Spookfest!!

Happy Halloween!!!

I HEART Halloween with all my might. It's my favorite holiday. Granted, I adore Christmas and Easter for very personal reasons. And Thanksgiving is just yummy. But I am a creepy, gory, spooky--and sometimes a bit witchy--girl at my core. I'm all about the goth look, minus too many piercings. A few I can do. 

Today I'm excited to be a part of a fab book blog tour, celebrating the release of DARKSPELL: Elizabeth Mueller's debut novel.

Winter Sky believes she is everything ordinary . . .until she is kissed by Alex Stormhold.
As seer of Stormhold Coven, Alex is sworn to be Winter’s protector against the darkness that hunts her. Violently thrust into a magical realm she always thought impossible, she stumbles upon a disturbing secret of her own.

Will love prove thicker than magic?

A question was posed to each participant: If I had all the magic in the world, I'd... 

As I pondered what I would do, obvious world cures came to mind: peace on Earth, end famine, eliminate discrimination, and obliterate bullying. But I've decided to keep my answer true to a book release, true to our literary world.

If I had all the magic in the world, I'd make enough room for all books--makes, shapes, colors, ideas, and ideals. I'd devise a formula, where the querying system was less hectic/stressful for both writer and agent. Creating a system where publishers could take one glance at a manuscript or pitch idea and magically pull from it what works for them and why, leaving the writer with solid reasons for editing and a stronger published book in the end. With the blink of my eye, libraries would be available to each child. AND I mean real, tangible libraries that one can touch and be consumed by the scent of old books. The thoughts and stories of every author would permeate in the air, slowly drifting into our subconscious.

So there you have it. My literary magic.

For more on DARKSPELL, head over to Amazon, Elizabeth's Blog, & her Website - where you can order your very own SIGNED copy of DARKSPELL!

Dressin' Up Halloween Style

Being Friday, I felt a little silly was in order and decided to follow in the footsteps of some pretty special sisters - Lisa and Laura Roecker. Can anyone else say TGIF?? I've loved what Matt over on QQQE has been doing with exploring all that goes creepy and slimy, bullish and ornery in the night. So I figured why not take a peek at playing dress-up with some of our favorite Halloween creatures. Or even better. Why not highlight a few costume ideas?

I found most of these on the internet so credit goes to those brave souls who uploaded their ideas to a few different websites.

First off, I'm going with Jail-Bait Lindsey Lohan - all you need is an orange jumpsuit which can be made out of a sheet, a long blond wig, lots of cheap spray tan, massive freckles, eyeliner from HELL, and browliner gone wrong. Feel free to carry a ziplock baggie with aspirin and a half-empty bottle of JD.

You could be Charlie Sheen - khaki shorts, a two-toned bowling shirt from your local salvage mart, high socks (just because), and loafers. Grooming is the key, here. A shaggy head of hair and bushy eyebrows - don't forget to glue some fake fur to your chest and have it creeping up your neck. Carry a half-full glass of gin and yell "Winning" all night long.

Then there's Lorena Bobbitt. *sniggers* Picture this: white nightie dripping in fake blood and streaks of blood coating both hands and face, hair all disheveled. In one hand, you carry a clear glass jar with...you figure out what to use inside. Hee.... and label the jar: "Bobbitt, John." 


It's All Hollow's Eve, right??


Have a fab weekend, Alleywalkers. Hope this helped you better prepare yourself for the Halloween parties this weekend and Halloween itself on Monday!!


Maawwhhhhhahhaaaaaaaaaa!!!

Things That Go BUMP in the Night...

Halloween is upon us, which is the perfect time to explore creatures that give us the willies. My least favorite creature is revealed at the end of this post. It's totally lame. But I'm me. :) So what about the other creatures, the one's writers have used through the ages to make us pull the covers over our heads or squeeze the death out of a pillow?

