Trilogies. We see them, everywhere. They haunt me in my dreams, and cackle behind my computer when I write the complete ending for my novel. Series are a popular thing these days, and as a writer more inclined to books that stand on their own...I wonder what I should do.
Why are trilogies/sagas/series so popular anyway? I'm not really sure, but I think I have a few ideas...
For starters, a series, granted that the first book is worth reading, grants a fan base that can only flourish. Basically, the more books, the more money. If you can write a book well enough to entice a large audience, they will remain faithful when you continue the story with the next two, three or even six books.
Also, people, readers particularly, love a good cliffhanger. Oh sure they might shake their fist ts the author when they're waiting for the next book to come out, but that doesn't matter because they are now hooked. When you leave them hungry, they'll have to come back to satisfy their appetite. When writing books that stand on their own, however, you better hope that book is good enough to ensure that they will read other novels written by you in the future.
I like series, but I read singular novels more. (I don't know if "singular novels" is the proper term for what I'm talking about but it's my blog so I can say what I want. Boom.) When I was a wee whippersnapper I was quite fond the Junie B. Jones books, and now I find The Hunger Games trilogy thoroughly engrossing. I just finished Catching Fire so, no spoilers please :)
What do you think about series? Are you fond of them? Do you like writing them? Join the discussion in the comments!
Written by: Karoline Kingley
Top Ten Summer Reads
22 July 2013
Summer is
upon us, which means that I will be reading a couple dozen books these next few
months. I have a few suggestions for those of you who need them, and for those
of you who don’t. ;) Here they are.
The Help
by Kathryn Stockett
This
book is amazing. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll laugh until you
cry. The characters are lovable, you can’t help but hate the guts of others,
and the plot irresistible.
A Dog’s
Journey by W. Bruce Cameron
If you don’t like to cry in
public, read this one alone, in your bedroom, with the door shut and locked.
Make sure you have a box of tissues by your side and your favorite furry
friend—whether it be a dog or a teddy bear—snuggled in your lap.
I was able to read the whole book
over two late nights of reading. It's very good, but you're guaranteed
to be in tears by the middle of the book. And if you're a dog lover or you have
a dog or both you'll use up your whole box of tissues in minutes.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Three words: A. Maz. Ing. It made
me laugh, it made me cry, and I missed the characters as soon as the book was
over. It has a ton of five-star reviews on Amazon, our family has
recommended it to several friends who have all read it and adored it, and the
book is great for all ages. I can’t oversell this book. Nothing I say will do
it justice.
The Revised Life of Ellie
Sweet by Stephanie Morrill
I’m not sure how well known this
book is, but it is so good. I haven’t even finished it yet (I’m barely
halfway through), but I can already tell that I’m going still going to love it
when I finish it. Ellie is one of the greatest nerdy main characters in a long
time and writers can easily relate to her. I recommend this book to anyone who
wants to get published.
Beautiful Creatures by Kami
Garcia & Margaret Stohl
Though while it may sound girly
or Twilight-y, this book is neither. This book is one of those books
that would not be the same if it weren’t set where it is (which is deep in
South Carolina). It’s impossible to choose a favorite character in this book,
because how can anyone choose between Lena and Ethan? The romance is sweet and
believable rather than the usual paranormal, “How much kissing can I fit in
this book?” I also highly recommend the movie (after first reading the book)!!!!
Gamer Girl by Mari Mancusi
Admittedly, this one is sort of
girly. Okay, really girly. But if you like video games (especially RPGs)
and you like Manga, this book is great for you. I liked it more than I thought
I would and it’s light, easy, and fun.
The Host by Stephenie Meyer
For the people who don’t like Twilight
that are reading this, do not dismiss this book! I would never
have read The Host if it weren’t for my BFF recommending it. And boy am
I glad she did. The characters in this book are some of my best literary
friends. I love stories about a secret community that works together as a team
for survival. This story revolves around love, whether it be the love you have
for your family, your friends, or your significant other. But boy, did I bawl like
a baby at the end. (If you want to know why, read the book).
