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All of the CBAY books coming out this year are based on some sort of mythology. In a weird (unintentional) symmetry both paperback books -- The Amulet of Amon-Ra and The Secrets of the Cheese Syndicate -- are based on what I call inactive mythologies while the two hardcover -- The Navel of the World and The Book of Knowledge -- use active mythologies. I consider an active mythology to be the stories that modern, mainstream religions base their beliefs on.
Obviously, using an active mythology makes your book more controversial since you are working with (and often contradicting) some people's religious beliefs. What do you think about using an active mythology in a fantasy?
Go to the Buried in the Slush Pile Forum to weigh in.
I took a "sick" day yesterday, so I didn't get the Tip of the Week posted. However, it was less than stellar. I occasionally lack inspiration, and this tip was a great example of that. It was "Don't limit yourself to Greco-Roman Mythology." So, instead of talking about that, I'm just going to go ahead and skip to my Review of the Week. (Insert dramatic trumpet intro here.)
The Night Tourist
By Katherine Marsh
This book is one of my favorite books to handsell. I give it to the older kids who have finished the Percy books and still want to read books based on Greek mythology. Still, I'm still surprised by the number of people who are unfamiliar with the book.
The book is an inventive retelling of the Orpheus myth set in modern New York City. Most of the Greek characters aren't mentioned by name, but the astute child reader (and pretty much every adult) picks up on them. And that's what I like about this work. All the books that I've mentioned previously this week blatantly use the mythology. In this book, it's generally more subtle. (Although one of the characters does call herself Eury - which is an abbreviation of the female in the Orpheus myth. However, the average child is not so familiar with the Orpheus myth that they can name every character. It doesn't give away as much as it does to an adult reader.)
I think writers should read both types of works - those that use the mythological characters and those that hint at mythology or use a theme or story arc without screaming, "Mythology!" Supposedly there are no new story ideas, and if that really is true, then learning to rework traditional literature, whether it's a myth or a fairy tale or a classic work of public domain literature, is one of the greatest skills an author can master.
The past few years have seen a resurgence of ancient mythologies, especially Greek mythology, in children's books. Most of this can almost certainly be credited to the popularity of the Percy Jackson series. In many ways Percy has done for mythology the same thing Harry Potter did for magic -- create a huge interest in books in this area. Granted, there were books with Greek and Roman mythological characters before Percy, but there are a whole lot more of them now.
And now, the desire for mythological books is spreading into other pantheons as well. Last year the Norse were represented in the book Runemarks and Pinkwater has a couple of books (The Neddiad and the Yggyssey) based on North American indigenous religions. But it looks like the next big round of mythological books will be Egyptian based.
Just like zombie is the new vampire over in the teen section, Ra is the new Zeus over in the midgrades. According to gossip I've been hearing all sorts of publishers are looking for Eyptian-themed books for all sorts of age ranges. There is definitely an opportunity out there for those of you who happen to have an Egyptian mythology manuscript lying around.
I am (coincidentally -- I do not pretend that I forecasted this trend several years back -- I'm good but not that good) participating in this trend by putting out my own Egyptian-based book in October. Although the book is more of a historical fantasy rather than a mythological fantasy, the god Amon-Ra does make an appearance.
And all this talk about mythologies leads me to my writing prompt for this week: Google an unfamiliar mythology. Using some aspect of the mythology that interests you (character, place, idea, etc.), write something. Go to http://buriedintheslushpile.ning.com/forum/topics/mythological-fiction to post what the prompt inspires.
Tip of the Week: When considering where to submit your religious fiction, don't limit yourself exclusively to that religion's market.
Although you always want to start focussed when submitting, remember that many religious fiction books can work for the mass market as well. Like submitting any kind of fiction, the key is to do research into the publishers and agents you want to submit to. Obviously you are not going to submit Christian fiction to Llewellyn, publisher of such Wiccan works like Blue is for Nightmares or A Withch's Spell-A-Day Almanac. That would just be a waste of everyone's time and stamps. But depending on your story, you might be able to send it to a general editor at house like Simon & Schuster. Just research, research, research. Try to make sure you get your manuscript into the hands of someone who is predisposed to liking it.
Shari: As long as I have been on the Children’s Writers list you have been lurking there. Occasionally, when least expected, you have been known to burst from the bushes in your black cat suit brandishing a spear gun and shouting “You’re next Bushida!”. These infrequent outbursts have been known to make writers everywhere spit coffee through their noses and ruin an otherwise perfectly good computer keyboard. All of which leads me to ask “Who are you?”
Are you truly a children’s writer, or simply a gatecrasher?
