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This week JJ talks with New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis about her publishing journey, revision, how she learned to revise and critique, and what she’s reading and enjoying!
Subscribe to us on iTunes, or use this feed to subscribe through your podcast service of choice! If you like us, please leave a rating or review, as it helps other listeners find the podcast. Thanks in advance!
BETH REVIS is the New York Times bestselling author of the Across the Universe trilogy, as well as The Body Electric, Paper Hearts, and the forthcoming A World Without You. She lives in the Appalachian mountains with her boys: one husband, one son, and two very large dogs. You can find out more on Facebook, Twitter, or online. If you never want to miss a thing and also get exclusive insider opportunities, sign up for her newsletter here.
The podcast episode where we discuss the vagaries of The New York Times bestselling lists
Learn to revise by editing! Beth learned to revise by practice, and by critique other people’s work. JJ learned to revise by editing other people’s manuscripts.
JJ is working on her middle grade and waiting on cover concepts for Wintersong
Just to let you guys know, both JJ and Kelly will be doing an AMA at the /r/YAwriters subreddit on MONDAY, JANUARY 25TH. Come and ask us questions about publishing, revision, and whatever else might cross your mind!
Your enemy is the blank page. When it comes to writing, there’s no wrong way to get words on paper. But it’s not always easy to make the ink flow. Paper Hearts: Some Writing Advice won’t make writing any simpler, but it may help spark your imagination and get your hands back on the keyboard.
Practical Advice Meets Real Experience
With information that takes you from common mistakes in grammar to detailed charts on story structure, Paper Hearts describes:
How to Develop Character, Plot, and World
What Common Advice You Should Ignore
What Advice Actually Helps
How to Develop a Novel
The Basics of Grammar, Style, and Tone
Four Practical Methods of Charting Story Structure
How to Get Critiques and Revise Your Novel
How to Deal with Failure
And much more!
Enter for a giveaway of PAPER HEARTS: Some Writing Advice! Beth has generously donated a signed copy!
We are absolutely thrilled to welcome New York Times Bestselling Author Beth Revis to the blog today. Beth is here to share some exciting news -- she's celebrating the release of the first book in her three-volume series of writing advice. Paper Hearts includes hard-earned insight into writing, publishing, and marketing. Not only is Beth sharing a giveaway with our readers today, but she's got some good advice on working with and as a critique partner.
DON'T MISS OUT ON THE GIVEAWAY AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST! And remember all orders of Paper Hearts made before November 15 from Malaprops will come with a special gift--more details below!
Paper Hearts by Beth Revis
You can win a journal with this cover!
I wrote Paper Hearts for the writer I used to be. The questions I used to have plagued me when I was starting this career path. How do I get to the end? What's the proper way to structure a novel--is there even a proper way? How do I make my book stand out from all the other ones on sub?
Now, fifteen years, eleven unpublished books, three New York Times bestsellers, one self published book, and countless hours working on craft and working with other professionals, I think I finally have the answers that I needed way back then.
Unfortunately, I can't travel back in time.
But what I can do is try to help others. I've been compiling articles on the things I've learned about writing, publishing, and marketing for years, first informally on blog posts, then more collectively on Wattpad. After hitting 100000 reads, I realized that I should take Paper Hearts more seriously...and that I had not one book, but three.
Fully revised and expanded, the Paper Hearts series will feature three volumes, one each on writing, publishing, and marketing. Paper Hearts, Volume 1: Some Writing Advice will be out on November 1, with the other two following in December and January.
Your enemy is the blank page. When it comes to writing, there's no wrong way to get words on paper. But it's not always easy to make the ink flow. Paper Hearts: Some Writing Advice won't make writing any simpler, but it may help spark your imagination and get your hands back on the keyboard.
Practical Advice Meets Real Experience
With information that takes you from common mistakes in grammar to detailed charts on story structure, Paper Hearts describes:
How to Develop Character, Plot, and World
What Common Advice You Should Ignore
What Advice Actually Helps
How to Develop a Novel
The Basics of Grammar, Style, and Tone
Four Practical Methods of Charting Story Structure
How to Get Critiques and Revise Your Novel
How to Deal with Failure
And much more!
BONUS! More than 25 "What to do if" scenarios to help writers navigate problems in writing from a New York Times Bestselling author who's written more than 2 million words of fiction.
____________________________
Remember: if you pre-order the print copy from my local indie bookstore, Malaprops, you'll also get a chapbook of the best writing advice from 12 beloved and bestselling YA authors included in your order for free!
____________________________
WHAT IS A CRITIQUE PARTNER RELATIONSHIP?
When you’re working with critique partners, remember: it’s a relationship. It’s give and take. You read someone else’s manuscript and they read yours.
A lot of times, people are primarily focused on getting their own notes back. You want to find out what to do to fix your manuscript. All you care about is getting your notes back.
That is not how this works. A critique partner requires the give and take. First, it’s rude to expect free editing from a writing buddy without giving anything in return. But also? You will learn just as much by giving notes than getting them. Maybe more.
It’s just a fact: We don’t see our own common flaws. We don’t understand what it’s like to identify problems in our own work until we see them in others.
Don’t just seek critiques. Give them. Give the most constructive criticism you can. Study the manuscripts of others to see where they failed and where they succeeded. You will unconsciously absorb what makes a manuscript work and not, and you’ll see better how to avoid and fix those flaws in the future.
***
REASONS WHY IT’S AS IMPORTANT TO GIVE CRITIQUES AS IT IS TO GET THEM:
You develop your own skills as you critique others—you become better at spotting your own mistakes as you make them. It’s far easier to understand why something doesn’t work in a manuscript than when you see someone else making the mistake rather than yourself.
It helps you understand your own critique. Things like “the pacing is slow,” “the characterization is weak,” are vague and hard to truly understand until you find it for yourself.
It puts you in “critique mode.” Writers are creative people. But critical analysis of our own work is an entirely different skill set from writing. Critiquing others helps you build the skills to critique yourself.
It helps you see the common mistakes within manuscripts. I highly recommend that you go to sites that offer contests to critique the opening of a first scene, a query, etc. Read 20 people’s first scenes in a row. You’ll see the common mistakes that you will want to avoid to stand out. (“Miss Snark’s First Victim” and this blog commonly hold such contests, often with a prize of an agent read for the top person.
You get better at critiquing. Critiquing doesn’t go away when you’re published—it just becomes more professional as you start working with more professional writers. Don’t be a newb. Get your practice in now.
It helps you forge connections with your peers. The publishing world is actually very small. Make friends now. I met most of my critique partners before I was published, and they’ve been great friends and peers as we all moved up the publishing ladder.