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
(If you were wondering, Stephenie
and Marissa are not related).
Cinder is .
. . bizarre. A steampunk Cinderella story set in China? This book screamed
weird when I read the premise and even after I read it I thought it was
extremely strange, but I’d seen recommendations for it online enough that I
finally gave up and read the book. I’m so glad I did. Though it’s not one of my
favorite books, it’s a great summer read and an excellent new series.
The Gathering by Kelley
Armstrong
This is another paranormal book
that I didn’t think I’d like. Maya Delaney and her friends are on par with the
characters in The Host (which I’m telling you are amazing)! The plot
twists are completely unexpected, as is the ending of the last book. I loved it
from beginning to end and ate up each book in hours.
The Harry Potter Series by
J.K. Rowling
(For those of you who know me,
how could you not see this coming)? ;)
If you haven’t read this series
by now, you must be mentally insane. Nothing can top this series in my
opinion. Nothing.
What are you reading this
summer?
Big thanks to Kate also known as the "magicviolinst" for this guest post! She talks about anything writing or reading related and gushes over fantasy! :) You can check out her blog here.
Writing in 1st Person: The Pros and Cons
18 July 2013
So you've invented a character who is simply too witty and alluring to not narrate your new novel. It puts a fun spin on a story, and often it makes it more natural for the writer. However, you should be aware what you are getting yourself into...
Beware of Limited Omniscience: When writing in third person, you, as the writer are free to jump to any place at any time, and delve into whomever's thoughts you choose. With first person however, the narrator possess the same perceptive abilities as a real human. Unless they're a wizard, or Raven Baxter...
You Can Have Only One Main Character: You have given the story over to one of your characters, giving them the privilege to tell a story. Unless you are writing in second person, the story really can't focus too much on another character. Considering the fact that your narrator cannot observe anything about this other person that a regular individual would, it really doesn't do your story any favors if the plot revolves around someone else. You've created a great character here; let them take the stage.
Readers Often Become More Emotionally Invested: Think about it--with third person, the reader is forced to follow along wherever you take them, and while this may give them a choice regarding who they choose to place their interest in, when it comes to first person, you give them one choice. This knowledge often forces us to create a timeless, likable character. You have chosen to develop all the ins and outs of one particular character who carries the story on their shoulder, but you are also burdened with the fact that they have to be a really special person, since you are forcing the reader to pay attention primarily to the them.
What are your thoughts and experiences regarding first person? Please share them in the comments below!
Written by: Karoline Kingley
Beware of Limited Omniscience: When writing in third person, you, as the writer are free to jump to any place at any time, and delve into whomever's thoughts you choose. With first person however, the narrator possess the same perceptive abilities as a real human. Unless they're a wizard, or Raven Baxter...
You Can Have Only One Main Character: You have given the story over to one of your characters, giving them the privilege to tell a story. Unless you are writing in second person, the story really can't focus too much on another character. Considering the fact that your narrator cannot observe anything about this other person that a regular individual would, it really doesn't do your story any favors if the plot revolves around someone else. You've created a great character here; let them take the stage.
Readers Often Become More Emotionally Invested: Think about it--with third person, the reader is forced to follow along wherever you take them, and while this may give them a choice regarding who they choose to place their interest in, when it comes to first person, you give them one choice. This knowledge often forces us to create a timeless, likable character. You have chosen to develop all the ins and outs of one particular character who carries the story on their shoulder, but you are also burdened with the fact that they have to be a really special person, since you are forcing the reader to pay attention primarily to the them.
What are your thoughts and experiences regarding first person? Please share them in the comments below!
Written by: Karoline Kingley
Ambiance - An Author's Reminder
15 July 2013
Once upon a time I was caught in a writing slump. A vicious beast of one where my minuscule but steady
word-count of 500 – 1k a day, suddenly came to a screeching halt with no warning. One day it was there,
the next I could barely spell my name. And what was more, there was no freakin’ reason for it.
In the past there have always been excuses: visiting relatives, exhaustion from holding down a full time
job, a babbling screaming Little Bit who can’t wait for later but must have that plate of blueberries Now
Now!
None of that applied. I’d thrown in my chips, called myself brave, and bet it all on my meager savings and a bevy of unfinished novels that would keep me comfortable (if a bit High Ramen in content),
handed the Little Bit back to his parents, moved out of the city and heavily applied great doses of all
those things that I told myself would make the difference: Time, Energy, No more Distractions. On the cusp of my thirties, single, childless, now was the time, the only person I was responsible for was
me – should my gamble backfire I’d be the only one getting a little leaner and, honestly, who really likes
their thighs?
The first day was great. Relieving, relaxing, a breath of fresh air. No words, but it was just day one.
That was to be expected. And then the second. And then the first week. Still. Nothing. The only thing
that had changed really was the fact that I was now poorer, further away from modern conveniences
like…grocery stores and gas stations, and staring increasingly horrified at the emptily blinking cursor.
In my peak of desperation, word count increased by zero-fold, I consulted with my dear friend and
confidante who also happened to make quite a nice side-living churning out words as a ghostwriter.
‘What was the problem?’ I asked. ‘Was I not meant to be a writer? Why was I doing worse with all of
my brain than I’d done with a quarter of it? Was I some sort of idiot savant doomed to die of starvation,
alone and penniless underneath the huge oak tree that totally lied and was not providing any literary
motivation whatsoever with pages and pages of unfinished manuscripts littering my corpse?’
This is what she told me:
First of all, take a deep breath. Writing is work, but it’s also reward and no one freaks out that they
didn't eat that Klondike bar today like they’d promised themselves. You just try again tomorrow, or the
day after. There are infinite opportunities and it doesn’t have to happen all at once in one big gulp, you can take tiny bites and get the same satisfaction.
Second, writing is a dynamic experience. Like dancing. You can’t watch your way through a fox-trot
nor can you study a blinking cursor through to a novel. Life is what provides texture to our craft. Living
gives us motivation and inspiration and ideas, experience is what changes a flat abstract and lights it up
into a real possibility and universe. By its very nature you have to throw yourself into it – no thought to
mechanics or setting or whether the shade tree is positioned just right over your brow- to experience it.
You just jump in both feet first – the hoping like hell you can swim comes after.
Okay, there was more in the middle about hysteria being unhealthy and Ben and Jerry’s not being the
way and PUT DOWN THE SPOON. But the important parts I covered with perhaps one final thought; it’s
all about your expectations and what I expected was for the words to pour like water, out my mouth,
through my fingertips, all by themselves as if scenery alone was responsible for the density of my
thoughts. But the only things you get without working for aren’t things anyone really wants: malaria,
debt, bedbugs. Today I’m steadily chugging along again working on my third novel, seeking submissions
to my online writer’s forum Sonadoebooks.com, and having a blast living life as an Author. Ambiance
isn’t everything.
This guest post was written by Mari Bayo. Links to her webistes below.
Thank you for contributing to asateenwriter, Mari!
www.sonadoebooks.com www.maribayo.wordpress.com
word-count of 500 – 1k a day, suddenly came to a screeching halt with no warning. One day it was there,
the next I could barely spell my name. And what was more, there was no freakin’ reason for it.
In the past there have always been excuses: visiting relatives, exhaustion from holding down a full time
job, a babbling screaming Little Bit who can’t wait for later but must have that plate of blueberries Now
Now!
None of that applied. I’d thrown in my chips, called myself brave, and bet it all on my meager savings and a bevy of unfinished novels that would keep me comfortable (if a bit High Ramen in content),
handed the Little Bit back to his parents, moved out of the city and heavily applied great doses of all
those things that I told myself would make the difference: Time, Energy, No more Distractions. On the cusp of my thirties, single, childless, now was the time, the only person I was responsible for was
me – should my gamble backfire I’d be the only one getting a little leaner and, honestly, who really likes
their thighs?
The first day was great. Relieving, relaxing, a breath of fresh air. No words, but it was just day one.
