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Those of you who know me may or may not know that I've been writing for 12 years.
I started in 2004 when my daughter was born and I had 5 months of paid maternity leave. I was immediately hooked and haven't looked back since.
I've had a tough road in publishing. I've written about 9 books over 12 years rejected by agents and editors. I had an amazing agent and then mutually parted ways.
I ended up indie pubbing my Nature of Grace series (before it was cool) and worked hard to sell over 100,000 copies. I also worked hard to rise above the stigma of self-pubbing and turn off all the naysayers and criticism I received from many. TO be honest, I worked through many tears to get where I am. I stopped writing for 6 months and almost gave up at times, but I found my way back to loving writing again.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE indie pubbing and still do. It was the best decision I ever made (besides my husband :) But I always wanted a traditional deal. Whether I felt I needed to be legitimized or that I needed to prove it to myself or whether it was because I wanted to be a hybrid author and do both indie and traditional, I don't know.
But one day I got super lucky and found a new agent (my agent soulmate) and we have worked hard together to make that dream a reality.
So today, after 9 books, 2 agents, 12 years of writing, and months of holding in a secret and avoiding talking to anyone because I can't keep secrets very well...I can finally announce my first traditional deal. :) And I get to see my name in Publisher's Weekly - a dream come true.
And what's even better, it's with my best friend,
Kimberly Derting (author of the Body Finder series).
=========
Virginia Duncan at Greenwillow Books preempted world rights, in a two-book deal, to a picture book series called Luna and the Scientific Method! by Kimberly Derting and Shelli Johannes-Wells. The first book is set for fall 2017. Laura Rennert at Andrea Brown Literary represented Derting, and Lara Perkins, also at Andrea Brown, represented Johannes-Wells. Rennert said the series is about a “science-loving, question-asking girl” who discovers that “scientific inquiry... can lead to a lot of fun and adventure.” Derting (the Body Finder series) and Johannes-Wells (who uses the pseudonym S.R. Johannes and is the author of the Nature of Grace series) will be writing the series together; an illustrator for the books has yet to be chosen.
==========
We have no idea who will be illustrating our picture book babies, but what I can say is that Kim and I are crazy-excited to be working with Virginia Duncan, the publisher at Greenwillow, and her amazing team to bring our feisty, science-loving girl, LUNA, and her love science to girls around the world.
To me, this book is more than a traditional deal. More than a book. LUNA is a chance for us to make a difference in the lives of many future scientists to be. :)
Special shout out to our partner's in crime - Laura Rennert, Lara Perkins, and Virgina Duncan/Greenwillow for believing in me and Kim... and LUNA.
Because...
Science + Girls = AWESOME-SAUCE
YAY!!!!
Don't give up on your dreams - ever - they can happen.
It just might take some time. :)
Yay!!!
Kimberly Derting tagged me in a blog roll to talk about writing and the writing process.
(She talks about hers here...and I loved her answers! :)
1. What am I working on?
Oddly enough, I am working on a couple of picture book projects and a middle grade series. I am also continuing the Untraceable series into Book 4. (Book 3 just released in June)
2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?
I usually write very dark teen thrillers. For some reason, I need a short break from those so I'm veering off my main path to have some fun in different genres. But my heart is in YA thrillers.
3. Why do I write what I do?
I love thrillers in general so I love writing them. It's most of what I read and watch on movies. If someone doesn't die or isn't being chased, it's hard for me to get into it. Though I'm getting better about branching out some :)
4. How does my writing process work?
I used to be a pantser but it would take me much longer to finish a book. So now I have a process that seems to work for me. I create a logline and synopsis. Then I do a strawman outline. I pretty much write from that outline (keeping it open so I can make changes along the way.) The simple process gives me structure yet flexibility to be creative.
5. How does my writing process not work?
It works for me :) Right now....at least I think it does.
Three other tagged authors...
Amy Evans - author of one of my favs, Clicks.
Elle Strauss - author of the awesome Clockwise series (and author of Lee Strauss' Minstrel series)
Karen Hooper - author of the gorgeous Kindrily series.
Welcome to YA Scavenger Hunt!
This tri-annual event was first organized by author
Colleen Houck to give readers a chance to gain access to exclusive bonus material from their favorite authors and win awesome prizes.
NOTE: I am also giving out my own special prizes below. So don't forget to enter here before you leave at a chance to win even more!
The YA Scavenger Hunt - Where do you go?Go to the YA Scavenger Hunt page to find out all about the hunt. There are THREE contests going on simultaneously, and you can enter all three! I am a part of the
BLUE team - but there is also a
RED team and a
YELLOW team. You can enter
all three contests--which has a total prize bucket of 60 signed books!
Follow the hunt, collect clues, and add them up,
and you can enter for the prize--one lucky winner will receive 20 signed books from each team (one book from each author on the team!) But play fast: this contest (and all the exclusive bonus material) will only be online for 72 hours!