Matt over on the QQQE highlighted a few of my favs the other day. Go Vampires! Go Zombies! Go Werewolves! (although I prefer the term Lycan and have made mine glow like smoldering copper with eyes swirling in colors. There. Take that sparkling vamps!) I won't revisit any of these, but feel free to hop over HERE to read his take on them.

I figured I'd start out soft and spotlight an Angel. Angels can appear as flesh and spirit--clouds of mist and lights. It's said they are heavenly messengers, sent from Above, to guide and protect the mortal world. But don't think that makes Angels all fluffy and feather-coated. No way. Angels are fierce in whatever mission they are given or undertake. They are warriors, bent on winning.

Makes you wonder what the real difference is between Angels and Demons, huh?

If you're a paranormal/sci fi/urban fantasy writer, why not try creating a different take on an Angel? 

Next up is a mythical being not so angelic: the Banshee. Gaining a visit from a banshee could likely be the Death of you, forecasting Death or the coming of Death. Their most common disguises are a young woman, an old lady, or a matron, but some believe they can appear as animals, too, primarily in witchcraft. It's also been written that they can be seen in human form, which is probably the reason us MOMs might have heard the phrase, 'My mom is screaming like a banshee.' Banshees are known for their wailing, but also for their low-pitch, which can be as harsh on the ears.

What about a Leprechaun? A leprechaun is said to have all or some of the following: smaller stature, likes green (really??), drinks heavily and is a tad ornery, enjoys thievery but is a totally tool if caught. He'll hand over his treasure and pretty much kiss your feet.

FYI: I've been doing some research on the whole leprechaun subject. The second of the two YA novels I'm currently working on is a take off that old children's story - Rumpelstiltskin. Shh...don't say it, just like Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice... *slaps hand over mouth*


'K, time for me to fess up, right? Drumroll and the crowd leans forward in their uncomfortable opera house seats...


Spiders.


Yuck! There is not much in this world that will freak me out, but seriously, I will totally wig if I see a big one. Ugh...like a wolf spider. I had one of those on the back of my leg when I was pregnant with my second child. Want to see a pregnant chick do Kung Fu and leap in a single bound?? 


Yup. I did it. 

Book Spotlight: AWAKEN

Title: AWAKEN
Author: Katie Kacvinsky
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Released: May 2011
Pages: 320

I'd like to thank the author for providing me with a signed copy of this book.

Favorite Line/Passage: I followed him outside to his car parked down the block. We were both silent while we drove down the desolate streets, and I concentrated on the soft sprinkle of rain hitting the windshield. My thoughts were shooting and firing in my mind so quickly it felt like there was a war going on in my head. I watched the windshield wipers swipe the glass clean and for a moment the world was clear again, but in the next second it muddled in a blur, like eyes brimming with tears. We pulled up to the side of an apartment building. The bottom floor had three large windows and they were all showered with light. There were no signs outside to advertise what the spade was, but Justin pulled the front door open and we were greeted with a chime.

Description: Maddie lives in a world where everything is done on the computer. Whether it’s to go to school or on a date, people don’t venture out of their home. There’s really no need. For the most part, Maddie’s okay with the solitary, digital life—until she meets Justin. Justin likes being with people. He enjoys the physical closeness of face-to-face interactions. People aren’t meant to be alone, he tells her. 

Suddenly, Maddie feels something awakening inside her—a feeling that maybe there is a different, better way to live. But with society and her parents telling her otherwise, Maddie is going to have to learn to stand up for herself if she wants to change the path her life is taking.

In this not-so-brave new world, two young people struggle to carve out their own space.

NIGHTSTAND WORTHY

My Splats: A thought-provoking glimpse into our digitally-connected world and what might happen if we allow it to go too far.

Touch is absent from most peoples' lives. No need to gather or chat with neighbors--or even leave your room. No intimacy. No need for other senses. Just fingertips tapping keys, keeping the world connected. 


