What I Learned About Writing from Pitch Wars!

Pitch Wars is an online writing experience and contest where writers submit a never before published manuscript in the hopes of gaining an author/mentor who will take their manuscript and help them make it the best version of their story before the agent round. I entered Pitch Wars last year with my YA manuscript which I thought was Pitch Wars ready. Boy, was I wrong.

There are online Facebook pages for hopefuls and forums where people share their pages. The more places you visit, the more you will learn. I gained insight and CPs. A CP is a critique partner who will read your pages and give you as much or as little critique as you ask. I wanted my CPs to be brutal. I wanted them to tell me everything right and everything wrong with my pages. When I read my CPs' pages I was blown away. There are some TALENTED writers in the pool that submit to Pitch Wars. Last year, my pages didn't stack up.

What you need for Pitch Wars: You will need a one-page query, a one-page synopsis, a FINISHED manuscript and a coat of armor. You can read about the query, synopsis, story arc, pacing, character and other elements. The more you study and LEARN, the better your manuscript will be.

When I wrote my first manuscript, I was a pantser. I didn't know the ending of the story. I didn't have an outline. I knew who my characters were and what the premise was, but that was it. I didn't yet know who the antagonist was. I didn't know the problems my protagonist would face. That manuscript took my three long years (I have a full time job and family).

My second manuscript was hugely different. Now I'm a planner. I had the idea, characters, outline and ending. I wrote that manuscript in three months and it's leaps and bounds better than the YA manuscript I submitted last year. What's the difference? How did my writing get so much better?

TWITTER. I follow the tags #writingcommunity #writetip #writers #amwriting #amediting #ontheporch and #writing. There are so many great links shared on Twitter by writers, editors, agents, mentors. If you're not active on Twitter, you're limiting your knowledge of upcoming contests, events, freebies, internships and friends for life.

Before the Pitch Wars window opens, many mentors offer giveaways for your first pages, your query and/or your synopsis. You should retweet, follow and comment to all of these. I won several free eyes on my pages both years.

Before you query anything, you should have CPs and beta readers. I am lucky that my best friend for life has a writer brain. She was writing her manuscript as I wrote mine. We traded chapters from the beginning. She is now close to signing with an agent. Currently she has four full asks out to agents. I suspect she'll snag one soon  and her book will follow.

If I don't find a mentor in Pitch Wars this year, I've made so many contacts, learned tons, commented on others' writing and posts, shared information and links, and gained skills to push my book baby into the world. I will query this manuscript until I find that unicorn agent. I know you're out there! 

#Boost My Bio: @Pitchwars

Hi, I'm (Pamela) Thompson McLeod, long-time high school teacher and middle school librarian. I am entering Pitch Wars this year for the second time. Although I did not get a mentor last year (with my YA manuscript), I learned so much about writing and made so many FRIENDS in the writing community. Twitter is a great place to find like-minded writers and people who love reading and writing. I stay away from rants and politics and love the #writing community #amwriting #5AM writingclub #writetip #writer #writers

This year, the manuscript I am entering is middle grade #MG: FAKING IT: 11yo Kyle enters an online recipe contest with a recipe he never even cooked. He is chosen to be a contestant on a junior chef show. Too bad Kyle is a fake. He can't cook. Not even one little bit. His BFF Addie suggests he learn to cook by watching YouTube videos. Kyle has three days and YouTube. With a little luck and sheer grit, Kyle makes it through early rounds, but it's heating up in the kitchen. Kyle is bundle of nerves when his chef father shows up as a judge. Suddenly, winning isn't enough. Kyle has to prove himself to everyone, including his father.

Like Kyle, I enter recipe contests and even won some big ones. Here is my winning Third Place recipe that gave me the idea for my story! And like Kyle, I create recipes. I don't cook them. At all. Ever. And they win! I won Second Place for an Italian Stallion Maria I entered. It was a double non-cook. I didn't make it, and nothing in it is cooked, yet it won Second Place in a COOKING CONTEST!