In short, being a critique partner who both gets and gives critiques will make you a more professional writer who is capable of writing better works.
About the Author: Beth Revis is the New York Times bestselling author of the Across the Universe trilogy, as well as The Body Electric, Paper Hearts, and the forthcoming A World Without You. She lives in the Appalachian mountains with her boys: one husband, one son, and two very large dogs.
Hey all! The PubCrawl gang here with a special Tuesday guest post with Beth Revis, the New York Times bestselling author of the Across the Universe trilogy, and one of the smartest and most generous people we know! Because Beth is so generous, she has written—not one, not two, but three—books of writing advice! We are giving away the first here today, which I think many of our readers attempting NaNoWriMo this year might find useful!
DON’T MISS OUT ON THE GIVEAWAY AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST!All orders of Paper Hearts made before November 15 from Malaprops will come with a special gift—more details below!
There is Always a Reason to Be Jealous
When I was a kid, scribbling stories and beaming when the teacher or my mom displayed them on the wall, authors were as mythical as unicorns. Walking among the shelves of a bookstore felt like walking among giants. It wasn’t until I wrote my first novel that I started to think being an author wasn’t an impossibility.
And that was also about the time when I started to feel jealous. I wanted, more than anything, to be a published author, and as time went on, I became more and more jealous of anyone who already held the keys to elite circle. That feeling just became more and more intense as I wrote manuscript after manuscript, hoping to find the golden ticket into publishing.
I would tell myself, If I could just get an agent, I’d be happy.
And then, eventually, I got an agent. And so I said, If I could just get a book deal, I’d be happy.
And I did. I got the book deal of my dreams. But then I said, If the book could just do well, maybe some awards or hit the list…then I can be happy.
And it did. And I was blissfully, gloriously happy. I had all my dreams come true. A great book deal, a trilogy that hit the NY Times bestseller list, publisher sponsored book tours, fan letters, literally everything I ever wanted.
But there is always a reason to be jealous.
Always.
Someone else hit the list higher. Someone else got a bigger deal. Someone else is heralded as the height of the genre. Someone else has higher ratings and better reviews. Someone else has everything I have, but also a nice lake house and isn’t allergic to kittens.
There’s always a reason to be jealous.
Even if you have it all, even if everything’s perfect…it won’t last. It just won’t. I guarantee that even J. K. Rowling worries that her next book will flop and the glory days are over. A number one New York Times bestseller fears that no one will read his next book. An author on the red carpet of the movie based on her book has a niggling fear that this is the peak and everything is downhill from here.
And even if you are riding that high, there is always someone who is higher up than you. There just is. That is the nature of the game. We all want to be the best of the best. We all want to be made immortal through our works. We all want to know that the things we wrote made a difference in someone’s life. And it’s hard to measure what our success is. So we look at things that do measure “success.” Things like author rank, or sales numbers, or who gets invited on a book tour, or who gets the most fan art on tumblr, or who is friends with who, who got a blurb from this other author, or which publishing house is better, or who gets more attention from their editor, or who stays on the list longer than who else, or who even makes the list, and in the end none of that matters.
None of it.
There is always a reason to be jealous.
No matter how successful you are, there is always someone more successful than you. No matter what you think the epitome of your career is going to be, when you reach it, there will be a higher point you want to reach. And that is good. You always want to be striving forward, you always want to be trying to make your art better. But if you become focused on what other people have, you waste your life on jealousy. You become bitter. You start reaching for the false goals. You quit celebrating the success of others, because you’re so wrapped up in yourself.
There are countless reasons to be jealous. But that doesn’t mean you have to succumb to them.
You can win a journal with this cover!
I wrote Paper Hearts for the writer I used to be. The questions I used to have plagued me when I was starting this career path. How do I get to the end? What’s the proper way to structure a novel—is there even a proper way? How do I make my book stand out from all the other ones on sub?
Now, fifteen years, eleven unpublished books, three New York Times bestsellers, one self published book, and countless hours working on craft and working with other professionals, I think I finally have the answers that I needed way back then.
Unfortunately, I can’t travel back in time.
But what I can do is try to help others. I’ve been compiling articles on the things I’ve learned about writing, publishing, and marketing for years, first informally on blog posts, then more collectively on Wattpad. After hitting 100,000 reads, I realized that I should take Paper Hearts more seriously…and that I had not one book, but three.
Fully revised and expanded, the Paper Hearts series will feature three volumes, one each on writing, publishing, and marketing. Paper Hearts, Volume 1: Some Writing Advice will be out on November 1, with the other two following in December and January.
Your enemy is the blank page. When it comes to writing, there’s no wrong way to get words on paper. But it’s not always easy to make the ink flow. Paper Hearts: Some Writing Advice won’t make writing any simpler, but it may help spark your imagination and get your hands back on the keyboard.
Practical Advice Meets Real Experience
With information that takes you from common mistakes in grammar to detailed charts on story structure, Paper Hearts describes:
How to Develop Character, Plot, and World
What Common Advice You Should Ignore
What Advice Actually Helps
How to Develop a Novel
The Basics of Grammar, Style, and Tone
Four Practical Methods of Charting Story Structure
How to Get Critiques and Revise Your Novel
How to Deal with Failure
And much more!
BONUS! More than 25 “What to do if” scenarios to help writers navigate problems in writing from a New York Times Bestselling author who’s written more than 2 million words of fiction.
Remember: if you pre-order the print copy from my local indie bookstore, Malaprops, you’ll also get a chapbook of the best writing advice from 12 beloved and bestselling YA authors included in your order for free!
BETH REVIS is the New York Times bestselling author of the Across the Universe trilogy, as well as The Body Electric, Paper Hearts, and the forthcoming A World Without You. She lives in the Appalachian mountains with her boys: one husband, one son, and two very large dogs. You can find out more on Facebook, Twitter, or online. If you never want to miss a thing and also get exclusive insider opportunities, sign up for her newsletter here.
My friends, I am in COUNTDOWN MODE. Beth Revis’s new novel The Body Electricis nearly with us, and it’s so close I can taste it! October 6th, you are so close! From the NYT bestselling author who catapulted us into space with Across The Universe, this is a new story that answers the question: what happened on earth while the Godspeed was making her way to a new world? Bring. It. On. I’ve already ordered my limited-edition copy! And today, I’ve got Beth here with us to answer all our burning questions!
But first, a little about The Body Electric…
Ella Shepherd has dedicated her life to using her unique gift—the ability to enter people’s dreams and memories using technology developed by her mother—to help others relive their happy memories.
But not all is at it seems.
