Tag Archives: YA authors

Rejections, Hardiness, and 9/11

11 Friday Sep 2015

Posted by in Adventures, family, getting old, teenage years, writing

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This is a photo of Eleanor and me from 1999, I think. I was looking for one from 2001, but I’m terrible at keeping photos and memories organized. But basically when I think back on 9/11, I remember that Eleanor was too small to undeIMG_2109r-stand what was going on and had the world in front of her. So did I. So much of the person she was becoming was hidden from me. I had no idea how I would or could influence her; mostly I just wanted her to take a damn nap. I’d given birth before I’d even chosen a career path. In a couple years, this little girl will say something funny that inspires me to write a picture book that will go on to get rejected. But I’ll fall in love with writing. I’ll keep at it, eventually moving on to YA novels that I’ll be positive will sell before she graduates from high school. I’ll be wrong. But, I’ll still keep at it.

I’ll start a blog, which celebrates both the absurdity and wonder of the teenage years and the angst and joy of parenting. The kids will become teens, so I’ll write less about them because dang, I never really asked permission in the first place and maybe I’ve been kind of invading their privacy. And I’ll grow weary of not having good writerly news to share, so my blog will grow cold.

This is my first post in about a year. All in all, writing has been a less enjoyable journey than I thought it would be. This month, for instance, I was reminded to renew my SCBWI membership, which marked my 10th year with this beautiful organization. It also reminded me that it’s been over ten years now that I’ve been collecting rejections. This week brought three book rejections, which marks a new milestone: I’ve officially tipped the scale at over 100 rejections since my career start. I’ve been a little wallowy.

On the bright side, Eleanor and Magnolia are teens who happen to enjoy reading and talking about books, even my books. We also love talking about other life stuff, for instance the weirdness of high school and what the future holds. Where most parents feel estranged from their teens, I’ve never felt closer to my kids. This is a rare and remarkable thing that I treasure. Eleanor, now a senior, has herself fallen in love with writing and joined my critique group. I’m in my golden age of parenting. I feel weepy when I think of my kids leaving for college. I’m not a weeper. Josh is the weeper. Eleanor once said something like, “Yeah, my dad cries over poetry, TV shows, baby animal videos. There’s something at least once a month. But if I see my mom cry? Shit. Something is going down.” Well, college is about to go down.

This morning as I was scrolling 9/11 anniversary Facebook posts, Eleanor asked me if I wanted to read her college essay. Yes. Of course I did. I haven’t asked her if it’s okay to share any of it, so I’ll only say that I wept when she said her mother had been one of the fiercest and hardiest people she’s known–that she’d seen me at war with a myriad of life’s elements (physical and emotional: she mentioned my nerve disorder and the rejections streaming in over the years) that perhaps helped her raise her chin, keep her eyes hard, and meet the hard stuff in life head-on.

I mean, duh, of course I wept. It was kind of like, huh, I influence her. And it was kind of like, oh thank god. And it was kind of like, wow, we did it, she’s going to be so good at life. And it was kind of like, oh dang, she’s watching how I deal with rejection.

I wept because my books may fail, but my parenting hasn’t. I want to tell that young mother in the photo that her baby is going to amazing! I want to reach back and tell her to buckle in because she may never have a writing career, but the struggle will not be for nothing. I want to tell her to stop fantasizing about showing her kids what she’ll look like in a successful career because the way they see her in a failing career will shape them beautifully. I still hope for a time they see me succeed at getting a book published, of course. But, that’s a different blog post.

And then I wept because it’s 9/11 and there are mothers that lost out on seeing what their daughters will become. There are daughters who didn’t get to watch their mothers go to war with life. So, it seemed a good time to write a blog post. To be thankful that I was thrown into parenthood and that I’ve gotten to wallow around in both the love and suffering of life.