If you'd like to find out more about the hunt, see links to all the authors participating, and see the full list of prizes up for grabs, go to
the YA Scavenger Hunt homepage.
Entering the Scavenger Hunt - What do you do?
5 Comments on YA Scavenger Hunt: Kimberly Derting (Blue Team), last added: 3/30/2012
Today I am pleased (!!!) to have one of my favorite author's on the blog. Kimberly Derting, author of
The Body Finder series, has dropped by for an interview for the
Teen Book Scene Desires of the Dead Tour (click link for other stops on the tour.)
____________________________________
Kate: Who is your biggest influence in writing?
Kimberly: My biggest influence has always been Stephen King. My mother would leave his books lying around the house, so I started reading them at a pretty young age…probably too young. In my opinion, he was the ultimate master of suspense.
Kate: Do you use any media (music, etc) to influence your writing?
Kimberly: I don’t listen to music
while I’m writing, but I definitely listen to certain songs to get in the mood for writing, especially if I’m stuck on a scene.
But even without a particular song, sometimes just listening to music (whatever’s in the CD player at the time) while I’m driving will clear my thoughts and get the creative juices flowing. Unfortunately, what’s in the CD player can be anything from Eminem or Lil Wayne (I have a 17-year-old son) to the Jonas Brothers or Miley Cyrus (I have a nine-year-old daughter too!).
Kate: When writing The Body Finder, did you intend to make it a series?
Kimberly: I definitely always wanted it to be a series. I even had half of the sequel written when TBF first sold.
Kate: Did you take any personality traits or names from your real life and incorporate them into The Body Finder or Desires of the Dead?
Kimberly: Yes and yes. For the names, my close friends and family can find their first and last names sprinkled throughout both books. As for the character’s personality traits, they are all still trying to figure out which traits I may or may not have borrowed from each of them. And of course, I’ll never tell if they’re right or not!
Kate: I graduated with a degree in Forensic Science and Biology and I found your book (The Body Finder) to be accurate on many levels. Did you try to incorporate your scientific background into the books? And did you put much research into the novels?
Kimberly: Before I answer, I have to tell you what my 9-year-old daughter just read your question and said: “So, Kate is like Temperance Brennan from Bones, right? (I believe you have a new fan!)
Honestly, I’m not sure my biology background helped that much when I was writing TBF and Desires of the Dead, but I did interview two friends of mine about all things police, fire, and Search & Rescue. So if you find anything wrong, just let me know and I’ll give you their home phone numbers ;)
Kate: That is awesome that your daughter watches Bones. I am not a forensic anthropologist but I have seen a number of dead bodies in my schooling. I am very grateful to hav
Desires of the Dead (The Body Finder, Book 1) by Kimberly Derting
Publication date: 15 February, 2011 from Harper Teen
ISBN 10/13: 0061779849 / 9780061779848 Category: Young Adult Fantasy
Format: Hardcover
Keywords: Contemporary, fantasy, paranormal, synesthesia, death
Guest Review by KimberlyBuggie 
Find the synopsis at
goodreads.com.
How I found out about this book: I read and loved The Body Finder (Book 1) last year. When I spotted the ARC at ALA Midwinter I let out a
squee! My friend and fellow YA fanatic
KimberlyBuggie agreed to do a guest post.
Guest review: I'm always hesistant when it comes to sequels. There's usually a lot to live up to compared to the first book. The author has to keep everything moving, while re-establishing the characters, bringing in a new storyline and, fingers crossed, not doing the expected. Lucky for us, Kimberly Derting does not disappoint.
Desires of the Dead is a very solid sequel. Derting does a great job capturing the tone and suspense of the first novel without sticking to a formula.
I sat down on Sunday to read only a couple of chapters, 'cause I had errands to run, rooms to clean, etc.
Well, yeah. That didn't work out. Like The Body Finder, I found myself with this urge to keep reading, keep going, to find out what the mystery was and
oh no! I won't stop until it's done! 'cause really, what's one more chapter?
All right,
one more. Just another one. Yep.
Hours later, I left the couch, really
really behind schedule but not feeling guilty about it at all.
As Jay and Violet's romance continues to grow, the lines blur between their old best friend relationship and the new romantic one. It was refreshing to see Jay and Violet's relationship develop in this book. It had a realistic forward momentum, and an endearing quality.
New characters are introduced and while they propel this story forward, it seems that the author is just laying the groundwork. I have no doubt Sara and Rafe will play even larger roles in the next books. Especially Rafe, who keeps his own secrets.
Can't wait for the next one!
Comments? What do you think? Is this something you would read? If you've already read it, put in your two cents... (no spoilers, please!)
SPOILER ALERT: If you have not read The Body Finder, there may be spoilers ahead!
