This blog is my online playground. I do talk about writing, but you might also find me posting photos, talking about my family, or reviewing books. I conduct a series of interviews with authors of middle and young adult novels, too. You can find those by clicking the tag on the left called “Authorial Intrusion.”
Two of my favorite people team up for an awesome interview on the Winter Blog Blast Tour.
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
kellyrfineman asks the questions, and lisa_schroeder answers! Go here for the interview. I can’t WAIT for Lisa’s new novel – CHASING BROOKLYN – to come out! I read an early, early draft … and I know it went through intense revisions, so I’m looking forward to reading the finished book. I met
seaheidi last week at Not Your Mother’s Book Club, and we hit it off right away. She has written an incredibly beautiful review about my book, and two other great contemporary realistic books – THE SECRET YEAR, by Jennifer Hubbard, which comes out in a few months, and STRUTS AND FRETS, by Jon Skovron, which I loved! Here it is.Three L.K. Madigan interview links this week
Neesha Meminger asks me, “What is the single, most important bit of advice you'd give to the You that was the same age as your protagonist/s?” The answer might surprise you.
Sarah MacLean interviews Blake on “Inside the Character’s Studio.” Scroll down to November 18.
Danielle Joseph asks what the theme song is for my book. Go here to find out.
Happy Friday, everyone!
- Mood:
awake
Good luck to Laini Taylor and Jim DiBartolo - the married author-illustrator team behind LIPS TOUCH: THREE TIMES, one of my favorite reads so far this year! Tonight is the National Book Award ceremony - I hope they win!!!!
- Mood: excited
I realized after my last post that I included plenty of beach photos from my weekend, but none from the bookstore event!
Sadly, that’s because I didn’t take any. I only had my camera phone – which doesn’t take great photos indoors – but I was also caught up in the whirl of events!
But my fellow debut author Sarah Quigley did, and was kind enough to share them with me.
Left to right: Sarah Quigley (author of TMI), C. Lee McKenzie (author of SLIDING ON THE EDGE), me, and Cheryl Renee Herbsman (author of BREATHING).
I had such a great time at Not Your Mother’s Book Club, and again, THANKS to everyone who came out for the event!
seaheidi gave me an Advance Reader Copy of SEA, her beautiful YA novel, which is scheduled for release in June 2010. I feel like I've been waiting forever to read this book, and I gobbled it up in two sittings. Ohh ... so good. Full of love and loss and hope and heat and heart. Most of the story takes place in post-tsunami Indonesia, and Heidi creates such a vivid setting that it leaps off the page. When Sienna (the main character) meets Deni (a 17-year-old tsunami survivor) ... well. That scene is unforgettable. I'll post a more thorough review when it's closer to release date. But put this one on your to-be-read list!Here’s a roundup of recent interviews:
Sarah Ockler invites Blake to have a party – what food and entertainment will he have? Check it out.
Kristin Walker wants to know what one piece of writing advice I would give myself, if I could go back in time.
Jenny Moss asks me to reveal my favorite book character.
I confessed to Deva Fagan my least favorite fairy tale.
Jennifer Jabaley asks several probing questions, including one about my writing routine.
Saundra Mitchell invites me to answer 9 important questions, like “Legs or pudding?”
- Mood: awake
I did arrive early and only a little harried. I saw my dear
literaticat first – she was busy getting the most critical part of the evening in order: the cookies and mini-cupcakes! Alas, I never did partake of their desserty goodness – once things got underway, I was too busy.We had a little time before the event started, so I said hi to Sara Zarr, met Allen Zadoff and Barry Lyga … then met some of the other MG/YA authors in the crowd who had come out to support us: Sarah Quigley, Cheryl Renee Herbsman, C. Lee McKenzie, Heidi Kling, Courtney Sheinmel, and Daisy Whitney! Three Debs, two Tenners, and lovely Courtney, in a class by herself. (I've met Cheryl and Lee before, but it was so good to see them again.) Thanks so much for coming out, you guys!
I also got to meet some new agent-sisters: Ilene Wong and Whitney Miller. Stay tuned … I’ll bet it’s not long before we’re hearing that their books have sold.
And of course the evening would have been tragically lacking without the amazing Martha Flynn in attendance! She needs to come visit me in Portland. I also met Debbie Duncan, aspiring novelist and busy reviewer.
I met lots of other people, including some young book bloggers … forgive me for not listing everyone. I’m supposed to check out of my hotel room in ten minutes (literally!) so I’m rushing.
