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Beth Kephart, our first author-in-residence at readergirlz, has been posting monthly blogs in which she discusses the art (and the joys, and the frustrations) of writing, along with writing prompts and related contests. Here is Beth's third prompt:
"In this readergirlz challenge, the premise is simple: Find a photograph of yourself as a young child on the verge of some new knowledge or turning point. Write a paragraph about that photograph/that moment in present tense, as if you are experiencing that moment for the first time. Then write about that photograph/that moment in past tense, with the gift of retrospection. Ask yourself what you gain from working in the present tense, and what is gained by reflection; include your thoughts on this with your submission."
Send your entry to kephartblog AT comcast DOT net by November 25th, 2009. The author of the winning paragraph will receive a signed copy of Nothing but Ghosts, a novel about a young girl who, in learning to live past her mother's unexpected passing, involves herself in decoding the mystery that envelops the recluse down the road. The past and the present collide in Ghosts.
0 Comments on Beth Kephart: Then and Now as of 1/1/1900
Want to win a free copy of Legacy by Tom Sniegoski?
The first five people to leave their answers (with their email addresses and mailing addresses!) at my book blog, Bildungsroman, will get free copies of the book.
It's as simple as that - and that's way simpler than learning how to fly.
All week long, readergirlz is hosting live chats at http://readergirlz.blogspot.com with YA authors in honor of Teen Read Week. We kicked off things last night with a lively chat with Justina Chen Headley, Alyson Noël, and Zoë Marriott. Tonight promises to be just as fantastic, as we welcome Elizabeth Scott and Lynn Weingarten along with readergirlz co-founder Lorie Ann Grover! The complete line-up is as follows:
* Monday, Oct. 19: Beyond Imagination with authors Justina Chen Headley (NORTH OF BEAUTIFUL), Alyson Noël (EVERMORE) and Zoë Marriott (DAUGHTER OF THE FLAMES) * Tuesday, Oct. 20: Beyond Hardship with rgz diva Lorie Ann Grover (HOLD ME TIGHT), Elizabeth Scott (LIVING DEAD GIRL) and Lynn Weingarten (WHEREVER NINA LIES) * Wednesday, Oct. 21: Beyond Daily Life with rgz diva Holly Cupala (TELL ME A SECRET), Lisa McMann (WAKE) and Cynthia Leitich Smith (ETERNAL) * TONIGHT: Thursday, Oct. 22: Beyond Our World with rgz diva Melissa Walker (LOVESTRUCK SUMMER), Cassandra Clare (CITY OF ASHES) and Patrick Ness (THE KNIFE OF NEVER LETTING GO) * Friday, Oct. 23: Into Our Beyond with rgz diva Dia Calhoun (AVIELLE OF RHIA) and pioneering YA sci-fi author Sylvia Engdahl (ENCHANTRESS FROM THE STARS) It all happens at the rgz forum (http://readergirlz.blogspot.com) beginning at 6 p.m. Pacific Time (9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time), Oct. 19-23.
In conjunction with the author chats, readergirlz will be hosting a Teen Read Week Tribute. Anyone who loves YALSA's Teen Read Week is encouraged to let it out on their blog through a post or vlog, then send the link to [email protected] (subject line: entrant's name, TRW Tribute). readergirlz will collect all contributions and post them at the rgz blog in a tribute that will run October 23.
Two YABC folks, Little Willow and Kim Baccellia, are taking part in the blog tour for Thomas Randall, author of the phenomenal new YA thriller The Waking: Dreams of the Dead. We hope you'll check out the book and follow the tour as it travels from blog to blog!
For the next four months, Beth Kephart, our first author-in-residence at readergirlz, will be posting monthly video blogs in which she discusses the art (and the joys, and the frustrations) of writing. Each vlog entry will also serve as a prompt for writing contests.
Here is the first of Beth's vlog entries, with her written introduction:
"I believe that the stories that touch us are written by authors who remain vulnerable to the world - who leave themselves open to the raw wounds and the glorious possibilities of yearning, outreach, and hope. Watch the video, then write no more than ten lines of poetry or prose expressing a fully lived emotion. Send your entry to kephartblog AT comcast DOT net by September 25th, 2009. The author of the winning ten lines will receive a signed copy of Undercover, a novel about a young, aspiring poet who discovers the beauty that lives within her."
Would you consider, author and readergirlz co-founder Lorie Ann Grover wrote to me last May, being our readergirlz Author in Residence from September through December? Writing a monthly blog about the writing life? Participating in readergirlz chats? Attending a live online party?