Ella starts seeing impossible things—images of her dead father, warnings of who she cannot trust. Her government recruits her to spy on a rebel group, using her ability to experience—and influence—the memories of traitors. But the leader of the rebels claims they used to be in love—even though Ella’s never met him before in her life. Which can only mean one thing…
Someone’s altered her memory.
Ella’s gift is enough to overthrow a corrupt government or crush a growing rebel group. She is the key to stopping a war she didn’t even know was happening. But if someone else has been inside Ella’s head, she cannot trust her own memories, thoughts, or feelings.
So who can she trust?
Beth, welcome! In Across The Universe and its sequels, you took us into space, trapped us on claustrophobic ships and landed us on incredible new planets. Tell us about your inspiration for The Body Electric! Where did this story start? A dream? A musical clip? Plain, old-fashioned brainstorming?
I first started getting the idea for The Body Electric while writing Shades of Earth, the last AtU novel. Amy and Elder have a little interaction with Earth, and it’s not positive. It made me start thinking: what was happening on Earth while Amy and Elder were in space? How did Earth change to become the kind of place where the events that happened in Shades of Earth happened?
Of course, I was also influenced by a lifetime of reading and SF movies–especially the works of Philip K. Dick. There are hints of Total Recall and Blade Runner in this book.
That’s insanely cool, and I think it’s a question more than one reader has wondered about– I certainly did! So, if you were transported into your book, which scene would you most want to reenact?
NONE OF THEM OMG EVERYONE IS ALWAYS ABOUT A CHAPTER AWAY FROM DEATH IN MY BOOKS. I want to stay right here, pants-less and on my couch, thank you very much.
That is a point very well made. On to other things! Your decision to self-publish The Body Electric has given you a lot of freedom to release and promote the book exactly the way you want, from getting hands-on in cover design to the choice to include amazing swag with your limited-edition paperback. Can you tell us a bit about that decision and your journey?
I did not come to self-publishing lightly, although now it seems like the clear, obvious choice. My agent helped me a TON in making this decision and in realizing the potential I had with doing this book exactly the right way for my readers. A big part of my motivation to self publish came from wanting to thank the people who made my career what it is: my readers and indie bookstores. So I made the Limited Edition–it has 30 pages of extra content, full color art cards, a coupon for an ebook copy, swag, and more. And I was able to choose the price, and keep it at $14.99. And the Limited Edition is only available from my local indie bookstore, but the Special Edition–with all the same content, minus the art cards and my signature–is available from any bookstore in America.
Of course, the book is available in lots of other formats: a cheaper paperback available through Amazon, e-book editions, etc.
The freedom of this has been amazing. I love having such a voice in every aspect, from the cover design, to the price, to literally everything. It’s been so freeing.
Seriousness aside: Pub Brawl!!!!! What weapon are you wielding?
My weapon is Jayne from Firefly. I win.
Yes, yes you do. I have nothing to add on that count. What are you reading right now?
I’ve just started reading The Unfinished Life of Addison Stone by Adele Griffin. I’m so jealous I didn’t write this book. It’s been brilliant–an engaging plot, crafted masterfully. [Amie: On Beth's recommendation I've just picked up a copy, can't wait to get stuck in!]
Beth, thank you so much for visiting! We can’t WAIT for The Body Electric!
Beth Revis is the NY Times bestselling author of the Across the Universe series. The complete trilogy is now available in more than 20 languages. A native of North Carolina, Beth’s new science fiction novel for teens, The Body Electric, will release October 6, 2014. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr or Instagram.
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Amie Kaufman is the co-author of THESE BROKEN STARS, a YA sci-fi novel out now from Disney-Hyperion (US) and Allen & Unwin (Australia). Book two, THIS SHATTERED WORLD is out in December! Her new trilogy will start with ILLUMINAE, coming from Random House/Knopf in 2015. She is represented by Tracey Adams of Adams Literary. You can find her on Twitter or on Facebook, or visit the These Broken Stars website for exclusive sneak-peeks and contests. Amie lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband and rescue dog.
In recent years, young adult books have driven a surge in sales for publishers. Besides increasing the revenue streams of these companies, it also seems to have uplifted the popularity of short fiction. The YA authors who have contributed to this trend tend to set their short fiction pieces within the universe of a popular book series.
For instance, Beth Revis recently concluded the Across the Universe trilogy and celebrated by inviting her fans to download a free novella called “As They Slip Away.” Ally Carter incorporated characters from two teen series, Heist Society and the Gallagher Girls, for “Double-Crossed: A Spies and Thieves Novella.”
As we previously reported, HarperCollins established HarperTeen Impulse as a digital imprint dedicated to solely publishing short fiction. But, even before this venture came along, Divergent series author Veronica Roth penned a short story called “Free Four” and Delirium trilogy author Lauren Oliver wrote a piece called “Hana.” What do you think?
I’ve seen some posts lately about YA authors and/or their supporters flipping out on reviewers online. It makes me curl my toes up. It’s just…not professional, you know? But it’s also not feel-good. It can bring a negative feeling for others watching the author flip out, especially if they’re mean or ill-behaved or rude.
I get hurt feelings over reviews. I SO get it. We bare our souls, we put SO much of ourselves into our books, and to have someone not like our books can feel like they don’t like us. And that hurts. Or to have someone really, *really* not get something that seems so basic or true to us can feel really hard. But that’s when you go rant privately to your friends, or write a letter and burn it, or go eat a piece of chocolate, have a cry, or immerse yourself into one of your favorite feel-good books that always makes things better. You don’t, if you can help it, flip out on the reviewer. We all have books that just don’t work for us, and what is good writing is always, always subjective any way.
I just read a post by Beth Revis on how to deal with negative reviews, and I gotta say–I LOVE it. (She was already one of my favorite authors just for the quality of her books, but this post nudged her up a bit.) She reminds us that there are people out there who hate chocolate, and puppies, and things that most of us would love–AND there are people who hate your very favorite books (she tells you how to get proof) and so, if they hate those things, then of course there are people who hate your books. But there are also people who love them!
She says it much better than me, so go on over and check out her post.
What do you think? How do you deal with negative reviews? (Or with rejection, if you don’t have a book out.)
4 Comments on LOVE YA author Beth Revis’ post on how to respond to negative reviews, last added: 6/3/2012
That’s a great article and a really funny way of looking at things. Thanks for sharing.
I have a friend who always keeps me up-to-date on author v. reviewer drama, especially on Goodreads. You would think people would learn from others’ mistakes. I guess these things happen because of a moment of weakness / one drink too many on the author’s part? Regardless, it’s not okay.
