Advocate, Reviewer Interview, Independent Author, Independent Books, Support Indie Authors Cami Advocate, Reviewer Interview, Independent Author, Independent Books, Support Indie Authors Cami

Interview: Lauren-Marie with The Indigo Book

The last several weeks, I’ve been pondering the idea of reading. From the Reading Wonderland blog posts to the This-Then-That book comparisons, the way we choose books as readers has been on my mind. Perhaps a big part of that is because I’m in the beginning phases of marketing my new book The Stories Stars Tell which releases in October, and as an independent author, the weight of trying to get that right is always on my mind. While not impossible because there are quite a few Independent Author success stories out there, the obstacles sometimes feel like traversing an impassable mountain range much like I imagine traveling the Himalayas might be. It takes a strong skill set, a lot of preparation and practice, and incredible resources.

“There is definitely a misconception [...] about Indie authors.”

Resources available to indie authors are treasures. Seriously. Traversing the publishing industry without a map (like an agent and a lawyer) and without mentors (like editors and publishers) raises the financial stakes. Everywhere an author turns, they’re looking at resources and struggling to know what’s available to traditional authors versus indie authors and what’s legitimate or not (there are a lot of horror stories of indie author’s being taken advantage of). Add to it that everything seems to have a price tag, which for any author is difficult since publishing isn’t an industry one wanders into for the benefit of immediate financial gain. 

When I discover a diamond resource in that treasure box, I have a choice to make: keep it quiet or shout it out. While I might want to selfishly tuck it into my own toolkit, the reality is I’m of the “shouting out” variety of human since I am a firm believer that to make any profession better— including the publishing and independent publishing industry—we have to start speaking the same language as well as celebrate the true resources as the treasures they are.

It is with GREAT pleasure that I have the opportunity to shout out one such diamond: Lauren Marie of Lauren Marie’s Musings and The Indigo Book. Besides being a YA writer and blogger herself, Lauren reviews books and her newest endeavor has been to advocate and promote independent authors and independent books specifically. This month kicks off a new initiative she created, The Read Indie Readathon (#readindiereadathon) which she hopes will become a celebrated annual event.

Since we’re not technically able to sit down with one another due to “stay safe at home” orders and we’re in different locations on the planet (which would make meeting more complicated), Lauren agreed to answer some questions about her endeavors, the new initiative and life in general.

CLW: Why Indie Authors and Independent Books, Lauren?

LM: When I started watching AuthorTube, I was quickly introduced to the independently published world. I deep dove into research about it and knew that was the way I wanted to publish my novels. However, I was sad to discover that Indie authors didn’t get the same attention as traditionally published authors. Also, that Indie authors and their books are seen as less than traditionally published books. I knew it meant that I had to work harder to get my book noticed. There is definitely a misconception here about Indie authors. I could see it working against amazing authors and knew it would work against me in the future. I’m very passionate about my writing and so I want to work to help Indie authors by disproving the misconceptions.


CLW: What would you say those misconceptions are?

LM: 

1. That Indie authors are the rejects from traditionally published world. From my experience, most of the time Indie authors researched the industry and chose Independently published world themselves. 

2. If an Indie’s has been rejected from traditional publishers it’s not a good book. Traditional publishers are businesses and that want products that are sure sellers, not risks. If they think a specific kind of book is popular at the moment it has a better chance. This doesn’t mean it’s poorly written or very flawed, it just means the publishers don’t think it will sell. However, this shouldn’t be discouraging. Whether a book’s value is seen by publishers or not, is not an indication of whether or not it has an audience or not. I am of the belief that every book has an audience.

3. Homemade covers and unedited. Most Indie authors go through editing and editors and get professional book covers made and all the rest. The only difference is that Indie authors have to hire them instead of having the publishers do that for them.


CLW: As an Indie author, I appreciate your list. It helps to know that there are people out there who understand the undertaking of being independent in this industry, the amount of personal financial investment. Your comment, “that every book has an audience,” is uplifting.  I’d love to hear more about your passion about books. What’s your reader “origin story”?

LM: I don’t really remember the moment I became a reader. But, my mum tells me that I’ve always been surrounded by books. My parents knew it helped with development, so they had me reading young. Also, members of my extended family are big readers too and I have fond memories of my primary school librarian. When I was 15, I became close to some girls that were also big readers, spending time with them in bookstores began my book hoarding.

CLW: Book hoarding is definitely an issue for readers (ah hem).  How many books would you say you have in your TBR pile at the moment? And a follow up: how ever do you get through them? 

LM: I have 50+ books on my shelves or on my kindle waiting to be read. Both Indie and traditional. Both books I bought and books I’ve been gifted by authors and publishers. But, there are still many books I don’t own that I still want to read.

I get through them by reading regularly. I try to give myself a bit of time in the morning before I get work done to get myself into gear and at night in bed just before I get to sleep.

CLW: And your ideal story to read?

LM: Fantasy. I love, love, love fantasy. It began when my primary school librarian showed me The Spiderwick Chronicles. I don’t mind if it’s middle grade, young adult or adult. I just love the magic and the impossibility of it all. Also, high stakes, like life or death make books more exciting to read, in my opinion. I’m a sucker for a good romance, so a romantic subplot is a must.

