Summer Reading Recommendations

It's summer!

(I know summer doesn't officially start until June 21, but for me and any student I've ever known, summer starts the moment that bell rings on the last day of the school year.

For me, the best thing about summer is the reading. Yes, I do read all year round, but summer means beaches and pools and long, lazy afternoons spent with my favorite books. In my school years, I used to churn through the summer reading list by mid-June, and would spend the other two months scouring library shelves for my next adventure. (Now I navigate mountainous TBR piles that continue to grow and grow and grow...)

If you're like me and love books and book recommendations, I'm going to dedicate the next couple of weeks to highlighting some of the latest and greatest reads. As always, I'll start with books from my author friends, and we'll go from there.

LOVE AND OTHER FOREIGN WORDS
by Erin McCahan.

Erin's in my Ohio YA author's group. (They have kindly allowed me to stay in the group even though I'm in Japan. We say "ohayo" here, too...) I had read--and laughed through--her earlier book, I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU SOMEONE ELSE, and couldn't wait for this one to hit the shelves. I was not disappointed. Here's the official blurb:

Can anyone be truly herself--or truly in love--in a language that's not her own?

Perfect for fans of John Green and Rainbow Rowell, LOVE AND OTHER FOREIGN WORDS is equal parts comedy and coming of age -- a whip-smart, big-hearted, laugh-out-loud love story about sisters, friends, and what it means to love at all.

It earned a starred review from Publisher's Weekly that said (among other things): McCahan's sharp-witted first-person narrative will keep readers laughing.

Kirkus Reviews said: Josie's a rarity in teen literature, a genuine original.

LOVE DISGUISED by Lisa Klein

Lisa's also in the OHYA group. She's the brilliant Shakespeare scholar who brought us OPHELIA. LOVE DISGUISED imagines Shakespeare's first muse as his first love. Here's the blurb:

Young Will Shakespeare is about to meet the girl who will change his life forever.

While in London to pursue his dream of becoming an actor, Will meets Long Meg, a tavern maid fleeing her own past as a thief. When Will is robbed by villains, Meg masquerades as Mack--an invented twin brother--to help Will recover his money. As Mack, she finds true friendship with Will. As Meg, does she love him? And who is she really fooling with her disguise?

A tale of love triangles, mistaken identities, and comic villainy, this lively drama could have sprung from Shakespeare's own pen.

Publisher's Weekly calls Lisa's writing "cheerful, lively, and full of historical and literary tidbits to delight Shakespeare fans..."

And Booklist calls Will and Meg's characters "distinctly-drawn, engaging protagonists journeying towards self-discovery."

FULL RIDE by Margaret Peterson-Haddix

I had the pleasure of reading early chapters of this book and was anxious to add it to my Margaret collection.  She's the master at giving us thrilling reads with unexpected turns. Here's the official blurb for this one:

Becca has plenty to hide and everything to lose--but with her future on the line, she's willing to risk it all. 

Becca's claim to fame is one she's been hiding from for the past three years: Her father is a notorious embezzler, and when he was caught, his excuse was, "How else is a guy like me supposed to put his kid through college?"

Three years after the trial and imprisonment that destroyed Becca's life, she and her mother have started over again and are living in a town where no one knows their secret. But as college--and its cost--looms large, Becca begins to wonder how they'll afford it. And how she can apply for financial aid without divulging her secret? A local scholarship opportunity seems like a dream come true, but as the application process commences, Becca uncovers a chain of secrets that could destroy everything she's worked so hard to build. But the truth could also lead her toward the future she's always dreamed of...

Booklist calls FULL-RIDE's premise "ingenious and well-realized."

School Library Journal says, "Readers... will grab on and enjoy the ride."

That should get ya'll going.  I'll be back soon with more recommendations.

Happy summer reading!

WHAT IS HIDDEN

Popping in after bit of a blog hiatus to herald another awesome book into the world. Today I'm pleased to welcome Lauren Skidmore, author of the brand-spanking new book, WHAT IS HIDDEN.  Lauren is a kindred spirit and fellow wanderer... she loves to explore new places and has even been here in Japan, traveling and teaching English. She has her sights set on Europe next. When she's not exploring new places, you can probably find her on the internet with fifteen windows open and looking at just one more thing before actually getting something done. (See? Kindred spirit!)