Even if the so-called reviewer has crossed a line from professional to personal, I think it’s the author’s job to take the higher ground and keep mum. Don’t even dignify it with a response, you know?
Cheryl Rainfield said, on 6/1/2012 6:07:00 AM
I agree, Lisa Jenn! (Though I’ve been thinking about it–for me it’s different when it’s censorship, when people are trying to ban books. But a review is different.)
Lisa Jenn Bigelow said, on 6/2/2012 6:55:00 AM
Totally agreed, there is a huge difference for a couple of reasons. A book review takes advantage of freedom of expression, whereas censorship limits freedom of expression. And there are plenty of ways to respond to censorship that don’t devolve into name-calling and other unprofessional antics!
Cheryl Rainfield said, on 6/3/2012 7:10:00 PM
I agree! You put that beautifully. And I would not engage in name-calling or mean behavior. Unprofessional…and hurtful.
Today we’re celebrating the launch of Beth Revis’s A MILLION SUNS by participating in theVirtual Party! Each hour of the day, from 9am to 5pm EST, there will be adifferent feature on a different blog. And each stop, in true party fashion,will have a party favor to give out—in the form of a signed book plus some coolswag—and a party game: a puzzle piece to a truly epic prize for one winner! Soread on to find out exclusive information about A MILLION SUNS and enter to wina signed book!
A YABC INTERVIEW WITH BETH REVIS
I asked our team to come up with a few questions for Beth. Here's what they were dying to ask her:
1) If you discovered a new planet, what would you name it?
Oh, good question! Hmm...ummm...this is hard! I'd probably be lame and name it something boring...
2) We hear you're a My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic fan. Which My Little Pony are you? And do you have a friendship lesson for us today?
I really want to say that I'd be Rainbow Dash, and, therefore 20% cooler. But actually, I'm totally Twilight Sparkle. Book nerd to the end.
Today, Spike would need to dictate a letter about how important it is to remember that friends are much more important than anything, even book launches.
3) If we ever colonized the moon, would you live there?
It depends, mostly on if I could go back. Earth is pretty freaking awesome. I'm not sure I could 100% give it up. Then again, as an avid Sailor Moon freak, I think I'd also probably have to take a trip to the Lunar colony...
4) Will we learn more about the fake plague from Across the Universe in A Million Suns?
Yes! There's actually a short story that will be published in an anthology that is all about the plague and shows what it was like then. But there's also a bit more about the plague at the end of AMS--specifically about the motivation for why the "plague" happened.
25 Comments on A MILLION SUNS Virtual Launch Party with Beth Revis, last added: 1/11/2012
Kayleigh with Doctor Who! Hmm...I expect we'll learn a little more about her in A Million Suns? I'm keen to see hoe Elder manages to lead Godspeed after Eldest.
Hay Beth, thanks for spending so much time with your fans. I really love strong author/reader relationships. It makes reading your novels all the more worth while.
I have not read the book, but I really want to know the outcome of Amy and Elder's relationship. I love romances... :P and I wonder if it would be good for them to be together or not.
Yum. Scrumpdiliicious yum. It's been a while since a book capitivated me the way this one has. I gladly bought into the fictional dream on the first page and felt as if I'd finished the best peanut buster parfait after it was over.
I know. I know. I don't usually gush about books, but this one was that enjoyable a read for me. The basic science fiction premise admittedly had me hooked from the start. I am a closet case trekkie. The kind who used to watch the original episodes before going to church each Sunday as a kid. I was looking for balance in my philosophical diet early on.
So when I saw a modern day scifi with a mystery twist, I was in hook, line and sinker. Girl gives up life on earth to be frozen for three hundred years as a spaceship, Godspeed, travels across the universe from Sol Earth to Centauri Earth. She is awoken early while the ship is still en route and almost dies. Others frozens are murdered. She tries to find the killer together with the help of the leader to be, Elder, who is the same age as she is, sixteen.
The science part of the story was just enough to make the ship believable without becoming so overwhelming that I felt as if I was sitting back in physics class. The characters were well-developed. The mystery was believable. And the darkness was an artistic kind of darkness. Not the usual sturm and angst that is so prevalent in so many dystopian YA novels these days.
The book is also told in alternating first first POV between Amy and Elder. It works well to give the reader a sense of the earth left, the ship now, and how foreign that ship would seem to an outside, i.e. Amy (the reader as well). Even the ending was believable in the sense that not everything ends happily but realistically both emotionally and plotwise.
I realize I should say something critical, some point Revis missed or didn't quite hit the mark on. After all, this is a review. So....maybe it's that I wish they wouldn't make the book into a movie because movies are never as good as the books.
For more great reads, hop over to Barrie Summy's site. She's dishing them out with whipped cream and cherries on top!
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Now that the Book Bloggers Appreciation Week long-list nominees have been announced, I want to thank the organizers of this event and the cast of nominators for placing Beth Kephart Books into consideration for best Published Author Blog alongside the blogs of Maggie Stiefvater, Veronica Roth, and Beth Revis. I am honored to share this platform with them. I also celebrate those who have been nominated in categories ranging from Best Audiobook Blog and Classics Book Blog to Kidlit Book Blog, Historical Fiction Book Blog, Literary Fiction Book Blog, and Young Adult Book Blog, among others. I encourage you all to take a look at the lists and to visit those blogs to which you have not already traveled.
Those bright lights who organize this event do it for no other reason than to celebrate those who are passionate about reading and books. Where, I ask you, would we be without them?
2 Comments on Book Blogger Appreciation Week: An Honor and, yes, an Appreciation, last added: 8/29/2011
Actually, you probably don't know this. Two years ago I was asked to judge for BBAW. I read about 100 book blogs. And one of them (the lovely Miss Amy Riley) led me to your blog!
Beth Revis recently revealed the paperback cover for her bestselling debut, Across the Universe. Check it out:
Coming to paperback November 29, 2011!
A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder.
Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.
Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone-one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship-tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.
Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.
Here's the hardback cover for comparison:
I love the more SciFi feel of the new cover, but I don't think it's as eye-catching and sexy as the original. I'm quite curious as to what Amy is doing with her hand on the new cover though. Really, both versions have their benefits -- but I'm a sucker for pretty colors, so I think the hardback is still my favorite.
How about you? Which cover do you prefer? Have you read the book? Which one conveys its essence better?
7 Comments on Cover Comparison: Across the Universe by Beth Revis, last added: 7/3/2011
Oh, I definitely like the hardcover more and I think it's much more sci-fi than the paperback, as well as just flat-out more beautiful. The paperback is nice too, though, but gives off a different feeling for me. Not as eye-catching.