I did not have to think twice. This is readergirlz—perhaps the most esteemed site for young adult readers in the world. It's the brain child of Justina Chen Headley, Dia Calhoun, Holly Cupala, Melissa Walker, and Lorie Ann herself, with no small support from the postergirlz, Little Willow (who makes it all happen technically), Jackie, Miss Erin, ShelfElf, and HipWriterMama. There's real content on this site—deep plunges into the world of good books—and I've been honored to come to know these creators and doers over the past many months.
So here I am—the first official readergirlz author in residence. I'll have vlogs for you about writing themes—as well as writing contests. Please do stay tuned.
20 Comments on On Becoming the readergirlz Author in Residence, last added: 9/2/2009
Fourteen-year-old Kate, a foster kid living in Brooklyn, is fairly bored and lonely this summer because her best friend is far away, on a trip in South Africa. Kate makes a new friend named Najeelah, a girl who dresses to impress and has boyfriends galore. When Kate gets a makeover and new-old (hand-me-down) wardrobe from Najeelah, she gets a total confidence boost - enough to start flirting with her crush and long-time friend Charles. But when Najeelah's risky behavior puts Kate in some tricky situations, Kate must decide whether her new friend is worth the risk.
I think that you should'nt have risky friends because they can make you do some things that you should'nt. But I think that this summary is a great one and I am very interested in reading this book. I also think that sometimes it can be good to have risky frinds because risky can also mean brave.
Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life, Rachel Renee Russell's debut, is an illustrated novel sure to appeal to tweens. When Nikki Maxwell transfers to a new school in eighth grade, her mother gives her a diary. Even though Nikki thinks it's dorky and she'd really rather have a cell phone, she starts writing in the diary. She surprises herself with how much she likes journaling, and she decorates her entries with her artwork (also drawn by the auhor).
If you're giving Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney to elementary school readers and So Punk Rock (and Other Ways to Disappoint Your Mother) by Micol and David Ostow to teens, then make sure to give Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life by Rachel Renee Russell to your middle schoolers. Pair it with Middle School is Worse Than Meatloaf by Jennifer L. Holm, Elicia Castaldi, and Matthew Holm and you'll be all set.
Christopher Golden, Cassandra Clare, Rachel Caine, Rosemary Clement-Moore, Lucienne Diver, Jeff Mariotte, and Alyson Noel are all talking about writing YA Paranormal fiction at the Romance Divas forum. Join the discussion - The forum is free to join!
The discussion will be taking place through Saturday, May 30th. Christopher will be at the forum on Thursday, May 28th and Friday, May 29th. Drop by the forum and post your questions for these fantastic authors!
0 Comments on YA Paranormal Panel @ RomanceDivas as of 5/27/2009 10:23:00 PM
I just learned about Bully Bust 2009, a "community-led concerted effort to reduce bullying in schools," sponsored by the Center for Social and Emotional Education and Boy Meets Girl. Bully Bust encourages people to speak up when they see bullying happening in their schools, in their neighborhoods, or online, and to take the STAND UP pledge:
Support those around me who are being bullied or victimized Tell a friend, teacher or parent when I see someone being bullied Ask myself, "How would I want to be treated?" Note where and when bullying occurs (bathroom, playground, online) and Do something when I see someone being bullied – be an UPSTANDER
Understand why bullies bully Practice being a good role model for my fellow students and share "STAND UP to bullies" strategies
Sign the pledge and learn more about the campaign at http://www.bullybust.org Send the link to your friends and family members. If you're a teacher or a librarian, I hope you'll tell your students and patrons about it, too.
Looking for a book about bullying, gossiping, or peer pressure to discuss in class or in a book group? Try one of these titles:
- and this is just the tip of the iceberg. For more books about bullying, peer pressure, and other such topics, consult my Tough Issues for Teens booklist.
1 Comments on Bully Bust 2009, last added: 5/20/2009
What a wonderful idea! Bullying is a real and dangerous problem and I love it whenever I see an initiative to make it stop. I will definitely check out the link. Thanks!
To celebrate the paperback release of her novel Undercover, author Beth Kephart is holding a contest. Simply leave a comment at her blog with a link to a poem you've posted at your blog. Beth says, "I'll be assembling fragments of those poems for a future post, and I'll be asking a special person to choose a favorite."
Ally Carter is giving away an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) of DON'T JUDGE A GIRL BY HER COVER, the next book in her wildly popular Gallagher Girls series. The deadline is tomorrow, April 30th!
To enter, you must write a short essay on the topic of "What it means to be a real Gallagher Girl" and submit it. Here's how! (The following information has been copied directly from Ally Carter's email newsletter.)
The DON'T JUDGE A GIRL BY HER COVER ARC Contest
Please read these rules in their entirety. Entries that do not comply with the contest rules will not be considered.
THE RULES
Entrants should write an essay on the topic "What it means to be a real Gallagher Girl."
