A Snapshot Of What Kids Are Reading: 25 Top Books of the Month

Our media specialist ran a data snapshot to show what were the most popular checkouts for the past month. Hands down it looks like Ellen Hopkins is kicking butt and taking names with several titles represented. With Dear John opening last Friday, Nicholas Sparks still is endearing himself to young audiences with several titles on the list. Most of the big names in YA and even in adult literature are represented. So, without further adieu, here’s the list!

(1). Tricks /Ellen Hopkins

(2). Tempted: House of Night/PC Cast

(3). Identical/Ellen Hopkins

 (4). Impulse/Ellen Hopkins

(5). Marked/PC Cast

(6). Breaking Dawn/Stephanie Meyer

7). Art Geeks and Prom Queens/Alyson Noel

8). Cranked/Ellen Hopkins

9). A Walk to Remember/Nicholas Sparks

10). Wicked/Nancy Holder

11). The Battle of the Labyrinth/Rick Riordan

12). The Beast of Noor/Janet Carey

13). Bloody Jack/LA Meyer

14). Burned/Ellen Hopkins

15). Catching Fire/Susan Collins

16). City of Ashes/Cassandra Clare

17). Ultimate X Men/Mark Millar

18). Curse of the Blue Tattoo/LA Meyer

19). Dear John/Nicholas Sparks

20). Maggie’s Mistake/Carolyn Brown

21). Message in a Bottle/Nicholas Sparks

22). Pants on Fire/Meg Cabot

23). The Shining/Stephen King

24). Splendor/Anna Godbersen

25) The Time-Traveler’s Wife/Audrey Niffenegga 

Don’t Drown Your Food…Er…Words

This was one of my favorite Saturday morning cartoon PSA’s.  I never really agreed with it.  I mean, who doesn’t like to pile on the sour cream or ranch dressing.  But the fact is, it’s FAT.

FAT.  What does that have to do with your YA manuscript?  A lot.

Young Adult as a genre has a lower word count because the pace is extremely important.  Bog down your manuscript with needless description, or endless flowery prose, and you’ll lose your reader.

I like to use Dean Koontz as an example, although he’s not writing YA.  Not too long ago, I was listening to Odd Hours on CD while driving to and from work.  I found my mind wandering during parts that rambled about the fog creeping over the fence like a cat in the night. <– Don’t quote this – it’s from memory and serves as an example of one of my take aways from the book. 

It bored me. 

A lot.

I don’t care to hear a ten minute, simile filled diatribe about fog.  I don’t care to read it either.  It’s especially bothersome in YA.

Yes, you need details.  Yes, similes are nice–I use them!  Just find the balance. 

Don’t drown your words, or you’ll lose your readers.

Happy writing!

Got examples?  What book had great pace, or dragged on and lost your interest?  Let us know in the comments.

Love the books; don’t lick the books

When asked about the benefits of corresponding with fans via email, Douglas Adams once replied, “It’s quicker, easier, and involves less licking.” While I can’t say I’ve ever licked another writer (which is good since OPWFT is a PG-13 rated blog), I will say that Nick Hornby is on my short list of author crushes.

When did he make the transition from an author whose books I really enjoyed to full scale author crush? It was last summer when I picked up a secondhand copy of Housekeeping vs the Dirt ( a collection of columns he had written for the Believer) and read what he had to say on, well, reading.

In the preface, Hornby talks about a culture war which divides books into two categories: trashy and worthwhile and the effect this has on reading rates and the public at large. He reminds us that there’s nothing wrong with reading for enjoyment and, equally, that it’s not a cardinal sin to set aside a book when you’re not enjoying it. His columns reassured me that it’s okay to have read Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason eighteen times and only made it through four chapters of Pride and Prejudice.

–Right about now I’ll bet you’re wondering how I’ll tie this back into YA. Patience, young grasshopper.–

With more and more young adult titles gaining crossover popularity, I’ll wager there are a fair few adults who have felt twinges about being seen reading “kid’s” books (after all, someone buys those Harry Potter and His Dark Materials paperbacks with the sleek, grownup covers).

My thoughts? Put away the guilt and embrace the original editions. Don’t be afraid to get caught reading Twilight on the bus. Don’t be ashamed of heading to the counter with a stack of John Green and Courtney Summers. The fact that you’re taking time out of your day to read should be celebrated.

