German Shepard sitting
Black and white spaniel sitting
Husky laying down
Jack Russel sitting
Young Husky sitting
Hound dog sitting
Big, fuzzing brown puppy sitting
Gray Pitbull sitting
Golden Retriever sitting
Cocker Spaniel sittting

Million Visitors Blog Celebration (1st of 4) with 18 Books To Give Away

by Martina Boone

WE’RE CELEBRATING!

It’s absolutely amazing to me, but Adventures in YA Publishing is about to hit a major milestone: a million visitors. Yes. A million.

A MILLION!

That’s crazy-making. And jaw-dropping. And happy-dance-inspiring.

Via Rae
It delights me that so many of you have been here to share joy in young adult literature, the craft that goes into writing it, the authors who make it special, the bloggers who spread the word, and most of all, the readers who love to read it. So thank you.

THANK you!

Via Rachel K

And what better way to express my thanks than to turn the celebration into a shower of books?

Beyond toasting a happy day with prosecco, dancing around the house, and eating something with far more calories than dancing can possibly burn off, sharing a celebration with the people who made it possible is my favorite way to celebrate. Sharing a book celebration full of young adult literature is a double whammy.

Young adult literature is magical. It’s full of firsts and emotion. Self-exploration. Breathless love. Heartache. Heartbreak. Heart-pounding fear. Healing. Joy. Freedom. Discovery. Possibility. Hope. The books are tightly plotted, fast paced, genre-bending, and beautifully written. They are filled with characters who reach out from the pages and become lifelong companions.

To express my gratitude to the people who, over the past three years since I began blogging, have introduced me to the books, authors, writers, and book reviewers I have come to love, I have asked a few of them to tell me their favorite book titles so that I could give away prize packs in their honor.

Their prize packs are listed below, and I’m throwing in two prize packs of my own, plus two additional bonus prize packs to sweeten the pot. Some of the gift packs include books on writing craft and are for those who both read and write YA. Other packs include only fiction. No worries. There’s a spot on the form to let you tell us your preference pack type.

The giveaway will run 6/8/13, 6/9/13, 6/15/13 and 6/16/13. Each day is a separate entry with its own prize packs, so be sure to enter all four days. And I’ll announce the winners on 6/22/13.

Happy reading, thank you, and good luck!

Martina

Prize Pack One – Jan Lewis’ Prize Pack Pick 

Jan joined Adventures in YA Publishing at the end of last year after I’d been struggling to keep things afloat. She is now our scheduling guru, our spread sheet wizard, and our gatekeeper of all things contest. I can honestly say that I do not know what I would do without her.

In addition to being far more organized than I am, she is unfailingly kind, optimistic, professional, and ready to cheer for every author, every book, every blogger, and every writer out there.

In short, Jan is amazing, and I am beyond fortunate to have her with me on the blog and as a friend.

What’s your favorite way to celebrate a success?
Going out with my husband to our favorite sushi restaurant. There’s nothing like gyoza, edamame, and a solo boat!

What do you think makes Young Adult books unique and special for readers and/or for writers?
When I was a teenager, reading was my escape. I was so passionate about the books that I loved, and finding one that I could really connect with was magical. To write a book that a young adult might feel that way about would be an honor. I feel like my life would be complete if I was able to touch just one reader the way that so many authors touched me as a teen.

Jan’s Giveaway Picks:



 Incarnate
by Jodi Meadows
Katherine Tegen Books; First Edition edition

NEWSOUL
Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.

NOSOUL
Even Ana’s own mother thinks she’s a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she’ll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

HEART
Sam believes Ana’s new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana’s enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else’s life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?

Jodi Meadows expertly weaves soul-deep romance, fantasy, and danger into an extraordinary tale of new life.

Purchase Incarnate at Amazon
Purchase Incarnate at IndieBound
View Incarnate on Goodreads

* * * *

Box Set: The Giver, Messenger, The Gathering Blue
by Lois Lowry
Laurel Leaf
Released 6/8/2013

Discover the worlds of Lois Lowry in this beautiful boxed set. This perfect gift collection by New York Times bestselling author Lois Lowry, which includes the award-winning titles The Giver, Gathering Blue, and Messenger, is available to coincide with the publication of Lowry’s newest book, Son. Lowry was twice the recipient of the Newbery Medal, for Number the Stars and for The Giver. Her powerful and provocative novels are full of suspense, drama, and heart-wrenching action.

