J.R. Johansson

Happy Valentine's Day & All That Gooey Stuff

2012-02-14T10:31:00.002-07:00

Here is my deep, dark secret...are you ready?

I hate writing kissing scenes.

*Cue shocked gasp from YA Audience/Writers/World as a whole*

It's true. I try to avoid them at all costs, but somehow they always sneak into my books. I'm pretty sure it's because my brain knows they need to be there and it constructs a build-up to it while I'm not looking. Then I get to the scene and say, "Aww, man...they have to kiss here, don't they?"

In YA circles, this makes me the equivalent of that weird cousin nobody talks about. ;-)

I wondered for awhile what was wrong with me. Why did I dread writing the love scenes and got all excited to write the scary torture scenes? Did I need therapy? Probably. Did this make me a bad writer? No, no it does not. It makes me a thriller writer.

If I refused to put them in when the story clearly called for them, that would make me a bad writer. So, I suffer through the kissing scenes. Sometimes I even like them afterward.

And then I get to go back to making people afraid of what's in their closets...

Happy Valentine's Day! Yay! Love and all that!

P.S. Only a thriller/horror writer could make a Valentine's Day Post the creepiest one ever.

CHRONICLE - Movie Review

2012-02-13T07:55:00.000-07:00

I saw CHRONICLE this weekend.

It blew me away.

For reals.

There were so many things that I loved about this movie. The characters were all deliciously flawed and fantastic, the evolution of the story was seamless, the filming was almost a character in and of itself. It starred three newer actors that were so good. I love that they didn't take a cheap cop-out on the ending. I love that there were sacrifices and costs. I love that each of the characters were changed by their situations in different ways.

And, my favorite part, they built one of the most sympathetic villains I've ever seen.

It was incredible. Every YA writer, and/or human, should see this movie.

Have you seen it? What did you think? If not, do you plan to see it? Can I come with you?...Because it's been a few hours now, and I kind of want to see it again.

Life, the Universe & Everything

2012-02-06T07:38:00.000-07:00

I'm participating as a panelist in a writing conference this week at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. It's called Life, the Universe & Everything, or LTUE, if you're around, you should stop in and check it out. Not only is it one of my favorite conferences, you can't beat the price.

I'm on one panel each day (Feb 9-11). The first day I'll be doing a marketing panel, the second day a horror panel and the third day a panel on breaking into the market.

If you get a chance, come say hi. Heckling is welcome and somewhat expected...but please, don't throw rotten fruit. The smell is surprisingly hard to get out. ;-)

Have you ever been to a conference? What are your favorite conferences? What is your dream conference that you'd love to attend?

Happy Monday!

Promises to Keep

2012-02-01T08:11:00.000-07:00

Today, I feel strong. I feel like I can handle this industry, this profession, and everything that comes with it. I know there are many bumps, and bruises that come with the skills I am building, but they'll be worth it.

Today, I believe that.

Other days, I feel like giving up. I feel like no matter what I create, it will never be good enough. That no matter how far I go, I will always have a mile left to reach the next goal.

The only thing that makes me feel better when I'm having an "Other" day, is knowing that I'm not alone. That all of us feel this way sometimes. Feelings of inadequacy are a plague that attack everyone, everywhere, not just me. As a writer, as a mother, as a friend, we're all certain we are not good enough from time to time.

But remember, we are not alone.

There is always someone else who felt the same, or worse...and kept going. Your pain is not unique to you. There is always someone who had it worse and didn't give up. Persistence is one of the greatest traits of humanity. Do not let go of that. It is in us all to keep trying no matter what.

One of the things that keeps me going is a poem by my favorite poet, Robert Frost. It's called: Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.

The best part is the last stanza:

The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

We all have promises to keep. To our characters, our loved ones, our readers...to anyone who believes in us. I believe in us today. Do you?

Yay Goals!

2012-01-30T08:30:00.000-07:00

I'm nearing the end of my new project and am trying to meet a goal to finish it up by the end of the month.

So, two days to finish the last 10k+ words.

Thus, I have stocked up on Diet Coke, Post-It Notes and Sugar Babies--and now declare this officially the shortest post I've ever done. :) Huzzah!

What goals are you working towards right now?

My Window Had a Bunny

2012-01-27T07:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning, I was on the phone, leaving a message for my doctor and it went something like this:

"Blah blah, this is Jenn, blah blah blah...

AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhh *sound of me jumping up onto my couch, dropping phone, then scrambling to pick up the phone*

"Oh, sorry, I just saw a bunny. Anyway, call me back, thanks, bye!"

...I can only imagine how the nurse who heard my message looked while she listened to it.

Oh dear.

Anyway, this lovely message was left because I'd walked down into the basement and reached up to scratch my kitty's ears (she was sitting in the downstairs window sill) and on the other side of the glass I saw this:

Needless to say, I was not expecting to see a bunny hopping around this close to my window. Also, I've literally never been this close to a bunny in my life...never. So, I promptly called my husband who luckily knows much more about rabbits than I do.

Husband: "Well does it look like it's starving or dehydrated?"

Me: "Um...to me it looks like a very small cow."

Husband: *crickets*

Me: "Am I supposed to do something?"

Husband: *laughing* "Just give it a bowl of water and I'll help get it out when I get home."

Me: "Like what... open the window? Won't it attack me?"

Husband: *cracks up, tells everyone in his office, and sends me this link*

So, we had a bunny for the day. My sons named her Moo which seemed very fitting. Then we found out she belonged to a neighbor down the street and her real name is Cookie...I like our name better.

Don't you just love life's little surprises? :) Have a fantastic weekend!

Also, I have an interview today over on A.G. Howard's blog. She has a lovely site, stop by and say hi!

Being Yourself

2012-01-25T09:04:00.000-07:00

See these shoes? Yeah, I bought them last week in black. I walked around my house in them for about five minutes, looking like Bambi learning to walk, and almost broke every bone in my body.

They are now on their way back to the manufacturer (thank you, ShoeDazzle, for free shipping both ways)...but I still wish I could wear them. I think being unrealistic is part of being a writer. I can see these shoes online and temporarily forget that I have the weakest ankles in the world and have had surgery on both of them. I can pretend that my feet don't feel like a tiny knife is stabbing into them whenever I wear anything higher than pumps. I can see these and think--

Oh yeah, I could rock that look.

No, self. No, you cannot.

My theory is that being able to believe in these delusions makes me a better writer. If I can create entire worlds and characters that I care so much about that they feel real...why couldn't I convince myself that I can wear these shoes?

I guess if I'm going to delude myself into believing that I can do something I cannot, then buying the wrong shoes isn't the worst way to go. I mean, I could delude myself into believing I can take my advance to Vegas and double it. Or that if I buy enough tickets then I will win the lottery...right? Buying super cute shoes and then returning them the next day = not so bad.

What about you? What have you deluded yourself into believing lately?

Short & Sweet or Long & Luxurious?

2012-01-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

Most writers seem to fall into one of two distinct styles of drafting. First, is the short and sweet method. These writers tend to fall on the short end of beginning word counts and the first draft looks like something between a skeleton of the story and an extremely detailed outline. These writers spend most of their revisions fleshing out their story, plot, character and scenes. Putting some meat on the bones, so to speak.

Second, is what I call the long and luxurious method. These writers tend to fall on the high end of the word count range and spend most of the revisions cutting. They hone in on the unnecessary scenes, characters, description and trim it down to only that which is essential to the story.

I'm a short and sweet writer and I like it this way, but I'm pretty sure it's simply because this method is my comfort zone. I love adding new things during revisions and seeing my story brought to life in a whole new way. It's my favorite part.

What kind of writer are you? Which path do you take? What do you like most about your chosen method? Also, Happy Monday!!

Licking My Wounds...

2012-01-20T09:20:00.002-07:00

So, I've been trying to recover from the sad loss of my Packers *sniffle* at my first trip to Lambeau Field last weekend (feel free to express condolences ;-)...) and it got me thinking. No truly heroic story, in life or in fiction can be accomplished without major setbacks along the way. In the story I'm working on at the moment, my MC is thrown so many curveballs I'm starting to wonder if she can still see straight, but those challenges and defeats will make her stronger in the end. I always say that hell is probably a special place where characters get to exact revenge on their creators. *shudders* Yet another reason to always be kind to your fellow man and all that.

And so is life. Have you had any obstacles thrown your way lately? Thrown anything difficult at your characters? Just remember, the dark parts make reaching the light at the end of the tunnel that much more rewarding.

Dreams

2012-01-13T08:31:00.000-07:00

I know you're all probably sick and tired of hearing about it, but by the time this post goes live on Friday, I'll be on my way to Green Bay. As I sit here writing it the night before, there's pretty much nothing else I can think about right now.

So...

I'M GOING TO SEE A PACKERS PLAY OFF GAME IN PERSON!! Wahoo!!! Go Pack Go!!!!

Ahem...now that I've gotten that out of my system. Let me get to the point of this post. I've seen many of my dreams come true in the last few years, this weekend just one of them. I'm lucky and blessed and so far 2012 has been pretty freakin' fantastic.

Here's to a year full of dreams come true for all of us.

P.S. I'll wave at you from the stands! :) Have a great weekend!

The Art of Emotion

2012-01-11T08:59:00.002-07:00

I've worked hard at learning to write with emotion. It hasn't always come easy to me, but I now consider it one of my strengths. An interesting claim when my last two protagonists were 1 - a teenage boy (not exactly known for being expressive with their emotions) and 2 - an emotionally-stunted teen girl.

Both of these characters have more of a show not tell method of expressing emotion. They don't like to talk about it and they'd rather those around them didn't either, but still, they let people know they care about them in one backward way or another. But it's definitely been a challenge.

One thing that's really helped me is I'm a big fan of nonverbal communication. I love people watching. If you go to the mall or a restaurant, you can see the state of people's relationships just by watching their bodies and facial expressions. The couple that walks as far apart as they can, the couple that is so close you can tell they'd occupy the same space if it was possible. The couple that holds hands out of habit, but never actually look at each other. There is so much you can tell by the way people move.

I try to use as much nonverbal communication of emotion as possible in my books (my choice of characters often make it necessary). It's been hard at times, but I truly believe it's made me a stronger writer. How about you? How do you communicate emotion in your writing?

I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends

2012-01-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

I've been working on some scenes in my new project and I'm struggling a bit. My main character is strong-willed, stubborn, and completely distrusting of others. She has some darn good reasons for it, but as she's growing and evolving, I want her to learn to accept help from other people, but not too much help. The balance is hard to find.

See, here's the problem. I have an intense dislike for books where the main character is dragged along with things happening to them along the way. I want dynamic main characters who take action and make things happen. Sometimes it feels like accepting help from other characters takes away from that initiative and I don't want to steal that from her. What do you think? Do you guys ever run into these problems? Any suggestions?

Are You Feeling It? (+ Excerpt!)

2012-01-06T09:00:00.001-07:00

I'm working on a new project that, quite frankly, is creeptastic. And I love it. It's at times like these when I remember why I started writing in the first place. It isn't about query requests, submission feedback, even publication.

It's about the writing. The connection to the story that takes you away from this world in a way nothing else can. It's our own legal drug, a constantly available escape route. And there is nothing like it.

How are things with your writing? Are you feeling it?