CONGRATS Beth (and I am FINALLY buying the hardcopy of the book today, yay!...the bookstore I work at didn't have them on order, so I requested they get 10 and they are in!!)
Love the Bookanista's dancing, I do...but, Maggie, oh Maggie you da bomb sweet thing!
So last week--as I'm SURE you've heard by now--my friend, and fellow Bookanista, Beth Revis, debuted at #7 on the New York Times Bestseller list for ACROSS THE UNIVERSE.
*pauses to squeal and toss confetti and sparkles*
ahem.
Naturally, we were all pretty ecstatic in Bookanista-land. A MOUNTAIN of congratulatory emails were exchanged. It was like a party in my inbox. So much fun--and SO happy for Beth.
*tosses more sparkles*
But after that...someone decided we hadn't celebrated enough. And while this lowly Cali girl slept, over on the other side of the country, shenanigans were afoot. By the time I woke up the next morning I had dozens and dozens of emails titled "Happy-Dance Vlog for Beth" (imagine my reluctance to open them...) and the decision had already been made--before I could voice my YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME--I HAVE TO DO WHAT???? dissent.
*grumbles about time differences*
So the result is this:
Beth, if you EVER needed proof of my friendship, the fact that I WILLINGLY participated in this is it. I may only be in it for a few seconds (thank goodness--I shot a LOT more footage but DARN, it didn't make the cut). But they are FILLED with Shannon Shame. Only for you girlie. Only. For. You.
HUGE CONGRATULATIONS BETH!!!!!
You deserve every ounce of praise and celebration--and more! And you better remember the little people when you take over the world. Some of us DANCED for you! :)
40 Comments on The things I do for my friends..., last added: 1/30/2011
What an incredible display of support!! Lisa (it may have been Laura...sorry ladies, but really, confusion is to be expected with two "L" names and a 4:45 AM viewing) "Black Swan" Roecker had to be my favorite name :) May you receive a happy dance vlog of your own soon, Shannon!
I always go to LiLa's first thing when I get to work, because their post is always up, right at 6, but maybe I should come here first. Not that it matters.
Anyway, point is I already saw this over there, so I'm going to leave the same comment here:
Was that supposed to make me cry a little? Because it didn't. Not one bit.
What's with all the batman and darth vader costumes? I mean besides them being awesome, of course.
...
What an incredible group of people you all are. I'm quite proud to know each one of you.
Adorable dancing kittie, my dear! You does a fab job as well! Looking gorgeous as always! I don't think there's a better reason to happy dance! Go Beth!
This is 100 percent pure awesomeness, set to music. Just goes to show you the importance of having writer friends. Who else in your life will make a silly video and post it to the Internet just to say congrats? Love it!
And I'm going to praise you Bookanista Boppin' Bloggers! What an awesome thing to do for a friend.
Shannon, WHEN you get that publishing contract let me know, so I can organize a Dancing With the Fans vid. (My three little dancing minions would be ecstatic; I mean, it's "So You Think You Can Dance" every minute over here.) Cha, Cha, Cha Cheers!
This video totally made my morning! I love it so much! And you totally got off easy here, Shannon! Your cat does more dancing than you do! So I demand MOAR SHANNON DANCING! ;-)
Jessica: Funny you should say that because the original edit of the video was WAY worse. I had this horrifying, elevated leg-shake-wiggle thing that somehow ended up in the video. But DARN, it had to get cut to make room for some late added footage. I was SO disappointed. Um...not. ;)
I used to be starkravingmadjealous of the Bookanistas. Like, why-can't-I-be-in-with-the-in-crowd jealous...no longer. I would have DIED rather than dance on camera. DIED.
I cannot count the ways in which I love this. For me, it sums up all the best things about the writing community--the way we celebrate for each other, rather than competing.
First - she debuted on the NYT bestsellers list!! wootwoot! She - more than anyone - so deserves this success. I know all about Beth's long journey to publication. Not only have we been blogger buddies for about 3 years but we're also in the Bookanistas together. She is also one of my critique partners and let me tell you - she is an amazing critiquer!!! Like takes the time to give comments on anything and everything that could be helpful. Can you tell I'm a huge fan :)
ATU was like her 10th or 11th book. I actually remember a couple she tried to get agents for. Beth was a teacher, making ends meet while busting her tush at night to write. I even happen to know she got agent rejections for ATU. I also happen to know that she was on the verge (which I don't think would have happened b/c she loves writing too much) of giving up if this book didn't fly.
Guess we all know now what she was destined to do because Beth took off and is still flying - just like Godspeed. :)
My point in even revealing some of this (which she will tell you and has blogged about) is don't think this can't happen to you! Don't give up! You are only one person away from yes. One day you can get 10 rejections and the next get the one. The good thing about this publishing business is one day you can be ages away from ever seeing your book on the shelf but the next it could all happen in the blink of an eye. It's exciting.
Why I love ATU -
Its different! what? no paranormal.....I think Beth was brilliant in taking Star trek and making it for teens is BRILLIANT.
Her character, Amy, is spunky.
It's pacy and she's a great writer. (hence, teacher!)
I love the idea of being stuck in universe and having no future
The first chapter - was - so - GRIPPING. Serious
11 Comments on Bookanistas: Over the Moon for Across the Universe, last added: 1/27/2011
This is a wonderful review/post(I love hearing specific reasons why someone likes a book). It was so nice to read the paragraphs about your relationship with Beth as well. How wonderful that she kept going (and hit the NYT Bestseller list with her debut--SO awesome!).
I can't even begin to say how happy I am for Beth in this little comment. She's such a great person on top of her wonderful writing. This is one of my favorites from last year. (I read it in Dec.) An absolutely amazing debut.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I don't know how I didn't know all that stuff about Beth, but I'm reading ATU right now, and LOVING IT. It makes me feel so hopeful to know that she succeeded in such a big way after so much perserverence. It also lets me know that I have a long way to go before I even think about giving up. Thanks so much Shelli!
As most of you know, us Southerns are pretty much shut down due to six inches of snow.
We never get snow so basically we are all trapped inside - killing each other, renting movies, and eating junk.
But......
I'm poking my head out of the snow for a minute to wish my good friend Beth Revis a wonderful launch day today.
I met Beth online a couple years ago way before we had agents. When we each probably had less than 10 followers and a dream. I loved meeting her finally in person this fall for drinks and am happy to see her day finally here after all the struggles and hard work.
Across the Universe is hitting the stores and everyone needs to go get this book. I got an ARC early last fall and loved the whole creativity and world building around this book.