That was to be expected. And then the second. And then the first week. Still. Nothing. The only thing
that had changed really was the fact that I was now poorer, further away from modern conveniences
like…grocery stores and gas stations, and staring increasingly horrified at the emptily blinking cursor.
In my peak of desperation, word count increased by zero-fold, I consulted with my dear friend and
confidante who also happened to make quite a nice side-living churning out words as a ghostwriter.
‘What was the problem?’ I asked. ‘Was I not meant to be a writer? Why was I doing worse with all of
my brain than I’d done with a quarter of it? Was I some sort of idiot savant doomed to die of starvation,
alone and penniless underneath the huge oak tree that totally lied and was not providing any literary
motivation whatsoever with pages and pages of unfinished manuscripts littering my corpse?’
This is what she told me:
First of all, take a deep breath. Writing is work, but it’s also reward and no one freaks out that they
didn't eat that Klondike bar today like they’d promised themselves. You just try again tomorrow, or the
day after. There are infinite opportunities and it doesn’t have to happen all at once in one big gulp, you can take tiny bites and get the same satisfaction.
Second, writing is a dynamic experience. Like dancing. You can’t watch your way through a fox-trot
nor can you study a blinking cursor through to a novel. Life is what provides texture to our craft. Living
gives us motivation and inspiration and ideas, experience is what changes a flat abstract and lights it up
into a real possibility and universe. By its very nature you have to throw yourself into it – no thought to
mechanics or setting or whether the shade tree is positioned just right over your brow- to experience it.
You just jump in both feet first – the hoping like hell you can swim comes after.
Okay, there was more in the middle about hysteria being unhealthy and Ben and Jerry’s not being the
way and PUT DOWN THE SPOON. But the important parts I covered with perhaps one final thought; it’s
all about your expectations and what I expected was for the words to pour like water, out my mouth,
through my fingertips, all by themselves as if scenery alone was responsible for the density of my
thoughts. But the only things you get without working for aren’t things anyone really wants: malaria,
debt, bedbugs. Today I’m steadily chugging along again working on my third novel, seeking submissions
to my online writer’s forum Sonadoebooks.com, and having a blast living life as an Author. Ambiance
isn’t everything.
This guest post was written by Mari Bayo. Links to her webistes below.
Thank you for contributing to asateenwriter, Mari!
www.sonadoebooks.com www.maribayo.wordpress.com
The Impossible Bucket List
11 July 2013
I saw this on the Magic Violinist's blog and couldn't resist. This bucket list while being incredibly fun to make, is almost dis-heartening! Basically, this is a bucket list of all the things I could do...if only my favorite books were real. Keep reading and you'll get the idea.
#1: Write a book with Jo March
#2: Dance with Mr. Bingley/Mr. Darcy
#3: Go to Neverland with Peter Pan
#4: Rescue Narnia with the Pevensies
#5: Solve a crime with Sherlock and Watson
#6: Go Hiking with Ky
#7: Collect books with Leisel Meminger
#8: Escape prison with the Count of Monte Cristo
#9: Watch Atticus Finch defend a case
#10: Have a meal with Gandalf and Frodo
Share some of your "impossible bucket list" in the comment below!
Written by: Karoline Kingley
#1: Write a book with Jo March
#2: Dance with Mr. Bingley/Mr. Darcy
#3: Go to Neverland with Peter Pan
#4: Rescue Narnia with the Pevensies
#5: Solve a crime with Sherlock and Watson
#6: Go Hiking with Ky
#7: Collect books with Leisel Meminger
#8: Escape prison with the Count of Monte Cristo
#9: Watch Atticus Finch defend a case
#10: Have a meal with Gandalf and Frodo
Share some of your "impossible bucket list" in the comment below!
Written by: Karoline Kingley
Is Dystopian Taking Over the Writing World?
08 July 2013
I recently started reading Matched by Ally Condie, a young adult dystopian fiction novel. It's the first "new" book I've read in a while, and despite a couple complaints I am mostly enjoying it, and will probably post a review soon.