5-Minute Book Club: City of Bones

Introducing  the 5-Minute Book Club. On the first Thursday of every month, we’ll pick a YA or MG book and  share our quick, five-minute thoughts. And we want you to play along. Read that month’s book? Leave a comment or send a tweet letting us know what you thought.

Ready? On to February!

From the Publisher

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder — much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Clary knows she should call the police, but it’s hard to explain a murder when the body disappears into thin air and the murderers are invisible to everyone but Clary.

What OPWFT Thought

Debra

Never having read any of C. Clare’s HP fanfic, I wasn’t sure what to expect. And I’ve got one word for you: snarkalicious. While many might love the lush descriptions Clire uses, or the twisty turny plot with a big side of WTFery, I enjoyed this book mostly for it’s scrumptious snark between all the characters, especially Clary and Jace.

For some reason, I just can’t resist lines like:

Jace: “I said his poetry was terrible. It sounds like he ate a dictionary and started vomiting up words at random.”

and:

“That might be handy, an extra pair of arms,” Jace said. “Handy in a fight.”
“Not if they’re growing out of your…” Dorothea paused and smiled at him, not without malice. “Neck.”
“Yikes,” said Jace mildly.

Plus, tons of imagination and world-building in this one (made all the better by the quick-witted dialogue. Have I mentioned that I like snark?)

Jennifer

With it’s non-stop action, a twist readers never see coming and humorous dialogue, City of Bones left me rushing out to find City of Ashes. The Mortal Instruments Series is fast paced and enjoyable reading. Simon is one of the sweetest characters I’ve read in a while and I couldn’t help but root for his place in the love triangle, or should I say square, and at the same time not want him to succeed.

Kathleen

Ah Cassandra Clare. Who else could have had legions of geeks using the phrase “leather pants” as one bizarre adjective and muttering “Still not King” when the coffee machine refuses to work? And she accomplished it before City of Bones was even whispered about in internet circles. Fans of Clare’s wit and snark will find much to enjoy and amuse (look for a sly fashion nod to The Very Secret Diaries). On the character front, Alec was brilliant and refreshing (and his love for Jace was completely heartbreaking) while Luke Garroway was completely crush-worthy (at least for this non-teen).

Krista

For me, I really enjoyed the twists and turns. Just when you thought one issue was solved, you started down another twisty plot turn. Another part I enjoyed was how she incorporated all types of fantasy creatures. You had werewolves, vampires, angels, demons, etc. It was great having all those different types featured in one story and seeing how they interacted with one another. The “glamour” aspect was also very interesting that you could have a really dilapidated building that was actually some beautiful architecture just in disguise. I did enjoy the different type of love triangle with Alec’s feeling for Jace, and that how even in their world, he wasn’t free to be open about his sexuality.

So that’s what we though. Now it’s your turn. What did you think of City of Bones?

P.S. – Check back next month when we dish our thoughts on The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series #1) by Rick Riordan.

My Writing Retreat & OPWFT’rs Unite!

While many lucky writers in the publishing industry attended SCWBI in New York, I attended my own writer’s retreat of sorts in Gatlinburg Tennesee. And as Absolutewriter’s from across the country met up for the first time, I also had a meet and greet of my own, including meeting a fellow OPWFT blogger and Georgia girl, Jennifer Wood. Itwas supposed to be five chicklets chillin’ in the cabin, but for fellow AW’er Amanda and her teacher buddy/writer buddy, their trip got cut short because of bad weather where they live. Once they got started, they had to turn back because the roads got too bad. So, it was just Jennifer, myself, and another AW’er, Regan. 

When I was younger, Gatlinburg was a constant vacation destination. My grandparents would load up the trusty Buick with my mom, aunt, cousin, and I, and we’d begin the four hour trek through Northern Georgia to North Carolina and then over into Tennessee. I have some wonderful memories there. However, this was the first time I drove solo, and it was also the first time I went in the winter. I took a personal day from school on Friday, leaving around 9:15 in the morning because the weather report was predicting…SNOW! Yes, I know some of you have a hate relationship with snow, but for a girl who doesn’t get to see it a lot, it was THRILLING! 

So, I’ll part here and begin the picture/story board of the trip! 

 

The mountain from Cherokee, North Carolina into Gatlinburg, Tennesee is one of winding roads and beautiful views. Here is a picture I stopped to take: 

 

Here’s some pics of the cabin!

