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Thursday, January 3, 2013

More Author Insight: Reader Reactions


While writing, do you ever worry how readers will react to a scene, a turn of events or a cliffhanger ending?


"During the first draft, I try not to think about anything other than getting some sort of a story onto the page. When I revise, I think about readers, but always from a positive perspective. What would make this really cool? How can I take this to the next level? What surprises can I throw in next? Not everyone will like what you do, but that’s the same for everything in life." - Sara Walsh, author of The Dark Light.



"I do, but I try not to. That sounds a bit selfish, but if I think too much about what specific people think I would second-guess everything I wrote. Also, I don't think I would be happy with it later if I changed it to suit someone else. If I write something the way I think it needs to be, I have only myself to blame if I don't like it after a few years." - Stefan Bachmann, author of The Peculiar.



"I still write for Teenage Me, so in a way, I’m still trying to impress her with cliffhanger endings and scenes." - Robin Bridges, author of The Unfailing Light.


"The only parts that worry me when writing is how readers (especially parents and librarians) will react to edgier bits of the story. Alcohol and sex references, even small ones, leave a lasting impact, so each should be in the story for a solid, valid reason. I try to remove all gratuitous references to these more taboo elements." - P.J. Hoover, author of Solstice.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Jessica's 13 Most Anticipated of 2013





Poppy, January 2

At least I won't have to wait much longer for this one! It's a modern take on Wuthering Heights.










Harper Teen, January 22

The Unearthly series has been one of my favorites, and I am way too anxious to see how this all wraps up. I miss Tucker Avery.









Putnam Juvenile, February 26 

MoJo knows how to bring the creepies.









Margaret K. McElderry Books, March 19

I'm terribly excited at the prospect of bawling my eyes out at this book.








Poppy, April 2 

You've Got Mail and Sleepless in Seattle in YA book form. All of the yeses.








Harper Teen, April 16

The cover is exquisite, the premise even more. I do love a male narrator.








Dutton Juvenile, May 7

I've been patiently waiting, Stephanie. I have the utmost confidence in the beautiful ending you'll deliver.









Harlequin Teen, May 28

The head-strong Beth was one of my favorite characters from Pushing the Limits, so I can't wait to hear her tale.








Putnam Juvenile, June 18 

This is the kind of historical fiction I love-- strong women, gorgeous writing, magic of all kinds.









EgmontUSA, June 25 

I'm so curious about this one. Who will narrate? Where will the story lead?  Will we get more shirtless Kaleb?








Disney-Hyperion, August 1 

Truth be told, I'm friends with Cristin and have already read this BUT it's just so freaking good. I can't wait to see it in real life book form and read it all over again.








Dutton Juvenile, 2013

Need. 









Simon & Schuster Children's, September 26

Cliffhanger much? How will the trio cover up and recover from what's happened to their targets?






Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Author Insight: Reader Reactions


While writing, do you ever worry how readers will react to a scene, a turn of events or a cliffhanger ending?


"Never. That’s one of my rules, never censor. Ever." - Daniel Marks, author of Velveteen.




"Honestly, I was more worried about what my dad might think. Certain scenes were very difficult for me to write because they were so emotionally raw, but they were necessary so I pushed through." - Lenore Appelhans, author of Level 2.




"Sure. I mean, of course. Particularly with something like The Innocents, which is a series rather than a stand-alone book. You want an ending to each installment that leaves the reader at the edge of his/her seat, just dying to know what happens next. Thinking about the reader’s reaction too much, though, can get you into trouble. Like, it can paralyze you. It sounds narcissistic, but you have to be writing for yourself otherwise it won’t work." - Lili Peloquin, author of The Innocents. 


"I worry about readers all the time. On one level, I'm writing for my own enjoyment, but I also want to be an effective communicator. It's easy to write for yourself alone, because you know your own mind pretty well, but writing for someone else is very challenging--you're trying to intuit the reactions of a stranger. That said, it's also important not to worry too much. Worry can be paralyzing." - Steven Arntson, author of The Wrap-Up List.

Susan's 13 Most Anticipated of 2013






Harper Teen, January 29

How can I not be pumped for something billed as a YA Bonnie & Clyde? I'm anxious to see what's in store. 







Simon Pulse, March 5

This sounds action-packed, complex and amazing. A disaster combine with a love story with some elements of an unknown and potentially haunted past thrown in? Umm, you had me at hello!









Delacorte BFYR, April 9 

Cyn Balog always comes up with fantastic concepts and since I've been looking for another good YA thriller/horror this sounds right up my alley. 










Hyperion, April 30

I'll admit I don't know much about this one, but I'm in for anything time-slip. This sounds a bit like a thriller version of Groundhog Day. Two people reliving the same 48 hours and desperately trying to change the ending. 







Simon Pulse, April 30 

I have needed this book since the first time I heard about it. I recently had the chance to read the first page and that only made it worse. Suzanne Young, what have you done!? (...and I mean that in the best way possible.)








Invisibility
by Andrea Cremer
Philomel, May 7

What would invisibility be like if you had to live it every day? This novel has a lot going for it, not the least of which is the powerful combo of Andrea Cremer and David Levithan.









The Beautiful and the Cursed
by Page Morgan 
Delacorte BFYR, May 14

Promises of "a discovery of dark secrets and otherworldly truths"? Yes. Please.







What Should Wes Read (4)


How would you like Wes to occupy his limited literary time this month? Cast your vote and put a book in his hands! Voting will remain open until Saturday, January 5. We'll announce which book he'll be subjected to enjoying this month shortly after the polls close. 


WINNER: