Author Interview: Julie Cross (Writer Real Talk #6)

Writer Real Talk is a segment where, every Friday, I interview published/agented writers in hopes of giving encouragement, inspiration, and motivation to aspiring writers. I'll basically ask authors a couple of questions that are *hopefully* helpful for you guys as fellow writers!

Today I have the lovely Julie Cross on the blog, who's debut novel, TEMPEST, came out this January. Julie's here to talk agents, publishing, and give writing advice. Be sure to follow her on Twitter for more awesome!

1. How long have you been writing?

I started writing in May of 2009.

2. Do you have a typical "writer routine" you stick to (or try to stick to?)

Now that I’m not working full time anymore, I try to do most of my writing on weekdays between 9am and 2pm. It just depends on what stage I’m in with a book. If I’m drafting, sometimes I can’t stop despite the time or I have to open my laptop and write a scene before it goes out of my head and I’m no longer in the right mindset for it. If I’m doing edits for a previous draft, I get lazy at the first sign of brain fatigue. I usually make myself stop at this point despite schedules or deadlines because editing when I’m not at 100% means more drafts and more edits later on.


3. What made you decide to go the agent route with your writing, and was it a hard journey getting there?

I queried a lot for several different novels in later 2009 and early 2010. I got requests for pages and full manuscripts, but no offers. It was a former agent, turned editor who had requested the full manuscript of my very novel that got me where I am now. He didn’t like the book I sent him, but he was a new editor looking to build his author list and I had a great premise that needed a full rewrite. It wasn’t until I had an offer for a book deal that I sought out an agent for this particular project. It’s a bit backwards, but a fun story to tell. The strangest part, or at least it will be to other writers, is that I never even wrote a query for Tempest. Though I did write a fair share of queries for other projects.

4. What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about or currently querying?

I think this depends on the type of writer you are. I was one that just said, what the hell, I’m going for it. And I probably queried long before I should have. But I’m not sure this was a bad thing. I got used to the feeling of rejections, form rejections, and the types of things agents might request along with pages.

My first full manuscript request came very early in my querying process (2nd query I sent if I remember right) and I nearly had a panic attack when I read the email. The agent wanted a synopsis (which I didn’t have and had never written one before). It took me a week to write the synopsis and I’m a fast writer in general. I wrote seven novels that first year I began writing so that synopsis was my first experience with writer’s block.

If you are the opposite of me, and find the idea of putting your work out there totally frightening, like you’ve edited your book twenty times already and yet you keep telling yourself it’s not ready, then I’d say pick the agent that’s quickest to respond with the highest percentage of rejection rate and get it over with. I recommend the query tracker site for this information. It was a great resource for me. It stings a lot the first time, a little less the second time, and so on. By the time you get an agent and have a book deal, you have to be fearless when it comes to getting criticism. The book belongs to the publisher and they aren’t going to sacrifice quality production just to spare your feelings. But on the flip side, if someone has offered you a book deal, then rest assured that they believe you’re a talented writer.


5. TEMPEST is your debut YA novel that came out in January. What was the best part of your publishing experience with your first book?

By far, the best part was that month when my now editor, Brendan Deneen, and I spent working on the first draft of Tempest. I wrote high speed chapters, sent them to him, he returned them with notes, I fixed them. It was so much fun and I had no idea what we were doing and where it was going and I honestly didn’t care at the time. I had zero expectations.

6. How is working with an editor different from working with your agent?

My experience is different because I worked with my editor before my agent and didn’t go on submission at all. But Suzie (my agent) does editing just like an editor would however, she and I always have to look to Brendan for the final decision. Whether we agree or not, he has final say.

Luckily, the three of us work very well together and we’ve been able to openly discuss all issues and come to a reasonable compromise. I’ve talked to other authors and everyone seems to have a different experience with their agent/editor relationships.

7. What's one thing within your writing/agenting/publishing experience that you wish you'd done differently?

This is a really hard question to answer. I’m not sure I’d have done anything differently, but I will admit that a lot of good luck fell my way. By that, I mean to say that I didn’t really know what I was doing through much of the process (the actual publishing part, not the writing) because it all happened so fast, and somehow, it turned out really well for me.

8. Do you believe writers need to write everyday to get better at their talent?

This depends on a person’s creative process and how they work. I wish sometimes I could get myself to not write everyday, but I usually can’t help it. It’s like an addiction. Writing everyday isn’t going to help you get better unless you’re actively seeking opportunities to improve and accepting constructive criticism. So, a person doing these things, but not able to write everyday could see publication before someone who’s been writing everyday for years and years.

9. What advice would you want to give aspiring writers?

Always keep an open mind and don’t treat the words you’ve already written like precious gems. You have to be willing to scrap something and start over, to cut scenes and words. You have to be willing to do whatever it takes to move forward. As in, forward with your writing ability regardless of the number of manuscripts and pages you’ve already written. I’ve found that when I’ve let go of a scene dear to my heart that for some reason my editor or my agent want me to cut, it’s hard at first and then it gets so much easier to work from that point. Always keep in mind that the book you are writing does not define you, your writing defines you. If you had one good idea, chances are you’ll have another and it will probably be even better. Write your book, edit it, send off your queries, then move on to a new project and let the last one go.

What's one rule every author should live by?

Always make reading a priority, especially in your genre.

*If you'd like to be considered for Writer Real Talk, please email farrahnicolepenn@gmail.com*

My Hunger Games Movie Review

I’ve been trying to keep my opinions and ultimate *squeeing* off the interwebs since some people (me, included) didn’t want to be spoiled* by the cinematic experience of The Hunger Games Movie.

(*Note: Yes, in my opinion, a movie can be spoiled even if people have read the book. Books and movies are two different mediums, and I wanted to go into this movie with no prior expectations.)

But if you’ve seen the movie and are looking for a raving opinion (with spoilery!) then you’ve come to the right place. I have SO MANY WORDS when it comes to this movie. It was most definitely the highlight of my week.

One of the things that really stood out to me was the colors and costumes throughout the entire movie. In the districts, dull grays and blues were used a lot. It looks gritty, dirty, and unappealing—just as it was described in the books. The Capitol was a complete contrast with bright makeup, crazy costumes, and intricate architecture. And Katniss's costumes were BY FAR the best! They were just as I imagined them in the books. I think that the Capitol scenes were my favorite. There were just so many things to look at! I’m so jealous of everyone who got to be a Capitol extra. It looked like a blast.

It’s hard to capture the emotions and feelings people go through when reading the books. For one, it’s only in Katniss’s perspective—so we’re relying on her to make us, as readers, feel her emotions of paranoia, fear, love, confusion, etc. Obviously the books are always going to be better than the movies because books are a much, MUCH more personal experience. However, I thought the direction of the movie was brilliant. We saw scenes from the Gamemakers during the games, from President Snow’s point of view, Haymitch’s, Gayle’s, some of the District’s, and more. You HAVE to remember that The Hunger Games—during the games, especially—is basically all through Katniss’s thoughts and emotions. She has hunches of what she believes is happening back at home, but we never see it. I love how the movie captures some of those same emotions by actually SHOWING us different point of views. I thought it was done really, really well.

Also, it’s hard to get to know 24 characters on a personal level in 2.5 hours. I know a lot of people wanted to feel more character development, and I was the same way at first, but I can understand why it was done the way it was done. I also enjoyed that they stuck so closely to the book, especially with little details: Rue peeking out and spying on Katniss during training, Prim’s cat, the cave scenes . . . it ALL made my heart just melt in delight. Oh, and Haymitch! Haymitch is one of my favorite characters EVER in the books. He just adds delightful comic relief throughout, and I thought he was portrayed amazingly!

I thought some of the camera angles were a little shaky at some points, but that could have just been because I was practically sitting in the very front row (not my choice, but no complaints! I was going to see it even if I had to STAND). I did like those angles were used in the fight and running scenes during the games. Made it so much more dramatic!

And Peeta. *squeak * Can I just say how much I love Josh Hutcherson as Peeta? I remember when the rolls were cast and people were flipping their minds because they “couldn’t see these actors as these main characters.” I had no doubt in my mind, though, that they’d rock it. I mean, the movie KNEW it was going to be big. They wouldn’t just carelessly cast these main characters if they knew they couldn’t deliver. And holy smokes. DELIVER, THEY DID.