As the spaceship Godspeed travels toward a new earth, the lives of 100 cryogenically frozen settlers hang in the balance after someone endeavors to quietly murder them. The other passengers aboard the ship have never known life outside its walls and are enslaved by the machinations of Eldest, their tyrannical leader, who divides them into three distinct classes. When Amy, a frozen settler from earth, survives being thawed in a murder attempt, she immediately bonds with Elder, Godspeed's lone teen and future leader. Amy’s individuality, her rebellion, and her fierce desire for freedom, inspire Elder to act on his own doubts and defy Eldest--his mentor and keeper--with shocking results. The book's web site launches today so go check out the space ship blueprints! So cool.
Or check out all the stuff going on at Beth's site.
Happy Book Bday Beth! Can't wait to see you soar to the stars - at Godspeed :)
Ill announce all the ARC winners later this week after I dig myself out of the ice.
12 Comments on Happy Launch Day! Across the Universe by Beth Revis!, last added: 1/12/2011
Publisher: Razorbill (January 11, 2011) Hardcover: 400 Pages Series: Across The Universe #1 Genre: YA Science Fiction Book from Publisher*
From Goodreads.
A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder.
Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.
Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone--one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship--tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.
Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.
Review
ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, by Beth Revis, is a epic sci-fi adventure that will keep you glued to the pages. I am usually not a fan of sci-fi, but when I saw this cover and read the synopsis I felt drawn to read it. This cover is so stunning. The colors and stars are beautiful and the dual faces make it very intriguing.
I liked the structure of the book with alternating POVs from Amy and Elder. The dreams that Amy had while cryogenically frozen gave me an insight to her life before coming aboard Godspeed. And the interaction between Elder and Eldest gave me a deeper look into the suspicious nature of the ship and what was actually happening.
Revis left no stone unturned when creating the setting for the ship. The details of how the ship ran and the people who performed their jobs were flawless and structured quite well. I was very impressed with 'world building' and how each part of the ship functioned.
The relationship between Amy and Elder was adorable. Elder being attracted to Amy's differences, which everyone else seemed to have a problem with, was charming and brought out more emotion that he bargained for. Amy's connection with Elder started off with a need for companionship but they both experienced an adventure that was out of this world and relied on each other to survive.
The minor characters were great too. I liked Harley and his 'craziness'. He was definitely a great friend and sidekick. Also, as much as I wanted to hate Eldest, I felt his motivations for his actions were somewhat warranted and I am curious to see if he and Amy will ever see eye to eye.
There is so much in this book that amazed me. The creativity and attention to detail was phenomenal. Revis definitely knows how to rope a reader in and throw in surprises at each page. The overall plot was fantastic and after the initial problem was solved, these two are now faced with an ever bigger problem than they could have ever dreamed. I am excited to read the next book to find out what happens next on this journey on Godspeed.
Beth Re
0 Comments on Across the Universe (Beth Revis) Review as of 1/11/2011 2:34:00 AM
Yay--the Bookanistas are finally back! (You know you've missed us.) And I'm kicking off the new year by reviewing a book that just so happens to be written by one of the Bookanistas herself: ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, by the amazing, talented, and oh so wonderful writer I feel lucky to call a friend, Beth Revis.
LOVE this cover:
And here's the blurb from the publisher:
A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder. Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.
Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone-one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship-tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.
Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.
Sounds intriguing, right?
I have to admit though, guys, I was nervous to read this one. I mean, I LOVE Beth, and she's one of the Bookanistas, and even though the blurb sounded cool and this book has had CRAZY buzz and everyone I knew who'd read it had LOVED it and I had no doubt of Beth's talent, there was a teeny, tiny part of me that thought: OMG what if I hate it--what will I say?????????? Especially because...*whispers*...I don't usually like Sci-Fi.
*pauses while fans of Star Wars and Star Trek and anything else with "star" in the title gasp and race to click the unfollow button*
I know. I'm weird. It's just not my thing--usually. But I'm telling you guys right now--my worries were totally and completely unfounded.
I LOVED this book. Me--the girl who usually loses interest the second anything is set in space--could not put this book down. Not sure if it's because it's SO well written, or because it's also a dystopian novel squeezed inside tall the space stuff, or because Elder and Amy have this wicked chemistry between them, or because it has this great omg-what-is-going-on-I-need-to-know-NOW!!!! kind of mystery--but whatever it is, it's AMAZING. Dark and claustrophobic and tense and full of tons of twists and turns that keep you on your toes. And I love that Beth doesn't go easy on her characters or her readers. She's not afraid to push everyone as hard and as much as she can, so you never know who's safe and who you can trust.
ACROSS THE UNIVERSE lives up to every bit of the hype it garnered, and I recommend it to anyone--whether you can recite every line from the one and only season of Firefly from memory or whether you're scratching your head right now wondering what the heck Firefly is. Put any preconceived notions you may have about Sci-Fi or Young Adult novels aside and read this book!!!! You will not be disappointed. In fact, I'm fairly certain you'
105 Comments on Bookanista Review: Across the Universe, by Beth Revis--AND A SIGNED BOOK GIVEAWAY!!!!, last added: 1/10/2011
This book is at the very top of my wishlist right now. I cannot wait to read it and I've loved reading interviews with the author. She seems so smart and fun...And I bet her book will be the same!
I am dying to read this book. Not only is the cover beautiful (both covers by the way), but I've heard nothing but excellent reviews of AtU. I'm so pumped. Thanks for the contest!
You're not weird to not love SF. I don't either but have been reading more dystopian/SF lately because my 13 year old daughter and her friends like it more than fantasy. They're turning me onto books.
I so want to win the book. I so want to read it and then pass in onto my daughter and her friends. Thanks for being so generous to give it away.
I have been drooling over this book since I read the first chapter online! I so cannot wait for next week when it comes out!!! And of course your review makes me even more impatient :)
This book sounds so awesome! It has been on my wishlist for ages and i am so eager to get my hands on a copy! Your review has only made me that much more impatient. Thank you for the giveaway *fist pump* and for making it international:D
I got a hold of the first chapter when Beth was giving it away a few months ago, and I have to say that I can't remember ever reading a more powerful opening scene. I'm not joking.
Don't put me in the contest because I'm going to go buy it on Tuesday and take a photo to win the swag on her blog.
Oh go ahead and enter me I guess. You've got some good swag too.
Count me in! I've had my eyes on this book for a while (yes I am a SF fan and know all about Firefly, but I'm still following you! Hey, at least you mentioned Firefly, right? :)
Excellent and entertaining review, Shannon. This is definitely on my to-read list. And the cover is total lava lamp. I could sit mesmerized and staring at it for HOURS!
Great review! I can't wait to read it! Firefly is/was such a great show! I absolutly love it and quote from it ALL the time. I mean how many other shows have cowboys in space who curse in Chinese? So original! Thanks so much for the giveaway!!!
