YA Chatting

May 29, 2012 at 9:35 pm (Musings, Road Trip Wednesday, Writing)

One has to live a life that creates a writer.

~ Erno Paasilinna

There was a YAHighway prompt earlier this month that I didn’t get a chance to participate in, but it’s stuck with me all this time: who IRL can you talk to about YA? I haven’t really had an IRL YA friend until recently. Her name is Naomi and she’s a fellow YA writer, fellow mom, and all around awesome!

Naomi convinced me to finally join Twitter. I cannot believe it’s taken me this long. I feel so much more connected to the writing community. Naomi also got me involved in a local critique group. Right here in town! We meet bi-monthly at a bagel shop and spend a few hours dishing constructive criticism over coffee.

It’s been a pleasure to watch Naomi get an agent (like recently, guys), and I cannot wait to hold her book in my hands. She has been such a giving, supportive friend. I feel so blessed!

All right, enough gushing. Maybe I’ll go see what Twitter’s up to…

Happy writing!

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RTW: Best April Read

April 25, 2012 at 9:08 pm (Road Trip Wednesday)

Books can be dangerous.  The best ones should be labeled “This could change your life.”

~ Helen Exley

One of my fav RTW prompts:

What was the best book you read in April?

 

These last few months of reading have blended together, but I think I read this in April: Melina Marchetta’s FROI OF THE EXILES. The first in her trilogy, FINNIKIN OF THE ROCK, is one of those will-never-forget, changed-my-life novels that have a forever home in my heart. Snuggled next to it is Book II.

 

Three years after the curse on Lumatere was lifted, Froi has found his home … or so he believes. Fiercely loyal to the Queen and Finnikin, Froi has been taken roughly and lovingly in hand by the Guard sworn to protect the royal family, and has learned to control his quick temper with a warrior’s discipline. But when he is sent on a secretive mission to the kingdom of Charyn, nothing could have prepared him for what he finds in its surreal royal court. Soon he must unravel both the dark bonds of kinship and the mysteries of a half-mad princess in this barren and mysterious place.

It is in Charyn that he will discover there is a song sleeping in his blood … and though Froi would rather not, the time has come to listen.

 

I was interested in Charyn when it was briefly mentioned in Book I. Marchetta’s world-building skills are epic. At times it can make the story slow, but she manages to tie all of her sometimes info-dumpy history lessons into the plot. Also, usually I’m not a fan of following characters going through life in completely different places. Marchetta goes back and forth between the countries of Lumatere (I want to live there!) and Charyn. But all the characters and their journeys are so intriguing. She’d leave Froi and his gang at one breath-taking moment and bring you back to Finnikin and his troubles which are just as intense. This was definitely my best April (or March?) read.

What about you? What’s your best book of April?

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Recommended Reading: Novella Edition

April 19, 2012 at 9:05 pm (Reading, Recommendation)

I’ve never known any trouble that an hour’s reading didn’t assuage.
~ Arthur Schopenhauer

Usually the longer the better, but I’ve been on a novella kick these last few weeks.

I’ve been a follower of Sarah J Maass (who has awesome book news on her blog today) since her novel THRONE OF GLASS (formerly QUEEN OF GLASS) was on Fictionpress.com. And yet when she announced the release of her first TOG novella, THE ASSASSIN AND THE PIRATE LORD, I was skeptical. I didn’t want to read something that would take me less than an hour and happened before the good stuff. After the first page I realized anything Sarah writes – particularly about Celaena Sardothien – is good stuff!


Celaena Sardothien, feared assassin, has come for retribution. Sent by the Assassin’s Guild to a remote island in a tropical sea, Celaena is supposed to be to collecting on a debt they are owed by the Lord of the Pirates. But when she learns that the agreed payment is not in money, but in slaves, her mission suddenly changes–and she will risk everything to right the wrong she’s been sent to bring about.

