This-Then-That: YA Dystopian and SciFi Edition

Let’s see. Where to begin. Oh, at the beginning of course.

Isaac Asimov, scientist and science fiction writer said, “The true delight is in the finding out rather than in the knowing.” This never hit harder than having just finished the Illuminae Files by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff this week (if you haven’t read them, please, please, please do that right away. Even if you aren’t a dystopian or SciFi fan, if you love stories, the human condition, and people pushing up against great odds for ideas rooted in justice—read it!) and Asimov’s sentiments speak so loudly to the love of reading. We turn the page because we are discovering, experiencing the story unfold. It is a beautiful paradigm.

I did think, however, when I sat down to lead the blog in a This-Then-That (see the premise in last week’s post) bookish delight using dystopian and SciFi as a theme, I would get stuck. I haven’t read many. So as I engaged in a bit of research, checked into my Goodreads list, my mouth dropped open. I’ve read a ton of dystopian. Granted, it was many years ago until the market grew saturated with the same story in different dressings, but it is safe to say that I love dystopian stories nearly as much as I love contemporary. And simultaneously, I rediscovered my adoration for Science Fiction.

Fun Story (maybe I’ve repeated it elsewhere, but forgive me, I’m climbing toward old age). When I was eight, my elementary school librarian suggested a book called We Are Not of Earth by Jean Karl. It tore open my whole universe and contributed to my current love of reading. These last two months as I’ve read several science fiction novels, my love for the genre reignited! What a joy to return to a place and rediscover the magic that opened that door initially.

So with that said, here’s the Dystopian/SciFi This-Then-That. (Thank you to my IG friends who help fill in some gaps).

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THAT

THIS

The Giver by Lois Lowry

This book is a classic in the dystopian genre. I’ve read it with students as young as sixth grade, but when you read it again as an adult - wow.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I read this book long before there was a movie. I loved it (though I do think there is much to be desired in the conclusion of the series). Regardless, this book is necessary to mention when talking dystopia and sci fi.

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishigura

This book isn’t strictly YA, but it fits in the category due to the age of the protagonist most of the way through and is one we teach in upper high school. This book is a slow burn, but when you get to that end - OMG.

Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray

I just read this book recently and was blown away by it. The giant questions posed in the story from what does it mean to be human to what do I believe about life . . . so good.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

If you’re only basing your assessment of this story on the movies, please don’t. This was an enjoyable trilogy (though it has been many years since I’ve read it - I remember a satisfying conclusion). I loved how Dashner just pushed the story…

Farenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Some might call Bradbury a prophet . . .so creepy how spot on he was about some things. I’ve read this book multiple times and it gets better with every reading.

Divergent by Veronica Roth

I debated whether to include this title (full disclosure, I’m not a huge fan of the final book in this series so I often will avoid recommending titles I didn’t love) but Divergent is important in the YA Dystopian/SciFi category just like The Hunger Games.

Matched by Allie Condie

As the YA dystopian phenomena raged, Matched jumped into the pack adding the element of romance to the mix.

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

How can we skip this book? I couldn’t, which is why it is included (even if it’s old and classic). Stranded adolescent boys trying to create a society asking the audience to consider what it means to be civilized. Chaos ensues…

Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth

I enjoyed this duology by Roth. Planets, political intrigue, battles to the death (for life), super powers, different humanoids and space ships with a dash of romance. I’m in.

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett

I vacillated on which title to pair this with, but in the end chose The Giver because I think in terms of literary acumen, Liggett wins. Her story looks at not only freedom like The Giver, but also female empowerment.

The Illuminae Files by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

I just finished this entire series (there are three titles and Illuminae is the first), and truthfully as a series, this one kicks most series’s butts as an incredibly constructed story (including The Hunger Games). But in terms of power hungry manipulation, excitement, adventure and action, this is a strong pairing.

Replica by Lauren Oliver

This is an interesting book in that it is two stories in one. One side is Gemma’s story, but it is the other side— Lyra’s story— that reminded me of Never Let Me Go. I could have read Lyra’s story for days . . .

Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Kaufman and Kristoff make the list a second time because this debut book of the Aurora Cycle is magical! The writing is fabulous and the adventure reminded me of Defy the Stars (and the other way around). So good!

The Echo Room by Parker Peevyhouse

This book is fascinating and captures the magic of that first book in the Dashner trilogy, The Maze Runner. The premise is you wake up in a room and have to figure out how to get out until you die trying. Then you wake up and have to try all over again.

More Than This by Patrick Ness

Seth wakes up in his old neighborhood that’s abandoned and overgrown as if the world has ended. Then he begins to get memories that tell him not everything is as it seems. (For fans of The Ugly Truth, Cantos Book 2 — don’t worry, it’s different :)

The Mirror Souls by Julia Scott

Indie Author alert! In this story Earth has nearly destroyed itself and a benevolent alien race has stepped in to intercede. In doing so, the human race is reorganized, but things don’t seem as “utopian” as the aliens would have you believe.

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Full disclosure, I haven’t read this book (I tried and couldn’t get past the first 25 pages). My IG users suggested it to go with Matched. I couldn’t think of anything else similar to Matched, so here you go. Comments appreciated.

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

Want a modern day satire that mimics The Lord of the Flies from a female perspective? This book is for you. I love Libba Bray. She’s great.

Coriander's Light by MJ Vaughn

Indie Author Alert! Coriander is in search of her mother. The only thing she has is a necklace left behind. When she gets an email from a stranger asking about the stone, it takes her on a whirlwind journey (into outer space).

These recommendations popped up on my IG story. I’ve added them to my TBR and I thought perhaps you might be interested in hearing about them as well. For your consideration:

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This-Then-That: YA Contemporary Edition

Another week. Another installment of THIS-THEN-THAT. For all of you who commented either here or on Instagram, and in the IG Story for this week’s installment, thank you! Let’s do this again.

A reminder. THIS-THEN-THAT is a game that uses this format: If you liked THIS title, THEN you might enjoy THAT one.

This-Then-That.

The theme this week is YA Contemporary, which I have discovered is probably one of my favorite categories right up with YA fantasy. I didn’t realize it until I started pulling titles from my shelf and watched the stack take shape. So many good stories…

Same format as last week. Left side are the THIS titles and the right side are the THAT titles.

Here we go. . .

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This

We Speak in Storms by Natalie Lund

A beautiful debut novel that follows three different teens as they grapple with metaphorical and literal ghosts haunting them. Its beautiful and the prose is moving.

Looking for Alaska by John Green

So, if you haven’t watched the Hulu series (or maybe you have and you want something else to read), this story is moody, angsty, and wonderful.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Cath—one half of the dynamic twin duo she makes up with her sister, Wren—does better with her computer and the fan fiction she writes. So starting college is throwing her off. This is one amazing read (and I’m not just saying it).

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

This tale about a young man’s journey to discover the keys to his identity is both poignant and lyrical. The prose is beautiful.

Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay

This is wonderful tale of exploration when attempting to navigate ethnicity and culture when feeling like an outsider. It’s part coming-of-age, part cultural exploration, and part murder mystery.

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Rowell has made the list twice (as she should because I couldn’t choose between Fangirl or this title). This book is about two strangers who happen to sit next to one another on the school bus and somehow magic happens.

Bookish Boyfriends: Talk Nerdy to Me by Tiffany Schmidt

This is an adorable romcom with lots of heart. Schmidt develops complex and dynamic heroines more inclined to discover the secrets about themselves (with a dash of romance on the side) - and all layered with the beauty of existing stories. This one is the third in the series about Eliza as she reads both Frankenstein and Anne of Green Gables.

The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

This was Zentner’s debut novel (he’s since added three more titles to his book stack) and it hit me right in my heart. It’s a male coming-of-age about identity in relationship to fathers. It’s wonderful!

Simon and the Homo Sapians Agenda

“Sixteen-year-old and not-so-openly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now change-averse Simon has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he's pushed out without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or fumbling a shot at happiness with the most confusing, adorable guy he's never met.” Powellsbooks.com

Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone

Samantha McAllister looks like every other girl in her class except she struggles with a hidden mental illness, working to hide it from everyone who knows her. She finds solace in poetry club and learns that sometimes you just need the people in your life as a support system.

That

Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak

One of my favorite books ever written. This is the story about Clay Dunbar and what he does to save his brothers—all of them—from the ghosts threatening to tear them apart.

Goodbye Days by Jeff Zentner

So you’re waiting for your friends to pick you up after work. You text them. Next thing you know, they’ve been in a fatal accident.

Yeah…

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

So you were introduced to Simon and Baz in Fanrgirl. Here’s the story Cath was fangirling about!

We Are Okay by Nina LaCour

This is such a beautiful story about grief, self-acceptance, love and friendship. Marin disappears after the death of her grandfather; It takes her best friend Mabel to bring back to the land of the living.

A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi

Shirin is a muslim girl in America post 9-11. With racism and prejudice rampant, she’s built some tall walls. Then she meets Ocean, and he threatens to bring them all down.

Every Other Weekend by Abigail Johnson

Adam’s family is falling apart after the death of his oldest brother. Jolene’s family fell apart a long time ago. Every other weekend, they find comfort in their friendship. But when they take things to the next level, will it all fall apart?

The Best Laid Plans by Cameron Lund

A classic friends-to -overs romcom, Keely is ready to have sex but she doesn’t want it to be with one of the boys she’s known since Kindergarten. When she meets college boy Dean, she thinks he’s the one, but will her virginity cost her the man of her dreams? That’s where best friend Andrew comes in and everything goes awry.

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

A powerful narrative written in verse, this story follows Xiomara as she navigates what it means to be a young woman, a daughter, and a person of color amidst the familial, religious and cultural messages that bombard her.

Only Mostly Devastated by Sophia Gonzales

This is an adorable Grease retelling featuring Ollie who had a summer fling with Will. When Ollie unexpectedly remains in town and starts high school, the boy Ollie thought was comfortable out, isn’t.

Together We Caught Fire by Eva V. Gibson

An unflinching story that grapples with heavy topics like suicide, mental illness and religion, sex and self-efficacy. This story is tightly weaved together in this story about Lane, her journey navigating complicated relationships and learning she doesn’t have to do it all alone.

For your consideration (because I write YA Contemporary. :) . . .

Earlier this year, a bookstagram friend on IG, Lavinia (@instaraygram) who helped with last week’s post read The Cantos Chronicle (the books I wrote). She said she loved them . . . and asked me if I’d read Brigid Kemmerer? She said, “Your style reminds me of hers.” I hadn’t, but I was immediately intrigued. So I scooped up all of her titles and FELL IN LOVE with her (so what an honor to be compared to her!) So one more This/That . . .

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THIS

THAT

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Finally . . . Join me on my IG Story (@cl.walters) to help with next week’s theme: YA Sci Fi and Dystopian. I need your help.

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• January 2025
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• September 2021
  • Sep 1, 2021 Road to Echoes: 8 Tips for Using NaNoWriMo to Write Your Novel Sep 1, 2021
• August 2021
  • Aug 25, 2021 Road to Echoes: 4 Lessons I Learned Writing Maxwell Wallace Aug 25, 2021
  • Aug 18, 2021 Road to Echoes: Tropes Aug 18, 2021
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• July 2021
  • Jul 28, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Research to Understand Griffin Jul 28, 2021
  • Jul 21, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Secondary Characters Primer Jul 21, 2021
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  • Jul 7, 2021 The Road of Echoes: What Inspired Griffin's Story? Jul 7, 2021
• June 2021
  • Jun 30, 2021 The Road of Echoes: New Blog Series Jun 30, 2021
• May 2021
  • May 26, 2021 Favorite Reads of 2021 So Far May 26, 2021
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• April 2021
  • Apr 28, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 4 Apr 28, 2021
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• March 2021
  • Mar 31, 2021 April Challenge: Finishing the Draft Mar 31, 2021
• February 2021
  • Feb 24, 2021 Character Speaks: Dear Paola, from Gabe Feb 24, 2021
  • Feb 17, 2021 Character Speaks: Dear Sam, from Seth Feb 17, 2021
  • Feb 10, 2021 Ask the Author: Advice for Newbie Writers? Feb 10, 2021
  • Feb 3, 2021 Ask the Author: What motivates you to write? Feb 3, 2021
• January 2021
  • Jan 27, 2021 Ask the Author: Series or Stand Alone? Jan 27, 2021
  • Jan 20, 2021 Ask the Author: Why did you choose to write YA? (Part 2) Jan 20, 2021
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  • Jan 6, 2021 Ask the Author: Favorite Part of the Writing Process? Jan 6, 2021
• October 2020
  • Oct 16, 2020 Rainy Day Collective Podcast & Purity Culture Oct 16, 2020
  • Oct 14, 2020 The Stories Stars Tell: It's Here! Oct 14, 2020
• July 2020
  • Jul 1, 2020 Interview: Lauren-Marie with The Indigo Book Jul 1, 2020
• June 2020
  • Jun 24, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Dystopian and SciFi Edition Jun 24, 2020
  • Jun 17, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Contemporary Edition Jun 17, 2020
  • Jun 10, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Fantasy Edition Jun 10, 2020
• May 2020
  • May 27, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Piper Bee May 27, 2020
  • May 20, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Nancy Richardson Fischer May 20, 2020
  • May 13, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Rob Rufus May 13, 2020
  • May 6, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Lisa Brown Roberts May 6, 2020
• April 2020
  • Apr 29, 2020 Reading Wonderland: an Introduction Apr 29, 2020
  • Apr 22, 2020 Quarantine: 37 Days Apr 22, 2020
• March 2020
  • Mar 31, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Road Trip Wrap Up Mar 31, 2020
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• February 2020
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• January 2020
  • Jan 29, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: A Hope and A Dream Jan 29, 2020
  • Jan 15, 2020 The Letters She Left Behind: It's here! Jan 15, 2020
• December 2019
  • Dec 18, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind: Character Interview Dec 18, 2019
  • Dec 11, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind: Annotated Playlist Dec 11, 2019
• October 2019
  • Oct 16, 2019 Awesome Writer Spotlight: Mary E. Pearson (again) Oct 16, 2019
  • Oct 7, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Gratitude Oct 7, 2019
• September 2019
  • Sep 30, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: It's time. Sep 30, 2019
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• April 2019
  • Apr 29, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Genevieve Jane Apr 29, 2019
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• March 2019
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• February 2019
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  • Feb 18, 2019 Character and Conflict Part2: Motivation Feb 18, 2019
  • Feb 11, 2019 Character and Conflict, part one: Types of Conflict Feb 11, 2019
  • Feb 4, 2019 Point of View and Writing Feb 4, 2019
• January 2019
  • Jan 28, 2019 Off to Refill the Well . . . Jan 28, 2019
  • Jan 21, 2019 Character-Driven or Plot Driven Narrative? Jan 21, 2019
  • Jan 14, 2019 Character: Conversations Jan 14, 2019
• December 2018
  • Dec 3, 2018 The Ugly Truth: Cover Reveal and Playlist Dec 3, 2018
• October 2018
  • Oct 29, 2018 This Writer Reads Oct 29, 2018
  • Oct 8, 2018 Empathy is Our Superpower! Oct 8, 2018
  • Oct 4, 2018 The Writer Hoard Oct 4, 2018

