Cover Reveal & ARC Giveaway for Marissa Burt's A LEGEND OF STARFIRE!!

The first time I noticed former Project Mayhem contributor Marissa Burt was on the Absolute Write message boards. I noticed her because her avatar was the cover for STORYBOUND, her (then) soon-to-be-released debut MG novel.  Marissa had won the debut author lottery with her amazing cover by Brandon Dorman, though, to give credit where credit is due, the artist had an incredibly rich world to work with in Marissa’s debut fantasy duology, set in a boarding school for fairy-tale characters.

 

STORYBOUND's follow up, STORY'S END continued the awesome cover luck with a contrasting cover that carried through the same sense of wonder and excitement.

When the first book of her second duology came out in October, it was clear Marissa had some serious MG cover mojo. The gorgeous cover of A SLIVER OF STARDUST, a Mother Goose-inspired fantasy, was done by Jakob Eirich, and it immediately drew the interest of my household’s resident 10-year-old.

So how to follow that up? Because A LEGEND OF STARFIRE is due out in October. Could Marissa’s amazing cover-streak hold?

In fact, it did! A LEGEND OF STARFIRE’s cover is as intriguing and evocative as all her others. Before the cover reveal (and ARC giveaway!), here’s a description of the book.

Apprentice Fiddler Wren Matthews thought she wanted nothing more than to resume her alchemy lessons at the Crooked House. But an urgent appeal from a friend sends her to the steampunk otherworld of Nod where stardust is mysteriously disappearing and horrific nightmares threaten everything the colony of Fiddler Magicians has built. Aided by her friends, Wren braves danger from the power-hungry leaders within the city walls and battles the half-animal, half-machine experiments-gone-wrong without in an effort to solve the mystery before the magic of Nod is lost forever.

So are you ready for the cover of this fantastical steampunk MG?

Here it is….

So if you’d like to win a signed ARC of A LEGEND OF STARFIRE, just leave a comment and tell us about some of your favorite middle grade covers!   

Age 14 – The No Man’s Land Between MG and YA -- Dianne K. Salerni

When my manuscript for THE EIGHTH DAY was submitted to an editor at HarperCollins, my protagonist Jax was 14 years-old. Before bringing it to the acquisitions board, however, the editor reduced his age to 13. Later, she explained to me that age 14 was a No Man’s Land as far as book stores (primarily Barnes & Noble) are concerned. If my main character was 14, the book would be shelved in the Teen section, where it didn’t belong. When I mentioned to her that there are 14 year-old protagonists in EVERLOST and that Percy Jackson ages past 14, she gently pointed out that I was not Neal Shusterman or Rick Riordan.

Four women MG authors: Main Characters aged respectively 13, 12, 11, and 14

I’m not alone in this experience. Within our Project Mayhem team alone, one author tells me she had to drop her protagonist’s age from 13 to 11, and another had to drop her character’s age from 14 to 12. A recent conversation thread in a Facebook group for MG Women Writers discussed the “Age 13-14 Problem” at length. Nine women reported having to drop the age of their main character at least one year to fit within MG specifications, and three said that their protagonist’s age was never directly stated, just to obscure the issue.

On the other hand, Mayhemer Paul Greci’s upcoming book, SURVIVING BEAR ISLAND, features a male 14 year-old protagonist, and author Robert Lattrick has two MG books via Hyperion Disney with main characters aged 14.

Four male MG authors: Main Characters aged respectively 14, 14, 14, and adult

At this point, I started wondering if it was a gender thing. Male authors are allowed to write age 14; female authors are not? But then someone pointed out that Terry Lynn Johnson’s MG book ICE DOGS features a 14 year old protagonist – and a female one at that. (Yay!)

So, what’s the deal? Is it just a random benchmark applied by one giant book store chain that some publishers buy into, and others don’t? Why does this particular age matter so much? A couple writers pointed out to me that 14 year-olds are usually high school freshmen – which means YA. But what if it’s not a contemporary realistic story set in high school?