Andrew Smith was the fifth YA author on our panel, but I didn’t actually meet him until the event was over. His book is called IN THE PATH OF FALLING OBJECTS, and sounds sooo chilling. Can’t wait to read it.
Barry spoke first, and read an excerpt from GOTH GIRL RISING (about boobs). Then Sara talked about the inspiration behind ONCE WAS LOST, and read an excerpt. Then Andrew got up to talk, and I said to Allen, “Let’s do boy-girl-boy-girl. I’ll go next.”
When it was my turn, I talked a little bit about FLASH BURNOUT, read an excerpt, and talked briefly about next year’s book – THE MERMAID’S MIRROR. On Twitter, Heidi had mentioned that she hoped I would read a teaser from the mermaid book … so I did! (The prologue, nice and short.)
Then it was Allen’s turn, and he read an excerpt from his debut YA novel – FOOD, GIRLS, AND OTHER THINGS I CAN’T HAVE. Within minutes we were all laughing so hard we were crying. I can’t wait to read the whole book! And selfishly … I’m really glad I didn’t have to follow him. Can you imagine?
We answered some questions, signed some books, and then the Third Annual Fall Book Bash at Not Your Mother’s Book Club was over! Sob.
I got to spend time chatting with Heidi about writing and parenthood and contemporary realistic fiction versus fantasy, and all kinds of deep topics. She’s awesome – and she gave me an ARC of her upcoming YA: SEA. Squee!!
I got back to my hotel around midnight, but I don’t think I fell asleep until around two. I was just so buzzed from the event. Thanks so much, Jenn, for making it happen. <3
I woke up this morning, poured some coffee down my throat, and went for a walk on the beach.
Even though Half Moon Bay is only 30 miles from the crowded metropolis of San Francisco, the beach was empty, except for one fisherman and two surfers in the distance. I love being on a deserted beach. It was more than an hour before any other people appeared.
(Again, camera-phone quality photos.)
The surf was high this morning, and loud.
( Read more... )
Please excuse the quality of the camera-phone photos … but I think they capture the gorgeousness of this day.
Pillar Point Harbor
( Read more... )
- Mood:
relaxed
People who look at this dress usually think one of two things:
1) No. Just … no.
or
2) Daring! I get what she’s going for.
I look at that dress and think: revisions.
A couple of months ago,
idaho_laurie asked me to blog about the revision process once I finished.Now that the uncontrollable sobbing and despair has abated, I’m ready to tackle the subject!
Haha! I kid.
I actually LOVE revising, because I know my hard work will make this book better.
But back to the dress.* It’s … well, there’s no other way to say this: it’s a bedspread. Perhaps lovingly crocheted by Cate Blanchett’s Grandma. Or perhaps it was the only dress her stylist brought with her, thirty minutes before Cate was scheduled to walk down the red carpet, so she just said, “Bloody hell, you complete nutter! I will wear this monstrosity, and I will wear it with such a blissfully beaming demeanor that everyone will be convinced I adore its bizarre yarn squares and one-shouldered whimsy! Also: you’re sacked!”
Here’s my crocheted-dress-as-revision analogy: Imagine your editor saying, “You see that square with the urine-yellow border? That's an unfortunate color. Please unstitch that square and pull out the yellow yarn. Replace it with a cornflower blue shade. Also … the unifying black borders? I think violet would work better. The length of the dress should be about two inches shorter. I would like you to seriously reconsider the long sleeve. I do understand that you’re fond of the asymmetrical look, but it’s distracting. Some more green might be a good idea.”
You can definitely do it.
But it won’t be easy.
Although …
… it might end up being FUN.
I’ve been trying to describe my revision process for a couple of days now. I started off very linear and prosaic (“First I sit down and read through my editor’s notes. Then I percolate for a day. I do NOT attempt to get started. Percolating is very necessary.”)
Not only was it boring, but my process certainly may not work for others. And you know what? It may not even work for me for the next book.
So I think instead I will just tell the story of How I Revised This Particular Book at This Particular Time in My Life.
( Read more... )
- Mood:
full of revisiony thoughts
The three categories were:
Color spot:
Take a photo that is monochromatic (mostly all one color) or lacking in color, with one contrasting bright spot that draws the eye.
Motion:
Shoot a photo of a static (not moving) object that makes your brain think movement.
Texture:
Take a photo of an interesting texture – something that makes the viewer imagine they can almost feel it.
And the three winners are ...
( Read more... )
I know listing another roundup of blog interviews does NOT qualify as a proper Friday Five, but I have a sore wrist today, so I'm trying to keep my keyboarding to a minimum.