Here's a tiny excerpt from my next book. Enjoy! And have great weekend!

~~~

He’sthere. The Father squeezes my shoulder too tight. He wakes me from a peacefulsleep to a world of pain. He stands over me, looks at me, but doesn’t see. His hairis perfect, every strand in place. Everything about him and his life isorderly, well-kept. Everything except for me and Sam. We are the dirty things.His secrets.

I reach out for Sam’s small fingersbeside me, but he isn’t there. My heart pounds in my head and I bolt upright,looking to his hiding places. The corner where he hid with his puppet.The scrap of blanket he put over his head when we played together. Everything is in its place—except for Sam.

They took him while I slept, and he isn’t back yet.

Never both of us, never at the sametime. If the Father had come for me, too…why didn’t he bring back Sam?

“Get up.” The Father’s voice spilledcontempt, disgust. “You have to bury the boy.”

Um, Welcome?

2012-01-03T09:16:00.001-07:00

Like many bloggers, I have a tracker that sends me updates on my visits. I have an avg daily number of 100 - 250 visits depending on whether I posted that day. Last week, I got the e-mail with my stats and expected them to be next to nil during the holidays.

When I opened it and read that I'd had over 5k hits that week so far, I was sure it was a typo. So, I pulled up the site and double checked it. It wasn't a mistake. I had nearly 3k visitors just that day. Turns out, people were pretty curious about this whole 2012 thing around New Years. Particularly people in India and China. Indians and Chinese = very interested in 2012. Who knew?

When I posted last month about my "Reasons 2012 Will Rock", I never expected to end up with so many hits because of it. In fact, I almost feel like I owe them an apology for not having more scientific information about 2012. Like someone planned a surprise party for me at my house and no one told me to clean. I'm standing here in my bathrobe and slippers and apologizing that guests have to look at my sad Christmas tree which is still up and trying to make sure no one ends up with a chocolate from someone's stocking stuck to their bum.

I was unprepared to have so many people interested in what I had to say about the future. Perhaps I should've consulted a psychic, read my horoscope, or at least researched a bit on this whole Mayan calendar/end of the world thing everyone keeps talking about. But I didn't.

I'm sorry China and India. I'll do better next time...Also, HI! Nice to meet you!

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

2011-12-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

I'm currently trying to plow through the second half of my WIP, have two kids home from school, a closet of unwrapped presents, and a house full of relatives...

So, I'm going to take the rest of the year off.

Man do I feel like a slacker typing that. Luckily, it's only about 10 days or so, I'm sure you'll all forgive me. Assuming there are any of you that are still reading and not already celebrating your own holiday...is anyone there?

*echo, echo*

Okay, well just know that I'm grateful for each of you and your friendship. Thanks for hanging with me through all the ups and downs of 2011. I'm looking forward to all of us having even more to celebrate in 2012!!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
Jenn

Reasons 2012 Will Rock - Part 3

2011-12-16T09:22:00.001-07:00

And now, more embracing 2012 fun. Here are a few more reasons to get excited about the upcoming year.

1 - There are some FREAKTASTICALLY-AWESOME new books coming out. So many that I'm bound to miss a ton, so I'll just name the first three that pop up in my head: Everneath by Brodi Ashton, The Breakaway by Michelle Davidson Argyle, Shadow & Bone by Leigh Bardugo. -- and so, SO many more. Dude. Good books in 2012!!

2 - My good friend, Renee Collins, posted this week about the dreaded scary scenario of what happens if you get an agent, it doesn't work out, and you have to start over. It technically happened at the end of 2011...but I'm sure her happy ending will carry right through next year, so we'll count it. Stop by and congratulate Renee on her new agent! I couldn't be more ecstatic for you, girl! :-D

3 - Very early in 2012, I'll be finishing my current WIP. It's deliciously dark and totally fitting for a year in which the end of the world has been predicted. I'll post an excerpt at some point. This book keeps me awake at night. For real.

So, any new reasons this week to be excited for next year? Add to my fun, will you?

Link the Blogs

2011-12-14T08:06:00.000-07:00

I just came across a couple of posts this week that meant a lot to me and I wanted to share them with you guys.

First the Shooting Stars blog by Bethany Wiggins. She posted about the time demands of being an Author and a Mom/Parent.

Second, a post by the fantastic Elana Johnson about Defining Success.

Last, but certainly not least, a post by my dear friend L.T. Elliot that I think truly demonstrates the power of the human spirit. If you don't watch anything else this Christmas season, read this and remember why love for our fellow-man is so important. And watch the video, for you, for your kids, for all of our future.

And I Love Once Upon A Time...

2011-12-12T08:47:00.000-07:00

I have a secret...I'm not really a fairy-tale kind of girl. Or let me rephrase that, I'm not really a Disney fairy-tale kind of girl. So, to be honest, I was completely prepared to be bored out of my mind with the new tv series Once Upon A Time.

And I am so not bored.

Is anyone else watching this? What do you think about it? I'm loving all the dark and twisty turns these familiar stories are taking. I love the way Snow White and Prince Charming fell in love, for that matter, I love why his name is Charming. I'm having so much fun with the show and seriously can't wait for the next episode. The storylines are so masterfully interwoven. The actors are fantasic. Just love...love, love, love.

Anyway, if you can't tell...this new show has my hearty recommendation. Check it out. Did you find any good new shows this fall? Do tell!

Reasons 2012 Will Rock - Part 2

2011-12-09T09:32:00.001-07:00

Today I'm continuing my fun new tradition of embracing 2012 a little early on Fridays. I came up with a few more reasons to love 2012.

~ It begins and ends with the same number. I'm a fan of this in words, like: mom, dad, lol, etc. It makes me feel all rounded out.

~ In May, I'll be teaching two classes at the Storymakers Conference with my writing buddies, Kasie West and Natalie Whipple. This is the first time I've ever taught a conference and we're teaching TWO classes. So excited and nervous.

That's plenty of 2012 excitement for me this week. Any new 2012 excitement for you guys this week? What's up?

And Sometimes My Head Explodes

2011-12-07T09:17:00.000-07:00

So, my entire family has come down with strep. We've had four doctors visits and one E.R. visit in the last week--and I'm tired. So, my post today will be short, sweet and about you.

How long have you been writing? What made you decide to do it? What is your biggest struggle with the publishing industry so far? Your biggest joy? Please, do tell. My fatigued brain wants to know more about you wonderful people.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

2011-12-05T08:18:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while, I like to pretend that I'm one of those women with the gorgeous Christmas trees and beautifully lit yards, but I'm not. The reality is sadly more like a haphazard mishmash of Christmas ornaments and decorations that my kids turn into piles of Christmas debris. It looks somewhat like a Christmas volcano exploded...and not everyone got out alive.

But, there's still a certain beauty in the madness of it, and I wouldn't change that beauty for anything.

Sometimes I notice the same thing in my writing. The nice, organized plan I start with can become messy and muddied--even cluttered somewhere in the middle. That box of ornaments you forgot about is very much like the character you never planned on. But if you refuse to give it a chance, you'll never see how beautiful it can look on the tree.

I love the messy madness of my writing process. It may take a little clean-up afterward, but I wouldn't have it any other way. How about you? Is your writing process as neat & tidy as your Christmas decorating?

Reasons 2012 Will Rock - Part 1

2011-12-02T08:30:00.000-07:00

It's December, already freakin' December. Can you believe it? I can't either. And it appears we can't do anything about it.

So, I thought it might be fun to try embracing 2012 a little early. On Fridays in December, I'm going to list one reason that I fully expect next year to rock. So, to get started...

~ How many years have movies named after them before they even arrive? Answer: Not many. Now granted, the movie is about the end of the world, but still. Years that are already movie-worthy = not too shabby.

What do you think? Does the whole predicted-end-of-the-world-thing ruin the sparkly-ness of the New Year for you? What's one thing you're looking forward to in 2012?

In Which I Embrace Technology

2011-11-30T08:14:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about technology and how it effects our lives. Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm kind of a techno-freak. In my house we have three computers, four laptops, four tablets, a kindle, a PS3, Wii, a GameCube, Nintendo 64, PSP, & two Nintendo DS...there are four of us.

Part of this is because I'm married to a computer networker who has a tendency to bring his work/toys home with him, but part of it is because we love technology. None of these items are new, we've acquired them over several years, but when we spend money on things, they tend to be technology oriented. This is what we value. The other thing we value is spending time as a family. We play together...so we have gaming systems and a closet full of board games.

Here is the funny thing. In spite of all this, I've been a bit of a holdout on the e-book front. I love book covers. I love the smell of paper. There is something awesome about getting a new book and pushing against the binding to open it fully for the first time. But...they're heavy, carrying more than one can be cumbersome, and hardback prices add up quickly.

So, I have a Kindle. It's fantastic. I love having so many books in one light-weight format that I can take with me. The prices for e-books are very budget friendly and if you keep your eyes open, there are frequently specials on e-book prices that are practically giving them away. It's also really handy for beta-reading my friends' wonderful books. Does this make up for all the things I miss about having printed books? No. Do I still buy many of my books in an e-book format? Yes.

The answer is, I do both. I love books and bookstores. I support my fellow authors at local signings. I enjoy having their books to hold in my hands. AND I buy e-books--a lot of them. The truth is, I buy more books (in both formats) than I did before. I love this side-effect.

All of this has brought me to a couple of conclusions:

E-books aren't going anywhere, get used to it.
Print books aren't going anywhere, get used to it.
I still love technology.

After all, would you want to write all your books with a quill by candlelight? Nope, not me. What do you think about e-books/technology/etc?

Being Thankful

2011-11-21T08:33:00.001-07:00

It's Thanksgiving! I'll be busy running around like a...well I'll spare our fowl friends from referring to any of them losing their heads, at least until later this week. So, I'll be taking a break until next week. I hope you all have a fantastic holiday and get to spend so much time with those you love that you decide to hibernate until Christmas.

In the meantime, I wanted to start a little chain. I love the tradition of people talking about what they're grateful for this time of year. If you feel so inclined, consider yourself tagged. Do a post this week listing 10 things your grateful for. If you let me know that you did it in the comments, I'll link to your post. I'm focusing on things I sometimes take for granted.

10 Things I'm Grateful For:

1 ~ My family (I'm downplaying this, but it's at the top of my list for a reason)
2 ~ The most amazing beta readers in the world
3 ~ New friends I've made in recent years, both in and out of the publishing community
4 ~ Ahem...the publishing community
5 ~ In this economy, a steady and reliable source of income
6 ~ My agent, a better advocate for my work than I could've ever imagined.
7 ~ My health
8 ~ My creativity
9 ~ Both hope and despair, because I've learned first hand: you can't appreciate having one without experiencing the other
10 ~ You. Thank you for coming to my blog regularly and reading my sometimes useless drivel. I appreciate you more than you know.

There. Now I have a list to refer back to when publishing throws me a curve ball and I feel like hiding under my covers for a week. Something to remind me that no matter what happens in this roller-coaster industry, I am one lucky girl.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

My Thankful Peeps Who Did Their Own Lists:

Chantele Sedgwick
Ruth Josse

10 Things I've Learned About Perseverance--Revisited

2011-11-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've needed a reminder of something I posted a year ago. I thought maybe some of you might need a refresher course on this one as well. So, here we go:

As writers & authors, there are so many things beyond our control. I dedicate this post to everyone who keeps trying anyway.

10 Things I've Learned About Perseverance

1. Nothing about this job is easy.

2. The rejections always come before the requests.

3. Each book will be better than the last.

4. Dreams are worth reaching for, even if you pull a few muscles along the way.

5. Sometimes the perfect agent/editor is the 7th query/pitch, the 20th query/pitch, or the 80th query/pitch... but it is almost never the 1st.

6. It's always too early to quit.

7. Taking a break is not the same as quitting.

8. Everyone has a different timeline for their success. Judging your timeline against that of others helps no one.

9. Ability to learn is worth more than natural talent every day of the week.

10. It only takes one yes.

Have a wonderful weekend, and keep trying.

Shiny New Projects

2011-11-14T08:12:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love shiny new ideas? They're so pretty from a distance, kind of like a star. You think, "Wow, I'd love to play with that bright shiny thing." But also like a star, sometimes you get too close too fast, and then you start on fire or die from all the poisonous gases.

...No? Just me? Alrighty then.

Anyway, I'm just thinking about the adjustment phase that goes into switching from one character/book to another and how to really get myself into the new character's head. It usually takes me several chapters and most of the times I end up trashing the first part of any new book. This works, but isn't the most time-effective way to do it. So, I'm open to trying some new methods.

How about you? Any recommendations? Do you have any tricks you use?

Everneath by Brodi Ashton

2011-11-09T08:11:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to be part of an ARC tour of Everneath by the very awesome Brodi Ashton. It's not coming out until January 24th, 2012, so you guys will have to wait until then to check it out. But right now I'm going to tell you all the reasons you should.

First, let's start with the cover...because DUDE, it's gorgeous! From the dark, twistyness of the smoke to the way the beautiful red dress flows out from her in smoky trails...it's just perfect. The cover is genius.

And trust me, what you find inside the cover? Just as brilliant.

Here's the blurb:

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

~~~

This book has such a great concept. I love that Brodi has taken Greek mythology and really mixed it up. I love dark and twisty, and it has some great surprises hidden in the storyline that are masterful. She has taken a cast of realistically flawed characters and pulled them together into a beautifully tortured story that stuck with me long after I finished reading. If you like paranormal elements and are longing for some darker twists, you have to read Everneath. I can't wait for the sequel! Great job, Brodi!

Yay! My Publishing Contracts!

2011-11-07T07:27:00.000-07:00

Last week, I got not one, but TWO publishing contracts from Italy (Newton Compton) & Germany (Heyne - Fliegt). Not only are these very awesome countries, and very awesome contracts, but they are my first ever publishing contracts!

This is surreal folks, SUR-REAL.

I was informed by another cool writerly buddy *cough* Renee Collins *cough* that I was supposed to take pictures of me signing. And so, here begins the picture taking journey.

This is me being surprised when I realized I was getting 6 copies in each of these two beautiful languages. I don't know what I will do with these copies. Maybe get a pedestal with bullet-proof glass and an alarm that triggers if anyone breathes around it too heavily?

Yeah...I'm still throwing around ideas.

This is me displaying my contract proudly. Isn't it so pretty?! I tried really hard not to drool on it. And look! Most of my facial paralysis (the infamous Bell's Palsy) is gone. I still look slightly more relaxed on the right side, but more like that side of my face is on vacation than on strike. I'm pleased to be able to smile with teeth on both sides again.

HUZZAH!

Like I said. November = great. October was sucky beyond all measurable means of suckitude. But November and I get along just fine.

My thumb, complete with celebratory glitter-pink fingernail polish, approves of the contract signage as well as the month of November. There was much happiness throughout the land.

And now to be serious for a moment. This is incredible. I've imagined holding a publishing contract in my hands a million times and it never even came close to the real thing. This road has not been easy, but dude--does this make it all worth it? Yes. Yes, it does. It makes it feel real and I can't even explain how grateful I am. I'm lucky. Beyond lucky.

Share my happiness today? Anything totally fabulous going on with you? Are you and November getting along? Let's start this week off with even more good news.

Marketing 101

2011-11-04T07:39:00.000-06:00

I've had a couple of recent requests for some marketing tips and so today I'm revisiting a post from a couple years back.

My B.S. is in Public Relations with a minor in Psych (watch out or I may analyze you). After graduation I worked as a P.R. Analyst and later a Marketing Coordinator.

With this kind of background, I've developed some pet peeves when it comes to the publishing world. There are so many aspiring authors and debut authors that seem to think the world ends with a happily ever after upon publication. Understandably, they have a hard time looking past that momentous event to the reality of what happens after. This leaves them in a world of hurt.

I've heard it said that it's hard to get published and even harder to stay published. I'm absolutely certain that is the truth. In light of that, I thought I'd do a post with nine quick basic marketing tips.

Many of you may already know most of these. Let's face it, I'm preaching to the choir here. Nonetheless, I hope you might find something new or interesting that can benefit you or another author-friend of yours.

1 - Be accessible - Establish a web presence, have a website, let people find you.

2 - Network, network, network - This one takes hard work, time, and maintenance. Get out to writers conferences, develop a blog following, connect with people who might in turn connect with you.

3 - Have Giveaways/Contests - Universal truth = people love to win things, and it doesn't matter what. Contests and giveaways always raise the excitement level. Help spread the buzz about you and your work, get people involved in new creative ways and they will want to help you succeed.

4 - Start at Home - Get involved on a local level. Become familiar with writers groups, schools, libraries and bookstores in your area, and allow them to be familiar with you.

5 - Contact Bookstores/Libraries/Schools when traveling - Let's be honest, few debut authors get sent on massive, nation wide book tours. Whether or not you have a book tour, if you happen to be traveling, you should take advantage of it. Contacting bookstores/libraries/schools on your travels will help spread the word to other regions.

6 - Learn how to write a good press release & get a list of contacts - This is huge. Monumentally huge. Even if you spent 24 hours a day out there, spreading the word, you won't reach as many people as if you learn to properly utilize the media. And I mean every form of media. Arrange a blog tour, know the contacts of local newspaper, radio, tv, podcasts, vlogs... everything you can think of. Just do it.

7 - Know what is newsworthy - It doesn't take a lot to turn a note in the newspaper calendar into a local interest story, and many more people read those than check out the calendar listings. Service to your community is never a bad thing. Use your meetings and signings to coordinate support to give back to the community.

8 - Gather support - Recognize that your supporters want you to succeed and let them get involved. Form street teams, give them bookmarks to pass out, whatever. Just be creative and help them spread the word on your behalf.

9 - Be yourself - The most interesting and dynamic authors out there are the ones who aren't afraid to have a little fun with it. Enjoy yourself. You are living your dream. Have fun with your marketing and those who are around you will have fun too.