The Giver: When Jonas turns twelve, he is singled out for special training from The Giver. Now it’s time for Jonas to learn the truth. There is no turning back.
*
Gathering Blue: Kira, an orphan with a twisted leg, lives in a world where the weak are cast aside. When she is given a task that no other community member can carry out, Kira realizes that she is surrounded by mysteries and secrets—and finds that she possesses an extraordinary power.
*
Messenger: Matty has always been proud to be Village’s Messenger. But now that Village is closing its once-welcoming doors, Matty must make one last journey through the treacherous forest—and one great sacrifice to save the place he loves.
*
Lowry’s novels feature remarkable characters. This boxed set reveals the unexpected connections among their lives.
The Worlds of Lois Lowry boxed set is the perfect gift this holiday season.

Purchase Box Set: The Giver, Messenger, The Gathering Blue at Amazon
Purchase Box Set: The Giver, Messenger, The Gathering Blue at IndieBound
View Box Set: The Giver, Messenger, The Gathering Blue on Goodreads

* * * *

Prize Pack Two – Casey McCormick (for writers)

Casey McCormick is the founder of Literary Rambles, one of the first websites I ever visited when I started dipping a toe in the online writing community. Her Agent Spotlight series is an incredible resources to anyone querying or researching agents. If that isn’t enough, she is also founding member of WriteOnCon, which offers a FREE online writer’s conference every year for any writer interested in writing for children and young adults.
She is a literary agent intern, wife, and mom (x2), and a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. If you’re writing for young adults and you don’t know Casey, you need to run to Literary Rambles and set aside a week or two for browsing.

What’s your favorite way to celebrate a success?
On the blog, we love to celebrate our successes with big book giveaways. On a more personal level, there’s usually something sweet and decadent involved.

What do you think makes Young Adult books unique and special for readers and/or for writers?
I think young adult books are special because they’re often innovative and cover a period of life that’s intense and formative. There are YA books out now that I believe could have changed the
trajectory of my life had I read them as a teen. They’re that powerful, and I hope today’s teens are finding the books that speak to their present and future selves.
 Casey’s Giveaway Picks:




The Sky Is Everywhere
by Jandy Nelson
Dial; 1 edition

Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life – and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey’s boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie’s own. Joe is the new boy in town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent. For Lennie, they’re the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can’t collide without the whole wide world exploding.

This remarkable debut is perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti, and Francesca Lia Block. Just as much a celebration of love as it is a portrait of loss, Lennie’s struggle to sort her own melody out of the noise around her is always honest, often hilarious, and ultimately unforgettable.

Purchase The Sky Is Everywhere at Amazon
Purchase The Sky Is Everywhere at IndieBound
View The Sky Is Everywhere on Goodreads

* * * *

The First Five Pages: A Writer”s Guide to Staying Out of the Rejection Pile
by Noah Lukeman
Touchstone; Original edition

IF YOU’RE TIRED OF REJECTION, THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU.

Note from Casey: The section on submitting is a bit outdated. Check the individual websites for agents and publishers.

Whether you are a novice writer or a veteran who has already had your work published, rejection is often a frustrating reality. Literary agents and editors receive and reject hundreds of manuscripts each month. While it’s the job of these publishing professionals to be discriminating, it’s the job of the writer to produce a manuscript that immediately stands out among the vast competition. And those outstanding qualities, says New York literary agent Noah Lukeman, have to be apparent from the first five pages.

