This-Then-That: YA Contemporary Edition

June 17, 2020

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

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 . . .

THIS

More Than We Can Tell by Brigid Kemmerer

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.

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

My adoration for books goes deep. Seriously. Here’s a stack of YA Fantasy (only a fraction of the books I own).

This-Then-That: YA Fantasy Edition

June 10, 2020

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

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

Joy’s Summer Love Playlist looks to fit in nicely within the YA RomCom category.

Reading Wonderland Interview: Piper Bee

May 27, 2020

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.

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!

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 . . .

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

Reading Wonderland Interview: Nancy Richardson Fischer

May 20, 2020

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

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

Reading Wonderland Interview: Rob Rufus

May 13, 2020

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

The Bookworm Crush by Lisa Brown Roberts is the companion book to The Replacement Crush. Both are available at bookstores (I urge you to choose your local independent bookstore!)

Reading Wonderland Interview: Lisa Brown Roberts

May 6, 2020

Welcome! Welcome to the bottom of the rabbit hole. I will be your host as we tour this Reading Wonderland together. Here’s your magical elixir for the journey:

First stop, YA Romance and the adorable YA RomCom. As a genre, YA books (and truthfully, stories on the whole) are so much about identity and relationships, that a category of finding love and acceptance while discovering self is paramount. Our author on today’s blog, Lisa Brown Roberts, is a veteran writer with six titles to her name, the most recent being a RomCom called The Bookworm Crush that came out in 2019.

In The Bookworm Crush, Amy loves reading and books - especially romance novels - but she doesn’t see herself like the brave heroines she reads about. Toff, on the other hand, is an anti-reader, but an incredible surfer ready for the pro-circuit. When Toff rescues Amy from an adventure that perhaps is on the verge of going awry, Amy realizes he’s the perfect person to help her win a competition to meet her favorite author, because he is, after all, a winner. What Toff doesn’t realize, however, is that by agreeing to work with Amy, she’s going to push him to face some spaces in his own heart he’s been avoiding. Told in alternating perspectives shared by both Amy and Toff, readers get to go on a ride with them that is laugh-out-loud funny, gorgeously sweet, and wonderfully poignant leaving the reader satisfied and buoyant.

I’m so excited that Ms. Roberts agreed to be interviewed to dish about The Bookworm Crush among other things that make reading magical.

CL WALTERS: The Bookworm Crush, the companion novel The Replacement Crush (both YA RomComs), was released in 2019. What were one or two real-life experiences/observations/inspirations that contributed this story?

LISA BROWN ROBERTS: The Replacement Crush- I love bookstores (don't we all) and thought how fun it would be to essentially grow up in one, and work there recommending books and running a book club. It was fun to create that life for Vivian, the heroine. Vivian's mom (Rose) is an author/bookstore owner, and making her an author was pure selfish indulgence on my part. I gave Rose some of my own traits, and incorporated my son's embarrassment about how flaky I can be when I'm in the middle of writing a new book.

The Bookworm Crush - Instagram is my favorite social media space, and I really love bookstagram. Incorporating that into a novel was so much fun. I'm so thrilled with all the positive feedback I've received from book bloggers and bookstagrammers who loved that aspect of the story. I love all of the amazing bookstagram photos of this book, too! It's very "meta." :)

CLW: You already know that I adore Toff (and I know I am not alone in that swoony adoration); I have posted about him enough. Did you make a Pinterest board for his character and what other elements inspired this adorable prankster?

LBR: Ah, Toff...I had so much fun with him! My books are always created characters first, plot second. Toff just appeared fully formed in my mind when I wrote The Replacement Crush. Some characters reveal themselves more slowly to me, in layers, but he just *boomed* onto the page, ready to party!

It was hard not letting him take over The Replacement Crush. I knew I had to write his story and I was so happy that Entangled Teen wanted to publish it. I had to give Toff his first real romance, and Amy had crushed on him forever, so...happily ever after for them and for me as an author!

I think we all know those guys – the life of the party, the ones who bring the fun, who charm themselves out of trouble…I certainly crushed on more than one as a teen.

I do create Pinterest inspiration boards for each book. I keep them private until the book is published and then I make them public. Sometimes I continue to add to them after the book is out. The thing is, I love the idea of Pinterest, but I don’t have much time to use it as much as I’d like to.

CLW: The interesting Instagram/Bookstagram world is almost a character in this book. What were things you researched to flesh out this facet of The Bookworm Crush?

LBR: I started following the bookstagram world a couple of years ago and was astounded at the passion readers have! The #shelfies amaze me - so gorgeous and unlike my messy bookshelves. I love #BookfaceFriday and knew I had to incorporate that into the book (side note- I had to explain #BookfaceFriday to my editor since she'd never heard of it). Basically, I do a lot of stalking on bookworm accounts, but not in a creepy way. One of [the] best reader emails I've received was from a girl who was so inspired by Amy that she started her own bookstagram account. That made [me] so happy.

CLW: The Bookworm Crush is your sixth book (Congratulations!). Do you have a standout experience with a fan you’re willing to share?

LBR: My favorite part of being an author is interacting with readers. Social media is great, but meeting readers in person is fantastic. A couple of years ago, I attended a reader event in Atlanta that was mostly geared to adult romance readers. Lots of fun, but not much action in the YA author area, so I was thrilled when a sweet teen girl approached my table holding copies of all my books. She said she’d come to the event to meet me. Nothing tops that!

CLW: Do you have a favorite #otp (While #bonnieandclyde should make a list maybe a different one)?