Please email your essay to AllyCarterContest(at)gmail.com on or before April 30th, 2009.
Your essay cannot be longer than 250 words. Essays may be shorter than 250 words, but essays over this length will not be considered.
Essays will be judged both on what you say and how you say it, so be sure and spell-check, proofread, and turn in an essay that would make a Gallagher Girl proud.
A parent, guardian, or teacher may assist, but you must write the essay yourself.
Entries must be included in the body of the email—no attachments. Emails that contain attachments will be deleted immediately and will not be considered.
The subject line of your email should read GG3 ARC contest.
You may only submit ONE entry, so make it a good one.
Along with your essay, you must include the following information:
Your Name Your age (if under 18) A complete mailing address where any prizes you might receive should be mailed (this could be home, school, your parent's work address, etc.—please note to whose attention the package should be addressed) Your preferred T-shirt size Your email address
Unfortunately, due to the cost and difficulty of shipping overseas, the contest will be limited to people in the U.S. and Canada. (Sorry, international readers! Maybe we'll be able to do something for you in the near future.)
If you've read and understood these rules and feel up to a challenge, then start writing!
The first place winner will receive a signed Advance Reading Copy (ARC) of DON'T JUDGE A GIRL BY HER COVER and a Gallagher Girls T-shirt. The winning entry will be posted on http://www.AllyCarter.com!
Second place will receive a "play away" version of the CROSS MY HEART AND HOPE TO SPY audiobook from Brilliance Audio for your school library and a Gallagher Girls t-shirt for you! (A "play away", by the way, is like a mini-iPod that has an audiobook automatically loaded on it.)
Winners will be notified via email on or before May 8th, 2009.
Winners will be announced on http://www.AllyCarter.com on May 9th, 2009 - exactly one month before DON'T JUDGE A GIRL BY HER COVER will be in stores everywhere.
0 Comments on Win an ARC of Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover! as of 4/29/2009 9:53:00 AM
Hey, YABC followers! If you are a fan of horror and mystery novels, you've got to check this out. :)
THE MAP OF MOMENTS: A Novel of the Hidden Cities by Christopher Golden and Tim Lebbon Now available!
"A wonderfully creepy thriller of a ghost story." - Publishers Weekly, starred review
Love the Hidden Cities novels? Here's your chance to get the next one FREE!
The first 50 (fifty) people to review The Map of Moments: A Novel of The Hidden Cities by Christopher Golden and Tim Lebbon and post the review at both their blog (or website) *AND* at Amazon will get a free signed copy of Tell My Sorrows to the Stones, the next Hidden Cities book, which will be released in 2010.
Once you've posted your review, send your link(s) to [email protected]
The reviews must be at least one paragraph of at least five sentences. This contest is open to residents of the United States, Canada, and Europe. Must be at least 15 years old to enter.
The time has come for a contest! Actually, five weeks of contests!
Here's the deal: each week from now until Support Teen Literature Day on April 16th, we'll be awarding a package of books to one winner. To enter, you just comment at the readergirlz blog (comments on older posts count - a point for each comment!) and get an extra ten points for taking up the week's challenge. Get ten more any time by becoming one of our blog followers! Do this by going to the blog - look at the column on the left-hand side and scroll down until you see the Followers section, then sign in / click Follow!
Report your post at the readergirlz blog with the URL (and get eleven points!). We'll keep track of the comments and urls and award the winners each week. Books! Prizes! And you'll be supporting teen lit and hospitalized teens across the country.
There was hardly a soul in the restaurant last night by the time my husband and I made our way to it. The streets were thick with ice and the snow that had been falling all day long kept rising back up with the wind and snapping. I had my blackberry with me because I always do, because it is my one connection across hundreds of miles to my son; I want to be near if he wants to talk. And so there we were, and there was the blackberry, and there was cold outside and a certain emptiness in my heart—a sadness stemming from news encountered earlier in the day.
Toward the end of the meal (appetizers, only), that little red blackberry light went off, and I checked to see to whom it might belong. It was Little Willow, of all people, a forerunner blogger of forerunner bloggers, who was out there doing smart book talk in advance of most of the world.
Guess who has a book recommended in this month's issue of readergirlz? she wrote. You do! You do! The postergirlz picked UNDERCOVER as a recommended read, along with our main March pick, THE ADORATION OF JENNA FOX by Mary E. Pearson.