Kacvinsky creates a possible (and thought-provoking) future world through the authentic voice of the main character, Maddie, and eventually her counterpart, Alex--the rebel. Initially, Maddie conforms to her world, although it's obvious that she's at quiet odds with the way things are. Then, as you can image, the rebel comes into play, giving Maddie pause and making her question. 


I really enjoyed how Kacvinsky mixed up the romantic angle, not having Maddie solely involved with the lone rebel. Instead, she's taken in by a group, who are desperately trying to remind people that living is about physical connections with people and nature. The digital age is to enhance humanity, not take it over. Teens will relate to Maddie's struggle to give herself permission to accept change, especially when that change goes against the grain of what she's been taught or lead to believe.


My only pause, while reading, was the vague descriptions of the futuristic technology. Personally, it didn't keep me from reading on. I was able to overlook those questions popping up in my mind and found more interest in the overall story and characters' growth.


I'd recommend this book to any young adult/adult interested in pondering our current world with a possible takeover by the digital age.

Featherbrained Friday: Character Props

On Wednesday over on Oasis for YA, I wrote a post about conflict within a story. Lots of that post focused on character conflict. Recently, I found this photo on Facebook. I'm sure you might have seen it. Did you do it? What were your results?


I thought it'd be fun to use this as a tool to develop our characters all while adding conflict. It's also something you can chew on over the weekend.

When I first took this little quiz, Happy/Patient/Outgoing/Sweet were the words that caught my eye. Accurate?? Sometimes, I suppose. So what if I built a character using these adjectives.

If the character was female, she might be the girl in high school, who hovers just beneath the general population's radar. Not very interesting. But what if I took these adjectives and added fear of large crowds with a stuttering issue? Then I made the character male and voted him in as the surprise new class president?

You can play with this. I'm sure you understand what I mean.

So using the face above, I gave my eyes a second chance to see something different. This time I came up with: Insecure, Thoughtful, Naive, Restless. Um...Accurate?? Totally different then my first attempt but nonetheless probably dead-on at times.

Once again, I could throw a wrench into that even foursome and have a female character, whose dad is some high-powered attorney, and have her framed for stealing cars. But she is naive. Did she do it? She's also insecure. Would she be strong enough to claim her innocence anyway?

Who knows? But that would be for the writer to decide.

This weekend, take a moment and use this silly tool. Think about your characters and what you'd like to accomplish with them and through them. I know it's fueled a new facet to one of my characters.

  Happy weekend, Alleywalkers!

Hearts,
S~

Wading, Waiting, or Wisdom in the Sand

Which is it? 

Here's my answer... 

image credit

I've had a ton going on lately. In my opinion, way too much for one person to manage. But each time I let it all get to me, You're not given more than you can handle, whispers softly in my head and then bleeds to my heart. Yes, for me the phrase comes from my faith, but I know most people have heard it or something similiar.

What do you believe? 

We've all known people or families whose lives seem to be taken over by challenge after challenge, struggle after struggle. We can't help but think Why them? or How do they do it? Do they have some inner strength the Forces that Be feel like testing? Or maybe they have a magnetic imbalance that draws negative energy. Could it be simply bad luck?

For me, our purpose here on Earth is to be, learn, grow, and share from our experiences. Wouldn't it be great if we could be spoon-fed wisdom? How much easier would that be? But it doesn't work that way. There must be a cost if we expect to receive. We must put ...one foot in front of the other... and experience life, in all its wonders, glories, and even gut-wrenching sorrows. And our payment, our reward is the precious gift of wisdom.

Book Spotlight: MERCY

Title: MERCY
Author: Rebecca Lim
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Hyperion
Released: October, 2010
Pages: 288

I'd like to thank Disney Publishing Worldwide for supplying me with this copy to review. 

Favorite Line/Passage: Tiffany is furious. Her face is lit up like a Christmas tree with ill will and irritation as she tries to outsing me, but fails. A lark striving to catch a burning phoenix arcing skyward. The whole room is listening so hard that the entire chorus, almost two hundred people, fails to come in after Figure 10, and I sing on alone for what feels like an eternity, and I wonder how much of this glorious sound is Carmen and how much of it, if any of it, is me.