Publisher: HarperTeen (February 15, 2011)
Hardcover: 368 Pages
Genre: YA Paranormal
Series: The Body Finder #2
Book from Publisher*
From Goodreads. The missing dead call to Violet. They want to be found.
When Violet Ambrose's morbid ability to sense the echoes of those who've been murdered leads her to the body of a young boy, she draws the attention of the FBI. She is reluctantly pulled into an investigation that will endanger more than just her secret...but her relationship and possibly her life as well.
Review
DESIRES OF THE DEAD, by Kimberly Derting, is the continuation of The Body Finder series. We left off with Violet and Jay turning their friendship into a relationship amid Violet coming out about her ability to sense the dead and the respective killer.
Where I felt
The Body Finder lacked in action,
Desires of the Dead definitely upped the anty. Many heart-pounding situations were happening simultaneously, and I found myself speeding through the book to get to the end.
Violet and Jay are the sweetest couple (probably ever) and I love how they went through numerous ups and downs together throughout the book. Violet's gift and her solo exploration of it was the main issue that poked holes in this relationship and showed them how to make it stronger.
I liked the introduction of new characters in this book. Sara, the FBI agent, and her 'helper', Rafe, added to the mix of this really great sophomore novel of the series. I was intrigued (and still am) with Rafe and his mysersious connection with Violet. I hope to see these characters in future books.
My love for Violet and Jay, many new characters, and this cover (BEAUTIFUL!) really made this book linger in my mind long after it was finished. I cannot wait for the next one!
**FTC Disclosure: I received this ARC from the publisher. I do not receive payment of any kind in exchange for a review. I do not receive monetary compensation from any book links in my review.
So many people have already reviewed The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting, I’m not sure how much I can add to the conversation. But whatever. I’ll give it a try anyway.
Violet has the ability to sense not only the remains of people and animals that have been killed, but also those who are responsible for the killing. Her powers manifest in several different ways and are an open secret in her family and with Jay, Violet’s best friend and crush. They’ve been best friends since the first grade, and although Violet’s feelings recently moved well beyond friendship, she is desperate to hide them from Jay. When several teenaged girls in the area are abducted and killed, Violet is determined to help with the investigation.
I thought there were a couple of occasions in which Violet was, if not actually TSTL, then on the verge of it, and this eventually kept me at a distance from the story and characters. My exasperation with some of Violet’s actions aside, I did appreciate the way Derting’s writing style complements the story; it’s assured, fast-paced, and maintained a high level of tension for most of the book—both in terms of Violet trying to identify the murderer and Violet and Jay’s changing relationship. The third-person narration, with occasional forays into the point of view of the villain, added to the suspense. As for Violet and Jay’s relationship, the chemistry between them is strong and it’s obvious how much they care for each other, even when they’re “just friends.” From the beginning of the story, the reader is aware of Violet’s crush on Jay, so their developing romantic relationship seems natural and essential to the story.
The Body Finder is the first in a series, which is…well, a bit unnecessary, in my opinion. The book will appeal to many teens and fans who enjoy series will be pleased, while those who don’t want to commit to another series will be glad to know that the book ends with no cliffhanger and no loose ends.
Book source: public library.
The quasi-feminist critique: Okay, Jay is very protective of Violet. Then again, I can’t blame him for it. Violet is pretty headstrong and she doesn’t let Jay tell her what to do, even when what he’s saying makes sense. Though at times, I did appreciate Violet’s refusal to automatically obey Jay. **minor(?) spoiler** Like when she told Jay off for ignoring her for a week, then expecting her to do as he said after he rescued her from Grady. Speaking of, this might just be me, but I was a bit irked that the long-awaited first kiss between Violet and Jay happened in the direct aftermath of Jay rescuing Violet from being assaulted in an, “Oh no, don’t tell me they’re getting together right after he saves her” way. But this is a minor quibble, because I have no doubt Jay woul
Leave a comment on this post telling me what ability you'd love to have if you could. (you must be a follower to win!) At midnight tonight (PST), I will do a random drawing. If you sign up for my new book marketing newsletter (on the left hand side) - let me know and Ill add your name in the hat an extra time!
And the prize? You will get a free Body Finder package that includes a tote bag (filled with swag) and a signed book of The Body Finder (Just to be clear - it is signed by Kimberly not me :)
Elana Johnson pulled together some authors to talk about their favorite book recently read.
I chose Kimberly Derting's The Body Finder. Seriously, go buy it!!!
A serial killer on the loose. A girl with a morbid ability. And the boy who would never let anything happen to her.
Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes the dead leave behind in the world . . . and the imprints that attach to their killers. Now that a serial killer is terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, Violet realizes she might be the only person who can stop him. Jay reluctantly agrees to help. As she falls intensely in love for the first time, Violet gets closer to discovering a killer . . . and becoming his prey herself.