This-Then-That: YA Fantasy Edition

Last month the Reading Wonderland blog series offered four author interviews with a plethora of book recommendations (check out my May posts). I thought, let’s keep the ball rolling on the beauty of reading and books and play a game: This Then That which offers a book title I’ve read to which someone else provides a recommendation of a different title that aligns with that style. Fun right?

This week, I asked my Bookstagram friend Lavinia Ungureanu (you can find her on Instagram @instaraygram) to play along. I know how much she loves YA fantasy, so I thought she was the perfect person to ask to participate. What you’ll find is a book gallery below. The left side is my THIS titles. I’ve linked all of the books to Powell’s books (because it’s an independent bookstore, but I suggest finding a local one). The right side are Lavinia’s THAT titles. If you think of one, drop it in the comments. And visit my IG story today for YA Contemporary. I’ll give you THIS titles and you share your THATs! Can’t wait.

This Then That

---

THIS

CL Walters

Strange the Dreamer

This is the first book in a duology by Laini Taylor. The follow up is Muse of Nightmares. She also has several other fantasy titles, one of her most popular being Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Ember in the Ashes, Book 1

Sabaa Tahir’s fourth book in this series releases in December. You’ve got time to enjoy the first three books before then.

Harry Potter Series

There are seven books in this series. It begins with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. It might be categorized as Middle Grade fantasy initially, but each title ages with the protagonist, Harry.

Infernal Devices Trilogy

Clockwork Angel is the first in the Infernal Devices trilogy by Cassandra Clare. It is set in Victorian England and follows three characters: Tessa, Jem and Will. The follow up titles are Clockwork Prince and Clockwork Princess.

A Curse So Dark and Lonely

This book is the first in a series written by Brigid Kemmerer. The follow up title as already been released: A Heart so Fierce and Broken. The third title is set to be released January 2021.

Children of Blood and Bone

This is the first book in a series written by Tomi Adeyemi. A gripping fantasy with African influence, it’s gorgeously told. The second in the series is also available: Children of Virtue and Vengence.

A Darker Shade of Magic

This is the first book in the Shades of Magic trilogy by V.E. Schwab, more adult than YA, but definite crossover appeal. All of the titles are available.

Throne of Glass

This is the first title in a series by Sarah J. Maas of nine books—all of which have been released.

Circe

A mythological retelling of the witch Circe from The Odyssey.

The Night Circus

A fantastic novel set in a circus amid magicians in a life or death competition. Brilliant and rich.

THAT

Lavinia Ungureanu

The Raven Boys Cycle

This is the first book of 4 by Maggie Stiefvater; this is a staff pick by the Powells Book Staff.

Shatter Me Series

Tahereh Mafi wrote this series of seven novels (all available) that begins with this one. A kind of super hero dystopia with edge and a lot of romance.

The Name of the Wind

Patrick Rothfuss presents a “riveting first-person narrative of a young man who grows to be the most notorious magician his world has ever seen.” Powells.com

Stalking Jack the Ripper

The first in a series of four books, Stalking Jack the Ripper is about a Lord’s daughter who goes “against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.”

The Wrath and the Dawn

From Goodreads: In a land ruled by a murderous boy-king, each dawn brings heartache to a new family. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, is a monster. Each night he takes a new bride only to have a silk cord wrapped around her throat come morning. When sixteen-year-old Shahrzad's dearest friend falls victim to Khalid, Shahrzad vows vengeance and volunteers to be his next bride. Shahrzad is determined not only to stay alive, but to end the caliph's reign of terror once and for all.

Spin the Dawn

from Goodreads: Project Runway meets Mulan in this sweeping YA fantasy about a young girl who poses as a boy to compete for the role of imperial tailor and embarks on an impossible journey to sew three magic dresses, from the sun, the moon, and the stars.

Six of Crows

The first of a duology (the second title is Crooked Kingdom). It’s a squad - heist story set in a fantasy world and it is fantastic.

The Grisha Trilogy

Shadow and Bone is the first title in The Grisha Trilogy also by Leigh Bardugo. Gorgeous fantasy with magic and romance. All three of the titles are available.

Serpent and the Dove

A staff pick at Powells.com:

"Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live." Lou (a scrappy, snarky witch of a girl) and Reid (a stoic, principled witch hunter) accidentally stumble their way into a forced marriage. Lou must hide the secret of her magic from her unexpectedly kind but undeniably dangerous new husband, and Reid, honorable to his core, begins to question where his loyalties lie. A lush, gorgeous, and incredibly fun debut. Recommended By Joanna S., Powells.com

Language of Thorns

A collection of shorts that transport you into the Grishaverse of The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, The Six of Crows, and King of Scars. Can’t get enough of Leigh Bardugo!

---

Don’t forget to check in on my Instagram story to share you thoughts about the contemporary titles I’ve posted! I’ll be posting your THAT to the blog next week.

NEXT WEEK: This Then That, YA Contemporary Edition

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  • Feb 24, 2021 Character Speaks: Dear Paola, from Gabe Feb 24, 2021
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  • Feb 10, 2021 Ask the Author: Advice for Newbie Writers? Feb 10, 2021
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• January 2021
  • Jan 27, 2021 Ask the Author: Series or Stand Alone? Jan 27, 2021
  • Jan 20, 2021 Ask the Author: Why did you choose to write YA? (Part 2) Jan 20, 2021
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• May 2020
  • May 27, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Piper Bee May 27, 2020
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• October 2019
  • Oct 16, 2019 Awesome Writer Spotlight: Mary E. Pearson (again) Oct 16, 2019
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• September 2019
  • Sep 30, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: It's time. Sep 30, 2019
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• January 2019
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Reading Wonderland Interview: Piper Bee

The thing about Alice — which I think all of us remember — is that when it came down to the adventure, she found she was much more accepting of reading about it after living it. Perhaps that is true for some of us homebodies (uh, what are you trying to say with that eyebrow raised in my direction? So it’s true, I do prefer to be at home, curled up on the couch, reading a book. What of it?). And when you think about the archetypal hero’s journey, it is always about returning home (albeit changed and better).

Romantic Comedy is a genre of story that offers that adventure into exploring love with rich, compelling characters, fun plots, the tingles of falling in love, and enjoyable laughs. The story’s action is most often set in the contemporary world making this an accessible genre for someone who doesn’t often read, wants a quick escape, or loves to laugh. The Romantic Comedy in the Young Adult world also offers the joy of not only falling in love, but also discovering truths about self that earmark the hero’s journey of a YA novel. Joy’s Summer Love Playlist, by Piper Bee, is a brand new YA RomCom available NOW! (It was released last week).

College-bound singer Joy has never been all that graceful, never been in love, and never really lived for herself. But when she’s suddenly free from her overbearing brother, Joy dreams of living out a summer full of music, sunshine, and an empty schedule.

There's just one catch...

Joy's hilarious duet partner, Cale, needs her to be his fake girlfriend so he can attract Lena, Joy's unattainable best friend. Cale’s plan is a tad crazy, but if Joy knows anything about Cale, it’s that he can make crazy work in his favor. 

But when Lena’s long-time crush, Jin, returns home for the summer, Joy realizes Cale’s chances might be impossible. Jin is nothing short of perfect. Easygoing, charming, and insanely good-looking… Joy has to find a way to even the odds without jeopardizing the friendships she’s worked so hard for.

Things get complicated when Joy falls head over heels for the boy that was “off-limits.” Just when she thinks her first love might be the real deal, her controlling brother—and her family’s dark past—get in the way. Joy could lose a lot more than a carefree summer.

Piper Bee — an independent author —  graciously agreed to answer some questions about Joy’s story. I’m so excited to share this interview with readers and potential readers, me being one of them.

CLW: Joy’s Summer Love Playlist released in Paperback May 20th (ebook drops June 20th). As an independent author (and the current climate notwithstanding) what has surprised you as you embark on the journey of telling the world about your debut novel? 

 Piper Bee: The most surprising thing has been all the work I had to do after I finished writing the book! From implementing beta feedback to marketing to metadata. There's a lot to know. I'd say I was also surprised at how to effectively convey the story without spoiling it (and I realllly wanted to)! And I was majorly surprised by all the support I've been getting! Since I don't even have a book out yet, I'm very humbled by all the love I've gotten from strangers.

 CLW: What inspired this story? 

 PB: There are three main things that inspired it. Originally, it was a dream I had that took place in the summer. There was a group of friends with some intriguing intersections in their relationships, so I built off that and the intense feelings I got from it. After that, I'd say my own experiences as a carefree teenager in the PNW summer. Lots of the settings come straight from memory. And finally, the music, of course! I can tell you a number of scenes that were influenced by specific songs. That's basically why I went with songs for chapter titles.

CLW: Five songs we should listen to while we read Joy’s Summer Love Playlist?

PB: Um, ALL of them, but here are some important ones: 1) Definitely: Rainbow Connection! The original is by Kermit the Frog, but my favorite is by Gwen Stefani. 2) Take on Me by Weezer 3) Forever Young by UNDRESSD (Yes, these are all covers so far!) 4) Grip by Seeb & Bastille 5) Young and In Love by Ingrid Michaelson

CLW: Tell us a little bit about Joy and what we should know about this protagonist. 

PB: Joy's main concern is preserving the good things in her life and not rocking the boat, which is immediately evident with her unstable brother, Carson. Despite that, though, she is true to herself in certain ways, such as singing. She's not shy about who she really is. I love that she is unapologetic about how much she loves food, probably because I'm the same way, haha!

CLW: Based on the cover, I might assume there’s a bit of love triangle trope. What do I need to know walking into this story about the romance in this story? 

PB: There is a love triangle (and fake dating also), but I tried to put my own twist on it. One thing you might like to know before going in is that Joy has never fallen in love before, so she's a bit clumsy at figuring out her honest feelings, which I personally find adorable.

Buy here

CLW: What is your favorite romance trope to read? 

PB: I love so many tropes! Enemies to lovers is one of my favorites because I love the redemptive aspect of it. It's totally swoonworthy when someone realizes they were wrong and it ends in romance!

CLW: Do you have a favorite #otp that isn’t one, your own and two, Lizzy and Darcy? 

PB: Okay, you got me! I'm a huge P&P fan! A bookish couple I love is Katniss & Peeta because they were kind of unlikely but also needed each other. I love Katara/Aang from Avatar. Anime/Manga fans will recognize Tohru & Kyo from Fruits Basket! Love them! I'm sorry, I can' choose one. I can't.

CLW: Let’s play a little If… Then. I’ll give you an “If you’ve read (insert a book title) you respond with a “Then you should read (insert a book title)” Got it?

If you’ve read Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell, then you should read: Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett

If you’ve read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, then you should read: The Matched series by Ally Condie

If you’ve read the Harry Potter Series, then you should read: The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

If you’ve read City of Bones by Cassandra Clare, then you should read: A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray (OMG I love this series - CLW)

If you’ve read A Fault in Our Stars by John Green, then you should read: The Sun is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon

CLW: When your audience closes Joy’s Summer Love Playlist, sets down the book and walks away, what do you hope is the lasting impression (without spoilers)? 

