Thursday, June 19, 2014
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Best Book Club EVER
It's been such a long time since I've posted but last we've talked I mentioned I had moved. That was like a year ago. And my kids go to this really great school and they get to do a lot of cool things and have amazing experiences. Like author visits. They've probably had half a dozen+ authors come to talk to them and each time it's a big deal with everyone wanting signed books and they all read them voraciously so it's a good thing.
I've never been the kind of author mom to push my books on them. But at one event we were at when the kids were going on and on about the authors, "Did you hear how he gets ideas?" "Isn't that amazing how she thought up that title?" I looked at them and said, "You guys do realize I write books for a living, right?"
Fast forward a couple of months and a few more author visits. I was leaving to do an author event in Chicago and something clicked with the kids. "Omg! You write books! Can we read them?!"
Thus started the Springer Family Book Club. The kids all demanded their own signed books. How do you sign a book to your own kid? I wrote smooshy love notes to each and signed it Mommy, aka Kristina Springer. And each night we gather in one bedroom (all 4 kids plus us parents), books in hand, and we take turns reading aloud a chapter from My Fake Boyfriend is Better Than Yours. And it's pretty darn cute I must say. Especially since my kindergartner can only read the fast words he knows (like, for, and, the, you, where etc.) and the girls have to fill in the rest. And the kids laugh at all my jokes. And talk about what could possibly happen next. It's awesome.
Tonight we're reading the last chapter of the book and they're all dying to know what happens. I keep pretending like I don't know which makes them giggle. They asked if we can start one of my other books tomorrow but I'm hesitant-- I think the YA is a little too mature. I did just finish a new middle grade recently so I'm contemplating printing out a copy of that for us to read.
I've been asked in interviews for years, what do your kids think of your books? And I'd always answered, oh they're too young. Now I have a new answer-- they're the best book club ever. :-)
Kristina, Miss Author in Action
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Two Months Later (or I Ain't Missing You At All*)
*with apologies to John Waite
Tip of the Day: Mark your calendar for the Greater Rochester Teen Book Fest on May 16, 2015 -- there are already 8 authors confirmed to be here in the ROC!
For anyone who knows the song "Missing You" by John Waite, it should be clear that I AM missing Author2Author even though it's been two months since I last posted! Where has the time gone? Well, I guess into the following things:
1. Greater Rochester Teen Book Fest! How could I not have had an amazing time volunteering at this event on May 17? Look at all the YA authors who showed up to talk to over 3,000 teens?
2. Writing, writing, writing! I am loving my Book Nook gig for Genesee Valley Parent Magazine, as well as my VOYA Reviews. My MG novel will be ready for my agent in the next month, and I finished my YA sequel to BLACKOUT. It is called DESERTED and is due out as an ebook on August 1 and it takes place in Las Vegas. Here's the blurb:
3. Reading, reading, reading! I am up to 79 books read this year, not including anything younger than MG novels which I just don't have time to record. I did YA book talks for Rochester area teachers, which is always fun and feeds my desire to talk about YA novels and non-fiction for an hour to a captive audience.
4. I slightly redesigned my website but it needs a lot more work...I am just not a good web designer. It is a WIP for sure, but for now it at least contains needed information and reconciles my Viviani and Lipomi names and the librarian and writing work I do under each.
I promise not to wait two months until I blog again! What is everyone else up to?
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
Tip of the Day: Mark your calendar for the Greater Rochester Teen Book Fest on May 16, 2015 -- there are already 8 authors confirmed to be here in the ROC!
For anyone who knows the song "Missing You" by John Waite, it should be clear that I AM missing Author2Author even though it's been two months since I last posted! Where has the time gone? Well, I guess into the following things:
1. Greater Rochester Teen Book Fest! How could I not have had an amazing time volunteering at this event on May 17? Look at all the YA authors who showed up to talk to over 3,000 teens?
(Photo from Greater Rochester Teen Book Fest)
I myself saw over 200 teens in the Debut Author Panel starring Tess Sharpe, Michelle Madow, Cristin Terrill, and Amber Lough. Those ladies were amazing and you should definitely read their books!