The First Five Pages reveals the necessary elements of good writing, whether it be fiction, nonfiction, journalism, or poetry, and points out errors to be avoided, such as

* A weak opening hook

* Overuse of adjectives and adverbs

* Flat or forced metaphors or similes

* Melodramatic, commonplace or confusing dialogue

* Undeveloped characterizations and lifeless settings

* Uneven pacing and lack of progression

With exercises at the end of each chapter, this invaluable reference will allow novelists, journalists, poets and screenwriters alike to improve their technique as they learn to eliminate even the most subtle mistakes that are cause for rejection. The First Five Pages will help writers at every stage take their art to a higher — and more successful — level.
Purchase The First Five Pages at Amazon
Purchase The First Five Pages at IndieBound
View The First Five Pages on Goodreads

* * *

Prize Pack Three – Natalie Aguirre (for writers)


Natalie  Aguirre may well be one of the first people who commented on the blog back when we first set up shop and barely knew what a comment was. And she has continued to comment every week, if not almost every day, since. But it isn’t just Adventures in YA Publishing. Natalie tirelessly supports more blogs than virtually any other writer out there. She is a constant source of inspiration and joy, and it is always a pleasure to come across Natalie’s comments elsewhere in the blogosphere. 
Casey was smart to snatch Natalie up when she needed help at Literary Rambles, and Natalie jumped in with some of the best author interviews I have ever seen. If that isn’t enough, she’s also a writer, a mother, and a lawyer. 

What’s your favorite way to celebrate a success?
We don’t do anything exciting at my house so I mostly celebrate by going out to dinner. On a rare and really special day, I don’t do any work and do my favorite things–reading and writing.

What do you think makes Young Adult books unique and special for readers and/or for writers?
I think YA novels are so compelling because the characters are old enough to be independent and mature enough to make adult-like decisions. YA novels tend to be well-plotted with lots of action and are fast paced and always moving the plot forward. The characters are dealing with teen issues we can all relate to and often also issues that affect their world. And there’s always fantastic books in all the genres to choose from. I think that’s why both teens and adults want to read these books.

Natalie’s picks:



 Unraveling
by Elizabeth Norris
Balzer + Bray

Sixteen-year-old Janelle Tenner is used to having a lot of responsibility. She balances working as a lifeguard in San Diego with an intense academic schedule. Janelle’s mother is bipolar, and her dad is a workaholic FBI agent, which means Janelle also has to look out for her younger brother, Jared.

And that was before she died…and is brought back to life by Ben Michaels, a mysterious, alluring loner from her high school. When she discovers a strange clock that seems to be counting down to the earth’s destruction, Janelle learns she has twenty-four days to figure out how to stop the clock and save the planet.

Purchase Unraveling at Amazon
Purchase Unraveling at IndieBound
View Unraveling on Goodreads


 * * * *

Plot and Structure
by James Scott Bell
Writer’s Digest Books; 5 edition
Released 6/8/2013
Craft an Engaging PlotHow does plot influence story structure? What’s the difference between plotting for commercial and literary fiction? How do you revise a plot or structure that’s gone off course?
With “Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure,” you’ll discover the answers to these questions and more. Award-winning author James Scott Bell offers clear, concise information that will help you create a believable and memorable plot, including: Techniques for crafting strong beginnings, middles, and endsEasy-to-understand plotting diagrams and chartsBrainstorming techniques for original plot ideasThought-provoking exercises at the end of each chapterStory structure models and methods for all genresTips and tools for correcting common plot problems
Filled with plot examples from popular novels, comprehensive checklists, and practical hands-on guidance, “Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure” gives you the skills you need to approach plot and structure like an experienced pro.
* * * *

Prize Pack Four – Katie B. from Mundie Moms 

I have discovered many of my favorite books over at the Mundie Moms blog. Since founding the site in 2009 as a place to share their love of Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments series, Katie and her minions have branched out into supporting young adult books in virtually every genre. They offer reviews, author chats, forums, news for fans, and much much more. They have even branched out into Mudie Kids, for books middle grade and below. 
Although she now has help from Sophie and Shandra, Katie runs the bulk of the blog and the other sites and oversees the forums. She does the majority of the reviews on both blogs, hosts all the Mundie Moms blog tours, runs the chats with Sophie’s help, participates in the blog tours, and does her best to keep the blog up to date with YA book news.

What’s your favorite way to celebrate a success?