Description: A fallen angel haunted by her past. Yearning for her immortal beloved. Forever searching for answers.Who will show her Mercy? 

Mercy has lost herself. She can’t count how many times she’s “woken up” in a new body, and assumed a new life, only to move on again and again. During the day she survives in the human world on instinct and at night her dreams are haunted by him. Mercy’s heart would know him anywhere. But her memory refuses to cooperate. 

But this time is different. When Mercy wakes up she meets Ryan, an eighteen year old reeling from the loss of his twin sister who was kidnapped two years ago. Everyone else has given up hope, but Ryan believes his sister is still alive. Using a power she doesn't fully comprehend, Mercy realizes that Ryan is right. His sister is alive and together they can find her. For the first time since she can remember, Mercy has a purpose; she can help. So she doesn’t understand why the man in her dreams cautions her not to interfere. But as Ryan and Mercy come closer to solving the dark mystery of his sister’s disappearance, danger looms just one step behind. 

Will Mercy be able to harness her true self and extraordinary power in time? 

BRING ALONG

My Splats: Although this is a twisted tale of finding oneself, which is found in many YA stories, the difference here is the one searching for her true self has been lost for many years....Not your typical teen story.


This isn't the average teen searching her inner catacombs in search of 'herself', but an angel--real & true--living the experiences of many lives, yearning to find her means, her reason for existing. And through the eyes and heart of a teen, Mercy slowly discovers the purpose of her plight--her punishment of borrowing one mortal life after another. Evidence of Mercy's true self unravel as information about a missing girl come to light. And with the disappearance of a new girl, Mercy knows she must act, only not sure why.


Initially, I found the opening pages confusing and even a bit distant. But somewhere between the end of chapter one and chapter two, I became intrigue enough to see a plot being born. The writing is elegant yet with a standoffish flare, almost as if the main character wants to avoid emotions. Word choices are crisp, yet not overdone. 


The Angel angle of this tale is just unique enough, spliced with the mystery of Mercy's unveiling, the disappearance of the girls, and townsfolk who are close-minded and harsh at times. Not a huge fan of open endings, I enjoyed the conclusion and look forward to see where the author takes Mercy next, primarily because vital questions were answered in this first book. I'm definitely hungry for the sequel.

Paying It Forward Oct 14th

Pay It Forward is the master idea of Matt, better known as MacNash- QQQE, and linked with his good buddy and fellow blogger/writer Alex Cavanaugh! Here are the deets:

• Spotlight three bloggers I follow
• Make'em shine & tell you why I enjoy said blogger's company
• Visit others' recommendations

Easy as pie!!

For my first spotlight, I have to bow, curtsy, and smile. Sharon Mayhew of Random Thoughts is one of the nicest bloggers I know.

All writers are aware of the method of voice while writing:

• Put voice into that paragraph. 
• That character needs more voice.

Sharon puts the softest, kindest voice into the messages on her blog. She's a marvelous children's book writer. I admire her a ton. :)

Next would have to be Christina Lee @ Write-Brained. Christina is a freelance and young adult writer with the amazing ability to get her message across in the most concise manner. Within the first few moments of visiting her site, I learn something new or am made to feel good about myself. Now mind you, she never knows who will read her post. But each person feels like she's speaking solely to them. (*waves, Christina*)

For my last highlight, I decided to go all tech on you. K.M.Weiland's Wordplay: Helping writers become authors is a fabulous resource for writers of any genres. Her posts are concise and pinpoint skills each writer needs. The site is a must for every writer, IMHO! You can find her on Facebook, too.

Happy Weekend, Alleywalkers!!

Hearts,

S~

Kick A** 2011 Debut Author Spotlight

When Christina Lee first mentioned her idea to spotlight this year's debut authors, I knew I had to participate. Author Promotion was the main reason I created the Alleyway. 

YAY!! 2011 DEBUT AUTHORS!

