the good, the bad and the ugly.

On a different note, because I certainly think amazing people can help you change even if you’re not romantically involved, my freshman year English teacher, Mr. Prior solidified by love of books.  I remember he read Romeo and Juliet out loud and did the voices and he would make the learning environment less of a drag.  This class definitely shaped me into the writer I am today.  In other hands, the class might have been a snore!!

What place would each of your main characters view as the most romantic spot in the world?

Well, they are teens – so I would say the Jersey shore but not the one on TV.  Spending the day together at the beach, then hitting the boardwalk would be ideal.  But to be totally cheesy and cute…the most romantic spot would be anywhere they were together! 

(Check out this YouTube and hear Robin answer this question in even more detail) 

Where can people order THE PROMISE OF AMAZING?

IndieBound, B&N, Amazon, Powell’s and iBookstore!

Thank you so much, Robin. I truly enjoyed reading THE PROMISE OF AMAZING and so excited that you were willing to stop by and answer a few questions.

Interview With Jen McConnel Author of THE SECRET OF ISOBEL KEY

Welcome Jen!  I’m thrilled that you agreed to let me interview you--and congratulation on THE SECRET OF ISOBEL KEY being one of the seven books to be included on Bloomsbury Sparks launch list. This one book I’m definitely looking forward to reading. And, since it's coming out tomorrow, I don't have long to wait.

First can you tell us what THE SECRET OF ISOBEL KEY is about and what inspired you to write it?

Thanks so much for having me, Patty! ISOBEL is the story of a young woman, Lou, who’s completely lost after college. A trip to Scotland throws her into the search for information about Isobel Key, a woman accused of witchcraft in the sixteen hundreds. She might also fall into a little Highland fling with her tour guide, Brian. ;)

I traveled to Scotland a few years ago, and it was cold and miserable the entire trip.  Even though I thought I hated that vacation, the misty got into my blood, and in 2009 I sat down to write and found myself telling this story. The beautiful (albeit wet) setting and rich history inspired me so much!

ISOBEL KEY has an interesting publication history.  Originally you self-published it, and then you accepted an offer from Bloomsbury Spark. Can you talk a little more about these two experiences and how one led to the other?

I feel so lucky; I get to live my debut twice! Self-publishing was a great choice, and one I plan to revisit with future works at some point, but it’s darn hard work. To be fair, writing and publishing in any form is darn hard work, but I learned so much from my self-pub experience that I’ve been able to apply to the re-release. I never planned for ISOBEL to make this leap, but I am so happy it did.  I actually subbed a completely different manuscript to Bloomsbury Spark, and it was rejected.  The editor and I started talking about my other work, however, and I was thrilled when ISOBEL was accepted.

The story takes place in Scotland both in modern times and the 17^th century.  What sort of research did you do to preparing to write and did the dual time lines cause any special issues? Did you visit any of the places in your story?

I love history (I’ve actually got a history minor), so the historical research for this story was a lot of fun. The travel research was even better; with the exception of Edinburgh castle, I visited every site that worked its way into the book.  The dual time lines were really fun to play with, but the biggest challenge came in figuring out where to place the historical scenes. I moved them around a lot until I found a good fit, but it took a lot of tweaking!

James VI of Scotland is a fascinating historical figure, particularly his trip to fetch his bride from Denmark. Does James VI make an appearance in the novel? No, don’t tell me. It might spoil the story. But can you give us some background into the attitudes toward witchcraft and surrounding events in 17^th century Scotland?

Scotland actually came really late to the witch mania of Europe; in fact, is wasn’t until the 1590s that the first people were accused of witchcraft in Scotland, and the accusations continued far after many other places had stopped, well into the eighteenth century (the early 1700s). It was a pretty gruesome time, and no one is entirely sure how many people were accused in those two centuries.

Scottish guys? Any thoughts on what makes some of them so irresistible? (For your information, I’m married to one--well, at least, a large part of my husband’s blood is Scottish.)

I’m married to one, too! :) From a writing standpoint, I think it’s the burr of the accent that makes readers (and, ahem, authors) swoon. There’s just something about a guy with an accent...and the kilts don’t hurt, either!

What spot in Scotland would each of your main characters view as the most romantic?

I think Lou would find the beach at St. Andrews to be the most romantic spot (for reasons you’ll discover when you read the book!), while Brian loves the misty Isle of Skye. Tammy likes the bustle and history in Edinburgh, and Isobel Key found romance in the kitchens of the University of St. Andrews (which has been around since her time and longer!).

Where can people order THE SECRET OF ISOBEL KEY?

The book will be available on all eBook platforms, but right now it’s up for pre-order a few places.

Learn More: Bloomsbury | Website| Goodreads | Bloomsbury Spark |

Purchase : Amazon | B&N | Google | iTunes | Kobo |

It’s also available as an audiobook! Audible |

Thanks so much for inviting me to stop by! :)

Bio:

Jen McConnel first began writing poetry as a child. A Michigander by birth, she now lives and writes in the beautiful state of North Carolina. When she isn't crafting worlds of fiction, she teaches college writing composition and yoga. Once upon a time, she was a middle school teacher, a librarian, and a bookseller, but those are stories for another time.  She is the author of The Secret of Isobel Key (NA 2013) and Daughter of Chaos (YA 2014).  Visit www.jenmcconnel.com to learn more.