Great review! I can't wait to read it! Firefly is/was such a great show! I absolutly love it and quote from it ALL the time. I mean how many other shows have cowboys in space who curse in Chinese? So original! Thanks so much for the giveaway!!!
Love your reviews, but you didn't have to sell me on this one. After I read the first chapter way back when, I was hooked. Thanks for the chance to win!
Sometimes when I get excited I speak in keyboard and yell "ASDFJKL;" I, infact, just did that out loud in my cube after reading the interview and seeing the prize.
To quote more science fiction (since I'm convinced now that you've read this book you are going to go out and read more sci-fi and then rent all three seasons of Roswell): "What's so great about normal?"- Max Evans, Roswell Season 1.
Well, I am one of those 'star' lovers that adores your blog too much to click the unfollow button. :) (But *gasp* how can you not like Star Wars!) :)
So, yes, I love sci-fi. I love dystopian. I love romance with good chemistry. So I MUST READ THIS BOOK. Winning a signed copy would be aMAZing, but, nevertheless, it's going on my to-read list. :)
Can I just say that I love this review? Because I do. I read AtU a week or so ago and fell in love with it. I'm not a big sci-fi person either, but this book was so much more than that. I read it in one sitting because it was impossible to put down!
I heard someone call it a combination of Titanic meets Brave New World and I was hooked! I want to read is so badly and it doesn't help bloggers tease us with those awesome reviews! :) Thanks for a chance at winning it!
I have been looking forward to the release of AtU for months. I already have it ordered, but a signed copy is even better. :) I am a bit of a sci-fi fan, more YA sci-fi and sci-fi romance, but I won't hold it against you. :) I'd love to win and book swag is so cool.
Whoa, I need to back away a little because this post is filled with so much AWESOME O_O!
*comes back a few minutes later*
YAY! Welcome back Bookanistas! xD
I've read so many positive reviews for Across the Universe and GAH, how can I not enter this giveaway! I intend on buying myself a copy of AtU but it would be extraordinarily good luck if I won a signed copy. I have to try my luck once again! >D
Oh, so glad to hear it. because I am in the same boat. LOVE Beth... hate sci-fi. I guess when a book is amazing, the genre doesn't really matter. I have already ordered, so no need to include me in the contest!
I'm not gonna lie. I'm a little nervous about reading this. I, like you, am not a sci-fi book fan. I'm glad to hear it's getting great reviews, though.
*big hugs* I'm not a sci-fi, nor a mystery fan either, but I'm so excited for AtU! Soooo glad you enjoyed the book, and thank you (and thanks, Beth!) for the contest! rivkarno1(at)hotmail(dot)com
Lol, I've been wanting to get my hands on this book since I read the first chapter so looooong ago (well it was months, but it feels like forever)! Thanks for having the giveaway Shannon:)
I'm dying to get my hands on this book! Even though I usually step away from anything set on space :P But I've heard so many great things about it I just can't help myself :)
Just read Scott's review of AtU, and Dude, you guys had such different approaches, but both of you did such a brilliant job making me want to scream my head off because I. Don't. HaveITYET!!!!!!!!
P.S. How could you not like sci-fi? Seriously. We need to do a Star Wars marathon. I shall convert you. Have you seen the new Star Trek? That will totally do it. Or man, the new Tron?? Dude, I'm wigging out over here.
Sounds very intriguing! I love the review. I'm with you on the space stuff. But you make me want to read the book. Thanks for the awesome giveaway. [email protected]
Okay, I am SO excited to be a part of this blog tour. I mean, how awesome does Beth's book sound? *taps foot impatiently for my turn with The Bookanistas' ARC*
Not to mention Beth has been one of my favorite bloggers since I first "found" her about a year-and-a-half ago. She was one of those people that I just instantly thought: I need to know this girl! So it has been such a thrill and honor to get to know her and watch all her tremendous success and be a small part of her journey toward literary world domination. (oh, and you can bet there will be domination. Have you SEEN the buzz she has going--all totally deserved, btw?)
And now she has a secret password protected section for her website--dang, the girl knows how to keep us in suspense!!! (Though...I was lucky enough to get the password early, so I've already checked it out. There is some way cool stuff in there, guys. For realzies. And no, I won't give away the secret. Well...not unless the bribe you offer is REALLY good) ;)
So here's how this works. I'm hanging out over Beth's blog providing TONS of Shannon Shame as I relate my adventure in Itter, Austria. (And believe me guys, it's heavy on the shame. Let's just say mountain biking is involved. And the pictures that go with it are especially embarrassing. I'm twirling in one of them. TWIRLING!)
But before you hop over there to laugh at me (and yeah...you're gonna laugh at me--le sigh), here's the information Beth has provided for how this tour works--and make sure you read all the way to the bottom to get today's clue.
Across the Universe is a sci fi coming out from Penguin/Razorbill on January 11, 2011. Author Beth Revis describes it as "a murder mystery set in space," but it also has romance, adventure, and dystopian elements. In the book, a girl boards an interstellar spaceship in a journey across the universe to find a new planet.
To celebrate the book's upcoming release, Beth's gathered together writers and readers from across the blogosphere to share their stories of adventures they've had across the world. Check out her site the first two weeks of November to read about adventures from the Wild West to Indonesia, from Europe to Africa.
And as you're going across the world with all these adventures, be sure to pick up the clues. On Beth's webpage is a secret link--LOOK for it, and you'll SEE it. But it's password protected! To find the password, you'll need to go on the adventures with us, pick up the letters, and re-arrange them into the secret phrase.
What do you get for playing? On the password protected page there's tons of secret information about the book--hidden Easter Eggs, the surprising origins of one of the characters, and the unexpected inspiration behind the space ship. But, more than that--there's also a chance for prizes! Only accessible from the password protected page is a form to enter a drawing--the winner will get a signed and doodled ARC of Acros
15 Comments on Across the World Tour for Across the Universe (and because it's me...I brought the Shannon Shame), last added: 11/9/2010
I'm so sorry. I laughed at you! You tell a great story, girl. I figured the password out a couple days ago, but I'm really enjoying everyone's adventures so I keep coming back.
I can't wait for it to come out :) The only exciting thing I have is that before I left the home base, I visited 48 states in a 15-passenger van as part of multiple family vacations. And that was all before I set foot in an airplane! I promise there are many embarrassing sibling related moments on trips like those.
Dude. This is the coolest idea. It is also one of the most amazing books. I've read the first chapter and it was literally the most powerful opening scene I can ever remember reading. Chilling.