Anyway, there are some basics. If you have any questions, go ahead and leave them in the comments. And have a GREAT WEEKEND! :)

And Now...to NaNo

2011-11-02T15:11:00.002-06:00

So, I've decided to support all that is NaNo... but not by writing. I'll be doing NaNoReMo and focusing on my reading this month. I currently have eight books to beta for my crit partners and then I get to move on to some wonderful published books that I need to catch up on. While I'll still be writing, my focus this month will be on reading.

AND I'm so excited about it!!

How many of you are doing NaNoWriMo/NaNoReMo? How is it treating you so far? Any progress? Do tell!

In Honor of Halloween--A Creepy Excerpt!

2011-10-31T10:38:00.003-06:00

I'm a big fan of all things Creep-tastic. Thus, I love Halloween. So far this year, I've attended three Halloween parties--one as a pirate, one as a beverage, and one as a football player...like I said, I love Halloween. Also, I love today. It's a big day for me. Momentous even. Why? Because my lower right side of my lip is starting to move again!

HUZZAH!

For those of you who don't know, I've spent the last two weeks with the right half of my face paralyzed. It's a temporary thing called Bell's Palsy, but still pretty freaky. So, I'm VERY happy to see a little of my movement starting to return.

In honor of all this, I've decided to post the first page of a project that has been on my mind lately. It's extremely rough, but I love it in all it's creepiness. So, enjoy! And--

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thecity surrounds me. Shiny rectangles so tall I can barely make out where theyend and the sky begins. They wrap me in shadow. Hiding me. Holding me. I feelsafe here, and I don’t remember the last time I felt safe anywhere. The sunsets against an unseen horizon, but I don’t head home. Why should I sleep in acity that doesn’t?

The sounds and smells of this placeare like a different world. It smells like people. The park around me fills theair, green and vibrant. I’m surrounded by millions of breaths taken at once—by life.The best thing the parents ever did for me was to die without giving me muchtrouble. Everything I’ve ever known is death and pain, being drenched in lifefeels good.

Closing my eyes, I extend my arms andfeel the warmth of the city flow around me, flow through me. No more pain. Nomore clawing fingers dying to break another bone, to raise another bruise on mypale skin. No more cruel eyes and words twisting my world. Now they are justdying—just dead.

And I don’t regret what I’ve done.

To Russia With Love OR Hooray for Kasie West!!

2011-10-27T09:33:00.002-06:00

Alright, a person who is totally and absolutely uneducated on Russia...is about to educate you on Russia. Take copious notes:

~ Royal families get cursed.
~ It is very cold and you get many chances to wear extremely fashionable scarves.
~ Princesses tend to wander off, but don't worry, they are soon saved by dashing rogues who sound surprisingly like John Cusack.
~ Little talking bats may seem bad at first, but they are really good.
~ Never trust a guy who lives at the bottom of the ocean/river, especially if his head occasionally falls off.
~ Russian people LOVE to dance, but mostly only in ballrooms at palaces, or at the Moulin Rouge...which seems like a long way to travel to dance. Their options appear limited.

This is all that I learned from Anastasia, but by looking at the above map, I can also tell that:
~ they like yellow
~ they like their space.
~ Also, any book printed in that language = uber cool.

Go ahead. You can say it--I am a virtual Sherlock Holmes.

Which leads me to my absolute new favorite fact about Russia...

They are the first foreign country to pick up rights to Kasie West's PIVOT POINT.

From this, I deduce they are considerably above average intelligence. Well done, Russia.

Oh, and also, *~*~*~CONGRATULATIONS KASIE!!~*~*~* I'm SO excited for you!!

See?! Don't you feel all educated now? Go check out Kasie's post on this very subject and congratulate her!

Sometimes It Is Written On Your Face

2011-10-24T08:58:00.000-06:00

This industry can be amazing when the roller coaster is in full swing. The highs are so high, the lows so low. In the past year, I've experienced both. My life outside of writing has been quite theme-park-ride-esque as well. While I certainly do my best to handle it all with patience and grace, sometimes I fail.

Sometimes, I'm just not that strong.

A week ago Sunday, I woke up with dry lips and tried to rub them together. I couldn't. It was a nearly impossible task. I'm prone to occasional random allergies, and assumed I had a fat lip because of it. When I looked in the mirror to check it out though, I realized that my lip was normal size, but the right side of my face was paralyzed.

Total panic ensued. It may or may not have involved weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth--I admit nothing. The only thing I knew that caused paralysis like this was a stroke, so I rushed to the E.R. and learned about something called Bell's Palsy. It is (thankfully) a temporary paralysis of one side of the face brought on by a special cocktail of illness (just getting over strep) and stress (Dad is home from the hospital now).

So while life has improved on both counts, my face somehow missed the memo. It's the most bizarre thing I've ever experienced. It's like the Universe has decided I cannot be trusted to recognize relaxation when I see it, so it has stamped it across one side of my head to make sure I have a good example for my reference.

Thanks, Universe...appreciate you.

So, as I've asked around, it appears many people are more educated about Bell's Palsy than I am. Do you know someone who had it? How long did it last? etc. Don't mind me. I'll just be chillin' in this hammock and trying my best to regain some symmetry in my life--and my countenance.

Not to be a downer...

2011-10-12T08:45:00.000-06:00

But I just wanted to give a quick explanation of why I didn't post when I got back on Monday and probably won't be posting for the next week or so. I came back from my (amazing, incredible & wonderful) vacation with a horrible case of strep throat. I've been sick in bed for the last three days.

Then yesterday, my dad had surgery and when he came out, his body was septic, his kidney's shut down and his lungs weren't working right. They kept him on a ventilator and put him in a drug-induced coma while they hope that his body sorts through the toxins in his blood. With my sickness, they won't let me come see him.

It's kind of been a rough week so far. If any of you don't mind throwing a prayer or two my dad's way or just crossing your fingers for him. I would really appreciate it. And please have patience with my absence. I promise to be back to regular blogging soon.

~*~*~*UPDATE*~*~*~

Thank you all SO much for your kind words, thoughts, and prayers. I'm happy to say that my Dad is improving. His kidneys are functioning much better and they were able to take him off the ventilator last night. Today they moved him out of the ICU and into a regular recovery room. I can't express how much I appreciate all of your support. You guys are the best. :)

And I'm Off

2011-09-28T12:23:00.000-06:00

So, I'm unplugging for the rest of this week and all of next week. My reasons are threefold.

1 - I'm running around like mad and am starting to forget what my laptop looks like.
2 - My birthday is on Sunday. *huzzah! Confetti and all that*
3 - We're taking the fam to Orlando for 8 days.

While I'm gone, you, my wonderful friends, have two assignments to choose from.
1 - build me a stasis pod. (I'd give you instructions, but there aren't any online. I checked. Just wing it.)
2 - leave me a comment saying what kind of Giveaway, Q&A, Contest, Writing Tips, whatever you'd like me to do when I get back.

Have a great week! I miss you already. ;-)

Are You Here Or Were You There?

2011-09-26T08:35:00.000-06:00

Every book I've written so far has been in past tense. However, my shiny new project really screams to be written in present.

I'm going with it so far, but it's really been an interesting change. On one hand, it is very immersing. Everything is so, well...present. (Oh dear, I'm so so sorry for that.) I'm kind of loving it at the moment.

However, I've read books in present that I just couldn't get into. In some ways, it pulled me out of the story and actually had the opposite effect. I think it's hard to do it well, and I'm still working to figure out what went wrong with those stories.

So, here is my question for you, my brilliant friendlies: Which tense have you written in? Do you prefer one over the other? What strengths do you think each brings to the table? Do you prefer homestyle or curly fries? Chocolate Chip or Sugar Cookies? Do tell!

In Which I May Or May Not Rant

2011-09-23T07:30:00.000-06:00

Lately I've noticed so many people telling everyone else what to do. I try to remain separate. Take my own path. And most of the time I do. But when I notice a growing trend with people in positions of authority or influence continually trying to convince newer writers that they don't have options, it drives me crazy.

Now, of all times, writers have options. Yet all that I hear lately is:

~ Traditional publishing is the only way.

~ Traditional publishing is dead.

~ Self-publishing is the right path for everyone.

~ Self-publishing is always a mistake.

Here is the truth: No one should be able to tell you how to run your career. The only person who can make the right decision for you--is you. Take all the advice, then filter it out to the truth that makes sense for you.

This is the only one that matters.

[end soapbox]

Ahem...how about you? Any soapboxes you'd like to take a stand on today?

Getting My Groove Back

2011-09-21T09:38:00.001-06:00

I know some of you are miraculous master-minds of the multi-task. I am in some ways, but writing method isn't really one of them. It can switch back and forth from day to day as necessary, but my focus remains buried in whichever one I'm working on at the time. When I'm writing, I'm pretty focused on that. I'm very fast and thorough at revisions, but I need to eat, sleep and dream it. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but what it does mean is that after doing several months of revisions and editing, I'm adjusting back into writing again...and it takes a little time.

For the moment, I'm working a bit on a new project that is deliciously dark and twisty. I'm a big fan of that, by the way.

The dark and the twisty = totally my thing.

How do you immerse yourself in a new project? Are you a multi-tasker or more divided, like me?

***edit*** Stop by the Ladies Who Critique blog and see my guest post on my fave revision tips!

Still My Hero

2011-09-19T13:39:00.000-06:00

It's September, and every September I remember that I'm so lucky to have a hero in my home.

This is Kid A. He's adorable, awesome and brave. At 9 years old, he reads so fast and much that I can't keep up with him, he speaks Spanish fluently, can do a wicked Mexican Hat Dance, includes everyone in the neighborhood/city when he goes outside to play...

And he's had type 1 Diabetes for 3 1/2 years.

From the day we pulled him out of kindergarten, took him to the doctor, and then the hospital--to the day when we tried out a new needle for shots or a new insulin pump--he has been brave and tough. Tougher than a kindergartener should ever have to be. Tougher than I was, most of the time. Even through the tears, he's always had hope, faith and courage.

He is everything a hero should be.

Every fall he participates in a walk to raise money so the "smart men can find a cure". Every year he is in the list of the top 10 fundraisers in our state

He's incredible and he reminds me of everything I should strive to be. He is my hero this fall.

Every fall.

Every day.

Who is your hero today?

Unhealthy Addictions

2011-09-16T08:16:00.000-06:00

Lately I've rediscovered an old, unhealthy addiction. It's called Slickdeals and it makes me want to buy things that I never missed and yet, at that price, I can't imagine living another day without it.

For example, I found a "Silk Capelet--in Black" listed on there for a great price the other day. Do I know what a capelet is? No. No, I do not. Am I fairly certain I need one, nonetheless? Yes. Yes, I am.

I mean, hello...it's in black. I'm quite certain I don't already own a capelet in black. Do you?

Another listing had a "22-Pack of Clif Mojo Bars--Variety Pack". I mean, the mystery is half of the fun. What exactly is a Mojo bar? What kind of Mojo does it give me? Am I lacking in Mojo? What, exactly, comes in this so-called "Variety Pack"?

So many unanswered questions! And the Candle Tumbler, the Fujitso Lifebook, the Logitech M260 Wireless Keyboard... ahem.

So, you know about my weakness...so spill. Do you have any unhealthy addictions you try to stay away from?

The Day My Arms Died

2011-09-12T08:00:00.000-06:00

When we first bought our house, I spent all my time painting and trying to fix it up. In the first couple of months, we painted the entire house, by ourselves (including cabinets), installed new hardwood flooring, carpeted the stairs and replaced the light fixtures. Last summer, we trenched our yard, installed a sprinkler system, painted our siding, moved in 32 cubic yards of topsoil, seeded, poured a 10x10 concrete pad, & built a deck.

We worked hard and I was buff. I flexed my bicep and people two blocks away oooh'd, and aaahh'd -- okay, it was my 6-year-old and he does that on command, but still. I was tough.

Now, after taking only one year off from all the DIY amazingness, I did a weekend project. I decided to take a closet that was formerly used for storing tools and store food there. Now, my cleanliness standard for storing food is significantly higher than my husband's tool-cleanliness-standard. So, I emptied the closet, scrubbed it clean, primed and painted it...

and then my arms fell off. Or at least I'm wishing they did. Someone took my strong, buff arms and replaced them with gelatinous masses of goo. I'm pretty sure there aren't even bones in them anymore. They just hang there, limply, by my side. They are no longer good for anything but shooting pains up to my brain and out the top of my head.

As you can imagine, just propping them up enough to type this post took a feat of engineering. And that is how much I love you guys. That I hired a mini-crane, a.k.a. 9-year-old boy, to come lift, prop-up, and arrange pillows to make this post possible.

So, what did you guys do this weekend? Also, can someone lift up my Diet Coke?

The Highway Patrol Teaches Me to Break the Law

2011-09-09T07:57:00.009-06:00

So, today I'm going to rant a little because, let's be honest, I'm powerless and frustrated and you are a semi-captive audience.

What? Yes. You are. Don't argu... Am I going to have to put you all under hypnosis again?!

Ahem...now that you've settled down. I'll tell you my very irritating & true police story that happened this week--a.k.a. "How to alienate people in under 2 minutes flat."

**Disclaimer** I have the utmost respect for the police, and this guy would've been a pain in the a** in any uniform.

On Tuesday, I was driving home from a city almost two hours away. I was in the farthest left lane on the freeway and the traffic was pretty bad when I noticed a sign that said my lane was turning into a carpool lane. I wasn't familiar with this city and didn't realize they had a carpool lane there, so I promptly tried to move over, and out of the lane.

The traffic was pretty tight and I slowed down a bit, but there was nowhere to get over before the lane ended. Ahead of me a bit was the only break in traffic big enough for me to move over into, so I sped up a bit, and moved over as soon as I could. I made it less than 10 feet after the lane had just turned into carpool with a solid white line.

Immediately, a highway patrolman showed up behind me with his lights flashing. When I pulled over, rolled down my window and he walked up, our conversation went like this:

Him - "Do you realize I can put you in jail for that stunt you just pulled?"

Me - stunned silence, followed by, "Stunt?"

Him - "Yes. You were in the carpool lane without having two or more people in the car, you crossed the solid white line, and you were speeding. That's a trifecta which equals reckless driving and I can legally take away your license and put you in jail."

Me - *blinks* "But, I was trying not to break the law. I'm not from this area. I didn't realize it was a carpool lane there and as soon as I saw the sign, I tried to get out, but the traffic was too heavy, so I sped up a bit to get into the only open slot and out of the lane.

Him - "You're going to kill someone. Or you're going to kill yourself. Which do you think would be worse?"

Me - *is speechless*

Him - *sighs* " Do you even have a license?"

Me - "Of course I have a license!"