Website: http://www.jenmcconnel.com/

Twitter: @Jen_McConnel

Blog: http://jennifermcconnel.wordpress.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6451403.Jen_McConnel

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jenmcconnelauthor

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jenmcconnel

Interview with Lexa Cain & Chance to Win a Copy of YA novel SOUL CUTTER

WINNER OR THE SOUL CUTTER GIVEAWAY IS ALEX CAVANAUGH! CONGRATULATIONS!

Welcome Lexa!  I’m thrilled that you agreed to let me interview you--and congratulations on the publication of your YA horror novel SOUL CUTTER. It sounds like a fantastic read.

First can you tell us what SOUL CUTTER is about and what inspired you to write it?

Soul Cutter is sort of about being a fish out of water, and you can’t get more out of water than being stranded in a desert. My heroine, Élan, goes to Egypt to search for her mother but finds the supernatural, a killer, and an unexpected romance. And a sewer -- which she ends up in. They didn’t include any of that in the travel brochures! The idea for the novel came to me after reading stories about haunted hotels in the US. Procrastination and web-surfing sometimes pay off!

Many people who write stories that are set in Egypt have very little or no direct knowledge of the setting. This is not true in your case.  Can you tell us a little about your personal knowledge of Egypt?

I came to Egypt twenty years ago and worked as a singer/dancer in resorts in every major city. I’ve visited amazing sites like the Valley of the Kings and the pyramids and learned a lot about Egypt and Egyptians. I’ve also met tourists from all over the world. I couldn’t help but notice each nationality has their own quirks, like how they hold their liquor. For instance, the more the Dutch drink, the happier they get -- and they’re very happy a lot of the time. Koreans only like tea and will profusely thank anyone who passes in their vicinity, whether it’s a waiter or not. Egyptians don’t drink (it’s against their religion), but there are some Christian Egyptians who partake occasionally. Being unused to drinking, they end up on their faces so fast you’d think the floor was greased.

What sort of research did you do to prepare to write SOUL CUTTER?

Haha! I have the best research help there is -- I’m married to an Egyptian!

Your website is not only a great source for information on Egyptian wildlife and mythology, but you also have writing tips.  What do you think are the most important keys to writing a successful horror novel?

Writing a horror novel isn’t much different from writing any speculative fiction novel. It’s important to keep the setting and the characters’ reactions realistic and logical. If everything makes sense to the reader, they’ll believe in the story you’re telling. Then when you insert supernatural elements or big plot twists later on, they’re invested enough to accept them. Also, it’s imperative for a writer to get quality feedback, whether from an editor, agent, or CPs. We can get too close to our own work to see it properly and need fresh perspectives from those we trust.

It sounds like there is a romantic element to your novel.  If they could go anywhere in the world, where would each of your main characters take someone on a date?

I think Ramsey (the hero) would like to take Élan (the heroine) on a ski vacation in the mountains of his homeland, Lebanon. Knowing her, she’d be determined to conquer every slope and bravely follow him off ski jumps even if she landed on her face. Knowing him, he’d help her up while trying desperately not to laugh. And who wouldn’t enjoy snuggling in front of the lodge’s fireplace at the end of the day?

Can you tell us a little about your publisher MuseItUp and about where people can order SOUL CUTTER?

I’m so lucky to have published with MuseItUp. Everyone there has been kind, supportive, and  always willing to answer questions. The content and copy editors helped me a lot in making Soul Cutter the best book possible. It’s been such a wonderful experience, and I’d encourage anyone to consider publishing with a small press or e-book publisher -- the personal attention you get is well worth it.

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Soul-Cutter-Lexa-Cain-

MuseItUp Publishing: https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore/index.php/coming-soon/december-2013/soul-cutter-detail

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/soul-cutter-lexa-cain/1117299045?ean=2940045359245

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/372641

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/soul-cutter

Thank you so much, Lexa. I’m looking forward to reading SOUL CUTTER and so excited that you were willing to stop by and answer a few questions for us.

Leave a comment below and be entered to win a copy of SOUL CUTTER.  The drawing will end next Thursday Dec 19^th.  Every time you share this post on Twitter, Facebook or other media will count as an additional entry. Be sure to mention where you shared and leave your email in your comment.

#

Official Bio:

Lexa Cain can be found lounging beneath a palm tree, sipping mango juice, and gazing at the glorious turquoise waters of the Red Sea… Ha! In reality, she’s glued to her computer, typing away on new projects, including a sequel to Soul Cutter. Once a week, she does manage to pry butt from chair long enough to go out for pizza and to watch delighted tourists ride camels (which are way bigger up close than you’d imagine).

Feel free to stalk her here:

Lexa's Blog

Facebook

Facebook Author Page

Goodread Profile

Goodread Soul Cutter

About to Come Up for Air

I’ve had my head down working on revisions for the last couple of months. But I'll be coming up for air at the end of this week, starting with a great writer interview. Actually, I have three fantastic interviews and giveaways in line for the next several weeks.

So, keep an eye out. The first interview takes us to Egypt for a debut YA horror novel, the next is a NA set in Scotland, and then back to the U.S. for a YA romance.