So, I'm a recipe junkie, a recipe contest enthusiast, collector of vintage 50's-70's cookbooks (Junior League cookbooks from cities in the South are  my faves), a writer of dreams and a CP to my BFF Leslie Rush who entered Pitch Wars with me last year. Leslie's manuscript was chosen by a mentor for Author Mentor Match and she is waiting for the agent round. Both of us are hopeful our stories will touch the lives of readers.

This is a photo of me with my American bulldog Bowdee (short for Beaudacious)!

I am entering Pitch Wars in August! If you've never heard of Pitch Wars, it's an event where never published manuscripts and hopeful writers enter their first chapter, a query and a synopsis of their manuscript to the site. Mentors will make their picks and announce their mentees. If I'm lucky enough to be chosen, my mentor will go through my story word by word and help me make it shiny and bright. After the story is polished to perfection, there is an agent round! If I am lucky enough to find an agent or if she/he finds me! I have a chance to get my book baby out into the world. Here's hoping the universe is listening. Universe?

Everything Pitchwars 

I review YA for School Library Journal and VOYA and judged YA Fiction for last year's Cybils. I am currently a literary intern and a YA librarian (and writer).

Best Books 2015

Pamela's Picks: Best Books 2015

I've included two great adult titles for book clubs, middle grades, middle school and YA titles.
I hope you make a point of at least finding more out about these great titles. 2015 was a great year for publishing. Click on each book cover for more information on each book. I saved The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch as the last title. It was so AMAZING that it took me a week of pondering in order to write a review worthy of that novel. It literally is everything great about fiction. Enjoy! ( I used the free educator end of Emaze for the presentation; you can buy upgrades if you prefer. Easy to use and looks great!)

YA and Technology Trends: A Student from Australia Interviews Me!

Australian student Stella C. asked me my thoughts on a project she is working towards. She is (in her own words): "... a 12 year student in Sydney, Australia, working towards my HSC major work for society and culture." Her area of study is this topic:

 "What will be the impact on YA literature with the increasing reliance on technology and how must authors change to accommodate to new diverse margins of society."

 She asked me questions and I answered her as thoughtfully as I could. With her permission, I am publishing this interview. I think her questions are well thought out and insightful and help us to understand what teens are thinking about YA literature and social media  not only here in the U.S. but in Australia as well. Stella, thank you for asking me these important and timely questions and allowing me to publish them here.

Interview:

1.    What are your thoughts on young adult fiction as a popular culture?

 

YA fiction has become a part of pop culture as it moves from books and content on the Internet into movies and mainstream Hollywood. Actors who star in YA movies, think "Twilight" and "Divergent" go on to act in feature films; for example, Jennifer Lawrence gained the teen audience  in "The Hunger Games" yet went on to win an Oscar for her performance in "Silver Linings Playbooks" and was nominated for "American Hustle." She has become one of the highest paid actors in Hollywood.

 

2.    What do you think young adult fiction targets for their audience?

 

 If it is a great book the target is to entertain, to say something necessary, to bring to life characters who are amazing in some way yet seriously flawed in others, to set up events that impact the main character, to have the character face obstacles and overcome them in some way, and to have the character somehow changed by his/her journey. The reader should come away from the book feeling satisfied. Even if a main character dies, the reader should still feel good about reading the book. A great book impacts the reader; the reader will think about that book for a great long while, think To Kill a Mockingbird.

 

3.      Do you think this genre of novels is growing? And if so, why is there a dramatic change?

 

 It has been taking over the publishing market since Harry Potter. It will continue to grow as fan fiction is growing online. Many twelve year old readers are becoming writers as we speak. The next decade looks promising for publishing and fiction.

 

4.      Do you think that literature and novels will be a short-lived life?

 

 

 

 Literature will never be short lived. That's like asking if music will be short lived. Notes never go away. Words never go away. A new musician or writer will think of a new way of using them.