What if it’s a story about a girl who discovers a storybook world? (STORYBOUND) How about a 19^th century pioneer girl trapped alone in a house during a blizzard? (MAY B.) When I first gave THE EIGHTH DAY to my agent, I wrote it as a YA novel, with a 15 year-old Jax.  My agent was excited about the manuscript but told me that the premise of a secret, hidden eighth day was all MG. So Jax dropped to 14 … and then to 13. And (of course) I made other changes to the manuscript for an MG audience – most of which were a lot more important than my main character’s age.

It seems to me that the premise of the story, the tone, the voice, and the themes matter more than the age of the main character. After all, Christopher Healy’s HERO’S GUIDE series features all grown-up characters! (Of course, he’s also a male author …)

So please – share your experiences! Have you been asked to lower the age of your protagonist to fall within an accepted MG range? Can you think of 14 year-old protagonists in MG books you’ve read? Are these characters male or female? What about the author?

STORY'S END giveaway!

**Winners update**

I have e-mailed the following winners.  Congrats to everyone and thanks for entering!

Jpetroroy - signed copy of Storybound

Cassidy Leora - signed copy of Storybound

Sarah Goodwin - signed copy of Story's End

I am so excited to announce that STORY'S END, the sequel to STORYBOUND is now available!  To celebrate, I'm giving away a signed hardback edition of STORY'S END and two paperback copies of STORYBOUND.  To enter, fill out the form below and don't forget to comment and share your favorite final line of a novel!  Entries will be open until midnight on Friday 4/19, and I'll contact the winners shortly thereafter!  This giveaway is only open to U.S. readers.  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Middle-grade Marissa's Writing Tips

Marissa's Top Secret Journals

My very first Diary

I’m learning not to hate my overcrowded inbox, and my favorite e-mails are from middle-grade readers.  I thrill when they tell me they loved visiting the Land of Story, but hearing that they are working on their own writing projects is even more delightful.  Often, they’ll ask me for writing advice.  My complicated and completely original tips are: 1. READ as much as you can and as widely as you can and 2. WRITE whenever you can and about whatever you can.

When they ask me about my early writing attempts, I like to tell them about my journals.  At school visits, I’ll sometimes even allow them a peek at my very first diary.  Just a peek, however, because as you can see from the photo, there is a Stern Warning for unsuspecting readers.  (In case you can't see the text, it reads: "If you have managed to find and unlock this, I prefer you do not read this until I give permission or I am dead. If you do read this, please do not tell a soul about anything recorded here.  Thank you."  Now don't you wonder just what juicy secrets happened in my 4th grade classroom?)  I’ve found journals to be an outstanding and relatively low-pressure way to develop my writing, with the added bonus that you have a completely biased (and often hilarious) record of past events.

I think of this whenever I re-read my well-loved collection of L.M. Montgomery’s journals.  You rediscover her familiar sharp wit and keen insight into humanity on the pages of her journals, yet she’s also preserved a fascinating historical account of everyday life in turn of the century Canada.  I’m not suggesting my pink teddy-bear diary would provide the same to future readers, but it’s of priceless worth to me and my family.  Long forgotten memories burst forth in full color when I see my childish scrawl and remember the accompanying emotions. 

Recreating real-life scenes on a blank page is a useful exercise for writers.  Challenging oneself to get the setting of the classroom exactly right and then recreate the emotion of The Most Embarrassing Moment can inspire good writing when the plot-well has run dry or the idea of writing a full story seems impossible.  Recording overheard conversations can aid in developing an ear for dialogue, and a scathing description of the Mean Girl in P.E. class can sharpen character-development skills. 

Of course, this translates to adult writers as well, and I continue to take great delight in picking out a New Journal once I’ve closed the pages of another volume.  My favorite thing these days is to get a blank sketchbook, and fill its pages with written words and inspiring photos and even a sketch or two.  Have I convinced you yet?  Whatever your age, I declare in my completely biased opinion that a journal is an essential tool for the writer, so head on out to your local bookstore and have fun picking one out. Just make sure to get a lock.  Or make sure no one can find them without your permission or until you are dead.