CLW: I read on your website that you are also working on a YA fantasy novel. Do you have a “go to” author or two for inspiration? And can you offer the “why” that is?

LM: When I was 15 and I met those friends who were big readers, they both encouraged me to read Sarah J Maas. It reintroduced me to fantasy, because when I started high school, for a few years I was a romance book fiend. It really made me want to write my own fantasy, so I will always go to Sarah J Maas for inspiration. Later, I found VE Schwab, I thought her writing style was just as magical as her worlds. 

CLW: The Shades of Magic series, am I right or am I right? Have you read an Indie fantasy you loved and would want to share with the world? Or, if that’s too specific, an Indie author that people should be on the lookout for his/her books?

LM: Yes, The Shades of Magic Series, is the book that made me fall in love with VE Schwab’s writing. 

An Indie Fantasy book that I absolutely loved is The Savior’s Champion and the Companion novel The Savior’s Sister by Jenna Moreci. It’s so well written and so good. The romance is just perfect. It’s my favourite Indie novel.

CLW: How do you manage to find the time to read, review, promote AND be a full-time university student?

LM: Prioritizing. My ability to prioritize will always be my weapon against getting things done. It often means making hard decisions between having to study and wanting to read, but reminding myself it’ll be better in the long run really helps. My studies will come first for the time being, but, I make sure to give myself Sunday’s off to rest. Because I love reading, reviewing and content creating so much I don’t mind spending my Sunday’s off doing it. But, also while Uni is very intense during the semesters, the breaks are long and I don’t often have to study during them. Which means, between work, I can spend my days solidly working on my reading, reviewing and content creating.

CLW: Prioritizing is a key skill for anyone, but especially a writer. You’re ahead of the game. So, five facts about student life today:

LM:

  1. Online is not (& never will be) superior to face-to-face learning. This is something I learned even before COVID, so I was really devastated when we were forced online.

  2. Balance doesn’t mean 50/50, it means 75% school work and 25% fun

  3. Engaging in your learning is important. Flicking through notes isn’t enough.

  4. Social media is a new and persistent distraction

  5. Mindfulness is necessary to keep you sane.

CLW: Today marks the date for your new promotion the #readindiereadathon. Would you tell us more about it?

LM: I always wanted to start a campaign around #ReadIndie. But, was never sure how or what. I have ‘#ReadIndie’ on a message board that I can see from my bed. I was staring at it one night and the idea of a Readathon came to mind. I want to promote indie authors, I want Indie authors and readers to help promote each other. That was my inspiration behind it. 

As for the actual readathon, it’s very simple. I have arranged the prompts in 4 x 4 square. To win the readathon you need to get a bingo, which you can do by going down, across or diagonal. It means you need to read a minimum of 4 Indie books. You can read across any genre, any platform and any age category. There will be a photo challenge, where each week you take a picture based on the prompt for that week. You don’t have to participate in the photo challenge, but it would be a fun way to promote yourself and other indie authors. There is a massive giveaway at the end, with 10+ Indie book prizes.

I’ve been blown away by the support and love for this Readathon. The Indigo Book doesn’t have a large audience, so I was scared it wouldn’t take off. Instead, the community has grown and I have found my few audience members are very active and it really pleases me.

CLW: That’s fabulous! What three “takeaways” do hope are born from this challenge?

LM: 

  1. Indie books are amazing and deserved to be hyped

  2. The Indie community is amazingly supportive

  3. Reviews help indie authors!!

CLW: When you jumped into the world of independent authors and books, what did you discover?

LM: I discovered it would be a lot more work, because you have more control of your book. I really liked that. I have a business mind, having grown up in a family who own a small business and I’m also now studying a Commerce (Marketing) degree, as well as an Arts (Creative Writing) degree. However, the reality is not everyone has the same business mind or exposure as I do. Thus I discovered not enough authors think of being an author as a business, they think of it as a job, but there is a difference. The difference I think is important and in the future I hope to help authors change their mind set. (I’m not 100% sure how at the moment, but I’m sure like the #ReadIndie campaign it will come to me as my experience grows)

CLW: I think this mindset is fabulous. As an Indie Author (who has an education background rather than a business one), I have had to wrap my mind around this facet of treating what I do as a business. From that mindset, what advice would you give authors starting out?

LM:

  1. Do not ever make your book free. You’re running a business and not a charity. I know it’s hard to make sales and to get your book out there. But, if you feel inclined to give away your book to readers for free. Make them earn it through giveaways or research book bloggers, Bookstagrammer or booktubers who will review it if you give it out for free. This will help you so much more in the future.

  2. Be forward. Reach out to people, ask for reviews, send arcs to bookstores/sellers. Look for and research opportunities and take them.

  3. Marketing is just as much part of being an author as writing the book. Do research on marketing basics and if you can research your target market (for authors this is basically what age category your book is for).