I've mentioned on my blog before that fantasy novels set in the future with a totalitarian government seems to be a growing trend. A few days ago I was at Barnes and Nobles, cruising the best seller isles and looking at the "teen picks." I must say, a lot of them seemed to have a similar plot in that they were fantasy, and those stories set in the present were heavily romance-infused, a little too much for my taste.
To be honest, it made me nervous.
You could say I write simple stories. They're all about real people; no vampires, aliens or witches involved. They all contain realistic circumstances that we can relate to, or have at least read about in the history books. These sorts of stories are not uncommon to the grand world of literature, but they seem to be vanishing fast. "Normal" books are sinking in a ocean filled with dystopian fiction.
Not that fantasy books nowadays are so original. To be sure, whoever came up with the idea first of an over-bearing government set somewhere else must have been quite a clever cat. But now everybody else seems to be riding their wave, just with a different surfboard.
An agent I contacted labeled my book as "fantasy," when I clearly stated it was an adventure/suspense novel, and she then went on to explain there was not enough of a hook. I realize that every agent is looking for something different, but the way she spoke about my book seemed to say, "oh, fantasy? Wait a minute, I see no abnormal characters or circumstances...yeah you don't stand a chance." I tend to take things like that lightly, so the report did not discourage me, but it did make me thoughtful.
What do you think?
Can stories like mine survive in today's world of fiction?
To me, it's almost seems that unless I intend on writing a sultry romance, if I don't hop on the fantasy band wagon, I may have a hard time leaving my mark.
Written by: Karoline Kingley
I've mentioned on my blog before that fantasy novels set in the future with a totalitarian government seems to be a growing trend. A few days ago I was at Barnes and Nobles, cruising the best seller isles and looking at the "teen picks." I must say, a lot of them seemed to have a similar plot in that they were fantasy, and those stories set in the present were heavily romance-infused, a little too much for my taste.
To be honest, it made me nervous.
You could say I write simple stories. They're all about real people; no vampires, aliens or witches involved. They all contain realistic circumstances that we can relate to, or have at least read about in the history books. These sorts of stories are not uncommon to the grand world of literature, but they seem to be vanishing fast. "Normal" books are sinking in a ocean filled with dystopian fiction.
Not that fantasy books nowadays are so original. To be sure, whoever came up with the idea first of an over-bearing government set somewhere else must have been quite a clever cat. But now everybody else seems to be riding their wave, just with a different surfboard.
An agent I contacted labeled my book as "fantasy," when I clearly stated it was an adventure/suspense novel, and she then went on to explain there was not enough of a hook. I realize that every agent is looking for something different, but the way she spoke about my book seemed to say, "oh, fantasy? Wait a minute, I see no abnormal characters or circumstances...yeah you don't stand a chance." I tend to take things like that lightly, so the report did not discourage me, but it did make me thoughtful.
What do you think?
Can stories like mine survive in today's world of fiction?
To me, it's almost seems that unless I intend on writing a sultry romance, if I don't hop on the fantasy band wagon, I may have a hard time leaving my mark.
Written by: Karoline Kingley
How to Write a Query Letter
01 July 2013
Last week, I gave ya'll some tips on how to research literary agents. Now I hope to bestow some mostly ignorant advice on how to write a query letter. You read that right, I just called myself ignorant. Much like last week's topic, I still know next to nothing about all this--I only hope to dispel a little confusion for those writers and aspiring authors who are more clueless than I am.
What is a query letter anyway? Your query letter is a typically one page letter than includes your hook, synopsis, and writer's biography. Certain agencies may suggest you arrange those paragraphs in a different order, or request that you include something extra, but the format I just described is the basic no frills query letter.
#1: The Hook: This is the part where you come up with a catchy one liner that describes your story. You need an all encompassing sentence that will give the reader (or in this case agent), a proper feel for your book. Here is mine: "There is a royal conspiracy brewing in Alavare Castle, and it is up to the young servant Rosalina DeVere to rescue king and queen before it is too late."