That sounds like a lot of work and I'm already almost falling asleep in my coffee. BUT it sounds fun and I'm SUPER excited about Beth's book. Especially after hearing her publisher talk about it so passionately at SCBWI. Yay for Across The Universe! :)
Ok, I am headed over there to check it out. I am trying to think of anywhere I have been exciting...nope. I got nothing. I would say California but that would totally not be exciting for YOU.lol
I want this book. I want this book. I want this book. I want this book. I want this book. Can you tell I really, really want this book????? Because I really want this book!!!!!!!
That's a really clever cover. And the title is excellent. Thanks for posting this. Nice that you're supporting her book--your enthusiasm and sincerity really come through.
Beth Revis is a soon-to-be published author and my second guest for the special edition 7-SS series, Back to School A-Z.
POP QUIZ!
The thing I like most about Beth is
a) she teaches high school b) she's a Mac fanatic c) she lives in one of my favorite states d) she's hilarious e) she has excellent taste in books f) her author blog g) her blog about writing h) all of the above.
Beth's debut novel, Across the Universe, will be released in spring of 2011.
In the novel, set in the near future, a teenager is cryogenically frozen only to thaw too soon, before arriving at the new planet that's her destination. Set to wake 300 years in the future, She rouses 50 years too early, still on a spaceship in transit.
Step #1 LIGHTNING ROUND
music or gym class? Music! Specifically, piano
high school or college? College. SO much more fun than high school, which was just drama and stress
school lunch or sack lunch? Sack. Although my people called it a bag lunch
crayons or markers? Sharpies
first crush: Is way too embarrassing to talk of.
favorite subject: literature and history
favorite teacher: Mrs. Washburn, tenth grade English teacher
Step #2 TELL US about any of your weird writing habits or idiosyncracies. (ie, What’s one “thing” you need to write, the thing without which the creative juices would cease to flow?)
Don’t really have any idiosyncracies if the writing is going well…but if I get stuck, going on a long drive usually helps.
Step #3 TEACH US one or two of your favorite vocabulary words.
“Apropos” which means “appropriate,” but sounds cool. As in: Ninja-kicking the old man in the face was certainly not apropos.
Step #4 BOOK BLANKS
The last book I finished reading was Paranormalcy byKiersten White
I gave ita bazillion stars.
One word to describe it is kickass.
Step #5 QUESTION: What's your favorite school-age memory?
My fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Pearson, read a story I wrote about a unicorn to the whole class—I felt so special, and it made me think my writing was worthwhile.
Step #6 QUESTION:What effect did school (elementary through college/grad school) have on your writing?
Elementary school taught me that I l
9 Comments on B is for Beth, last added: 8/12/2010
In the various personality tests that I took in university, it was suggested that I would be happiest as a high school English teacher or speech pathologist. I often wonder what my life would be like now if I chosen one of those paths instead of medicine (I'm not a doctor, BTW, because I dropped out. I eventually chose journalism).
I enjoyed the interview, Beth. I'm really looking forward to your book!
I can't help but think that my four year old daughter would be a big fan if Beth had continued with the unicorn stories. :-) Really enjoyable interview!
Manuscript update: Started my new final round of revision yesterday. The last round was the make-every-word-great round, after going through plot and scene revision rounds earlier. So this is the polish, the I-want-to-make-sure-every-word-is-still-great-and-I-didn’t-type-something-weird-last-time round. I’m excited, and plan to be finished in a week or so. Fingers crossed.
With the economy the way it is and all the bad news that has been coming of the publishing industry the last few years, it’s great to see all the deals still being reported by Publisher’s Marketplace. But when it’s a deal for a debut writer, it’s even more wonderful, it’s inspirational.
As I was shutting down my computer last night, I saw fellow blogger Beth Revis had posted the news that her book, Deep Freeze, has been picked up by Razorbill, an imprint of Penguin, for a spring 2011 release. According to Publishers Weekly, Razorbill editor Bill Shrank “said he thinks the book will do for popular sci-fi what The Hunger Games did for postapocalyptic fiction.” Wow!
Beth also scored a three-book deal, which shows the confidence Razorbill has in her writing.
This is fantastic news for Beth, and I’m so excited for her. I also can’t wait to read the book, because it sounds wonderful.
But it’s also exciting news for all unpublished writers. It shows us that despite the layoffs and low financial quarters at publishing houses, editors are buying books, and they are buying books from unpublished writers.
Sure, I’ve heard over and over that manuscripts need to be really polished before they’ll even attract an agent nowadays — hence my new polish round — but if you put in the work, the rewards will come.
Go on, dare to dream, then get to work on making that dream a reality. It will take work, a lot of hard work, but it will be worth it in the end.
Whoa, Beth, now I want to see the German cover of Wings. :)
And Aerin, I feel like I haven't seen you around on the Internet much lately! Hopefully 2010 will be an even better year! And thanks for putting me on your list. I'm honored. :)
Ah Aerin . . . I'm blushing. Thanks for including me in your list. I'm not always the best for leaving comments so I apologize but I'm always checking out everybody's posts. Have a great new year!
BETH REVIS is the New York Times bestselling author of the Across the Universe trilogy, as well as The Body Electric, Paper Hearts, and the forthcoming A World Without You. She lives in the Appalachian mountains with her boys: one husband, one son, and two very large dogs. You can find out more on Facebook, Twitter, or online. If you never want to miss a thing and also get exclusive insider opportunities, sign up for her newsletter here.Your enemy is the blank page. When it comes to writing, there’s no wrong way to get words on paper. But it’s not always easy to make the ink flow. Paper Hearts: Some Writing Advice won’t make writing any simpler, but it may help spark your imagination and get your hands back on the keyboard.
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That’s a great article and a really funny way of looking at things. Thanks for sharing.
I have a friend who always keeps me up-to-date on author v. reviewer drama, especially on Goodreads. You would think people would learn from others’ mistakes. I guess these things happen because of a moment of weakness / one drink too many on the author’s part? Regardless, it’s not okay.
Even if the so-called reviewer has crossed a line from professional to personal, I think it’s the author’s job to take the higher ground and keep mum. Don’t even dignify it with a response, you know?
I agree, Lisa Jenn! (Though I’ve been thinking about it–for me it’s different when it’s censorship, when people are trying to ban books. But a review is different.)
Totally agreed, there is a huge difference for a couple of reasons. A book review takes advantage of freedom of expression, whereas censorship limits freedom of expression. And there are plenty of ways to respond to censorship that don’t devolve into name-calling and other unprofessional antics!
I agree! You put that beautifully. And I would not engage in name-calling or mean behavior. Unprofessional…and hurtful.