What do you think, Readers of Mayhem?  To journal or not to journal?  Even better, tell us what your favorite (or first!) journal looks like, and, if you dare, what precautions you’ve taken to make sure its privacy is secured. 

STORY'S END Cover Reveal and Giveaway!

And the WINNER, chosen by Rafflecopter's random number generator, is: STACEY MOORE!  I'll e-mail you to get your mailing info from you, Stacey.  Thanks again, everyone, and happy summer reading!

***

Hello Mayhemers!

I am thrilled to share the cover for Story's End with you!  Get ready to be amazed!  Brandon Dorman,  Alison Klapthor, and the entire team at HarperCollins Children's once again did a tremendous job!

I'd also love to give away an ARC of Story's End to one lucky reader.  If you'd like to enter, fill out the form below.  As soon as ARCs are available (I'm thinking July or August), I'll happily send one out to the winner!

Thanks for stopping by! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Learning through Author Events!

I just finished my first round of author signings on The Words of Wonder  Book Tour and thought to share what I learned and pick your brains on what you, as readers, hope to encounter when going to an author event.

My shortlist of lessons learned:

1.  Team up with other authors if you can!  I joined forces with J. Anderson Coats, author of THE WICKED AND THE JUST and Anne Nesbet, author of THE CABINET OF EARTHS.  (If you haven't already, these are fabulous books, so mark them on your to-read list!)

Having a team event relieved the pressure of all-eyes-on-me that I would have dreaded.  Besides that, it was incredibly FUN to meet these ladies and talk writing, publishing, and all the rest with them.

2.  Invite family and friends.  Given that we are all debut authors, it was wonderful to have some friendly faces show up at our signings.  Event numbers can be hit or miss, so knowing that you're guaranteed a few enthusiastic readers is a plus.

3.  Have a giveaway.  We put together a little basket with some swag, candy, and some of our absent tour-member's books to give out.  Not only was it fun to put together, but having the giveaway in the middle of the event gave some variety to our presentation.

4.  Figure out a creative way to do readings.  While your attendees may be expecting to hear a passage from you book, expect that they will (or have) read it.  I've been to signings where authors read from new or old projects (something I've always appreciated).  We decided to do a popcorn style reading where audience members called out a page number and we each read a sentence from our book in a beautiful, poetic, mashup.

5.  Have a general idea of talking points, but keep it flexible.  We found that this varied a great deal depending on our audience.  One signing was very interactive, with lots of reader-generated Q&A.  Other times, it was up to us to carry the flow of the conversation, so it was nice to have some things we knew we wanted to share.

6.  Have fun!  In the end, the numbers don't matter too much (though we all cringe at the thought of the two-people-show-up signing), but the opportunity to get together with other like-minded folks who love books and writing is a gift.  Enjoy it!

Okay, now it's your turn.  What do you love or hate at author signings?  What do you (or would you) do at a signing?  For readers, what are some memorable moments of signings you've attended?

Giveaway - ARC of STORYBOUND

Hello Mayhemers!

I'd love to give away an ARC of my upcoming middle-grade fantasy STORYBOUND! Here's a little bit about the book:

In the land of Story, children go to school to learn to be characters: a perfect Hero, a trusty Sidekick, even the most dastardly Villain. They take classes on Outdoor Experiential Questing and Backstory, while adults search for full-time character work in stories written just for them.

In our world, twelve-year-old Una Fairchild has always felt invisible. But all that changes when she stumbles upon a mysterious book buried deep in the basement of her school library, opens the cover, and suddenly finds herself transported to the magical land of Story.

But Story is not a perfect fairy tale. Una’s new friend Peter warns her about the grave danger she could face if anyone discovers her true identity. The devious Tale Keeper watches her every move. And there are whispers of a deadly secret that seems to revolve around Una herself....