#2: The Synopsis: For the second paragraph, you should expound on your opening sentence, and give a little more insight into the story. It is important to know that for this paragraph and really the entire letter, you should not be showcasing your writing voice. Your goal for this letter, is to interest the agent. Therefore, a generic sounding sum up is good and even advisable. For inspiration, try reading the paragraph that you see on the inside of book covers or on the back of the book, to give you an idea of how to sum up the story. Here is how I summarized my own: "The kingdoms of Alavare and Zadith have been at odds for a century, yet for the last few years they have managed to reside in peace. That security vanishes however, when Queen Jolenta of Alavare is mysteriously abducted. Destitute for direction, King Roldan consults Rosalina, Princess Evangeline’s nurse for a change in perspective. Yet Rosalina’s attentions are diverted when the dashing knight Sir Lyle comes for an extended visit. The closer she becomes to Sir Lyle, and the more she observes the king’s step-son Prince Harry, she realizes there may be a treasonous plot formulating under the king’s very nose. But nobody believes the witness of a commoner. With the help of Rosalina’s fellow servant Aldred, the peasants take matters into their own hands before war and murder bring ruin to the kingdom."
#3: Writer's Bio: What if I don't have any previous experience? You say. What if I have never been published? That doesn't matter. In this paragraph just state the title of your book, what genre it is, and the word count. Be sure to thank the agent for their time. If you have any credentials, like publication or you've won a writing contest, go ahead and say so.
Hopefully these tips gave you a vague idea of what your query letter should contain. I myself am very new to the process, so if you have any tips of your own or advice for me on the personal tid-bits I just showed you, please share them in the comments below!
Written by: Karoline Kingley
All that is in this post is property of Karoline Kingley.
What is a query letter anyway? Your query letter is a typically one page letter than includes your hook, synopsis, and writer's biography. Certain agencies may suggest you arrange those paragraphs in a different order, or request that you include something extra, but the format I just described is the basic no frills query letter.
#1: The Hook: This is the part where you come up with a catchy one liner that describes your story. You need an all encompassing sentence that will give the reader (or in this case agent), a proper feel for your book. Here is mine: "There is a royal conspiracy brewing in Alavare Castle, and it is up to the young servant Rosalina DeVere to rescue king and queen before it is too late."
#2: The Synopsis: For the second paragraph, you should expound on your opening sentence, and give a little more insight into the story. It is important to know that for this paragraph and really the entire letter, you should not be showcasing your writing voice. Your goal for this letter, is to interest the agent. Therefore, a generic sounding sum up is good and even advisable. For inspiration, try reading the paragraph that you see on the inside of book covers or on the back of the book, to give you an idea of how to sum up the story. Here is how I summarized my own: "The kingdoms of Alavare and Zadith have been at odds for a century, yet for the last few years they have managed to reside in peace. That security vanishes however, when Queen Jolenta of Alavare is mysteriously abducted. Destitute for direction, King Roldan consults Rosalina, Princess Evangeline’s nurse for a change in perspective. Yet Rosalina’s attentions are diverted when the dashing knight Sir Lyle comes for an extended visit. The closer she becomes to Sir Lyle, and the more she observes the king’s step-son Prince Harry, she realizes there may be a treasonous plot formulating under the king’s very nose. But nobody believes the witness of a commoner. With the help of Rosalina’s fellow servant Aldred, the peasants take matters into their own hands before war and murder bring ruin to the kingdom."
#3: Writer's Bio: What if I don't have any previous experience? You say. What if I have never been published? That doesn't matter. In this paragraph just state the title of your book, what genre it is, and the word count. Be sure to thank the agent for their time. If you have any credentials, like publication or you've won a writing contest, go ahead and say so.
Hopefully these tips gave you a vague idea of what your query letter should contain. I myself am very new to the process, so if you have any tips of your own or advice for me on the personal tid-bits I just showed you, please share them in the comments below!
Written by: Karoline Kingley
All that is in this post is property of Karoline Kingley.
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