Cantos Chronicles Cami Cantos Chronicles Cami

March Read Along: The Bone of Who We Are


And so the series comes full circle with Gabe’s story The Bones of Who We Are. I am reading this final installment of the Cantos Chronicles along with other readers on Instagram this month (you are welcome to join us!). Gabe’s story is a difficult one (check the trigger warnings).

Here’s the blurb:

Gabe Daniels always figured his DNA is flawed. One only has to look to his past to see it, and it's why he’s tried to hide it in new layers of his life: his new home, his adoptive parents, Seth, Abby. But darkness is always at his heels. With the impending death of his former best friend - a death for which he feels responsible -  the depression, the broken relationships, the day-to-day struggle, and the monster trying to break out of him have left a debris field in his wake. Gabe decides the broken past that made him was always going to lead him down the road of no return. It is in his DNA, after all, in the biological parents who made him. 

I’m putting together an exclusive The Bones of Who We Are book box for one participant who posts and tags me—one entry for every post. The recipient will be notified April 1 (and it won’t be an April Fool’s).

Here’s the schedule:

Join us!

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The Road of Echoes: New Blog Series

Fifteen weeks and a couple of days are all that remains between today and the publication of In the Echo of this Ghost Town and When the Echo Answers. Considering that each time I venture into a new story I experience the doubt and subsequent terror that I will never be able to write a book ever again, I am ecstatic that we’re moving toward the finish line. 

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I am so proud of these books. I am so proud of Griffin.

Those of you who have read The Stories Stars Tell will understand why I’m so proud, because you will recognize Griffin as a secondary character from that book. He wasn’t a likeable character in Emma’s and Tanner’s stories.  As Tanner’s best friend, Griffin did everything in his power to undermine Tanner’s growth, block the relationship, and guilt Tanner into remaining stuck within the Bro Code. 



So how does a character go from being vile to the hero of his own story?

It’s a great question, and one I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to pull off. I certainly had a ton of doubts when I first started writing it. I’m so excited to say that I did it. Griffin made it to “book boyfriend” status. I know it in my bones that’s a true statement. How did I do it?

That will be the subject of the next 9-week blog series. If you’ve ever wanted to go behind the scenes of a book, that’s where I’ll be taking you. From why I wrote the book, to research, to narrative choices, to character design, I’m going to invite you behind the scenes to look at how I created these two books. 

Be sure to join me here on the blog each Wednesday for a new installment about the creative journey from villain of The Stories Stars Tell to the hero of In the Echo of this Ghost Town and When the Echo Answers.  If you want more information, be sure to join my newsletter (which publishes the first of every month. That’s tomorrow!) There will be information about ARCs and the Pre-Order incentive.

Next week: What inspired me to take a closer look at Griffin as a possible hero for his own story.




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Books for Teens, Fiction, This Then That, YA Fiction, Young Adult Cami Books for Teens, Fiction, This Then That, YA Fiction, Young Adult Cami

This-Then-That: YA Dystopian and SciFi Edition

My dystopian and SciFi stack. And it doesn’t include a ton I’ve read because I left them on a bookshelf in one of my former classrooms for students.

My dystopian and SciFi stack. And it doesn’t include a ton I’ve read because I left them on a bookshelf in one of my former classrooms for students.

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).

THAT

THIS

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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Books for Teens, Books to Read, Fiction, YA Fiction, YA Contemporary, YALit Cami Books for Teens, Books to Read, Fiction, YA Fiction, YA Contemporary, YALit Cami

This-Then-That: YA Contemporary Edition

A Staircase worth of YA Contemporary.

A Staircase worth of YA Contemporary.

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. . .

This

That

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 . . .

THIS

THAT

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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Books for Teens, Fiction, YA Contemporary, YA Fiction, YALit Cami Books for Teens, Fiction, YA Contemporary, YA Fiction, YALit Cami

Reading Wonderland Interview: Nancy Richardson Fischer

TheSpeedofFallingObjects.jpg

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

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Reading Wonderland: an Introduction

The Cantos Chronicles: a book stack.

The Cantos Chronicles: a book stack.

Reading is the opportunity to slip through a portal and walk in the shoes of the hero. Stephen King wrote that reading was “portable magic.” John Green said reading is the unique opportunity to develop empathy. Anyway around the description, reading is a way to escape while staying right where you are. And that is exactly where we find ourselves - stuck right where we are. 

I’m an avid reader regardless of circumstances. Whether I’m following “Stay-at-home” governmental mandates or just my own introverted stay at home preferences, reading is what I enjoy. Here’s some perspective, I set a Goodreads 2020 challenge of 100 books (last year I read 92).  I’m reading my 34th book this year as I round out April and head toward May. I finally picked up the fantasy A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab, and as I write this am about 40 pages into the narrative (I can see why there are rave reviews!).

I started reading at a young age (though I don’t think that it is a prerequisite to finding a love of reading) and that book was Beverly Cleary’s Ramona, the Pest.  After making my way through all of Cleary’s books, I found a science fiction book by Jean Karl called But We Are Not of Earth. When I was a preteen, I babysat so I could go to my hometown’s one bookstore to buy Sunfire Romances and in high school, a friend introduced me to Lavyrle Spencer and Judith McNaught historical romances. I was hooked. I graduated to suspense novels, horror and mysteries until I was reading whatever I could get my hands on to help me find that portal and escape into a different world.

Always an introverted kid who hid social anxiety behind smiles and tools to seem like an extrovert, books allowed me to be brave. They helped me to take risks, to be the hero, or solve the mystery. They helped me fall in love and imagine worlds where bookish girls could be just as brave as ones who were really brave. Books helped me escape and find solace in the struggle of growing up and trying on who I was becoming. 

So, I’m always surprised when someone says, “I hate reading” or “I don’t read.” 

Seriously?

My answer is always: You just haven’t found your book yet. 

The truth is that there are so many books new and old, so many different writers and writing styles, so many different approaches, so many different tropes, so many different genres and subcategories, it must be a statistical improbability that you wouldn’t find a book that speaks to you. 

So, with that in mind, I know that sometimes people don’t know where to look or how to get started looking. (It was a librarian who handed me Ramona. Thank you, Mrs. DeWitt). With that said, because I am a Young Adult writer as well as a teacher of young adults, I’m always drawn to this genre. This is where we will begin our journey.  Additionally, YA books typically resolve in a way that offers hope and light which seems like a great place to begin especially in uncertain times. And be forewarned, YA isn’t only for young adults. I can say with great certainty, YA has the potential to make readers of all of us.

During the month of May, I will be featuring four different wonderful YA writers of varied categories who generously agreed to give me some of their time. In their interviews, we’ll talk about their specific title - which I have enjoyed immensely - and they will also share the books that inspired them, books they recommend. My hope is that perhaps you’ll find a title that speaks to you, a book that offers that magic portal for you to move through for a little while to find some adventure, joy, love, the treasure, the magical elixir, solve the mystery or to save the day. 


So, like Alice in Wonderland, (a book by Lewis Carroll in case you’re interested in checking that classic out), we’re sliding down into the rabbit hole. See you at the bottom!

Next Week: Lisa Brown Roberts,

author of The Bookworm Crush.

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