Seventeen-year-old Kara is done spying on people for her father, the wealthy and morally corrupt businessman Dr. Ellison. Last summer, when her father’s project literally blew up, she fell hard for one of his victims: Leo, the hot musician who made her question her family’s rules. Now Leo’s clear across the country, and Kara’s ready to reinvent herself in Las Vegas.
Of course her father has to mess up that plan, too. He claims a rogue environmental group wants him dead because of his latest alternative energy business venture, and that he needs Kara back on his payroll as the only one he can fully trust. With nowhere else to turn, Kara sends Leo a distressed text message – just before she’s kidnapped, a bargaining chip of the vigilantes who are determined to end her father’s moneymaking plans.
Leo is battling the pains of his last run-in with Dr. Ellison but he wastes no time hopping a plane to Vegas to rescue Kara. As he struggles to find her, the pair tries to learn all they can about the project Dr. Ellison is directing in the hopes of using the information to free Kara. Because if there’s one thing they’ve learned from Dr. Ellison, it’s that no risk is too big when it comes to fame and fortune, life and death.
4. I slightly redesigned my website but it needs a lot more work...I am just not a good web designer. It is a WIP for sure, but for now it at least contains needed information and reconciles my Viviani and Lipomi names and the librarian and writing work I do under each.
I promise not to wait two months until I blog again! What is everyone else up to?
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Getting Into the Writing Zone (or For the Love of Music)
Tip of the Day: Scrivener, the Must Have Digital Writing Tool, is on sale for only $20 for a limited time through AppSumo! I just bought my copy and can't wait to use the Save the Cat outline + Scrivener to write my next MG novel; I'm sure the novel will practically write itself.
I have committed myself to e-pubbing DESERTED, the sequel to BLACKOUT, on August 1 -- if not before! In order to make this deadline, I need to finish writing it, get crit partner feedback, get it copyedited, send it for formatting, and upload it in just four short months.
Can I do it?
Of course I can!
What do I need to do to make it happen?
Write like there is no tomorrow!
Or at least write like there is no internet/Candy Crush/distractions.
It's not like writing DESERTED isn't fun -- it totally is! It takes place in Las Vegas and involves rogue environmental groups and secret chemical experiments to harness natural energy. I get to call on both my sister and brother for their Vegas and chemist expertise.
Still, like many people with 21st century technology at our disposal, it's easy to get -- oh, wait, it's my turn on Words With Friends. I'll be right back.
Oh, right.
What helps me tally up my word count is going to the library (not where I work; that would be the opposite of productive writing time) or Panera, plugging in my earbuds and pumping up the tunes, and cranking on the keyboard for 2-4 hours. Not only does the location make me stay on task (since I'm not on my couch getting too comfy), but the music helps, too.
How does the music help? I'm not sure exactly, but last month I went to an author talk by Heather Terrell and she said what helps her switch her brain from mom/household chores mode to writer mode is playing the same music that she's been writing to all along. She couldn't remember where she'd heard that the musical association worked like that, but once she said it, something clicked for me:
THAT'S why I keep listening to the Twilight Soundtrack!
Ahem.
To be fair, I alternate it with the rest of the saga's music, plus Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and The Great Gatsby. For some reason, albums with various artists work for me, as do those with a YA flavor when I'm writing contemporary YA fiction.
The other night I needed to get some writing done, and the library wasn't open and I didn't want to leave the warmth of my living room to head to Panera, and my mind was already wandering to Things Other Than Writing. So I decided to give the music association theory a shot. I queued up my Stephenie Meyer inspired iTunes tracks...and finished my outline in 2 hours while sitting on the couch!
I won't give up my library/cafe writing zone, but I do feel like I have another option that can work fairly well when I'm at home.
What helps trick your brain into being Writing Ready?
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
I have committed myself to e-pubbing DESERTED, the sequel to BLACKOUT, on August 1 -- if not before! In order to make this deadline, I need to finish writing it, get crit partner feedback, get it copyedited, send it for formatting, and upload it in just four short months.
Can I do it?
Of course I can!
