Congrats to Andre Norton Award winner E.C. Myers and FAIR COIN!

I'm so proud to congratulate E.C. Myers on winning the 2012 Andre Norton Award for his YA debut, FAIR COIN! The Andre Norton Award honors the best Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy Book of the year, and the winner is chosen by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA).

Other nominees include Holly Black (Black Heart), David Levithan (Every Day), Libba Bray (The Diviners), and Rachel Hartman (Seraphina). What company, right?! For a complete list of winners and nominees, check out this link.

Eugene is not only a talented author, but he's also a funny, down-to-earth, friendly person whom I've been lucky enough to get to know through our local Philly Lit Night events. Congrats, Eugene!

Be sure to check out FAIR COIN and its sequel, QUANTAM COIN, which are available now!


About FAIR COIN:
The coin changed Ephraim's life. But how can he change it back?

Sixteen-year-old Ephraim Scott is horrified when he comes home from school and finds his mother unconscious at the kitchen table, clutching a bottle of pills. The reason for her suicide attempt is even more dis­turbing: she thought she'd identified Ephraim's body at the hospital that day.

Among his dead double's belongings, Ephraim finds a strange coin--a coin that grants wishes when he flips it. With a flick of his thumb, he can turn his alcoholic mother into a model parent and catch the eye of the girl he's liked since second grade. But the coin doesn't always change things for the better. And a bad flip can destroy other people's lives as easily as it rebuilds his own.

The coin could give Ephraim everything he's ever wanted--if he learns to control its power before his luck runs out.

How to start a new novel in 22 easy steps.

1. Open a new Word document.

2. Save it as tentative book title.

3. Wonder if any other books have this title.

4. Check twitter.

5. Google tentative book title.

6. Feel relieved that you're somewhat original.

7. Type the title and "Chapter One" in Word document.

8. Check email.

9. Check facebook.

10. Stare at blinking cursor in Word document.

11. Check latest favorite blogs & tumblrs. (If you're wondering: The Bloggess, The Unslut Project, Title to Come, and What Should We Call Me)

12. Type first sentence.

13. Click "save."

14. Feel accomplished.

15. Feel thirsty.

16. Refill water glass.

17. Check twitter.

18. Click on five different-yet-equally-inane HuffPo links.

19. Stare at blinking cursor after first sentence.

20. Realize that, though this is book #3, you've totally forgotten how to start a novel.

21. Write blog post about it.

22. Type second sentence?

Here's the truth: I've had two awesome brainstorming sessions for my next book, first while waiting for my car to be fixed, and again with Frankie, and I'm very excited about it. But I still find it so, so intimidating to start a new WIP.

I know that I need to barrel forward, and my next step will be to just start writing the first scene I WANT to write, not the uber-difficult beginning — anything to get the creative energy flowing. It's all about diving in and being ok with being terrible. That's First Drafts 101.

But I've been in revision mode for so long that I almost forgot how awful a blank page can be, when you haven't established a character's voice and certain plot points are a little (or a lot) vague.

There are writers out there who can tap out a first draft like no one's business. This post is for anyone like me, who is sooooo not one of those lucky, lucky writers.

Repeat after me: I can do this!

------

Help! What's your tried-and-true method of breaking through the Chapter One, Draft One writer's block? Leave it in the comments!

THE CAGED GRAVES recommendation and giveaway!

I picked up Dianne Salerni's THE CAGED GRAVES because I hadn't read a realistic historical novel in awhile, and the author was local, so I figured it would be the perfect read for a leisurely Saturday.

I'm happy I did, because I found myself so absorbed in the story that I finished it in a few hours.

THE CAGED GRAVES is part suspenseful drama, part historical mystery, and it was a refreshing change from the modern setting, epic scope, and breakneck pace of the books I've been reading lately. (To be clear, it's not a fast-moving plot, but it developed steadily and had me totally intrigued.)

THE CAGED GRAVES is the classic story of an outsider coming into a small rural town, meeting its citizens, and uncovering its dark secrets. Verity Boone returns home to Catawissa, PA after years of living with relatives in the city and is shocked to discover that her mother's and aunt's graves are located outside the cemetery walls (on unconsecrated ground) and caged with iron bars.

She begins digging into the mystery of her mom's sudden death and why the cage was erected in the first place. Throw in a deliciously gothic atmosphere, some suspicious and vindictive townspeople, and rumors of witchcraft and a long-lost treasure, and Salerni has woven together one engrossing tale.

I loved the romantic elements, as well: The purpose of Verity's return home is to meet her betrothed, Nate, with whom she's only exchanged letters. Their attempts to reconcile their romantic ideals of one another with the actual person before them are all-too-relatable for a generation of people who often meet and interact online. (And hooray no insta-love!!)