My favorite way to celebrate a success is to: Okay this is going to sound weird, but when I accomplish a big thing I allow myself a minute, if that, to bask in the feeling of accomplishment, and then continue on with the new project I am currently on. Don’t get me wrong, I feel extremely excited, and sometimes even shocked when everything comes together and I’ve successfully done something, but I don’t ever want to feel like I get to a point where I except everything to always work out. I’ve had a lot of failures too, and those have helped me to realize you work hard, you take a moment to enjoy the success, and then you continue on. But if it’s a big success, I do reward myself with something I’ve really wanted, which usually turns into buying a book, or two or three. lol

What do you think makes Young Adult books unique and special for readers and/or for writers?

I think what makes YA books unique and special for young readers is the fact that so many of us can relate to what we’re reading. As adults we’ve either been in similar situations or felt similar emotions that the characters we’re reading about have felt, or as teens, we’re experiencing them now. YA books not only give us an outlet to escape the real world, they give us a connection. They make us, no matter how old we are, realize we’re either not the only ones, or we weren’t the only ones to experience a certain event or have certain feelings. YA books make us not feel so lonely. YA books also allow us the escape from our mundane routines. I think they in some ways help us feel more alive. For some readers they’ve made them realize that no matter our age we can still accomplish the dreams we had long ago. Over all YA books give us that excitement, the adventure, the heartbreak, the romance, the snark, and the incredible journey that sometimes we can only get out of a book. There’s just times I need that excitement of sitting down with a great book that I know will allow me to escape into an incredible new world, meet memorable characters, and go on an unforgettable journey, whether it’s in fantasy world, or a realistic fiction one.

Katie’s Picks



Shadow and Bone
by Leigh Bardugo
Henry Holt and Co.

The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free?

The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfill her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.

But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?

Glorious. Epic. Irresistible. Romance.

Purchase Shadow and Bone at Amazon
Purchase Shadow and Bone at IndieBound
View Shadow and Bone on Goodreads

* * * *

Clockwork Princess 
(Infernal Devices)
by Cassandra Clare
Margaret K. McElderry Books

Don’t miss The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, soon to be a major motion picture in theaters August 2013.
Danger intensifies for the Shadowhunters as the New York Times bestselling Infernal Devices trilogy comes to a close.

If the only way to save the world was to destroy what you loved most, would you do it?

The clock is ticking. Everyone must choose.

Passion. Power. Secrets. Enchantment.

Danger closes in around the Shadowhunters in the final installment of the bestselling Infernal Devices trilogy.

Purchase Clockwork Princess (Infernal Devices) at Amazon
Purchase Clockwork Princess (Infernal Devices) at IndieBound
View Clockwork Princess (Infernal Devices) on Goodreads

* * *

Prize Pack Five – Martina’s First Prize Pack Pick

Two of my favorite pieces of fiction. 


The Scorpio Races
by Maggie Stiefvater
It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.
At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.
Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.


* * * *

The Raven Boys

by Maggie Stiefvater
Giveaway
Scholastic Press
“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”
It is freezing in the churchyard,  even before the dead arrive.
Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.
His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.
But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.
For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.
From Maggie Stiefvater, the bestselling and acclaimed author of the Shiver trilogy and The Scorpio Races, comes a spellbinding new series where the inevitability of death and the nature of love lead us to a place we’ve never been before.
* * * *

Prize Pack Six – Martina’s Seconds Prize Pack Pick (for writers)

Two of my favorite craft books.

Wired for Story
by LIsa Cron
Ten Speed Press
This guide reveals how writers can utilize cognitive storytelling strategies to craft stories that ignite readers’ brains and captivate them through each plot element.
  Imagine knowing what the brain craves from every tale it encounters, what fuels the success of any great story, and what keeps readers transfixed. Wired for Story reveals these cognitive secrets—and it’s a game-changer for anyone who has ever set pen to paper.
     The vast majority of writing advice focuses on “writing well” as if it were the same as telling a great story. This is exactly where many aspiring writers fail—they strive for beautiful metaphors, authentic dialogue, and interesting characters, losing sight of the one thing that every engaging story must do: ignite the brain’s hardwired desire to learn what happens next. When writers tap into the evolutionary purpose of story and electrify our curiosity, it triggers a delicious dopamine rush that tells us to pay attention. Without it, even the most perfect prose won’t hold anyone’s interest.
     Backed by recent breakthroughs in neuroscience as well as examples from novels, screenplays, and short stories, Wired for Story offers a revolutionary look at story as the brain experiences it. Each chapter zeroes in on an aspect of the brain, its corresponding revelation about story, and the way to apply it to your storytelling right now.
* * * *

