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Interviewing Anna Staniszewski

Mar 4, 2013 | , , | 6 Comments

My Epic Fairy Tale Fail Final Cover RGB

I am excited to have Anna Staniszewski here on my blog to celebrate the release of her latest middle grade, My Epic Fairy Tale Fail! I must say I love the cover. It’s such a clever twist of the traditional fairy tale title.

Here’s the blurb:

Jenny has finally accepted her life of magic and mayhem as savior of fairy tale kingdoms, but that doesn’t mean the job’s any easier. Her new mission is to travel to the Land of Tales to defeat an evil witch and complete three Impossible Tasks. Throw in some school friends, a bumbling knight, a rhyming troll, and a giant bird, and happily ever after starts looking far far away. But with her parents’ fate on the line, this is one happy ending Jenny is determined to deliver.

1. What was your favorite fairy tale as a kid and why?

When I was young, I really liked “Cinderella” (all the different versions of it) partly because I enjoyed the make-over part, but mostly because I loved the idea that a regular girl could become a princess.

2. How did your love of fairy tales inspire My Epic Fairy Tale Fail?

I’ve been a fan of fairy tales since I was very young, so writing a story that was full of fairy tale elements seemed like a good fit. At the same time, fairy tales can seem strange by today’s standards, so I had a lot of fun twisting them and making them bizarrely my own.

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3. If you could be a character in a fairy tale, which one would you be?

Oh that’s a hard one! I love the tale “East of the Sun, West of the Moon,” which starts off very much like Beauty and the Beast and then morphs into a story about a heroine having to venture off to rescue her prince. I admire how brave and driven she is, and since I’m usually a big wimp, I’d love to experience that kind of fearlessness.

4.   What was the hardest part about writing My Epic Fairy Tale Fail?

Keeping expectations from creeping in was a challenge. I wanted to make sure that readers of the first book would enjoy the second one, and I didn’t want to let my editor (or myself) down. It was hard to shake off all that pressure, but I finally managed to focus on the characters and the story and push most of those insecurities into the background.

Anna Staniszewski

And here are some quickies:

1. Favorite type of chocolate: All kinds! But there’s nothing better than a dark chocolate truffle.

2. #1 country you’d like to visit: I’ve always wanted to go to Iceland. Based on picture I’ve seen, it looks like a place that shouldn’t even exist on this planet. (Or perhaps like something out of a fairy tale…)

3. Favorite mode of transportation: I take the commuter rail into Boston on days when I teach, and I really enjoy it. For a brief period of time, someone else is doing the driving, and I can just relax, or read, or get some writing done. I’ve had some great brainstorming session on that train!

4. Preferred writing method: (i.e.) computer, pen, pencil:

I use my laptop for most things, but when I’m stuck, I usually grab a pen and start scribbling away. It’s amazing how many ideas flow through my pen that refuse to come when I’m typing.

Links: http://www.annastan.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AnnaStaniszewskiAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/annastanisz

Book Trailer

 

 

Winners of My Website Launch Giveaway!

Mar 4, 2013 | , | 0 Comments

Thank you to everyone who tweeted and shared the news of my new website. I really appreciate your thoughtfulness! And now to announce my winners.

If you were one of the first 20 people to post a comment, you’ve automatically won a dragon sticker and charm. Email me at christina@christinafarley.com your address.

These people are:

Kat, Naomi, Keisha, Richa, Lena, Orchid, Tawny, Lyn, Andrea, Nick, Llehn, Ellie, Shannon, Jemi, Terry, Becky, Tessa, Karielle, Jennifer, and Dani.

The other prizes:

ARCs and new releases from Skyscape: Stephanie G

Autographed books: Lesley Cheah

GILDED swag: Shannon Brochu

Lucky13 Swag: Kerry Amburgy-Dickson

Email me at christina@christinafarley.com your address so I can send you your prizes!

Writing the Twitter Pitch

Feb 28, 2013 | , , | 10 Comments

TwitterYourWay

Lately the buzz word for pitches has become the Twitter Pitch. You may see agents asking for Twitter Pitches in contest or hey, on Twitter! So what is this? Basically, it’s where you sum up the essence of your novel in 140 characters or 2o words.