 

5.      Do you think easy access to movies and fan fiction ultimately persuades you to avoid written work?
 

 Absolutely not! I attend the Texas Teen Book Festival each year in Austin, Texas, which has grown to include over 150 authors per year. Thousands of readers flock to see the books and authors. I am happy to say that readers were buying tons of books in print. This is not to say that Ebooks and digital reading are not accessible. Many readers find that they like the heft and feel of the printed book. It totes well. You don't have to worry about wires or connectivity or getting it wet. You can read in almost any light source.

 

6.      What are your personal thoughts on eBooks, kindles and other source of technology which enhances the reading experience?

 

 I'm not sure this technology "enhances" the reading experience. It makes it possible to read in a variety of ways. It may help some people to learn to read. The technology makes it possible for all sorts of learners to be able to enjoy a book.

 

7.      Why is there such a stigma attached to adults who read young adult fiction?

 

 Is there a stigma? Really? The Hunger Games, Twilight and even The Diary of a Wimpy Kid did not get to the New York Times bestseller list by teens who read them. Certainly hundreds of thousands if not millions of adults read them. Fans of dystopian fiction read both YA dystopian fiction and adult dystopian fiction. In fact, there is no line in the sand between the two. I think this "stigma" is imagined--I have not seen anyone in the U.S. say that adults should not read YA. In fact, it's just the opposite. You should read what you want.

 

8.    How does social media and technology help promote young adult fiction?

 

 You are asking a blogger! The epitome of what I do is promote new and exciting titles in YA fiction. Technology makes that possible.

 

9.    How does the film industry present young adult adaptation? Why isn’t the film not targeted to a specific age group? How do you think they break the age barrier?

 Hollywood takes a book and brings it to life with film magic. A real reader does that for herself or himself. A reader imagines the "scenes" in the book and sees the action. Films make it possible for those who don't read to enjoy the stories. I think Hollywood does justice to YA novels for the most part.

 

10. Do you think the film acknowledged the author’s true ambitions of the novels’ themes?

 

It depends if the author is involved with the screen writing or not. In the case of several YA novels into films, the authors have had a say in screenplay and on the set. If the author has no say, the writers, directors and producers have a free for all if they want.

 

11. What do you think will be the next step for these authors and young adult fiction for the upcoming generations?

To continue to offer the best stories with the most compelling characters. I have heard several authors comment that writing for the YA crowd is a lot harder than writing for adults. Kids will catch all your mistakes and call you on them. Kids are less forgiving than the adult reader. And kids will call you out on social media.

 

Is there any other thoughts/opinions on young adult fiction and technology’s impact on this popular culture?

 

 I think Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and other social media are a great tool for authors to embrace. They have up to the minute details on how their novel/work is perceived. A smart author will be a tech savvy guru.

 

My closing thoughts: Authors, you are going to have to up your game to keep up with today's YA readers. Good luck! Pamela

 

The Truth Commission
by Susan Juby
Illustrated by Trevor Cooer
Viking
2015
309 pages
ISBN: 9780451468772

Praise for
The Truth Commission

Publishers Weekly (starred review)

 

“With a deft hand and an open mind, Juby (the Alice trilogy) presents many layers of truth while evoking Normandy’s pain over being the subject of ridicule in her sister’s books. This is a sharp-edged portrait of a dysfunctional family with some thought-provoking ideas about what is real.”

Kirkus (starred review)

 

“Hilarious, deliciously provocative and slyly thought-provoking, Juby's welcome return is bound to ignite debate.”

Luann Toth, School Library Journal (starred review)

 

“The narrative/book is smart, darkly funny, sad, and heartening as Normandy learns some hard truths, how to stand up for herself, and how to take charge of her own destiny. While there is no reconciliation in sight, there’s no doubt that the truth has set her free. A surprising, witty, and compulsive read.”

Jaclyn Moriarty, author of “The Year of My Secret Assignments” and “A Corner of White”

 

“I absolutely loved The Truth Commission. Every page made me laugh aloud, while all the time the tears were creeping up on me. The characters were so real I wouldn’t be surprised if they knocked on my door right now. I hope they do; I want to spend more time with them.”