And her book is just what I love to read - mystery, history, and intrigue in a truly spectacular setting.  Here's the official book blurb:

In a land of masquerades and mystery, Evie is a mask maker in Venesia, where masks represent rank and identity. When a cryptic bandit strips away Evie's mask and destroys her home, she goes into hiding at the palace to find both a new identity--and revenge.

Here's what people are saying about WHAT IS HIDDEN:

"Crisp dialogue and quick pacing propel the story, a riff on Cinderella, to an action-filled ending. Filled with gossiping servants, palace intrigue, and masquerading royal personages, this novel will appeal to romance and fantasy fans" --Publisher's Weekly

"Charming twist on a classic fairytale... an enchanting story of friendship, romance and loyalty." --Deseret News

In keeping with my theme this year, I asked Lauren to share with us a random act of kindness she had either given or received.  Here's her response:

I thought for a long time about what kindness I wanted to write about, and my mind kept drifting back to one small instance from my freshman year of college.

My dorm was close to The Creamery, a tiny grocery store-slash-diner, and I had over estimated how much I could carry in one trip. I hadn't really shopped for my own groceries before, and I definitely hadn't done it without a car. So I ended up with like fifty pounds of grocery bags, slowly walking the block back to my dorm.

A jogger passed me, (because there are always joggers everywhere in Provo) and then came back to ask if I needed any help. I told her I didn't, becauseI could literally see my front door, but she insisted, took half the bags from me, and helped me carry them in.

It was a super tiny thing, but I think it really helped set the tone for my college experience. Campus wasn't so scary if random joggers will help carry your groceries fifty feet."

I love this story because it illustrates that you don't have to do something big to make an impact on a person's life. Each little act of kindness counts in a huge way. Thanks, Lauren!

You can find Lauren online on her blog, on facebook, on instagram, on pinterest, and follow her on twitter.

SCBWI Winter Conference Wrap-up #1 2014

Every few years, I'm able to find both the time and the funds to get to one of the SCBWI National conferences. The NY Winter Conference rolls around each February, and the LA Summer Conference is in August. Each time I've gone, I've lucked out, because I seem to hit on the Best Conference Ever. (Or is it possible that all the SCBWI national conferences are phenomenal?)

This year, I was lucky to be able to attend the NY Conference on some of the few days that New York has actually had fair weather this winter. I took that as a good omen! That, and the giant head with the Cat in the Hat topper greeting us in the hotel lobby. And my roomie (and Dublin critique partner) Nancy Roe Pimm, who is always smiling, laughing, having a good time. The tone was set! Fun conference ahead.

We started out Saturday morning pre-session sipping tea with a group of ultra cool ladies, including Edith Pattou, Colleen Moidu, and Jill Bixel, and Elizabeth Wein. You'll read more about Elizabeth in the wrap-up, but this illustrates what I adore about the writing community:  Before the conference, I had contacted the British Isles SCBWI chapter to see if anyone might be attending the conference. My current WIP features a Scottish setting and I wanted to make sure I was getting sensory details correct. Elizabeth emailed me and offered to meet up. So gracious. Absolutely love her.

There was so much goodness packed into those two days, it will be hard to fit it all in just a few blog posts, but here are some of the highlights:

In the Welcome, Lin Oliver opened up the conference for the "tribe" by giving the attendance stats. I love when these are announced each conference because it shows how huge, widespread, and yet connected the children's literature community is. There were 1,085 people in attendance, hailing from 47 states and 20 countries.

She introduced Kristen Fulton, an attendee of this years conference who shared her experience of getting an agent and getting published. Karen had been a veterinarian, but discovered she had stage 3 breast cancer just about the time her youngest was moving out of the house. She was unable to continue her career, so she asked herself, What next? She had always wanted to write for kids, so she switched gears, found SCBWI, attended numerous conferences to learn the business and the craft, and wrote, wrote, wrote. She now has a two book deal with Scholastic. Hooray, Kristen!

Jack Gantos's keynote had the entire ballroom in stitches. Awesome, awesome speaker.  Some of the takeaways:

*  "A great character will carry a weak plot, but a great plot will not carry a lousy character."