PB: I certainly hope they have some warm, fuzzy swoons to take away, but beyond that, I hope people see from Joy's journey that happiness isn't just about keeping the peace. Sometimes you have to stand for your own happiness in order to set things right.\

CLW: Which authors or specific books - YA and otherwise - have inspired your own author’s journey? 

PB: That author that made me want to write originally was Libba Bray with the Gemma Doyle series (mentioned above). Later on, I took a class taught by Christi Krug and loved her wildfire writing method. Scott Westerfeld's wild imagination impacted me also. And, I'm not just saying this to flatter you Cami, but you really helped me decide that it was worth it to pursue being and indie author!

CLW: The theme is favorite YA Romances/RomComs. What makes your top-five list in no particular order?

PB: 1) The Sun is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon, 2) The Fault In Our Stars by John Green, 3) The Caraval series by Stephanie Garber, 4) Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson, and 5) Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett

 CLW: Can you give us any hints about your next project? 

PB: I'm working on a princess-centered epic fantasy series that definitely has a romance element to it. It involves a quest to find a magical tree that can help save the kingdom from corruption, but it turns out there's a much bigger threat. I have released some prequel short stories, which you can read if you sign up for my newsletter.

CLW: Where can readers find you online? 

PB: I am most active on Instagram (@piper.bee) and I have a website: piperbeeauthor.com where you can find my other channels. I would love to chat about writing and fictional romance and food!

Piper Bee, Indie Author

Thank you so much for your time, Ms. Bee! Good luck and I’m looking forward to reading Joy’s story.

Next Week: A Little This or That . . .

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  • May 3, 2023 How I Got to Hawaiʻi, My Hawaiʻi Story May 3, 2023
• April 2023
  • Apr 26, 2023 You Can Go Home Again Apr 26, 2023
• March 2023
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  • Mar 8, 2023 Cantos Love: How They Came to Be Mar 8, 2023
  • Mar 1, 2023 Cantos Love: A Month of Cantos Mar 1, 2023
• January 2023
  • Jan 25, 2023 The Letters She Left Behind, 3 Years. Jan 25, 2023
  • Jan 18, 2023 Behind-the Scenes: The Trials of Imogene Sol Jan 18, 2023
  • Jan 11, 2023 Behind-the-Scenes: Reading & All My Rage Jan 11, 2023
• November 2022
  • Nov 16, 2022 Book Hangover List Nov 16, 2022
  • Nov 9, 2022 Advice: Find your People Nov 9, 2022
• October 2022
  • Oct 26, 2022 Contest Awarded Short Story: The Invalid Oct 26, 2022
  • Oct 13, 2022 The WHY Behind The Messy Truth About Love Oct 13, 2022
• June 2022
  • Jun 27, 2022 4 Things You Should Know about The Messy Truth About Love Before Reading Jun 27, 2022
• February 2022
  • Feb 2, 2022 February Ideals: Dreaming Feb 2, 2022
• December 2021
  • Dec 22, 2021 My Top 10 Songs (w/Lyrics) 2021 Dec 22, 2021
  • Dec 15, 2021 My Top 5 Characters I've Written Dec 15, 2021
  • Dec 1, 2021 My Top 5 of My Own Books Dec 1, 2021
• September 2021
  • Sep 1, 2021 Road to Echoes: 8 Tips for Using NaNoWriMo to Write Your Novel Sep 1, 2021
• August 2021
  • Aug 25, 2021 Road to Echoes: 4 Lessons I Learned Writing Maxwell Wallace Aug 25, 2021
  • Aug 18, 2021 Road to Echoes: Tropes Aug 18, 2021
  • Aug 11, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Loud Characters Aug 11, 2021
  • Aug 4, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Putting the Story Together Aug 4, 2021
• July 2021
  • Jul 28, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Research to Understand Griffin Jul 28, 2021
  • Jul 21, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Secondary Characters Primer Jul 21, 2021
  • Jul 14, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Writing Difficult Characters Jul 14, 2021
  • Jul 7, 2021 The Road of Echoes: What Inspired Griffin's Story? Jul 7, 2021
• June 2021
  • Jun 30, 2021 The Road of Echoes: New Blog Series Jun 30, 2021
• May 2021
  • May 26, 2021 Favorite Reads of 2021 So Far May 26, 2021
  • May 19, 2021 Cover Love May 19, 2021
  • May 12, 2021 Writing Limbo May 12, 2021
  • May 5, 2021 Writing In Between May 5, 2021
• April 2021
  • Apr 28, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 4 Apr 28, 2021
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  • Apr 14, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 2 Apr 14, 2021
  • Apr 7, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 1 Apr 7, 2021
• March 2021
  • Mar 31, 2021 April Challenge: Finishing the Draft Mar 31, 2021
• February 2021
  • Feb 24, 2021 Character Speaks: Dear Paola, from Gabe Feb 24, 2021
  • Feb 17, 2021 Character Speaks: Dear Sam, from Seth Feb 17, 2021
  • Feb 10, 2021 Ask the Author: Advice for Newbie Writers? Feb 10, 2021
  • Feb 3, 2021 Ask the Author: What motivates you to write? Feb 3, 2021
• January 2021
  • Jan 27, 2021 Ask the Author: Series or Stand Alone? Jan 27, 2021
  • Jan 20, 2021 Ask the Author: Why did you choose to write YA? (Part 2) Jan 20, 2021
  • Jan 13, 2021 Ask the Author: Why did you choose to write YA? Jan 13, 2021
  • Jan 6, 2021 Ask the Author: Favorite Part of the Writing Process? Jan 6, 2021
• October 2020
  • Oct 16, 2020 Rainy Day Collective Podcast & Purity Culture Oct 16, 2020
  • Oct 14, 2020 The Stories Stars Tell: It's Here! Oct 14, 2020
• July 2020
  • Jul 1, 2020 Interview: Lauren-Marie with The Indigo Book Jul 1, 2020
• June 2020
  • Jun 24, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Dystopian and SciFi Edition Jun 24, 2020
  • Jun 17, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Contemporary Edition Jun 17, 2020
  • Jun 10, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Fantasy Edition Jun 10, 2020
• May 2020
  • May 27, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Piper Bee May 27, 2020
  • May 20, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Nancy Richardson Fischer May 20, 2020
  • May 13, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Rob Rufus May 13, 2020
  • May 6, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Lisa Brown Roberts May 6, 2020
• April 2020
  • Apr 29, 2020 Reading Wonderland: an Introduction Apr 29, 2020
  • Apr 22, 2020 Quarantine: 37 Days Apr 22, 2020
• March 2020
  • Mar 31, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Road Trip Wrap Up Mar 31, 2020
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• February 2020
  • Feb 29, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 5 Feb 29, 2020
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• January 2020
  • Jan 29, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: A Hope and A Dream Jan 29, 2020
  • Jan 15, 2020 The Letters She Left Behind: It's here! Jan 15, 2020
• December 2019
  • Dec 18, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind: Character Interview Dec 18, 2019
  • Dec 11, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind: Annotated Playlist Dec 11, 2019
• October 2019
  • Oct 16, 2019 Awesome Writer Spotlight: Mary E. Pearson (again) Oct 16, 2019
  • Oct 7, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Gratitude Oct 7, 2019
• September 2019
  • Sep 30, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: It's time. Sep 30, 2019
  • Sep 16, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: A Difficult Story Sep 16, 2019
  • Sep 9, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Journey to Gabe Sep 9, 2019
• July 2019
  • Jul 8, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Aesthetic Jul 8, 2019
• May 2019
  • May 26, 2019 Time Away May 26, 2019
  • May 20, 2019 Writing Inspiration: Music May 20, 2019
  • May 13, 2019 Awesome Writer Spotlight: Mary E. Pearson May 13, 2019
  • May 6, 2019 Happy Book Birthday: A Character Interview May 6, 2019
  • May 1, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind PLAYLIST May 1, 2019
• April 2019
  • Apr 29, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Genevieve Jane Apr 29, 2019
  • Apr 15, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: M. Wednesday Apr 15, 2019
  • Apr 8, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Leslie Arambula Apr 8, 2019
  • Apr 1, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Alison Aldridge Apr 1, 2019
• March 2019
  • Mar 25, 2019 YA Author Series Launch: CL Walters Mar 25, 2019
  • Mar 12, 2019 Book Mash-Up Fun Mar 12, 2019
  • Mar 4, 2019 Snappy Dialogue in 3 Minutes Mar 4, 2019
• February 2019
  • Feb 25, 2019 Pacing the Narrative: A New Tool Feb 25, 2019
  • Feb 18, 2019 Character and Conflict Part2: Motivation Feb 18, 2019
  • Feb 11, 2019 Character and Conflict, part one: Types of Conflict Feb 11, 2019
  • Feb 4, 2019 Point of View and Writing Feb 4, 2019
• January 2019
  • Jan 28, 2019 Off to Refill the Well . . . Jan 28, 2019
  • Jan 21, 2019 Character-Driven or Plot Driven Narrative? Jan 21, 2019
  • Jan 14, 2019 Character: Conversations Jan 14, 2019
• December 2018
  • Dec 3, 2018 The Ugly Truth: Cover Reveal and Playlist Dec 3, 2018
• October 2018
  • Oct 29, 2018 This Writer Reads Oct 29, 2018
  • Oct 8, 2018 Empathy is Our Superpower! Oct 8, 2018
  • Oct 4, 2018 The Writer Hoard Oct 4, 2018

Reading Wonderland Interview: Nancy Richardson Fischer

Alice’s escape down the rabbit hole really was about one thing: ADVENTURE. She wanted her own adventure instead of reading about it.

This quintessential idea brings to mind one of my favorite quotations in a fantasy book series I recently finished called The Shades of Magic trilogy by V.E. Schwab (if you like edgy fantasy - a MUST read! The series begins with A Darker Shade of Magic). Lila, one of the central characters told another, “‘I’d rather die on an adventure than live standing still.’” And isn’t that, in many ways, a truth for all of us?

One amazing adventure story I wanted to share with you is The Speed of Falling Objects written by Nancy Richardson Fischer (her novel When Elephants Fly has been nominated for the Leslie Bradshaw Award for Young Adult Literature). It is not only a survival story but also an incredible coming-of-age tale swirling with family drama and new love.

Danielle (Dani) Warren, the daughter of a TV reality survivalist, is nothing like her brave father. After an accident that takes her site in one eye, she’s learned to compensate for that change, but that isn’t the only thing she’s compensating for; she wants to make everyone else happy, especially her mom, but it’s beginning to feel like it’s at a cost to her own. When her dad, who she hasn’t seen for years, calls to invite her on a trip to the Amazon to film the next episode of his TV show, she jumps at the chance to prove she can be the daughter he’s always wanted. But nothing goes as planned. When their small plane crashes in the Amazon and a terrible secret is revealed, Dani must face the truth about her parents, about her own happiness, and find the strength to survive the deadly rainforest to find her way home.

I loved this story, and over the last several months, I have had the wonderful opportunity to get to know Ms. Richardson-Fischer through Instagram (give her a follow @nanfischerauthor). She so graciously agreed to answer my questions as a contributor to the Reading Wonderland:

CLW: The Speed of Falling Objects is a survival story set in the Amazon. I have read on several occasions your aversion to reptiles and creepy crawly things. What on earth inspired this story?

NRF: I’ve always been fascinated with stories of survival—sinking sailboats and months lost at sea, climbers who help each other crawl down mountains after brutal injuries—there is no better way to figure out who people are, at their core, then to witness them struggle and see who retains their humanity, survives and thrives. Usually, it’s the person you least expect that digs deepest and surprises!

Originally the plane crash in this novel was going to happen on a snow-covered mountain. I’ve spent time winter camping, used to rock climb, and understand that world. But while doing research, it became clear that nothing would push Danny toward growth more than the Amazon.

There are 3,600 species of spiders in the Amazon Basin, 2.5 million insects, and seventeen types of highly venomous snakes. Plus, there are so many ways to die! If the plane crash doesn’t result in devastating injuries, a bite from a wandering spider can kill in less than twenty minutes. The fer-de-lance, an aggressive pit viper, has venom that leads to gangrene, amputation and death. Even the frogs exude a toxin that can cause fatal heart attacks. There are bullet ants whose bite feels like a gunshot, bloodthirsty leeches and electric eels that can unleash over 600 volts …

All of which I studied with shudders (Danny and I have that in common) as I squinted at photos, read first-person-accounts and watched survivalist videos. Choosing to create a character that has similar fears, at least in the creepy crawly realm, allowed me to identify and empathize with Danny and tap into my own very real fears to make hers more believable.

CLW: When writing this story, what was the scariest thing you researched and how did you get through it?

NRF: The scariest things were the spiders! Seriously, I am less afraid of a plane crash, broken bones and other injuries, sleeping in the jungle, even scorpions and snakes, than I am of a spider. But spiders came with the story and over time I was able to not just read about them but look at them so I could realistically describe their furry, terrifying bodies. For the record, in real life I’m still petrified of them.