Susin Nielsen, author of “The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen” and “We Are All Made of Molecules”

“You know how we have terms like "Dickensian?" I vote that from here on in we should also have "Jubyesque," to describe something particularly funny, offbeat and original. The Truth Commission is Juby at her best - I wanted to be at that school with those unique, flawed and utterly believable kids. It is a fantastic and highly original novel. I heart Susan Juby.”

Kim Carter in VOYA

 

“Smart and witty, eclectic and engrossing, introspective and insightful, The Truth Commission is a creatively crafted treasure of a novel which will be deeply appreciated by readers who like their existentialism wrapped in practical reality.”

My Review:

Comic and irreverent, teen angst and teen art collide (I mean can you have one without the other?) in The Truth Commission. Younger sister Normandy Pale pales in comparison to her older, more talented, more artistic, and well known debut graphic novelist Keira. Teachers and students at Normanday's art school speak of Keira with hushed tones, reverence and awe in their voices. Keira sold her first graphic novel to a publishing house and made a fortune. When Keira comes home from her new school, Norm knows something is wrong, but is too afraid to ask. Their parents treat their oldest daughter as a reigning queen worshipping her every move and catering to  her every need.

Normandy is best friends with Dusk (whose real name is Dawn, but she prefers the darker version) and dapper dresser Neil. All three attend a prestigious and expensive school of arts  but Normandy is a scholarship student  since her older sister is  an art prodigy. The school probably is hoping the same holds true for Normandy. If you think high school is full of weird cliques, wait till you read about Green Pastures art school! There is a dragon (mean, pancho-wearing ostrich lover Mrs. Dekker in the front office, a kind counselor, and several strange artists (no surprise here) in residence.

The three kids decide that "the truth will set you free" and begin a campaign to have people tell their truths. It begins with Mrs. Dekker. Then the kids target a student that everyone has wondered about. He is a handsome loner whose movie star looks have everyone wondering whether he is gay or straight. The kids decide that they must find out or the sake of the truth.

Keira begins to spill the truth about what happened to her at school, but Normandy is afraid to hear the truth and she begins to investigate her sister on her own. Each student at school has a project to present at year's end and Normandy is presenting her work of creative non-fiction--which is what she is writing...and what readers are reading. I love the way the book works. Normandy slips in footnotes on nearly every page. I find that endearing and clever.

Highly recommended grade 9-up. Mature subject matter and some language.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

This review has been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)

Why I Blog and Is There a Disconnect Between Award Books and What Teens Want To Read?

I've been pondering the disconnect between award books, what parents and teachers want kids to read, what publishers think are "good" books, what is being published and promoted and what teens actually want to read or will read.

 

 

Recently, I attended  a presentation for young adult books and I have to say, the presenter gave the most attention to those books that are "well-written" and probably not noticed by teens. While certainly teens need to read award worthy books, do they WANT to read them? Will they enjoy them? Would they pick up an award winning book if it wasn't part of an assignment or a grade or a college requirement?

 

When I browse the teen section at B & N, I know instantaneously which covers will appeal to the most teens. Then I pick up the book and look at it more closely. I also watch teens in their own habitat (browsing books). I study their book choice behavior. It tells me a lot about what teen readers/browsers will pick up. If the book has a medal on the front of it, it is rarely even considered. In fact, it is shunned by most.

 

When I read a book, I approach it as a teen or my teenage self (yes, we all have that teen self inside of us still. Just like we all have a "Disney side.") I know that sounds weird, but what do you think an actor does? An actor is not herself/himself in a role, an actor becomes the character.

 

When reading YA,  I  suspend my age, experience, and age prejudices (I try), when I read, becoming my naïve fifteen year old self of yesteryear....I am in the book and one with the character. If it can keep my make believe fifteen year old self interested, entertained, happy, and excited, then I know teen readers will love the book, hopefully as much as I did. There is nothing more exciting than having a reader come back to the library and tell me, "Wow! You were right about this book! It was amazing! Now what can I read?"