What are the benefits to a Twitter Pitch?

1. It’s a quick, concise version of your book.

2. You can offer your readers or listeners a snapshot of what your book is about.

3. Catches a person’s attention. (Remember, we live in a fast food age!)

4. Often it’s a phrase or thought rather than a sentence.

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How to Craft a Twitter Pitch:

Ah, now here’s the tricky part. We have already agreed that it’s short. But it must also have power, be clear and have a hook that will make your reader want more. Enough to buy the book.

1. Study examples. Below, I’ve listed examples of pitches from the OneFour KidLit authors.

2. Jot down notes of what your book is about.

3. Now start piecing together those notes, slashing unnecessary words.

4. Make sure you include the character, the conflict, and the basic essence of the story.

5. Details. Be as specific as you can without spoilers.

twitter coffee

Things to Remember:

1. Add in your own flair.

2. Use power verbs.

3. Use visual words.

 

Note:

If you wish to write a one sentence pitch and aren’t worried over the length, then check out Nathan Bransford’s blog. I LOVE Nathan Bransford’s simple formula:  “When [opening conflict] happens to [character(s)], they must [overcome conflict] to [complete their quest].”

Check out Carissa Taylor’s post for more information here. 

Examples:

GILDED
YA Mythological Paranormal (Skyscape/Amazon Children’s)
A girl with a black belt and a deadly proclivity with steel-tipped arrows discovers a Korean god kidnaps the oldest daughter of her family.

Christina Farley

HEART BAND (Book 1: I Heart Band, Book 2: Friends, Fugues, and Fortune Cookies)
MG Contemporary (Penguin/Grosset & Dunlap)
A series about the thrills and spills, practices and performances, crushes and crises of middle school band geeks.
Michelle Schusterman

LANDRY PARK
YA Light Sci-Fi (Dial/Penguin)
Gone with the Nuclear
Wind
Bethany
Hagen

NEARLY GONE
YA thriller (Kathy Dawson Books/Penguin)
A math whiz from a trailer park discovers she’s the only student capable of unraveling complex clues left by a serial killer who’s systematically getting rid of her classmates.
Elle Cosimano

SEKRET
YA historical thriller (Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan Children’s)
Psychic teens in Soviet Russia are forced to spy for the KGB against the backdrop of impending nuclear war.
Lindsay Smith

EXTRACTION
YA Sci-fi (St. Martin’s/MacMillan)
A girl wins escape from a brutal life on her planet’s surface only to face the cruel realization that her new life within the core has its own set of horrors.
Stephanie Diaz

THE DELICIOUS DOUBLE LIFE OF GLADYS GATSBY
MG humor/adventure
(Putnam/Penguin)
An 11-year old girl secretly becomes a food critic for The New York Times.
Tara Dairman

My New Website Giveaway!

Feb 17, 2013 | , , , | 28 Comments

sparkles

I’m so excited about my new website. This beautiful site was designed by Denise from Biondo Studios. I really had no idea what I wanted for a site so I told her I wanted it to be unique, have gold tones, and have a fantasy feel. I think she pulled all those elements together so beautifully.

Since I have this gorgeous site, I’ve decided to say goodbye to Chocolate for Inspiration. I really do love blogger and it was there for me as I first started writing and figuring out where I fit into the writing world. But the reason I have this website is to centralize all my writing ‘stuff’ so it’s all in one place and easy to find.

So to celebrate my pretty, shiny website, I’m giving away prize packs. Yay!

The first 20 people to comment below what they like best about the site automatically win a dragon sticker and charm:

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Or you can enter to win:

An ARC of The WAITING TREE by Lindsay Moyhihan and hardback of MY INVISIBLE GUY by Sarah Jeffrey curtesy of my publisher, Skyscape.

  ARCS

Autographed copies of GOING BOVINE by Libba Bray and THE GODDESS TEST by Amiee Carter:

autographed booksrter.

A brand new GILDED swag pack (purse, sticker, dragon charm, and pencil)

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Lucky 13 Swag (a group of 2013 debut authors in kidlit)

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Fill out this Raffelcopter form to choose which pack you’d like to be entered for! It’s that simple. Thank you for celebrating with me!