Him - "Well, I'm giving you a ticket for speeding and a warning for being in the carpool lane because I'd rather give you a ticket than have to go to your house and tell your husband and kids that you're dead."

Me - *hands over license and resists the urge to add 'rolling window up on head of an officer' to my list of offenses*

Keep in mind: I was in no way unsafe. I have a completely clean driving record. I was actually trying to obey the law, and the only time I sped up was to get out of the lane (and even then I was only going 6 mph over the limit).

Here is what I learned from this experience:
1 - He couldn't see in the back of my van. I'd have been better off to stay in the lane until I could get out without speeding up because he had no idea if I was alone or not.

2 - I've gained a new appreciation for the old Judas Priest song, "Breaking the Law."

3 - I hate people who let the power of their positions/situations go to their heads.

/End Rant -- Anyone else need to get something sucky off their chests? Let's get it out of our systems so we can have a fantastic weekend!

Meme Quiz--In Which I May or May Not Sneeze

2011-09-07T08:24:00.000-06:00

Am I totally crazy, or is that just like, the prettiest virus ever?

Okay...maybe I'm crazy...

So, the very entertaining Randy Lindsay tagged me in a Meme Quiz last week (which he compared to a virus and ever since then I've had an intense urge to sneeze...I blame Randy, but it could just be allergies). Now I shall go forth and answer the Meme questions.

Achoo.

#1 - What is your quest?

I would tell you, but then I'd have to kill you, run you over with my car, and then kill you again...because I'm thorough like that.

#2 - What is your favorite question?

What is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow? (If you don't recognize this reference, you should go watch Monty Python and the Holy Grail immediately so I won't be required by law to have you flogged.)

#3 - Who is going to win the fast food wars in the future?

The one who starts giving away free e-books with purchase will get my business...so my guess? Starbucks.

#4 - What rock song should be your anthem?

Just one??!! Alright then, the first one to pop into my head is : Whip It, by Devo -- no, you really, really don't want to know why.

#5 - What published book, possibly a classic, would you like to rewrite?

Easy - The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. I mean, come on. Love, loss, betrayal, revenge, sword fights, twists, crazy old men, secret treasures...talk about a book that has it all!

Okay, so here is the deal. If any of you would like to answer these very entertaining questions, consider yourself tagged. The virus has spread to you! Now go forth and...post? And don't even start to pretend you don't secretly love Devo and Monty Python.

Cleo, the Secret Ninja Assassin

2011-09-05T08:57:00.005-06:00

This is my kitten, Cleo. She looks sweet and innocent. Who wouldn't love her? She's adorable, all cuddled up with every piece of electronic equipment in the house.

But she has strange habits, that I think can only mean one thing...

Cleo, is a secret ninja assassin.

She can find a hiding place anywhere...literally. Every time I think she's sleeping on the couch, I turn around and find her in a new hiding place.

Silently, she creeps around our house, waiting for an enemy to approach so she can jump out of a new spot and attack. Who she is waiting for, I don't know.

I can only say, I'm glad to have her on my side...

Plus, she's super cute when she purrs. ;-)

Happy Labor Day, my friends! And may you be safe from all kitty ninja assassins!

How to WorldCon in Style - Part III a.k.a. The End

2011-09-02T09:54:00.002-06:00

So, do you feel educated about WorldCon yet? This will be my last posting, but I would be remiss to post all about WorldCon and not mention the amazing Brotherhood Without Banners. These were by far the most friendly and welcoming people we met at the conference, so today my post will be mostly about them and their sheer awesomeness.

For those of you who don't know, the Brotherhood Without Banners is a George R. R. Martin fan group. They have a forum that is 20,000 strong and an active and robust attendance at every WorldCon.

Also, they're SO MUCH FUN. So, back to our tips:

Tip # 11 - Read George R. R. Martin's (hereafter referred to as GRRM) A Song of Ice and Fire Series, starting with book 1: Game of Thrones (yes, the HBO series is based on this. Yes, these books are made of awesome). Really, this is a recommendation whether you go to WorldCon or not. And no, it is not a YA book and not really kid-friendly. Also, once you become a fan join their very cool forum and introduce yourself.

Tip #12 - Meet awesome people, introduce yourself, get pictures taken with them.

Cool Chair, Cool Girls, Cool GRRM...Just Cool

The very cool Lev Grossman, winner of the
Campbell Award with his Campbell Tiara...definitely the coolest part of winning.

The awesome Claire Brialey and her Hugo. Isn't it pretty? *pets*

Tip # 13 - Go to WorldCon and drool over the Game of Thrones' Throne of Swords.

Dude.

Tip #14 - Go to every party the BWB throw because there is a very good chance these will be the funnest parties of the week. (Again, may I recommend wearing corsets? As I said, always a good choice.)

Have someone else take your pic though, I'm not so good at it...

Tip #15 - GRRM attends all the WorldCon BWB parties. He is beyond cool. At the public party, GRRM holds a vigil and quest for any who want to participate. Vigil = stay up until 2am or so. Quest = go and get some specific local food that GRRM requests for the Lords and Ladies of the BWB and bring it back. If you succeed, he knights you. I can't say this strongly enough...DO this quest. It includes ridiculous amounts of fun.

Tip #16 - Go with very cool people, and play very loud music the whole way there. Yes, this is necessary. No, you shouldn't question me.

We were sent to find the "Awful, Awful Burger"
at the Golden Nugget in downtown Reno.

Tip #17 - Driving across Reno at 3am with a van full of people singing "Tonight, Tonight" by Hot Chelle Rae at the top of their lungs on a quest to find the Awful, Awful Burger in a strange city, and then standing in line with 30 other people at a tiny dive diner and hoping against hope that none of the local patrons grope you or anyone in your group = priceless.

Tip #18 - Now, I'm officially an "Awful, Awful Knight". Or, you may call me Ser Curlz, Unseen Knight of the Shade. Or just Ser Jenn.... or Hey You!...Let's be honest, I respond to anything, really.

Last and Final WorldCon Tip: GO! It is in Chicago at the end of August, 2012. See you there!

How to WorldCon in Style - Part II

2011-08-31T08:30:00.005-06:00

And today we continue with more WorldCon tips! If you missed the first set, it is a tragedy and you must be chased by rabid dogs through the street--or you can just read up on it here. Now, we'll continue with our program.

Tip #7 - If a publisher has a party...you GO. We met James Frenkel, Senior Editor at Tor, within seconds of walking into the party and we spent the next two hours chatting with him. We also met the very awesome and entertaining, Eddie Schneider, a literary agent at Jabberwocky. If you are looking for an agent and you haven't queried him...do it! He's fantastic.

Hanging out with agent Eddie Schneider and a
fun new friend with a PhD in Physics is definitely picture worthy.

Tip #8 - Although, it is very cool to attend the Masquerade. It's also okay to be fashionably late...especially if you wear some unbelievably awesome corsets. Also...if you ever need a corset, you should buy it from the freaktastic ladies of Damsel In This Dress. Michelle (the owner) is amazing and SO fun. Everyone should have a corset...this may even apply to men. I haven't seen one in a corset yet, so I'm reserving judgment.

Dude, need I say more?

Tip #9 - If you have done the work to get yourself into a corset(not an easy task, but totally worth it), wear it to as many balls, parties, local gas stations, etc. as possible. Because who doesn't like to feel this fancy?

Also, making the "Blue Steel" face from Zoolander = never a bad idea.

Tip #10 - Stop by Friday to learn of the amazing coolness that is the BWB (Brothers Without Banners) and why you REALLY need to know them.

How to WorldCon in Style

2011-08-29T12:37:00.002-06:00

My amazing time at WorldCon took a week of recovery, and it will also require a week of blogging to really show how incredible it was. So, that's what I shall do.

Brace yourselves.

Tip #1 - the first thing you need at WorldCon is some uber cool roommates to share it with. I nailed that one, as you can see here.

Cool Roommates - CHECK!

Tip #2 - Packing appropriately...this I didn't do. And it was a sad day for all. How do I know I messed this up? A few clues: If you pack 5 pairs of shoes and only use the absolutely most comfortable ones -- Fail. If you show up at the hotel and the bell hop asks if you have a dead body in your bag -- Fail. If you start searching through your bag and all you can find are workout clothes and maternity pants (you know, in case you find a pants-less, pregnant woman) --EPIC Fail.

Tip #3 - Remember there are parties EVERY night, even the night before it starts and the night it ends. Do not miss these. If you miss things like your new friends dancing in the hotel fountain, you will regret it. Just trust me on this one.

Parties - where you hang out and talk books with cool new friends like these.

Tip #4 - If you have George R.R. Martin AND the throne from the HBO set of Game of Thrones in one room, the stars have aligned. Don't waste the opportunity.

The suspenders and the hat make the man, do they not?

Tip #5 - The panels are interesting and roaming the halls and networking is very awesome, but the parties are nothing short of incredible. Whether you are partying it up with the Klingon's (watch out for the outline of the headless body on the floor), dancing to "Apple Bottom Jeans" with a room full of strangers, or chatting it up with the fantastic editors at Tor or Pyr. The parties are where it's at. There is no doubt about it.

Tip #6 - Stop by Wednesday for more tips and pictures, two words - Harry Potter & Corset. Don't miss it.

Interesting Characters

2011-08-26T07:52:00.001-06:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about building believable characters. It's really interesting. It goes into a lot of detail about how you should know your characters as well as you know yourself.

I thought it would be a fun exercise to name some weird facts about ourselves that others might not know. Just to make the point of exactly how well we know ourselves.

In the comments--put in at least one thing that isn't commonly known about you. Here are a few of mine.

~ I was fifteen when I got my first kiss--and then I got 12 in one night. A wacky friend lined up every guy at my birthday party and he pinned my arms and walked me down the line. I was too shocked to respond at the time-- but he got an earful the next day.

~ I was pulled over 8 times before I ever got a ticket--this all happened before I turned 17. Did I mention that I'm kind of a speed demon?

~ I never had to study in school, everything came easy to me--but I often planned study parties with my friends, because I knew they needed to study and I wanted to feel normal.

~ I once received an invitation to a high school dance via a toilet seat that was left on the floor of my room.

~ I was very shy when I was younger and by the time I went to high school I felt pinned in by that stereotype. So, I convinced my mom to let me change schools so I could get a fresh start. When I graduated I was known as one of the most outgoing girls in school.

~ My sister is one of those people whose lives should be made into a book or movie--but I'm pretty sure she'd kill me if I did.

~ My mom is a ridiculously strong woman--but also one of the funniest people I've ever met. When I was a teenager she used to tell all my friends stories about how she had a magical gorilla toe that made all the men want her.... no, I'm not kidding.

Enough about me, what about you? What are your strange facts? Do you think you could fill out a similar sheet about your protagonist?

After RENOvation comes Recuperation...

2011-08-24T09:44:00.000-06:00

Today, I plan to catch up on a little sleep and a few errands that have been waiting while I was at WorldCon. I'll be doing a big post on Monday to show you all the fantasticness that is WorldCon, but until then...you'll just have to wait.

I thought I'd do a quick recommend for a new critique partner matching site called Ladies Who Critique. I wouldn't have gotten anywhere without my crit partners, so if you are in need of one, go check it out! Here are some main points about it you should know:

- LadiesWhoCritique.com is a completely free, critique partner match-making service, where writers can find the perfect partner/ beta reader.
- Think match.com but for female writers! Writers can search others profiles, create their own, try as many times as they like to find 'the one'.
- Writers can search for other writers in their genre, and find someone with the right kind of experience.
- We will start with 5-10 genres, and expand to cover each and every genre possible.
- It's completely free for everyone!

It is up and running now and I like their layout and genre divisions. If you find someone on there, let me know! I'm not currently looking for a new crit partner, but I'd love to know about your experiences with it!

My Book Sold in Italy! Sono così felice!

2011-08-18T11:29:00.002-06:00

Yay! I finally get to tell you that INSOMNIA sold in Italy!! I'm so excited! Did I mention that I love Europe? Like so so much! I'm a big fan. Here is my official Publisher's Marketplace announcement:

Italian rights to J.R. Johansson's INSOMNIA, to Newton Compton, by Luigi Bernabo Associates on behalf of Taryn Fagerness Agency and Kathleen Rushall of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

Did I mention that Taryn and Kathleen are amazing? Because they really are! So, yay! Newton Compton is very cool and their covers are gorgeous.

Can you tell that I'm excited!? Let me say it in one of my new favorite languages!

Sono eccitata! Oggi, festeggiamo!

Or -- I'm excited! Today, we celebrate! And if Google translate is getting this all wrong, then to my new Italian friends, I say - Perdonami :)

Hooray!!

McDonald's Giveth & McDonald's Taketh Away

2011-08-17T08:17:00.001-06:00

Good ole' MickeyD's taught me a very good lesson about writing this week. I know what you're thinking...if we're learning writing lessons from a fast food restaurant, what's the world coming to?

Touche' my friends, touche'. Just let me tell my story, and then decide whether or not the lesson is worthwhile.

The other morning, I stopped by my local McDonald's for a fruit parfait. As Backpack from Dora would say, "Mmm mmm mmm Delicioso!" Or something multi-cultural like that.

As I pulled into the drive-thru. They did the customary greeting where they try to convince you to buy more food than you really need in an effort to make all of America more spherical. Usually, I can resist these pretty well. But on this day, it was snowy and cold...and they played to my weakness. The conversation went a little something like this.

MD's - "Welcome to McDonalds! Would you like to try a steaming cup of our gourmet hot chocolate today?"

me - *long pause while I dream of hot chocolate*

MD's - Um...can I help you?

me - Yes, actually, I would love a gourmet hot chocolate.

MD's - A hot chocolate?

me - Yes, and a fruit parfait. (I know, I'm a health nut...what can I say? ^ insert sarcasm here^)

MD's - What kind of hot chocolate did you say?

me - *long pause of utter confusion* Um... gourmet?

MD's - *long pause while they look up the definition of gourmet* I'm afraid we don't have any hot chocolate.

me - *whimpers* You don't? Why not?

MD's - I guess we're cleaning it or something.

me - *cries*

Yes, folks, that's how it went down. What can we learn from this excursion? We can learn that we shouldn't lead our readers to believe they will receive something and then never give it to them. We must meet the expectations we set for the reader. Otherwise we leave them crying and questioning the meaning of life in the McDonald's drive-thru... or, um... disappointed at the end of the book (assuming they finish it at all).

So? Was it a good lesson? Or am I just desperate to give meaning to my disheartening drive-thru experience.

Recycling is Good + Yay! WorldCon!