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Self-Deprecating Sunday (17) Brodi Ashton

29 Sunday Jan 2012

Posted by in books, humor, teenage years, writing

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Welcome back to Self-Deprecating Sunday (It’s been tooooooo long!), which treats of YA  authors sharing the Great and Awkward of their teenage years. I’m recycling an old favorite today in honor of Brodi Ashton’s book launch! Her paranormal YA romance, Everneath debuted this week! Her blog is a must-read–so funny–and surely gives a taste of the wit in her book, and books to come. And speaking of paranormal….

Here’s what Brodi has to say about getting ready for a dance her sophomore year:

Mama always told me, “Brodi, honey, if you wanna catch yourself a great man, you gotta make a great entrance.” Just kidding. She never said anything like that. But that’s what this picture makes me think.

Here, my friend Cherie (in the black) and I are practicing our graceful “walk down the stairs” and nothing says class at these moments like a chandelier with plastic garland hanging off of it.  As for my hair, lemme explain.

In my day:

  1. You could never have enough bangs.
  2. If your bangs could move of their own volition, you didn’t put enough hairspray on them.
  3. Puffy sleeves were in. I swear!

Up close, you can see the detail on my Victorian Frock. I can imagine my mom seeing it in the store, and thinking to herself, “With that neck so high and tight, and that hem that hits her ankles, it’s practically it’s own chastity belt. No boy will want her after this.”

In case you’re curious, yes, I did peg my hems. I could peg anything in those days.

Frankly, Brodi, I’m glad our moms didn’t shop together. However, I think we shared the same hairspray fairy back then. And, despite all this, you are still cute as a button. Thanks so much for participating this Sunday! (I will see you on the Scrabble board, lady.)

Next week I’m featuring Mike Mullin, debut author of a contemporary YA book, Ashfall. Don’t miss it! It’s incredible. And remember, if you are a YA author and want to do a guest post here at Sparks and Butterflies (And how could you not?), please contact me at jody.mugele(at)gmail.com. It’s more fun than church.

Book Review: Love is the Higher Law

18 Sunday Dec 2011

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This was my second David Levithan book, and again I really liked it! And again it got a little effusive, but I easily forgave it because of the enjoyment I had while reading. Love is the Higher Law is about 9/11. Perhaps you inferred that from the cover. I don’t know about you, but this is only the second book I’ve read where the setting is 9/11. And to me that’s weird. I thought there would be more. Maybe there are more, but they aren’t getting buzz. Or maybe they aren’t good? Don’t know, but this book is very good.

Of the three voices/characters in this book, I related to Jasper as he slept through the event and found himself alone watching the news after the attacks happened. I had just finished my paper route in Half Moon Bay and had gotten the baby back to sleep when the attacks happened. My neighbor woke me up to watch the news. What’s weird is that baby will be 11 years old in the next couple weeks. She has no memory of that day in 2001, while it is still fresh in my mind.

I got to thinking about what she’ll know of September 11th and it’s probably a collage of images rolled together into series of videos on the Internet and set to some cheesy American pop song, which I guess does reflect some truth of moment. But, I think in this book Levithan does thing I love about contemporary novels best, which is tell a truth with a fiction. I admire the way the teens in this book respond to the event. I love that he chose to have all three characters just close enough to the event that if their lives change it’s because of their doing and not the terrorists.

I loved seeing the reactions to the events from a New York perspective. I think the way he used music and concerts specific to the time (especially U2 – hence the title) was heartfelt and interesting and something everyone relates to, which was the point–community and commonalities and an in-this-together camaraderie.

So, hats off to Levithan for preserving this truth for the young adults in my house and all over, and in the YA writer in me that wants to find these kinds of truths in my works.

Book Review: Wolves of Mercy Falls (Series)

18 Sunday Dec 2011

Posted by in books, teenage years, writing

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So I’m not an urban fantasy book lover, but I do enjoy some great fantasy books like Melinda Lo’s Ash. I chose to read Maggie Stiefvater’s Wolves of Mercy Falls series (Shiver, Linger, and Forever) because I wanted to compare these books with the Twilight Saga. I wasn’t in the crowd that loved those books, and was looking for an alternative to recommend to people, namely  the young adults I live with.