I also love love love Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss. She’s such a serious and gracious actress as Katiniss but when I was watching her interviews, she seems like someone who has SO much energy and fun on set. Like, we could totally be BFFs. I’m sure of it. Anyway, she was brilliant.

Overall, I really enjoyed this adaptation of the movie. Some people didn’t, and that’s okay. Some people “laughed all the way through it,” which I don’t really get, but that’s fine too. I’m a fan of both movie and book and thought everything was captured to perfection.

(Then again, I *AM* a fan of all things YA, so . . . you know!)

Special effects FTW!

I want to hear your take on the movie—good or bad! Please leave comments or feel free to point out anything I forgot to add!

Author Interview: Mindee Arnett (Writer Real Talk #5)

Writer Real Talk is a segment where, every Friday, I interview published/agented writers in hopes of giving encouragement, inspiration, and motivation to aspiring writers. I'll basically ask authors a couple of questions that are *hopefully* helpful for you guys as fellow writers!

Today I have the lovely Mindee Arnett on the blog, who's here to talk about writing, agents, publishing, and her debut novel, (which sounds SO, SO awesome, you guys) THE NIGHTMARE AFFAIR. Mindee is awesome, so I hope you can take away something valuable from her advice!

Mindee Arnett is the author of the Young Adult Contemporary Fantasy, The Nightmare Affair, debuting Winter 2013 from Tor Teen (MacMillan). She is represented by Suzie Townsend at Nancy Coffey Literary & Media Representation. Mindee lives on a horse farm in Ohio with her husband, two kids, a couple of dogs, and an inappropriate number of cats. She’s addicted to jumping horses and telling tales of magic and the macabre. You can find out more about her at www.mindeearnett.com.


1. How long have you been writing?

I wrote my very first story in the 6th grade. My teacher, Mrs. Fitzgibbon, implemented a weekly writing challenge where she would give us a story prompt. I think officially we only did this for one week, but I loved it so much I kept doing it. And I’m still doing it now.

2. Do you have a typical “writer routine” you stick to (or try to stick to?)

Not really. I don’t have any set ritual. With my current life situation I’ve learned to write whenever/however I can. My only routine is that I try to work every day. If I’m drafting I set daily word goals, which I track in a little notebook. If I’m revising/editing, I just do as much as I can within any given day.

I always start the day by backtracking over whatever I worked on the day before. If I wrote 2,000 words yesterday, I’ll spend the first part of my writing session today reading through those words and editing as I go along. I have to reread my work in order to get into the grove of the story.

3. What made you decide to go the agent route with your writing, and was it a hard journey getting there?

For me, there wasn’t any other route to go. I wanted the validation of securing an agent to represent my work. I needed that stamp of “this is good enough to go forward.” In hindsight, I would say my journey was pretty easy once I got serious about my work. It took me a long time to fully understand what Stephen King meant in his book, ON WRITING, when he says, “You must not come lightly to the blank page.” For a long, long time I came lightly. Going through the journey, however, was still hard. I faced rejection, heartbreak and self-doubt--same as any writer. I’m still dealing with those same issues now, actually. Writing is hard, but it’s worth it.

4. What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about or currently querying?

Make sure you didn’t come lightly! Seriously, make sure your work is ready. Don’t be in a hurry. Write and then rewrite and then revise and then edit. The more time you take now, the less hurt and rejection you’ll face later.

5. THE NIGHTMARE AFFAIR is you debut novel coming out Winter 2013. What is the best part of your publishing experience so far?

We’re still so early on in the process that there are so many things I’m looking forward to, like seeing my cover, getting ARCs, etc. But the best so far is probably the day Suzie called to tell me I had an offer for a 3-book deal. Second best was probably getting my edit letter, which was very short and easy and full of suggestions to add more magic and romance elements.

6. How is working with an editor different from working with your agent?

In some ways there hardly seems any difference at all. They both have great personalities and they’re easy to talk and work with. I will say that I’m much more comfortable contacting my agent. I know I can email her or call if there’s ever an issue. Suzie is invested in my entire career as a writer. She’s both my buoy and my lighthouse. She keeps me afloat and points my way at the same time. My editor’s primary focus is on the books she’s purchased. And that’s great. That’s exactly what I need her to be.