CLW: There are a lot of things I loved about this book, but here are two: the way you delved into family relationships and its impact on identity, and the real way teens have feelings (especially with respect to sex and relationships) and how you didn’t shy away from either. Can you comment on what helps you explore those kinds of heavier topics with depth and realism?

NRF: The best way I know to explore heavy topics is to do the research. I read about dysfunctional families, used my own experiences in that realm, talked to teens, watched videos, read other books that dove into dark subject matter and then did my best to respectfully explore all the issues that Danny faces.

CLW: The Speed of Falling Objects is your fourth book and the follow up to the YA, When Elephants Fly. Having been through this publication process, going to book signings, interacting with readers, what was the most surprising thing(s) you have learned going through the process?

NRF: The Speed of Falling Objects is actually my eleventh published book! My first eight were sport autobiographies that I co-wrote with athletes like Monica Seles, Nadia Comaneci and Apolo Ohno. I also wrote three Junior Jedi Books for LucasFilm and then wrote When Elephants Fly followed by The Speed of Falling Objects. There have been a lot of surprises along the way. First, it was a much longer process getting to the point where I could write my own fiction than I imagined. Second, I’m surprised at how much I love the editing process—that’s where the real magic happens! Third, interacting with readers, doing books signings and meeting other authors has been both a joy and much needed. Writing is a solitary process so hearing from readers who love my books feeds my soul and talking with other authors provides a much needed group of friends who both support each other and help ease the rough patches along the road to publication.

CLW: Which is the favorite book you’ve written, and why is that the case?

NRF: I really don’t have a favorite!  I loved writing Lily and Swifty’s stories in When Elephants Fly and the chance to educate people about the plight of elephants, but then along came Danger Danielle Warren in The Speed of Falling Objects… Each book I write is my favorite of the moment. And then I move on and give my heart to the next story.

CLW: What is your favorite genre to read, and do you have a recommendation for readers?

NRF: My reading is all over the place. I love all of Tana French’s mysteries—she’s a poet at heart and creates incredible characters. I can’t put down Stephen King’s novels and am dazzled by his imagination and the way he makes me care. And Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale has stayed with me for life.

CLW: Favorite classic read?

NRF: For Whom The Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway.

CLW: Stephen King wrote that “Books are distinctly portable magic.” What was the last book you read that transported you?

NRF: Mary Doria Russell’s The Sparrow changed me forever. Then I read her follow-up, Children of God, and I was changed again.

CLW: Which specific authors or specific books - YA and otherwise -  have inspired your own author’s journey?

NRF: Too many to name so I’ll just list a few of the authors I love… Misa Sugiura, Jennifer Longo, Jennifer Mathieu, Frances Hodgson Burnett, Stephen King, Peter Straub, Rebecca Makai, Mark Helprin, Sara Blake, Diana Gabaldon, Barbara Kingsolver…

CLW: The theme is YA Contemporary books. What makes your top-five list in no particular order?

All the Bright Places [by Jennifer Niven]

A List of Cages [by Robin Roe]

The Outsiders [by S.E. Hinton]

The Hunger Games [by Suzanne Collins]

Lord of the Flies [by William Golding]

CLW: What are you working on now?

I’m working on my second adult novel! It’s an exciting new world and I hope that the readers who loved When Elephants Fly and The Speed of Falling Objects will take a chance and give my next novel a try!

CLW: Where can readers find you?

Readers can find me on Instagram and Twitter @nanfischerauthor and can write me at: nancyrichardsonfischerauthor@gmail.com. For all requests, please contact my agent, Stephanie Kip Rostan, Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency.

So much thanks to Ms. Richardson-Fischer and the time she offered to share with us!

Next Week: Piper Bee and her upcoming release,

Joy’s Summer Love Playlist

CLWalters Blog RSS

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• December 2021
  • Dec 22, 2021 My Top 10 Songs (w/Lyrics) 2021 Dec 22, 2021
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• September 2021
  • Sep 1, 2021 Road to Echoes: 8 Tips for Using NaNoWriMo to Write Your Novel Sep 1, 2021
• August 2021
  • Aug 25, 2021 Road to Echoes: 4 Lessons I Learned Writing Maxwell Wallace Aug 25, 2021
  • Aug 18, 2021 Road to Echoes: Tropes Aug 18, 2021
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• July 2021
  • Jul 28, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Research to Understand Griffin Jul 28, 2021
  • Jul 21, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Secondary Characters Primer Jul 21, 2021
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• April 2021
  • Apr 28, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 4 Apr 28, 2021
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• March 2021
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• February 2021
  • Feb 24, 2021 Character Speaks: Dear Paola, from Gabe Feb 24, 2021
  • Feb 17, 2021 Character Speaks: Dear Sam, from Seth Feb 17, 2021
  • Feb 10, 2021 Ask the Author: Advice for Newbie Writers? Feb 10, 2021
  • Feb 3, 2021 Ask the Author: What motivates you to write? Feb 3, 2021
• January 2021
  • Jan 27, 2021 Ask the Author: Series or Stand Alone? Jan 27, 2021
  • Jan 20, 2021 Ask the Author: Why did you choose to write YA? (Part 2) Jan 20, 2021
  • Jan 13, 2021 Ask the Author: Why did you choose to write YA? Jan 13, 2021
  • Jan 6, 2021 Ask the Author: Favorite Part of the Writing Process? Jan 6, 2021
• October 2020
  • Oct 16, 2020 Rainy Day Collective Podcast & Purity Culture Oct 16, 2020
  • Oct 14, 2020 The Stories Stars Tell: It's Here! Oct 14, 2020
• July 2020
  • Jul 1, 2020 Interview: Lauren-Marie with The Indigo Book Jul 1, 2020
• June 2020
  • Jun 24, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Dystopian and SciFi Edition Jun 24, 2020
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• May 2020
  • May 27, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Piper Bee May 27, 2020
  • May 20, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Nancy Richardson Fischer May 20, 2020
  • May 13, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Rob Rufus May 13, 2020
  • May 6, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Lisa Brown Roberts May 6, 2020
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• February 2020
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• January 2020
  • Jan 29, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: A Hope and A Dream Jan 29, 2020
  • Jan 15, 2020 The Letters She Left Behind: It's here! Jan 15, 2020
• December 2019
  • Dec 18, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind: Character Interview Dec 18, 2019
  • Dec 11, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind: Annotated Playlist Dec 11, 2019
• October 2019
  • Oct 16, 2019 Awesome Writer Spotlight: Mary E. Pearson (again) Oct 16, 2019
  • Oct 7, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Gratitude Oct 7, 2019
• September 2019
  • Sep 30, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: It's time. Sep 30, 2019
  • Sep 16, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: A Difficult Story Sep 16, 2019
  • Sep 9, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Journey to Gabe Sep 9, 2019
• July 2019
  • Jul 8, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Aesthetic Jul 8, 2019
• May 2019
  • May 26, 2019 Time Away May 26, 2019
  • May 20, 2019 Writing Inspiration: Music May 20, 2019
  • May 13, 2019 Awesome Writer Spotlight: Mary E. Pearson May 13, 2019
  • May 6, 2019 Happy Book Birthday: A Character Interview May 6, 2019
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• April 2019
  • Apr 29, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Genevieve Jane Apr 29, 2019
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  • Feb 18, 2019 Character and Conflict Part2: Motivation Feb 18, 2019
  • Feb 11, 2019 Character and Conflict, part one: Types of Conflict Feb 11, 2019
  • Feb 4, 2019 Point of View and Writing Feb 4, 2019
• January 2019
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  • Jan 21, 2019 Character-Driven or Plot Driven Narrative? Jan 21, 2019
  • Jan 14, 2019 Character: Conversations Jan 14, 2019
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Reading Wonderland Interview: Rob Rufus

Today’s elixir is about time travel, and I think Alice’s rabbit will appreciate it since he’s always so upset about being late. 

Our next stop on the Young Adult Reading Wonderland Journey is with the YA Historical. As a category, historical stories are near and dear to my heart because I’m enamored with history. My middle grade reading journey was steeped in a love for this kind of story. Books within the historical category are set within the framework of a time in history, and a fictionalized story is fleshed out within those constructs. Today’s book, The Vinyl Underground by Rob Rufus is a gorgeous example of the YA Historical but with a modern historical edge because it’s post World War II and set during the Vietnam War in 1968. 

Ronnie Bingham’s brother has been killed in the Vietnam War; a conflict he was drafted into only a year prior. Steeped in his own grief as well as his own fears as he approaches aging into the draft in a few months, Ronnie feels stuck and powerless. When his best friend Milo introduces him to a new student, Hana, they discover their mutual love for music isn’t the only thing they have in common, but also an abhorrence for the war. Their club the Vinyl Underground is born and becomes the safety net they all need.  In the confusion of the approaching draft, the systemic racism in their high school and community, and the difficulties of facing heavy feelings that threaten to drown him, Ronnie has to figure out what he believes and what he’s willing to do to take a stand. 

The Vinyl Underground by Rob Rufus is a brand new book released by Flux Books at the beginning of March just as the chaos of stay-at-home orders took precedence and pulled this wonderful book into its current to get lost in the mire of the log jam of other kinds of information.  I’d like to be a small voice to change that since this story deserves a much larger voice. Timely in its content despite the 1968 designation, themes of social justice, finding a way to take a stand, and using one’s voice to make change are paramount to the story. But like all YA - and one of the reasons I love this genre - the story finds a way to give us hope. Mr. Rufus, who so graciously agreed to this interview, has written one another book, a memoir called Die Young With Me, and The Vinyl Underground is his first book of fiction. 

CLW: First, I really loved The Vinyl Underground, your debut novel which dropped March 10. A big facet of this historical novel set during 1968 is the music. Would you elaborate on what inspired the choices of the songs in the story?

RR: Thank you, so glad you dug the book!  I’m a big music fan and record collector, so I was excited to center a story around the 1960’s because that’s the greatest era of music, in my opinion.  Some of the songs were used simply because they set the tone of a scene or character.  Others, like Eve of Destruction or Gates of Eden, I used to serve as a bridge between the insanity and uncertainty of the 1960s and the present.  I threw in the MC5 to symbolize how music, as well as attitudes, were growing more extreme. 

CLW: I’m an English teacher, and I’m always telling my students, “Setting matters!” So, why choose Vietnam as a backdrop versus another possible historical setting?

RR: Selfishly, I chose it because my dad is a Vietnam Vet.  He never talked to me about the war growing up, so all my life I’ve immersed myself in the culture, music, history, and literature as a way to connect with that part of his life.  During the 2016 election I saw so many parallels to the 1960s, but so little of the fight.  Young people who didn’t even go vote were posting and marching about the election after the fact.  It really broke my heart.  Boo’s sound like cheers to the people who are already living in the ivory tower.  Late reaction is inaction.  I hope readers take that message to heart even if it makes them uncomfortable.

CLW: One of my favorite characters is Hana and her unapologetic stance on issues of social justice. What made her even more dimensional is the way you juxtaposed the idea of racial injustice with the injustice of sexism. What inspired this choice?

RR: Hana was inspired by a very real person who is every bit as badass and unapologetic.  She’s an English teacher as well, and hearing about the way the political climate was affecting her minority students was very jarring.  Adults will rail on the bully pulpit without realizing the street-level impact of their thoughtless words.  I think a lot of kids were going through the same thing in 1968.  

CLW: You are also a musician (right?). What lessons from your work as a musician played into your work as an author?

RR: The most valuable thing being a musician taught me about writing is that “it sucks until it doesn’t.”  Learning an instrument, like learning to write, sucks!  It’s exhausting.  It’s just miserable work.  But if you stick with it, there will come a day when you find your rhythm.  And when you do, the whole world opens up to you.

CLW: The Vinyl Underground is your first fiction novel, but not your first book. You’ve also written a memoir called Die Young With Me. Was the process different to see these books completed?

RR: The process was way different.  Die Young With Me was the story of me getting into punk rock and spending my teenage years battling cancer.  It felt like a miracle when it got published and won awards.  The Vinyl Underground was easier to write but harder to get published.  Partly because of the subject matter, partly because many editors said kids don’t care about the 1960s.  It was disheartening, because with Vinyl Underground I set out to prove myself as a writer and not just someone who got a memoir published because they’d lived through a bunch of traumatic experiences.  But it is what it is, and that’s the nature of the business.  I’m very proud of both books and humbled than anyone takes the time to check out anything I do.

CLW: What is a fun tidbit about The Vinyl Underground that would surprise readers?

RR: I got the idea for the book when I found a love letter tucked in a used LP I randomly bought.  The letter was 40 years old between two high school sweethearts!  I thought it was such a beautiful thing to pair a message with a song. 

CLW: What is your favorite genre to read, and do you have a recommendation for readers?

RR: One of my favorite genres is pulp crime, because it doesn’t take itself too seriously.  It is offensive, funny, ridiculous, and incredibly entertaining.  I tell that to people all the time, and they roll their eyes.  But if you can accept it for what it is, you can be exposed to a lot of great writing.  James Ellroy is the living master of the genre, but he isn’t suitable for young viewers.  Insert every trigger-warning imaginable here.