What do I need to do to make it happen?
Write like there is no tomorrow!
Or at least write like there is no internet/Candy Crush/distractions.
It's not like writing DESERTED isn't fun -- it totally is! It takes place in Las Vegas and involves rogue environmental groups and secret chemical experiments to harness natural energy. I get to call on both my sister and brother for their Vegas and chemist expertise.
Still, like many people with 21st century technology at our disposal, it's easy to get -- oh, wait, it's my turn on Words With Friends. I'll be right back.
Oh, right.
 |
How does the music help? I'm not sure exactly, but last month I went to an author talk by Heather Terrell and she said what helps her switch her brain from mom/household chores mode to writer mode is playing the same music that she's been writing to all along. She couldn't remember where she'd heard that the musical association worked like that, but once she said it, something clicked for me:
THAT'S why I keep listening to the Twilight Soundtrack!
Ahem.
To be fair, I alternate it with the rest of the saga's music, plus Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and The Great Gatsby. For some reason, albums with various artists work for me, as do those with a YA flavor when I'm writing contemporary YA fiction.
The other night I needed to get some writing done, and the library wasn't open and I didn't want to leave the warmth of my living room to head to Panera, and my mind was already wandering to Things Other Than Writing. So I decided to give the music association theory a shot. I queued up my Stephenie Meyer inspired iTunes tracks...and finished my outline in 2 hours while sitting on the couch!
I won't give up my library/cafe writing zone, but I do feel like I have another option that can work fairly well when I'm at home.
What helps trick your brain into being Writing Ready?
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
Sunday, February 23, 2014
A View of Reviews (or What I Like About You, You Really Know How to Write*)
*with apologies to The Romantics
Tip of the Day: Only 82 days until the Rochester Teen Book Festival! If you are anywhere near Rochester, NY on May 17th, you must come to this FREE event featuring 30 authors!
As a book reviewer for VOYA, Genesee Valley Parent Magazine, and the RACWI newsletter, and after commenting on a thread about starred reviews in the SCBWI Discussion Board (as created by picture book author Verla Kay), I've been thinking lately a lot about how I approach reviews.
Of course we all have favorite genres of books, topics we'll gravitate towards without question, and authors we'll pick up no matter what the book is about. But within those books there are aspects that make us really, really like some more than others.
*Please note that I'm focusing on novels in this discussion.*
And in books that are not part of my usual repertoire, I can still fall in love with them if they rock in one or more of three areas.
What are those three things?
Why voice, characters, and page-turning plots of course!
So if a book in any genre stands out in any of these areas as compared to the 150-200 other books I read each year, then I'll give it an above average rating or review. And if it stands out so much that I can't stop talking about it or telling others that they must read it, then I'll give it a glowing review.
A recent read that has made this most latter list?
Not only is main character Mo LeBeau smart, funny, honest, and caring with a sharp voice that makes me smile on every page, but she's joined by a cast of additional fabulous characters. If you enjoy middle grade novels at all, you must read this book and THREE TIMES LUCKY (the first Mo LeBeau book) as well.
For the sake of more examples, I'll tell you what I love about each of the Author2Author Misses' work and why they stand out to me. :)
Kate -- her plots are smart and make me think about new worlds, and her characters have witty lines that make me laugh out loud and want them to succeed.
Emily -- her plots are high concept and seem to write themselves, and her first-person voice is hilarious.
Tina -- her plots are well-crafted and fit together like a sharp puzzle, and her characters' honesty and naivete are refreshing and fun to follow as they get into hijinks.
Megg -- her characters kick butt and lead the plots instead of letting the plots lead them.
What aspect of a novel make you love them more than others you have read lately?
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
Tip of the Day: Only 82 days until the Rochester Teen Book Festival! If you are anywhere near Rochester, NY on May 17th, you must come to this FREE event featuring 30 authors!
As a book reviewer for VOYA, Genesee Valley Parent Magazine, and the RACWI newsletter, and after commenting on a thread about starred reviews in the SCBWI Discussion Board (as created by picture book author Verla Kay), I've been thinking lately a lot about how I approach reviews.