7. What’s one thing within your writing/agenting/publishing experience that you wish you’d done differently?

I wish I’d been more patient and cautious with my earlier writing. I wasted a lot of time by “coming lightly” to this business. And I definitely started querying way too soon with other projects.

8. Do you believe writers need to write everyday to get better at their talent?

I don’t think the “every day” notion is as important as just the idea of writing a lot. Writing is as much skill and craft as it is talent. If you’re serious about it, you should do it a lot. All the time and as often as you can.

9. What advice would you want to give aspiring writers?

Don’t be in a hurry. Take your work and the time you put into it seriously. If you think you’re ready after only your 2nd or 3rd draft, I can promise you that you’re not. You should pause, take some time off from the book, and then return to it with fresh eyes and a critical attitude. Be your own hardest/toughest critic.

10. What’s one rule every author should live by?

Find your joy and fulfillment in the writing itself, not in the business of publishing it. I’m borrowing this idea from my agent sister, Cat Hellisen. She said something similar in a recent interview. But she’s right. Do it because you love it, not because of any idea or dream that the world will love it, too.

*If you'd like to be considered for Writer Real Talk, please email farrahnicolepenn@gmail.com*

The "How I Got My Agent" Blog Post

In 2009, I was a sophomore in college. I had this contemporary idea but no time to really write it out. I became friends wit Wendy Toliver, who was the one who told me all about the website Agent Query and took the time out of her day to answer my writerly questions. So I began lurking publishing websites, getting my fingers on every bit of knowledge I could find. But, really, a big thanks goes to her for helping me get started in the publishing world.

Here and there I'd add to this contemporary book, and when I thought it was good enough I began querying. Without editing, revising, or having anyone look at it. Yeah, don't do this.

I didn't query that many agents, but none were particularly interested. That was fine with me, though, because I was still focusing on school and still wanted to clean it up a bit more.

So in 2010 I graduated from my university (my junior and senior year were combined, in case you were wondering why I jumped a grade when 2010 rolled around). I moved and started this really terrible sales job that no one at 21 should ever have to do. It was so dull that I became interested in reading YA and writing again, so I tried my hardest to revise my contemporary again, having critique partners look at it and such.

Again, I queried. I thought I made it a lot better, but it still wasn't catching any agent's attention. I was a bit frustrated, but saw it as a challenge. I would NOT take no for an answer, and I wasn't going to give up.

So I wrote another book.

February of 2011, I ditched the contemporary to write a thrillerish-dystopian book. It started off with a question and blossomed into something big. My writing style changed dramatically as I wrote this one, and definitely for the better. As I finished writing it I started believing that this could be the one.

But I was going to go about this query a different way. I took my time, letting two critique partners use a really critical eye on it. I made dramatic changes, even rewriting my entire beginning. I polished my blurb until I thought it had the right type of intriguing hook to it. I spent countless hours scouring the web, reading author's To-Do and What Not To-Do advice when querying. I stalked and restalked publishing and agent websites. I filled my head with so much information because I wanted this round to be better than when I queried my first book.

Querying, Part II.

This time, I picked the agents I really wanted to query. My first round, I'd decided, was going to be small. I believe I only sent out between 10-20 emails, all to agents I'd thoroughly researched. Suzie Townsend happened to be one of them. 4 agents requested a full, including Suzie. I was shocked, especially when Suzie requested since she had a phenominal Publisher's Marketplace page. And yes, I did basically lurked everything I could find regarding Suzie as an agent beforehand, so I knew she was a talented agent. My fingers were crossed for her.

So Suzie wrote me this really nice email saying she's received my full, but it would probably take her up to 60 days to respond as she had other important tasks that came first. Which was totally fine with me. I thought it was actually very polite of her to even give me a sort of time frame.

The Waiting Begins.

A few days later, this showed up in my inbox.

I was floored.

Suzie responded to my reply 4 days after she'd emailed about taking around 60 days to read it. FOUR. DAYS. But anyway, she was just telling me in that email how she was almost finished, that she was liking it, and she wanted me to know.

A couple days after that email I received this:


Then she wanted to send me a bunch of revision notes, which I was totally down for. I knew my MS was in no way perfect and was pleased to see that I agreed with a ton of her notes. Then she also requested to speak with me.