I try hard not to cry at things that are not life and death related, but no amount of resolve stopped my tears with this. Because who are those readergirlz? They are Lorie Ann Grover, dancer, writer, illustrator, thinker. They are Justina Chen Headley, former executive and now author of such supremely successful and lovely, intelligent books as NORTH OF BEAUTIFUL, her latest, which earned three starred reviews and is getting incredible responses across the blogosophere. They are Melissa Walker, and we all know Melissa—beloved author of the VIOLET series and fashionista, who reports on her Manhattan travels so that the rest of us can be voyeurs. They are Dia Calhoun, the acclaimed authoress, and Holly Cupala, whose first novel is due out in 2010. And in essential supporting roles there are those like Miss Little Willow herself, HipWriterMama (a blogger I admired for so long from afar, a writer, and interviewer extraordinaire), and the delightfully popular Miss Erin, rising actress and poet and friend (and daughter of sometimes actress, rising photographer, and always friend Sherry!).
They are, in other words, women I have long respected. Women who are out there making a difference with their voices and their opinions.
UNDERCOVER stands as a March pick among books that I'd be proud to be associated with on any day of any week: MEMOIRS OF A TEENAGE AMNESIAC, FRANKENSTEIN, GRACELING, NOT QUITE WHAT I WAS PLANNING: SIX-WORD MEMOIRS BY WRITERS FAMOUS AND OBSCURE, and WALDEN.
I don't know about you, but sometimes electronic hugs, as first delivered upon my heart by Anna Lefler, are not enough.
Still:
(((thank you)))
25 Comments on And Then I Cried, last added: 3/4/2009
Congrats! Now I'm going to have to find the time to check out all these links you've provided... which I suspect are going to lead me to many more good reads. :-)
Aack! Oh, Beth, I do not deserve to be mentioned in this post that celebrates the continued achievements of your TERRIFIC book, Undercover AND the amazing work of the Superwomen that make up the bookloving, booksharing,very generous readergirlz.
I'm so happy that Undercover is on the recommended list this month. And I can't help but say that I look forward to a month, someday, in which one of your books gets chosen as the main pick, so that teens (and other fans~)will get good and saturated with BK inspiration. Cheers!
Congratulations on the book selection! And I'm glad to know I'm not the only long-distance mom who keeps her cell phone nearby just in case her son needs to talk :-).
Beth, you write so beautifully - I would love to read more. Where can I access/order your books?
Sending an electronic hug: *squeeze*
Also saw a clip of Anna Lefler doing stand-up - her blog has me laughing out loud any time there's a new post, and seeing her live sure as heck didn't disappoint! That lady rocks, and so do you. *another squeeze*
Sometimes, what you don't do can be as consequential as what you do.
Parker was a good girl. A nice girl. A cheerleader. A straight-A student.
Then something happened. Something which changed Parker completely. Something she wishes she could change. Her mood, her grades, and her spirits have all plummeted. Haunted, Parker is no longer the girl she once was - and she doesn't want to be, not anymore.
Courtney Summers' debut novel Cracked Up to Be is not to be missed. From its first page, Cracked Up to Be is raw and real. With everything referring back to a party and alluding to something that transpired there, there's an element of mystery to the story that will keep readers glued to the book until the very last page.
readergirlz is having a blog-o-hunt for Native American Heritage month. It's totally easy to participate! Simply check out the questions as posted in this month's issue of readergirlz, then email your responses to [email protected] with the subject line "rgz blog-o-hunt" by November 30th. The first 25 correct entries will win rgz buttons and bookmarks!
For more information contact: Sara Easterly, Publicist for readergirlz Sara Easterly & Friends [email protected] 206-632-8588
READERGIRLZ PRESENTS “NIGHT BITES” ONLINE AUTHOR CHATS More than a dozen authors to converge on rgz forum to chat with ravenous teen readers
Sept. 18, 2008 (Seattle, Wash.) -- In celebration of Young Adult Library Services Association's (YALSA's) Teen Reed Week™, readergirlz (rgz) is excited to present Night Bites, a series of online live chats with an epic lineup of published authors. The chats will take place at the rgz forum, Oct. 13-17, 2008.
Playing off of YALSA's theme of “Books with Bite,” Night Bites will feature five themed chats designed to appeal to an array of literary tastes. Sure to suck in even the most reluctant teen readers, the complete Night Bites schedule is as follows:
- Monday, Oct. 13: Multicultural Bites with authors Coe Booth (TYRELL), An Na (THE FOLD), and rgz diva Mitali Perkins (SECRET KEEPER) - Tuesday, Oct. 14: Verse Bites with rgz diva Lorie Ann Grover (ON POINTE), Stephanie Hemphill (YOUR OWN SYLVIA), and Lisa Ann Sandell (SONG OF THE SPARROW) - Wednesday, Oct. 15: Contemporary Bites with Ally Carter (CROSS MY HEART AND HOPE TO SPY), rgz diva Justina Chen Headley (NORTH OF BEAUTIFUL), and Maureen Johnson (SUITE SCARLETT) - Thursday, Oct. 16: Fantasy Bites with Holly Black and Ted Naifeh (THE GOOD NEIGHBORS), rgz diva Dia Calhoun (AVIELLE OF RHIA), and Tamora Pierce (MELTING STONES) - Friday, Oct. 17: Gothic Bites with Holly Cupala (A LIGHT THAT NEVER GOES OUT), Christopher Golden (SOULLESS), Annette Curtis Klause (BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE), and Mari Mancusi (BOYS THAT BITE).