So I've chosen THE IRON WITCH, by Karen Mahoney--a fellow YAlitchat member.

Book Blurb: Freak. That's what her classmates call seventeen-year-old Donna Underwood. When she was seven, a horrific fey attack killed her father and drove her mother mad. Donna's own nearly fatal injuries from the assault were fixed by magic—the iron tattoos branding her hands and arms. The child of alchemists, Donna feels cursed by the magical heritage that destroyed her parents and any chance she had for a normal life. The only thing that keeps her sane and grounded is her relationship with her best friend, Navin Sharma.

When the darkest outcasts of Faerie—the vicious wood elves—abduct Navin, Donna finally has to accept her role in the centuries old war between the humans and the fey. Assisted by Xan, a gorgeous half-fey dropout with secrets of his own, Donna races to save her friend—even if it means betraying everything her parents and the alchemist community fought to the death to protect.

Order your copy from Amazon or Barnes & Noble or directly from Flux. And visit Karen on her WEBSITE & BLOG.

Here's a list of other bloggers who are also participating:

Rachele raves about IMAGINARY GIRLS
Susan is featuring RIP TIDE
Robyn spotlights ACROSS THE UNIVERSE and WITH A NAME LIKE LOVE
Matt  loves SOLSTICE
Nicole wants to tell you about POSSESSION
Janet tells why she loves LIAR SOCIETY
Kate talks about MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN
Jen would like to tell you about WITHER
Shannon celebrates DARK PARTIES
Jon loves MY VERY UNFAIRY TALE LIFE
Michelle tells you about SHIFTING
Susan admires WITH A NAME LIKE LOVE
Natalie gives a shout out to AUDITION, THE FAERIE RING, and MY VERY UNFAIRY TALE LIFE
Katie  loves THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER
Stina gives you a taste of BAD TASTE IN BOYS
Jessie  spotlights SPELLBOUND and BIRTHRIGHT
Willow admires DESTINED
Christine raves about POSSESS
Kristin really really likes CLARITY
Anne features READY PLAYER ONE
Meredith wants to shout about DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE

Amy Rose loves THE NEAR WITCH
Theresa talks about DIVERGENT
Kelly focuses in on EARTHLING HERO and A SCARY GOOD BOOK
Christine gears you up for THE LIPSTICK LAWS
Laura is wild about GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS
Patti  tells you about HEREAFTER
Portia admires THE SECRET OF SPRUCE KNOLL
Ali  has plenty to say about POSSESSION

What a fabulous list of bloggers!!

**Personal SPLATTER: I might be late blogging, today. Went to the Patriots/Jets game last night and we're traveling back home today!! <3

A Character Interview

Most of you know me as Ana, one of Sheri's master creations. *adjusting the suede satchel at my hip that Sheri insists I wear.


Don't get me wrong. Being a fictitious character isn't all about the ball-n-chain of my creator making me submit to scenes I'd rather not go through or dialog I'd rather not say. Trust me ~ I've had my fun with my so-called 'In -charge' master. *I'm laughing way to easily, right now. My bad, Sheri. It also has it's perks, like meeting other fictitious characters and comparing notes.

As in Sammy, my friend from Ciara Knight's newly published novella Loves Long Shadows. Sammy's pretty cool, for a fallen angel suffering from amnesia. 


So Sammy, what gives with the whole amnesia thing? 


I so wish I could remember Heaven and why I fell, but it isn’t meant to be. Every time I try to remember something I’m overwhelmed by human emotion. I hope to remember what my angelic gifts are so that I can help my brother fight demons, or figure out my purpose here on Earth.

Wow! That's pretty rough. And I thought I had it bad, being abandoned by my mom when I was six--well, not really abandoned, although that's the way I've chosen to see it. My amnesia is selective. I'd rather see things my way...but that was before I met Viktor. 

You live a pretty normal life with your Earthbound mother, Grace, right? Did you just 'wake up' and realize you were more than human, or did you always know?