Missy: My agent thinks I’m a children’s writer, although lately I haven’t been as active as I should. (Life sometimes gets in the way of writing.) I won the Kathryn O’Connor Memorial Scholarship from SCBWI-IL a few years back because they were so stunned by my children’s writing.
Shari: What are your credentials for writing?
Missy: I’ve been published in just about everything. I think the first thing I published was for the April Fools edition of the university newspaper, in which I conducted a bogus interview with the school president. I had him admit to stealing silverware from the faculty cafeteria and hiding under his desk singing show tunes, among other things. It was quite a hit with my fellow students.
The most recent thingie was a big people novel, as ace children’s book reviewer Sue Corbett puts it, because saying “adult novel” sometimes gives people the wrong idea. That novel was written under a ridiculous penname I have since come to regret. I can never remember how to spell it.
The best thing I ever wrote was an email in which I went on and on about a planet where everyone worships William Shatner. That night, I got an email from a man I didn’t know. He said he was sitting at his desk with a loaded gun, getting ready to commit suicide. By a strange karmic coincidence, my email popped up on his computer. He read it, started laughing, and decided not to die after all.
Shari: That must have been a very moving experience. It certainly demonstrates the power of words to touch people's lives.
Missy: I remember trembling and crying for an hour afterward. I had no idea emails could do something like that. It was almost too much to handle.
Shari: How did you happen to join the CW list? Was this a conspiracy put together by your cohorts Bev Cooke, Dotti Enderle (Old Butterfly Nose), and Jan Fields to infiltrate the ranks and shake things up a bit?
Missy: I searched the Yahoo lists one day, found CW, and Bob’s your uncle.
Shari: No, actually Bob's my husband. Where did you meet the aforementioned conspirators?
Missy: I didn’t know anyone on CW, or so I thought. Turned out that another member and I went to high school together. The other people became pals because they have a great sense of humor and don’t take themselves too seriously. I did meet a member of CW in person around midnight in the parking lot of a Waffle House near Nashville, TN. I mean, it wasn’t a coincidence or anything—we meant to do it.
Shari: What have you written besides E-Bob and Toast and when can we expect to see that published? Will you illustrate it yourself? What have you had published so far?
Missy: I haven’t had any children’s books published yet. Right now, as far as I know, my agent is pushing Good Knight Chris, the tale of a girl who wants to become a knight in the kingdom of Knobsoggit. It is the only medieval story ever written that includes the death of a Los Angeles Angels centerfielder. It has a man named Oblong Larkspit, some space aliens, and a naked wizard. Oh, and a poodle named Dotti. I can’t draw so I won’t be illustrating that or anything else.
Shari: You have a delightful sense of humor. I suspect you are professor in real life and write only educational papers. Am I close? Is that why you occasionally sign Dr. Missy? Doctor of what?
Missy: In my younger days I was a television producer/director and had my own radio show. Eventually I stopped doing that stuff for some reason and earned an MA and PhD in Mass Communications. Then, as you so cleverly noted, I became a professor in real life and published all manner of books and articles under yet another name because I’m sneaky. (My academic stuff, for some strange reason, remains staggeringly popular in Germany.) I am no longer a professor because one day during Christmas break I woke up and realized I couldn’t take the politicking and bickering of my colleagues any more. I handed in my resignation that very day and went off to Florida to windsurf. So that’s why I’m Dr. Missy, plus it’s a lot easier to say than my real last name, which is incredibly convoluted and confuses people. I am also called DeeDee, by the way. No one knows why.
Shari: What tips can you offer our readers about writing?
Missy: Read lots of children’s books. Zillions of them. And then eat them, in order to make sure you fully experience the story and the craft that went into creating that story.
Shari: Tell us about your writing space.
Missy: I have a den to myself, featuring a lovely Tommy Bahama writing desk with an iMac perched on it and a small inspirational figurine of Señor Misterioso, among other things. Two walls and good chunk of the floor are taken up with books; the other walls hold my collection of animation cels. (Yes, I spelled that right.)
Scattered around the room are twenty or so Barbies, my fave being the Catwoman Barbie, the one wearing the leather catsuit and brandishing a whip. I still can’t believe Mattel authorized that one! The most recent Barbie is actually Tippi Hedrin from Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds. She has a huge black bird stuck to her forehead, trying to peck her eyes out, another on her shoulder trying to pluck out her jugular, and one yanking on the skirt of her very tasteful outfit. What is going on at Mattel?!
Shari: What do you wear when writing?
Missy: You aren’t one of those people who call up late at night, breathing heavy and demanding to know what the other person is wearing, are you? It’s okay if you are. I just wanted to know.
As we’ve discussed many times on CW, I always wear a black latex catsuit, clutching a speargun in one hand while typing with the other. Except for today, when I’m wearing plaid shorts and a t-shirt with a mermaid on it.