Second Sight: An Editor’s Talks on Writing, Revising, and Publishing
by Cheryl Klein
Asterisk Books
Whether you dream of writing a book for children or young adults, or you want to take a finished manuscript to the next level, it always helps to get a fresh point of view. Try a little Second Sight.
In this collection of talks, a professional editor offers insights from the other side of the publishing desk on a wide range of writerly topics:
* Terrific first lines and how they got that way
* What makes a strong picture book manuscript
* Why the Harry Potter series was such a tremendous success
* Finding the emotional heart of your story
* Worksheets and checklists for building characters and bolstering plot
* The Annotated Query Letter from Hell
* And an Annotated Query Letter That Does It Right
With its wit, intelligence, and practical tools for analyzing and revising your work, Second Sight will be a first resource for writers of children’s and young adult fiction.
This book has not been endorsed or approved by J. K. Rowling or any of her publishers or representatives, and all thoughts expressed here on all matters, including the Harry Potter series, are solely Cheryl B. Klein’s own, and should not be taken as the official opinions, intentions, or interpretations of any of the writers or publishers mentioned.
* * * *

Prize Pack Seven – Bonus Prize Pack

If You Find Me
by Emily Murdoch
Advance Reader Copy Giveaway
St. Martin’s Griffin; First Edition edition
Released 3/26/2013

There are some things you can’t leave behind…A broken-down camper hidden deep in a national forest is the only home fifteen year-old Carey can remember. The trees keep guard over her threadbare existence, with the one bright spot being Carey’s younger sister, Jenessa, who depends on Carey for her very survival. All they have is each other, as their mentally ill mother comes and goes with greater frequency. Until that one fateful day their mother disappears for good, and two strangers arrive. Suddenly, the girls are taken from the woods and thrust into a bright and perplexing new world of high school, clothes and boys.

Now, Carey must face the truth of why her mother abducted her ten years ago, while haunted by a past that won’t let her go… a dark past that hides many a secret, including the reason Jenessa hasn’t spoken a word in over a year. Carey knows she must keep her sister close, and her secrets even closer, or risk watching her new life come crashing down.

Purchase If You Find Me at Amazon
Purchase If You Find Me at IndieBound
View If You Find Me on Goodreads

* * * *

Kindness for Weakness
by Shawn Goodman
Hardcover Giveaway
Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Released 5/14/2013

Goodman’s heart wrenching account of boys trying to become men gives readers a glimpse into the darkness that takes over without the proper guidance during this critical journey. I have a fondness for books that reference other books, exposing the layers and connections a reading life can offer, and this one is filled with literary references that serve as anchors during the storm. Sadly, I see too many of my students within Goodman’s characters; boys who believe in the “kindness for weakness” philosophy.

“What’s real strength, Samson? ” he says.

“It’s when you’re a balanced man. When you can think as well as you can use your body. And you have to know who you are and be OK with it. If that means that you’re not ripped or tough or a badass, so be it,” says Samson.

“But the most important part,” he says, ” is that you have to believe in something that is real and true. A lot of guys don’t believe in anything. They will tell you what they’re against, what they don’t like, but they can’t tell you what they are for. Because they don’t actually believe in anything.”

