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Tomorrow is the first day of
National Novel Writing Month. Although I've never taken part in it and probably never will, ((November is almost always a travelling month for me.)) I think it's an awesome way for beginning writers to learn the art of the first draft. I know many pro writers who also use the month to help them slay their deadlines. Nothing like knowing you have comrades-in-arms in your writing struggles.
Scott and me decided that we'll spend the month offering tips. Scott's tips will be over on
his blog and will appear on the odd numbered days of November, mine will be here on the even days. Though as I'm still deep in Liar promotion, I ...
Posted by Justine at 15:14, October 31st, 2009 under Liar, Writing process |
When I first got the idea for Liar I thought it would be a comedy. I thought it would be a goofy, screwball comedy with a protag who was lying about herself out of boredom and insecurity and that as the layers of her lies were peeled away chapter by chapter---"Actually, I'm fourteen, not seventeen, but that's only three years diff. Not that big of a lie, right?"---through a series of misunderstandings and misadventures she would learn to like herself and lose the need to lie so much. It would be heartwarming, they'd all hug it out, and everyone would learn and grow. You know only funny. Really funny.
The finished Liar turned out somewhat differently. Less with the funny.
This happens ...
Posted by Justine at 12:01, October 30th, 2009 under Ideas, Liar, Writing process |
I've been having a long-running conversation with a bunch of writer friends about our hopes for our careers. One of them has written a truly marvellous book, which comes out next year, and she's been telling herself not to hope for too much. She's trying very hard not to think about that book at all and to concentrate on the next one.
Which is of course what all writers should do: focus on the book you're writing, keep on plugging, don't get too distracted by what may happen next year with the book you've already finished.
Except that hope is precious. Hoping that your book will do well, that it will find readers, is not a terrible thing. I'm sure all writers ...
Posted by Justine at 2:11, October 28th, 2009 under Writing life |
Today Louisville's Courier-Journal has a most excellent article
about adults reading YA by Erin Keane. I don't just say that because I was interviewed for it, but because the article is smart and non-sensationalist, and includes some actual facts:
Young adult fiction's appeal has grown way beyond the school library. What was once considered entertainment for kids has become big business for adults, who are increasingly turning to the children's section for their own reading pleasure, according to publishing experts.
Nielsen's BookScan predicted U.S. book sales will remain flat this year, but amid this industry slump, sales of young-adult titles are expected to continue to rise. It's not only teenagers who are browsing the shelves
There's no hint of panic about this ...
Posted by Justine at 12:35, October 27th, 2009 under New York City/USA, Praising, Reading, Young Adult literature |
In the last few weeks I've spent an inordinate amount of time talking about the writing of Liar and making much use of
jigsaws as a metaphor to describe said writing. Turns out that Margaret Drabble has also been thinking long and hard about jigsaw puzzles---longer and harder than me, truth be told--- ((Though can truth be told when I'm discussing Liar?)) and has written a whole book on the subject: The Pattern In The Carpet, which I am now longing to read.
You all need to listen to this
interview with Margaret Drabble about her personal history with jigsaws. Romana Koval is one of my favourite interviewers and the whole thing is utterly delight from start ...
Posted by Justine at 19:37, October 26th, 2009 under Book tour, Liar, Listening, Praising |
I now say a fond farewell to the peoples of the Pacific North West. Goodbye Seattle and Portland! What gorgeous cities you are. My timing was perfect: all the leaves were gold, red, maroon, pink, orange and brown. Spectacularly gorgeous. Also mostly the weather was crisp and clear. Only two raining days. Well done, Pacific North West.
My favourite part was getting to meet so many of the people who comment on this blog such as Pixelfish, Saints and Spinners, AndrewN, and the people I met last night whose names I've forgotten because my brain is fried. So sorry! And meeting Lizzy-wa and Captain Cockatiel again after two years.
The most amazing thing happened last night at the Clackamas Town Ctr Mall ...
Posted by Justine at 12:55, October 23rd, 2009 under Book tour, Liar, New York City/USA |
So far on my tour I have persuaded people who attended my events
to read Flygirl by
Sherri L. Smith, ((As well as many other novels.)) to try their hand at writing novels, that kangaroos deliver the mail in Australia, that if only they were good I would reveal the true ending of Liar and that procrastination is good for you.