*  "A reader has to feel what the character feels... without empathy you don't have a good book."

*  "The reason we read books is to change. As writers, we have to infuse change into our writing so that the reader feels it."

*  A great book should have two good endings - the external ending and the emotional one. "At the end of the story you have to solve the problem and bring in empathy."

*  "To be a great writer, you have to be a great reader." (Yes! Yes! Yes!)

Next came the keynote panel: The Future of Authorship. Panelists included Paul Aiken of the Author's Guild, Jean Feiwel, SVP Publishing Director at MacMillan Children's Books; Jane Friedman, web guru and editor, Virginia Quarterly Review; author Abby Gaines; and Timothy Travalini, Director of Children's Acquisitions at Open Road Media.

They discussed the changes in the industry with the growth of e-books, social media, self-publishing, etc.  We have lost 60-70% of our shelf space, Mr. Aiken said. "The opportunity (to succeed) is still there, but we need to adapt."

Ms. Gaines seconded that. She began by building her author platform online and publishing e-books. She made mistakes (says her first book was truly bad) but has learned and adapted and is now a top selling author, with both e-pub and traditional publishing credits.  Ms. Friedman agreed that this was a smart strategy. She says that building author platforms should be organic, slow, and about connecting to readers.

Elizabeth Wein spoke on Bearing Witness, Authorial Responsibility. If you have read her books, CODE NAME VERITY and ROSE UNDER FIRE, you know the kind of authenticity Elizabeth brings to her books. (If you have not yet read these books, what are you waiting for?)

I assumed the keynote would be about getting our
research correct - and she did speak a bit about that - but she also spoke a lot about our responsibility as authors to be gracious and positive. She noted the jealousy and self-consciousness that can sneak up on us as writers and artists, but says to approach every aspect of our careers with appreciation.

"The tide comes and goes and comes again," she said, and reminded us how important it is to "maintain grace" in the face of both adversity and success. (I.e., send thank you notes, be happy for others' successes, don't post negative comments about anyone in any forum, etc.)

Elizabeth says her message to young readers, all the way from her first book THE WINTER PRINCE, is "Take responsibility for your own actions." Authors should do the same.

The next keynote panel, Banning Books- Where Do We Stand featured Joan Bertin of the National Coalition Against Censorship, author Ellen Hopkins, and Chair of the Pen American Center Children's and Young Adult Book Committee, Susanna Reich.

I admit to skipping out on this one to visit with my dear friend from the area, Jen McAndrews (a huge motivation for me to attend NY conferences), but I do have some notes that were shared with me.

Susanna Reich noted that 72 of the top 100 most challenged books in the past years have been children's books. She also said "To create something, you have to face your own fears." (More on writing bravely later.

Ellen Hopkins, whose books have been banned numerous times, had these words of wisdom to share:
*  You make children stronger by giving them the truth.
*  Pull the books out from under the covers and read them with your kids.
*  If a 13-year-old experiences sexual abuse, shouldn't she have the right to read a book about it??
*  Write bravely. Speak the truth. We have a responsibility to our readers - not the censors.

That should about do it for now. Individual workshop recaps and Sunday wrap-up coming. Stay tuned!

FAST FICTION with Denise Jaden

Rather than doing a traditional interview-filled blog tour, Denise Jaden is celebrating the release of her new nonfiction writing book, FAST FICTION, by dropping tips about writing quickly at every stop of her blog tour, and offering some awesome prizes for commenting on any of these posts (including this one!)

The more you drop by and comment, the more chances you have to win these great prizes:

Denise's Fast Fiction Tip: Be kind to other writers.

I would not be where I am in my writing career without the help of other writers. That’s just a fact. When I first started considering trying to get my work published, my main critique partner was the biggest help to me, not only in fixing up my manuscript, but also in figuring out how to navigate the landscape of publishing, from query letters to the variety of different publishers. I have had other writers read an entire full-length manuscript over a weekend, when I’ve needed some specific timely feedback. I believe my book sales are a big reflection of the writer-friends who have cheered me on and promoted my books to their friends. I’m so thankful for these things, and so it is always part of my thinking now that anything I can do for the other writers in my life, any time, it is well worth my effort. I run a yearly March Madness challenge on my blog each year, offering encouragement and great prizes. I try to offer words of advice and encouragement whenever I can. Do what you can for the writers in your life. Treat their manuscripts as if they are your own. Offer networking connections and promotion when you can. I guarantee it will come back to you if it hasn't already!