 

 

 

  

  

   

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

  

 

 *Even though it was freezing outside, I did some serious novel plotting in my mind while relaxing in the hottub! 

 And here’s a pic of the “writing nook” where I did all my writing and editing. Even though I had the best intentions to work on one of my two WIPS, I was still stuck knee deep in revision Hell for my UAUF, The Guardians. I did get a lot of work done inbetween bouts of “internet distractions”!

 

  

  

  

  

  

Here I am chillin’ in my Snuggie!!! Yeah, no makeup….a wee bit scary!  

  

 

  

  

  A nice snow ball after the big Saturday snow! We basically stayed in the cabin from Friday until Sunday with only one break of moving the cars to keep from sliding!

  

  

  

  

  

Jen having some issues with the frozen snow and ice! It’s so awesome being able to meet up with people you’ve become friends with on the boards. It was like we’d been buds forever! How amazing is it that Absolutewrite can do all of that? 

  

 

  

  

  

  

And here we are: Two Absolutewrite bloggers just about to pack up and head home. Great view of the the mountains from the deck!   

 

  

  

  

’s a lot like Panama City Beach in the notion that you MUST leave with a tacky airbrush shirt. It’s a given. I had intentions of suprising my original, OPWFT’ers with an airbrush t-shirt, but when I was given the pricequote, I about fell over. So, $25.00 later, here is a t-shirt commemorating our “inside joke” with the Golden Girls Book Tour. For those of you who don’t know. we were being goofy on the boards one night and joking that we would get published when we were senior citizens ala Golden Girls and go on a book tour in 2054. So, here’s the t-shirt front and back celebrating fellow OPWFT Bloggers Annie, Becca, Jamie, Stephanie and Me–the Golden Girls Book Tour!

So, great times on the writing retreat. Can’t wait to go again or meet up with more of my Absolutewriters!

 
  

Pondering “New Adult”

Nature abhors a vacuum. Cliché but, like the best clichés, it’s undeniably true. For the past few years, the young adult market has been expanding at a prodigious rate. The shelves at your local bookstore are crammed with stories dealing with everything from misunderstood vampire boyfriends to drug abuse.

There’s just one catch: young adult books seem to top out at age eighteen. Write a character out of high school and you find yourself in a strange no-man’s land. Your themes, pacing and general “feel” might be similar to those found in YA but no one seems to know how or where to place your book. With Twilight readers getting older and more adults reading YA, it’s logical that there should be a demand for slightly older characters. It’s just that no one seems to be filling it.

Those of us with characters in their late teens and early twenties have been left with an awful question: Do we try change the age of our characters (changing college settings to high school if need be) or do we simply cross our fingers and hope for the best?

The latest endeavor from St. Martin’s Press—the notion of a new category called “New Adult” * has had some of us anxiously watching and waiting over the past few months. (Actually, we held hands and skipped in circles crying “POSSIBLE SALVATION”; we’re not exactly a subtle bunch.)

The road ahead for those of us with 18+ year-old protagonists is still long (and still seems to be slopping slightly uphill) but it is a much more exciting journey than it was just a few months ago. Why? Because people are actually paying attention to the gap in a way that they weren’t a year ago.

We’re still veering off the map but if the endeavor for SMP pays off, it may serve as a reminder that taking the road less traveled isn’t always a bad thing.

* Please note that there isn’t currently a “New Adult” category (outside of SMP). If you query, you’re better off sticking to established categories.

Disclaimer: A version of this post appeared on Kathleen’s blog on November 11, 2009. With an eighteen-year-old MC, her interest in New Adult is (almost) purely self-serving.

Photo Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jessicagarro/ / CC BY 2.0

WHO WAS MISS SNARK’S FIRST VICTIM? AUTHORESS, OF COURSE!

Well known with us writerly types, Authoress is the mysterious webmistress, writer, blogger, tweeter extraordinaire who hundreds of aspiring authors rush to email every month with their first 250 words for her Secret Agent contest on http://misssnarksfirstvictim.blogspot.com! 

If you’ve been in a witness protection program without internet access, or locked in a dungeon, you might have no clue what I’m talking about!  Never fear – Authoress is here to fill you in!

Q: The first and most obvious question I have for you Ms. Authoress, is why the blog name Miss Snark’s First Victim?