However, (well-written love triangle alert!) Verity finds herself drawn to and flirting with Hadley, a charming doctor's apprentice from the town. I loved the realism of the situation because she's completely unsure of how true/deep her feelings are for Nate (and his for her!), and the attention that Hadley's showering upon her, coupled with his bold advances, makes Verity (and the reader) swoony and confused.

The best part is, by the end, both the mystery of the caged graves and the love triangle weave together to wrap up nicely. Ah, satisfying endings, how I love thee.

With an intriguing, multi-layered plot, complex characters (plus a setting that's a character in its own right), and quality writing, THE CAGED GRAVES is highly recommended for anyone in the mood for a historical mystery. Best of all, it's available now from Clarion Books.

One lucky reader will win my ARC by commenting below by Friday, May 31st at 11:59pm EST* to answer this appropriately-morbid prompt: 

Uh oh, your grave has a cage of its own. Why?

My favorite answer wins!

*The fine print: Can only mail ARC to U.S. addresses! Include your email address or twitter handle so I can reach you, or check back the first week of June to see if you've won!

BEA 2013 Survival Guide!

First-time BEA attendee? Is last year a little fuzzy?
Here's the Book Expo America 2013 Survival Guide!

Top 5 Rules

1. Comfy Shoes

These are best left at home.

There are no shoes in existence that can allow you to survive BEA pain-free, but you need to wear something you can stand and walk in for 10 hours... with heavy books weighing you down. (Shoutout to the random women I've seen in 5-inch stilettos ... you're crazy, but I admire your will!) Check a small rolling suitcase in the bag check area (best $3 you'll ever spend) and dump your books when they get heavy. (It's amazing what 7 books will feel like when they're in a tote bag hanging from your shoulder for a few hours. Those straps dig.)

2. Game Plan

Map out your signings and book drops (and their locations) in advance, and highlight the priorities. (There's plenty of information on the BEA website!) Don't feel the need to go to everything, and save time for socializing. (Yay, human interaction!) Make sure you get what you really want (see #4), and give yourself plenty of time to wait in line. Otherwise, when the zombification hits you midday, you won't have the energy to focus.

3. Sustenance

I'm the girl who's always thinking about her next meal, and I get mighty cranky when I'm hungry, so I made sure to have a water bottle with me and quality snacks—baby carrots, apples, and healthy trail mix—to keep me going and save money on Javits food! But either way, leave time for lunch!

4. Restraint

If you don't say "no" to people, you'll end up with 85 books and 10 pounds of swag for things you've never heard of and have no interest in. Just because it's there doesn't mean you take it. Stick to what you want; politely decline what you don't. And if you end up in an awkward, can't-say-no situation, find an attendee who does want the book and pass it on! Repeat after me: LESS IS MORE. (Also, less is less painful to lug around and cheaper to ship home!)

5. Attitude

It's crowded. People are tired. People are rude. Lines are endless. Backs ache. Paste a smile on your face, be polite, and meet the nice people. It's an exhausting few days, but you're surrounded by books and the people who love them. What's not to be happy about?

The Big 3:
Transportation, Lodging, Budget 

1. Transportation

Arm yourself with an MTA subway map (and MetroCard), and brave the subway! If you insist on cabs, don't count on a cab to always be when and where you need it. Cab rides can be cheap and efficient when split between friends, but the subway is generally cheaper and will be way faster during congested traffic! But if you're carrying a heavy suitcase, subway turnstiles are evil. Lastly, if you have to get to your flight/train/bus home during rush hour.... remember THIS. Last year, with not a cab to be found, I ended up walking 40 minutes to Penn Station, lugging my suitcase o'books with me, to make my train on time. (And Frankie even carried a tote bag for me.) Never again!
Edited to add: If you're taking Amtrak, book now! Prices increase the closer you get to your departure date.

2. Lodging

Airbnb.com is your friend. Though BEA does provide deals for (and shuttle service to and from) nearby hotels, you can DEFINITELY find less expensive (and sometimes nicer and closer!) accommodations if you do a little searching on your own. For example, our lovely apartment this year is a 12-minute walk from Javits, and it's $600 total for 4 people, 3 nights — that's only $150 each!

3. Budget

Beyond buying books at nighttime events (that's all up to your self-control!) and paying for the aforementioned transportation and lodging, most of your money will go to food. The good news is, with a little forethought, you can keep this cost reasonable. After you check-in to your hotel/apartment, find a corner store and buy a bag of bagels and a jar of peanut butter—voila, a cheap and filling breakfast that you can eat on your way to Javits! And the sustenance mentioned above (see #3) makes for a healthy, portable lunch. That alone will save you $15 or more each day.