Purchase Kindness for Weakness at Amazon
Purchase Kindness for Weakness at IndieBound
View Kindness for Weakness on Goodreads

Prize Pack Eight – Bonus Prize Pack

Revenge of a Not-So-Pretty Girl
by Carolita Blythe
Hardcover Giveaway
Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Released 4/9/2013

Faye doesn’t mean to hit the old lady she and her friends are mugging. But she does. The old lady isn’t moving, but Faye has no reason to feel guilty for leaving her there. The old lady might be ancient and wrinkly now. But back in the day, she was as beautiful as they come—a famous movie star. And everyone knows that pretty and mean always go together. But Faye does feel guilty. So she comes back. Slowly, Faye and the old lady form an unlikely friendship, one that pulls Faye out of her life with her abusive mother and destructive “friends” and allows the old lady relief from her loneliness. But in an unfair world in which the pretty girls, no matter how mean, always seem to get everything, while Faye gets nothing, will Faye be able to keep from slipping back to her old ways? Will her mother ever be happy? Will her father ever come home to stay? And what if Faye goes her whole life without Michael Jackson ever loving her back? Faye is an honest, straightforward narrator who is likable even in her most flawed moments and will be cheered on by readers of every age and from every walk of life.

Author Question: What is your favorite thing about Revenge of a Not-So-Pretty Girl?

My favorite thing about Revenge Of A Not-So-Pretty Girl? I have to cheat a little on this because I actually have two favorite things, which I rank equally. The first is Faye’s (my protagonist) voice. Although she’s only fourteen, Faye has had a pretty complicated life. She’s not had a lot of friends, or support, or kind words come her way. It would be easy for her to look at the world through jaded, pessimistic eyes. And while she doesn’t hold back from pointing out certain negatives, she does it in a dry, part-humorous way. I think the humor is what keeps her afloat and keeps her from giving up completely on the possibility of one day being happy and having a good life.

My other favorite part of the book is the idea that we all have the ability to change our lives. It’s definitely not easy to do, but it’s not impossible. We have to be able to recognize and admit that there might be something keeping us down—keeping us from being the person we should and could be. We have to be able to look into ourselves and say, “I’ve not been generous,” or “I’ve been mean to a particular person,” or “I need to exercise and get better about my health.” Once the issue is identified, we can begin working on it. Faye sees her faults, admits to them, and slowly begins to change what’s in her control—despite the cards she has been dealt. I think that’s pretty inspirational.

Purchase Revenge of a Not-So-Pretty Girl at Amazon
Purchase Revenge of a Not-So-Pretty Girl at IndieBound
View Revenge of a Not-So-Pretty Girl on Goodreads

* * * *

Mojo
by Tim Tharp
Hardcover Giveaway
Knopf Books for Young Readers
Released 4/9/2013

All Dylan wants is mojo. What is mojo? It’s power. The ability to command respect. It’s everything Dylan doesn’t have. He gets no respect at school, and when he finds the dead body of a classmate, even the police push him around. All the thanks he gets for trying to help the investigation with his crime drama skills is a new nickname at school: Body Bag. So when Dylan hears about a missing rich girl from the other side of town, he jumps at the chance to dive into this mystery. Surely if he cracks a case involving a girl this beautiful and this rich, he’ll get not only a hefty cash reward, but the mojo he’s looking for.

His investigation takes him into the world of an elite private high school and an underground club called Gangland. As Dylan—along with his loyal friends Audrey and Randy—falls down the rabbit hole, lured by the power of privilege, he begins to lose himself. And the stakes of the game keep getting higher.

Purchase Mojo at Amazon
Purchase Mojo at IndieBound
View Mojo on Goodreads

Martina Boone

Martina Boone is the award-winning author of the romantic southern gothic Heirs of Watson Island series, starting with COMPULSION from Simon & Schuster, Simon Pulse and the Celtic Legends Collection of novels set in Scotland, Cornwall, and Ireland beginning with LAKE OF DESTINY. She’s passionate about improving lives through literacy and the love of books, and she runs the Compulsion For Reading program to distribute books to underserved schools and libraries.

She lives with her husband, children, Shetland Sheepdog Phinney, and Zoey the lopsided cat, and she enjoys writing contemporary romantic fiction with a hint of magic set in small towns and beautiful places. When she isn’t writing, she’s addicted to travel, horses, skiing, chocolate flavored tea, and anything with Nutella on it.