It all happens at the rgz forum (http://groups.myspace.com/readergirlz) beginning at 6 p.m. Pacific Time (9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time), Oct. 13-17.
About readergirlz readergirlz is the foremost online book community for teen girls, led by five critically acclaimed YA authors - Dia Calhoun (Avielle of Rhia), Lorie Ann Grover (On Pointe), Justina Chen Headley (Girl Overboard), and Mitali Perkins (First Daughter: White House Rules). readergirlz is the recipient of a 2007 James Patterson PageTurner Award.
To promote teen literacy and leadership in girls, readergirlz features a different YA novel and corresponding community service project every month. For more information about readergirlz, please visit www.readergirlz.com and www.myspace.com/readergirlz, or contact [email protected].
About YALSA For more than 50 years, YALSA has been the world leader in selecting books, films and audiobooks for teens. For more information about YALSA or for lists of recommended reading, viewing and listening, go to www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists.
Many kudos and thanks to Holly Cupala for designing the poster and creating the trailer. The song used in the trailer is a cover version of Ring of Fire performed by Universal Hall Pass.
Until October, sleep tight . . . Don't let the book bugs bite!
Please feel free to repost the Night Bites press release, poster, and trailer at your blog or website.
0 Comments on READERGIRLZ PRESENTS NIGHT BITES ONLINE AUTHOR CHATS as of 9/21/2008 6:04:00 PM
Yep, it's time once again for a little 2k8 horn-tooting!!
If you have a few minutes, clickity-click on some of the linkety-links below and enjoy getting to know about some of our authors and titles.
The fabulous Little Willow sure has been busy!
Check out this interview she did with Kristin O'Donnell Tubb, author of AUTUMN WINIFRED OLIVER DOES THINGS DIFFERENT.
Next up, Little Willow reviewed Nancy Viau's book, SAMANTHA HANSEN HAS ROCKS IN HER HEAD. "Samantha Hansen Has Rocks In Her Head by Nancy Viau is fun and funny. I'm sure young readers will dig Samantha, especially those who like the Clementine books by Sara Pennypacker."
She also talked to Nancy about the writing of the book and asked some very interesting questions in this interview.
I think Samantha Hansen might say, "You rock, Little Willow!"
For another review of SAMANTHA HANSEN HAS ROCKS IN HER HEAD, you can read Book Review Maniac's review which includes this praise, "I ab-so-lutely enjoyed this book. It was well written and the plot was great. It had me thinking what Samantha was thinking and wondering what she was wondering. And I even got a little bit mad when she was."
The amazing Cynthia Leitich Smith interviewed Zu Vincent about her book, THE LUCKY PLACE. You already know Cynsations is THE place to get the scoop on must-read books!
Finally - we leave you with a fabulous contest! Terri Clark is giving away TWO early copies of her September 2 release, SLEEPLESS. If you'd like a chance to win a copy of this YA thriller and an official RWA tote bag visit her BLOG for details.
1 Comments on Shameless Saturday, last added: 8/10/2008
Have you read Marjorie Coughlan's fabulous interview with Jen Robinson over at papertigers.org? Lots of insight and inspiration, with Jen explaining why books, reading, and literacy mean so much to her and what she hopes to accomplish with her fabulous blog, Jen Robinson's Book Page. I am totally blown away by her commitment and dedication.
Make sure to read this post about writing YA by tadmack at Finding Wonderland. You probably know there is a lot of discussion going on in the kidlit blogosphere right now about the stigma YA literature seems to carry in the publishing world. Many bloggers are responding to a recent New York Times article by Margo Rabb, "I'm Y.A., and I'm O.K.," including LJ's Little Willow (slayground) and David Lubar (davidlubar).
Colleen Mondor is rounding up other reactions and opinions at Chasing Ray. She has also designated this week as a time for everyone to post about any issues or concerns they have about children's and young adult publishing, so check back every day for updates.
Next up in the hot seat, the force behind one of the most comprehensive YA and MG book review blogs in the industry, Little Willow!!! We literally have to raise the roof to fit in all the books she's read and reviewed! In fact it is so crowded, we must part with one--and you can leave a comment for your chance to win Bewitching Season by Marissa Doyle! (Deadline to enter is June 29th, winner announced June 30th).