LBR: Just like Amy in The Bookworm Crush, I love Lizzie and Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. I’ve written my own P&P retelling (like so many other authors) and hope to publish it someday. Barack and Michelle Obama are a real-life #otp for me, along with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Also, Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellan are a fabulous BFF #otp.

CLW: One of my favorite scenes in The Bookworm Crush is when Amy becomes the victim of an incapacitated Toff. Was there an event that inspired this particular scene or perhaps specific things that inspire your process in writing scenes filled with romantic tension?

LBR: I’m glad you liked that scene! It was added during the revision process with my editors. We cut one scene and needed another. I’m not really sure what inspired it, though I wanted a scene where Toff and Amy were “trapped” together, which this was. When I wrote it, I wasn’t sure if it worked. I couldn’t tell if it was funny or just weird. My editors loved it, so I trusted them, and hearing from readers that they like it, too, is a relief!

Writing the scenes with chemistry and romantic tension are my favorites. They usually grow organically from the characters. For instance, in the #BookfaceFriday scene, I knew Toff would be ridiculous and bossy and flirty, but I didn’t know exactly how until I started writing and he took over. Again. ☺

CLW: What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

LBR: I can’t pick just one!

Writing a first draft is my favorite part of the writing process. Actually, getting that “ah ha” feeling when I come up with an idea that I’m excited to write is my first favorite part, then capturing the feeling of the story and wrangling my characters into a draft is my second favorite part of the process. I turn off my internal editor for that first draft, and it’s so fun and freeing to write everything I want to. I worry about cutting later.

Opening my box of author copies is another highlight, especially after going through multiple rounds of revisions. Holding the finished book always causes happy tears.

Hearing from readers once the book is out in the world-that is the best. I love when readers see themselves in my stories, and find the characters relatable and real. Those are the highest compliments. Well, and when they fall for the love interests, too. That’s always good. ☺

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

LBR: Here are a few of the bigger influences:

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle – my favorite book as a kid, along with her nonfiction that I love as an adult.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, of course

All of Judy Blume’s books

Julie Anne Peter’s books. Julie was my first writing mentor, and she’s a brilliant author. Her books are fierce and brave. She was one of the first big LGBTQ authors in YA, and her book Luna, featuring a transitioning character, was nominated for a National Book Award. She’s also hilarious and kind, and she’s the reason I didn’t quit writing.

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

Really tough to narrow down, but here are five of my favorites:

Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

CLW: What are you working on now?

LBR: This very moment, it’s hard to write because of COVID. My day job is super busy, and when I’m not doing that, I’m spending my time with my family trying to stay upbeat and getting sunshine as much as possible.

However, once I resume writing, I’ll get back to a couple of YA rom-coms that are in various stages of creation and revision.

CLW: Where can readers find you?

LBR: I’m most active on Instagram, semi-active on Facebook, and usually avoid Twitter, but pop on once in awhile ☺

Next Week: Rob Rufus and The Vinyl Underground

Reading Wonderland: an Introduction

April 29, 2020

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.

I’ve been reading a ton. I post reviews to my Goodreads and my Instagram accounts.

Quarantine: 37 Days

April 22, 2020

37 Days.

I’ve been in quarantine with my family for thirty-seven days. To keep that in perspective, Anne Frank was in hiding over seven hundred days in order to avoid the Nazis and then lost her life when she was discovered. I not only have nothing to whine about, but I need to remember the relative comfort with which I’ve been afforded as I stay home to try and flatten the curve for the greater good. Perspective.

Sigh.

And still, this is nothing like I’ve ever experienced in my lifetime. I was born after the Vietnam War, so the closest I’ve ever come to cataclysmic events in the United State were two Iraq Wars, the “Hanging Chad” of a US Presidential Election, 9-11, and the housing bust and subsequent economic events of 2008. My experience has been sheltered and privileged. I have nothing to whine about.

And yet, I’m sure I can find crap to whine about.

I have less time now. Not true. We all have twenty-four hours. I’m just having to figure out how to redesign it within a new framework.
I find my mind drifting more than it did. I’m a pretty focused and goal-oriented person. Since I’ve been at home for the quarantine, I sometimes lay down on the floor and stare up at the ceiling. Empty. What’s with that?
I miss the option. I’m an introvert by nature, and being home has always been easy. I didn’t go to many places by choice, but you know what was nice - the choice to do it. I don’t think I will take that for granted again.

But there seems to be more to be positive about.

Being with my family. Sure. There are probably times I’d like to screech and yell at them like a witch whose broom was stolen. But with older children, I haven’t had the opportunity to be with them and my husband like this since they were little.
Some Good News. Serious have you not watched this? John Krasinsky is magical and I am hooked. Every week, I find myself moved by the beauty of the human race. The way we have moved toward one another.
Being a witness to human ingenuity in the face of adversity. That always gets me going, and maybe is rooted in listening to the stories of my grandfather as a member of The Greatest Generation.
Learning to be more purposeful with my time.
Using what’s in the cupboard instead of going out to get stuff. Learning to be more resourceful.
Sewing masks (by hand because my stupid sewing machine broke), and witnessing the movement. It reminds me of stories about “Victory Gardens” for some reason.
Laughter and finding ways to make sure to keep it at the front of our hearts.
ESPN releasing “The Last Dance” early! Michael Jordan is King!

I’m sure I could keep going, but maybe you have something to share. Drop it in the comments below.

On Sale today, where ever books are sold. Hooray!

Indie Author Marketing: Road Trip Wrap Up

March 31, 2020

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:

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 Ol… — 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. :)

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. 8

March 25, 2020

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.

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.
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.
I’ve maintained my Social Media content - that’s about the extent to my abilities right now. It Is what it is.
I’m working on April’s newsletter for my subscribers and some new work to share with them.
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.

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