 

 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Writing Romance in Young Adult

Feb 14, 2013 | , , , , | 3 Comments

It’s Valentine’s Day and what better day to chat about writing romance in young adult books. One of the big areas that editors were asking for in the last three conferences I have been to is more romance in YA.

I think it’s important for us writers to remember that there should only be romance in the story if it’s needed. It has to have an integral part of the plot and character development.

The romance should have a plot arc of it’s own. This can be tricky to not fall into the cliche relationship.

Books that I love and give a shout out to the romance are:

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Jane by April Lindner
An Infidel in Paradise by S.J. Laidlaw
Reboot by Amy Tintera
Sanctum by Sarah Fine

Here’s a vlog I made for you on tips for writing romance in YA:

SCBWI NY and the MiGs

Feb 12, 2013 | | 4 Comments

One of the best parts of going to conferences is meeting up with writing friends. Two years ago, my online crit group, The MiG Writers committed to each other that we’d all go to the SCBWI conference together. And we did!

Above you’ll see a picture of all the MiG Writers in one place at one time! It was the first moment we got to meet together. We had so much fun talking about writing, life, publishing, well just about everything.

 

Susan Laidlaw gave me an autographed copy of her book, AN INFIDEL IN PARADISE. It was such a great moment seeing this book come into a reality.

 

 

Debbie Ridpath Ohi signed I’M BORED, the book she illustrated for us.
Carmella Van Vleet and me being silly.

 

 

Kate Fall and me hanging out in the lobby.

 

 

Andrea Mack and me seeing each other again (She visited Florida a while back so this was my second time seeing her).
We even made a video of our time. Check it out!

SCBWI NY Conference Recap

Feb 11, 2013 | , , , , , , , | 7 Comments


The SCBWI NY conference was incredible. There just is no other word for it. The staff was helpful and I was impressed at how smoothly everything ran. They provided delicious breakfast breads and coffee (!!!!) each morning and the cocktail party was stunning and so yummy. I ate way too much of that sweet potato dish.


Here’s a picture of me with Kit Grindstaff and Ruth Setton at the social.

I took tedious notes throughout the conference and if you followed the Twitter hashtag #NY13SCBWI you’ll find my brief comments along with many others.


Here’s a picture of my MiG crit partners: Andrea Mack, Susan Laidlaw, Kate Fall and Carmella Van Vleet. So fun hanging out with them!

I found the conference inspiring, and within it, many gems of wisdom that I can use in my own writing.

Some brief thoughts of the weekend:

Meg Rosoff talked about not getting discouraged when others ask: “When are you going to write a real book? Like for adults?” She also encourages writers to: “Be flexible“

 

 

For my breakout session, I went to Molly O’Neil‘s talk- she’s encourages writers to write with authenticity and heart.

 

Here’s the line of books that Molly has edited.

Next I went Francoise Bui‘s session because of her focus on characterization. Her three points were to build great characters you need voice, characterization and texture with in the story.

 

Shaun Tan, an illustrator, spoke about the importance to not fear failure. This helps us to be free to create and experiment. Knowing you can throw out your work allows you to be uninhibited to create. I just loved that.

Margaret Peterson Haddix reminded us that we must write a book for the kid that doesn’t like to read. If we can do that, then the kids who do like to read will love it, too.

Julie Andews spoke with her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton. I was amazed by Andrew’s presence, which seemed to fill the entire room. The two of them talked about brainstorming and then plotting since they need to work with each other to get the job done. Interestingly, they use a web cam for most of their writing sessions.

Since they write multiple books in a series, they realized they needed to keep the books balanced between the inevitable and the element of surprise, which can be tricky.

Finally, Mo Williams raced to the podium and then around the room. He was great and I laughed so hard. Williams urged us to go deeper, write what we don’t know and understand so that we can explore new emotions within ourselves. He also said to not be afraid to ask the tough questions.

Here’s a link of great advice on Mo Williams’s 9 Steps of Writing.

Oh, and I loved this line Williams said, “Writing is like a sale at the Gap. Take off 20%!”

