What I Learned About Teens at One Direction

Harry
Niall
Zayne
Liam
Louis

 What do these names have in common?

 If you thought of the band, One Direction, you would be right.

I recently attended their concert with one of my daughters. My older daughter was already going that night with friends. On the day of the concert, my 13-year-old and I got the opportunity to go when two family members asked us when their friends had to back out. I'll admit I wasn't exactly looking forward to it, but I knew it meant a lot to M (you should see her 1D poster plastered walls!). I anticipated spending two long hours, quite possibly in the rain, with 19,000 screaming teen girls. Hearing loss was a definite possibly as was a wet, sticky car ride home. 

I couldn't have been more wrong.

Though dark storm clouds loomed in the direction of the outdoor stadium, the clouds passed and it never did rain. When the sun went down, twinkling stars appeared in the sky. It was a beautiful night for an outdoor concert. I'd like to share three mini observations/experiences at the concert that occurred that night.

In our aisle, my daughter stood on my right and a girl I didn't know to my left. As you can imagine, there was a lot of screaming when the boys came on the stage, when they began singing a new song, and when they stopped to talk with the audience. But for the most part, the audience quieted down or sang along during the performance. At one point near the beginning of the concert, the girl to my left turned to me and said, "Am I bothering you? I'm so sorry if I'm singing too loud." Is that not the sweetest thing? I responded, "You're not bothering me at all. Don't worry about it, please! Have fun!" I was so impressed with her consideration of me, a tag-a-long mom, a complete stranger. I was also impressed that this adorable girl knew every single word of every song (even the cover of Blondie's, One Way or Another)!

The next happened after the show was over. The crowd was exiting along a walkway, a mass wall of people heading for the parking lot. It wasn't a fast moving crowd, but you did have to stay close your companions or you could easily become separated. A girl in front of us dropped her 1D t-shirt as the crowd kept moving forward. Another girl to our side scooped the t-shirt up and gave to the grateful girl who had dropped it. A simple act of kindness that spoke volumes.

And lastly, I just wanted to comment on the energy of the audience. Yes, they were loud, but not obnoxious or rude. They danced and sang with an exuberant joy for the band they loved, and even though I'm old enough to be Louis's mother, I enjoyed every moment. (What?)

One thing I believe is essential when writing young adult contemporary literature is an authentic voice. Some authors nail this: Laurie Halse Anderson, Sara Zarr, and Gayle Forman. Sometimes, I think adults forget that being a teen does not necessarily equal snarky, self-centeredness, rudeness or moodiness. Or else they forget that adults can be this way, too. Teens are kind, considerate, joyful, witty, and caring. Two books that I read this year were good, but would have been so much better with less snark and sarcasm. Not that those characteristics are necessarily bad, but balance is important. I find that the more I write, the more authentic I want my teens to act and speak. It's not enough to try and remember what it was like to be a teen, or write how we think a teen might act. Spending time with teens and/or observing them is key. Lucky for me, I live with three (and one on her way in a few years).

Who are your favorite young adult contemporay authors? Or, what is your favorite boy band?

Interview with Donna K. Weaver

I'm thrilled to welcome a long time friend and author of A CHANGE OF PLANS to my blog today. Donna and I met in cyberspace long before either of us began our writing journeys. We both share a passion for Harry Potter and were on the staff of The Leaky Cauldron website together, though in different areas of the forum. Donna has worked so hard to achieve her dream of writing and publishing a novel and I'm extremely happy for her.

Before getting to know Donna in a short interview, here's a look at her debut book.

When Lyn sets off on her supposedly uncomplicated and unromantic cruise, she never dreams it will include pirates. All the 25-year-old, Colorado high school teacher wants to do is forget that her dead fiancé was a cheating scumbag. Lyn plans a vacation diversion; fate provides Braedon, an intriguing surgeon. She finds herself drawn to him: his gentle humor, his love of music, and even his willingness to let her take him down during morning karate practices. Against the backdrop of the ship's make-believe world and temporary friendships, her emotions come alive.