  4. GET REVIEWS! I recently did a report for Uni where I looked at the influence of word of mouth on consumers. I found out that word of mouth (i.e. reviews and any media that is made independently from you) is 12 times more influential than manufacturer media (i.e. blurbs and ads. Any written by you about your own book). Try not to be too worried about negative reviews either, positive reviews are 3 times more likely.

CLW: Two fun facts about you?

LM:

  1. I’ve fenced at a national level

  2. I drink way too much tea to be healthy

CLW: One burning question you want answered…

LM: How do we change the mindset of average book consumers to think about Indie books in the same way they think about traditionally published books?

CLW: I am in agreement with you on this one. I’ve always thought it comes down to changing the mindset of the indie author and how they present their books (the product they are offering). I’ve thought that if we elevate the way we as indie authors, reviewers, indie publishers and indie booksellers approach this business, we might see that reflected in the way the world sees the indie author. What do you think it would take to see the indie world elevated?

LM: Community. Working together to elevate each other in our own community is a good start. Then, reaching out to other people in the non-indie book community and educating them on Indie books and making them see they’re just as good as traditionally published books. Also, Indie books and traditionally published books are often segregated. Traditionally published books are in libraries and big bookstores, while Indie books are on the author’s website. Seeing Indie and traditional books side-by-side in bookstores and libraries will help dispel notions that they’re different in any way. We need to enforce that books are books and that it’s about finding your preferences, it doesn’t matter how it’s published.

Historically, all art—written or otherwise—was independent. Artists painting to acting to writing livelihood was built on the passion of the creator but the benevolence of the audience. In modern contexts, this is no different. Visual artists have relied on the rich benefactor, Shakespeare relied on the support of Queens and Kings, Chance the Rapper relied on the fans and word of mouth; art has always been an endeavor that needs champions. While Independent Artists from photographers, digital artists, musicians, to authors are optimizing tools to reduce the need for the gatekeepers of culture, these same artists will always rely on the goodwill and support of the audience sharing the work.  Publishing—traditional or independent—isn’t an exception to the rule; it is the continuation of the norm.

Thank you to Lauren for taking some time to share more about her amazing initiative Read Indie Readathon. Best wishes to her this month and beyond. Be sure to visit her website and participate both there and on Instagram. Let’s make sure that voices like hers continue to be loud and heard.

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

This-Then-That: YA Dystopian and SciFi Edition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THAT

THIS

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

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

This-Then-That: YA Contemporary Edition

A Staircase worth of YA Contemporary.

A Staircase worth of YA Contemporary.

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

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

This-Then-That.

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

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

Here we go. . .

This

That

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

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

THIS

THAT

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

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Books for Teens, Fiction, Fantasy, YA Fiction Cami Books for Teens, Fiction, Fantasy, YA Fiction Cami

This-Then-That: YA Fantasy Edition

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

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

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





THAT

Lavinia Ungureanu

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

NEXT WEEK: This Then That, YA Contemporary Edition

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Books for Teens, Independent Author, New Fiction, Romance, YA Contemporary Cami Books for Teens, Independent Author, New Fiction, Romance, YA Contemporary Cami

Reading Wonderland Interview: Piper Bee

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

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

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

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

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

There's just one catch...

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

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

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

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

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

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

 CLW: What inspired this story? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buy here

Buy here

CLW: What is your favorite romance trope to read? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CLW: Where can readers find you online? 

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

Piper Bee, Indie Author

Piper Bee, Indie Author



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

Next Week: A Little This or That . . .

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

Reading Wonderland Interview: Nancy Richardson Fischer

TheSpeedofFallingObjects.jpg

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CLW: Favorite classic read?

NRF: For Whom The Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway.

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

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

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

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

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

All the Bright Places [by Jennifer Niven]

A List of Cages [by Robin Roe]

The Outsiders [by S.E. Hinton]

The Hunger Games [by Suzanne Collins]

Lord of the Flies [by William Golding]

CLW: What are you working on now?

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

CLW: Where can readers find you?

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

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

Next Week: Piper Bee and her upcoming release,

Joy’s Summer Love Playlist

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Reading Wonderland Interview: Rob Rufus

Buy The Vinyl Underground here

Buy The Vinyl Underground here

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. 

RufusVinylUnderground.jpg

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





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Reading Wonderland Interview: Lisa Brown Roberts

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!)

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!)

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 ☺

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram |BookBub|

Next Week: Rob Rufus and The Vinyl Underground



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Reading Wonderland: an Introduction

The Cantos Chronicles: a book stack.

The Cantos Chronicles: a book stack.

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

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

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

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

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

Seriously?

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

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

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

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


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

Next Week: Lisa Brown Roberts,

author of The Bookworm Crush.

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Quarantine: 37 Days

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

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

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.

  1. 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. 

  2. 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?

  3. 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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Learning to be more purposeful with my time. 

  5. Using what’s in the cupboard instead of going out to get stuff. Learning to be more resourceful.

  6. 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.

  7. Laughter and finding ways to make sure to keep it at the front of our hearts.

  8. 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.

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2024: Year of the Read Along
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Unhealthy Relationships and Romance Books
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Relationships: Isolation versus Autonomy
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