There's nothing like a road trip, especially when it's a spur-of-the-moment, in-your-face, meant-to-be chance for a fair day. How many times does something like this come along? So when Chaney Bennett sent along The Miles Between by Mary E. Pearson, I went along on the ride. Thank you, Chaney and Mary!
I mean, how cool is this idea? Mary sent four ARCs of The Miles Between out on a cross country road trip, the final destination to be her editor's desk. My ARC started out in San Diego, then to Texas, and arrived for me in Massachusetts.
Mary wrote The Adoration of Jenna Fox, a powerful, thought-provoking book I absolutely loved, so I couldn't wait to read The Miles Between.
The Miles Between is a lighter read, the story of Destiny Faraday and three of her classmates, who venture out on a spontaneous road trip, in search of their "one fair day--a day where the good guy wins and everything adds up to something just and right." This story has a touch of magic a la Cinderella, though nothing is what it seems, with plenty of poignant secrets to be revealed. You know this means tissues, right?
I thought I'd share a couple photos of The Miles Between at a couple of my favorite spots.
I LOVE statues and there is one awesome statue in my town square, of a girl reading to a boy on a stone bench. Of course in real life, these children would be too young to read Mary's book, but for the sake of a photo opportunity, I thought this looked great.
Next, I decided since the ARC was on a road trip, it was a good time to go the beach. We drove a little over an hour and stopped by our favorite breakfast place, Mary Ellen's Portuguese Bakery, for eggs, bacon, home fries, toast and coffee. Then, on to the Falmouth Road Race Finish Line Stone Garden overlooking the ocean, for this inspiring photo.
The Miles Between ARC is going to have plenty of mileage. It's headed back to California....to...drumroll, please...Becky Levine! I actually found out about the road trip from Becky, and think it's only fair to let her join in on all this fun.
Yay! for road trips! What trips are you planning?
It's been awhile since I last posted and I wish it was because of the stuff dreams and fabulous happy dances are made of, like Beth Kephart's NOTHING BUT GHOSTS book release, so beautiful, an absolute must read, or Shelli's wonderful agent contract. Alas, no such luck.
Yet.
It will come.
I'd have a chance if I could finish my revisions, but somehow, life is getting in my way. Imagine that. The children are on Day 2 of Summer Vacation and I fear my appearance will be spotty for awhile, what with negotiating peace and preventing hostile takeovers, while keeping my sanity to write. Of course, you know that once I publish this post, I'll start thinking of other things to post, right?
I've lost focus during the Summer Revision Smackdown, and got caught up with a new manuscript. The working title still remains a mystery, yet, the first draft is almost done. Now it's time for me to stop procrastinating and finish PB, my YA historical novel. This has been a challenging project and I'll be thrilled when I can say it is finished and in an agent's hands.
For now, dear friends, I need to concentrate on my work. This is the summer my life will change.
What are your summer plans?
I've been toying with the idea of recording my own audiobooks for my children's listening pleasure. It all started out with finding out about LibriVox a few months ago and thinking this might be a fun project to do with the kids this summer, as we all act out different voices in a book. Then, I heard Sherrie and Drew's podcast, and it really hit home what a great bonding experience this could be. Of course, it may be biting off more than I can chew--imagine the chaos from three strong-willed children--so for now, I'm going to start off small and try this out myself.
I decided to begin with Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, courtesy of Project Gutenberg. This has been trickier than I thought--it is definitely a work-in-progress. Still, it has been a great learning experience.
In case you'd like to hear my voice--here's Chapter 1: Down the Rabbit Hole, in 11 minutes and 40 seconds. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Enjoy!
Join us tomorrow, Wednesday, June 17th, 6pm PST/ 9pm EST for a readergirlz LiveChat with Sara Zarr, author of SWEETHEARTS. It'll be a rockin' time with great conversation.
Come on by!
Colleen of Chasing Ray gathered a group of authors, including my two friends--readergirlz diva Lorie Ann Grover and the wonderful Beth Kephart--and asked, "What book affected you the most as a tween/teen?"
Love their answers.
I have the honor of being in the Summer Revision Smackdown Spotlight today. I'm talking revisions at Cuppa Jolie. Ack!
When I wrote the answers out yesterday, they sounded half-way decent. Now they're posted on Jolie's blog, and all of a sudden, I have an urge to revise. Gah!
Please stop by and say hello!
[Edited to Add: Nathan Bransford has a timely post: Revision Checklist]
[Edited to Add: Nathan Bransford has a discussion post: You Tell Me: How Do You Know Your Novel Is Really Finished?]
Join us tomorrow, Tuesday, June 9th, 6pm PST/ 9pm EST for a readergirlz LiveChat with Melissa Walker! It's all about Lovestruck Summer!
Curious?
We have one new name to add to the "winners" list for Lessons from a Dead Girl and Jumping off Swings by Jo Knowles.
Gaby317!
Please send me your snail mail address to hipwritermama @ comcast.net by 5pm, Saturday, June 6th.
Oh. My. Goodness. I was of the Edward camp when I read Twilight...but watch this movie trailer.
Jacob! Now, he is something...
Thanks, readergirlz, for posting this one!
Come and join readergirlz! All you need to have is the love of reading - and pick up the book of the month at your local library or bookstore. Then, as you read it, discuss it with other readers at the readergirlz blog.