A: Well, because that’s who I am, literally: Miss Snark’s first victim! The first time she ever put out an invitation to submit a first page for public critique, I took her up on it.  And got (gently) ripped to shreds.  You’ll find the story here: http://misssnarksfirstvictim.blogspot.com/2008/04/history.html

Q:  Right into the second obvious question, why the anonymity as Authoress?

A:  As an author who’s had an online presence for years, I made the decision early on to keep my querying/rejection process private.  I find it a bit…unprofessional…to flash those statistics around while journeying toward publication.  So when I birthed the blog, I decided to stay anonymous.

Q:  What is the Secret Agent contest?  How did you approach the first Secret Agent about doing a contest?  How long after you began Miss Snark’s First Victim did you host the first SA?

A:  The Secret Agent contest is a 250-word, first page critique contest during which an unnamed literary agent — our “Secret Agent” — leaves comments along with the other critters and then chooses a winner(s).  I approached the first Secret Agent — and subsequent agents — by writing a polite, anonymous business letter, which included a link to my blog.  The first SA contest was held in July, 2008 (featuring agent Holly Root), three months after I started the blog.

Q:  Just how important is the first, measly 250 words anyway?

A:  In the grand scheme of things?  It’s not any more important than the rest of your novel.  In the nab-an-agent arena, though, those “measly” 250 words have the power to hook or to bore the reader.  So they need to be well written, tight, hinting at conflict.

Q:  2009 marked the first SA contest leading to a writer gaining representation!  Can you tell us a little bit about that?  You must feel like a proud mama, huh?

A:  Well, if the blog readers are my “baby,” then I suppose I do! 2009 actually saw two writers gain representation through SA contests:  The first was our March winner, who signed with Secret Agent Josh Getzler (story here: http://misssnarksfirstvictim.blogspot.com/2009/08/secret-agent-lands-client-from-contest.html); the second was our September winner, who signed with Secret Agent Ginger Clark (story here: http://misssnarksfirstvictim.blogspot.com/2009/10/secret-agent-success-or-story-of-steph.html).  I view these client signings as landmark moments for the blog.  Our “premium slush pile” is living up to its name!

Q:  You have an e-book available titled Agent: Demystified, Lifting the veil on the secret world of literary agents.   Can you tell us about your e-book and what lead you to write it?

A: Two things led to my writing the e-book:  my own (angst-ridden) journey and my desire to impart the truth that Agents Are Not Scary to all aspiring authors.  Most of my readers don’t know the story of my Agent From Hell, and how that experience ultimately led to where I am today–informed, savvy, and definitely not afraid of agents!  Agent: Demystified is a simple-to-follow “unveiling” that teaches writers to approach agents confidently and appropriately.  You’ll find the trailer and purchase information here:  http://www.authoresspress.com.

Q:  Through Miss Snark’s First Victim, you’ve made numerous, valuable contacts.  What advice do you have for writers who are looking to network with agents through blogs, Twitter, or conferences?  More importantly, should they be afraid?  Do agents really bite like we hear they do?  Are there unspoken rules that will get your email address blacklisted for auto-rejections when you query?  Like pitching in the ladies room???? 

A:  Well, as I said above, I want authors to stop fearing those (fanged, blood-sucking) agents!  The bottom line is that seeking an agent is like any other business contact, and should be approached as such.  Anyone in the business world knows that there’s a lot of dysfunction out there, and the same goes for those seeking publication.  Authors need to be informed, mature, and business-savvy.  All this on top of writing well, naturally.  And pitching in the ladies’ room is something I am CERTAIN none of my blog readers would even consider!

Q:  Queries.  In your opinion, more important, less important, or equally important as those first 250 words?

A: Is this a trick question? =) The query is equally important, because agents will see it first.  Of course, many agents will tell you that a so-so query will be trumped by an excellent writing example tagged onto the end.  Which is why I always (and everyone should always) follow the advice of the esteemed Miss Snark and include the first five pages of the novel. 

Q:  Anyone who follows your blog or Twitter knows that you have your own first novel ready to query!  Congrats!  Can you tell us a wee bit about it?

A:   Thank you! It’s actually my fourth novel, and the first one doesn’t count (because, yanno, who actually admits she wrote that first, rambling, embarrassing piece of purple prose?).  My current project is a YA dystopian about which I’m very excited!  It’s already generated some interest, so we’ll see what happens.  Fun tidbit?  The main character is named after my husband (how sappy is that?).