2011-08-15T11:01:00.002-06:00

So, I'm getting ready to leave for WorldCon tomorrow morning and I'm PUMPED! So, in honor of cool things that I like...and also because I'm busy. I'll be recycling some posts from way back on my blog that I find entertaining in retrospect. Most of them were not fun at the time, but I can look back and find them fun now. Look at me! I'm growing!

Ahem, so without further ado...

(For the purposes of this post, please be aware, cellulose = insulation. NO, I didn't know that before this weekend. YES, I am going green, I don't care if you think it's trendy.Now, back to our program.)

In case you were wondering, I didn't fall off the face of the Earth, or go fishing. I am currently in my attic--buried in cellulose.

This is not my favorite place to be.

There is no cause for alarm. I have several reasons to be certain I will make it through this.

1 - Cellulose must be edible, because I haven't died yet.

2 - I was able to chew through a stray internet wire and by rigging it to the fillings in my teeth I am able to get rudimentary versions of my e-mails printed on my brain. Convenient? yes. Comfortable? no.

3 - My next door neighbor kindly plays music in his jeep loud enough that it rattles my windows and I can, as they say, "Get jiggy wid' it." (Don't knock it. Until you've seen a woman covered in cellulose dancing--you haven't lived.)

4 - One corner of my roof is leaking, by carefully placing my head against the wall--in between two rusty nails, of course--I am able to get a little water. It tastes like tar, but it's wet.

5 - I am confident this time alone will give me plenty of time to brainstorm and outline my next 12 novels. When I get out of here (after MANY showers) I'm going to burn that keyboard up!

6 - I'm reasonably sure that this will get me an agent. Why? Who doesn't want to represent a writer who is handy, charismatic (HEY! No laughing! I am totally enjoying my own company!) and could go on Survivor? (Self-fulfilling Prophecy? ... Possibly. ;-P )

Until I make it out, feel free to comment.

Oh, and pray for rain.

So, I'm In Love...

2011-08-12T07:54:00.002-06:00

This week I was introduced to The Guild. As you can see from this picture, I do not know what I was doing without them in my life. Seriously. Love.

First, I stumbled across a link to this Bollywood music video they made about online gaming...No, I'm not kidding. Yes, it's hilarious.

Which had me laughing so hard I snorted diet coke out my nose, and it was worth it. I particularly like when he beats up 'Real Life' with his ninja moves and wizard skillz.

Then I found this one entitled, "Do You Wanna Date My Avatar." Need I say more? It's even better.

Seriously? I know some of you must have seen these before. How could you let me down so by not bringing them into my life sooner? Tsk, tsk. So, by the time I watched the second one, I was hooked and started watching their actual episodes. Which are short, sweet and ROFLOL funny.

Check these out and start your weekend with a laugh. :)

Dialog - Check!

2011-08-10T08:37:00.000-06:00

Right now, I'm editing and trying to wrap some things up before I leave for WorldCon next week! (Can I get a Woohoo?!!) So, I'm going to keep this short and sweet today.

When I'm editing, I like to go through my dialog and make sure every line is necessary and either teaches or evokes emotion for the reader. I try to make sure it accomplishes whatever I need it to accomplish.

The dialog shouldn't repeat something that has already been stated in narrative and vice versa. I try to keep it as snappy and dynamic as possible, and make sure that each line really fits the character and sounds like something they would really say.

What do you watch for when editing dialogue? What do you struggle with the most?

Where's the Love?

2011-08-08T07:42:00.001-06:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about tension within writing. There are many different kinds...but what I want to work on at the moment is romantic tension.

I know I'm a girl and all that jazz and I should love that ooey-gooey kissy stuff, and I like to read it, but I'm more of a jaw-dropping, blood-pumping, scared-stiff kind of girl when it comes to what I enjoy writing. However, I recognize that the romantic tension can be every bit as gripping as the scary bits. Thus, I'm setting some of my focus on that part of the whole process.

While I've been doing my research, I came across this very awesome post by Roni Loren. It was so brilliant I had to share it with you. So enjoy the following tips for making your steamy scenes as heart melting as possible.

To build tension:

Make the attraction that each feels for the other obvious to the reader.
--The characters are hyper aware of all the little details of the person when he/she is around. Use all the senses not just sight.

No conflict=no tension
--Make sure there are good reasons why these two can't be together--internal and external. Bella and Edward can't get together because, well, he may kill her.

Use internal dialogue
--The hero may be clenching his hands at his sides, but tell us why. The urge to reach out and touch the heroine's hair is overwhelming him.

Always on each other's mind
--If your hero and heroine aren't together in a scene, then have their thoughts go to the other so that we know he/she can't get the other off his/her mind.

Patience, grasshopper
--Don't relieve the tension too quickly. Frustration must build and build. There's a reason why the first love scene doesn't usually happen until 2/3 the way through a book.

Here we go, wait, not so fast
--Give your characters a taste of what they could have, then make them stop. This is the famous device on sitcoms where they start to kiss, but then someone burst in to interrupt. It doesn't have to be that obvious. One of the characters could be the one to stop (usually for some internal reason related to the conflict between them.)

It's addictive
--Once you do let the two get together the first time (be that a kiss or full out lovin'), leave them wanting more. Instead of satisfying their need/curiosity/etc., they want each other even more. Now they know what they could have if not for all that pesky conflict. Damn those mean authors who put so much in their way.

When all looks like it's going to work out, pull them apart again.
--Romantic comedy movies do this all the time. The characters seem to resolve some conflict and get together. Oh but wait, there's more! Some conflict wedges between them again.
--Don't resolve the relationship until very near the end. Otherwise, the reader will lose interest.

Thanks, Roni! :) What about you? Any other tips you'd like to add?

Cool Things on the Internet

2011-08-05T11:01:00.000-06:00

So, today let me tell you about some cool things I've seen on the internet this week!

This post showed me the very cool Kimberly Sabatini (KimmiePoppins on twitter) discussing what she's learned from her editorial revisions.

And here you can find some seriously creeptastic Mary Poppins dolls.

This is an amazing post by C.J. Redwine on what happens when you don't sell, and what happens when you do. Anyone who ever has been or ever will be on submission should absolutely read this.

And here is a weird glasses you could buy to drink red wine...or grape juice, if you will, out of.

Seriously! How useful am I today?! It's official. I deserve a break.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Distractions

2011-08-03T08:56:00.010-06:00

Sometimes, my brain is useful. It works hard. I put it on a task and I'm rewarded with great concepts, cool story arcs, and interesting dialog--pretty much on command. Other times I ask and it replies with only this:

pffffffffffffffffffffffftttttttttttttttt!!

And that is all. At times like this, I say, come on now. I know you can do this. Find me some information on brain chemistry... and five minutes later I find myself staring at this:

Which, as you can see, involves an entirely different kind of chemistry.

So, after twenty minutes of drooling, I close my window and open a shiny new Google search. I snap my fingers and give my brain a thorough talking to. Finding out information about obsession is crucial to the plot. Now stay on task!

Five minutes later, I find myself here:

Obsession? Maybe... The kind I was looking for? No----comment.

Hummmanahummmanahummmana... ahem.

Focus, yes...focus. New fresh Google screen. Brain, let's try something foreign. How about the temperature of water in near-drownings in Scandinavia? That's a nice, safe region. Or perhaps info on the volcano in Iceland? These are all important subjects. Let's look there.

Scandinavian - check...oh well. I give up. Apparently, my brain has no ability to focus today. So enjoy this eye candy on me.

Anything that seems to keep you distracted when you should be working?

Tales from Dork-dom

2011-08-01T09:16:00.001-06:00

I have something to confess. I'm kind of a dork. I like to play video games and recently discovered my love for D&D. My skin and the sun are like oil and water. When combined, they make me look like an overcooked lobster. If I didn't wear contacts, my glasses would look like the bottoms of old glass Coke bottles. I can do math problems in my head that would make an accountant blush, and I have a love for all things Stargate that is, frankly, bordering on obsession.

Except Stargate Universe. We don't talk about Stargate Universe in my house...

Ever.

So, I don't know why it would surprise me that I've passed my beloved nerdiness along to my sons. But it did. My oldest son has picked up my knack for math but he pulls it off as more cute than dorky. (Disclaimer: do NOT accuse me of being biased, this is my blog, I'm allowed!)

The other day, my house peaked out on the nerd level. My older son was spinning my younger one on a chair in the office. He went faster and faster until my younger one yelled--

"Help! Too fast! I'm breaking a hole in space/time!"

Yeah, he's 6. It's official...my dorkiness is spreading.

How about you? Any nerdish tendencies you'd like to confess on this lovely Monday morning? I promise, we won't judge you too much...or at least we won't mock you until you cry. Or at least not out loud...okay, nevermind.

I promise nothing.

I'm Getting Published in Germany! + What's a Literary Scout Anyway?

2011-07-29T08:48:00.001-06:00

Yes, you read that right. Heyne Flieght in Germany is going to publish INSOMNIA. No, really! Not even kidding. Here, let me show you the upcoming Publisher's Weekly announcement so you will believe me:

"Germany rights to INSOMNIA by J.R. Johansson, a debut YA supernatural/psychological thriller, about a teen boy who thought spending every night trapped in other people's dreams was bad, but discovers that losing control of his own body and mind is so much worse, sold to Heyne Flieght in a TWO-BOOK deal at auction by Agence Hoffman, on behalf of Taryn Fagerness Agency and Kathleen Rushall of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency."

See?! Isn't that crazy! I mean, seriously...how awesome is that announcement? I think it's pretty much the most wonderful thing I've read anywhere, like better than HUNGER GAMES and HARRY POTTER. And my love for HG and HP pretty much borders on obsession.

So, the funny thing is that this isn't even the craziest part. The really crazy part is how all of this came about. Basically, my agent and I went on submission and within a week or so we got an e-mail from a literary scout that had gotten her "sticky scout fingers" on INSOMNIA, read it on vacation, and loved it. She said all these wonderful things about it and then said she would be sending her clients a "glowing e-mail" first thing in the morning.

Now, I don't know about you guys, but I had no idea whatsoever what a literary scout does. I've read pretty much everything on the internet about agents and editors, and literally nothing about scouts. So, when I got this e-mail, my first thought was, "Well, thank you very much for your kind words and also, where the heck did you get my book?" Second was, "Clients? What clients?"

As it turns out, VERY cool ones.

When I find something about publishing that I don't know, the first thing I do is Google it, and that's what I did. Unfortunately, and probably according to their own devious plans, there is very little out there about literary scouts. I did, however, find one very informative article that outlines what scouts do and why we should all love them very much.

And I do, a lot, *smooches*

Basically, literary scouts get their "sticky fingers" on manuscripts that are on submission or have been recently bought by US publishers. They read them, and if they like them, they tell all their "clients" (mostly foreign publishers, but also some film industry bigwigs) about them and tell them to move quickly. <--This is a very good thing.

We got the scout e-mail and my own team of superheroes, Kathleen Rushall and Taryn Fagerness, got right to work--got in touch with the right people, sent my manuscript out to those that needed to see it, got stuff done. They, clearly, knew what it meant. I Googled...yep, that's it. Just Googled. THIS is why we need agents, people! I love my agents.

Within a matter of days of receiving this amazing, lovely, fantastic scout's e-mail, we were at auction in Germany. A foreign country. Where we had submitted literally nothing up until the scout got a hold of my manuscript.

It was sheer, awesome, madness. Germany moved incredibly quick and there was much excitement throughout the land...or my house...but whatever. So, yeah, this is the very cool nature of the literary scout. May I suggest you read that article and educate yourself. They are like the Batman of publishing.

And also, YAY I'M GETTING PUBLISHED AND I'M SO SO HAPPY!!! You should totally go and check out my new publisher's website, because while, yes, it is in German, it is also GORGEOUS. Go and see!

The Infamous Car Crash Story - Part Deux

2011-07-25T08:35:00.003-06:00

I'm in a cabin in the middle of the desert and I'm using the slowest internet connection known to mankind. If this posts at all it will be a miracle, so no... you don't get any crazy car crash picture. If you need counseling when I get back to civilization I can provide it in exchange for brownies.

So... as I was saying in my post on Friday (linking would literally take me an additional 20 minutes so if you want to check it out, you're going to have to do the legwork yourself...sheesh--you lazy bums! Where did you spend the weekend? Club Med? Ahem...), I'd been in a six car pile-up on the freeway. I was in shock, and surrounded by Norwegians + one screaming girl. After pondering the repercussions of re-taking Kindergarten as a 16-year-old for awhile, the police finally arrived and were quick to reassure me that I could, indeed, still understand English.

Huzzah!

I rushed to insist that I was going to be late for my first class and needed someone to drive me to school. (I attribute this astounding increase in responsibility to my state of shock. As much as I would like to claim that I was really that diligent in high school, I usually tried to stay home if I suspected I had to sneeze.) The policeman looked at my car/new accordion and informed that I was going nowhere until I'd filled out a police report and had a paramedic check me out. I tried to argue, but he just kept muttering "civic duty" and "juvenile detention" until I agreed.

He escorted me to his car where he handed me a police report and instructed me to "just fill out the information on the top and draw a picture on the bottom." I got right to work, as I said, remarkably responsible. I answered all the questions and then drew my picture in the space at the bottom of the page. When the officer came back, I handed him my report and asked if I could go to school now. He took the page and looked it over, then looked back at me, and back at my report again.

My picture looked something like this:

Yes, for real.

In my defense, the policeman really should've been more specific about what he wanted me to draw. Clarity is crucial. Apparently, a smiley sun was not what he had in mind and he could've been more detailed about that. "Draw a picture without a smiling sun please."

Not that hard, Mr. Officer, not that hard.

Surprisingly, when he saw my picture the policeman didn't release me to go to school or even compliment my impressive skillz. Instead he looked at me funny, told me not to move...and called over the paramedic.

After assessing my situation, and my lovely police report, the paramedic decided I needed to be checked out at the hospital. So, they strapped me to a very flat, very hard board, and put me in an ambulance with the screaming girl. She had a stretcher, and a pillow.

That just didn't sit right with me.

The entire trip to the hospital I repeatedly informed the paramedic that not only did I have insurance, but it was good insurance. My insurance would surely pay for a pillow... I may have also used the words: lawyer, malpractice, and 'like SO rude' a few times. Now that I think about it, I'm not certain the paramedic responded to me at all.

That's like SO rude!

Anyway, I had pretty bad whiplash and a minor concussion and everyone else in the accident was fine--a minor miracle. And I ended up with an "infamous" car crash story.

Have a happy week everyone!!

The Infamous Car Crash Story

2011-07-22T09:14:00.000-06:00

No, this is not my car, but it felt fitting.