Simply put, readergirlz is an interactive book group, open to all ages (and both genders - we do have readerguys!) But it's so much more than that. Reading a book isn't the same thing as experiencing a book. We want you to read, reflect, and reach out. That's why, every month, we pick a book which features strong, gutsy girls, then go beyond that. We recommend additional titles (see below for our postergirlz picks) and inform you of outreach programs that tie-in to the book we're discussing. Every issue also has an exclusive interview with the author of that month's book as well as a playlist created by the author, discussion questions, and tips on hosting your own book group.
This Month's Book of the Month
Sweethearts by Sara Zarr is our June selection for readergirlz.
When Jennifer was in elementary school, she had only one friend. His name was Cameron, and he meant the world to her. When they were together, the taunts of their classmates didn't matter . . . as much. Jennifer always felt safe with Cameron - until something horrible happened to them in fifth grade. Shortly thereafter, he stopped coming to class, and then he was just gone with no explanation, no good-bye.
Now it's eight years later, and Jennifer has changed in more ways than one: she's lost weight, gained confidence and friends, and now calls herself Jenna. Then Cameron returns, and Jenna remembers who she used to be - and what took place when they were kids.
Find out more about the book by reading the June issue of readergirlz and our roundtable book discussion.
For more information on this month's readergirlz activities and book recommendations, check out Little Willow's post.
Thanks to readergirlz diva Holly Cupala for designing this month's graphic!
There's still time to enter the fantastic GRACELING Book Giveway!
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt has been kind to offer 10 copies of Kristin Cashore's GRACELING for this generous Book Giveaway! The deadline is this Wednesday, June 3rd. Comment over here on a time you worked through "fear" and did something good for yourself.
It's time for the Summer Revision Smackdown -- Isn't their graphic great? -- with organizers Holly and Jolie! 30 days of revision to a new slimmer, toned version of PB, my historical novel.
It's time to announce the winners for the fantastic Book Giveaway for Lessons from a Dead Girl and ARC of Jumping off Swings by Jo Knowles, courtesy of Candlewick Press!
Here are the ten winners...Congratulations!1. Today is the last day to enter in the Book Giveaway for a combo package of Lessons from a Dead Girl and an ARC of Jumping off Swings by Jo Knowles! Comment here on a time when you last felt carefree. I will close this down at 5pm today.
2. I started a new book last night, The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry. I get nervous with fairy-tale-like stories, because most times they can be quite painful to read, but I must say, this book is really good. Great characters, dialogue, danger and an interesting plot. I can't wait to finish it tonight.
3. Jeff Stone's The Five Ancestors series. I've heard quite a bit about these books and thought my children would like this series since they're really into karate. These books are quick reads--engaging, action packed, great plot with power and emotional struggles--perfect for boys and girls.
4. I've been experimenting with making kim bop -- the Korean version of maki rolls. It brings back memories of hanging out with my mom after school and telling her about my day. My mom filled these with bulgogi (barbecued beef), vegetables and kimchi and I could eat these forever. Mmmm. Total comfort food.
5. Spy Girl and Ninja Girl have been practicing for the school talent show and couldn't wait for yesterday's rehearsal. Spy Girl and a friend are playing "We Will Rock You" on flute and let's just say flutes don't make the same impression as Queen. Ninja Girl and her friend are singing "When There was Me and You" from High School Musical--probably one of the s l o w e s t songs for two girls who each want control of the microphone and belt out the words.
The rehearsal went well. All of the children had fun acts--from comedy, dance routines, singing, karate, unicycle, hula hoops, piano--we had it all. It was interesting watching the children, from kindergarten to fifth grade, all with different levels of talent and intensity, performing their hearts out on stage. All I can say is, man, these kids are brave.
The one thing that really hit home yesterday, and this applies to all of us, is that the level of talent didn't matter. It was the execution that made kids and adults alike--smile, clap and cheer. There were kids who couldn't hold a tune, but their smile, the way they engaged the audience, made up for it.
My words of wisdom for the day:
Confused about which POV to use when writing your story? Alan Rinzler has the Best Advice out there.
Taking a Chance on a Young Agent: Nathan Bransford
Royalties and Books: Moonrat
What's Safe to Syndicate On-Line?: Moonrat
Agents and the Slushpile: 10 Reasons They Stop Reading: Guide to Literary Agents
Summer vacation starts in a little less than 30 days. I need to focus and finish my FINAL revision so my children can have a summer worth remembering.
PB has been my life for the past 1 1/2 years and it's time to let her go. This manuscript has gone from first person to third person to alternate voices. The beginning has changed countless times. Darlings have been loved then killed, scenes rearranged, characters evolved, plots thickened, the story transformed and I couldn't be more pleased.
My fantastic critique group has seen these changes and their feedback ever encouraging. If you're not in a critique group, why not? It will help you in so many ways. Still shy? Check out my critique series. Want more in-depth information? Writer pal, Becky Levine, has a critique book coming out in January, that sounds perfect.
I am so grateful to my group. I just received their latest comments, and man, am I ever ready to finalize details.
So, it's time to get to work.
If you'd like to have a support group to help you through the month of June, come on and join in the Summer Revision Smackdown with organizers Holly and Jolie. Hey, if they can get me to write 5,000 words in a day, I KNOW I can finish my revision.
It's time to get serious and focus. You can do it!!
Posts
All Comments