Q:  Favorite memory or moment from the blogosphere of Miss Snark’s First Victim?

A:  I’ve got to say that my favorite moments occur when my readers flood me with outpourings of support, affirmation, and affection.  I don’t know why I’m so blown away every time it happens, but it really does take my breath away.  It’s amazing how much you get back when you’re not setting out to get something in the first place.  My blog wouldn’t be what it is today without my awesome readers.

A great big THANK YOU from all of us who have ever benefited from the Secret Agent contest, and a great big GOOD LUCK to you for your querying endeavors!  We’ll keep on reading along!

And THANK YOU for this wonderful interview!  It has been my pleasure and my honor.

Readers – leave Authoress a big thanks in our comments!

Kathleen wants to be in like Molly (cause she got the prom date)

Querying. I swear it’s like being back in high school. Prom is a month away and I still don’t have a date. When I finally screw up my courage and ask the guy who sits next to me in art class, he says he’s asked a girl who’s thinking about it—if she says no, maybe he’ll keep me in mind.

Maybe.

Forget getting on the field. I can’t even get on the bench with the rest of the backups.

Okay –it’s not that bad. I’ve had interest and nudges, winks and flirtatious smiles, but I’m still waiting for that elusive email or call. The one that says: I want to go with you. And, while I wait for that, I’ve increasingly been having flashbacks to the hell that was dating in high school.

Fortunately, there are ways to deal with the angst and I’ve jotted them down in a handy list format.

Support from my betas. I had wonderful comments from them and re-reading those cheers me up immensely. The fact that one of them has thought of rereading my little manuscript makes me all happy and teary.

Friends and family. They love me so I know they’ll put up with an occasional Bridget Jones’ angst. Heck, if it’s a choice between dating angst and agent angst, they’ll probably pick the agent.

Absolute Write. Because EVERYONE who has tried to get an agent has gone through this.

The gym. Endorphins. Enough said.

Pretty in Pink, Some Kind of Wonderful, and Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion. All movies where the underdog comes out on top.

Falling in love with a new project.

So what about you? What picks you up when you’re in the query doldrums?

Center Stage: Online Presence for Writers

When you perform a song, you’re judged on stage presence. You can miss a note, forget a few words—whatever—and still shine if you own the stage. Online presence for writers is just as important. The Internet is an excellent tool for meeting other writers and *gasp* connecting with agents. Just remember, no matter how much privacy protection you place on your accounts, there’s always a way for your words to get out to the public. Be cautious and courteous without sacrificing you creativity.

SOCIAL NETWORKING 

I’ll admit it, I’m lame. Up until last March the only web presence I had was my wilting Myspace account that I made in 2005. You know, the account I only signed into like once a week? Then I joined Absolute Write and found out about Twitter. I immediately joined, and I can honestly say that I think it’s one of the best ways to chat with other writers—aspiring and published—in addition to agents.  

Keep an eye out for #askagent, an occasional Twitter chat held by agents who answer your non-query related questions. If you’re available at 9pm EST on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, stop by #kidlitchat and #yalitchat to mingle with writers, editors, and agents.

BLOGGING

Have something to say? Put it in a blog. You can basically blog about anything you want to talk about, but it’s usually a good idea to mention writing at some point. Don’t expect your blog to earn an immediate following. Use your blogging experience to make new friends. Visit other writers’ blogs frequently and leave comments. In addition, check out what agents have to say by visiting theirs. Don’t be afraid to comment an agent’s post—he or she wants to hear your opinion!

MESSAGE BOARDS

I would have eventually figured out how the publishing process works on my own; however, I learned super fast after finding Absolute Write and the BlueBoards. Drop your lurker status and create an account—after all, there’s no reason to be shy because nobody can actually see you. Get to know your writer peers. They’re incredible people who really understand what you’re trying to accomplish and the highs and lows you’ll encounter getting there.

–Stephanie

New Winner

I had originally posted the Old & New Contest, and then chose winners on January 1, 2010. I gave the winners two weeks from that date to claim their prize(s). As of today’s date (January 20, 2010), the first place winner has not notified me and claimed their prize. Therefore, I had to choose a new winner. Using randomizer for the remaining contestants, it chose Sumayyah. Please email me here to claim your prize. Thanks again to everyone who participated!

-Becca