So, keep in mind that this accident happened exactly two weeks after I turned 16 and got my license. I was driving up the on-ramp onto the freeway on my way to school one morning. It was rainy and foggy and I couldn't see very well. It looked like the car in front of me was slowing down, but the brake lights weren't on so I thought it was just because of the fog. I slowed down a bit anyway... but not enough. By the time I realized they were actually at a dead stop (it had been hit by a hit-and-run that bent the metal into it's tire), it was too late.

I plowed into the back of them and it bent my hood up like a tent so I couldn't see anything. I was wearing my seat belt so I was alright, but after a minute I heard these chilling screams coming from the car in front of me. My first thought was "Oh no. I killed someone."

I'd just unbuckled my seatbelt when we got hit from behind and I slammed my head into my steering wheel. My thought switched to, "Oh no. I'm going to die." Just after I'd clicked my seatbelt back in, we were hit again... and again... and again.

Finally, the carnage stopped for long enough that it felt safe to get out of the car. At this point, I'd hit my head more than once and I was in full-on shock. Keep this in mind, as it effected every decision I made from this point forward.

The girl in the car in front of me looked fine, but she just kept yelling. Totally incomprehensible. The people in the cars behind me were all coming off of the air force base and were part of some kind of Norwegian delegation. Not a single one of them was speaking English...none.

Thus I came to my next totally logical conclusion--I'd somehow damaged the part of my brain that understood English. I was absolutely and thoroughly convinced that I was going to have to go back to Kindergarten and learn my own freakin' language all over again.

And so the fun began... tune in Monday for the rest of this story. :-) And have a great weekend!

Winning Travel Stories

2011-07-20T11:34:00.001-06:00

So, those were some seriously awesome travel stories on Monday. I loved them and found you all very entertaining. My son helped me pick one and although he found several of you laugh worthy, he especially enjoyed the idea of minivan off-roading.

Congrats, Patti! Send me your address and I'll send you the random bizarre souvenir I picked up on my travels this weekend. Here is Patti's story...

"On vacation a couple of years ago, we decided to explore this logging road in search of a waterfall. While we were up in the mountains, a storm hit and on our way back down, we realized that lightening had hit a tree and that tree had fallen across the road.

We had to build up around the tree to try and jump over the log in our mini van.

Good times."

Speaking of fabulous stories, on Friday, I will post my infamous story of my first car accident... seriously, it is infamous.

Not even kidding.

Travels

2011-07-18T10:17:00.001-06:00

Today, I am posting from my iPad 2 in a hotel room. I'm in a tiny Wyoming town visiting family. This town has "Welcome to the mountin man Rondezvues!" on a sign and a horse coming out of the supply store... No rider, just a horse.

I love this town.

My nephew is turning 2 this week and we thought this would be a good time to come and see him. We had him for about 10 minutes before he got a fever and spots all over his back. Turns out, a child with chicken pox is not a good party companion.

I know, who knew, right?

So, I was thinking about traveling and how so many people come back from a vacation or road trip with great stories. And, I'd love to hear yours. On Wednesday, I'll post my favorite road trip story from the comments (assuming you leave some), along with one of my best road trip stories. The winner will also receive the strangest road trip souvenir I can get my hands on in this absurd little town.

Let the story-telling begin!

When Lightning Strikes

2011-07-15T09:02:00.004-06:00

A lot of great things happened to me this week, but one of my favorites was when I was out to dinner on Monday and brainstorming some story ideas with my coolio friend L.T. Elliot. During our conversation, we both experienced a few of those beautiful, brilliant A-HA moments that every writer loves.

It started me thinking...what spark in the brain, what firing of synapses causes these wonderful moments to happen? Is it some kind of gift of writer-dom that our brains bend and twist in ways that others wouldn't even consider? Do we just work and streamline our individual creative muscles until they are svelte and primed for action? Or is it some great "Muse" leading us to these moments of genius?

What has been your favorite A-HA moment and why do you think they happen?

Why It Hurts

2011-07-13T09:05:00.001-06:00

There is so much pain involved with being a writer. Harsh critiques, rejections, more rejections, more critiques, more rejections and then you get published. You change critiques to critics and it starts all over again.

Why do we do it? I once heard it said that living with a writer is similar to living with a cutter. They put themselves out there only to be hurt over and over and over again.

But we don't stop. The mark of a good and dedicated writer is that we just keep coming back for more. Ask any published author and they will tell you that one of the most vital tools a writer can have is a thick skin.

In an industry that takes years and years of hard work and dedication for even the possibility of being successful, why would so many of us keep coming back for more?

I can't answer that. I know my own reasons and I hope you know yours because if you don't, you'll figure them out or quit before too long. What I want to discuss is the reason I believe it HAS to be this way.

In any artistic profession, there is a certain amount of talent and a bigger amount of hard work involved. The learning curve in writing is tremendous. There are so many different facets to be aware of all while you craft this entirely new world and people and breathe life into them. In order to learn, you must recognize your areas that need work. If you don't find those weaknesses and improve them, your writing will become stagnant. So, we need those critiques and critics and rejections.

We all need to spend some time in the land of Total Suckdom...a lot of time.

The other part of the equation is the writing itself. You have to love it and pour everything you have into it. You have to make it a part of your identity. Allow this world to take shape in your mind, the people to breathe, love, hate and live in your heart. To create a story that has any chance at being publishable, you must fill it with a piece of yourself and then send it out to be trampled.

This is why it hurts, and this is why it HAS to hurt. If it doesn't hurt to send out your work and have it thoroughly rejected...then you weren't in it enough to begin with. I learned during the querying process to thicken my skin and embrace the pain that comes from knowing I am invested enough to some day be successful.

What do you think? Are you afraid to feel a little pain?

Congratulations Natalie!

2011-07-11T08:28:00.002-06:00

Most of you probably know my wonderful friend, Natalie Whipple. If you don't, then you are probably one of two people on the internet who don't follow her blog and you should remedy that immediately.

Like now...come back when you're done. Really, I can wait.

Natalie is awesome, funny, and not afraid to talk about the rough side of publishing. Her blog is refreshingly honest and open about both her pains and her triumphs, just like her. Plus, don't even get me started on her fashion sense...I mean do you see the shoes in that picture? 'Nuff said.

Today I want to talk about a triumph because Natalie finally got to announce last week that she signed a two-book deal with freakin' Harper Teen! (<--I highly recommend that you click this link and go comment because she's giving away some very cool bookage.)

You also should go read this Natalie post about what happens when submission doesn't go the way you hope it will. She earned her success, and I'm so happy to see her finally getting it.

So, everyone stop by and congratulate her because she's willing to share her journey, and isn't afraid to teach a newbie the ropes--especially in D&D. Yay Natalie! I love you, girl. I couldn't be more happy for you!

Interview on Kristin Lynn Thetford's blog!

2011-07-07T10:05:00.000-06:00

I'm honored to be the first interview on Kristin Lynn Thetford's "Newly Agented Writers Series". It was a great interview with a lot of good questions about me, my journey and my amazing agent.

Click here to stop by and say hi!

Concept Sentence WINNERS <--yes, I meant to put an S

2011-07-06T08:01:00.004-06:00

So, you're all awesome and I had a very difficult time choosing the best concept sentence. I did the logical thing and pushed the responsibility on a completely unbiased third-party... and she couldn't pick a winner either... but she did narrow it down to two excellent entries.

Drumroll please....

Nichole Giles

and

Noble M. Standing

Congrats you two! Let me know whether you want a query critique, a 20-pg manuscript critique, or a copy of MATCHED by Ally Condie... obviously if you both pick the book then I might have to pick an alternate giveaway book. I wasn't planning on having two winners, but you guys are just too freakin' fantastic. Not my fault. ;-) Thanks to everyone who entered it really was very hard to pick.

Happy 4th of July!!

2011-07-04T15:07:00.000-06:00

I'll be back with the winner of the concept sentence contest on Wednesday. Until then, everyone have a fantastic Independence Day!

Don't Forget!

2011-07-01T15:33:00.000-06:00

I'm having a fun little get-together with the awesome Kasie West and the wonderful Natalie Whipple today, but I wanted to remind everyone to go and enter their concept in the GIVEAWAY from my Wednesday post. You have until Sunday night, July 3rd to enter and I decided the prize will be either:

1 - a query critique
2 - a critique of the first 20 pages of your manuscript
3 - a copy of MATCHED by Ally Condie

So yeah, pop by and enter! Have a great weekend everyone!

Nailing Your Concept

2011-06-29T09:02:00.002-06:00

Concept is tricky. You have to keep it firm enough in your mind that you don't wander and get lost in the details, but still have it pliable enough to bend if a killer twist comes up that you weren't expecting.

Keeping your concept in mind is crucial. And no matter whether you are still in the plotting stage or finishing up your final draft, you should be able to write a one sentence synopsis that includes three primary pieces:

~ Main character
~ Theme
~ Challenge to overcome

Most of you know, this is not an easy thing to do, but it's something that as a writer you just have to work at until you get it. Being able to hold onto this one sentence as you're writing will give your book the consistency it needs as well as help you maintain your focus and not get lost in the muck.

Here is an example concept sentence from one of my projects--

Parker spends every night trapped in the dreams of the last person he made eye contact with and it's killing him.

Think of the summary sentence on the copyright page of every novel. So, you give it a try. Post a concept sentence in the comments. It can be from any idea, outline, draft you have, and the best one gets to choose from:

1 - query critique
2 - 20 pg manuscript critique
3 - a copy of MATCHED by Ally Condie

Hooray for contests! Now go! :)

Finding Your Strengths

2011-06-27T10:53:00.002-06:00

This weekend I've been reading the WIP of a close friend and she's amazing. I'm blown away by her genius and her ability to weave everything together into this poignant moment of just... wow.

She's incredible, and it has started me thinking. Do other people read my books and feel this way? I really hope so. I strive to be that way, to drag my reader along with me and keep them reading. I think in some ways I achieve it and others I still have a lot to learn.

We all have our strengths. For some it could be scenery, description and setting. Others it could be dialog and character development. For me, I'm really good with building tense scenes and pacing. I also write solid male characters--don't ask me why, I've pondered this a lot and I'm still not sure I get it. Apparently, men interest me. Who knew?

This guy for example... I find him VERY interesting.

Ahem... anyway. What do you consider to be your strengths? Let's start this week off with a bang. Brag about your skills. I give you permission. Nay, I demand it! Brag like you've never bragged before, and then tell us what you want to work on. We're in this together.

As for me, I want to work on using setting to reflect and amplify the emotions of a scene. Also, I feel like my writing could benefit from studying Bradley Cooper a little more. How about you?

You People Crack Me Up

2011-06-24T07:39:00.007-06:00

This week I stumbled on some seriously hilarious stuff that I had to share with you. After all, it's Friday and I think going into the weekend with a good chuckle is never a bad thing.

So, up first we have A Publishing Industry Glossary that really gets into the nitty-gritty of what makes our industry tick... or tock, as the case may be.

A couple of my favorites were:

Book: a rectangular device for immortalizing the person whose name is inscribed on it. Not to be confused with "headstone."
&
Draft: A manuscript with still enough holes in it to let the wind blow through.

Haha... how appropriate.

Second, we have this hilarious post by Jen Campbell on Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops.

One of my faves here was:
--

Customer: Do you bother to arrange your books at all, or are they just plonked places?

Me: They're in alphabetical order...

Customer: Oh.

Just. Awesome.

And, last but not least. We have some rather threatening letters from children when the mayor considered cutting their library's bugget...er, budget.

All I can say is that I don't want to meet these 6-year-olds in a dark alley.

That's it. What funny things have you found on the internet this week? Anything to make us all giggle? :)

Writing Relationships

2011-06-22T09:29:00.000-06:00

Blogger hates me today. We're in a fight, if you will. I was trying to put in this great picture of a couple arguing at the top of this post, but it flat-out refused. Not only will it not add it in, it won't even give me any kind of explanation as to why.

I just want to understand, but apparently that's asking too much. It's always like this. I bend over backward trying to keep everything updated, trying to make it work between us, to support Blogger and his bloggy content...but it doesn't even matter. He only participates when he wants to and it's like he doesn't even talk to me anymore...

Oh, wait...he's never talked to me--I promise. And if my therapist asks you, please tell her I said that?

Anyway, I had this great post in mind all about writing relationships and now he's gone and ruined it. The main point I wanted to make is that these characters should be real and breathing and ready to walk off the page. Too many romances in YA seem to get together and then act like a married couple. They're still young. They make mistakes, they argue, they hurt each other. Make their relationship as complex as the characters, and the reader will be as invested as you need them to be.

Yay for Winning!

2011-06-20T08:09:00.001-06:00

And the winner is *drumroll please*...

Kristin Rae

Congratulations Kristin! Now you just need to decide if you want a copy of MATCHED by the awesome Ally Condie or a query critique by me. :) Leave your answer in the comments or drop me an e-mail to jenn at jennjohansson dot com.

Thanks everyone for entertaining me with your fun and interesting stories! You guys rock! Have a great Monday!

See Me Give Stuff Away

2011-06-17T08:04:00.003-06:00

I'm bored. I'm getting over this bad cold and so I've been stuck in bed for a few days and now I feel just good enough to consider dying my own hair blue, painting the nails of my son, and spray-painting my cat just to keep from staring at my own walls for even one more minute...

...ahem. Let's do a giveaway!

Stop by the comments section, say hello, and tell me something funny/interesting that happened to you this week to be entered for a random giveaway to be announced on Monday. The winner can choose a copy of MATCHED by Ally Condie or a query critique. Let the entertaining begin!

The Starting Line

2011-06-15T09:37:00.001-06:00

I suck at beginnings, at least the first time around I do. Unfortunately, I'm working on one right now, and I can't get it off my mind. As I've said before, I'm infamous for rewriting my first chapter at least 10 times with each book. My endings seem to flow so easily, but the beginnings are like trying to turn coal into a diamond--it takes a long time + the perfect conditions and it won't happen just by sitting on it.

The thing is that eventually I get there. My beginnings are usually solid by the time I finish. It's just a lot of work to get to that point. And every writer has their own struggles. My friend and crit partner Candice struggles with the endings. Her beginnings are gorgeous... her endings are where she needs to focus to get it right.

Where do you struggle? For those of you that are like me, here are a few links to some tips on creating a great beginning by awesome literary sources:

From Kate Schafer Testerman
From Natalie Fischer on Nailing Voice in your opening &
From the fab Guide to Literary Agents

Keep the Faith

2011-06-13T10:22:00.001-06:00

My 6-year-old has taken to leaving sticky notes all over the house to let me know he loves me. I can totally get behind this trend. Note the small stick figure with a book in his lap. My son has definitely inherited my artistic ability. He's adorable and he's absolutely certain that my books are amazing. He's never read a single one, of course. I'm not into giving my children nightmares. But nonetheless, he knows he will love them when he can read them and he has absolute faith in me and my abilities.