 

 

Sarah hooked me with her spectacular world-building, snappy dialogue, and fast-paced plot. So I instantly downloaded THE ASSASSIN AND THE DESSERT. I adore the cover’s color scheme and I love this novella even better than the first.

 


The Silent Assassins of the Red Desert aren’t much for conversation, and Celaena Sardothien wouldn’t have it any other way. She’s not there to chatter, she’s there to hone her craft as the world’s most feared killer for hire. When the quiet is shattered by forces who want to destroy the Silent Assassins, Celaena must find a way to stop them, or she’ll be lucky to leave the desert alive.

 

 

Celaena’s newfound BFF Ansel – Sarah mentioned writing a novella just for this red-headed vixen. I hope she does! Sarah’s characters are just as fleshed out as the worlds she creates. I cannot wait to get my hands on Novella #3 THE ASSASIN AND THE UNDERWORLD on May 1st! Fans of epic fantasy featuring kick-butt heroines will love these!

Brigid Kemmerer caught my attention when she announced her book deal over a year ago. A fellow elemental writer? Yes, please! I’ve been waiting for STORM to come out ever since, but then she went and teased me with her novella ELEMENTAL. I couldn’t wait until STORM’s April 24th debut (that’s barely a week away, folks), so I had to download ELEMENTAL on my Nook and get a fix. I’m having withdrawals already!

Earth, Fire, Air, Water – they are more than you dream.

As an air Elemental, 17-year-old Emily Morgan doesn’t have much power. That’s okay—she knows what happens to kids who do.

Like Michael Merrick. He’s an earth Elemental, one with enough power to level cities. Which makes him sexy, dangerous, and completely off limits. At least according to Emily’s family.

But her summer job puts her in close contact with Michael, and neither of them can help the attraction they feel. When forces of nature like theirs collide, one misstep could get someone killed. Because Emily’s family doesn’t just want her to stay away from him.

They want him dead.

 

Brigid foreshadows the politics of her world and I totally dug it. Add a little steamy romance (huge fan of forbidden love here) and authentic teenage scenarios filled with enough awkwardness and angst to pop a zit… okay, that was too much. It’s good, trust me!

I cannot recommend these novellas enough. And I’m on the lookout for more. Read any good ones lately?

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The Boat Sank But My Heart Soared

April 13, 2012 at 8:48 pm (Musings)

Jack: Whew! I’m Jack Dawson.
Rose: Rose De Witt Bukater.
Jack: I’m gonna have to get you to write that one down.

 

The 100th anniversary of the RMS Titanic’s sinking is this Sunday. I was eleven years old when James Cameron’s movie came out and it was the last thing on my mind. I was reeling from my parent’s divorce. Anyway…

I guess my dad liked it. Either that or someone gave him the box set. One night when I was thirteen I was perusing our limited supply of movies. It was pretty much between Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Titanic. At the time Titanic seemed the most interesting. Now Star Wars would win hands down but I digress.


I got comfy and watched the looong movie, switching out tapes at the dead of night. Titanic solidified my love for forbidden romance. Rose and Jack had no business looking at each other, let alone shagging in the cargo hold of a ship. I think Jack sketching Rose was one of the most romantic scenes ever. I adored the string quartet. My jaw dropped when the ship broke in half. My heart broke for those resigned to their deaths. That elderly couple holding each other in their cabin… really, Cameron!? And when Rose had to pry her hand out of Jack’s cold, dead grasp… OMG!

I intend to watch it again soon. And I’ve been meaning to pick up one of the many books based on the tragic sinking of this beautiful ship. I’ve heard good things about Walter Lord’s A NIGHT TO REMEMER. Hmm…

Did you see Titanic in the theatres? Have you never seen it and my title totally ruined it for you?

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RTW: Inspiring Images

April 11, 2012 at 5:35 pm (Road Trip Wednesday)

Don’t loaf and invite inspiration; light out after it with a club.