Such a great experience. I would highly recommend this conference!

Day One of My New York City Trip!

Feb 8, 2013 | , , , , | 11 Comments

Last weekend I went to New York City for the SCBWI conference. It was an amazing weekend. I’m just now able to start wrapping my head around everything that happened. As promised, I’m going to give you a recap of my weekend, but it’s going to have to be in a number of blog posts because so much happened! 

I stayed at the Grand Hyatt with one my MiG partners, Debbie Ridpath Ohi. In fact, all the MiGs came for the conference and wow, we had a blast. You can check out this post for all the MiG pictures. Rooming with Debbie was perfect. She’s the best roommate! Look for the next picture book she’s illustrating, NAKED, coming out soon.


Friday morning, I took off to visit my publisher, Amazon Children’s. I decided to walk because I wanted to experience the city. Man it was cold!


Once there, I met my editor, Miriam Frank. It was wild to actually meet her in person. She took me on a tour of the office area that ACP is renting out until they move into their permanent offices. She dug through their boxes and handed me some of Skyscape’s upcoming books, ME AND MY INVISIBLE GUY and THE WAITING TREE. So excited to read those.


First she introduced me to Vera Soki, one of the designers, and Alan Tsai, the production manager. He also handed me a stack of picture books for my boys and classroom, which the kids LOVED.


I also meet Katrina Damkoehler, the art director, who is responsible for making all those beautiful covers ACP has.


Miriam and I went out for coffee and I talked her ear off. Strangely she didn’t seem to mind. But after our conversation, I realized how much we clicked and saw eye to eye on books and stories. She gave me book recommendations and had some insightful ideas for my possible sequel. I kept pinching myself because it was all too good to be reality.


When we went back to APC, Miriam introduced me to Marilyn Brigham, another editor, as well as Tim Ditlow, the head of Skyscape, which is the imprint GILDED will be a part of. The only person I didn’t get to meet that I was hoping for was Margery Cuyler. I adore her books and was secretly hoping to snag an autograph. Margery was the one who first emailed me that they were taking GILDED to acquisitions.



As much as I didn’t want my time to end at ACP, I was super excited to meet my agent, Jeff Ourvan and Jennifer Lyons who runs the agency. Jeff picked me up at ACP, and it was as if I already knew him even though it it was our first time meeting. We met Jennifer at her house. I loved how there were books everywhere. Figures she’s the head of a literary agency!

Unfortunately, I totally forgot to get pictures with them! We were so busy talking and planning and then off to an amazing lunch, that the thought didn’t even cross my mind. Next time though!


Jennifer gave me a copy of their latest award winning book, THE REVOLUTION OF EVELYN SERRANO by Sonia Manzano. It won the Pura Belpre Honor Book.

After meeting Miriam, Jeff and Jennifer, I decided I am the luckiest girl on the planet to have a team of people who are excited about making GILDED become a reality. I think I literally floated for the rest of the day. No, I think I’m still floating.

News and Upcoming Conference

Jan 30, 2013 | , | 10 Comments

My big news is I’m super excited to be a part of the new Skyscape imprint at Amazon Children’s Publishing. For more details, you can check here where it was announced on Publisher’s Weekly.

Tomorrow, I’ll be flying out to New York City. It’s going to be a whirlwind trip and I can only imagine how cold it will be. But I can’t wait!

Friday my plans include meeting my editor, Miriam Frank, and all the amazing people at Skyscape. I’ll be having lunch with my agent, whom I’m so excited to finally meet him in person. That night I’ll be meeting a bunch of the OneFour members, a group of debut authors for 2014 that I recently joined.

Saturday and Sunday will be packed with the SCBWI conference as well as meeting the Lucky13s for lunch and Blueboarders for drinks.



But what I’m really excited about is hanging out with the MiGs all weekend. We promised each other two years ago to do this conference. At that time, I didn’t have an agent or a book deal, but I knew I was committed to our group and to making this dream of mine to get published a reality. And now it is. Kind of wild and exciting all mixed together.

I’m sure after the weekend is finished I’ll crash. I’m planning on taking plenty of pictures which I’ll post next week. If I don’t freeze to death in the meantime!

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