—————————————

Overall, BEA is a great experience. You discover some excellent books and spend three days surrounded by awesome, book-loving people. What could be better?

BEA Veterans: What's your best tip?
First-timers: Any questions?
Leave them in the comments!

See also: BEA website's Survival Tips and FAQs

Book Recommendation: Lindsay Ribar's THE ART OF WISHING

Let's face it, when I think of genies, I totally imagine the gigantic, blue Robin Williams-type "genie.... of.... the..... LAMMMMMP!" from ALADDIN.*

And so does Margo McKenna, the main character in Lindsay Ribar's THE ART OF WISHING. But then she meets Oliver, a non-blue, non-cartoon genie, and all of her genie stereotypes go out the window.

Well, not the "three wishes" rule. But most of the other ones.

Description from Goodreads:
Margo McKenna has a plan for just about everything, from landing the lead in her high school play to getting into a good college. So when she finds herself in possession of a genie's ring and the chance to make three wishes, she doesn't know what to do. Why should she put her life into someone else's hands?

But Oliver is more than just a genie -- he's also a sophomore at Margo's high school, and he's on the run from a murderer. As he and Margo grow closer, she discovers that it will take more than three wishes to save him.

A whole lot more.

THE ART OF WISHING is charming, romantic, and entertaining. Of course, there's the requisite drama (otherwise, there would be no plot, and who wants a snoozefest of happy people being happy?), but it's an enjoyable book that becomes serious when it needs to ... and since there's an uber-bad villain who's out to kill Oliver, the second half of the book is much darker than the first. Overall, though, it feels way more "contemporary-with-magic" than "paranormal romance."

My favorite element of THE ART OF WISHING was the main character, Margo. She's practical, self-confident, talented, and as secure as you can be in high school. But of course, she can get tongue-tied around her crush, because who doesn't? She's quite the planner/control freak, something I find particularly endearing, since I'm known to be a wee bit like that.

Ahem.

I also liked that Margo is an introvert, but in a very authentic way—not because she's socially awkward or doesn't connect with people, but because she prefers to surround herself with a smaller group of friends and is perfectly content with her outgoing best friend organizing their social lives.

Margo unwittingly becomes the master of Oliver, our non-blue genie love interest. Oliver is a nice foil to her because his entire life is about ceding control to others, never knowing who his next master will be or what wishes he'll have to fulfill. (And yes, this can get pretty grim.) But he embraces the unexpected, and a lot of his relationship with Margo develops around him teaching her to do the same.

And of course, we need to talk about the kissing! Basically, it was a lot of fun to watch Margo squirm every time she remembered that, thanks to Oliver's genie magic, he could read the "wants" from her thoughts ... and more and more of those desires centered on him. That's not at all embarrassing...  Thought the book, I found the genie lore and magic intriguing, and we got a nice taste of Oliver's life as a genie, as well.

FYI: Lindsay Ribar totally sold me on THE ART OF WISHING. I met her at the Teen Author Festival after hearing her speak at the Born this way: Nature, nurture, and paranormalcy panel. Lindsay was funny and engaging, and from the way she described her novel, I knew I'd like it. I was right! It just goes to show (again) how attending bookish events can introduce you to novels you may not have ever read otherwise.

So if you're in the mood for adding a little magic to your life, definitely check out THE ART OF WISHING. It's available now!

Bonus note for musical theater geeks: Lindsay has a long history with musical theater, and a lot of THE ART OF WISHING is centered around Margo's role in Sweeney Todd, her high school's musical. It doesn't overwhelm the story (for those of you musical-averse), but it's a big part of Margo's life, and her passion for singing is woven throughout the novel.


*And because I couldn't help myself....
(skip to 1:03 for the epic introduction)

Seven TV addictions I credit to the YA blogosphere

Last night, I binge-watched the final 15 videos of The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, and I realized that, once again, I could credit my rabid fandom to the YA blogosphere.

I constantly read blog posts and tweets and witness real-life squeeing over incredible TV shows, and eventually, I just need to know what all the fuss is about. So I watch. And become addicted.

Tallying it up, you guys have peer pressured me into watching SEVEN different TV shows. (Do you know how many hours that is??) And I regret not a single one.

What can I say? You guys have excellent taste.

Now it's time to pass on the peer pressure, in the order I caved to each show's greatness.

1. Firefly

A longtime Whedon fangirl (from Buffy-the-movie to Buffy-the-TV-show to Angel and Dollhouse), I knew I had to quiet my "Sci-fi/Western what?" reservations and give this show a try, especially considering how rabid the fans are. It wasn't love-at-first-episode, but it didn't take much past episode 2 to fall in love with these characters and remember that EVERYTHING that Joss Whedon does has the best dialogue ever. (Including Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog.)