I want to feel the same way, and some days I do...but doubt always finds me. It's so easy to get caught up in the impossibility of it all and forget what really matters. Are we doing everything we can to make every word, every chapter, every book as good as it can be? If so, then we should have faith. We've done all we can do and as long as we keep trying and don't give up... things will work out.

So this week, I'm striving to have a little more faith in myself. What are you striving for?

Randomness

2011-06-10T10:14:00.000-06:00

Today I'm just posting some random thoughts because I am feeling a little under the weather and the cold medicine is getting to me. It's been a crazy week around here. I was supposed to be in Colorado today, but I cancelled my trip because a started a part-time work from home job that has turned into a pull-my-hair-out-full-time-job and it's driving me mad.

I haven't been able to sit down and write a word in almost a week and it is sucking the life out of me. It doesn't help things that I have this new deliciously dark idea that I've got fully thought out and planned and it's calling to me. Can I tell you how hard it is to deny this in favor of a job I dislike so thoroughly?

Hard.

Anyway, today I found out that my job should be turning back into the part-time thing next week and so everything should settle down. This makes me happy. You know what else makes me happy? That this job is going to make it possible for me to go to WorldCon with no concerns, and then take my kids to Walt Disney World on my birthday. I know it will be worth it.

How is that for a random post? Have you guys had good weeks? What are you struggling with?

POSSESSION BlogHop

2011-06-07T06:41:00.000-06:00

Today is launch day for my fabulous friend, Elana Johnson! Her book, POSSESSION is available today and as part of the celebration, there is a big blog hop going on in which people are telling about times when they broke the rules.

I thought of many stories in which I broke the rules, but most of them will land me in either a mental hospital, a prison, or both...because that's me...I'm wild like that. :P

Luckily I thought of one that was a relatively minor rule-breaking that I'll tell you about right now.

When I was fourteen, I spent a lot of time at a local community theater. It was awesome and I loved it. One night after a performance, two of my friends and I called our parents and told them we were spending the night at each others houses... then we hid in the back of the theater behind the scenery while the managers locked up. We spent the night there.

As we were already on the premises, I'm not sure it qualifies as entering and since we were extremely careful, it wasn't really breaking either... so I think we're good. Either that or I'm justifying...shh, don't tell.

Anyway, it was a blast, we put on some music and danced on the stage. We played with the props. Stayed up all night sitting in the theater seats and talking. Then we put everything back in its place and snuck out the back-door at dawn.

It wasn't really all that rebellious, but we could've gotten in a lot of trouble. Also, it is one night I'll never forget. What about you? When did you break the rules? Also, follow this link to see a list of all the other blogs in the blog hop. Go read their rule-breaking stories.

And YAY FOR ELANA!! I'm SO excited for you girl! :)

Gender Bias?

2011-06-06T08:20:00.000-06:00

I read the other day that women are 70% more likely than men to read a book by a member of the opposite sex. I find this kind of depressing and fascinating at the same time. So, I thought maybe we could have a little debate about it.

First, do you think this is true?

Second, do you find that you read more books written by one gender or the other? If so, why?

Third, do you feel there is any argument to be made that either gender is better suited to write a specific kind of book? What is your reasoning behind that?

Let the discussion commence! *grabs popcorn*

New Agency!

2011-06-03T08:26:00.003-06:00

For those of you who haven't yet heard, my awesome agent, Kathleen Rushall, just moved to the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, and I was very happy to move with her.

This agency seems awesome and like such a great fit. I'm so excited! Yay for happy news!

Any of you have happy news heading into the weekend? Finish a particularly tough chapter? Meet your writing goal for the week? Finally figure out what kind of mushrooms are growing in your front yard?

Do tell! :) And have a fantastic weekend!

Random Dialog

2011-06-01T08:42:00.003-06:00

For fun today, I thought I'd run through a couple of my manuscripts and post some random lines of dialog just to play around.

Let's see how messed up I really am, shall we?

"We should take bets on whose leg he'll break this year."

"You just said you are dying. How can it not matter?"

"You guys do anything new or did he follow the routine and act like he wanted to put you in his blender?"

"No, but in your hands I'd consider even this over-sized roller skate a lethal weapon."

"Could you please throw me your coat? I've made a lot of stupid mistakes tonight, but I don't want to add
getting arrested for public indecency to the list"

"This whole sheltered innocence thing you've got going on. It's awesome."

Now how about a little internal dialog... characters talking to themselves are always fun.
~~Being a zombie sucks rocks. I'm sure the whole feasting on human flesh thing wouldn't be so bad eventually--and man would I love to see those snobby cheerleaders run when they saw me coming. Talk about zombie vengeance at its best. But Mom and Dad wouldn't let me anyway. It'd be breaking "the zombie
rules" and what's worse than being a teenage zombie? Being a grounded teenage zombie, that’s what.

~~Now they are just dying--just dead.
And I don't regret what I've done.

How about you? Any fun, random (internal or external) dialog from projects you'd like to share? What is your favorite line in your books? In any books?

Is That Really Me? (Editing Tip)

2011-05-27T09:35:00.001-06:00

I've been keeping busy with revisions for awhile and one of the things my agent suggested for me was so cool that I have to share it. She said to take a character from the last scene of your book (this should work with any character) and plop them into the first scene in your book and see how they would handle things differently now. This is a great way to see if your character has changed and grown and not remained stagnant. You can just imagine it, or go all hog-wild and actually re-write the scene with the character as he finished the book. It's incredible to see the differences and realize all the things you did right.

Check it out! :) Oh and also, have a great weekend!

Finding The End

2011-05-25T09:06:00.003-06:00

One method for plotting out a book is to start with the end and then use it to get the beginning, middle, and all the bits in between. I'm trying that this time... but I usually know how a book starts--not how it ends. So, I'm asking you, my brilliant writer buddies: Have you ever done anything like this before? How do you find the end when you haven't even started the beginning? What if you plan the end and then write the book and the brilliant ending no longer fits? I'm super excited for the way this new project is lining up for me, but I would love to not totally screw it up before it starts... help?

The Writing Process

2011-05-23T11:46:00.000-06:00

I'm getting ready to start a new project that I'm really excited about this week. Here is my big secret though... I HATE beginnings. After about the first ten pages I tend to say, "Well, crap. Now what?"

After years of experience though, I've learned not to question my own process. It gets the job done and it works. Messing with it only tends to mess with me. I might not fly through beginnings like Candi, or fly through the entire thing like Kasie and Natalie... but I get there eventually.

My strength is the end. Once I get close to the end I can't stop myself. I usually just lock myself in a room and write until it's done. And my endings are usually pretty solid, but I rewrite the beginning a hundred times.

But here's the thing. My method works for me. I can speed my method up by being more disciplined or I can drag it out forever... but when I mess with it, nothing seems to happen. I can't turn my writing process into those of my writing friends, and I shouldn't try. Mine works for me and I'm sticking with it.

What is your writing process? Have you ever tried to use someone else's process?

Following Trends

2011-05-20T09:30:00.001-06:00

Awesome agent, Mandy Hubbard, posted this week about what is currently trending in YA and MG. The the hilarious Kiersten White posted her idea that will meet all the trends.

My own personal opinion is that writing to trends makes you look every bit as silly and Kiersten did in her post, and a LOT less funny. Trends in this industry come and go so fast and the business moves so slow that timing is really all about luck.

Write what you love, work hard at your craft and eventually the rest will work itself out.

BUT if you happen to be, let's say revising to go on submission for a supernatural psychological thriller right when Mandy Hubbard says something like, "MANY editors would love a thriller/suspense/horror. Most said more of the psychological kind, not the slasher/guy-with-a-chainsaw kind, but there was room for both, really. If you've written something seriously, insanely scary, you're in luck."

Well then, you deserve a cookie.

My Awesome Friend & Critique Partner: Kasie West

2011-05-18T08:26:00.001-06:00

As you may have heard... my friend and kick-butt crit partner, Kasie West, just signed a two-book deal with HarperTeen. Can I get a HOLY CRAP, THAT'S SO WONDERFUL?

Because... it SO is! My examples for you are many. Please allow me to present them:

She's awesome (for being... herself... hello? have you met her? SHE ROCKS!). Her agent is awesome (for being a killer advocate). Her new editor is awesome (for recognizing genius when she sees it)... and yeah...

I think the whole thing is FREAKIN' FANTASTIC! Beyond all measurable amounts of FANTASTICNESS!!!

Now after all of these excited words, I understand you may doubt me. So I feel I have no choice but to provide you proof.

Kasie's Maddeningly Unhelpful Advice

Here are a few examples from her epic Monday posts. From Kasie, you can learn:

~ How to be extremely unproductive--warning plants and/or zombies may or may not be involved.

~ How to traumatize your children--no ducks were harmed (at least not mortally-wounded) in the making of this post.

~ How to clean your house--her rule on cleaning up toys = golden.

~ She leads the charge to ban the use of elbows--A brave and unexpected move. I choose to believe her that the lighting diminished the true carnage of the elbow bruise.

~ How to Quit Eating Chocolate-- of course, I don't think Junior Mints count, which is a massive relief

Kasie's Critique Partner Advice

Here are some words directly from her critiques. Bask in the genius:

~ "I think the paragraph I would eliminate is the one that starts with 'he held the pillow over her head...' " --This is always a good recommendation.

~ "What the???... Well, pooey and lots of ice cream... (Apparently my feelings hold no merit whatsoever) " -- in response to my e-mail about an agent rejection on a full from over a year ago... like I said, she's a genius.

~ "This is just my opinion. I like it better than the previous version, but I think you could take it one step further. Whatever you do, of course, stay true to your story and your gut. :) You're awesome." -- take notes. THIS is a good crit partner. Gives me her opinion, recognizes that it's my decision, and tells me the good with the bad.

~ "The words "Blah, blah, blah-di-blah-blah" are acceptable fill-ins for pretty much anything in a first draft."-- 'Nuff said.

Kasie's Helpful Moves

~ She gives me a list of reasons NOT to go to the gym.

~ How NOT to write a query.

~ How to move past cool and into... Coolio.

If you haven't figured it out yet... she's beyond hilarious. She can always make me laugh and just seeing her number on my caller ID makes me smile. More than anything though, she is a good person, an incredible friend, and I wouldn't be the writer I am today without her.

I love you, Kasie. You deserve this and so much more. I am so excited to know that the world will now get to read your incredible books.

Now... we party! :)

Friday the 13th: a.k.a. The Day That Blogger Died

2011-05-16T08:13:00.003-06:00

So, I was planning to do this blog post on Friday the 13th and how that particular date is near and dear to my heart as a supernatural thriller writer, but alas, Blogger pulled a totally spooky trick on me and wouldn't let me post it.

That's cold Blogger. Cold.

So, I'm posting it today instead. Basically, I just wanted to say a few things.

1 - Dark and spooky can be good.
2 - Learn to embrace the dark and spooky.
3 - Check out this blog post by Chantele Sedgwick on learning How to Scare People because man, Dan Wells is a genius.

That is all. Have a lovely, if entirely un-spooky, day.

Expectations & Other Things That Make My Head Explode

2011-05-11T08:50:00.022-06:00

In the publishing industry, from year to year, month to month, day to day, minute to minute--it is more than difficult to know what to expect--it's impossible.

So, in an industry as volatile and ever-changing as ours has become, how do you maintain reasonable expectations of yourself and your work?

It's easy to measure ourselves based on the success of our colleagues.

I have one response to this: Don't.

Everyone has their own paths to publication, to their version of success. The learning curve in writing is steep and unending. Comparing ourselves to each other leads to depression, a desire to quit, and a very strong urge to pluck your own eyes out with a fork.

Again I say: Don't.

There will be those people who query ten agents and get four offers, but it's very unlikely that it will be you.

There will be those people who will go out on submission and their book will sell at auction or a preempt within the first month. That probably won't be you either.

So why keep going?

Because you're the only one who can decide your own limits.

Set your expectations on things you can control:
~ Your first book will most likely suck...so make your goal to be sure each one (#2 or #72) is better than the last.

~ Your first ten queries will probably attract nothing but rejections...so make your goal to improve your query until the agent can't help but request.

~ Your first ten requests will probably still end up in rejections...so make your book shine so the next ten will fight over you.

Make your goals about improving on your own successes, and learning from your own mistakes. Your success is between you and you. Don't drag anyone else into it.

If you just keep writing and improving--you are succeeding. Don't let anyone tell you any different.

Dude, You Guys are Funny.

2011-05-09T09:02:00.014-06:00

So, you guys are hilarious. I loved all of the foreign translations you all posted this weekend and I have to name a few honorable mentions before I get to the winner.

Honorable Mention 1: by Chersti Nieveen

Spanish: Vale, puedes quedarte a mi lado, siempre que no hables sobre la tempertura.

English: OK, you can stand next to me as long as you don't talk about the temperature. -- why waste my time with the weather, let's get into the nitty gritty. Do you, or do you not love Adam Levine?

Honorable Mention 2: by Liana Brooks

Latin: Vah! Denuone Latine loquebar? Me ineptum. Interdum modo elabitur

English: Oh! Was I speaking Latin again? Silly me. Sometimes it just sort of slips out -- Yes, I'm so refined that I often slip into other, significantly more fancy, languages. :-) Sounds like me.

Honorable Mention 3: by Reece Hanzon

Spanish: Disculpa, podrias decirles a estos niños que es una maleducacion el burlarse de mi aunque no les entiendo?

English: "Excuse me, could you please tell these kids that it's rude to make fun of me, even though I don't understand them?" -- SO USEFUL on Thursday. :) Although, I did get a certain amount of laughter aimed in my direction... but whatever.

~~~~

And the WINNER!!

~~~~

German: "Ich finde dein mangeln an Hose storend."

English: "I find your lack of pants disturbing." <-- I think I would fly to Germany just to use this. :)

Submitted by: the awesome K. Marie Criddle

Congrats Marie! Send me an e-mail at JennJohansson7 at gmail dot com and let me know if you would prefer a signed copy of Dan Wells' "I Don't Want to Kill You" or a signed ARC of "Janitors" by debut author Tyler Whitesides?

Thanks for playing everyone! You all made it so much fun.

Happy Cinco De Mayo & Signed Book Giveaway!

2011-05-05T08:27:00.000-06:00

Buenos Dias mis amigos! I moved my Friday post to Thursday this week because I'm going to a conference this weekend and I wanted to be festive for this awesome Mexican holiday.

