FAQ
Sometimes people ask me questions. And, rather less frequently, I give good answers.
General FAQ
Can you teach me how to write a book?No. But I can give you a basic guide to starting a retelling! Check out my class here and sign up with a 60 day free trial:
And here is a teacher's guide to The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein! I'm so delighted. The English major in me is geeking out.
When were you born?
I am in my thirties. I prefer not to get more specific than that, and think it's silly for your teachers to have you ask an author their birthday : ) You can tell them I said so--in fact, please do!
How do you find time to write?
It's my job, so I treat it like one. Fortunately, I have a support system who step in when I need to travel for work, and the rest of the time I fit it in around the business of life and motherhood. Sometimes are better than sometimes. In the early days when my teens were teensy, I wrote from 9 PM to 2 AM. Now I'm useless after 4 PM so I try to write in the mornings. There's no one way to write a book, no correct way to be a writer. Writers write. However you can get it done, whenever you can get it done, in whatever tiny stolen increments you can get it done, you are a writer.
How long did it take you to find an agent? How long did it take you to sell? Was Paranormalcy your first novel?
I queried on and off for about a year with a disastrously boring middle grade project that will never, thankfully, see the light of day. After I wrote Flash (which should answer that question about whether Paranormalcy is my first novel--it is, in fact, my fourth), I queried for about three months before Michelle and I found each other. (45 queries, if you're really curious, and if you're reading this section, odds are you are.)
While Flash was on submission early 2009 I wrote Paranormalcy. When Flash didn't sell, I decided that Paranormalcy was the book to pursue. I spent a few months editing it (and editing it and editing it and editing it), and then sent it to Michelle, who agreed that we had something special.
Fortunately many editors agreed, as well. It was on submission for less than a month when it sold. Yay selling! Since then I have written many books, most of which have sold to publishers and some of which have not, because such is the nature of writing.
Can I have an ARC or review copy of [Whatever Book Is Next] to review on my blog?
I am not in charge of distributing ARCs and get very few copies myself. If you are interested, your best bet is to contact my publisher (Delacorte for the And I Darken and Camelot Rising series, Simon Pulse for the Slayer books).
What is your next book? Are you going to write any more PARANORMALCY books?Endlessly finished the trilogy. I have no plans to write further in Evie's voice. However! I have a lot of stories in my brain. Regular siphoning is required. I'll continue to write YA and MG books until they pry this laptop from my carpal-tunnel-plagued, sleep-deprived hands.
Can you come to my school/library/bookstore/town?
I am not usually in charge of where I do events. I wish I could visit all my readers! Alas, geography is a cruel mistress.
Where do you get your ideas?
I buy them in a back alley of downtown San Diego. The serial numbers are all scratched off, and I'm sure it's not legal, but you can't find premium ideas any cheaper.
(Real answer: movies! music! good books! nature! history! visiting new places! talking to interesting people! asking new questions! letting your mind go crazy with "what if" combinations! so on and so forth.)
How can I get published?
The very first step, and some would argue the most important one, is to write a book.
Seriously. Most people who ask this have never written a full book. After that, if you're interested in traditional publishing, you'll want to find a literary agent who can guide you through the process and be your business partner. (Nathan Bransford gives great basics on his website, www.nathanbransford.com.) If you're interested in self- or indie-publishing, I've never done it so I can't give you any direction, but there's a whole wide world of google out there just waiting for you.
Can you take a look at my book/query/synopsis/posted chapters?
No. Sorry. I wish that I could help everyone out as much as they want me to. But I've got my own writing that takes up quite a bit of time, and a group that I already trade critiques with. There's also the whole liability issue, and while I know no one cool enough to be reading the FAQs on my website would ever accuse me of plagiarism, we live in a litigious society and it's a sad fact that authors have to be safe to avoid becoming sorry.
HOWEVER. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to have critique partners--good, thoughtful, smart people who a) will be kind and b) will also tell you the truth. I know my writing improved dramatically with the help of my friends, all of whom I found online.