My main character writes a letter to Lauren Bjorkman’s main character, asking for advice.
Pam Bachorz and I used to be in a critique group together – now we’re debut authors together! She asks me three important questions here.
Megan Crewe wonders what kinds of books I read as a teen.
Rhonda Stapleton wonders about the inspiration behind FLASH BURNOUT.
Sydney Salter wants to know about my main character’s feelings about his appearance.
Next week I'll be finished with revisions for THE MERMAID'S MIRROR, and getting ready to go to San Francisco for Not Your Mother's Book Club!
Congratulations, Martha Flynn!! Your bids win! Leslie and Martha will become minor characters in THE MERMAID'S MIRROR. I will email you with details. :-)
Roundup of recent blog interviews:
Stacey Jay asks me the real burning question: “L.K., does your book contain zombies?” Find out here.
Do I want to make people laugh, cry, or hide under the covers? Check out Kimberly Derting’s interview with me for the answer.
Jennifer Brown invites Blake and me for a virtual lunch.
Kate Messner asks me how I got here. (Agentsisterlove!)
If tomorrow is Halloween, that means the November 1 deadline for bidding on a minor character name in my next book is only two days away!
As of this writing, it looks like the high-bidding names will go for only $60 each! Woo-hoo, Martha Flynn!
It would be lovely to generate more $$ for the winning charities, however, so if you would like more details on how to bid, click on the link above.
Good luck to Leslie, Aly ... and all other names ...!
I arrived home Saturday night, showered off the stench of Vegas cigarette smoke/plane travel, and slept happily in my own bed. Woke up Sunday morning sick.
Today is my first day back at work.
I would say I'm thankful that I don't have to worry about getting the H1N1 flu anymore ... but apparently, you can get it again, if the strain mutates. Awesome.
Very thankful to the co-worker who just walked up to me with three copies of my book for me to sign. *sniff*
*Pretty sure I'm never going back to Vegas ... unless it's to see U2.
- Mood:
sick
Attention, librarians!
We Debs are celebrating Teens Read Week – want a chance to win 46 brand new middle grade and young adult novels for your library? Go here for details!
Attention, photographers!
Thanks for all the great photos entered in my contest – I will pick a winner by November 20.
Attention, people with names!
Want your name in my book? Go here for details.
Roundup of recent blog interviews:
Dia Reeves drags all kinds of info out of me.
C. Lee McKenzie asks me which fictional character I wish I could be.
Cindy Pon makes me reveal my crushes.
jbknowles is a writer I greatly admire, and I'm glad I got to talk about her here.Erin Dionne and I spend time procrastinating.
I’m thankful to be meeting a college friend in Vegas, baby. We’re going to see my boyfriend tomorrow. He has a concert. (See my icon.)
Have a great weekend, friends!
- Mood: excited
- Mood:
cheerful
And this way:
(Flowers from friends)
My book signing yesterday at Powell's was absolutely wonderful. SO MANY people showed up for me! They kept having to set up more chairs. (Don't be too impressed ... I think 95% of them already knew me.)
I gave my little speech and it went pretty well, although I got distracted when I was throwing chocolate at people, and skipped part of it. But no one noticed, so it was okay. My FAVORITE part was when our 16-year-old friend Nathan did the reading - I could NOT STOP SMILING the whole time he was reading. I got to hear Blake's voice in an actual teen boy's voice!! He did an awesome job.
My friend Suzanne Young wrote up such a perfect post about the day that I really don't think I can improve on it. Stop by her blog to read more - there are pictures! (Ours came out weird and grainy.)
I couldn't fall asleep last night because I was just lying there in the dark, smiling, remembering the day.
Thank you to everyone who showed up!
P.S. OH!!! Please go to Jama's blog and enjoy her photo-inspired post! Jama, I <3 you!
- Mood: ecstatic
Like surfing?
Like tax-deductible donations?
Want your name in my book?
I’m offering up for auction two minor character names in my 2010 YA fantasy, THE MERMAID’S MIRROR, scheduled for release in Fall 2010 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
The winning bids will benefit two organizations:
1) My son’s class field trip – we parents are trying to raise funds for a 3-day trip to the Oregon coast next June. Since THE MERMAID’S MIRROR is set at the California coast, I thought that would be a nice tie-in.
2) The Oregon Food Bank. This charity has seen a huge increase in families needing assistance for the first time, due to Oregon’s high unemployment rate ( currently 11.5%). You can read more about it here.
The two winners will have their first name used in the text of the book, their full names listed in the acknowledgments of the book, AND will receive one autographed copy of the hardcover.
