Laptop Confessional

I've done all the procrastinating I can do and still look at myself in the mirror. I have several notebook pages full of notes on the Tudors, the Tower of London and philosophy by Edgar Cayce. I have a printed map of the Tower of London with little Xs by things that are important to the story, several snapshots of the graffiti that is in the Beauchamp Tower and recently spent 15 minutes watching a home movie of a Tower of London tour (I've been there, but it's been almost 10 years - thanks YouTube). I also have one fairly good character sketch for my MC (main character), and not much of one for anyone else. I know where the book is going to start, a few scenes in my head along the way and a vague idea of how it is going to end. I have the MC's name (Cassandra, Cass to her friends), the name of another important character (Darius) and pretty much nobody else. The book is either going to be mainly set in San Francisco or Santa Barbara-I'll know for sure when it's time.

What I don't have is a title. Or a detailed outline. But that's okay - that's pretty much how things work around here. I often refer to the E.L. Doctorow quote at the way, way bottom of the blog - hopefully I can see enough to get by.

I'm about ready to put my first words into the freshly created computer file, and wanted to invite anyone along who is interested in how the process works. I've had several people ask me how a book gets from vague idea to printed up book - now's the chance for us to find out together. As you've no doubt seen if you've kept up with the blog, there can be some false starts when it comes to new book, but this one doesn't feel that way. It feels like an amazing story that is waiting to be uncovered with some great characters and unique elements.

If you'd rather keep the mystery of how books get written, then step away from the blog and don't mind that man behind the curtain.

Onward!

On this date: In 1558, the Elizabethan Age begins (kismet or what?).

Wicked Sunday

Sundays are usually quiet on the email front, but I got a lot of cool stuff in the old inbox today. My first fan email from a real-live teen reader (love that!), two preview reviews which were both awesome (although I think if someone doesn't like the book, they're not going to send me the review in advance-those things are best left as a surprise) and the link to a fabulous interview by wunderkind author Kody Keplinger.

Not only that, but we took the kids to see their first big show - Wicked in San Francisco. They absolutely loved it (what's not to love?), and T said that now he's annoyed with Dorothy. He also said that it's given him more inspiration to become an actor, which was an ulterior motive on our part.

Hope everyone's Sunday was special.

On this date: In 1956, Love Me Tender, Elvis' first film opens.

We Don't Need No Education...

T (doing homework): Mom, cursive is so wrong. It makes boy letters look like girl letters.

Can't argue with that.

On this date: In 1954, Ellis Island closed.

What I'm Working On Now...

Can you tell from some of my research books what the new YA is going to be about? No? Good, 'cause it's a secret.

After a long talk with my agent, we've decided to shelve the race-based YA that I was working on. It's an older book (the first one I ever wrote actually), and I'm too close to it to give it the total pull-apart service that it really needs. That thought horrifies some people, but I'm actually okay with it. Mostly because I'm working on something that really excites me.

The new book has everything - action, romance, humor, great characters and (dare I say it - me who said she'd NEVER write one of these) some paranormal elements. I've finished the 9 point plotting outline for the book (I think my next post will be how to do that - in the meantime, here's my take on it over at Kay Cassidy's blog back in August) and am researching some of the historical elements that need to be actually accurate. So far, the ideas have been coming fast and furious and I love getting back to it every day. Stay tuned!

On this date: In 196X, my BFF Karen was born. Happy Birthday Karen!

Cybils Nominee

I just found out that When It's Six O'clock in San Francisco has been nominated for a Cybils award (thanks to Olugbemisola Amusashonubi-Perkovich for the shout out)! This is an award that is put out by the kidlit blogging community from people who know their stuff. The list is long and full of great books including crit-group partners Tiptoe Guide to Tracking Fairies by Ammi-Joan Paquette and Wink: The Ninja Who Wanted to be Noticed by J. C. Phillipps and I'm just honored to be included.

Finalists are announced on January 1st, so stay tuned!

On this date: In 1860, Abraham Lincoln is elected President.

Photos on the Website

Thanks to the fabulous Madiera James of Xuni, the creator and host of my website, we now have photos on the site. I'm going to put them in albums - so far I only have two: one for the book party for When It's Six O'clock in San Francisco and one for author types that I know/have met/stalk a little. As I get out and about more and we get closer to the launch of Dirty Little Secrets in February, I hope to put more pics up.

Click on the Events section up there on the right and enjoy!

On this date: In 1922, the entrance to King Tut's tomb is discovered.

Cool Stuff I Saw Last Week

I'm usually one to stay at home - don't go to movies much anymore (totally spoiled by Netflix - you can't curl up with a nice glass of wine at your local Cineplex) and I can count on one hand the number of times I've gone to an evening "event" in the past year. This week was an exception - I went to three, count 'em three, different things.




First up was the Where the Wild Things Are movie. Went with both kids and while they loved it, they agreed with me that it's really not a little kid movie. It can be debated whether the book is really a kid's book, but that's another post. Creepy, dark, creative, sepia and a little sad (one kid who shall remain nameless had tears in his eyes when Max sails back home) it is a great movie but best keep the little kids at home, not so much because it's scary (although it is a little bit scary) but because there's just not much there for the little ones. One comment for filmmakers though - both boys commented that the entire time Max was gone, he didn't eat anything or go to the bathroom (although I argued that the two things might be connected). Kids notice this stuff.



Last Thursday, I went with my date (thanks Jill) to see David Sedaris read some new material. I am totally in love with this man, despite the fact that I'm married, he's gay (and has a Hugh) and quite a bit shorter than I am. Every time we go on a road trip, DH and I listen to his audio books and I've read everything he's ever done several times over. His appearance still blew me away - I don't think I've laughed so hard in years. Was it worth it to wait in line for two hours to meet him? Youbetcha. Did I come up with anything witty to say? Nope, although I did come up with a killer line about an hour after we'd driven away. I was totally fangirled out. I consider it a win that I didn't say anything stupid or spill water on him. He didn't even seem phased when Jill asked if she could have one of his unopened waters, because she was parched and anyway, he didn't want to drink too much water if he was going to bed soon. He just said "sure" and gave her one. Did I mention I love this man?



Lastly, I took T to see This Is It, the big Michael Jackson movie yesterday. I was a so-so Michael Jackson fan growing up, but I knew T would love it. He was glued to the screen the entire time and has been talking about it since. If you're any kind of fan, you'll really like it. If you're a big fan, bring your own tissues. The lady behind us cried all the way through, occasionally letting out a little, high-pitched "Oh Michael" before blowing her nose.

Hope you had a good weekend!

On this date: In 1983, the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday was declared.