After a series of phone conversations (that I now realize I was TERRIBLE at. I'd done so much research on querying that I had no idea what to ask during a phone call and ended up just asking about my book because I didn't know what else to say. But luckily Suzie filled me in on everything I should have asked because she's smart like that. Also, I'm really terrible on the phone in general, so.) she said she was interested. Since other agents still had my book and I hadn't heard anything from them, I decided to politely tell them that I had an offer.

Because Suzie told me she was going through a few major changes and asked me to wait to announce it until a certain time, which I think was two weeks after I'd signed my contract. This is because she was switching agencies to Nancy Coffey (and later would merge that into New Leaf Literary).

I hate keeping secrets, but I did. I wasn't even a big, fat internet tease, either. And, yeah, that's about it. I know now that I was actually really lucky that I didn't have to wait that long for a response. I'm terrible at waiting. It sucks.

Suzie has also been a phenomenal cheerleader as well as someone who can really pick apart certain elements in the story only to turn it around and make it better. She's extremely passionate about agenting and helping her clients reach their maximum potential, so I feel extremely lucky. Also, I was really, really pumped about how welcoming other authors of Nancy Coffey were, especially my lovely agent-mates. They're such an awesome support team. :)

This was a cold query, and I don't remember my exact stats on it. I did get rejections on top of requests, so don't think I'm too full of myself.

Remember, even if one of your books doesn't get a bite from an agent, it doesn't mean you suck as a writer. It took me writing an entirely different book with a completely different writing style to gain some attention. In the end, I ended up realizing I had so much more potential than I'd previously given myself credit for. It also took writing a whole new book for me to stretch outside my comfort zone and write something that I thought was 100% of my best work.

So, basically, don't be afraid to start from scratch. Like I've said before, this industry requires a backbone and lots of persistence.

So that's my story. And I'm super, super thankful<3

Author Interview: Kathy Bradey (Writer Real Talk #4)

Writer Real Talk is a segment where, every Friday, I interview published/agented writers in hopes of giving encouragement, inspiration, and motivation to aspiring writers. I'll basically ask authors a couple of questions that are *hopefully* helpful for you guys as fellow writers!

Today I bring you a little something special from down under: the lovely Kathy Bradey! I'm so excited to have another one of my agent-mates on the blog and for you guys to learn a little more about her ANNNDD some excellent writing, editing, and agenting advice!

Kathy Bradey lives in Sydney, Australia. She hearts multicolored nailpolish, Henry Cavill, vegetarian dumplings, really bad reality TV and dancing until 4am.

You can learn more about Kathy by visiting her blog or following her on twitter!

1. How long have you been writing?

I'm one of those weirdos who started writing around eight... and just never stopped. My parents always thought it was a phase. Sometimes I wonder if my boyfriend *wishes* it was a phase! Haha ;)

2. Was there ever a pivitol moment where you thought something along the lines of, THIS is why I want to be a writer?

Like most writers, I'm an avid reader. I think that's where my love of writing comes from. In third grade, I read THE ENCHANTED WOOD and fell in love with it. That was possibly the moment I started sketching out my own characters and plots and putting pen to paper. And inspiration like that still happens now. When I read amazing books, it makes me want to write amazing books. And writing allows me to express myself, challenge myself and be creative.

3. What made you decide to go the agent route with your writing, and was it a hard journey getting there?

I did a lot of research and decided that getting an agent would be the best route for me. And it is. It's great having someone in your corner who believes in your writing, has a wealth of publishing industry knowledge and has an *amazing* editorial eye. (Yay, Suzie!) In terms of it being a difficult journey, it did take me about a year!

4. Are there any authors or books who influence your writing?

I'm inspired by every great book I've read. I'm enamoured by many authors. Some of my favorites are: Carrie Ryan, Jandy Nelson, Stephanie Perkins, Wilbur Smith, Ken Follett, Suzanne Collins and Courtney Summers.

5. What advice would you want to give aspiring writers?

Be open to constructive criticism. Be brave about tearing your manuscript apart and putting it back together again.

6. What's one rule every author should live by?

Never give up!

*If you'd like to be considered for Writer Real Talk, please email farrahnicolepenn@gmail.com*

Author Interview: Lori M. Lee (Writer Real Talk #3)

Writer Real Talk is a segment where, every Friday, I interview published/agented writers in hopes of giving encouragement, inspiration, and motivation to aspiring writers. I'll basically ask authors a couple of questions that are *hopefully* helpful for you guys as fellow writers!