Okay, here we go with some quick stats:
What's your handle? Little Willow What kind of books do you review? Most of what I review is young adult fiction, but I read and enjoy a wide variety of books: classic literature for both adults and children, contemporary adult fiction, fantasy, horror, and mystery, contemporary juvenile fiction, non-fiction works pertaining to Ancient Egypt, math, science, and language, the occasional biography, some picture books, and other reference materials. I love words and will read the dictionary for fun. Approx # of books reviewed?Hundreds. Where can we find your reviews? http://slayground.livejournal.com/ http://slayground.livejournal.com/tag/reviews I also post some of my book reviews at other websites and online communities, such as Young Adult Books Central, The Edge of the Forest, Amazon, and the readergirlz forum. As a freelance journalist, I sometimes submit my reviews to print magazines and papers as well. Reading turn-ons:Realism. Compassion. Intelligence. Imagination. Reading turn-offs:Cliches. Excessive swearing. Debauchery. Class of 2K8 books Reviewed: The Opposite of Invisible by Liz Gallagher (author interview) (I also created Liz's website:http://www.lizgallagher.com/) Shift by Jennifer Bradbury (author interview) Read My Lips by Teri Brown (author interview) Alive and Well in Prague, New York by Daphne Grab (author interview) Undone by Brooke Taylor Samantha Hansen Has Rocks In Her Head by Nancy Viau
I have additional titles in my to-read pile: A Curse Dark as Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce Bewitching Season by Marissa Doyle Braless in Wonderland by Debbie Reed Fischer
Wow, awesome list! Okay, let's get into the tough questions, shall we. We love the crazy handles book reviewers come up with - tell us how you came up with yours! A little bit about how you got into book reviewing would be cool too.
The first time I went online was in the spring of 1997, shortly after the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer started airing. I went to the show's official website and found a forum there. Realizing that I needed a handle, I came up with Little Willow. At that point in the show, the character of Willow was a book-smart brunette, so I related to her. I tacked on the Little because I was younger and shorter than the actress who portrayed her.
"At that point in the show..." are you distancing yourself from Evil Willow perhaps? Since we know you're not evil (stay away from that black magic, okay?), let's talk about your grading system and how that translates to the reader?
I don't usually grade books in my reviews, but in some of my booklists, like the Tough Issues for Teens booklist- I give each book a rating according to the United States movie rating guide - G, PG, PG-13, or R - based on content, and a number of stars - four being the best - based on quality, in my personal opinion.
Book ratings are a hot topic right now, but we could be here all day if we started discussing that! Tell us--how do you pick the books you review? Or are they picked for you?
Some book reviewers are employed by newspapers, magazines, websites, etcetera, and they may or may not have to review certain titles. I'm not employed by any such publications. I work as a bookseller full-time and blog about books to share my love of literacy with others. I review books I enjoy and want to encourage others to read.
You say you read books you enjoy, but do you ever read books that wouldn't normally interest you - and if so have you ever been surprised by what you've read?
I read a variety of books. No matter what the genre, I love when a book impresses me and surprises me a good way.
What are the best ways to find new books? Any advice for authors about getting their book noticed by reviewers?
Ask booksellers, librarians, friends, family, and other trusted individuals for recommendations. Don't form an opinion of a book strictly based on the cover, nor strictly based on someone else's review - read it yourself! One person's junk is another person's treasure, so you might greatly enjoy a book that someone else reviewed negatively, and vice-versa. Readers: Read to learn. Read to experience and consider new things. Read to escape. Read for the story. Read just to read. Authors: Be yourself. Believe in your book, your story, your characters, and your writing. Be positive, realistic, and optimistic. Your book will find its way to those who will appreciate it. Consider your audience. Think about why you wrote the book and for whom it was written. Don't be pushy when approaching reviewers, buyers, and others in the book community. Tell them about your book and see if they seem interested. Don't demand that they read it, review it, buy it - just talk about it.
Great advice! Let me ask you something else, if you really aren't feeling a book - will you make the ultimate sacrifice and finish it for the sake of the review?
If I start a book, I have to finish it. That's my own personal rule. On average, I read a book a day, more if there are picture books and short works in the mix!
One a day! WOW! So if you really love a book - will you read it again? If so - what are some of the books you just had to read more than once?
Oh, yes! As a kid, I re-read my favorite books and checked out cherished stories from the library again and again. It was like visiting friends. Books I've read a countless number of times include Anne of Green Gables, The Westing Game, The Phantom Tollbooth, and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. A few years ago, I sat down with The Great Gatsby intending to simply locate a quote within its pages and ended up re-reading the entire book right then and there. I enjoy reading and re-reading Christopher Golden's books.
Do you have a basic philosophy on what should be included in a review - or does it depend on the book itself?