However, fear is an emotion, too. Unaware of the sensitive waters he's navigating, Braedon moves to take their relationship beyond friendship--on the very anniversary Lyn is on the cruise to forget. Lyn's painful memories are too powerful, and she runs from Braedon and what he has to offer.

Their confusing relationship is bad enough, but when the pair finds themselves on one of the cruise's snorkeling excursions in American Samoa things get worse. Paradise turns to piracy when their party is kidnapped and Lyn's fear of a fairytale turns grim. Now she must fight alongside the man she rejected, first for their freedom and then against storms, sharks, and shipwreck.

Interview with Donna

1. Do you ever look at yourself in the mirror and pinch yourself thinking, "I'm a published author!" I still can't believe it. It's funny because the book went live on Amazon early, and my sister-in-law got and read the book. Yet I hadn't received my own copies of it . How ironic that someone else held my baby before me?

2. What was your inspiration for A Change of Plans?
A dream. It had one with a guy and a girl on an island with the huge tree and a tree house. In the dream, they were strangers, though.

3. What is your favorite part of the writing process?
I don't outline in the traditional way. My outline's a 50,000 word first draft. I love sitting down to write and seeing where the story takes me. Even when I've thought I knew where the story was going to go, I'm frequently surprised.

4. What are you currently working on and can you tell us a little about it?
I'm editing a companion novel to A Change of Plans. It stars a secondary character--Jori--and begins about 80 pages into ACoP, where the characters go different paths. It's been an interesting experience, both writing a parallel story that goes beyond where ACoP ends but also writing from a male point of view. I'm also working on a short story about Lyn's best friend, Elle.

5. Other than writing, what's your favorite thing to do in your spare time?
When I'm alone, read. When I'm doing something with my husband, we like to go to movies or play video games.

6. Tell us a little about your writing process. Plotter or Pantser? PoV preference?
Since I talked about my Panstering earlier, I'll address point of view. I was actually 12,000 words into ACoP as third person, but I could tell it wasn't working. I'd never really considered writing in first person because it seemed so ... personal? Even though it's not. But once I started writing in first person, it was the right fit for this story. The other 4 1/2 books I've written are all third person.

7. Are there any "must haves" you need while writing? (favorite snack, music, comfy chair cushion...) Quiet. I don't mean silence. I love having music that fits the characters or scenes. I just can't have people talking to me when I'm writing. I used to share my office with my husband, but he's a regular Chatty Cathy, and I couldn't take it. Now I have my own office. Which comes in handy since I got Dragon software for the last NaNo (that's when I wrote Jori's book). No way could I talk a story if I had an audience.

8. You knew I had to ask this...Who is your favorite character from the Harry Potter series and why? Harry. I love that kid. I loved learning his history as the story unfolded. Jo was so wonderful the way she eased us into Harry's back story and showed us things even he hadn't known about. I remember when I was reading Prisoner of Azkaban, and I realized the screaming he heard around Dementors was his mother's death cries. Or how happy I was that Harry's Patronus took the form of James's Animagus because of the connection it gave Harry to his father. Or the scene in the hospital at the end of Goblet of Fire (that didn't end up in the film) where Mrs. Weasley held Harry as he cried--almost like a mother. *sniff* Dang. Now I'm going to have to go back and listen to the books again--for like the bazillionth time.

Thank you, Donna for stopping by. Congratulations! I can't wait to read your book!

For more info about Donna K.Weaver, you can visit her at her awesome blog, Weaving A Tale or Two.

A CHANGE OF PLANS is now available at:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Rhemalda Publishing
Goodreads page
Facebook page

Interview With Donna Hosie

I'm delighted to welcome back my friend, author Donna Hosie, who will be releasing her self-published novel, The Spirit of Nimue, the final installment of her Return to Camelot trilogy, on May 31st.

1. What an amazing accomplishment: writing, revising, and self-publishing your young adult urban fantasy. Congratulations! What has been the best part of your writing journey so far?
The best part was receiving those first reviews. I knew/hoped this trilogy was good enough, and so to start getting four and five star reviews from people I didn't know was just thrilling.

2. What has been the hardest part of that same journey?
The release of book two. I literally vomited with nerves! Everyone hears about second book syndrome and I was terrified that people wouldn't like THE FIRE OF MERLIN as much as SEARCHING FOR ARTHUR. As it turned out, people loved it even more!

3. Who has been your biggest supporter?
I can't single one person out, but I have an army of friends who get behind me in every way imaginable when it comes to promotion time. The thank you list on THE SPIRIT OF NIMUE is huge! My husband has never once complained about the time I spend in the study, pounding away on the keyboard, and so I should mention him too!

4. You recently finished the A to Z Blogging Challenge with a Harry Potter theme. (Total LOVE, btw. I enjoyed every post!) Rowling was the subject for your letter R post. Besides J.K. Rowling, what other author(s) inspires you?
Difficult question. I would say Philip Pullman for not compromising; Kate Morton for her use of language; and Carlos Ruiz Zafon for simply being awesome.

5. What book are you reading right now and what are you looking forward to reading this year?
I am currently rereading the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman. I've read a number of very disappointing YA novels recently and I needed to go back to a well-loved classic. I'm really looking forward to the new Dan Brown novel, as well as And The Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini...and Isla and the Happily Ever After.

Now for the more serious questions. (ahem)

6. What is your favorite word? Least favorite?
Favourite word is "Bob" as spoken by Rowan Atkinson! Least favourite word is "Work" especially when I have to do it!

7. What would be your preferred mode of transportation? Apparition? flying Ford Anglia? riding a horse bareback in skinny jeans? Other?
LMAO at the reference to skinny jeans and bareback riding - possibly everyone's favourite scene in SEARCHING FOR ARTHUR! I would love to be able to apparate at will. That said, I like to listen to music on the commute because I get a lot of inspiration from movie soundtracks.

8. Are any of your characters based on yourself or on real people? Of course, I'm implying that you're real, too, even though we've never actually met in person. Um, you are real, right? (of course that would explain her superhuman ability to juggle self-publishing one series, submitting the first book in her new series with her agent, writing another, working full-time...hmm)
*pinches self* Ouch, yes, I'm real! Not a single character of mine is based on a living person. I have a dark and dangerous imagination and can create voices and faces at will!

9. Describe your favorite pair of shoes.
My favourite pair right now are a pair of two-tone, four inch stilettos. They are white, with a black toe and thick black ankle strap. They are instruments of torture, but I get more compliments when I wear those than I do when I wear my Jimmy Choos. Absolutely worth the pain and blood - and yes, there is blood!

10. Is it harder to...
      a. Write and self-publish a book.
      b. Raise kids.
      c. Raise a puppy.
      d. Sleep for more than 5 hours.

Easey peasey - I can't sleep more than five hours. It probably isn't healthy, but I am up at 4am every day, with the exception of Sunday which is my lie-in day, but even then I have the iPad out and I am on social media or answering emails! I have a restless intellect and can't sit still.

Thanks for stopping by, Donna. I can't wait for Book 3!
The Spirit of Nimue will be available on May 31st is available now at Amazon. For info on Donna and her YA novels, visit her at:
Musings of a Penniless Writer
Goodreads
Facebook

Cover Reveal: The Spirit of Nimue

First, there was Searching for Arthur.

Followed by The Fire of Merlin.

May I introduce Book 3 in my dear friend, Donna Hosie's, young adult urban fantasy series, The Spirit of Nimue.


THE RETURN TO CAMELOT trilogy concludes in... 

Natasha Roth and her older brother, Arthur, have removed the magical darkness that had fallen over the land of Logres.