Of course we all have favorite genres of books, topics we'll gravitate towards without question, and authors we'll pick up no matter what the book is about. But within those books there are aspects that make us really, really like some more than others.
*Please note that I'm focusing on novels in this discussion.*
And in books that are not part of my usual repertoire, I can still fall in love with them if they rock in one or more of three areas.
What are those three things?
Why voice, characters, and page-turning plots of course!
So if a book in any genre stands out in any of these areas as compared to the 150-200 other books I read each year, then I'll give it an above average rating or review. And if it stands out so much that I can't stop talking about it or telling others that they must read it, then I'll give it a glowing review.
A recent read that has made this most latter list?
Not only is main character Mo LeBeau smart, funny, honest, and caring with a sharp voice that makes me smile on every page, but she's joined by a cast of additional fabulous characters. If you enjoy middle grade novels at all, you must read this book and THREE TIMES LUCKY (the first Mo LeBeau book) as well.
For the sake of more examples, I'll tell you what I love about each of the Author2Author Misses' work and why they stand out to me. :)
Kate -- her plots are smart and make me think about new worlds, and her characters have witty lines that make me laugh out loud and want them to succeed.
Emily -- her plots are high concept and seem to write themselves, and her first-person voice is hilarious.
Tina -- her plots are well-crafted and fit together like a sharp puzzle, and her characters' honesty and naivete are refreshing and fun to follow as they get into hijinks.
Megg -- her characters kick butt and lead the plots instead of letting the plots lead them.
What aspect of a novel make you love them more than others you have read lately?
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
My Milkshake Brings All the Boys to the Book...Wha'?
Tip of the Day: A2A contributor Kristina Springer has a FREE young adult novel for download today. Check out Boy Swap on Amazon!!!!! Also for free is her short story, Cart Princess. And her novel Paparazzi Project is 99 cents!
All of my books up to this point have been female-oriented. Every main character has been female. All the books have been in first person...and I've faced a lot of criticism for having too little romance and too much action.
They're probably right. I'm not a girly girl. I'm the girl all the guys want to hang out with. Not because I have big boobs or flirt or whatever - but because I'm into guy stuff.
The majority of novels I read are written by men, for men. They involve explosions, mysteries, and hot & fast sex with little romance. Not to say I don't enjoy a good romance once in a while, but, for me, that is an exception. I prefer action-adventure movies over sweet comedies. I'd rather spend an evening in sweats playing video games than be taken out.
With HIDDEN, I decided to let go of everything I thought I was supposed to do. I wrote with my man's mind. I wasn't gentle to my characters. I didn't have a lot of kissy romance (though there is some quick & dirty sex). I hacked creatures to bloody pulps. I exacted cruelty on my characters. They live and die by the sword. And things just get worse in the next book in the series, HUNTED.
For the first time in my writing career, I'm getting feedback from men. They love the covers (a few women have written me and said they hate them). Women who are readers of my earlier books are writing me and telling me their husbands and sons are enjoying HIDDEN even more than they are. I have male fans!
I can't tell you how exciting this is to me. I know there are a lot of women out there like me who enjoy reading men's adventure fiction and would rather watch The Expendables than the newest romcom. I'm so happy they're reading my books!!!!
But if I can reach men, admittedly a smaller reading population than women, I'll be thrilled. My only concern........will men go out of their way to buy an action-adventure fantasy written by a woman? I don't know.
I seriously considered publishing HIDDEN under a fake male name. Or using initials. But, I figured, screw that. If indie publishing has taught me anything, it's that we can be and do anything we want. Why hide the fact I'm a girl? Just because I have a vagina, it doesn't mean I can't write with some grit.
I'm excited to see where these books lead me. It's been a blast writing them. Since I'm not writing specifically for teen girls anymore, I can let loose with the plot. I don't have to be afraid. It's so liberating.
Let's all keep our fingers crossed that my Dragonlands series can do it. I want men to take a chance on them!
Megg, Miss Enchanted ePubber
www.meggjensen.com
All of my books up to this point have been female-oriented. Every main character has been female. All the books have been in first person...and I've faced a lot of criticism for having too little romance and too much action.
