Friday, April 3, 2009

The Juggling Act

I’m in the middle (literally, I’m on chapter 14 out of 28) of editing Lost and Found, my current work in progress. I’m actually having a great time, excited about my changes and implementing my fab crit partners’ notes. Things are going good. I’m happy.

The creative part of my brain? Not so much.

I had an idea a few months ago for a new story, several actually. I wrote one-liners down for each one in my Moleskine and thought that was the end of it, at least for awhile. Unfortunately, one idea has been haunting me...in the shower, at work, eating lunch. Plot points and dialogue will pop into my head at the worst of times. I write them down when I can, tuck my notebook away and go back to Lost and Found.

Originally, I told myself that I wouldn’t start a new book until my current WIP was ready for the query process. I wanted to give all of my attention to Lost and Found because I believe in it. Editing half the book, writing the query and synopsis, as well as getting feedback from friends is still in my future. Lost and Found is very much not there.

Now flash forward to the end of last week when I was innocently washing my hair (see? always the shower) and chapter one of the new idea (very different plot than Lost and Found) started to pour out of me like water from the faucet. I quickly rinsed off, wrapped the towel around me and bee lined to my notebook. As my hair dripped upon the pages streaking the fresh ink of my pen, the words flowed through me like I was possessed. Before I knew it, I was running late to work but, had most of the first chapter on paper.

I’m not sure what to do, so I'm asking for all of your help via the comments. Do I continue with my original plan and just focus on Lost and Found, or do I try to juggle both stories?

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

April's YA Edge Book Club Selection: The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King




About The Dust of 100 Dogs, by A.S. King:


In the late seventeenth century, famed teenage pirate Emer Morrisey was on the cusp of escaping the pirate life with her one true love and unfathomable riches when she was slain and cursed with "the dust of one hundred dogs," dooming her to one hundred lives as a dog before returning to a human body-with her memories intact.

Now she's a contemporary American teenager and all she needs is a shovel and a ride to Jamaica.

For more information, visit The Dust of 100 Dogs website:

The Dust of 100 Dogs website


Online links to buy The Dust of 100 Dogs:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Powell's Books

Link to find an Indie bookstore near you:

Indie Bound

Link to find the nearest public library in the US:

US Public Library Search

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Under My Skin: The Book Trailer

Wow - how cool is it to see a mini-movie, all slicked up and hip - and it's based on your book? I gotta say, it's pretty nifty.

I was lucky to find an amazingly talented teen designer, Madison at M² PRODUCTIONS through my friend, crit partner and fellow paranormal YA author, Kitty Keswick. After seeing the brilliant job Madison did for Kitty's FREAKSVILLE trailer, I asked for her contact information and wrangled a spot in her busy trailer-making schedule.

Madison is extremely professional for a young entrepreneur, had me send her physical descriptions of my characters, a brief synopsis of the book. I also sent a script, suggested themes to play up on, eg - red and black colours, wolves, etc.

And the result is sooo damn cool. You can view more fantastic trailers at Madison’s YouTube Chanel: http://www.youtube.com/user/signingupagain

Yeah, so, here it is - hope you like it. I had to make it a bit tiny to fit on this page: