RTW: Going Back In Time

Writing Song of the Day: "Check it Out" by Nicki Minaj featuring Will.I.Am

Seriously ladies at YA Highway...did you ransack my laptop and read my manuscript In Limbo when forming this week's Road Trip Wednesday question??? It really seems like it :) Yep, you guessed it- it's that time of the week again to road trip with YA Highway and this week they want to know what time period we would travel to for research if we could go back in history.

Well, I am a history teacher on the side so this is an easy enough question for me...but then it's hard to choose! I heart studying Ancient Rome, Greece, the Civil War, and World War II- but would I want to experience any of this stuff? Uh...no.

So, I guess it makes sense to stick with the time period of my manuscript that I finished over the summer. In Limbo is set during 1918- at the tail end of World War One and when Spanish Influenza started to ransack American cities (especially Philadelphia where my novel is set). I would want to experience how normal every day things worked-like toilets, telephones, refrigerators, transportation. I can research all of that but it would be way cooler to actually be there.

We are so excited to hear where the rest of you would like to visit- who knows it might end up in my next WIP :)

Don't Believe the Hype??

Writing Song of the Day: "Radioactive" by Kings of Leon

Okay, admittingly, I'm a little late to the party on this--but Hannah Moskowitz's take on the state of YA was quite compelling. I wanted to respond as soon as I read it, but I was a little nervous. You see, I've only officially been writing YA for a year, but I've been reading the novels pretty much my whole life. All in all, I don't consider myself an expert of the community, but I'm a very strong advocate. So, during my year as a YA writer, albeit unpublished, here are a few highlights:

• I got to read TONS and TONS of really cool books and discovered that some of my favorite authors are actually YA writers (I'm looking at you Elizabeth Scott, Ellen Hopkins, and Courtney Summers).


• I got to start up a fun blog about my journey toward publication with one of my favorite people (my cousin, but only because she cooks for me and tells me that I'm her favorite writer. She's pretty much useless besides that :) ).


• I got to "meet" really cool people in the YA online community (we heart the ladies of YA Highway around here, and Blue Lipstick Samurai is a rock star who bakes the BEST cookies).


• I got to attend some really awesome conferences which helped me improve my craft (how great is SCBWI?).

The list pretty much goes on and on about how much I love everyone in the YA writing community. But, I have to admit, there are some things that worry me:

• The "hate" bandwagon: where everyone despises certain books and makes fun of it to the point where I'm embarrassed to be seen in public with said books. I'll admit that not everyone book I enjoy will win any "best writing" prizes, but it's okay to read just for fun every now and then. It's just like the movies. I'm a sucker for Oscarworthy films (hello? The Departed?), but sometimes I just want to have fun with my friends and pop in Transformers.


• The "love" bandwagon: where everyone lauds certain books and I read them and have this reaction: But that's fine. We don't all have the same taste. I can't stand Peeta. There, I said it. But I know that that he's one of the most beloved characters in YA right now. I know that if (I mean when :)) I ever get published, they'll be people who'll most definitely hate my books--and I'm cool with that. I just don't want people to be afraid to admit that they dislike them just because we're friendly over the Internet.


• The blogging contest: and I don't mean holding contests on your actual blogs. I LOVE me some blog contests--I enter as many as I can, and we'll probably be holding a few more in the near future. But it's like we're fighting to get followers. And I'll admit, I glance at my followers list from time to time and keep my fingers crossed that someone new will "like" me. But that same energy we use to get people to come to our blogs should also be applied to our writing. My cousin and I took the summer off from blogging, and though I know we lost a few of you because of that, we got soooo much writing done. And that's freakin' awesome.

I want to make sure that everyone knows that I'm not ranting. I LOVE the YA community because you've all accepted my cousin and me with open arms (it was so cool running into people at SCBWI LA this past summer. You're real!). I love the fact that we're uber supportive of each other and I never want to lose that feeling. I just want us all to remember that we love writing for teens and that's where our true focus should be.

YA and Edits and Contests...Oh My!

Writing Song of the Day: "Airplanes" by Local Natives

So, there's this really awesome contest being held by CA Marshall, a YA writer, literary agent assistant, and freelance editor all rolled into one. She's offering a full manuscript edit. That's right--a complete look at your manuscript (up to 100,000 words)! So, who is the madwoman (and this is a compliment to us) behind this genius contest? CA Marshall dropped by our blog to answer a few questions. Check out the interview below, then go enter her contest NOW!

Could you please tell us a little about your background? How did you get into writing and editing?
I majored in english and professional writing in my undergrad days where I was editor of the school's annual chapbook and then went on to creative writing at Newcastle University for my MA. I've always worked behind the scenes, editing academic papers and stories and such for my friends. I started editing full novels for friends, and then those friends recommended me to their other friends and so on. It's been a dream come true to get paid to do something I love, especially with so many others out of work.

We know that you’re an assistant to a literary agent. Do you have any aspirations of one day becoming a full-time literary agent?
Nope, no aspirations. It's a bummer when I see something I love and the agent doesn't agree though. In those times I sometimes wonder but it usually passes. Maybe someday I'll be an acquisitions editor or something...

What trends are you noticing in the slushpile? Which trends do you and The Agent would like to see more of?
Lots and lots of vamps, mythologies, angels/demons, paranormal romances, etc. They all sound alike plot-wise too. The Agent and I would like to not see any trends in the queries pile. Forget about trends. We don't want to see the next Twilight or Harry Potter. We want to see YOU!

You love to write YA (as do we!). What drew you to that genre?
I love the newness of everything, the exploration and the first times. Life should always be an adventure and reading and writing YA is a great way to experience a little bit of that, even if it's only an imaginary journey.

What books/authors influence your writing style?
I'm obsessed with Jane Austen. I love funny writers like Terry Prachett and Douglas Adams but also thoughtful ones like Richard Adams and David Almond. I like to think I take a little bit of every author I read with me when I finish a book (I read about ten books a week, 99.9% of them YA).

Which five books would you recommend to any writer that’s considering to write YA?
Libba Bray's GOING BOVINE
Shaun David Hutchinson's THE DEATHDAY LETTER
Jessica Walker's VIOLET series
JK Rowling's HARRY POTTER series
and Gayle Forman's IF I STAY

Could you describe your editing process? Are you a line-by-line editor, or do you look at the manuscript as a whole?
If the client wants it, both. I give every work at least two passes: once just to read it and get familiar with the characters, and once to do copyedits. I keep a running editorial letter open through all of it to make "big picture" notes and then I put specific notes in the manuscript itself.

What are some common mistakes that you find in manuscripts?
Not capturing the right voice, like if you're writing about a teenager, that teenager wouldn't say to the mirror, "Shall I wear my red blouse today?" Also, overwriting. We don't want to hear about the scenery during a chase scene. Let that scenery fly by. If that scene doesn't move the plot forward or advance a character arc, get rid of it.

How has working as a freelance editor affected your own work? Do you have any beta readers/editors?
It has made an impact, yes. If I see problems over and over again, it prompts me to check my own work for that problem. Sometimes it's there and I'll fix it, other times I breathe a sigh of relief. I still have beta readers and critique partners though. Even I have problems distancing myself from my own work.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
In a small house overlooking the North Sea with Mollie the dog by my side and a shelf full of books that I've written and have helped others to write.

We’re a very musical blog. What are some of your favorite songs to listen to while editing/writing?
OMG, soundtracks! Snow Falling On Cedars, Pride & Prejudice (2005), Fly Away Home, The Constant Gardener, Series of Unfortunate Events, Road to Perdition, Braveheart, Pearl Harbor, House of Sand and Fog, Pan's Labyrinth, The Other Boleyn Girl, The Illusionist, Finding Neverland, Contact, The Time Machine, Whalerider, just loads and loads and loads! Also, anything by Lifehouse (my fav band), Owl City, And Kate Rusby.

Isn't she great? I'll have to suggest the soundtrack to Inception for her, as well--the music is haunting. Please go check out her website and don't forget to enter her contest. :)

C.A. Marshall is a freelance editor, lit agent intern, YA writer, and loves to play with her dog Mollie. She dreams of one day owning a small house near the water, preferably in England, with a shelf full of books she has written and has helped others to write. She can be found in Emmett, MI and at camarshall.com

RTW: Our DUFF Kits!

Writing Song of the Day: "Teenage Dream" by Katy Perry

Omigod! Omigod! The Duff by the awesomtastic Kody Keplinger has finally been released! Pam is awaiting her copy (I have to keep her from sleeping by the mailbox) and once she releases it, Quita will be snatching it from her strong grasp- hey, she may have little hands but she has a mighty grip! Our peeps at YA Highway are celebrating Kody's book release with a waaaay cool Road Trip Wednesday question. We are happy to oblige and delve into the fun- the question this week is what's in our DUFF Kits? Interested in the rules??? Go here and check it out.

Pam's DUFF Kit-

1.) Big 'ol glass of lemonade OR a strawberry Margarita

2.) Bedroom slippers- preferably cute ones :)

3.) Leonardo DiCaprio films- including Romeo and Juliet, The Departed, and most definitely Inception!!!!

4.) Ooey gooey fresh baked chocolate chip cookies, cupcakes, and Sour Neon Trolli Worms

5.) Old high school/middle school gym uniform T-shirts...nice and worn in :)

Quita's DUFF Kit-

1.) Code Red Mountain Dew OR a mango Margarita

2.) Flip Flops OR Bedroom slippers

3.) Mash up of Jake Gyllenhaal- Brokeback Mountain (sigh), Prince of Persia- Robert Pattinson- Eclipse, Remember Me, and Joseph Gordon Levitt- Mysterious Skin, Brick, and of course Inception!!!

4.) Anything that mixes peanut butter and chocolate-yuuummm- cupcakes, and Sour and Sweet Gummy Lifesavers

5.) Backstreet Boys T-shirt where you can no longer make out the faces of said boys :(

Yes, we love our snacks damnit!