Of course, I can’t accept bids for names of any of the main characters:
Ineligible Girl Names
Selena/Lena
Allie
Lucy
Ineligible Boy Names
Kai
Cole
Brian
Max
One boy name and one girl name OR two girl names are up for bid.
Disclaimers:
The winning name must be a name I would actually use in the story. I reserve the right to reject any name that doesn’t work for me, i.e. Hitler, or Ramalamadingdong.
By submitting a name for bid, you are guaranteeing that this person wants his or her name used in a book.
Winners must mail their winning bid to ME. Anyone who isn’t comfortable sending me a check should not bid. I will forward the donations to each organization. I will not publicly list the name of my son’s school on my blog, but I will provide the name to the winning bidder.
CONTEST ENDS midnight, November 1, 2009.
To bid, add a comment with your $ amount and the proposed name. If you don’t have a LiveJournal username, you can still bid. Just post a comment using the “Anonymous” option, but be sure to tell me who you are in the comment, and include an email where I can contact you, if you win.
Happy bidding!
- Mood: happy
About Give Up the Ghost:
Cass McKenna much prefers the company of ghosts over "breathers." Ghosts are uncomplicated and dependable, and they know the dirt on everybody... and Cass loves dirt. She's on a mission to expose the dirty secrets of the poseurs in her school.
But when the vice president of the student council discovers her secret, Cass's whole scheme hangs in the balance. Tim wants her to help him contact his recently deceased mother, and Cass reluctantly agrees.
As Cass becomes increasingly entwined in Tim's life, she's surprised to realize he's not so bad--and he needs help more desperately than anyone else suspects. Maybe it's time to give the living another chance...
( Read more... )
- Mood:
curious
The next photo is a close-up of a gray stone birdbath with a flock of tiny grayish-brown birds splashing around in it. [The] contrast is a blue jay, mid-flight, swooping down to the birdbath. [Marissa] must have been sitting there forever waiting for that shot. “What are those – sparrows? No, they’re too little.”
“Bushtits.”
“Bush-scuse me?”
[Marissa] giggles. “That’s what they’re called.”
I took this photo just a few weeks ago. In real life, I’m not sure Marissa ever could have captured those quick, skittish little bits of fluff in mid-flight. By the time a blue jay lumbered its bulk to the birdbath, they would have been long gone. (Sorry for the poor quality - I shot this from inside the house.)
Last reminder for photo contest entries! The deadline is midnight, October 19. Details can be found here.
About CANDOR:
Oscar Banks has everything under control. In a town where his father brainwashes everyone, he’s found a way to secretly fight the subliminal Messages. He’s got them all fooled: Oscar’s the top student and the best-behaved teen in town. Nobody knows he’s made his own Messages to deprogram his brain. But then Nia Silva moves to Candor, and Oscar falls in love. He must choose whether to let Nia be lost to brainwashing—or to sacrifice himself.
CANDOR has all the ingredients of a perfect dystopian novel. There’s a conflicted main character trying to survive in a frightening environment – all the more frightening because it seems entirely possible – a dangerous romance, plenty of creeping tension, and final chapters that drag you gasping to the conclusion. One of the best YA books I’ve read this year.
( Read more... )
- Mood: curious
A double shadow this morning at 5:30 ... one from the streetlamp behind me, one from the moon overhead.
A surprise gift from a friend - a little silver camera charm on a necklace. I'm going to wear it to my book signing! Thanks, friend. xo
Listening to THE HELP on audiobook. Ever since
lisa_schroeder commented that she thought the Southern accents in this book would be wonderful to hear ... I've been looking forward to it. And it's terrific.Big things:
Eyesight. A blind man with a guide dog sometimes eats at a deli I frequent. His dog has the absolute sweetest face I've ever seen on a dog, including my own doggies. He dotes on her. It gives me a pang to know he can't see that sweet little face.
My son. This time 12 years ago, he was all of eight hours old. *mimble*
Found things:
For a whole day, I thought I had lost my pen.
No, listen: this is the beautiful, weighty, fancy pen I treated myself to when I sold my book. I paid off credit cards and contributed to my son's college fund and did other practical things with my advance money, but the pen was just for me.
So when I thought I lost it, I felt a little sick.
My husband found it on the floor of my car, on the passenger side. HE HAS EARNED MANY REWARDS, AND I AM THANKFUL.
Reminder about the Flash Burnout photo contest:
If you want details, go here. The deadline to enter is midnight, October 19. You could win $50 to the online merchant of your choice!
- Mood:
thankful