CLW: What was the last book you read you found magical?

RR: The book I’m currently reading is magical as hell.  It’s called The Lost Book of Adana Moreau, by Michael Zapata.  It’s beautiful writing and a beautiful story that spans decades, borders, and dimensions.  It’s an incredibly thought provoking read.

CLW: Which specific authors or specific books - YA and otherwise - have inspired your own author’s journey?

RR: Lots of authors inspired my understanding of form, breaking the rules, and writing honestly.  But the book that inspired me to start writing was Born on the Fourth of July, by Ron Kovic.  It’s the memoir of a soldier who was shot and paralyzed, and ultimately became a leading voice of the anti-war movement.  I’d never read anything like it.  I still haven’t.  It was raw power. 

CLW: The theme is YA Fiction. What makes your top-five list in no particular order?

RR: I honestly don’t read enough of it to make any recommendations.  So maybe we should skip this one, ha-ha.

CLW: What are you working on now?

RR: My agent Shannon is currently shopping around my third book right now.  I am currently working on a television pilot, which has been interesting!

CLW: Where can readers find you?

RR: Well, I was supposed to be on tour through May but that’s been rescheduled due to the pandemic.  So, as long as I’m quarantined they can find me either inside my house listening to music or walking the streets with my dog Baby Biscuit.  Hopefully they’ll find me back on the road sooner than later!

Interested in finding out more about Rob Rufus and The Vinyl Underground? You can find him on Instagram at @rob_rufus, on Twitter @rob_rufus , and his website is www.robrufus.net

NEXT WEEK: Nancy Richardson Fischer &

The Speed of Falling Objects

CLWalters Blog RSS

Indie Author Marketing: Road Trip Wrap Up

We did it. We made it to the finish line, and The Cantos Chronicles are out in the world today. How we did remains to be seen, but here’s the feedback on our journey:

1. Followers LOVE the new covers!

   This was the first thing that was mentioned as a ”stand out” in terms of marketing these books. This doesn’t surprise me (and probably doesn’t anyone else either) which reiterates the point that authors (indie authors, specifically) should budget for a cover as part of your marketing strategy. How the product appears matters. That shouldn’t come as a surprise, right? Case in point: Look at the two Swimming Sideways covers (pre-rerelease and post). Which one do you like better?

The black and white was the second cover. It’s a Canva stock image and clearly an inexperienced Indie move. It isn’t the wisest choice when trying to “stand out” in a competitive market. The new cover is designed by a trained graphic artist, Sara Oliver Designs, and is original to Swimming Sideways!

Um. Yeah. The new cover is hands down better than the other (thank you, Sara!)

2. Followers enjoyed getting to know me (the author).

Shocking - I know - baring who I am isn’t comfortable - naturally introverted, but adaptably extroverted. That means I’m a freaking chameleon. No. Actually, it doesn’t, but I’d like to think it is a super power. Okay. In all seriousness, while being more in the “spotlight” doesn’t feel comfortable, it is a part of building a relationship. There is a give and take between people. What’s your favorite color? Mine is… This must occur, right for that reciprocal relationship building. This doesn’t stop even in a social media world which means we have to put ourselves out there.

What made this difficult for me (besides the whole discomfort of being in the “spotlight”) is the belief that I don’t think I’m all that interesting. I’m just ordinary Cami. Here I am feeling like my brain might be boiling over trying to figure out what’s interesting, and I’m thinking “there’s nothing worth sharing.” Perhaps this is a lie I tell myself because people expressed: I liked getting to know you. Hmm. Who knew? The lesson then: I can’t be afraid to put myself out there; I can’t worry about if what I have to share is interesting or not because I can only be myself; and I can’t be afraid to share my truth.

3. Followers liked getting to know the characters in a different way.

The methods mentioned were sharing the music playlists, sharing the book lists, and the new content snippets that helped readers feel more connected to the characters. That’s cool (and I wish I could share with you how cool these people are in my head… still!)

4. Followers liked being able to “talk” with other followers about the books while reading.

One IG follower said that being able to talk about the books with other readers while reading was a little like a “social media book club.” Bookstagrammers have this on lock and are very prolific in this regard. It’s a great tool (though I won’t pretend I’ve figured out how to generate more engagement with this; I think it will continue to be time and consistency).

Well. Here we are fellow road trippers. We’ve parked the van in the garage. We’re popping the champagne. Let’s toast to nine weeks of bumping along this Indie Marketing Road to a job well done. Thank you for being on this journey with me.

What’s next? Not sure. I’m going to take a couple weeks to finish my current book and figure myself out.

Now, I have to figure out how to look at the “after publication” marketing. :)

CLWalters Blog RSS

• January 2025
  • Jan 17, 2025 Bring Back the Dystopian Craze of 2012 Jan 17, 2025
• July 2024
  • Jul 15, 2024 Imposter Syndrome: Tools for Authenticty Jul 15, 2024
• June 2024
  • Jun 1, 2024 June Read Along: In the Echo of this Ghost Town Jun 1, 2024
• March 2024
  • Mar 25, 2024 New Post on SubStack tomorrow! Mar 25, 2024
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• January 2024
  • Jan 31, 2024 February Read Along: The Ugly Truth Jan 31, 2024
• December 2023
  • Dec 28, 2023 2024: Year of the Read Along Dec 28, 2023
• October 2023
  • Oct 25, 2023 Unhealthy Relationships and Romance Books Oct 25, 2023
  • Oct 25, 2023 Relationships: Isolation versus Autonomy Oct 25, 2023
  • Oct 22, 2023 Unhealthy Relationships: The Love Bomb Oct 22, 2023
  • Oct 22, 2023 Healthy Relationships: Hindsight is 20/20 Oct 22, 2023
  • Oct 22, 2023 Relationships: Beware Gaslighting Oct 22, 2023
• September 2023
  • Sep 25, 2023 Blog Digest from 2018-2023 Sep 25, 2023
• August 2023
  • Aug 26, 2023 Blog Moved to Substack Aug 26, 2023
• July 2023
  • Jul 31, 2023 The Trials of Imogene Sol: The Allies Jul 31, 2023
  • Jul 13, 2023 Foundational Books & Book Bans Jul 13, 2023
  • Jul 5, 2023 Tropes: Found Family Jul 5, 2023
• June 2023
  • Jun 21, 2023 3 Things I Learned About Reading Space Opera Jun 21, 2023
• May 2023
  • May 24, 2023 The Dangers of Myopic Reading May 24, 2023
  • May 17, 2023 My Trek...Journey...Quest to O'ahu Independent Bookstores May 17, 2023
  • May 10, 2023 My Life as an Alien Invader May 10, 2023
  • May 3, 2023 How I Got to Hawaiʻi, My Hawaiʻi Story May 3, 2023
• April 2023
  • Apr 26, 2023 You Can Go Home Again Apr 26, 2023
• March 2023
  • Mar 29, 2023 Cantos Love: Happy Anniversary! Mar 29, 2023
  • Mar 22, 2023 Cantos Love: Gabe Mar 22, 2023
  • Mar 15, 2023 Cantos Love: Seth Mar 15, 2023
  • Mar 8, 2023 Cantos Love: How They Came to Be Mar 8, 2023
  • Mar 1, 2023 Cantos Love: A Month of Cantos Mar 1, 2023
• January 2023
  • Jan 25, 2023 The Letters She Left Behind, 3 Years. Jan 25, 2023
  • Jan 18, 2023 Behind-the Scenes: The Trials of Imogene Sol Jan 18, 2023
  • Jan 11, 2023 Behind-the-Scenes: Reading & All My Rage Jan 11, 2023
• November 2022
  • Nov 16, 2022 Book Hangover List Nov 16, 2022
  • Nov 9, 2022 Advice: Find your People Nov 9, 2022
• October 2022
  • Oct 26, 2022 Contest Awarded Short Story: The Invalid Oct 26, 2022
  • Oct 13, 2022 The WHY Behind The Messy Truth About Love Oct 13, 2022
• June 2022
  • Jun 27, 2022 4 Things You Should Know about The Messy Truth About Love Before Reading Jun 27, 2022
• February 2022
  • Feb 2, 2022 February Ideals: Dreaming Feb 2, 2022
• December 2021
  • Dec 22, 2021 My Top 10 Songs (w/Lyrics) 2021 Dec 22, 2021
  • Dec 15, 2021 My Top 5 Characters I've Written Dec 15, 2021
  • Dec 1, 2021 My Top 5 of My Own Books Dec 1, 2021
• September 2021
  • Sep 1, 2021 Road to Echoes: 8 Tips for Using NaNoWriMo to Write Your Novel Sep 1, 2021
• August 2021
  • Aug 25, 2021 Road to Echoes: 4 Lessons I Learned Writing Maxwell Wallace Aug 25, 2021
  • Aug 18, 2021 Road to Echoes: Tropes Aug 18, 2021
  • Aug 11, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Loud Characters Aug 11, 2021
  • Aug 4, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Putting the Story Together Aug 4, 2021
• July 2021
  • Jul 28, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Research to Understand Griffin Jul 28, 2021
  • Jul 21, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Secondary Characters Primer Jul 21, 2021
  • Jul 14, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Writing Difficult Characters Jul 14, 2021
  • Jul 7, 2021 The Road of Echoes: What Inspired Griffin's Story? Jul 7, 2021
• June 2021
  • Jun 30, 2021 The Road of Echoes: New Blog Series Jun 30, 2021
• May 2021
  • May 26, 2021 Favorite Reads of 2021 So Far May 26, 2021
  • May 19, 2021 Cover Love May 19, 2021
  • May 12, 2021 Writing Limbo May 12, 2021
  • May 5, 2021 Writing In Between May 5, 2021
• April 2021
  • Apr 28, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 4 Apr 28, 2021
  • Apr 21, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 3 Apr 21, 2021
  • Apr 14, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 2 Apr 14, 2021
  • Apr 7, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 1 Apr 7, 2021
• March 2021
  • Mar 31, 2021 April Challenge: Finishing the Draft Mar 31, 2021
• February 2021
  • Feb 24, 2021 Character Speaks: Dear Paola, from Gabe Feb 24, 2021
  • Feb 17, 2021 Character Speaks: Dear Sam, from Seth Feb 17, 2021
  • Feb 10, 2021 Ask the Author: Advice for Newbie Writers? Feb 10, 2021
  • Feb 3, 2021 Ask the Author: What motivates you to write? Feb 3, 2021
• January 2021
  • Jan 27, 2021 Ask the Author: Series or Stand Alone? Jan 27, 2021
  • Jan 20, 2021 Ask the Author: Why did you choose to write YA? (Part 2) Jan 20, 2021
  • Jan 13, 2021 Ask the Author: Why did you choose to write YA? Jan 13, 2021
  • Jan 6, 2021 Ask the Author: Favorite Part of the Writing Process? Jan 6, 2021
• October 2020
  • Oct 16, 2020 Rainy Day Collective Podcast & Purity Culture Oct 16, 2020
  • Oct 14, 2020 The Stories Stars Tell: It's Here! Oct 14, 2020
• July 2020
  • Jul 1, 2020 Interview: Lauren-Marie with The Indigo Book Jul 1, 2020
• June 2020
  • Jun 24, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Dystopian and SciFi Edition Jun 24, 2020
  • Jun 17, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Contemporary Edition Jun 17, 2020
  • Jun 10, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Fantasy Edition Jun 10, 2020
• May 2020
  • May 27, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Piper Bee May 27, 2020
  • May 20, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Nancy Richardson Fischer May 20, 2020
  • May 13, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Rob Rufus May 13, 2020
  • May 6, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Lisa Brown Roberts May 6, 2020
• April 2020
  • Apr 29, 2020 Reading Wonderland: an Introduction Apr 29, 2020
  • Apr 22, 2020 Quarantine: 37 Days Apr 22, 2020
• March 2020
  • Mar 31, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Road Trip Wrap Up Mar 31, 2020
  • Mar 25, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 8 Mar 25, 2020
  • Mar 18, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 7 Mar 18, 2020
  • Mar 11, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 6 Mar 11, 2020
• February 2020
  • Feb 29, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 5 Feb 29, 2020
  • Feb 24, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 4 Feb 24, 2020
  • Feb 19, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 3 Feb 19, 2020
  • Feb 12, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 2 Feb 12, 2020
  • Feb 4, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 1 Feb 4, 2020
• January 2020
  • Jan 29, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: A Hope and A Dream Jan 29, 2020
  • Jan 15, 2020 The Letters She Left Behind: It's here! Jan 15, 2020
• December 2019
  • Dec 18, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind: Character Interview Dec 18, 2019
  • Dec 11, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind: Annotated Playlist Dec 11, 2019
• October 2019
  • Oct 16, 2019 Awesome Writer Spotlight: Mary E. Pearson (again) Oct 16, 2019
  • Oct 7, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Gratitude Oct 7, 2019
• September 2019
  • Sep 30, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: It's time. Sep 30, 2019
  • Sep 16, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: A Difficult Story Sep 16, 2019
  • Sep 9, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Journey to Gabe Sep 9, 2019
• July 2019
  • Jul 8, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Aesthetic Jul 8, 2019
• May 2019
  • May 26, 2019 Time Away May 26, 2019
  • May 20, 2019 Writing Inspiration: Music May 20, 2019
  • May 13, 2019 Awesome Writer Spotlight: Mary E. Pearson May 13, 2019
  • May 6, 2019 Happy Book Birthday: A Character Interview May 6, 2019
  • May 1, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind PLAYLIST May 1, 2019
• April 2019
  • Apr 29, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Genevieve Jane Apr 29, 2019
  • Apr 15, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: M. Wednesday Apr 15, 2019
  • Apr 8, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Leslie Arambula Apr 8, 2019
  • Apr 1, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Alison Aldridge Apr 1, 2019
• March 2019
  • Mar 25, 2019 YA Author Series Launch: CL Walters Mar 25, 2019
  • Mar 12, 2019 Book Mash-Up Fun Mar 12, 2019
  • Mar 4, 2019 Snappy Dialogue in 3 Minutes Mar 4, 2019
• February 2019
  • Feb 25, 2019 Pacing the Narrative: A New Tool Feb 25, 2019
  • Feb 18, 2019 Character and Conflict Part2: Motivation Feb 18, 2019
  • Feb 11, 2019 Character and Conflict, part one: Types of Conflict Feb 11, 2019
  • Feb 4, 2019 Point of View and Writing Feb 4, 2019
• January 2019
  • Jan 28, 2019 Off to Refill the Well . . . Jan 28, 2019
  • Jan 21, 2019 Character-Driven or Plot Driven Narrative? Jan 21, 2019
  • Jan 14, 2019 Character: Conversations Jan 14, 2019
• December 2018
  • Dec 3, 2018 The Ugly Truth: Cover Reveal and Playlist Dec 3, 2018
• October 2018
  • Oct 29, 2018 This Writer Reads Oct 29, 2018
  • Oct 8, 2018 Empathy is Our Superpower! Oct 8, 2018
  • Oct 4, 2018 The Writer Hoard Oct 4, 2018

Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 8

One more week until The Cantos Chronicles releases March 31, 2020!

Good News! IndieReader.com gave Swimming Sideways, Cantos Chronicles Book 1 a 4.5 stars out of 5 stars rating! That means it’s considered a, “IndieReader Approved” designation and will go on their “BEST OF…” YA round up. That’s AWESOME!

One another note:

With the chaos of the current situation, I wasn’t sure if I should even post, but I decided that regardless, I’d committed to this Indie Author Marketing Road Trip. Though I’ve been grounded to a halt due to a very flat tire, a bent rim, and inclement conditions, but that’s part of the journey right? It begs the question: How do we adapt in the face of challenges.

This is pretty challenging. :)

So here we are.

1. My events are cancelled for now. As difficult as this is to take, I’m choosing to look at it as an opportunity to develop and grow. I hope to eventually reschedule.

2. My IG friends have come in clutch by posting. Thank you to them for keeping things visible. I appreciate it so much. I haven’t seen any of the reviewers post yet. Hope those are forthcoming.

3. I’ve maintained my Social Media content - that’s about the extent to my abilities right now. It Is what it is.

4. I’m working on April’s newsletter for my subscribers and some new work to share with them.

5. I developed a #bookstagram challenge with the hashtag #quarINTEENd which I hope provides 1) something fun and creative to do in April while we’re all shut in; 2) sparks discussion between book lovers, and 3) adds to the community.

In light of the climate and the difficulties, I offered an Ebook copy of Swimming Sideways to interested readers via Instagram and Facebook. The offer still stands. You can sign up for my newsletter, you can email me (clwalters2015@gmail.com) or DM me on Instagram, and I will email you the ebook. This offer is valid until Tuesday, March 31. Happy reading.

Available March 31, 20202 in Ebook, Paperback and Hard Cover wherever books are sold.

CLWalters Blog RSS

• January 2025
  • Jan 17, 2025 Bring Back the Dystopian Craze of 2012 Jan 17, 2025
• July 2024
  • Jul 15, 2024 Imposter Syndrome: Tools for Authenticty Jul 15, 2024
• June 2024
  • Jun 1, 2024 June Read Along: In the Echo of this Ghost Town Jun 1, 2024
• March 2024
  • Mar 25, 2024 New Post on SubStack tomorrow! Mar 25, 2024
  • Mar 1, 2024 March Read Along: The Bone of Who We Are Mar 1, 2024
• January 2024
  • Jan 31, 2024 February Read Along: The Ugly Truth Jan 31, 2024
• December 2023
  • Dec 28, 2023 2024: Year of the Read Along Dec 28, 2023
• October 2023
  • Oct 25, 2023 Unhealthy Relationships and Romance Books Oct 25, 2023
  • Oct 25, 2023 Relationships: Isolation versus Autonomy Oct 25, 2023
  • Oct 22, 2023 Unhealthy Relationships: The Love Bomb Oct 22, 2023
  • Oct 22, 2023 Healthy Relationships: Hindsight is 20/20 Oct 22, 2023
  • Oct 22, 2023 Relationships: Beware Gaslighting Oct 22, 2023
• September 2023
  • Sep 25, 2023 Blog Digest from 2018-2023 Sep 25, 2023
• August 2023
  • Aug 26, 2023 Blog Moved to Substack Aug 26, 2023
• July 2023
  • Jul 31, 2023 The Trials of Imogene Sol: The Allies Jul 31, 2023
  • Jul 13, 2023 Foundational Books & Book Bans Jul 13, 2023
  • Jul 5, 2023 Tropes: Found Family Jul 5, 2023
• June 2023
  • Jun 21, 2023 3 Things I Learned About Reading Space Opera Jun 21, 2023
• May 2023
  • May 24, 2023 The Dangers of Myopic Reading May 24, 2023
  • May 17, 2023 My Trek...Journey...Quest to O'ahu Independent Bookstores May 17, 2023
  • May 10, 2023 My Life as an Alien Invader May 10, 2023
  • May 3, 2023 How I Got to Hawaiʻi, My Hawaiʻi Story May 3, 2023
• April 2023
  • Apr 26, 2023 You Can Go Home Again Apr 26, 2023
• March 2023
  • Mar 29, 2023 Cantos Love: Happy Anniversary! Mar 29, 2023
  • Mar 22, 2023 Cantos Love: Gabe Mar 22, 2023
  • Mar 15, 2023 Cantos Love: Seth Mar 15, 2023
  • Mar 8, 2023 Cantos Love: How They Came to Be Mar 8, 2023
  • Mar 1, 2023 Cantos Love: A Month of Cantos Mar 1, 2023
• January 2023
  • Jan 25, 2023 The Letters She Left Behind, 3 Years. Jan 25, 2023
  • Jan 18, 2023 Behind-the Scenes: The Trials of Imogene Sol Jan 18, 2023
  • Jan 11, 2023 Behind-the-Scenes: Reading & All My Rage Jan 11, 2023
• November 2022
  • Nov 16, 2022 Book Hangover List Nov 16, 2022
  • Nov 9, 2022 Advice: Find your People Nov 9, 2022
• October 2022
  • Oct 26, 2022 Contest Awarded Short Story: The Invalid Oct 26, 2022
  • Oct 13, 2022 The WHY Behind The Messy Truth About Love Oct 13, 2022
• June 2022
  • Jun 27, 2022 4 Things You Should Know about The Messy Truth About Love Before Reading Jun 27, 2022
• February 2022
  • Feb 2, 2022 February Ideals: Dreaming Feb 2, 2022
• December 2021
  • Dec 22, 2021 My Top 10 Songs (w/Lyrics) 2021 Dec 22, 2021
  • Dec 15, 2021 My Top 5 Characters I've Written Dec 15, 2021
  • Dec 1, 2021 My Top 5 of My Own Books Dec 1, 2021
• September 2021
  • Sep 1, 2021 Road to Echoes: 8 Tips for Using NaNoWriMo to Write Your Novel Sep 1, 2021
• August 2021
  • Aug 25, 2021 Road to Echoes: 4 Lessons I Learned Writing Maxwell Wallace Aug 25, 2021
  • Aug 18, 2021 Road to Echoes: Tropes Aug 18, 2021
  • Aug 11, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Loud Characters Aug 11, 2021
  • Aug 4, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Putting the Story Together Aug 4, 2021
• July 2021
  • Jul 28, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Research to Understand Griffin Jul 28, 2021
  • Jul 21, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Secondary Characters Primer Jul 21, 2021
  • Jul 14, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Writing Difficult Characters Jul 14, 2021
  • Jul 7, 2021 The Road of Echoes: What Inspired Griffin's Story? Jul 7, 2021
• June 2021
  • Jun 30, 2021 The Road of Echoes: New Blog Series Jun 30, 2021
• May 2021
  • May 26, 2021 Favorite Reads of 2021 So Far May 26, 2021
  • May 19, 2021 Cover Love May 19, 2021
  • May 12, 2021 Writing Limbo May 12, 2021
  • May 5, 2021 Writing In Between May 5, 2021
• April 2021
  • Apr 28, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 4 Apr 28, 2021
  • Apr 21, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 3 Apr 21, 2021
  • Apr 14, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 2 Apr 14, 2021
  • Apr 7, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 1 Apr 7, 2021
• March 2021
  • Mar 31, 2021 April Challenge: Finishing the Draft Mar 31, 2021
• February 2021
  • Feb 24, 2021 Character Speaks: Dear Paola, from Gabe Feb 24, 2021
  • Feb 17, 2021 Character Speaks: Dear Sam, from Seth Feb 17, 2021
  • Feb 10, 2021 Ask the Author: Advice for Newbie Writers? Feb 10, 2021
  • Feb 3, 2021 Ask the Author: What motivates you to write? Feb 3, 2021
• January 2021
  • Jan 27, 2021 Ask the Author: Series or Stand Alone? Jan 27, 2021
  • Jan 20, 2021 Ask the Author: Why did you choose to write YA? (Part 2) Jan 20, 2021
  • Jan 13, 2021 Ask the Author: Why did you choose to write YA? Jan 13, 2021
  • Jan 6, 2021 Ask the Author: Favorite Part of the Writing Process? Jan 6, 2021
• October 2020
  • Oct 16, 2020 Rainy Day Collective Podcast & Purity Culture Oct 16, 2020
  • Oct 14, 2020 The Stories Stars Tell: It's Here! Oct 14, 2020
• July 2020
  • Jul 1, 2020 Interview: Lauren-Marie with The Indigo Book Jul 1, 2020
• June 2020
  • Jun 24, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Dystopian and SciFi Edition Jun 24, 2020
  • Jun 17, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Contemporary Edition Jun 17, 2020
  • Jun 10, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Fantasy Edition Jun 10, 2020
• May 2020
  • May 27, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Piper Bee May 27, 2020
  • May 20, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Nancy Richardson Fischer May 20, 2020
  • May 13, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Rob Rufus May 13, 2020
  • May 6, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Lisa Brown Roberts May 6, 2020
• April 2020
  • Apr 29, 2020 Reading Wonderland: an Introduction Apr 29, 2020
  • Apr 22, 2020 Quarantine: 37 Days Apr 22, 2020
• March 2020
  • Mar 31, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Road Trip Wrap Up Mar 31, 2020
  • Mar 25, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 8 Mar 25, 2020
  • Mar 18, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 7 Mar 18, 2020
  • Mar 11, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 6 Mar 11, 2020
• February 2020
  • Feb 29, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 5 Feb 29, 2020
  • Feb 24, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 4 Feb 24, 2020
  • Feb 19, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 3 Feb 19, 2020
  • Feb 12, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 2 Feb 12, 2020
  • Feb 4, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 1 Feb 4, 2020
• January 2020
  • Jan 29, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: A Hope and A Dream Jan 29, 2020
  • Jan 15, 2020 The Letters She Left Behind: It's here! Jan 15, 2020
• December 2019
  • Dec 18, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind: Character Interview Dec 18, 2019
  • Dec 11, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind: Annotated Playlist Dec 11, 2019
• October 2019
  • Oct 16, 2019 Awesome Writer Spotlight: Mary E. Pearson (again) Oct 16, 2019
  • Oct 7, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Gratitude Oct 7, 2019
• September 2019
  • Sep 30, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: It's time. Sep 30, 2019
  • Sep 16, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: A Difficult Story Sep 16, 2019
  • Sep 9, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Journey to Gabe Sep 9, 2019
• July 2019
  • Jul 8, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Aesthetic Jul 8, 2019
• May 2019
  • May 26, 2019 Time Away May 26, 2019
  • May 20, 2019 Writing Inspiration: Music May 20, 2019
  • May 13, 2019 Awesome Writer Spotlight: Mary E. Pearson May 13, 2019
  • May 6, 2019 Happy Book Birthday: A Character Interview May 6, 2019
  • May 1, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind PLAYLIST May 1, 2019
• April 2019
  • Apr 29, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Genevieve Jane Apr 29, 2019
  • Apr 15, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: M. Wednesday Apr 15, 2019
  • Apr 8, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Leslie Arambula Apr 8, 2019
  • Apr 1, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Alison Aldridge Apr 1, 2019
• March 2019
  • Mar 25, 2019 YA Author Series Launch: CL Walters Mar 25, 2019
  • Mar 12, 2019 Book Mash-Up Fun Mar 12, 2019
  • Mar 4, 2019 Snappy Dialogue in 3 Minutes Mar 4, 2019
• February 2019
  • Feb 25, 2019 Pacing the Narrative: A New Tool Feb 25, 2019
  • Feb 18, 2019 Character and Conflict Part2: Motivation Feb 18, 2019
  • Feb 11, 2019 Character and Conflict, part one: Types of Conflict Feb 11, 2019
  • Feb 4, 2019 Point of View and Writing Feb 4, 2019
• January 2019
  • Jan 28, 2019 Off to Refill the Well . . . Jan 28, 2019
  • Jan 21, 2019 Character-Driven or Plot Driven Narrative? Jan 21, 2019
  • Jan 14, 2019 Character: Conversations Jan 14, 2019
• December 2018
  • Dec 3, 2018 The Ugly Truth: Cover Reveal and Playlist Dec 3, 2018
• October 2018
  • Oct 29, 2018 This Writer Reads Oct 29, 2018
  • Oct 8, 2018 Empathy is Our Superpower! Oct 8, 2018
  • Oct 4, 2018 The Writer Hoard Oct 4, 2018

Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 7

If I thought I didn’t know if I was coming or going last week, this week it’s all about staying put. I’ve had to park it. At home. Social Distancing. And with no end in site, it makes me wonder what’s to come? Well, hopefully I’ll offer some interesting content. Here’s a vlog brought to you from the inside of my bathroom (LOL) as I reflect about this week.