I have eaten ribs, sushi, power bars, beef jerky, salads, steak, eggs, not enough fruit.
I have signed books, business cards, scrap books, casts, receipts, Leviathan and a plastic doll.
I have answered no email, ((Have barely had time to read any.)) read no blogs, or newspapers. I have zero idea what is going on in the real world. ...
Posted by Justine at 10:25, October 21st, 2009 under Book tour, Liar |
You know what I wonder about authors on tour? ((You don't wonder? Well, I'm going to tell you anyways. So there.))
I wonder if they ever get sick of talking about themselves.
I mean, I know that authors are frequently the world's most self-obsessed human beings, but even so gabbing about yourself all day long gets really really old. I think that's why I like the Q & A sections of my events best. Because I get to hear what other people are thinking.
I had a wonderful event at a middle school in Seattle today. Small and intimate with about 15 girls and I was able to ask them questions and hear about their writing processes. It was my favourite part ...
Posted by Justine at 1:16, October 20th, 2009 under Book tour, Writing life |
Today I fly to Seattle, which could not possibly be as cold and wet as it is here in New York City. Surely not?
Here are my public events in Seattle:
Monday, 19 October, 4:00 pm
Mukilteo Public Library
4675 Harbour Pointe Blvd.
Mukilteo, WA
Monday, 19 October, 7:00 pm
UWash Bookstore
4326 University Way N.E.
Seattle, WA
...
Posted by Justine at 8:54, October 18th, 2009 under Book tour, Liar, New York City/USA |
A while ago I posted about my
writing goals. I
updated it a year ago with the publication of How To Ditch Your Fairy. But now I have published Liar which is in a whole new genre and allows me to cross even more off my lists.
My goals are not stuff like Become NYT Bestselling Author or Win Nobel Prize. Winning prizes and making bestseller lists is not something I can control, but I can control what I write. So that's what my goals are about. Simple, really.
First the genres:
Romance
Historical
Crime (what some call mysteries)
Thriller)
Fantasy
SF
Comedy
Horror
Mainstream or litfic (you know, Literature: professor has affair with much younger student in the midst of mid-life crisis)
Western
Problem novel
YA
The publication of ...
Posted by Justine at 15:28, October 17th, 2009 under 1930s NYC novel, How To Ditch Your Fairy, Liar, Writing goals & milestones |
Today I blogged
over here. Those of you who've been wondering about the process of writing Liar might find it interesting.
Today I prepare for my appearance in
Larchmont tonight and the many appearances I'm doing next week in
Seattle and Portland. Then I'll be at the
Teen Lit Festival in Austin next Saturday. That's quite a temperature range. Packing's going to be fun!
For those of you who only read the posts and not the comments, you really need to check out the comments on the
White Writer Advantages thread and the
Hating Female Characters one. People are being astonishingly smart.
Posted by Justine at 13:23, October 16th, 2009 under Bloggery, Liar, New York City/USA, Praising, Writing process |
For a while now I've been thinking about how many readers seem to hate female characters more than they hate male. Or rather that the same behaviour from a male character is okay but someone inexcusable in a female. Sarah Rees Brennan has written about this phenomenon
most eloquently:
Let us think of the Question of Harry Potter. I do not mean to bag on the character of Harry Potter: I am very fond of him.
But I think people would be less fond of him if he was Harriet Potter. If he was a girl, and she'd had a sad childhood but risen above it, and she'd found fast friends, and been naturally talented at her school's only important sport, ...
Posted by Justine at 13:50, October 15th, 2009 under How To Ditch Your Fairy, Liar, Magic or Madness trilogy, State of the World |
I'll be here:
Friday, 16 October, 7:00 pm:
Voracious Reader
1997 Palmer Ave
Larchmont, NY
It's a very short train ride from Grand Central so if you're in NYC and wish to hear me be witty and wise you can do so! It's even closer if you're in Westchester County and thereabouts, (which you would probably know if you were in Westchester County or thereabouts).
I'll be talking about Liar, writing and life, and answering all your questions. In fact, I have decided that this will be the event where I tell the true ending of Liar. So if you don't attend you will never know! Though I did say I would reveal all in Memphis and Nashville yet I didn't. But I'm quite sure ...
Posted by Justine at 15:11, October 14th, 2009 under Book tour, How To Ditch Your Fairy, Liar, Magic or Madness trilogy |
When I was a brand new about-to-have-my-first-book-published baby author I freaked out entirely about blurbs. I was sure I needed them. Or rather my brand new baby book needed them. I panicked and decided I needed to ask every single published writer friend I knew. But then when it came to actually asking them I froze. It was so icky and embarrassing.
"Hello, oh lovely writer friend of mine, so, um, I know we've known each other for years and, um, gotten drunk together, even though getting drunk is wrong and neither of us plans to ever do it again, and, um, where was I? Did you hear about them Sparks? Suck, don't they? Er, why did I phone you? No ...
Posted by Justine at 23:10, October 13th, 2009 under Liar, Magic or Madness trilogy, Publishing business |
I've been thinking a lot about the Roman Polanski case. I've read everything I can about it over the last few weeks including the original trial transcripts, which left me feeling sick to the stomach. But many people have already said what I feel about the case, including the most excellent
Lauren McLaughlin and
Jay Smooth.
What I'm really wondering is how all those Hollywood luminaries could have signed that petition. Do they really want the world at large to think they have no problem with the rape of a thirteen year old girl?
Did they sign because all their mates did and not know what they were signing? Perhaps, they thought, it's another save the whales or end ...
Posted by Justine at 18:01, October 12th, 2009 under Ranting, State of the World |
This is a little bit weird. I had no idea it existed and stumbled upon it while, yes, I confess, googling myself. ((What? I wanted to check out some more Liar reviews. That's not a crime, is it?)) So here is my husband talking with the Romantic Times about my latest book and what it's like writing in the same room:
Here's my response:
Firstly, those who've heard me talk about writing may remember that I, too, use that high diving metaphor. Yup, stole that one from Scott. Hey, he steals heaps of my stories and metaphors too. We're an equal opportunity story-stealing household.
It's also true that we ...
Posted by Justine at 10:17, October 11th, 2009 under Liar, Scott's books, Writing process |
This is where I'll be today in Nashville, Tennessee:
Saturday, 10 October, 2:00-3:00 pm
Southern Festival of Books
Talk in Room 16
Legislative Plaza
Nashville, TN
Followed by signing
3:00-4:00 pm
War Memorial Plaza
Between 6th & 7th Avenues.
Nashville, TN
For those who've been asking, I'm happy to sign whatever books you want me to sign. I don't even have to have written them. If you can't make the official signing I'm happy to sign whenever you see me. Though, obviously, not in the middle of my talk. Because that would be weird.
The talk will be about Liar. I will, of course, tell everyone what the real ending is. So if you don't make it you'll never know . . .
I've really enjoyed my whirlwind trip ...
Posted by Justine at 9:41, October 10th, 2009 under Book tour, Liar |
Yesterday was lovely. First up there was the flight from NYC. Well, okay, that was not lovely. Flying in the US rarely is. Ridiculously long security lines, having my luggage searched yet again and all my carefully packed to prevent wrinkling event clothes trashed, etc. However, I sat next to a book cover designer and we had a long goss about the industry and the flight arrived on time. So, really, it went better than usual.
Fist event of the tour was an interview with the fabulous
Justine magazine. Yes, there's a magazine named after me. ((They thought about calling it Larbalestier but were worried people wouldn't be able to spell it.)) We talked books, writing, and Elvis. Hey, I'm ...
Posted by Justine at 10:55, October 9th, 2009 under Book tour, New York City/USA |
I've received a lot of mail this week. Most of it asking the same question: "Could you tell me what really happens at the end of Liar?"
I have already answered that questions on the
Liar FAQ. But I'll answer it again: No, I won't tell you what really happens. You have to figure it out for yourself. You can do so in some excellent company
over here.
There are other questions about Liar I totally will answer. But only if you ask them
over here.
I'm also being asked about the Liar tour:
Details can be
found here.
Scott and me are only doing one event together and it's in New York City at the beginning of November ...
Posted by Justine at 0:20, October 8th, 2009 under Book tour, Liar |
Tomorrow I will be in Memphis, Tennessee. I'm ridiculously excited about this. Not least because I've never been there before. I've always wanted to see Graceland. My kind publishers have allowed space in my program so that I may do so. Woo hoo!