The Prizes:

• Compliments of New World Library: They will be giving away A BOX of copies of FAST FICTION by Denise Jaden and GET IT DONE by Sam Bennett (US and Canada only):

• Compliments of Denise Jaden, TWO BOXES of great fiction (US Only). Details on Denise's blog.

• Audiobook copies of NEVER ENOUGH by Denise Jaden!

• A critique of your first five pages, compliments of Denise's agent, Michelle Humphrey from The Martha Kaplan Agency!

All you have to do is enter the rafflecopter for a chance to win (at the bottom of this post, I've included links to all of the other blogs where you can comment for more chances to win).

About Fast Fiction:

Writers flock to National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) each November because it provides a procrastination-busting deadline. But only a fraction of the participants meet their goal. Denise Jaden was part of that fraction, writing first drafts of her two published young adult novels during NaNoWriMo. In Fast Fiction, she shows other writers how to do what she did, step-by-step, writer to writer. Her process starts with a prep period for thinking through plot, theme, characters, and setting. Then Jaden provides day-by-day coaching for the thirty-day drafting period. Finally, her revision tips help writers turn merely workable drafts into compelling and publishable novels.

A portion of publisher proceeds will be donated to National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)

Praise for Fast Fiction:

“Fast Fiction is filled with stellar advice, solid-gold tips, and doable, practical exercises for all writers who want to draft a complete novel.”

— Melissa Walker, author of Violet on the Runway

“Being a ‘pantser’ I have always resisted outlining, but I have to say that Fast Fiction changed my mind! Denise Jaden takes what I find to be a scary process (outlining) and makes it into an easy and, dare I say, enjoyable one. Fast Fiction is a hands-on book that asks the right questions to get your mind and your story flowing. I know I’ll be using Fast Fiction over and over again. Highly recommended for fiction writers!

— Janet Gurtler, author of RITA Award finalist I’m Not Her

“Fast Fiction is full of strategies and insights that will inspire and motivate writers of every experience level — and best of all, it provides them with a solid plan to quickly complete the first draft of their next novel.”

— Mindi Scott, author of Freefall

“Fast Fiction provides writers with the perfect mix of practical guidance and the kick in the pants they need to finish that draft. This book is a must-have for writers of all levels.”

— Eileen Cook, author of The Almost Truth

“Practical and down-to-earth, Denise Jaden’s Fast Fiction makes a one-month draft seem doable, even for beginners, any month of the year.”

— Jennifer Echols, author of Endless Summer and Playing Dirty

“One of the greatest challenges any writer faces is getting a great idea out of one’s brain and onto the page. Fast Fiction breaks that process down into concrete, manageable steps, each accompanied by Denise Jaden’s sage advice and enthusiastic encouragement. And anything that helps streamline the drafting process is a-okay by me! Fast Fiction is a great addition to any writer’s toolbox — I’ve got it in mine!”

— Catherine Knutsson, author of Shadows Cast by Stars

“Forget the fact that this resource is directed at those wanting to complete a fast draft — if you’re out to get your novel done, period, Jaden’s Fast Fiction will be the kick in the butt that gets you there, from story plan to ‘The End’. . . and beyond.”

— Judith Graves, author of the Skinned series for young adults

Where you can find Fast Fiction:

New World Library  |  Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  IndieBound  |  GoodReads

Help an author out:
Can't get a copy of FAST FICTION right now? I wonder if you'd consider helping out in other ways. I'd really appreciate any way that you can help!

• Ask your library or bookstore to bring in FAST FICTION
• Leave a review on Amazon (the more books are reviewed on Amazon, the more they will show up as suggestions for readers).
• Mention FAST FICTION on Facebook, Twitter, your blog, or pin a link to Amazon on Pinterest

Blog Tour Stops:

Comment on any of the following blog posts celebrating Fast Fiction's release to be entered to win prizes galore! 