In the grand scheme of my Independent Author Book Marketing road trip, the vehicle sort of stalled on the side of the road. I got pulled over by the police and escorted to the next motel where I’ve been directed to hang out for the next couple of weeks. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Great. What does this mean for book marketing? Long term, I don’t know. My events might be shot. Short term, I’ve got Social Media.

One of the things I mention in the vlog was publishing the Book Playlists on Instagram for each of the books in The Cantos Chronicles. One of the biggest necessities of marketing is identifying the target audience. As a YA Writer, I’m speaking to teens, specifically 16-18 year olds (though I’m beginning to wonder since my books seem to have a crossover adult appeal. This begs the question: am I marketing to the correct audience?) Since art of all kinds speaks so loudly to me, and every teen I have known speaks music, I decided a playlist might be a solid interactive experience).

I’ve begun to consider that this isn’t a short term game, but a long one. I’m in the process of building a relationship with readers. That’s going to take time and consistency. So while we might be “In the Wait” (Oh hey, head over to Wattpad to read those short vignettes if you’re interested in them), I need to continue to be vigilant in offering the strongest content I can to showcase who I am as a writer and as a person.

Rerelease day for The Cantos Chronicles is right around the corner (March 31, 2020) though they are available for PreOrder. Two more weeks!

The Cantos Chronicles

Next Week: Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 8

CLWalters Blog RSS

• January 2025
  • Jan 17, 2025 Bring Back the Dystopian Craze of 2012 Jan 17, 2025
• July 2024
  • Jul 15, 2024 Imposter Syndrome: Tools for Authenticty Jul 15, 2024
• June 2024
  • Jun 1, 2024 June Read Along: In the Echo of this Ghost Town Jun 1, 2024
• March 2024
  • Mar 25, 2024 New Post on SubStack tomorrow! Mar 25, 2024
  • Mar 1, 2024 March Read Along: The Bone of Who We Are Mar 1, 2024
• January 2024
  • Jan 31, 2024 February Read Along: The Ugly Truth Jan 31, 2024
• December 2023
  • Dec 28, 2023 2024: Year of the Read Along Dec 28, 2023
• October 2023
  • Oct 25, 2023 Unhealthy Relationships and Romance Books Oct 25, 2023
  • Oct 25, 2023 Relationships: Isolation versus Autonomy Oct 25, 2023
  • Oct 22, 2023 Unhealthy Relationships: The Love Bomb Oct 22, 2023
  • Oct 22, 2023 Healthy Relationships: Hindsight is 20/20 Oct 22, 2023
  • Oct 22, 2023 Relationships: Beware Gaslighting Oct 22, 2023
• September 2023
  • Sep 25, 2023 Blog Digest from 2018-2023 Sep 25, 2023
• August 2023
  • Aug 26, 2023 Blog Moved to Substack Aug 26, 2023
• July 2023
  • Jul 31, 2023 The Trials of Imogene Sol: The Allies Jul 31, 2023
  • Jul 13, 2023 Foundational Books & Book Bans Jul 13, 2023
  • Jul 5, 2023 Tropes: Found Family Jul 5, 2023
• June 2023
  • Jun 21, 2023 3 Things I Learned About Reading Space Opera Jun 21, 2023
• May 2023
  • May 24, 2023 The Dangers of Myopic Reading May 24, 2023
  • May 17, 2023 My Trek...Journey...Quest to O'ahu Independent Bookstores May 17, 2023
  • May 10, 2023 My Life as an Alien Invader May 10, 2023
  • May 3, 2023 How I Got to Hawaiʻi, My Hawaiʻi Story May 3, 2023
• April 2023
  • Apr 26, 2023 You Can Go Home Again Apr 26, 2023
• March 2023
  • Mar 29, 2023 Cantos Love: Happy Anniversary! Mar 29, 2023
  • Mar 22, 2023 Cantos Love: Gabe Mar 22, 2023
  • Mar 15, 2023 Cantos Love: Seth Mar 15, 2023
  • Mar 8, 2023 Cantos Love: How They Came to Be Mar 8, 2023
  • Mar 1, 2023 Cantos Love: A Month of Cantos Mar 1, 2023
• January 2023
  • Jan 25, 2023 The Letters She Left Behind, 3 Years. Jan 25, 2023
  • Jan 18, 2023 Behind-the Scenes: The Trials of Imogene Sol Jan 18, 2023
  • Jan 11, 2023 Behind-the-Scenes: Reading & All My Rage Jan 11, 2023
• November 2022
  • Nov 16, 2022 Book Hangover List Nov 16, 2022
  • Nov 9, 2022 Advice: Find your People Nov 9, 2022
• October 2022
  • Oct 26, 2022 Contest Awarded Short Story: The Invalid Oct 26, 2022
  • Oct 13, 2022 The WHY Behind The Messy Truth About Love Oct 13, 2022
• June 2022
  • Jun 27, 2022 4 Things You Should Know about The Messy Truth About Love Before Reading Jun 27, 2022
• February 2022
  • Feb 2, 2022 February Ideals: Dreaming Feb 2, 2022
• December 2021
  • Dec 22, 2021 My Top 10 Songs (w/Lyrics) 2021 Dec 22, 2021
  • Dec 15, 2021 My Top 5 Characters I've Written Dec 15, 2021
  • Dec 1, 2021 My Top 5 of My Own Books Dec 1, 2021
• September 2021
  • Sep 1, 2021 Road to Echoes: 8 Tips for Using NaNoWriMo to Write Your Novel Sep 1, 2021
• August 2021
  • Aug 25, 2021 Road to Echoes: 4 Lessons I Learned Writing Maxwell Wallace Aug 25, 2021
  • Aug 18, 2021 Road to Echoes: Tropes Aug 18, 2021
  • Aug 11, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Loud Characters Aug 11, 2021
  • Aug 4, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Putting the Story Together Aug 4, 2021
• July 2021
  • Jul 28, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Research to Understand Griffin Jul 28, 2021
  • Jul 21, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Secondary Characters Primer Jul 21, 2021
  • Jul 14, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Writing Difficult Characters Jul 14, 2021
  • Jul 7, 2021 The Road of Echoes: What Inspired Griffin's Story? Jul 7, 2021
• June 2021
  • Jun 30, 2021 The Road of Echoes: New Blog Series Jun 30, 2021
• May 2021
  • May 26, 2021 Favorite Reads of 2021 So Far May 26, 2021
  • May 19, 2021 Cover Love May 19, 2021
  • May 12, 2021 Writing Limbo May 12, 2021
  • May 5, 2021 Writing In Between May 5, 2021
• April 2021
  • Apr 28, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 4 Apr 28, 2021
  • Apr 21, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 3 Apr 21, 2021
  • Apr 14, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 2 Apr 14, 2021
  • Apr 7, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 1 Apr 7, 2021
• March 2021
  • Mar 31, 2021 April Challenge: Finishing the Draft Mar 31, 2021
• February 2021
  • Feb 24, 2021 Character Speaks: Dear Paola, from Gabe Feb 24, 2021
  • Feb 17, 2021 Character Speaks: Dear Sam, from Seth Feb 17, 2021
  • Feb 10, 2021 Ask the Author: Advice for Newbie Writers? Feb 10, 2021
  • Feb 3, 2021 Ask the Author: What motivates you to write? Feb 3, 2021
• January 2021
  • Jan 27, 2021 Ask the Author: Series or Stand Alone? Jan 27, 2021
  • Jan 20, 2021 Ask the Author: Why did you choose to write YA? (Part 2) Jan 20, 2021
  • Jan 13, 2021 Ask the Author: Why did you choose to write YA? Jan 13, 2021
  • Jan 6, 2021 Ask the Author: Favorite Part of the Writing Process? Jan 6, 2021
• October 2020
  • Oct 16, 2020 Rainy Day Collective Podcast & Purity Culture Oct 16, 2020
  • Oct 14, 2020 The Stories Stars Tell: It's Here! Oct 14, 2020
• July 2020
  • Jul 1, 2020 Interview: Lauren-Marie with The Indigo Book Jul 1, 2020
• June 2020
  • Jun 24, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Dystopian and SciFi Edition Jun 24, 2020
  • Jun 17, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Contemporary Edition Jun 17, 2020
  • Jun 10, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Fantasy Edition Jun 10, 2020
• May 2020
  • May 27, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Piper Bee May 27, 2020
  • May 20, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Nancy Richardson Fischer May 20, 2020
  • May 13, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Rob Rufus May 13, 2020
  • May 6, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Lisa Brown Roberts May 6, 2020
• April 2020
  • Apr 29, 2020 Reading Wonderland: an Introduction Apr 29, 2020
  • Apr 22, 2020 Quarantine: 37 Days Apr 22, 2020
• March 2020
  • Mar 31, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Road Trip Wrap Up Mar 31, 2020
  • Mar 25, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 8 Mar 25, 2020
  • Mar 18, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 7 Mar 18, 2020
  • Mar 11, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 6 Mar 11, 2020
• February 2020
  • Feb 29, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 5 Feb 29, 2020
  • Feb 24, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 4 Feb 24, 2020
  • Feb 19, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 3 Feb 19, 2020
  • Feb 12, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 2 Feb 12, 2020
  • Feb 4, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 1 Feb 4, 2020
• January 2020
  • Jan 29, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: A Hope and A Dream Jan 29, 2020
  • Jan 15, 2020 The Letters She Left Behind: It's here! Jan 15, 2020
• December 2019
  • Dec 18, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind: Character Interview Dec 18, 2019
  • Dec 11, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind: Annotated Playlist Dec 11, 2019
• October 2019
  • Oct 16, 2019 Awesome Writer Spotlight: Mary E. Pearson (again) Oct 16, 2019
  • Oct 7, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Gratitude Oct 7, 2019
• September 2019
  • Sep 30, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: It's time. Sep 30, 2019
  • Sep 16, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: A Difficult Story Sep 16, 2019
  • Sep 9, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Journey to Gabe Sep 9, 2019
• July 2019
  • Jul 8, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Aesthetic Jul 8, 2019
• May 2019
  • May 26, 2019 Time Away May 26, 2019
  • May 20, 2019 Writing Inspiration: Music May 20, 2019
  • May 13, 2019 Awesome Writer Spotlight: Mary E. Pearson May 13, 2019
  • May 6, 2019 Happy Book Birthday: A Character Interview May 6, 2019
  • May 1, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind PLAYLIST May 1, 2019
• April 2019
  • Apr 29, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Genevieve Jane Apr 29, 2019
  • Apr 15, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: M. Wednesday Apr 15, 2019
  • Apr 8, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Leslie Arambula Apr 8, 2019
  • Apr 1, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Alison Aldridge Apr 1, 2019
• March 2019
  • Mar 25, 2019 YA Author Series Launch: CL Walters Mar 25, 2019
  • Mar 12, 2019 Book Mash-Up Fun Mar 12, 2019
  • Mar 4, 2019 Snappy Dialogue in 3 Minutes Mar 4, 2019
• February 2019
  • Feb 25, 2019 Pacing the Narrative: A New Tool Feb 25, 2019
  • Feb 18, 2019 Character and Conflict Part2: Motivation Feb 18, 2019
  • Feb 11, 2019 Character and Conflict, part one: Types of Conflict Feb 11, 2019
  • Feb 4, 2019 Point of View and Writing Feb 4, 2019
• January 2019
  • Jan 28, 2019 Off to Refill the Well . . . Jan 28, 2019
  • Jan 21, 2019 Character-Driven or Plot Driven Narrative? Jan 21, 2019
  • Jan 14, 2019 Character: Conversations Jan 14, 2019
• December 2018
  • Dec 3, 2018 The Ugly Truth: Cover Reveal and Playlist Dec 3, 2018
• October 2018
  • Oct 29, 2018 This Writer Reads Oct 29, 2018
  • Oct 8, 2018 Empathy is Our Superpower! Oct 8, 2018
  • Oct 4, 2018 The Writer Hoard Oct 4, 2018

Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 5

The covers to The Cantos Chronicles are out! Swimming Sideways, The Ugly Truth and The Bones of Who We Are look glorious both online and in person, because guess what came in the mail this week!?!? The books. The reveal video is an agenda item for this coming week.