Post © Martina Boone and/or Adventures in YA Publishing. All rights reserved.
Posted: Jun 8, 2013
Category: Imported from AYAP
Tags: Inspiration for Writers | Literary Agents | Young Adult Fiction

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The first slide is an animation of a science/magic room in a castle. A cartoon character of a mad-scientist looking man in in the foreground says: “Hello! Dr. Frankenstein here to say, Well Done on kid lit zombie week! I’m an expert at reviving the dead, and let me assure you, with a little spark, you can bring dead projects to life. Especially if you dig up parts from other dead things. I’ll even let you have a sneak peek at my laboratory’s store room to consider potential parts for your dead project. If you see something with a yellow glow, that means you should click it. Have fun!”

He points to the right side of the screen and a new scene slides in of a castle science/magic storage room. There are various cartoon Frankenstein body parts scattered around. Some of them have a yellow glow. If you click on them, the images below appear (I’ve added alt text to them, so I hope it works).

The Heart of your story is the main character. The protagonist is the beating core that truly brings your story to life. If your MC doesn't make kids (and their grown-ups) care within the first few pages, your story will flatline. </p> <p>Your main character needs to be:<br /> • Relatable enough for kids to see themselves<br /> • Unique enough to stand out in the slush pile<br /> • Active enough to drive the story<br /> • Memorable enough to survive multiple readings at bedtime</p> <p>Where do you find this amazing donor heart? It might be the very thing you loved so much about the manuscript you want to revive. It might be the younger sister from your shelved YA novel. Or maybe it’s the hilarious kid you blogged about meeting at a school visit. Find a character beating with potential and place it in the center of your story.<br />
The Brain of your story is the theme or central message. The theme is the big idea that controls everything else. Picture books are more than stories - they're tiny life lessons disguised with humor and heart.</p> <p>But your theme needs to be:<br /> • Subtle enough not to trigger the dreaded "didactic" rejection<br /> • Clear enough for a four-year-old to grasp<br /> • Universal enough to speak to both kids and adults<br /> • Fresh enough to prevent agents and editors from responding with "Not another sharing/bedtime/first-day story!"</p> <p>Check your other dead manuscripts to see if there is a recurring theme, something that really seems to be speaking to you. Find the bit of poetry you scribbled on the back of a receipt to see what theme inspired it. Reread the pep talk you texted your critique partner at 1am. Pick the theme that will drive your story, giving it purpose, direction, and deeper meaning.<br />
The Legs of your story is the plot. Not to be confused with a grave plot.🤪 The plot is what keeps everything upright and moving, as well as providing support for all the other elements. You have very few words to use in a picture book, so you need to do a lot with each plot point.</p> <p>In general, your plot should:<br /> • Hook readers fast<br /> • Build tension that a child can follow<br /> • Create page turns that feel natural<br /> • Wrap up in a way that satisfies</p> <p>You can borrow a plot twist (a leg) from one manuscript and the opening (the other leg) from a different manuscript. Consider if the subplot of the middle grade novel you trunked would work better as a picture book. Or maybe your Facebook post about a disastrous camping trip could become a story for kids. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other until you have your storyline.
The Arms of your story are the side characters.
The Torso of your story is the setting. Setting helps a story breathe and connects all the elements of the story. It isn't just where your story lives, it's what makes your story ALIVE. It's the difference between "this happened in a park" and "this happened in that park, the one with the twisty slide that burns your legs and the creaky swing that sounds like a baby crying.”</p> <p>Your setting should:<br /> • Make your character's world feel real<br /> • Contain your story in a way that makes sense to young readers<br /> • Connect different scenes and moments organically<br /> • Give your illustrator enough room to add visual subplots</p> <p>Half-finished manuscripts are a great place to dig up settings, since you worked out the place details before the plot petered out. Or maybe you had to cut a second fantastic location from your chapter book. You can also revisit the detailed caption from your Instagram carousel documenting your tour of that delish candy shop. Disinter a robust setting that can house all of your story's vital organs.

After you press the Click When Done circle button, the lights flash with the sound of electricity buzzing. Then the screen goes black and lightning zaps across the screen with the sound of thunder.

The screen then lights up to show the storage room, and all the Frankenstein pieces have been assembled into the whole monster. An upbeat song plays in the background. Then a speech bubble pops up with the words, “I’m alive! I’M ALIVE!” Then the screen goes to black. 

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