(All Fast Fiction blog posts should be live by March 9th, or sooner. Contest will be open until March 15th. If any links don't work, stop by http://denisejaden.blogspot.com for updated links.)

GCC Blogs:

http://amandaashby.com/news/

http://www.jessicabrody.com/blog

http://www.eileencook.com/

http://luciennediver.wordpress.com/

http://lindagerber.blogspot.com/ 

http://www.sarahantz.com/blog/

http://denisejaden.blogspot.com

http://elanajohnson.blogspot.com

http://jessikirby.blogspot.com/

http://stephaniekuehnert.blogspot.com

http://myramcentire.com/

http://gretchenmcneil.blogspot.com/

http://www.jennyoconnell.com/blog.html

http://debbierigaud.com/debbie-rigaud-blog/

http://www.mybignose.blogspot.com/

http://we-have-words.com/

http://jerismithready.tumblr.com/

http://www.kristinaspringer.com

http://www.livejournal.com/users/lstolarz/   

http://www.melissacwalker.com/blog/

http://dianarwallach.tumblr.com

Additional Participating Blogs:

http://ellestraussbooks.blogspot.com

http://www.judithgraves.com

http://lstaylor.blogspot.com

http://sharigreen.wordpress.com/2014/03/03/fast-fiction-denise-jaden/

http://www.shana-silver.com

http://www.tonettedelaluna.com

http://careann.wordpress.com

http://www.yascribe.blogspot.com 

Remember, all you have to do is leave comments to get lots of extra entries to win some great prizes. 

Don't know what to comment about? Tell us the name of your favorite writing book!

Share this widget here:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/Y2QyYmEwOTMzNTUyNGRiYWY0NWE1YWE4YjBjN2I2OjQ=/ a Rafflecopter giveaway

Or, if the Rafflecopter Giveaway doesn't seem to be coming up on this blog, access it here: http://www.denisejaden.com/FastFictionContest.html

Women Can (Finally) Fly!

Photo via www.wsjusa.com

On Tuesday, Lindsay Van, Sarah Hendrickson and Jessica Jerome make history. They will compete in the first ever Olympic Women's Ski Jumping event.

Unbelievable as it may seem, Ski Jumping has been a men's-only event since the Winter Olympics began in 1924. Women were not allowed to compete.

I first learned about this gender inequality in 2006 while I was researching for my book, THE FINNISH LINE, about a ski-jumping American exchange student who trains on the hills in Lahti, Finland. It never crossed my mind when I began writing that book that my character would have no hope of competing in the Olympics because of her gender. Who would have thought it possible in this century?

The Olympics in Turino, Italy were in full swing. I tuned in to watch the women's ski jumpers, only to realize that there were none. I contacted the good folks at  Women's Ski Jump USA, who were kind enough to help me not only with my understanding of the sport and training involved, but of their struggles for inclusion in the Olympic Games.  (You can read more about this fight on the wsjusa website.)

I was living in Japan at that time, and had the opportunity to meet Lindsay Van and Jessica Jerome a little bit later when they came to compete in Zao. I was also able to watch them train that summer in Park City, Utah. I was, and continue to be completely in awe not only of their talent, but also of their poise and grace. Even in the face of denial over and over again by the International Olympics Committee.* 

Finally, in the spring of 2011, the IOC announced that a women's event would be added to the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi. And last week, Lindsay Van, Sarah Hendrickson and Jessica Jerome walked into the stadium at opening ceremonies as Olympic competitors. 

I'm so happy for them, and proud of women ski jumpers everywhere who fought long and hard for this day to come. I'll be cheering for them extra loud tomorrow! (I should add that another favorite is from Japan, where I find myself once again, so even though my heart belongs to Lindsay, Sarah, and Jessica, I will also be cheering for Sara Takanashi. But in my way of thinking, no matter who medals, everyone has won.)

*The reasons the IOC gave for the exclusion ranged from offensively sexist ("women shouldn't jump because it can damage their ovaries") to blatantly untrue ("the sport lacks universality" - even though women's ski jumping had more competitors from more countries competing at the highest level than several other women's Olympic sports.) They have earned every eye roll you can give them, but we're staying positive this year, yeah? So yay, IOC, for finally seeing the light!