Hey guys! Today I have the fabulous Lori M. Lee on my blog, who's here to talk about writing, agents, and more. She's a total sweetheart and has some great advice, so I hope you enjoy!

Lori is a young adult writer who spends most of her time reading, writing, or trying to remember what she forgot to do while reading and writing. She loves all things fantasy, cheese, and chocolate. She is represented by Suzie Townsend and can be found on her blog or twitter.


1. How long have you been writing?

Ever since the third grade after school program that focused on writing and creating picture books. Not only was it fun, but the teachers were amazingly supportive (there's a reason my third grade teacher is still my favorite :D ). I fell in love and have never stopped.

2. Can you remember the first time you specifically fell in love with writing?

See above! I've always loved books, of course—they were an escape. But it never occurred to me that I could write something like that until I was specifically tasked to do it.

3. What made you decide to go the agent route with your writing?

I don't think it was ever a conscious decision. From research, I knew that an agent was the only ticket to getting my work looked at by many publishing houses, so that seemed like the logical choice and the most appealing. Then, the more I researched agents, the more I knew that I absolutely had to have one on my side.

4. Do you have a fun/exciting "how I got my agent" story?

Well, for me, it's totally exciting haha. I won a critique from a writer I admire, which somehow turned into a referral to her agent, Suzie Townsend. Once I was ready to query, I sent it along and Suzie loved it :D The funny thing is that Suzie read it quickly and responded with a request to talk, but I never got the email. Nearly a month later, she was wondering why she hadn't heard from me, checked the email, and found it had never sent!

5. Are there any authors or books who influence your writing?

Oh, absolutely. Holly Black and Neil Gaiman have this uncluttered way of writing that feels both straight forward and lyrical. The images their words paint is nothing short of magical. THE MODERN FAERY TALES series is my favorite from Holly Black, and it's impossible to pick a favorite from Neil Gaiman. THE GIVER by Lois Lowry and THE HANDMAID'S TALE by Margaret Atwood were huge influences on my love for utopian and dystopian books, and THE HOBBIT by Tolkien was single-handedly responsible for my obsession with fantasy. The first "lengthy" stories I wrote were about teens, romance, and horror (even though I was barely ten years old) because of an obsession with the FEAR STREET novels by R.L. Stine. I also admire books by John Green and Laini Taylor, among others.

6. What advice would you want to give aspiring writers?

If you want to be a writer, then write. There's no 'aspiring.' You either write or you don't. You can aspire to write better, to get an agent, to be published. But as long as you ARE WRITING, you are a writer. So write! (I have to tell myself this as well when I'm dithering on tumblr)

7. What's one rule every author should live by?

Believe in yourself!

Luke: I can’t believe it.

Yoda: That is why you fail.

*If you'd like to be considered for Writer Real Talk, please email farrahnicolepenn@gmail.com*

Author Interview: Frankie Mallis (Writer Real Talk #2)

Hey friends! Writer Real Talk is a segment where, every Friday, I interview published/agented writers in hopes of giving encouragement, inspiration, and motivation to aspiring writers. I'll basically ask authors a couple of questions that are *hopefully* helpful for you guys as fellow writers!

Today I had the pleasure of interviewing Ms. Frankie Mallis. AND! It also happens to be HER BIRTHDAY. *throws confetti* Go wish her a happy birthday on her blog or twitter, and then read about her truly outstanding advice for writers below.

Frankie Diane Mallis is a young adult writer who when not writing, wears more hats than she can remember--metaphorical hats that is. Not real ones. When not working as a children's librarian, English professor and belly dancer (no really), she is hard at work blogging, tweeting, taking pictures of clothes, and baking vegan desserts. But mostly, she is writing. Frankie is represented by Laura Rennert and can be found at her blog, or blogging with her critique group The First Novels Club.

1. How long have you been writing?

Since I could. In elementary school I used to fill entire notebooks
with stories as fast as I could, and then get a new notebook and start
again. I still have a few of those stories and some are actually
posted on my blog. My favorite is a story I wrote in 3rd grade called
Carol and The Future Fish. The story involves talking fish, polygamy
and the worst prince ever (seriously). And if that doesn't sell you on
it, I don't know what will.