O.K. so this book is the kind of book that keeps you up late - even when you know your kids will be up at dawn - reading. I read this book in 2 days because I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. Every minute of sleep I lost was sooooo worth it. If you like James Patterson and paranormal stuff, you will love this because it mixes the two nicely. In addition, the way she writers in third person feels so personal and intimate - attributes I attached more to first person than third.
I met Kimberly last year at SCBWI LA. We were blogger buddies and had never met in person. We exchanged emails and took a chance on rooming which I think was not in character for either of us. I mean she LOOKED normal enough, right? :
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on 7/16/2009
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HarperCollins recently added their Winter 2010 books to their catalog site, so we have a a WoW extravaganza today.
Tangled by Carolyn Mackler (HarperTeen, 12/09)
Jena, Dakota, Skye, and Owen are all at Paradise—the resort in the Caribbean, that is—for different reasons, but in Paradise their lives become tangled together in ways none of them can predict. Over the course of four months, through four voices and four stories, what happened in Paradise will change them all.
In this extraordinary novel, the Printz Honor–winning author brings us her most accomplished work yet. Tangled is a story of the secrets we keep, the risks we take, and the things we do for love.
Because it’s Carolyn Mackler (moving from Candlewick!) and I like the cover. That blurb by Daniel Handler doesn’t hurt, either, and this is coming from someone who only made it through the first book in The Series of Unfortunate Events.
The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting (HarperTeen, 3/10)
Violet Ambrose can find dead bodies. Or at least she can sense those that have been murdered. She locates them by the echoes they leave behind…and the imprints they leave on their killers. As if that weren’t enough to deal with during her junior year, she also has a sudden, inexplicable, and consuming crush on her best friend since childhood, Jay Heaton.
And now a serial killer has begun terrorizing Violet’s small town…and she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.
Filled with suspense, a gripping romance, and deadly consequences, The Body Finder is an impressive debut novel that’s impossible to put down.
Let’s see, psychic powers + trying to stop a serial killer + romance = must read!
must read! + what?! this got postponed until next year? = is it March yet?
A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner (Greenwillow, 3/10)
Charlotte blogged about this last month, but it’s worth mentioning again because 1) it’s a new Eugenides book!, and 2) the HC site has a different description.
Sophos, heir to Sounis, doesn’t look like much of a prince. At least, according to those in power. At least, to those who do not know him or the size of his heart and the depth of his courage, loyalty, and love. But Helen, Queen of Eddis, knows him, and so does Gen, the queen’s Thief, who is now King of Attolia. Gen and the queen believe that Sophos is dead. But they also believe in hope, especially since a body was never found. So when Sophos is discovered in Attolia, climbing a lamppost, peashooter in hand, the obvious question becomes: where has Sophos been all this time?
Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White (Greenwillow, 3/10)
just sounds so quietly charming. Also, flowers.
Delicious and magical, here is a debut novel about a new (and slightly misunderstood) girl at an exclusive boarding school. Laurel has always loved flowers, but when a class project calls for research into the Victorian language of flowers, she makes a potent discovery. Her affinity for blooming things is actually age-old magic, passed from one generation to the next-a bittersweet gift from her beloved mother, who’s recently died-and it gives Laurel the power to make people fall in and out of love. Laurel’s introduction to the secret society of flowerspeakers is rife with complications and mishaps-especially when her classmates convince her to use her magic at the prom. This evocative coming-of-age story lingers in the air much like the fragrant blooms that determine Laurel’s fate so mysteriously.
A Golden Web by Barbara Quick (HarperTeen, 4/10)
Alessandra is desperate to escape—from her stepmother, who’s locked her away for a year; from the cloister that awaits her if she refuses the marriage plans that have been made for her; from the expectations that limit her and every other girl in fourteenth-century Italy. There’s no tolerance in her village for her keen intelligence and her unconventional ideas.
In defiant pursuit of her dreams, Alessandra undertakes an audacious quest, her bravery equaled only by the dangers she faces. Disguised and alone in a city of spies and scholars, Alessandra will find a love she could not foresee—and an enduring fame.
In this exquisite imagining of the centuries-old story of Alessandra Giliani, the world’s first female anatomist, distinguished novelist Barbara Quick gives readers the drama, romance, and rich historical detail for which she is known as she shines a light on an unforgotten—and unforgettable—heroine.
Do you even have to ask why?
And from the adult side, woohoo! The Devil’s Star by Jo Nesbø (Harper, 3/10).
Waiting on Wednesday was created by Jill at Breaking the Spine.
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The Body Finder is one of my favourite books! :)
Thanks Shelli for being a part of this!!
What a great bonus! Thanks, Shelli for hosting!
Thank you for the extra giveaway :)
I made a mistake, I'm not from US. I done the first three entries as Artemis.
I'm so sorry!
Thank you.