I like when reviews are informative, passionate, and truthful! Be it a professional or a more informal review, it ought to include the book's premise as well as the reviewer's thoughts on the story and the writing. The style and length of the review may depend not only on the book, but also on the reviewer and/or the publication. Some magazines and reviewers follow a strict format and adhere to a word count. I write what I feel.
Tell us about the last time your jaw dropped open,you laughed, or you cried while reading a book.
Yesterday, I read Toys Go Out: Being the Adventures of a Knowledgeable Stingray, a Toughy Little Buffalo, and Someone Called Plastic by Emily Jenkins and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinski. It made me laugh and smile quite often. It was absolutely precious. I simply did not want to let that book go! I returned it to the library this afternoon like a good little patron. I eagerly await the sequel, Toy Dance Party, which comes out in September. Maureen Johnson's books (and her blog) crack me up without fail. Christopher Golden writes jaw-droppers. Thief of Hearts, the second book in his line of Body of Evidence mysteries, truly made my jaw drop. I couldn't believe my eyes when I read a certain chapter. Oh my goodness. There are few books (or films or TV shows) that bring me to tears. The Book Thief did. So did Wizards at War, one of the Young Wizards novels by Diane Duane.
The Book Thief claims the life of yet another hankie! Now, for a favorite question of any avid reader of YA or MG books. Is there any character in a book that you wish would come to life? Or any place you wish existed?
Yes! Oh, there are so many I could list. I'll limit myself to ten or less right now, or I'll never shut up. Characters I'd love to speak with: Nick from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables Turtle from The Westing Game Parker from The Bermudez Triangle by Maureen Johnson
Places I'd love to visit: Phantásien from The NeverEnding Story by Michael Ende (Fantastica in the English version of the book; called Fantasia in the films) The Kingdom of Wisdom from The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster Strangewood from the book of the same title by Christopher Golden Never Land from Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
Those would be amazing places to visit! What books do you find yourself recommending over and over and why?
I recommend my favorite books and authors to people every day, but I also pride myself on the ability to personalize recommendations for each reader. I cherish books like Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll and books by Christopher Golden because they are intelligent and inventive.
Okay, you know it's coming, are you ready? Here it is: the Extra Scandalous Question! Really bad reviews - do you ever fear giving them?
I read hundreds of books a year, but I do not review every single book I read. At my blog, I review books I really enjoy and those that I think my readers will like. There are plenty of books I do like that I simply haven't the time to review. I would rather post about good books than bad ones. I write my blog for other readers. I'd rather spend half an hour writing about someone or something I believe in. Time is precious - why waste it being negative? I want to accentuate the positive. If I were writing a weekly column for a publication that asked me to review certain titles, that would be a different situation, but I would still always be honest.
Being positive is a good thing! Now for a bad thing--Ever had an author get upset with you? (It's okay - you can tell us, just don't name names!)
Yes, I have, and it hurt. I always get upset when someone doesn't like me.
And what advice do you have for authors who get a bad review?
Of course, an author hopes to receive favorable reviews. Everyone likes being liked, and anything negative in life can sting. There's a difference between offering constructive criticism and tearing something or someone apart, between being thoughtful and being flat-out mean. As I said earlier, I encourage authors to believe in their stories and in themselves. Don't get hung up on any negative reviews. Keep writing.
Great answer! One last question:if they aren't scared off by all that bad review talk and an author would like you to review her book, what should she do?
To me, there's a difference between asking, "Would you like to read my book?" and "Will you review my book?" The latter implies a written review, published in some way, while the former is more casual and less pushy.
Don't forget to leave a comment for your chance to win Marissa Doyle's Bewitching Season! Little Willow has yet to review it but here's what others are saying:
"This wonderfully crafted debut novel braids several very different storylines into an utterly satisfying whole." --Booklist, starred review
"Doyle offers a heart-throbbing romance full of magic and royal-court intrigue....Fans of historical mysteries will find this a page-turner."--Kirkus
I already own Bewitching Season, so don't include me in the contest.
Loved this interview, and I LOVE Little Willow- she's just awesome, and I love reading her blog! She's on my livejournal friends list, and it's great to read her entries every day. I'm surprised she has the time to work as a bookseller, read a book a day, and keep up such an amazing blog. How do you do it?!
Also, just wanted to say *hugs* in regards to the upset author thing you mentioned- that's so sad!
Great interview! I look forward to Little Willow reviewing Courage in Patience!
Thanks for the add! Beth Fehlbaum, author Courage in Patience, a story of hope for those who have endured abuse http://courageinpatience.blogspot.com http://www.kunati.com/courage-in-patience Chapter 1 is online!