With the timeless appeal of books like A Wrinkle in Time and the breathtaking action of Inkheart, Storybound has all the makings of a new classic. Brimming with fantastical creatures, magical adventure, and heart-stopping twists, Storybound will leave readers wishing they too could jump through the pages into this enchanting fairy-tale world.

If you'd like to enter the giveaway, follow Project Mayhem if you don't already, leave a comment with a page number from 1-403, and I'll reply with a line from that page of STORYBOUND. (Thanks to Sarah Prineas for the page number inspiration!)

Comments will be open until midnight on 11/21, with the randomly-selected winner announced on 11/22. Thanks for playing!

Oh, the Places You'll Go

Last week I had a milestone author moment. The much looked-for box arrived on my doorstep. I opened it up to have my first glimpse of a thick beautiful stack of STORYBOUND ARCs. What a thrill! There's nothing like holding an actual book in your hand and thinking: This is really happening. People will be reading STORYBOUND.

I know, I know. That's the point, right? Get the book into the hands of readers. But as new readers have their first look at STORYBOUND, I've found myself transitioning into a different phase as an author. I feel like a mother-hen sending her chicks out into the wide, wide world, and I've been very surprised to have a twinge of empty-nest syndrome going on.

Hearing readers' impressions of STORYBOUND's characters is this strange mix of delight (Yes! This imaginary world is becoming real in a new way) and surprise (No, no. That's not what that character would do, be like, think, etc.). And I think it's that second thing, more than anything, which makes this a milestone transition.

I've had to bid my characters a fond farewell. They don't belong solely to me anymore.

Sure, Una, Peter, Indy, and Snow will always be my friends. I've been in their heads for too long for us to be strangers now. But they are graduating beyond our little circle. Readers will see the story's plot in a new light, filter the setting through their own imaginations, and know the characters in a different way. It's my chicks' first fledgling flight from home, and now my job is to step back watch how everyone will get along.

This stepping back seems to be a key piece of the author-reader relationship. Just last week, I listened to someone speculate about the back story of one of my characters. It was extremely interesting and not at all what I had originally conceived. I had to squash the impulse to clarify every detail and instead just listen to a totally new perspective on the story. And that's the way it should be! Readers engage the story on their own terms, even if it's different than the way the author fully imagined it. Part of the magic of reading is that book-worlds take on a life of their own.

As a reader, my favorite books are the ones that transport me in just this way. As a writer, it's wonderful to create that magic. I just had no idea it would feel so odd to stand at the crossroads of writer and reader and welcome my new book while at the same time bidding farewell to it.

What about you, fellow writers? Do you resonate with this transition? Any tips for a slightly teary-eyed debut author?

Writing with Taste

In L. M. Montgomery's Anne of the Island (pausing so all of us dedicated LMM fanscan collectively applaud), Phil says the following:

"The [Pickwick Papers] always make me hungry...There's so much good eating in it. The characters seem always to be reveling on ham and eggs and milk punch. I generally go on a cupboard rummage after reading Pickwick. The mere thought reminds me that I'm starving. Is there any tidbit in the pantry, Queen Anne?"

Y'all know exactly what she's talking about, don't you? Rowling's description of Honeydukes comes to mind. P.D. James mysteries inevitably make me want to go get a coffee (even though the caffeine puts me over the edge) and something with curry in it. Most epic fantasies end in me cooking beef stew with a loaf of crusty bread and a wedge of cheese. What scenes make you want to rummage through your cupboards and hunt up a tasty snack?

Including good eats in our writing is an easy (and enjoyable!) way to heighten the detail of a scene. Why not add a quick note about what your characters are eating when they sit down to discuss the latest gossip? Give her a bag of Doritos to munch while she's contemplating Big Problem in her life. Have her peel potatoes in the kitchen or sneak a taste of a just-made cake's frosting while she chats with her mom.