My son is in a Spanish Immersion track in his school and today I'm going to a local Mexican restaurant with about 100 elementary school kids who've all been assigned to only speak Spanish during the outing... did I mention I know about 5 words in Spanish?

Help?

Also, I'm SO excited about the conference this weekend. I'm in a master class with 3 other writers and the amazing Dan Wells...for THREE HOURS. There are only 5 people! That's a serious amount of quality time with one of my fave authors. I'm so excited to learn from the Master of Freaky-horror-dom (<--I was thinking of making him a button that says that. He can wear it next to his "I'm Not a Serial Killer" one. What do you think? ;)

What are you up to this weekend? Do you know any phrases in another language that you could teach me for my lunch date? It doesn't have to be Spanish, I'm open to anything at this point.

Tell you what, the best (not necessarily most helpful--be creative!) foreign language saying that is left in the comments gets a signed YA book from one of the awesome authors at the conference this weekend. :) Yay! Giveaways are FUN! Contest ends Sunday night, I'll announce the winner in Monday's blog post. Now teach me! :)

Stupid Debt to the Universe, Anyway

2011-05-03T11:47:00.000-06:00

Okay, so...thanks to my friend, the lovely and somewhat conniving Candice Kennington,( who apparently needs a distraction, and something she referred to as Universe brownie points) I'm posting this today instead of tomorrow. I can't focus on my revisions with this debt hanging over my head. This is take 52 in Project: Get The Universe Off My Back because I kept forgetting my name and at one point my nose disappeared from my face completely. I think it went for a taco. Also, apparently I have a chronically arched evil eyebrow when I'm singing that I was heretofore unaware of. I think that means I'm meant to write dark stuff, but that's just my opinion. So, yeah... please be kind and forgive my nerves.

There you go. The Universe is officially paid off and I don't even have to listen to Simon or Randy tell me that I sound "Karaoke" or "Pitchy".

Yay?

The Power of Words

2011-05-02T10:34:00.000-06:00

I had a different post lined up for today, but since the announcement last night, 10-year-old images keep flashing through my head and no post feels appropriate.

I don't want to preach and I don't want to celebrate. I want to remember all the amazing people who have died for my country. Last week, I was in Washington D.C. and visiting the monuments. What really struck me were the words engraved there. Today, they seem like the right words to share.

From the Lincoln Memorial:

Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.

And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream...

With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day. ~ Dr. Martin Luther King

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. ~ President Abraham Lincoln

Field of Stars at the WWII Memorial

From the World War II Memorial:

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people, in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory...

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph, so help us God. ~ President Franklin D. Roosevelt

From the Korean War Memorial:

Our Nation honors her sons and daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew, and a people they never met.

I am the proud granddaughter of a Korean War Veteran who received a Purple Heart. May we all take today to remember the sacrifices made for our country and our freedom.

Dan Wells Is A Genius & The East Coast Conspiracy

2011-04-29T10:11:00.003-06:00

First off, let me start off by informing you that I read the 3rd book in Dan Wells' John Cleaver Series-- I Don't Want to Kill You

It. Is. Awesome.

From the first book, I have loved this series... so he had a lot to live up to. I've never been so sure that I knew where a book was going and had it turned on it's head so magnificently. It was perfect.

Then my awesome friend LT Elliot introduced me to this presentation he did on the 7 Point Story Structure, and I understood where a bit of his genius comes from:

The Star Trek RPG Narrator's Guide.

Yes, I'm serious.

Anyway, go check it out. He's seriously amazing and I guarantee you will learn something.

Now let me introduce you to something else that is so cool it chills to the bone.

Philly Cupcake

I just got back from Philadelphia and already I miss it. This is their Banana Split Cupcake. Please try not to drool on your keyboard...I hear that can cause technical problems.

Dude. I can't help but wonder how they keep the city from just overflowing with people wanting one of these. I can't prove it, but I think it might be somehow related to the empty reflecting pools that are currently all over the East Coast. How? I'm not sure. Maybe they fill the pools with marshmallows at night time and all the cupcake travelers sleep there. Maybe they fill them with broth and noodles and use them as giant soup kitchens for the passers-by. I don't know...but I was really looking forward to the reflecting and there was none to be had.

I will find out the truth.

Words Giveaway - Winner!

2011-04-20T08:21:00.005-06:00

I absolutely love this picture. It makes me smile. :)

So anyway... the randomly selected winner of the Words Giveaway is:

Jamie McHenry!!

Congratulations, Jamie!! Comment below and I'll be in touch to find out which winning option you would like.

Also, I'm flying out to Philly this afternoon and I won't be back for a week. I'm going on a blog-vacay for a week, but when I get back you can expect

A - a blog post including all the crazy words entered in the Giveaway.

B - a musical embarrassment of some kind

C - a vacation report... and other random stuff

Take care! See you in a week!

P.S. I just hit 300 followers on my blog!! :) Yay! I think this calls for another giveaway! So, you can expect another one of those as well. :)

Interview With My Awesome Agent: Kathleen Rushall!

2011-04-18T08:56:00.003-06:00

First off, I wanted to thank everyone who participated in my Wordy Giveaway last week and I'll announce the winner in my post on Wednesday. Now, on to the good stuff!

My wonderful agent, Kathleen Rushall, graciously agreed to answer a few questions so you can all get to know her better. Yay!

Along with being made of awesome, Kathleen is pioneering the children's and young adult literature list at Waterside Productions, Inc. She looks forward to garnering fresh voices, strong narratives, and whimsical tales in all areas of young adult literature.

And here are her answers!

Welcome, Kathleen! Thanks so much for agreeing to be interviewed!
Thanks so much for interviewing me, Jenn! I love your blog and am so happy to be featured here.

Why agenting? A lifelong dream, or something that happened serendipitously?

So, for the first question - A little bit of both. It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to work in publishing; to work with books. That is something I’ve always known. I didn’t know the exact position I wanted until right after college when I first interned at the Sandra Dijkstra Agency. That introduced me to the details of agency work – and ever since, it was my goal to be an agent.

Gotta say... so excited she decided to go this direction, ;) 'Nuff said.

What led you to specialize in children’s and young adult literature?

The simplest answer here is the truth – it’s my favorite. I studied literature in college, and honed my interest when I specialized in children’s literature in my master’s program. In the long-term history of books, young adult and even children’s books are a pretty new phenomenon. I think that’s fascinating. I also believe that books a person reads in their early years (more than any that may be read as an adult), can be the most memorable, the most sense-of-self-shaping. I like that.

Totally agree! It's so interesting the way YA/MG is such a recent development.

What do you see as the ingredients for a “breakout” book in terms of commercial success, literary acclaim, and/or both?

Well, there isn’t a specific recipe for success, but I do think there is a big juxtaposition that can make a great book. The contrast is – it must appeal to a broad range of people while also revealing something very specific, original, or little-known, whether that is a certain voice, perspective (think cultural), time period, world, etc. The best fantasy is deeply rooted in reality, and the best historical fiction is full of everyday details. There has to be an equalizer for modern readers to empathize with characters who may come from a totally different background, time period, culture, or reality. Many of the books that receive literary acclaim hold a mirror to our faces, and at first we don’t know that we’re seeing ourselves.

I've never really thought about it that way, but it's so true. See? She's a genius!

What’s the one thing an author can do to catch your eye? How can authors get agents to look beyond the query letter?

Do your homework. Research well and know a bit about whom you’re querying. Being able to open your query letter with why you are approaching this specific person and being aware of what the agent’s deals or book interests are can go a long way.

I'm a firm believer in the personalized query. From everything I've seen, the ratio of requests seems to be much higher when it's clear off the bat that the writer has done their research. Just sayin'

How much contact do you have with your clients? Emails, phone calls, etc.? What kind of relationship are you looking to build and why?

I’m looking to build give-and-take relationships – honesty and communication are key, so there is definitely a good amount of contact. I’m attached to my email all day, so that is the fastest way to get ahold of me. But, I always like to call with good news, or to brainstorm or explain something more in-depth. I’m looking to build a partnership with my authors. After writing, I look at agenting as the ground zero, the very beginning, of the publishing journey, (exciting!). The author agent relationship is important to me, and I think it should be an enjoyable one.

As someone with first-hand experience, I can say that Kathleen is SO great at keeping her clients updated. It's so nice to feel like I'm up to date and in the know... now if only I could feel like this in other areas of my life...

Do you expect your writers to develop a market brand and stick to it? Or are you open to them pursuing a diversity of stories within their body of work? In either case, what is your reasoning?

Market brands are excellent, but I’m a firm believer that you should write what you love – and you are allowed to love more than one genre! There are ways to make this work and to write completely different style books while keeping your brand intact – pen names are a great example.

I love this! As a writer, I like feeling free to explore the ideas that I feel most passionate about. Hooray for open-minded agents!

What are the greatest challenges of being an agent?

There’s a large reading workload- luckily, it’s the thing I love as well. It got much better for me when I invested in a pair of glasses this year!

I can't even imagine how much reading agents have to keep up on, but if glasses helped... I think that's an investment I might need to consider.

What do you love about it?

The stories and the people. It’s amazing to find a career where you have so much in common with the people you work with – we are all here because we’re passionate.

Agreed! The publishing industry seems to be full of the most amazing people! In spite of the struggles, I wouldn't choose any other career.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Just that I’m so happy to be doing this, and am really looking forward to what the future brings. And that I can be queried at kathleen@waterside.com

Also, what’s an interview without some random facts? I love Tegan & Sara and still think The Ring is the scariest movie I’ve seen. And sometimes when I'm in a particularly sunny mood, I slip into a terrible British accent. Don't tell me it's too weird to love.

I love these odd little facts. I mean, The Ring is the reason I stopped watching scary movies... and a random British accent is absolutely not too weird to love. :) Thanks again, Kathleen. You're fantastic for taking the time to do this. You can find her on twitter under KatRushall.

My Interview!

2011-04-15T10:16:00.000-06:00

I know...shocking, right? Someone wanted to interview me. I was surprised too.. don't worry, it fades. The awesome Chantele Sedgwick interviewed me for her blog yesterday. It was so much fun, so go check it out and say hi!

*there may or may not have been naked chanting involved... I say no more*

Also, you have a couple more days to enter my Words Giveaway, so go check it out.

Last but not least... have a GREAT weekend everyone! :)

Are We Confident or Delusional?

2011-04-13T10:12:00.002-06:00

Today I'm revisiting a post I did in 2009, because it's awesome. If you haven't entered my giveaway this week. Take note: I'm concerned by your lack of dedication to my blog... get therapy. ;-)

Like all writers, I sometimes question my sanity at following this troublesome, grueling, frustrating, disheartenting... and yet somehow still amazingly fantastic career. As though in response to this question, I found the most amazing blog post this week. It was by the awesome JA Konrath on his Newbie Guide to Publishing blog. It was about the difference between confident writers and delusional writers. He was kind enough to give me permission to post it. (Thanks Joe!) So, without further ado...

Confident or Delusional

Kissinger was wrong. Power isn't the ultimate aphrodisiac.

Confidence is.

Confident people attract others. They get things done, spending more time doing and less time worrying. Confidence fosters charisma, inspires allegiance, and demands attention.

All writers need to be confident. We must believe our work is worthy, that our efforts aren't in vain.

But what are the differences between confidence, and its ugly step-sister, delusion?

Confident writers know they'll be published, if they keep at it.

Delusion writers think they'll be rich and famous.

Confident writers work to get the words right.

Delusional writers think they got the words right the first time.

Confident writers expect to be periodically rejected.

Delusional writers are shocked every time someone fails to recognize their brilliance.

Confident writers take suggestion.

Delusional writers believe their words are written in stone.

Confident writers work even when it's hard.

Delusional writers believe they need to be inspired first.

Confident writers know this is a job.

Delusional writers think this is a vacation.

Confident writers know there's a never-ending learning curve.

Delusional writers believe they've learned all they need to know.

Confident writers know when to move on, and learn from their failures and successes.

Delusional writers keep doing the same things, over and over, hoping for different outcomes.

Confident writers know luck plays a big part.

Delusional writers think there's a conspiracy against them.

Confident writers get published.

Delusion writers don't get published very often, and if they do it's not for very long.

Confident writers work within the system, even though the system is flawed.

Delusional writers work outside of the system, even though they long to work within the system.

Confident writers understand their limitations.

Delusional writers don't believe in limitations.

Confident writers understand sacrifice.

Delusional writers demand everything on their terms.

Confident writers believe in persistence.

Delusional writers believe in talent.

Confident writers believe they owe the world.

Delusional writers believe the world owes them.

Are you confident or delusional?

Chances are high the delusional people will believe they're confident, since self-awareness is in short supply in the writing community.

Here are some questions to ask yourself.

Have you been published by an impartial third party?

Confident writers eventually get traditionally published. Period.

Do you seek out and apply editing advice?

Confident writers know their words can always be made stronger.

At what point do you abandon a project and begin a new one?

Confident writers move on, but first they try to figure out what didn't work, and why.

Would you rather be paid or be praised?

Confident writers know the best form of praise is a royalty check.

Do you help other writers?

Confident writers know it's about what you put in, not what you get out.

Do you understand your failures?

Confident writers don't have failures. They have learning experiences that make them stronger.

Will you be successful?

Confident writers know success is beyond their control. But they keep writing anyway, and will continue to even if success never happens.

It's not about the destination. It's about the journey.

You must believe in yourself.

But first you have to prove yourself worthy of that belief.

Words Giveaway!

2011-04-11T08:05:00.001-06:00

I love words, and I love giveaways, so I thought... what better way to start a new week and welcome some of you new fabulous followers (Hi! *waves*) than to do a giveaway involving words.

*pauses for silence in honor of pure genius-ness... geniosity... er, being smart*

So, my fave new word I've discovered is:

earworm: a tune that is heard repeatedly in one's imagination

K, this happens to me all the time. It's about time someone made up a name for it.

So, here are the details in the giveaway. 1 point for commenting, 1 point for following, and 1 point for telling us about a new cool word. You can also earn extra points if you want for retweeting, blogging, fb'ing, shouting from rooftops while wearing a shiny hat, whatever... 1 pt each. :)

The reward? The winner can choose between 3 awesome word-related choices:

1- a copy of the word-a-rific Matched by Ally Condie
2- a signed copy of the scarily (& wordily) awesome I Don't Want to Kill You by Dan Wells
3 - or a query make-over... which also may involve some words.

I'll be taking entries until Sunday night, April 17th at midnight, Easter time. And I'll announce the randomly picked winner in next Monday's blog post.

Can't wait to see your words!