Shari: Please tell us about your family. Do you have any pets?
Missy: I have two teenage sons who are driving me crazy. I also keep a British trauma surgeon around the house, just in case. We have an oversized Staffordshire bull terrier who was, er, liberated from a jerk who trains fighting dogs. Our dog is incredibly strong and has about 3,000 teeth. It’s a good thing he likes us.
Thank you for participating in this interview. Your surprise visits brighten my day and I am sure others would agree. I hope we have shed some light on the real “Missy”.
Comments on this and other posts this week will be elligible for the e-book drawing on May 16th,2009.
My name is Wendy Martin. I use the pen name W. Lyon Martin. (Lyon sounds like lion.) I have several reasons for using my nickname, one of which there is another author called Wendy Martin. She doesn’t write children’s books, but I wanted to avoid confusion when I had my first book published. I am a transplanted New Englander living in the wilds of the Midwest. I have a loving husband, a snarly teenager and couple of noisy, demanding cats. I have written and illustrated three books, and illustrated another one, which I did not write. They are all picture books.
How long have you been writing/illustrating for children?
A: I officially started writing for children in 2000. I have been painting professionally since 1979. I decided to concentrate on illustration for children late in the 90s. I love drawing and painting “cute” life scenes. I’ve tried to paint scary and such but I don’t seem to have that particular talent. In my book “Watchers,” (Magical Child Books 2008), I painted a monster. Even my monster is on the cute side, and not particularly scary.
How do you deal with writer’s block?
A: I call “writer’s block” white paper fear. When I first started working in watercolor in the 90s, I was afraid of ruining the pristine sheets of watercolor paper. At the time, I found their cost to be a huge amount of money. Unlike canvas and oil painting, when you “goof” on a watercolor it’s nearly impossible to cover it up or erase it. I’ve learned more techniques over the years, so I am not as fearful. Still when faced with that bright white expanse it’s hard to make the first mark. Therefore, I’ve discovered I need to give myself permission to “have fun.” If I take the seriousness out of what I am doing (i.e. deadlines, loss of time, loss of materials, false starts) and just go for it, I find that writer’s block has a way of moving aside so it is no longer a problem.
Tell us about your new book. Where can we buy it?
A: My new book “Rabbit’s Song” by S.J. Tucker and Trudy Herring is structured on old-time folktales. The story tells of the quest of Trickster to find animals to represent him here on Earth. He meets many animals and finally settles on Rabbit and his friends Coyote, Raven and Crow. These animals have shown up in stories around the world in the Trickster tradition. My illustrations are reminiscent of the art found in many native cultures. Curving lines and strong colors are the most obvious of these elements. The book is available at big online booksellers. They can also be ordered through independent or big name bricks and mortar bookstores. Several libraries around the country also have copies, so you can ask your local librarian to order a copy.
Do you have a website, blog or both?
A: One of my web sites is at http://wendymartinillustration.com/ and there is a blog there. I also have live journal, facebook, myspace and jacketflap blogs. In addition, on amazon there is a blog attached to my books if you scroll down to the bottom section of each book’s page. I update the blogs sporadically. In addition, I have a mailing list folks can sign up to where I send out announcements and coloring pages.
Do you write in more than one genre?
A: I have been doing picture books for a number of years but recently I started several young adult novels. In illustration, I have done business and commercial art as well as illustrations for adult books, magazine articles. I have also done art for licensing such as T-shirts and cross-stitch patterns. I even have quite a collection of fine art. It is framed and for sale on my web site. I use both traditional media as well as digital formats.
How do you dress when you write?
A: Even though I work out of my home, I keep “office hours.” I get up and go to work early in the morning. If I am not going out into public, I will dress in comfortable clothes like sweat pants and baggy T-shirts. If I have errands, book signings or meetings, I will dress in typical office clothing such as a nice skirt and shirt. Depending on the people I’ll be seeing, I might even wear stockings and heals. I never wear make-up.
What writing groups have been the most helpful to you? A: The best thing I ever did was join the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Through my membership with them, I have met many other authors/illustrators and learned of innumerable websites and other resources to support my goals and education in being the best children’s book creator as I possibly can be.
The other day I was indirectly asked by an author what kind of promotion does Blooming Tree do vs. what was expected from the author. Now, I am not in charge of the marketing and promotional work over at Blooming Tree and never have been. I can only answer with 100% confidence for CBAY Books. However, what I do at CBAY is similar to what is done at Blooming Tree which is similar to what is done at most other presses (big or small) for a mid-list book.
(The marketing done for a blockbuster or potential blockbuster book is radically different. Most authors never see the kind of marketing dollars that books like the later Harry Potters, Brisingr, Twilight sequels, or even Audrey, Wait! get. So, we're going to discuss the marketing done for normal books with normal authors.)