The cover reveals and the book trailer were the biggest agenda items for this fifth week on the Indie Marketing Journey. It was a giant mountain with several switch back hairpin turns, but we made it! Several days removed, I’m happy, hopeful and grateful for the reception of the covers and the trailer reinforcing the efforts I made this month, though gains will remain to be seen.

What else did I work on this week?

1. My March Newsletter has been written and scheduled. One of my goals with the newsletter is to make it beneficial for people to sign up, so I offer items that only subscribers are provided. This month my subscribers are automatically entered into the next giveaway promotion as well as receive a deleted scene from Swimming Sideways that didn’t make it into the final version. I hope that things like this provide subscribers with the “extra” they are looking for by being subscribers.

2. After making sure the March blitz is planned and ready, I’m in the process now of planning out the content for this coming month. If the first four weeks was about building the bond between readers and the characters of the books, this second four weeks will be about maintaining the connection, trying to create visibility, and generating excitement.

3. My social media goals have also shifted some. While I am maintaining my author support system on IG, I am activity working to connect with my target audience. Last week, I wrote about posting to wattpad unsure about the cost-benefit analysis, but I can provide anecdotal evidence that I have had more people reading. Has this translated to people interested in committing to The Cantos Chronicles? I’m not sure yet, but I am hopeful.

Are you enjoying the journey with me? What have you tried? What are you thinking about? Talk to me so I don’t fall asleep at the wheel. Be sure to leave a comment. Oh, and would you turn up that song on the car radio too: “Sunflower” by Post Malone and Swae Lee.

Next Week: Indie Author Marketing Update No. 6

CLWalters Blog RSS

• January 2025
  • Jan 17, 2025 Bring Back the Dystopian Craze of 2012 Jan 17, 2025
• July 2024
  • Jul 15, 2024 Imposter Syndrome: Tools for Authenticty Jul 15, 2024
• June 2024
  • Jun 1, 2024 June Read Along: In the Echo of this Ghost Town Jun 1, 2024
• March 2024
  • Mar 25, 2024 New Post on SubStack tomorrow! Mar 25, 2024
  • Mar 1, 2024 March Read Along: The Bone of Who We Are Mar 1, 2024
• January 2024
  • Jan 31, 2024 February Read Along: The Ugly Truth Jan 31, 2024
• December 2023
  • Dec 28, 2023 2024: Year of the Read Along Dec 28, 2023
• October 2023
  • Oct 25, 2023 Unhealthy Relationships and Romance Books Oct 25, 2023
  • Oct 25, 2023 Relationships: Isolation versus Autonomy Oct 25, 2023
  • Oct 22, 2023 Unhealthy Relationships: The Love Bomb Oct 22, 2023
  • Oct 22, 2023 Healthy Relationships: Hindsight is 20/20 Oct 22, 2023
  • Oct 22, 2023 Relationships: Beware Gaslighting Oct 22, 2023
• September 2023
  • Sep 25, 2023 Blog Digest from 2018-2023 Sep 25, 2023
• August 2023
  • Aug 26, 2023 Blog Moved to Substack Aug 26, 2023
• July 2023
  • Jul 31, 2023 The Trials of Imogene Sol: The Allies Jul 31, 2023
  • Jul 13, 2023 Foundational Books & Book Bans Jul 13, 2023
  • Jul 5, 2023 Tropes: Found Family Jul 5, 2023
• June 2023
  • Jun 21, 2023 3 Things I Learned About Reading Space Opera Jun 21, 2023
• May 2023
  • May 24, 2023 The Dangers of Myopic Reading May 24, 2023
  • May 17, 2023 My Trek...Journey...Quest to O'ahu Independent Bookstores May 17, 2023
  • May 10, 2023 My Life as an Alien Invader May 10, 2023
  • May 3, 2023 How I Got to Hawaiʻi, My Hawaiʻi Story May 3, 2023
• April 2023
  • Apr 26, 2023 You Can Go Home Again Apr 26, 2023
• March 2023
  • Mar 29, 2023 Cantos Love: Happy Anniversary! Mar 29, 2023
  • Mar 22, 2023 Cantos Love: Gabe Mar 22, 2023
  • Mar 15, 2023 Cantos Love: Seth Mar 15, 2023
  • Mar 8, 2023 Cantos Love: How They Came to Be Mar 8, 2023
  • Mar 1, 2023 Cantos Love: A Month of Cantos Mar 1, 2023
• January 2023
  • Jan 25, 2023 The Letters She Left Behind, 3 Years. Jan 25, 2023
  • Jan 18, 2023 Behind-the Scenes: The Trials of Imogene Sol Jan 18, 2023
  • Jan 11, 2023 Behind-the-Scenes: Reading & All My Rage Jan 11, 2023
• November 2022
  • Nov 16, 2022 Book Hangover List Nov 16, 2022
  • Nov 9, 2022 Advice: Find your People Nov 9, 2022
• October 2022
  • Oct 26, 2022 Contest Awarded Short Story: The Invalid Oct 26, 2022
  • Oct 13, 2022 The WHY Behind The Messy Truth About Love Oct 13, 2022
• June 2022
  • Jun 27, 2022 4 Things You Should Know about The Messy Truth About Love Before Reading Jun 27, 2022
• February 2022
  • Feb 2, 2022 February Ideals: Dreaming Feb 2, 2022
• December 2021
  • Dec 22, 2021 My Top 10 Songs (w/Lyrics) 2021 Dec 22, 2021
  • Dec 15, 2021 My Top 5 Characters I've Written Dec 15, 2021
  • Dec 1, 2021 My Top 5 of My Own Books Dec 1, 2021
• September 2021
  • Sep 1, 2021 Road to Echoes: 8 Tips for Using NaNoWriMo to Write Your Novel Sep 1, 2021
• August 2021
  • Aug 25, 2021 Road to Echoes: 4 Lessons I Learned Writing Maxwell Wallace Aug 25, 2021
  • Aug 18, 2021 Road to Echoes: Tropes Aug 18, 2021
  • Aug 11, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Loud Characters Aug 11, 2021
  • Aug 4, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Putting the Story Together Aug 4, 2021
• July 2021
  • Jul 28, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Research to Understand Griffin Jul 28, 2021
  • Jul 21, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Secondary Characters Primer Jul 21, 2021
  • Jul 14, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Writing Difficult Characters Jul 14, 2021
  • Jul 7, 2021 The Road of Echoes: What Inspired Griffin's Story? Jul 7, 2021
• June 2021
  • Jun 30, 2021 The Road of Echoes: New Blog Series Jun 30, 2021
• May 2021
  • May 26, 2021 Favorite Reads of 2021 So Far May 26, 2021
  • May 19, 2021 Cover Love May 19, 2021
  • May 12, 2021 Writing Limbo May 12, 2021
  • May 5, 2021 Writing In Between May 5, 2021
• April 2021
  • Apr 28, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 4 Apr 28, 2021
  • Apr 21, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 3 Apr 21, 2021
  • Apr 14, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 2 Apr 14, 2021
  • Apr 7, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 1 Apr 7, 2021
• March 2021
  • Mar 31, 2021 April Challenge: Finishing the Draft Mar 31, 2021
• February 2021
  • Feb 24, 2021 Character Speaks: Dear Paola, from Gabe Feb 24, 2021
  • Feb 17, 2021 Character Speaks: Dear Sam, from Seth Feb 17, 2021
  • Feb 10, 2021 Ask the Author: Advice for Newbie Writers? Feb 10, 2021
  • Feb 3, 2021 Ask the Author: What motivates you to write? Feb 3, 2021
• January 2021
  • Jan 27, 2021 Ask the Author: Series or Stand Alone? Jan 27, 2021
  • Jan 20, 2021 Ask the Author: Why did you choose to write YA? (Part 2) Jan 20, 2021
  • Jan 13, 2021 Ask the Author: Why did you choose to write YA? Jan 13, 2021
  • Jan 6, 2021 Ask the Author: Favorite Part of the Writing Process? Jan 6, 2021
• October 2020
  • Oct 16, 2020 Rainy Day Collective Podcast & Purity Culture Oct 16, 2020
  • Oct 14, 2020 The Stories Stars Tell: It's Here! Oct 14, 2020
• July 2020
  • Jul 1, 2020 Interview: Lauren-Marie with The Indigo Book Jul 1, 2020
• June 2020
  • Jun 24, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Dystopian and SciFi Edition Jun 24, 2020
  • Jun 17, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Contemporary Edition Jun 17, 2020
  • Jun 10, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Fantasy Edition Jun 10, 2020
• May 2020
  • May 27, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Piper Bee May 27, 2020
  • May 20, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Nancy Richardson Fischer May 20, 2020
  • May 13, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Rob Rufus May 13, 2020
  • May 6, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Lisa Brown Roberts May 6, 2020
• April 2020
  • Apr 29, 2020 Reading Wonderland: an Introduction Apr 29, 2020
  • Apr 22, 2020 Quarantine: 37 Days Apr 22, 2020
• March 2020
  • Mar 31, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Road Trip Wrap Up Mar 31, 2020
  • Mar 25, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 8 Mar 25, 2020
  • Mar 18, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 7 Mar 18, 2020
  • Mar 11, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 6 Mar 11, 2020
• February 2020
  • Feb 29, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 5 Feb 29, 2020
  • Feb 24, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 4 Feb 24, 2020
  • Feb 19, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 3 Feb 19, 2020
  • Feb 12, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 2 Feb 12, 2020
  • Feb 4, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 1 Feb 4, 2020
• January 2020
  • Jan 29, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: A Hope and A Dream Jan 29, 2020
  • Jan 15, 2020 The Letters She Left Behind: It's here! Jan 15, 2020
• December 2019
  • Dec 18, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind: Character Interview Dec 18, 2019
  • Dec 11, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind: Annotated Playlist Dec 11, 2019
• October 2019
  • Oct 16, 2019 Awesome Writer Spotlight: Mary E. Pearson (again) Oct 16, 2019
  • Oct 7, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Gratitude Oct 7, 2019
• September 2019
  • Sep 30, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: It's time. Sep 30, 2019
  • Sep 16, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: A Difficult Story Sep 16, 2019
  • Sep 9, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Journey to Gabe Sep 9, 2019
• July 2019
  • Jul 8, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Aesthetic Jul 8, 2019
• May 2019
  • May 26, 2019 Time Away May 26, 2019
  • May 20, 2019 Writing Inspiration: Music May 20, 2019
  • May 13, 2019 Awesome Writer Spotlight: Mary E. Pearson May 13, 2019
  • May 6, 2019 Happy Book Birthday: A Character Interview May 6, 2019
  • May 1, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind PLAYLIST May 1, 2019
• April 2019
  • Apr 29, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Genevieve Jane Apr 29, 2019
  • Apr 15, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: M. Wednesday Apr 15, 2019
  • Apr 8, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Leslie Arambula Apr 8, 2019
  • Apr 1, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Alison Aldridge Apr 1, 2019
• March 2019
  • Mar 25, 2019 YA Author Series Launch: CL Walters Mar 25, 2019
  • Mar 12, 2019 Book Mash-Up Fun Mar 12, 2019
  • Mar 4, 2019 Snappy Dialogue in 3 Minutes Mar 4, 2019
• February 2019
  • Feb 25, 2019 Pacing the Narrative: A New Tool Feb 25, 2019
  • Feb 18, 2019 Character and Conflict Part2: Motivation Feb 18, 2019
  • Feb 11, 2019 Character and Conflict, part one: Types of Conflict Feb 11, 2019
  • Feb 4, 2019 Point of View and Writing Feb 4, 2019
• January 2019
  • Jan 28, 2019 Off to Refill the Well . . . Jan 28, 2019
  • Jan 21, 2019 Character-Driven or Plot Driven Narrative? Jan 21, 2019
  • Jan 14, 2019 Character: Conversations Jan 14, 2019
• December 2018
  • Dec 3, 2018 The Ugly Truth: Cover Reveal and Playlist Dec 3, 2018
• October 2018
  • Oct 29, 2018 This Writer Reads Oct 29, 2018
  • Oct 8, 2018 Empathy is Our Superpower! Oct 8, 2018
  • Oct 4, 2018 The Writer Hoard Oct 4, 2018