They're probably right. I'm not a girly girl. I'm the girl all the guys want to hang out with. Not because I have big boobs or flirt or whatever - but because I'm into guy stuff.The majority of novels I read are written by men, for men. They involve explosions, mysteries, and hot & fast sex with little romance. Not to say I don't enjoy a good romance once in a while, but, for me, that is an exception. I prefer action-adventure movies over sweet comedies. I'd rather spend an evening in sweats playing video games than be taken out.
With HIDDEN, I decided to let go of everything I thought I was supposed to do. I wrote with my man's mind. I wasn't gentle to my characters. I didn't have a lot of kissy romance (though there is some quick & dirty sex). I hacked creatures to bloody pulps. I exacted cruelty on my characters. They live and die by the sword. And things just get worse in the next book in the series, HUNTED.
For the first time in my writing career, I'm getting feedback from men. They love the covers (a few women have written me and said they hate them). Women who are readers of my earlier books are writing me and telling me their husbands and sons are enjoying HIDDEN even more than they are. I have male fans!
I can't tell you how exciting this is to me. I know there are a lot of women out there like me who enjoy reading men's adventure fiction and would rather watch The Expendables than the newest romcom. I'm so happy they're reading my books!!!!
But if I can reach men, admittedly a smaller reading population than women, I'll be thrilled. My only concern........will men go out of their way to buy an action-adventure fantasy written by a woman? I don't know.I seriously considered publishing HIDDEN under a fake male name. Or using initials. But, I figured, screw that. If indie publishing has taught me anything, it's that we can be and do anything we want. Why hide the fact I'm a girl? Just because I have a vagina, it doesn't mean I can't write with some grit.
I'm excited to see where these books lead me. It's been a blast writing them. Since I'm not writing specifically for teen girls anymore, I can let loose with the plot. I don't have to be afraid. It's so liberating.
Let's all keep our fingers crossed that my Dragonlands series can do it. I want men to take a chance on them!
Megg, Miss Enchanted ePubber
www.meggjensen.com
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Picture Book Remix (or Short and Sweet and Funny)
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| Tip of the Day: This has been seen in the wilds of B&N! Pick up your paperback copy and laugh hysterically today. |
My first Book Nook column is up in the February edition of Genesee Valley Parent Magazine! I am very excited about this for a number of reasons:
1. It is my first review writing gig that is paying me in actual dollars
2. GVPM is a fantastic locally owned and run publication with quality articles, relevant ads, and great distribution. Plus they are a sponsor for the Rochester Children's Book Festival.
3. I was "forced" to spend time reading picture books
Some of you may be thinking, "Forced to read picture books? Don't you work at the Children's Reference Desk for seven hours each week in your library? How are you not reading picture books? Besides, don't they take about two minutes each to read?"
The answer to all of these questions is YES. But the truth of the matter is:
a. When I work in the Children's Center, people usually ask for books about a certain thing (trains, dinosaurs, trucks, etc.), not for general recommendations about anything...and if they do, I have some go-to titles that I love (books by Tammi Sauer, Audrey Vernick, Anna Alter, and Jean Reidy to name a few).
b. Believe it or not, librarians do not actually sit around and read all day at work. Not even if each picture book only takes two minutes each. Those two minutes add up to time you are supposed to be spending on ordering, doing reference, answering emails, doing PR, running programs, planning events, etc.
c. I focus most of my reading on YA and MG because they DO take longer to read, and patrons can more easily flip through a picture book to see if it appeals to them than a novel.
That said, reviewing picture books for GVPM has been so much fun! Article due dates have driven me to check out and read lots of them at home, compare them, and actually know and love some of the Caldecott Winners this year. And you know what else about picture books?
They are so stinkin' cute and funny! Don't believe me? Or do? Either way, try some of these:
Will this make me want to try my hand at writing a picture book text? I only have once and it was a disaster, but perhaps if inspiration strikes, I will now have some masters in mind to use as inspiration and motivation....
Deena, Miss Subbing for Pubbing
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