I fell from Heaven only a few months ago. *shivers* The only memory I have of the fall is flashes of lights and feeling like I’m being suffocated by my own skin. Then, I’m waking in a cold grass field near Alex, my brother, in Montanta. It was rough until Grace found us. She’s great, been a caregiver to fallen angels for decades I believe.

Lucky Grace found you. She sounds amazing! I live with my dad, whose idea of care-giving is a sooty fireman's hug, and a hotdog and a beer while watching a baseball game. He does love me, though. Just misses my mom, which is totally lame in my opinion. I mean, she's been gone for ten years. And they say girls are dramatic. 

What do you long for the most?

To return to Heaven. Even though I don’t have my memory, flutters of emotion stir each time I try to think of my life before I fell.

Sounds like something more than no memory of Heaven and a reason for your Fall is keeping you from Heaven? Maybe a threat?

*Nods head. Forras, a local head demon. He’s powerful and full of evil. I’m still not that great at spotting demons but I can smell his sulfuric odor from down the beach.

It feels like there's more - a secret?

*Sighs, but answers anyway. I have feelings for someone who hangs out with demons. Alex warned me to stay away, that demons could easily manipulate me because of my new human emotions.

Oh. I guess Sheri and Ciara were right. We do have something in common: you have feelings for a dude, who hangs out with demons, which messes with your human emotions. So not in your best interests. And I have feelings for a guy who manipulates my empathic ability, making me feel, which is not the healthiest thing for me either. 

Let's lighten this up a bit. Signature Graffiti Wall question: Smoking hot demon trying to do good, yet you know he's bad; Do-gooder, always-follows-the-rules angel and wears a sweet expression. Or the scraggly haired human boy with amazing blue eyes, who has the average teenage problems. You remember Heaven and can take one of them with you. Which do you choose?

Wow, that’s a tough question. *Deep breath* I might be in love with a demon, but I know there is good in him. I guess I’d have to say a Smoking hot demon trying to do good. Whatever you do, PLEASE don’t tell Alex. He’s already on a rampage; he’d kill Boon if he knew. 

Your secret is safe with me.

Thanks so much for having me here today. Ciara and Sheri were right. We should Skype or FB. I just learned about them a week ago. Maybe you could help me figure out what SMH and JK mean. J

Haha...sounds great!! Maybe a blogfest, too!

Seriously folks, check out Sammy's story on Turquoise Morning Press | Amazon Kindle | Smashwords | Bookstrand | All Romance Ebooks/OmniLit, and her creator, Ciara on Facebook, Twitter, & Goodreads.

The Author & a Pageant

So, I've got some news.

When I made the decision three years ago to write seriously I had no idea where that would lead me. And just like most of you, I learned quickly that writing is a journey of confidence and great joy, but also potholes and blindsiding twists.

To learn the craft, one of my many methods was to surround myself with like-minded folks--people who work hard and give of themselves on a daily basis, and yes, writers: some of the most selfless and supportive individuals I've ever known.

 
Back in May, I was contacted by a consultant for the Mrs. Maine America 2012 Pageant and asked to compete for this year's title. I'll admit, initially I blew the idea off, needing to completely rewrite Marked Beauty and to spend time with my four kids throughout the summer. However, after seeking the advice of others and chatting with Christie--the consultant who's fabulous, BTW--I've recently decided to compete. And I could use your help.

Your support would mean the world to me. Of course, a friendly Go get'em girl will warm my heart. I will so appreciate and need those. But the pageant is also quite costly. As you can see, I've added a widget to my right sidebar. If you'd like to help sponsor me that would be amazing!! Any donation would help.

But that's not all. Recently, a beloved teacher in my area passed away. He was diagnosed with esophageal cancer late this summer. I had him as a teacher in school, and he was also the father to one of my friends and classmates. In his honor, our local high school and a group of students have created a scholarship fund to be awarded to a senior, pursuing an education in chemistry or field of science. I've written a newspaper article free of charge in support of this effort, which was release yesterday in one newspaper and will be reprinted in others. I've decided that any monies I raise above and beyond my pageant expenses will be donated to this scholarship fund, helping to support the scholarship and also raise awareness of esophageal cancer.