If you are looking for help on a query, there are many blogs and websites out there that volunteer advice.
If you still insist on sending me something, I will delete it sight-unseen.
How can I find out where you'll be?
Check out the News page-it will list my next few signings, as well as stores you can order signed copies from.
Can you send me swag (free stuff like bookmarks, signed books, etc.)?
Nope. Sorry. I'm allergic to the post office.
When is the movie going to get made?
The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein is currently in development with Sony Pictures Television! That's literally all the information I have at this point in time. But it sounds fancy, and I'm really excited to see what happens!
Please note: I will never have a say in any casting. I cannot get you a role.
Do you read novels for review or potential blurbs?
I am currently closed to reading for blurbs.
Can you give away my [book, product, child] on your twitter or announce / retweet my giveaway / indiegogo / gofundme / child's wish to be retweeted seventeen million times?
I may occasionally link to giveaways or contests if they are for books that I recommend. I won't promote or endorse any products, and I cannot give away your child because that would be illegal. I don't retweet requests for money unless I have researched the recipients/cause and I don't always have time for that. And your child doesn't need seventeen million retweets. No one does. The internet is silly. You should go for a walk. So should I.
What if you didn't answer my question on this page? Which, by the way, you totally didn't.
My apologies. I told you I wasn't very helpful.
Do you have an author photo I can use on my blog post/newspaper article/dartboard?
Why yes, yes I do. Check it out here.
Could you take me in a fight?
That all depends on whether or not I have the element of surprise and if I'm allowed nunchucks. Never underestimate small people. Especially small people with nunchucks.
Can you send me a signed copy of [Whatever Book I Want]?
No. Sorry. If you see I'm going to be signing at an independent bookstore soon, you can always call and order a signed, personalized book through them. I'll sign it when I'm there and they'll ship it to you. I do not ever send out books for review once they have already been published. If you can't afford to buy books (and I understand!), please visit your local library and request them there.
School Report FAQ
Have a school report? This FAQ is for you.
When were you born?
I am in my thirties. I prefer not to get more specific than that, and think it's silly for your teachers to have you ask an author their birthday : ) You can tell them I said so--in fact, please do!
Where did you grow up?
In Utah, at the foot of a beautiful mountain.
Where do you live now?
In San Diego, where we don't believe in weather.
Do you base your characters on people you know?
Not deliberately. I might steal characteristics or descriptions, but for the most part my characters come alive in my head all on their own. Though I will sometimes name a character after someone I know as a joke. I've made my literary agent a character, and even killed one of my former publicists in a book. (Sorry, Casey!)
Did you always want to be a writer?
For as long as I can remember! I also thought I'd illustrate books, but it turns out they like you to have artistic talent in order to be an illustrator. Alas, I have none.
Why did you decide to be a writer?
Reading has always been my favorite activity. And when I couldn't read, or when the stories I loved were over, I'd make up new stories in my head. It was a very natural transition from being an avid reader and lover of stories to being a writer, where I could create my own stories to share with others.
What is your favorite book?
I could never pick just one! The first book I loved was Anne of Green Gables, the first series I ever loved was Brian Jacques' Redwall books, and when I was all grown up, I rediscovered my love of reading through middle grade and young adult novels. There were thousands of books in between, and thousands since, and thousands more to come! Right now my favorite genre to read is horror.
Why did you decide to write for young people?
What I like about writing for and about teens and children is that everything ahead of you is potential. Everything is new, and you are just becoming the person you will be. That is exciting! And terrifying! And excellent fodder for storytelling.
Did anyone support you becoming an author?
Yes! My parents always believed in me and supported my dreams of writing. And my husband did, too, buying me my first nice notebook and telling me to finally write down that story I was always talking about.
Are your characters like you?
Every character I write has to be a little bit like me, because they come out of my brain. But usually the biggest thing I have in common with my characters is my sense of humor. I don't know any other ways to be funny, so, unfortunately, neither do they.