~ Jack London

 

Fun, visual RTW topic from YAHighway this week.

 

What images inspire/ represent your WIP or favorite book?

 

Most of my favorite books are fantasy. My WIP is an epic fantasy filled with forbidden love (I’m a sucker for forbidden love!), elemental magic, and heavy on the battle scenes. So these types of images inspire me:

 


 

 


 

 

 

 

I’m itching to open my WIP (set in the same world as Elemental Sacrifices: The Gathering) and write after looking at all these. What images inspire you?

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YA Fantasy Book Recommendations

March 19, 2012 at 8:25 pm (Recommendation)

“Reading is a discount ticket to everywhere.“

~Mary Schmich

 

At times I can go on a YA Fantasy reading binge. That’s what February and March has been all about. There are two books in particular that you have to read.


At first I didn’t’ think I’d read TORN because… well, I have a confession to make. I’m not a huge fan of urban fantasy. Give me medieval worlds with swords and dragons and royalty. I’ll even take dwarves. A modern day high school with an underworld of magic and creatures only seen in nightmares… not so much. They’re growing on me, but I will always be a diehard epic fantasy fan.

Anyway, what drew me to TORN is the fact that the MC isn’t the chosen one. Mo is the chosen one’s best friend. And she’ll have to do because the chosen one is dead. Here’s a description from Erica’s website (where you can also read an excerpt):

 

Mo Fitzgerald knows about secrets. But when she witnesses her best friend’s murder, she discovers Verity was hiding things she never could have guessed. To find the answers she needs and the vengeance she craves, Mo—quiet, ordinary, unmagical Mo—will have to enter a world of raw magic and shifting alliances. And she’ll have to choose between two very different, equally dangerous guys—protective, duty-bound Colin and brash, mysterious Luc. One wants to save her, one wants to claim her. Which would you choose?

 

I love the concept of this story – not to mention the hot guys. I totally intend to check out TANGLED, Book II, and you should too after reading TORN.

 

The cover of THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS alone made me want to read it for two reasons:

  1. It’s GORGEOUS!
  2. I spotted the name of one of my all-time favorite YA Fantasy writers, Tamora Pierce. Her cover quote says “Engrossing”. That was enough to convince me. Here’s how Rae describes her novel on her website:

     

     

    Elisa is the chosen one.

    But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can’t see how she ever will.

    Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.

    And he’s not the only one who needs her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people’s savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

    Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.

    Most of the chosen do.

 

Elisa isn’t pretty or thin, and would rather eat scones all day than be queen. But her circumstances force her to become a strong, resourceful young woman. Carson’s world is totally realized and I was hooked from page one, Elisa’s wedding day. The ending is completely satisfying, but I’m still left craving the next book in the series. THE CROWN OF EMBERS comes out in September. Squee! If you’re a diehard epic fantasy geek like me, you will love this book.

I’m trying to mix things up, so I recently downloaded a YA dystopian to my Nook, Lissa Price’s STARTERS. I couldn’t resist buying Melina Marchetta’s FROI OF THE EXILES too. Hello! FINNIKIN OF THE ROCK sequel – couldn’t resist! I’ll let you know what I think of these soon.

 

Have you read any of these books? Do you have a preference on the type of fantasy you read?

God bless and happy writing and reading.

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Love Letter

February 14, 2012 at 9:34 pm (Writing)

I write for the exact reason that I breathe… because if I didn’t, I would die.

~ Isaac Asimov

 

YAHighway came up with a great idea for V-day. Today they’re giving all their readers the chance to make the day one about love by hosting a blog circus (with the same format as their Road Trip Wednesdays) encouraging everyone to write a Valentine blog post! Bonus: if you link to a Valentine’s blog post, you’re automatically entered to win one of two prize packs of books and bookmarks!

It took me a while to think of who to send some love to, but then I decided on the most informative, frequently visited (for me) blog.