I've linked the article to my paypal widget as well as above. I hope you'll read it. Not so much for me, but for this amazing teacher the world lost a few weeks ago. He had a 43-year career doing what he loved to do. My hope is that we all can learn to live our lives that way.

Pageants carry a stigma. Don't deny it; you know it's true. By participating in this pageant, I'm hoping to shed new light on pageantry and all the lessons it can teach and opportunities it can lend. (Just as former Miss Maine Ashley Underwood did when she took the challenge of being a cast member of the hit show Survivor last season.) The Mrs. America Organization has been running for 35 years. Over those years, its title holders have done countless works of charity. Their focus is on a woman's accomplishments--what she's done with her life and how she's lived it. I believe that's an important element of life, and in today's society, it's a priceless example.

My other goals are easy:

• to share the experience and wisdom I've gained through my almost 20-year marriage and the joys and angst of raising four children--yeah, kind of like writing, isn't my friends?
• 
  
• to share my passion for writing, and the importance of regular reading and writing for children and young adults. They don't have to aspire to be professional writers when they grow up. But reading and writing can be therapeutic and teach the vital skill of dreaming. Think Big - Be Big. We never know where we can go unless we dream it first. Reading and writing can develop other skills such as confidence and the ability to formulate ideas and answers, not to mention the ability to communicate in an articulate manner.  

The pageant will be held sometimes at the end of January or beginning of February. I plan on writing posts, recording my experiences to share with you. I've already had a few--as you can see from the photo shoot photos I've added to this post--so I'll have to backtrack. I've also started a separate Facebook page. Would you please head over and Like it for me?

Thank you in advance for your support!!

Hearts,
S~ 

Graffiti Wall Interview: Author Kris Yankee

The Graffiti Wall is pleased to welcome a wife, mother, editor, and middle grade author to share her splats with us and leave her mark in the Alleyway. AND she's no ordinary mom--she's a hockey mom!! We're also part of Shannon Whitney Messenger's MMGM!! So head over there after and take a peek at the others celebrating the art of writing Middle Grade Literature!

Author Kris Yankee

How did you start writing chapter books? 

Originally I was signed by my agent, Christine Witthohn of Book Cents Literary Agency, on a women’s fiction manuscript. I worked to get it in great shape for submissions, but she wasn’t able to sell it. This was a few years ago, and the women’s fiction market was flat. She asked me to try a different genre. Middle grade came easily to me since I have two young boys at home. Saving Redwind was the first middle grade chapter book that I’d written.

What is the targeted age range for chapter books? 

There are two types of chapter books – early readers and middle grade. Early readers are usually targeted at high-first grader readers up to third grade readers. Middle grade chapter books are targeted at 9 – 12 years old. Some of my chapter books are targeted at the lower spectrum of MG, and one that I just finished is targeted at the higher spectrum.

Is the vocabulary, tense, person used in chapter books different from stories geared more toward MGers? 

Early reader chapter books use lower level language skills than MG books. Typical tense in young readers is past and 3^rd. In MG, you can use past or present, and 1^st or 3^rd person. 3^rd person omniscient is not advised at either level. Kids just don’t get the whole omniscient pov. I can’t say for sure that there’s a trend for one tense or one point of view. I can say that I love writing in 1^st person. I feel as if I’m the character and I think it brings the reader closer to understanding what the character is going through.

How does a writer approach an agent/publisher with a chapter book or series? Is the query process the same?

A writer should first verify that the agent indeed represents chapter books and that they are accepting queries. A quick check that a publisher accepts unsolicited/unagented queries should also be done. When querying a agent about a series, there is no need to send information about all books. The best is to state that the query is for a book that is first in a series about xxxx (in my case, a boy who is swept into a wallpaper world). I don’t believe that it’s necessary to describe all the books in the series. The first book has to capture the audience’s attention. If it doesn’t, it won’t matter what the other books are about.