 

What publishers and editors push the hardest is not necessarily the BEST or most loved books. The behemoth that is Afterworlds fell flat for me. I honestly cannot imagine what teen would slog through 600+ pages of back and forth story. The entire concept felt like an editor told Westerfeld to use as many "hot" pop culture topics as he could possibly find. 600+ pages is HEAVY and not in a good way. You could kill a bug with this book. Heck, you could take a zombie's head off with this book. Read it if you must, but you've been forewarned. And, I love Westerfeld's earlier work! There was lots of hype for this book and the publisher spent big bucks on  marketing it but a big disappointment for me.

 

This email from Mary Z is the reason I blog:

 

"I just wanted to say again how much I love and appreciate your blog.  Whenever I go to conferences, people ask, 'How do you select books for your library?" I tell them, "I read Pamela Thompson's blog.  If she likes it, I know my students will.'"

 

And, when I see a smile in the eyes (yes, you read that right) of a teen who brings back a book I've recommended and he/she says, "You were right about this book! I loved it! What else do you recommend?" I know why I blog.

 

I love to blog, I eat books and it's its own reward, but when a kid asks me what do I suggest for him/her to read next, it is sooooooooo valuable that I know just the right book!

 

To all of you who have written me or phoned me or met me at TLA, I wanted to thank you. It is your input that keeps me going even when the dark cloud of education is sometimes threatening overhead. With more and more non-library tasks assigned to our LMS in our district this year, it's hard to remember our REAL job---connecting readers to reading forever. I want kids who come through my library to ALWAYS love reading, always love libraries and always remember that middle school librarian (me! ) who nurtured them and their love of reading. If I can change non-readers into readers, I've done my job, my passion, my life's work, my reason for reading/reviewing/blogging.

High School: Afterworlds

Afterworlds
by Scott Westerfeld
Simon Pulse
2014
608 pages
ISBN: 9781481422345

Dizzying, defiant, deviant, and direct, Afterworlds is a mash up of what every YA editor craves. It appears Westerfeld decided to hit every note that makes YA exciting: throw in paranormal romance, maybe a hot guy who just happens to be dead, make the protagonist an underrepresented ethnicity, make it a coming of age story, add helicopter parents who give in easily (yeah, right!), big city, bright lights and the siren's call of New York, the brisk publishing industry with its own sub-culture and jargon, a love interest--oh, but make it a lesbian relationship, add a few minor friends and write two stories in one and call it a bestseller. Sit back and collect the reviews and the revenues.

I was drawn to the possibility of the this novel. Much of it is good, if not great. The opening scene focuses on Lizzie (who is the protagonist of Darcy's soon to be published YA novel). The reader sees a terrorist attack at an airport where Lizzie is somehow transported to another plane (haha, pun not intended) where she meets hot death god Yamaraj. Maybe it's just me, but really, a hot death god? And Lizzie is not one bit squeamish?

Darcy's story is that of a recent high school grad who is lucky enough to have written a YA novel in thirty short days and sold it immediately to a publishing house in New York. She refuses to go to college, telling her traditional parents that she will be living in New York, thank you very much, and will be working on her rewrites while she waits on the actual publication date of her much anticipated novel. Darcy meets fellow deb writers at a cocktail party and becomes fast friends with one. Darcy is naïve and sheltered; she has never been in love or in a relationship, yet her parents agree to allow their young, naïve daughter to live alone in the  largest city in the nation? Without security and no doorman? In an apartment of her own choosing? (Westerfeld himself has no children).

I am a fan of Westerfeld's writing; so much so, that I gave Afterworlds the benefit of the doubt. I was excited to read Afterworlds; it is different from anything I've read. However, it seems at times the author is either pandering to the publishing industry or sniggering at the book buying masses. Judge for yourself. I have a feeling this is one book that will be buzzed about. Several times, I thought, "Genius!" and just as many times I thought, "Failure...."

Suitable for high school grade 9-up. Mature situations.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received the ARC from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

This review has been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)