Author Archives: jody sparks

A Bit About Building Character

So I’ve been reading and writing and constantly comparing where my book draft really is to where it should be going. I’ve got issues with the timing and fictional school calendar in my YA book. I’ve got too much plot and the lens on my characters is nearly all long-shot views. Also, I still haven’tContinue reading “A Bit About Building Character”

Weird Things From Work

This sign is not at my work. But there is some weirdness there. There’s weirdness everywhere. The weirdness at my work is in the magic stuff of the Interwebs. Pretty much I’m on the Internet at my job all day. It kind of rules. In fact, I’m getting to know Google so well, I knowContinue reading “Weird Things From Work”

Maybe It’s Not an Issue?

I made a big book revision decision. I’d gotten to 55,000 words and changed course. It’ll probably happen again, too. Sometimes I have to get to the climax to realize, hey, I’m not feeling too sorry for these characters. Something isn’t right. I got to thinking that a book about sunken treasure needs some kindContinue reading “Maybe It’s Not an Issue?”

Looking Back

I wanted to take a look back over this first year I’ve been blogging and pick out some highlight posts. I hope it’s interesting to you, and not just me. This will probably read like a Christmas newsletter. If you like that sort of thing, come visit every August 20th or so. We don’t sendContinue reading “Looking Back”

Something About Books and the Color Pink

Maybe I’ll organize my books like this. Mostly it will be pink, though. And black. And blue. Looks kind of cool though, right? I don’t know if it’s that I’m attracted to pink (I am) or if it’s that publishers like to jacket YA books in pink, but if there’s one thing I’ve noticed aboutContinue reading “Something About Books and the Color Pink”

Like When We Were In College

Josh’s schedule is so weird that I don’t even try to figure it out. His sleep pattern is also beyond me. And these two things are kind of fantastic. We went out to lunch yesterday, and we behaved like two people who really missed each other: lots of chatter, some hand-holding, those looks at  oneContinue reading “Like When We Were In College”

Author Interview: Erin McCahan

I am very excited to interview the adorable Erin McCahan, today! We have been pen pals for about a year now, and if you don’t have a few of those, I highly recommend it! I got to know Erin before I got to know her writing; and they are equally delightful. Her wit, and empathy,Continue reading “Author Interview: Erin McCahan”

Self-Deprecating Sunday (26)

I haven’t self-deprecated in a while. And with school starting, I thought I’d treat my people to a few more school photos! For those of you who may be new to Self-Deprecating Sunday, here’s the story: It’s pretty hilarious, and sometimes touching, to look back on the “flair” we writers for teens gave our ownContinue reading “Self-Deprecating Sunday (26)”

Safety, Safety, Safety

I was writing last night and I had about three new pages of material when the power went out. Of course I hadn’t saved it. So I had that going for me. That’s when the cop strolled up the driveway. “Your security alarm was going off.” “Oh, I didn’t think it was activated.” “It is.”Continue reading “Safety, Safety, Safety”