What the Publisher does:
- Pitch the books to chains, independent bookstores, and libraries.
This doesn't guarantee sales to the end consumer, but availability always helps. (In the case of CBAY and Blooming Tree, this will soon be done by our new distributor, National Book Network. However, I can't say with absolute certainty when this transition will take place since the whole process is taking 6-9 times longer than I expected. I will freely admit to feeling frustration over it all.) - Produce advance readers for most hardcover books and some paperbacks.
These readers can then be given to the sales force to be given to potential buyers, sent to reviewers, handed out at trade shows and generally create buzz over a book. - Send books to reviewers and award programs.
- Produce marketing material.
This can include, but isn't limited to: posters, bookmarks, TIP sheets for the sales force, stickers, postcards, websites, dumps, storytime kits, and any other random promo type item you can think of (pens, tshirts, etc.) I personally think that pretty much all of these items except for TIP sheets and websites are a waste of money, mostly because most promotional items end up in the trash. - Have or hire a publicist.
Most of the large houses have staff publicist. How much time or effort they'll spend on your book depends on the book's budget, the publicist, and your relationship with him/her. Most small presses have to hire a publicist by the project. At CBAY, I will (and have) subsidize a publicist on a book by book basis. - Physical book tours for your book.
First off, these are rare for first time authors unless its a book the publisher is really standing behind. Even then, the tour is going to consist more of trade show dinners and talks rather than bookstore signings. I have never subsidized a book tour, partly because I have never been given a proposal for one, and partly because I know how depressing a poorly attended book event can be. However, I would consider helping an author do one that was geared more around school visits and places where the author possessed truly masterful mailing lists.
These are some of the main highlights of what a publisher plans to do with its marketing dollars. Tomorrow, I'll discuss what the publisher expects the author to be doing.
If you were wanting great love advice from one of the world's most famous lovers, who would you ask?
I would want to talk to Juliet. After all she was a teen in love with a guy her parents hated so much that she had to fake her own death to be with him. Granted that didn't exactly work out as planned, but she has suffered for her love and probably has some great advice.
At least, that's what lots of people believe. Every year the city of Verona receives tons of letters addressed to Juliet asking for advice. Since the end of World War II, there's been an entire club devoted to answering those letters. And it's while they're in Verona studying Shakespeare and answering letters for the Juliet Club that the six characters in Suzanne Harper's new book, The Juliet Club, come together.
Suzanne was in the store the other day signing copies of
The Juliet Club and her other teen book
The Secret Live of Sparrow Delaney, so I sat down with her for a chat.
It turns out that she got to do lots of research for this book while she was writing it. Now normally you don't "get" to do research; you have to do it. But in this case it sounded like a whole lot of crazy fun. Suzanne can now:
- Do an Elizabethan dance
- Stage-fight with swords
- Speak some Italian - she liked this so much that she continued her lessons.
And if that wasn't enough, Suzanne got to visit Verona in Italy not once but twice. The second trip was for four days, and while she was there, she actually had the opportunity to visit the Juliet Club and read some of the letters that teenagers have sent in.
Got a question for Juliet? You too can write her. Send a letter properly stamped for international mail to:
CLUB DI GIULIETTA - THE JULIET CLUB
via Galilei 3 - 37100 Verona
Italy
And check out
Suzanne Harper and her books.
(Originally posted at the blog I do for
BookKids.)
Mayra Calvani, a children's author I am currently working on a project with, has just started a new blog. Mayra's Secret Bookcase. She is an accomplished writer, and I am honored to be creating illustrations for a picture book she has written.
Here is a yet undiscovered talent you've got to see. (well...some of us have discovered her talent, but the publishers haven't yet...and I can't wait to see who finds her first.)
Julia Kelly. Go see her work. Her fabric art is amazing. She is also a children's writer, and lots of fun!
Missy,
Would you please get busy writing children's books because I know your agent probably needs a new Porsche or something.
Loved the interview, Shari. :)
Jody
Thanks for checking in.
Shari
Shari, you are a super interviewer. You asked Dr M exactly what we were all drooling to know about her.
And Missy, like great wine and cheese, time has matured you into a bigger, better, and crazier CW member.
Yeah, tartan shorts are a good choice,mate. Catsuits might look "cool" but those heat rashes are the pits!!
Spear guns ahoy, mate. Thanks for the great read!
Margot Finke -
http://www.margotfinke.com
http://margotfinke.blogspot.com/
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FREE: A Link to me reading any Autographed Picture Book you BUY from my website.
That intro and review are painting QUITE the hilarious images in my head.... and those comments are even better. Thanks for giving me a laugh today, as well as introducing me to a great new writer!