How did you get your start as an editor, and can you give advice to any writer thinking of becoming a freelance editor? 

I work for a small press in Michigan, so I’ve got an advantage over other writers who want to become editors. But that doesn’t mean that a writer can’t become an editor. Before I was hired, I took a few refresher courses: Grammar, Fiction Writing Basics, Advanced Fiction Writing. These classes helped me as a writer and as a editor. I would highly recommend any of the fiction classes at http://www.writersonlineworkshops.com/ through Writer’s Digest University.

Fabulous information! Thanks for sharing that link.

Signature Graffiti Wall question: You're stuck on a subway for hours. The passengers want you to tell them a story, but you must use one of these reference materials - a phone book, dictionary, and physical map. Which resource do you use? Give us three items you'd include in that story.

Oh, Lord, you’re going to make me think on my feet (or butt, in this case!). Immediately I’m drawn to the map. Not sure why, but that’s what I’d use. The three things I’d include would be a hockey-player main character (of course) who’s a boy, a fellow teammate, another boy, and finally a rival player who’s a girl. They’d all be traveling, maybe on a train (no, not Harry Potter!) or in chartered buses, and there would be an accident. They’d have to use the map, since they have no phones or cell signals, to get to their destination, maybe State finals.

You have a fabulous BLOG--Adventures That Score. What do you highlight most?

You’re so sweet to say that! Insider Tip: The jerseys, hockey and lacrosse sticks belong to my oldest son. Cool, huh?

I have a mixture of topics that I talk about on the blog, but it’s mostly writing and editing skills. I give a writers’ workshop through the press I work for, and I find that many of the attendees have no clue about story question/problem, point of view, and scene and sequel. If I can help other writers, or at least entertain them once in awhile, then that’s good. I do love to join blogfests. I try to tailor those posts to writing, or my other favorite subject, hockey! J

Tell us a bit about Saving Redwind. 

Saving Redwind is a story that came to me when we first moved into our home. My oldest son’s bedroom was covered in a horrible wallpaper- huge gray and pink flowers. When I say huge, I mean HUGE (like three feet in diameter). As I tore down that wallpaper, I started thinking about a boy who moved into a new house and how the wallpaper sucked him in. I’m not entirely sure I wasn’t under the influence of wallpaper remover fumes, but I can tell it was blistering hot in the room while I worked! Anyway, the story idea rumbled around for a few years –remember, I was writing women’s fiction. When I got the green light to start something new, I soon realized that MG was what I should be writing and this story came back to life. I developed the characters based on people and kids we knew, and I just had to include a hockey element. I’m a pantser, so I had a tentative plan as to how the story would flow. And flow it did. It turned out way longer than I expected! The next book will most likely be 50-60 pages less.

Can you give us a hint as to your next project?

I’ve just finished a story about a hockey team who goes on a team-building camping trip and their team-building activities includes surviving a forest fire. This would be the first in a series with this particular hockey team, so you know they all survive. I’m also working with a screenwriter on a YA book about a boy who learns to play hockey – what a surprise, right? 

Thanks so much for hosting me, Sheri! It’s been a blast answering your really tough questions!

It's been my pleasure!

Interested in Redwind. Here's the official blurb: All eleven-year-old Nick Stevenson wants is an adventure like his dad's. Oh, and for the creepy ceiling in his new bedroom to stop storming and spinning. When he's asked to help save a world that exists inside his bedroom's wallpaper, Nick thinks he's found his very own adventure. But he has no idea it will involve talking rocks, dream-stealing birds, and

becoming friends with wizards. Can Nick save Redwind and his new friends before his mom calls him home for hockey practice?

Find Kris on Facebook and her Website. Purchase Saving Redwind: A Wallpaper Adventure at Createspace and At Amazon.