FAQs
General FAQ
Can you teach me how to write a book?No. But I can give you a basic guide to starting a retelling! Check out my class here and sign up with a 60 day free trial:
And here is a teacher's guide to The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein! I'm so delighted. The English major in me is geeking out.
When were you born?
I am in my thirties. I prefer not to get more specific than that, and think it's silly for your teachers to have you ask an author their birthday : ) You can tell them I said so--in fact, please do!
How do you find time to write?
It's my job, so I treat it like one. Fortunately, I have a support system who step in when I need to travel for work, and the rest of the time I fit it in around the business of life and motherhood. Sometimes are better than sometimes. In the early days when my teens were teensy, I wrote from 9 PM to 2 AM. Now I'm useless after 4 PM so I try to write in the mornings. There's no one way to write a book, no correct way to be a writer. Writers write. However you can get it done, whenever you can get it done, in whatever tiny stolen increments you can get it done, you are a writer.
How long did it take you to find an agent? How long did it take you to sell? Was Paranormalcy your first novel?
I queried on and off for about a year with a disastrously boring middle grade project that will never, thankfully, see the light of day. After I wrote Flash (which should answer that question about whether Paranormalcy is my first novel--it is, in fact, my fourth), I queried for about three months before Michelle and I found each other. (45 queries, if you're really curious, and if you're reading this section, odds are you are.)
While Flash was on submission early 2009 I wrote Paranormalcy. When Flash didn't sell, I decided that Paranormalcy was the book to pursue. I spent a few months editing it (and editing it and editing it and editing it), and then sent it to Michelle, who agreed that we had something special.
Fortunately many editors agreed, as well. It was on submission for less than a month when it sold. Yay selling! Since then I have written many books, most of which have sold to publishers and some of which have not, because such is the nature of writing.
Can I have an ARC or review copy of [Whatever Book Is Next] to review on my blog?
I am not in charge of distributing ARCs and get very few copies myself. If you are interested, your best bet is to contact my publisher (Delacorte for the And I Darken and Camelot Rising series, Simon Pulse for the Slayer books).
What is your next book? Are you going to write any more PARANORMALCY books?Endlessly finished the trilogy. I have no plans to write further in Evie's voice. However! I have a lot of stories in my brain. Regular siphoning is required. I'll continue to write YA and MG books until they pry this laptop from my carpal-tunnel-plagued, sleep-deprived hands.
Can you come to my school/library/bookstore/town?
I am not usually in charge of where I do events. I wish I could visit all my readers! Alas, geography is a cruel mistress.
Where do you get your ideas?
I buy them in a back alley of downtown San Diego. The serial numbers are all scratched off, and I'm sure it's not legal, but you can't find premium ideas any cheaper.
(Real answer: movies! music! good books! nature! history! visiting new places! talking to interesting people! asking new questions! letting your mind go crazy with "what if" combinations! so on and so forth.)
How can I get published?
The very first step, and some would argue the most important one, is to write a book.
Seriously. Most people who ask this have never written a full book. After that, if you're interested in traditional publishing, you'll want to find a literary agent who can guide you through the process and be your business partner. (Nathan Bransford gives great basics on his website, www.nathanbransford.com.) If you're interested in self- or indie-publishing, I've never done it so I can't give you any direction, but there's a whole wide world of google out there just waiting for you.
Can you take a look at my book/query/synopsis/posted chapters?
No. Sorry. I wish that I could help everyone out as much as they want me to. But I've got my own writing that takes up quite a bit of time, and a group that I already trade critiques with. There's also the whole liability issue, and while I know no one cool enough to be reading the FAQs on my website would ever accuse me of plagiarism, we live in a litigious society and it's a sad fact that authors have to be safe to avoid becoming sorry.
HOWEVER. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to have critique partners--good, thoughtful, smart people who a) will be kind and b) will also tell you the truth. I know my writing improved dramatically with the help of my friends, all of whom I found online.
If you are looking for help on a query, there are many blogs and websites out there that volunteer advice.
If you still insist on sending me something, I will delete it sight-unseen.