Share the Love!

It's February, the month of love!

Around here, Valentine's Day is not the holiday it is in the States. The marketing people love it, and Valentine's displays pop up in the stores, but it's not really a Japanese thing. 

I'll tell you what's universal, though... kindness. For example, here's a compilation of dash cam videos from Russia showing simple acts of kindness and compassion:

Notice how these acts don't have to be anything big or planned out. They don't have to cost anything besides a little thoughtfulness and a moment of your time. 

I think it's ingrained in us to be kind to each other. Sometimes we're just caught up in working our way through our own days so we miss the opportunity to make someone else's. So I love it when we get a nudge to rise to the occasion. Take last week's Atlanta "snowstorm" traffic fiasco, for example. Wasn't it magnificent the number of people who went out of their way to show kindness to complete strangers? People walking the highways to pass out food and water to those stranded with their cars, businesses like Target and Lowe's offering shelter, others like Starbucks and Trussville Grill giving away free coffee and food. All the way over here in Japan I read about the SnowedOutAtlanta facebook groups, and the amazing offers of help, delivering food, even opening up homes to perfect strangers who needed to get out of the elements for the night.

What if we didn't wait for the next nudge to look for ways to be kind to those around us? Imagine if everyone decided to look for at least one opportunity to help someone this month. Or even better... We've got four weeks. I'll bet we could each dream up (and carry out!) at least one random act of kindness each week. Let's do it! Let's celebrate Valentine's Day all month long.

Best way I know to share the love!

To kick off the New Year, Kristina Springer is joining us on the blog. Welcome, Kristina!
 ***tosses confetti***  

For any of you who don't know her, Kristina is the best-selling author
of THE ESPRESSOLOGIST, MY FAKE BOYFRIEND IS BETTER THAN YOURS, JUST YOUR AVERAGE PRINCESS, THE PAPARAZZI PROJECT and BOY SWAP.

Here's an experience Kristina had with a small act of kindness that caused a ripple effect:

"I love when people pass on small acts of kindness. I was in the drivethru at Starbucks when the person in front of me paid for my drink. So sweet! I paid for the person behind me to pass on the nice gesture."

Perfect! Kindness is contagious.

And now, here's Kristina passing on more kind gestures. To celebrate the paperback release of her book, MY FAKE BOYFRIEND IS BETTER THAN YOURS, Kristina is having a contest on her blog, wherein the winner will receive a $20 Amazon gift card and all sorts of swag. That should make someone's day!

If you'd like to find Kristina on line, check out her website, connect on facebook, or follow her on twitter.

You can also order her book (which would make Kristina's day!) on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and IndieBound, or - if you really want to make some bookseller's day- at your local bricks and mortar bookstore!

Have a great weekend, everyone! And don't forget to share the love!

2014 the Year of Kind Acts

Happy Year of the Horse!  Yeah, we're already more than a week in, but I'm still on the road, so it feels like my New Year hasn't really started yet. I'm just finishing up 2013's final vacation.

What plans do you have for this upcoming year? Have you made resolutions? Do you make resolutions?

I'm actually not sure what I do. Some years I make a list of resolutions. Other years I call them goals. Other years I claim that none of that stuff works/matters/makes sense, and I simply keep on keeping on.

This year, however, I have a very strong sense of what I want to do with my shiny new year. I want to make a difference. So, I have one goal/resolution/mantra for 2014: Make the world a better place to live in. That's it. Yes, I am only one, small person, but I can be the pebble that starts a lot of ripples. Every day, I will look for at least one way that I can do something positive for someone else. Every day, just one small, anonymous act that will brighten the day of at least one person. Even when my own day is rotten. Especially when my own day is rotten.

I'd love for ya'll to join me on the adventure! Throughout the year, I will be inviting author friends to come onto the blog and share ideas and/or experiences of kind acts or service. Anything that upped the good things scale up a notch. Even the smallest of actions can have a huge impact. I'd love for us to be part of that impact. And I'd love to hear from you. What can you do to make your world a better place? What has someone done for you that impacted your mood, your outlook, or your attitude?

Here's to the best, happiest, most positive year ever!