But all actions have consequences.

Nimue, the Lady of the Lake, is now a sworn enemy. Natasha realises that the only way the land of Logres will truly be at peace is if the sorceress is removed forever. So with her beloved Sir Bedivere, the feisty Guinevere, and a trusty brethren of knights, Natasha plots to free Logres from the malevolence of Nimue once and for all.

Yet Arthur also has problems. Now a father to Mila, he starts to witness a terrifying change over his girlfriend, Samantha, as she struggles to contain the awakened powers of Morgana.

With dark magic coming at them from all sides, Natasha and Arthur decide to make use of the Falls of Merlin: a mystical landscape of waterfalls that connects 21st century England with the mystical world they fell into. A place that does not exist in the future.

And by the end, they will know why.

As Natasha finally discovers the truth about her past link to Logres a tragedy will strike at her very heart. Can Arthur get his young family back to the 21st century and still continue to be the king that Logres demands he be? What is the secret that Sir Gareth has been hiding all this time? 

And who is the true owner of Excalibur?



THE SPIRIT OF NIMUE will be released on Amazon on May 31, 2013. It is the final book in THE RETURN TO CAMELOT trilogy. 

*happy dancing*

You can find more info about Donna and her fabulous trilogy at her blog, Musings of A Penniless Writer.

Boston Strong

Happiness is...

- Reading a book that starts off somewhat slow, drawing me into the lives and friendship of two courageous young women, unexpectably takes my breath away causing me to hide in the bathroom as I gasp and sob, ugly tears, and then delivers a satisying ending and lingers in my brain for days. The book: CODE NAME VERITY by Elizabeth Wein. I highly recommend this one.

- Waking up to learn that BBC America is developing a mini-series of JONATHAN STRANGE & MR. NORRELL by Susanna Clarke, one of my favorite books!
BBC America
The New York Times

- Reaching 20,000+ words yesterday on my WiP.

*happy Snoopy dancing*

What makes you happy today?

Cover Reveal: A Change of Plans

Today, I have the honor of revealing the book cover of a dear friend's debut novel. Without further ado, may I introduce A Change of Plans, an adventure romance by author, Donna  K. Weaver, published by Rhemalda Publishing.

When Lyn sets off on her supposedly uncomplicated and unromantic cruise, she never dreams it will include pirates. All the 25-year-old, Colorado high school teacher wants to do is forget that her dead fiancé was a cheating scumbag. Lyn plans a vacation diversion; fate provides Braedon, an intriguing surgeon. She finds herself drawn to him: his gentle humor, his love of music, and even his willingness to let her take him down during morning karate practices. Against the backdrop of the ship’s make-believe world and temporary friendships, her emotions come alive. 

However, fear is an emotion, too. Unaware of the sensitive waters he's navigating, Braedon moves to take their relationship beyond friendship--on the very anniversary Lyn is on the cruise to forget. Lyn's painful memories are too powerful, and she runs from Braedon and what he has to offer.

Their confusing relationship is bad enough, but when the pair finds themselves on one of the cruise's snorkeling excursions in American Samoa things get worse. Paradise turns to piracy when their party is kidnapped and Lyn's fear of a fairytale turns grim. Now she must fight alongside the man she rejected, first for their freedom and then against storms, sharks, and shipwreck.

Author Bio:

Donna K. Weaver is a Navy brat who joined the Army and has lived in Asia and Europe. Because she sailed the Pacific three times as a child, she loves cruising and wishes she could accrue enough vacation time to do more of it with her husband.

At fifty, Donna decided to study karate and earned her black belt in Shorei Kempo.

After recording city council minutes for twenty years, Donna decided to write something a little longer and with a lot more emotion--and kissing.

Donna and her husband reside in Utah, they have six children and eight grandchildren who live all over the world.

________________________

Your cover is gorgeous, Donna! I can't wait to read it!

A Change of Plans is due to be released on June 1, 2013.
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