 

Dear Publishing Crawl,

I’d be lost without you. You motivate me to keep strong and write on. Your new name is just as awesome as your former title, Let The Words Flow. You never disappoint. Every week I can come to you for encouragement, book recommendations, and epic interviews with the most amazing authors. Plus tons and tons of goodie giveaways! You know the in’s and out’s of a world I struggle to enter, and you share all your knowledge with enthusiasm and genuine care.

I have to share some personal love for SJ Maas. Without her, I wouldn’t have gotten the courage to write ESTG in its own original world. And Susan Dennard – the only agented, book-dealed author to go out of her way to spend weeks with me on my query letter (I cannot wait to tell you when I sign with an agent!). And Kat Zhang… you’re just… awesome.

Please continue to make me swoon.

Forever yours,

Brandi Ziegler

 

Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope everyone received a little love.

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RTW #115: Best Book! (So Far)

February 1, 2012 at 11:02 pm (Road Trip Wednesday)

“Reading is a discount ticket to everywhere.“

~ Mary Schmich

Check out YAHighway.com’s Road Trip Wednesday topic this week:

 

What was the best book you read in January?


Like before, this one’s a no-brainer for me. I finally got my hands on Tamora Pierce’s MASTIFF. Here’s a description from Goodreads:

Beka and her friends will face their greatest and most important challenge ever when the young heir to the kingdom vanishes. They will be sent out of Corus on a trail that appears and disappears, following a twisting road throughout Tortall. It will be her greatest Hunt—if she can survive the very powerful people who do not want her to succeed in her goal.

One word: Epic. This is a fantastic ending to the Beka Cooper series. Beka describes her world so vividly in her journal entries. I’m sucked in every time. Plus Tamora did a great job incorporating her other series that have/will take place in the land of Tortall.

 

I cannot recommend this book (this series!) enough.

 

My Nook needs some additions. Anyone have any recent favorites to recommend?

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New Beginnings

January 31, 2012 at 10:18 pm (Writing)

“A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.” 

~ Richard Bach

 

I planned to post in January, but I didn’t expect to on the last day! Well, Happy New Year, everyone! Now that the holiday season is over (way over – geez), it’s back to business.

If you’ve been following my blog, you know my ultimate goal last year had been to gain representation with a literary agency. Sadly, the goal was not met before 2012, but I believe God’s timing is perfect and it only takes one “yes”!

I also believe in query letter critiques. From friends, family, critique groups, and fellow writers agented or unagented. I’ve been lucky to receive critiques from all of the above, but there are still plenty of resources out there!

My most recent go-to’s are two fab online communities.

AbsoluteWrite: This website’s Share Your Work – Query Letter Hell forum is amazingly brutal and filled with advice from all types in the industry.

Agent Query Connect: I don’t know many authors who haven’t used Agent Query. This is a very generous community that really wants to see you succeed.

So, if you’re polishing your query letter, give these two websites a try. I feel like 2012 is going to be big, guys. Lots of new books and new beginnings! God bless and happy writing!

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RTW: Go the Distance – Publication

December 7, 2011 at 9:14 pm (Road Trip Wednesday)

The great thing about revision is that it’s your opportunity to fake being brilliant.

~ Will Shetterly


Road Trip Wednesday. It’s been too long. Every Wednesday, YAHighway posts a weekly writing- or reading-related question. They answer on their blogs and encourage reader participation! This is a good one!

 

This Week’s Topic:

How far would you go to get published?

 


I can’t jump on the trend train because my ideas don’t jump on command. So I definitely can’t switch to a well-selling genre either. I’m willing to make revisions, whether minor or major, especially if it improves my novel and my chances of publication. Revisions are a necessity in this business, and I’ll be happy to make them for an editor. I’ll be stoked when I have an editor. This is a humbling question for me as I tavel through the querying trenches. If you’re with me – hang in there.

What about those past this stage? How far did you go?

Happy holidays! Wow, it’s that time of year…

 

 


 

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