Here is tomorrow's event:
Thursday, 8 October, 6:00 pm:
Davis-Kidd Booksellers
387 Perkins Ext
Memphis, TN
Then on Saturday I'm in Nashville at the Southern Festival of Books. Nashville's another city I've never been to before. Actually, I've never been anywhere in Tennessee before. I have high hopes for the barbeque. Here's my Saturday schedule:
Saturday, 10 October, 2:00-3:00 pm
Southern Festival of Books
Talk in Room 16
Legislative Plaza
Nashville, ...
Posted by Justine at 8:13, October 7th, 2009 under Book tour, Liar |
Today, as I'm sure you know, is the official release day of
Scott Westerfeld's latest novel,
Leviathan. I am completely biased about this book. As I am about Scott. He's my husband, my best friend, my first reader, my ally, my So Many Things. We read and critique every word each other writes. His books are my books and vice versa. So, um, you can totally grain-of-salt what I'm about to say.
I think this trilogy is the best YA Scott has written. ((I may be slightly jumping the gun because I've only read the first two books, Leviathan and Behemoth (which will be out this time next year).)) I've loved it ever since he first started talking about ...
Posted by Justine at 11:43, October 6th, 2009 under Praising, Scott's books |
I am probably the last person in the world who should write this post given my horrendous track record for book titles. None of my published novels has the title I came up with. Not one. But the fact that I'm the world's least successful titler of books does not stop me from having many opinions on the subject.
For instance, t'other day I was chatting with my friend
Jennifer Laughran and she was raving about a wonderful middle grade she'd recently read. Sounded great. A bit later I decided to get a copy but for the life of me I could not remember the title. I asked Jennifer. I forgot it again. And repeat.
Turns out the only ...
Posted by Justine at 9:59, October 5th, 2009 under Titles & names |
I have a mountain of work to get through before I head out
on tour. But all I can think about is the third game of the
WNBA finals, which takes place in Indianapolis today at 4PM (US Eastern time). So far this has been the best WNBA finals series I've ever seen and I've been following the WNBA since 2000.
The two best teams in the league,
Indiana and
Phoenix are battling it out. Indiana is renowned for their defense and Phoenix for their offense. Though both teams have been proving in this series that they're not exactly slouches at the other end.
They've won one game each both played in Phoenix. The first game was ...
Posted by Justine at 12:36, October 4th, 2009 under Basketball, Sport |
If you're busting to talk about Liar with other people who've read it this is the place for you. Here you can say whatever you want about the book without fear. Go forth, speak, theorise, argue, enjoy!
For those of you haven't read it you really really really do not want to look at the comments below.
Go here to see my arguments as to
why you do not want to be spoiled. You should also avoid reviews. ((You should especially avoid the Horn Book review of Liar because it's so outrageously spoilery I cried when I read it. Though if you've read Liar you should definitely check it out because it's a very interesting take on the novel.))
Liar ...
Posted by Justine at 9:20, October 3rd, 2009 under Best of Blog, Liar |
Ever since I first became a part of the YA world, I've been noticing complaints that way too many YA books published in the US of A are set in New York City. Why can't other cities get a look in? they ask. Off the top of my head I can easily name many, many US YA books that are not set in NYC. But I think most people would concede that there are more YA books set in NYC than any other city or place in the USA.
There are lots of reasons. There's the famous
New York City bubble. People who live in NYC find it hard to believe there is anything of interest outside her five boroughs. ...
Posted by Justine at 8:13, October 2nd, 2009 under New York City/USA, Young Adult literature |
Disclaimer: I am writing about YA publishing in the USA. Although I'm Australian I know much more about the publishing industry in the US than I do about Australia. Or anywhere else for that matter.
I know that the title of this post is going to lead to some comments insisting that it's not true that white writers have any advantages and that many white people are just as oppressed as people of colour. I don't want to have that conversation. So I'm going to oppress the white people who make those comments by deleting them. I don't do it with any malice. I do it because I want to have a conversation about white privilege in publishing. We can have ...
Posted by Justine at 13:13, October 1st, 2009 under Publishing business, Ranting, State of the World, Whingeing, Writing life, Writing process |