As I generally do with series, I waited for all the books to come out so that I could read them all back to back, no waiting. This time I think I wish I would have bought them one at a time. I doubt I would I have finished the series. And I think I would have been more satisfied with having stopped after the first story was over. Shiver was the strongest of the books and I rather like the ideas I had in my head of where the story would go from there. When I read the other books, I felt the characters were left somewhat undone in my head. And I was left with afterthoughts of, “shit, are they going to be happy adults?” For some reason in these books I need a truly happy ending, not an they’re-grown-up-in-a-happy/sad-life-is-hard-but-managable way. Which is probably my problem for having false expectations rather than a problem of the author breaking promises. Shiver ended in that happy way I wanted (still some heartbreak to be had though), so that’s why I should’ve quit there. However, the Wolves of Mercy Falls was a good read as a series and if you’re looking for an alternative to the Twilight Saga or something to do after reading it because you have gotten your fill of Werewolves, than this will satisfy that hunger.

That being said, this book is way more science-based. Which I’ll take over magic any day. I think this was my favorite aspect. It towed a line of Sci-Fi, which worked for me as a someone grounded in my love of contemporary fiction and as person who is rational. I was at times difficult to buy into teenagers discovering the “cure” to werewolfism, especially in the last two book when the primary researcher was a former rock star. The sections introducing Cole into the wolf pack as depressed rock star in the mood to die were difficult, but I did find my way into sympathizing and being interested in his story with Isabel.

I also found the romance between Sam and Grace a little gushy and annoying, which is probably why I bought into the Cole/Isabel story lines. I’m always looking for a good romance within a story and I have two to choose from, I’ll pick teams. So it was fun to go back and forth between the romances, but I would have liked to see more development with Rachel and Olivia. I’m betting that was a bigger part of the story that was cut. Olivia disappears before we really get a chance to know her while Rachel is barely more than a cliche’d supporting character.

Much of the descriptions of characters were drawn from the thoughts of other characters. This bugged me. Grace was always saying or thinking how Sam was pensive and awkward and Sam was always saying or thinking how Grace was not very adept at reading people. And it began to feel like a writing crutch. Most of the writing  however was lyrical and soft and enjoyable. The quoting of German poets didn’t grab me, but it also didn’t frustrate me. I really wonder how young adults reading this would respond to it. I’m guessing adults are patient and willing to read those lines, but I suspect many teens skipped them.

The book designs were outstanding including font color inside to match the book covers. These books were wonderful to hold in my hands and are lovely on my shelves.

Conclusion: Didn’t love everything. Didn’t hate anything. Glad I read the series. Would recommend to avid urban fantasy lovers.

Book Review: Ten Miles Past Normal

18 Sunday Dec 2011

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I love slim books but this one just didn’t grab me the way I wished it would. I love the concept, and the writing was strong, but the emotion just didn’t resonate with me. I’ll be trying other books by this author. I wondered if the reason it didn’t grab me was because the protagonist is younger (14), but nah. I think I just wasn’t into her, particularly. Many young girls certainly will be.

I was really into the idea of a girl finding her newer self back at home — belonging — instead of the traditional independence found that you see in YA books all the time. And that was there: Janie learns to dig the idea of a having a Hootenanny in which her mom invites the entire community. She crushes on the unpopular but actually cool guy who hangs with his family. But bottom line: it was too innocent for YA. It felt like it just as much about not growing up too fast as it was “embracing a new you.” I’d give this to my 10 year old to read, not my 13 year old. And I’m not even sure she’d love it.

I LOVE this cover. The chapter titles were very fun and the author used some of my favorite quotes from poets, so it felt strange not love the story. So, we’ll see what else this author does! I think I’d like to hang out with her again.

Book Review: Boy Meets Boy

22 Saturday Oct 2011

Posted by in books, teenage years

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This was my first Levithan book. I really liked it.

On romance: Paul and Noah was charming and gooey, rich with the grand gestures that teens think are necessary, and maybe are necessary. It got pretty Hallmark Card there at the end but I can’t resist a good romantic ending. Sue me.

On character: Paul was sooo self-aware I teetered for a while on whether this was okay with me. But I bought in. Here’s why: The crux of the book is that here is this gay boy whose been accepted by his parents, by his teachers, by his friends, and who even has had boyfriends throughout his young life, and so has normal life problems like, Does Noah like me? What is love? Why is my best friend abandoning me for her boyfriend? And why can’t Tony’s parents accept him for who he is? If such a place exists, and I hope it does, then I can believe this character exists. I can imagine that gay teens need this book. Everyone needs this book–needs to know what kind of world should exist: one where a gay kid has pretty much the same problems as any other.

The minor characters could easily have slipped into caricatures and stereotypes: the new kid, the wounded ex, the tranny, the bitchy friend, the sheltered friend. But they didn’t. They were rounded characters who I cared about to the end.

On setting: Mostly the characters were the setting. We saw the homes of Paul and Noah and Tony. All of them were insights to the people who lived there and nothing more. We saw the school, a typical school physically: there were halls and lockers. But again the people were what made the community. And that was romantic for sure, every kind of gay having a place and a say. Levithan seemed to refuse to go anywhere darker than Paul’s ex cheating on him out of confusion. And the book worked for it.

It was an interesting world to join into and explore with Paul. I definitely want to read more of Levithan’s books.

Character Worksheet – Chart

25 Sunday Sep 2011

Posted by in books, writing

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So a while back I talked about doing the thing I always poo-pooed: Work through a character worksheet. I only did it because doing the things that Cheryl Klein says (in terms of editing — probably in other areas of life too, but I don’t know her that way) make So. Much. Sense. Her talks are wonderful, and her book, Second Sight, has changed the way I approach and edit my writing. Buy it.

I’ve noodling around with a new book concept as I polish the current draft of my work-in-progress. And this time I’m going to start with character notes before I start drafting. So weird for me. But, I’m excited! Instead of paging through Cheryl’s book over and over, I created a small chart that I can tape in front of my writing notes. Or, it can also be pulled up as a word document.

Here it is if you’d like to use it in chart form. Now, if you haven’t read her book, don’t be dumb and try to use this chart without doing so. This is a mere skeleton to use when applying her ideas to your writing. And, each one of these boxes may take up to a few pages in your writing notebook. Click the image to open it in a separate window. Anyway, hope it helps!

Book Review: The Big Crunch

18 Sunday Sep 2011

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Pete Hautman is one of my favorite writers. He won my heart with GODLESS, fed my curiosity with HOW TO STEAL A CAR, and satisfied me once again with THE BIG CRUNCH.

I generally dislike books about destiny. I wasn’t even a big fan of Slumdog Millionaire. Partly this is because I don’t believe in destiny. I believe in decisions. And when a book is about destiny, a character cannot make meaningful decisions. Why would you write a book where a character isn’t responsible for his or her outcomes? Where is the courage and hope in that?

So, what I like about THE BIG CRUNCH is that it so sciency! I’m not even a lover of science, but I’m married to someone who is. And what I learned by watching his love of science is that its truly a wonder to behold. Pete Hautman gets this. I wish he could be friends with my husband. Hautman goes so far as to separate what Wes and June feel for one another (both so closely intertwined they together are the main character) are feelings in their hearts, a place separate from the brain that controls decisions. A feeling could be a thing that remains forever: it’s the closest Hautman will get to brushing against destiny. Because after all, our brains can make all kinds of strange decisions about that feeling in our hearts. And for me, I happily brushed against this notion. It captured the feeling of being in love while acknowledging the reason people also have. The flap jacket describes the book thus: “June and Wes do not ‘meet cute.’ They do not fall in love at first sight. They do not swoon with scorching desire. They do not believe that they re instant soul mates destined to be together forever.” But it is a love story. One of my favorites so far. Because how do you navigate knowing what decision is best when your heart feels a consistent love? This is hard enough for an adult to screw with.