Just make sure you've gone grocery shopping before you work on these scenes. You don't want to go on a vigorous cupboard rummage and come up empty-handed. ;)

Nice to Meet You, Mr/Ms Character

We've all met the writers who proudly proclaim they have a character who "just won't behave." Or the one in your crit group who talks about hearing her character's voices in her head. Whether you are smiling in sympathetic agreement (while hushing your obnoxious sidekick character's voice) or rolling your eyes at such imaginary play, don't skim to the end yet. As Rose pointed out a few weeks ago, I think all writers need to admit the benefit of creatively engaging with their characters.

I resonated with the Character Interview method Rose mentioned, because that's exactly what I did when I first started writing STORYBOUND in earnest. I googled "interview with characters" or something like that. I've since modified the original list, but I wish I could credit the original post where I found many of these suggestions. At any rate, I think it's a helpful starting point.
Name:

Age:

Height:

Weight:

Physical Build:

Hair Color:

Eye Color:

Skin Color:

What happened on the day you were born? What was your birth like? Who was there? Who made up your family of origin? What was your relationship with your mother like? Your father? Siblings?

Tell me about your early years. Where did you go to school? Who were your friends? What was your most embarrassing moment? What did you do in your free time? What was your favorite subject? Your worst one?

Tell me about your first true love. Your first kiss. Anything else from the world of romance you're willing to share?

Tell me about any significant relationships in your life now.

Do you have any bad habits? Any distinguishing features? Recurring traits?

How do you make a living? How would you describe your socioeconomic status? Are you happy with it?
Do you wear any jewelry? What kind of clothes do you wear? How are they made? What is your favorite item of clothing?

Do you have any weapons or special skills? Anything only you can do? Any secrets?

Are you religious? Tell me about that.

What motivates you? What is the single most inspiring thing that's happened in your life. What makes you cry?

Are you facing any problems in your life right now? Why is that a problem? What is the one thing you'd like to know right now?


Obviously, all of these questions may or may not be applicable to your characters, but if you put your imagination to work, you may be surprised where your characters will take the conversation. If you like the idea, you can pour yourself some coffee, grab a cookie,a and pretend you're sharing an afternoon snack with the character in question. So even if you don't have fun with the interview, you'll at least make out with a tasty treat.

For the Love of Books

I don't know when my obsession with stories began, probably with the gripping plot of the first book I was allowed to bring home from kindergarten, TIN CAN SAM, but it was in full force by the time I reached middle school.

I remember spending most lunches hunched over the circular tables that were scattered around the cafeteria. If I try hard, I can bring to mind the distinct smell of my daily cup-o-noodle soup, but what I recall most clearly is the weight of a thick book in my hands and the way everything else faded into the background. It didn't end when lunch was over, either, as I can produce copies of several progress reports that cite my biggest shortcoming as a student as "reading novels during class."

Is there anything like being that lost in a good book? What is it about those story-worlds that can so captivate a reader? Even after devouring the final page, some of the best reads left me longing for more. A few rather embarrassing examples:

1. While reading THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy for the first time, I insisted on wearing an old key ring on a chain around my neck for days on end. This resulted in an unpleasant rash, which I suppose was fitting for my misguided desire to bear the One Ring.

2. I paid the $25 lost book fee to keep the library copy of the out-of-print SOLO's JOURNEY (Hey! This was before the internet's magic!). Then, I proceeded to grow out my fingernails and file them to little points, so I could be more feline.

3. In other cat-book confessions, I greeted my cat with phrases from the dog-eared glossary in my copy of TAILCHASER'S SONG and did my level best to find a way to stalk about on all fours comfortably.

4. My long-suffering parents endured being called "Ma" and "Pa" for several weeks after I finished LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE. And they let me bake lots of biscuits, which somehow felt prairie-ish to me.

5. I wore long skirts, did my hair "up", and spent many hours prowling the suburban landscape looking for inspiration and pretending to belong in ANNE OF GREEN GABLES.

What about you? What books grab hold of your imagination like that? Make a clean confession of it. We already know anyone reading this blog is a book groupie. No need to be shy! What embarrassing things did you do to be part of a story-world?