2. Can you remember the first time you specifically fell in love with writing?

I like to think that I am constantly falling in love with writing, so
it's hard to pin point that first moment. Writing comes with so many
ups and downs, sometimes within the same minute that falling in love
all the time is almost necessary, otherwise we'd all quit. There's
usually a moment every time I sit down to write when the swoon
happens...often shortly followed by utter despair, but then some more
swooning.

3. What made you decide to go the agent route with your writing, and was it a hard journey getting there?

I knew from the start I wanted a professional eyeing my writing and
representing my best interests. Negotiating and contracts are
completely out of my comfort zone, and luckily I have an agent who is
amazing in those arenas. It's nice to know that she has my back in all
of those areas and I can focus on writing.

The journey I took to getting an agent is an interesting one. Many
would consider it very short and easy. I had an agent within 30 days
of sending out my first query letter (which is insanely fast). But
prior to sending out that query I worked my butt off on my letter, on
my synopsis, on researching agents and agencies, and also on
perfecting my story. I spent two years writing my first novel over and
over again until I finally stumbled on the way I actually wanted to
tell my story--and that was the version I queried. So technically it
took 30 days, but really it was a process I was involved in for years.

4. Are there any authors or books who influence your writing?

Definitely! While I can't remember the first moment I fell in love
with writing, I do remember falling in love with reading. The first
book I ever felt obsessed with was A Little Princess by Frances
Hodgson Burnett and that along with her other work The Secret Garden
are still two of my all time favorite books. I just love everything
about the way she writes, and the way that while there's no magic per
se in either story, both have a magical feel. I'm also a sucker for
the underdog finding her way and Mary Lennox from The Secret Garden
and Sara Crewe (after her father's death) in A Little Princess are
definitely underdogs who triumph by finding inner strength. I love
that! They're strong inside, and that's something I want all of my
heroines to achieve.

5. What advice would you want to give aspiring writers?

Aside from the usual write everyday and read everyday, I'd say do your
homework. If you want to be a better writer, do whatever it takes to
become one, take classes, find critique partners, go to conferences
and workshops, read craft books, read critically, study the writers
you admire. And if you want to be published, please please please do
your homework. Writing is your business, so you should be up to date
on the pressing issues and trends in the publishing industry. Research
agents, learns their submission guidelines and have a reason why
you're querying them. Don't write to trends, but understand what the
trends are and how they work. Treat it like your job. Also stop
referring to yourself as aspiring. I tell my students this all the
time--if you write, you're a writer. If you don't write, you're not.
Simple as that.

6. What's one rule every author should live by?

Make your own rules. And then follow them!

Isn't she awesome?! I had the pleasure of meeting Frankie at BEA last year. Such a sweetheart! I hope this helped<3

Monthly Unputdownables (#2)

(Excuse the lack of content this week. I've obtained the energy-sucking strep throat and have spent most of this week sleeping over multiple fevers, etc. Will be back to normal posting next week!)

Monthly Unputdownables is basically a recap of a few books I recently read the previous month and could not set down. Big props to these authors who captured my reading eye with their outstanding reads!


I loved this book HARDCORE. I read it in one sitting on a Friday night and even though I kept telling myself to stop, I couldn't. It had the right amount of cuteness I craved, and the dialogue between Oliver and Hadley was on point. I loved seeing their friendship evolve over only hours spent together. As a romantic, it was entirely believeable. Cute, adorable, funny, heartbreaking, and overall amazing. Read this one, guys.

TEMPEST was another read I'd been dying to get my hands on, so I was super stoked when I bought it this month. I read it every chance I could. I loved that it was so different--that the time travel within this plot was so different from anything else I'd ever read. I also loved that it was from a guy's point of view. I tend to love books that are written in a guys perspective, and this one didn't disappoint. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it!

This book was on my most anticipated 2012 list, and I'm so glad it didn't disappoint! My main surprise is that it's written in verse, which was both refreshing and amazing. I love the pacing, love story, and complexity of the plot. There were some points where I was literally bouncing with anticipating to find out what was going to happen. This was another read I finishing in one sitting just because I could NOT put it down! So, so good!