And while I’m talking about adults, I want to add that Hautman does a particularly good job of keeping teens young. So often teens in books seem like adults–they have the confidence, bodies, and wit of an adult with the body language and attitude of a teen. Like in movies and TV they cast the twenty-two year old as a sixteen year old. You know what I mean. It’s like people write their books that way too! When was the last time you saw a teen with braces? Mikey from The Goonies did. Why? Cause he was actually a teenager (14) when the movie was filmed. When I read Hautman’s books, I feel like I’m genuinely in a teenager’s life. I wish that wasn’t quite so rare. Yet, I still get to think about the big issues. Young adult literature as a category shouldn’t be a reading level. Young adult books are books from a teen perspective.

Book Review: Don’t Stop Now

11 Sunday Sep 2011

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I love all of Julie Halpern’s books. This is no exception. Into The Wild Nerd Yonder is definitely still my favorite, so if you haven’t read this author, I’d start there. But this book is wonderful, too. The cover is blah. If I didn’t love the author I would have passed this by on the shelf. Her other covers are outstanding. Book covers matter a lot to me, I’ve realized.

What I loved about this young adult book is the premise of girl and boy being best friends, but sending signals that indicate otherwise while girl hopes for more and finally takes that risky leap. I loved Josh and Lil’s friendship. Of course I hoped she would get the guy, but their friendship was so lovable, it was really all I needed to get me through the book. I really didn’t care very much about Penny, the girl who faked her own kidnapping the day after high school ends, which causes Josh and Lil to take a road trip (quest) to find her. I think it mixed in an element of higher drama than the rest of the book could hold up, and shouldn’t have been forced to. I was definitely in it to see where Josh and Lil ended up. And I like where they landed.

Julie’s writing is so funny. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: humor is in the funny-bone of the the beholder. Sometimes you just match humor and Julie’s sense of humor is definitely the same as mine. And I think because of that, I relate to her characters and they seem so damn lovable. I will read all of Julie Halpern’s books. And, check out her blog, too. Also funny.

Sidenote: How awesome is it that I read this on vacation while in Portland after just having visited Powell’s City of Books? Very awesome!! Why? Because Josh and Lil visit Powell’s City of Books in this story. I kind of wish I would have bought this book from that store.

Young Adult, The Movie

17 Wednesday Aug 2011

Posted by in books, movies, teenage years, writing

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Last time I went to critique group (Sunday), Mike did not haul his revisions in a Victoria’s Secret bag, Lisa did not have a pocket dog, and Virginia did not have on a Hello Kitty t-shirt. I’ve never seen any of us in public wearing pink sweatpants. Time to bring our A-game, you guys!! This is how YA authors dress, according to Diablo Cody, whose new film Young Adult will release December 16, 2011 starring Charlize Theron. She’ll play a recently divorced young adult writer who moves back home and attempts to rekindle her high school romance even though her then-boyfriend is now married with kids.

Sounds like a recipe for a stereotype to me, but I have gone days full-circle in my jammies: Wake up-coffee-write-coffee-write-write-write-wine-write-go to sleep. I just have the decency to not leave my house that way. Stereotypes happen for a reason. And, who cares, right? This movie looks fun. Diablo Cody won my heart with Juno, so I will gladly follow her into what I think is the first YA author character in film. And I bet my fellow young adult authors will too.

Here’s a link to an Mtv article that shows the picture of Charlize Theron wearing her writing uniform in the movie. And, hear what real YA authors have to say about what they wear and how they feel about this movie! This is my favorite quote from that story:

“The thing I find hilarious about movies about writers is how they always seem to be writing thinly veiled story of their life. Who does that?” —Holly Black, author of “The Curse Workers” series