Now please, tell us what would you put in your DUFF Kit!!

Mini Blog: Contest Alert!

Writing Song of the Day: "Your Love" by Nicki Minaj

Okay, we have a fantabulous contest to share with you as you head off to your Labor Day Weekend. Emilia Plater, the Punk Writer Kid herself, is holding a contest of EPIC proportions. I know the phrase "epic" is used possibly too much, but that's truly the only way to describe this contest. What do you think about:

• Receiving a partial AND query critique from agent, Suzie Townsend
• a $50 gift card to Barnes and Nobles
• a signed copy of The Duff by Kody Keplinger
• a custom blog makeover
• or a huge bag of Sour Brite gummy worms?

And that's only a few of the prizes (is it really sad that I squeeled in delight about the candy? What's wrong with me??).

So, what are you waiting for? Go enter NOW--then chow down on cookout food.

RTW: Fave Book of August

Writing Song of the Day: "DJ Got Us Falling in Love Again" by Usher

Okay, we've taken a break from it, but it's once again time to check in with our peeps over at YA Highway. This week they're asking: what was your favorite book in August?

Pam's Thoughts:

I'll admit it. I'm late to the whole Hunger Games craze. My cuz let me borrow her copy, and I have been converted to a full-blown fan (still don't understand all the Peeta love yet, but I'm just now starting Catching Fire--maybe he'll convert me, too). But while I'm eager to read both sequels, I can't completely call HG my fave book that I read in August. So what could possibly take that honor? Check it out below:

That's right. I am in LOVE with Ellen Hopkins. And this book? This book is intense with a capital: HOLY SH*T!

Tricks tells five narratives of teens who have somehow gotten involved into the world of prostitution. It is not for the weak at heart, but I would definitely recommend that parents of teens read it along with their children. The stories are at times touching, but majorly heartbreaking. My mind was blown when it was over and I still haven't recovered. I've already read Crank, and now the rest of Hopkins' books are definite must-reads. I'll stop gushing though and pass the mic to Quita.

Quita's Thoughts:

It's so good to be back :) First, I am soooo glad that I can now talk to Pam about how freaking fantabulous The Hunger Games series is. YES! I am starting to read Mockingjay now- I keep sneaking peeks during down time and am somewhere in the middle of chapter two. I wish I was done with that now because I know that would be my fave book of this month. Alas, I'm not so I have to decide between the plethora of books that I read this month....hmmm......

Okay, so if it's not obvious I'm saying I didn't read a lot this month. However, when Pam took Hunger Games, I gained The Forest of Hands of Teeth from her and OH MY LAWD! That book had me crying, scared, crying, confused, relieved, scared, happy, crying...did I say scared yet??? Pam has already highlighted this book as her fave of the month, so I'm gonna cheat a little and say my fave book of August is Jennifer Brown's Hate List.




Technically, I'm still reading it in September (I have 20 pages left to read when I get home- don't judge me this book is 406 pages long!) but I get the gist of it and WOW! Brown does a great job of making such a hard topic easy to relate to and intriguing. The book focuses on the girlfriend of a guy who brings a gun into his high school and takes revenge against the students who treated them wrong. It is told from Valerie's (the girlfriend) POV and it is probably more powerful because of that.

What are you waiting for??? Read these books and jam to Usher. GO!

We're Baaaack....Now Write!

Brainstorming Song of the Day: "Wherever I May Roam" by Metallica

Wow, June 30th was the last time either of us wrote on this blog--that's a little over two months ago. We sure have missed all of our lovely followers. Believe us, this summer has been crazy. We haven't just been sitting around, eating candy and watching Inception over and over again (although we did see it twice, and maybe, probably, definitely are planning to see it one more time in the theaters). So, what have we been up to during our unplanned summer hiatus?

• We attended the SCBWI conference in LA! Yes, we learned a lot. Yes, we had a blast. No, we did not post notes from our workshops on the blog. You see, we wanted to, but then so many other wonderful bloggers did, as well. And their notes were extensive, much better than anything we could've offered. However, we may still share some things in the near future.


• We attended our last 10 day residency in New Jersey for our MFA programs! That's right, this time next year we'll have a shiny new degree in our hands. That is, of course, if we finish our creative thesis. And present a craft and form lecture. And have all of our materials approved by a panel. But we can do it, right? Right? *Gulp*


• Wrote like some fiends! Quita completed her second manuscript, and I halfway completed my second manuscript, as well as got inspired by a shiny new idea (SNI). But more on that a little later.


• Returned to work. 'Nuff said.


• Saw Inception. A lot. Fell in love with it. Got inspired to write a collaboration project (not the SNI mentioned above).





• Exercised. And we still hate it.

With all of that out of our system, we're ready to dive back into our blog and share some cool stuff with you all. Like this. That's right, we have succumbed to the Plot & Paper Project. We even bought cool new notebooks. Check them out:

Yep. We're bad. And excited! We'll make sure to keep you updated on our progress, as well as provide you with goodies over the next few weeks. Does goodies mean contest? Hmm, maybe. Did we mention that we've missed you? :)