Great interview! Little Willow, I am in awe of how many books you read. I'm also glad soemone else has the same rule as me, once I start a book, I must finish it!
Anonymous said, on 6/25/2008 10:14:00 AM
Great interview!! I really want to read this book, Enter me please!!
Little Willow's contributions to the blogosphere book scene are incredible. Her reviews are favs of mine. This (and the others) are great interviews, Class of 2k8! Well done. It's been awesome getting insight on the people behind the reviews. :)
Many thanks to the Class of 2k8 for including me in their series of Book Reviewer Hot Seat Interviews, and thanks to everyone who left a comment here or at my blog.
Book Chic, Miss Erin, Reader Rabbit, Debbie, Vivian, The Compulsive Reader, Tori, Daphne, Courtney, Teri, and anyone I accidentally missed: Thank you for the kind words.
Book Chic: Re: How I do things: I multi-task.
Breanna, Carmen T, TCR, Liviania, shina-laris, Book Adorer: Nice to meet you!
Danielle, Leonore, Kiki, and cyn2write: I read really quickly.
A couple of TIPS! (Totally Important Posts) today. First off, Stacy Nyikos, author of Dragon Wishes, has had news that her picture book, Dizzy, was chosen silver recipient of the Moms Choice Awards 2008! You can read the press release here!Jennifer Bradbury, author of Shift, received a wonderful book review from teen reviewer extraordinaire, Little Willow. Check it out here! Way to go!
Now back to our regularly scheduled blog. Brook Taylor, author of, Undone, is as good at telling fish stories as she is writing about fate and friendship. Check out her story of girl meets fish!
Brooke: I love scuba diving, but am scared of fish--especially big and ugly fish. This is usually not a big problem for me as most fish stay out of the way. Then I went diving in Vanuatu, an island in the South Pacific where there is an amazing wreck dive of the S.S. President Coolidge. The Hottie Diver Boys teased me the entire time about “Boris” a Goliath grouper that was known to hang out at the site. They talked a big game about this fish. He’s 200kg they said. A 500lb fish? Yeah, right! That was a good one. I kept my eye out though, and the entire dive I didn’t see any fish that was bigger than my hand. Those crazy dive boys! At the end of the dive we stopped at an underwater sandy ledge to decompress, and because of the current there was this nice little metal bar installed where you could hold on and not be pulled off the ledge. I’m the last one there, so I’m right at the drop off and am hanging onto the bar and trying to get situated and comfortable when out of the corner of my eye I see something. A 500lb fish you ask? No. The dive boy pulling something big and bloody out of his dive sack. He waved it around, turning the water red. I got a little sick to my stomach. And then the water around me changed, turned darker, shadowed. I swallowed and turned as best I could. There it was—as big as a Volkswagen Bug. The largest, ugliest fish I’d ever seen coming right at me. His slimy grey lips parted, his jaw hinged open. I could easily just get sucked inside and be swallowed whole. I squeezed my eyes shut and gripped down on the bar. He was not going to take me! As he got closer, I could feel him brush against me. He was more like two Volkswagen Bugs and then finally his tail. It was almost over. He was going to pass right by me. I was going to live. And then Wham! His tail slapped me hard, ripping my grip from the bar and send me flailing off the ledge. The Hottie Dive Boys had a good laugh about that.
I am amazed at how big groupers can get! They are super freaky.
Brooke Taylor said, on 3/28/2008 2:50:00 PM
I figured the guys were just messing with me. They liked to do that kind of stuff--which was fine with me because they were Australian dive boys and super hot. I was not prepared to meet Boris face to tail as it were.
Sadly he's not returned to the dive site in awhile--since 2003 I think.
The multi-talented Little Willow is writing a feature article for the next Edge of the Forest about books that opened your eyes.
I answered as my child-reader self and my comments have to do with By the Shores of Silver Lake which I read on a train when I was about seven or eight years old.
Wonderful!
Wow! How exciting! I'm heading over there now!
Wahoo! This makes me very happy!
This is exciting! I'm going to check readergirlz out now!
Welcome!!!
So glad to host you!
Congrats, Beth. What a great residency!
Oh, that's the best news I've heard all summer! So cool!!
Congratulations! I can't wait to see your blogs and vlogs!
YAY YAY YAY
I am soooooo happy about this!!!!!
Very exciting!!!!
I look forward to your reign!
(Did I ever mention I read NOTHING BUT GHOSTS in England? The gardens were the perfect backdrop. I may still be digesting.)
How exciting for you - and for us! I'm off to check this out :)
Yippee!
Congrats--truly fabulous! Sounds like it will be so much fun.
Congrats!
Fabulous!
How fabulous! I can't wait to follow along at readergirlz.
Yay! So glad to have you hanging out!
Very exciting! Congrats!