2. Veronica Mars

Oh, Veronica. Once you adjust to the oh-so-telling monologues, you'll fall in love with this sassy outcast-with-a-zoom-lens. For a much more in-depth love letter, check out my Open Apology to Veronica Mars. Needless to say, I own all 3 seasons and donated to the VM movie Kickstarter the moment I heard about it.

3. Sherlock

Surly, brilliant, socially ignorant British men, how I love you (and your sidekick). That is all.

4. Awkward.

I'll credit this addiction solely to the ladies at Forever YA, who got me hooked halfway through the first season. Anyone who loved Easy A will find Awkward's shenanigans totally entertaining. I'm gearing up for season three this Tuesday!

 

5. Downton Abbey

I started Downton after season 2 ended, but the only reason I didn't start when I first heard the Season One gushing was that I just knew I'd fall in love, and I didn't have the time to get addicted. Basically, I delayed my obsession for more than a year, and then I let the first two seasons take over my life in December. It was wonderful.

6. Game of Thrones

Like Downton, the rest of the world has caught up on the awesome that is Game of Thrones, but I heard about it from the YA world first. I started watching last year while I had free HBO for three months, but this season marks the first time I've ever paid for a premium channel subscription (*shakes fist at cable company*) ... and it's totally worth it.

7. The Lizzie Bennett Diaries

Lizzie, oh Lizzie. This genius adaptation of Pride and Prejudice was everything I hoped for. P&P purists may scoff at the modern times and American actors, but it was done so, so well. I didn't begin until it was almost over, and I caught up by watching 1-2 hours of episodes at a time. The episodes only get better as LBD progressed. Loved it!  
 
Addictions I already had
(but would have acquired otherwise):
Buffy
My So-Called Life

The one that got away:
Friday Night Lights
I tried the first three or so episodes .... and I just wasn't hooked. FNL fans, should I try again? At what point did you fall in love?

My TBA (To-Be-Addicted) list:
Dr. Who
Freaks and Geeks
............................

Spill it! What addictions do we share? Anything I should add to my TBA list?

On kickboxing, inventing holidays, and showing failure who's boss.

My life has been delightfully filled with non-bookish things lately:

Kickboxing

I'm totally fickle about exercising. Yes, I enjoy a four-mile walk on a gorgeous, 75-degree, sunny day, but during the other approximately 348 days/year, I feel ZERO inclination to work out. Then I discovered kickboxing a few weeks ago. I'm still very, very new, but something about putting on boxing gloves and pummeling my (protected) opponent or whaling on a bag just clicked. What does that say about me? I have no idea, but I love it!

Action shot of me kickboxing.
(Thank goodness for blurry faces, because my expression
doesn't seem so attractive. I'm also totally not protecting
my face with my right hand, which is a big no-no.
Hey, I'm learning!)

Friendsgiving

 

Three years ago, my husband and I found ourselves the owners of a frozen 21-pound turkey that, if we were to tackle it ourselves, would put us in an episode of Man vs Food. We decided that the spring didn't have enough food-related holidays, so we were going to invent one — a potluck homage to Thanksgiving with all of our friends.

Friendsgiving was born. 

We hosted about 15 people that year, and everyone brought a side dish, drink, or dessert. It was mildly chaotic (our house isn't that big), but a definite success. Fast forward three years: Friendsgiving is now up to 25 people, and it's never been more fun.

Conquering baking

Baking has always been a bit of a mystery to me. And by mystery, I mean that I manage to screw up box mixes. I was the self-proclaimed queen of the no-bake dessert ... and I hated it. I'm not the type to accept failure for long, and eventually, I became determined to conquer baking. I've attempted a pumpkin monkey bread (didn't rise properly, but delicious), a red velvet two-layer cake with cream cheese frosting (so moist, but I wasn't crazy about the flavor). Then last Friday, the night before the aforementioned Friendsgiving 3.0, I made a pumpkin cheesecake with a gingersnap crust ... from scratch. And it was fabulous, no parentheses needed. Baking, I own you!

Not my pumpkin cheesecake, but that's
pretty much what it looked like!

(If you're curious: I used this recipe from Paula Deen, but cut the butter in half, pre-baked the crust for 8 minutes, did a water bath for baking (which added to the cooking time), doubled the spices, and decorated with pecans. And the key to the top not cracking? Mix batter on a slow speed and don't over-beat, stir in the eggs last, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door ajar. Voila!)

So far, spring has been an adventure! But not to worry, I've also been reading, so keep an eye out for more book recommendations to come!