Your Unique Writing Journey

I had the great privilege to attend the Boise SCBWI conference last weekend. It was my fourth conference and there were only about 50-60 people there, so it was by far the smallest one I've been to, but it was awesome.

Usually conferences are filled with craft workshops, social media classes, self publishing how-tos, and agents and editors speaking about query letters and acquisitions. They're helpful.  I usually pick up some new thing to try and I feel a little bit refreshed by the end of the weekend.

This was different. Though every speaker had a different topic I gleaned one cohesive message from the weekend, and it was truly inspiring.

Basically it was this:


Writing is an art.  Learn from others, but remember that in the end it's deeply personal and the only one who knows how to do your art is you.

Publishing is a business.  People find success in a variety of ways.  Learn from others, know your options and then make informed decisions.  Every publishing career is different and the only one who knows how you should do it is you.


These messages felt very liberating.  The online writing world is full of advice about how to write and how to publish and it's overwhelming sometimes.  We have to remember that each of us is different.  We all write for our own reasons and we have different jobs and responsibilities outside of writing.  There is no one size fits all writing strategy.  And there isn't a publishing option that works for everyone. We are unique and our writing journeys will be unique too.

My journey has been feeling very different from the norm lately, and I've worried that means I'm doing it wrong.  I'm realizing that's not the case.  I'm doing it my way, and my way is what works for me.

I'm grateful for good friends and an amazingly supportive agent (who just laughed when I spilled eggs all over her last weekend!) who remind me why I'm writing and encourage me every step of the way.


Do you get overwhelmed by all the voices in the writing and publishing world? Do you ever need to step back and remember that both your writing and your publishing path are unique?

Win a Kindle Fire and More

Hey Guys.

I haven't been around much lately.  There's really only one reason for this.

My two year old has decided to give up naps and is set on using those extra hours to make my life more interesting. He is succeeding.

We call him The Destroyer.  He did this (dumping half a box of baking soda and an entire bag of chocolate chips) while I was bringing in groceries.

And this he managed while I was trying to put away the laundry (the rest is just behind him).  It is a lovely combination of pancake mix and powdered sugar.

At least he's cute, right?



Well, I have been up to a something, despite my lack of free hours.

Today a sampler of middle grade books called Love Middle Grade Actually comes out on Amazon.  It features the first few chapters of a bunch of fun middle grade books, including The Secret Underground.

And it is FREE.

Plus, if you download a copy and find a secret phrase hidden in its pages you can enter to win a Kindle Fire, an Amazon gift card, or some great middle grade eBooks.  All the details are inside the book.

Did I mention it's FREE?

To celebrate it's release The Secret Underground will be just $0.99 at Amazon, B&N, Kobo, and Apple for the next 5 days (ending February 11).


The drawing for the Kindle Fire will happen on Valentine's Day, so go download a copy of Love Middle Grade Actually and enter now.

Some Inspiration

"Everybody can be great because anybody can serve.  You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make you subject and verb agree to serve.  You only need a heart full of grace.  A soul generated by love." ~Martin Luther King

Write Something Sometime

A few weeks ago some friends were chatting on Twitter about writing goals for the new year.  One of them asked what my goals were and I replied, "I'm going to try to write something sometime."

The past few years I've set big word count goals for myself and then I've been super frustrated when I realize I can't make them happen.  I'm not going to do that anymore.

In the five years I've been writing, I've realized something about myself and the way I write:

I'm not an everyday writer.

I think just about every book about writing I've ever read has said something like, "You must write every day.  If you don't you suck and you will never amount to anything."

I've tried MANY times to become an everyday writer. It doesn't work for me.

Writing does not happen when my kids are home on breaks, when anyone is sick, or when I'm prepping for anything big (holidays, vacation, parties, etc). I write when I have time to write, and that's okay.  My books get done eventually.

This year I'm going to embrace the "write something sometime" approach. I'm not setting any lofty goals.  I'm going to write when I have time and energy to write and I'm not going to feel guilty when I'm snuggling on the couch, watching Muppets for the millionth time with my two-year-old instead of cranking out a few more pages.

Do you have writing goals this year?

Love is the Answer

This is the thing:  There is darkness in the world.  At times it is oppressive and frightening, but we can't give into it.

Love is the only antidote to hate.  We can change laws (and I for one believe we should), but I'm convinced that in the end the thing that will make a difference is love.  When we realize that we are all in this together, that each of us is responsible to care for our neighbors and lighten their burdens, things will get better.

I'm so grateful for all the support and love you've shown me, and I'm especially grateful for everything you've done for Jayden and his family. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season.  

And the winner is...

Sara's critique giveaway was a huge success! More than 300 people entered and we sold a lot of books.  Thank you all so much.

We got word a few days ago that The Secret Underground is now available to order from your local bookstores. This is awesome because now you can support a local business, help a baby in need, AND get a fun book for a child in your life in one easy place!

And now, what you came here for...

This morning I plugged the numbers into Random.org and it gave me a number for the winner. The lucky person who will get a 50 page manuscript critique from my very lovely agent, Sara Megibow, is ANDREA PRING!  

Congratulations Andrea! If you would email me at nataliebahm (at) yahoo (dot) com, I'll get you Sara's contact information.

Thank you so much to all who entered and especially to all who purchased a book for Baby Jayden.  Every sale makes a big difference to him and his family.  I got the very first royalty check yesterday and I'll be sending it to them just in time for Christmas. :)

If you read The Secret Underground, whether you love it or hate it or just feel "meh" about it, I'd be so grateful if you'd leave a review somewhere (Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes and Noble, blog, Twitter, Facebook, etc.). Reviews (good and bad) are crucial to future sales and I'm grateful for every single one.

Thanks again for all the support.  I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season.

Win a 50 Page Critique from Agent Sara Megibow

Okay guys, get ready for this...

You know how every few months there's an auction for a good cause and agents donate critiques that go for $1000 each?  How would you like to win an agent critique without the crazy price tag?


My agent, Sara Megibow, has decided to offer a 50 page critique on a finished OR unfinished manuscript, to help promote THE SECRET UNDERGROUND.  While we encourage all entrants to buy a copy of the book, (with all the profits going to help a sick baby boy named Jayden), purchase is not required.

All you have to do to win is leave a comment on this post.  

Easy peasy, right?



Here's Sara with the details:

•  submission can be from finished or unfinished work

•  sample pages (up to 50 pages) must be to me by Feb 28, 2013

• Submissions must be in a genre I represent: middle grade, young adult, romance, science fiction or fantasy (no mystery, horror, picture books, memoirs, or nonfiction)

•  You do NOT have to buy a copy of THE SECRET UNDERGROUND to win, however I've auctioned off critiques this year for $1200, so please consider that $8 (or $4 for the eBook), which goes to charity, is a REALLY GOOD DEAL. I've bought copies as holidays gifts, birthday gifts, party favors, house warming gifts, for my own bookshelf. Come on, help baby Jayden! Regardless of format (ebook, print book, audio book) - all sales help! If you'd like to buy a copy, there are links to booksellers on the sidebar.

•  submissions can be your book OR someone else's (which means - yes, you can give this critique as a gift to someone for the holidays as long as that person's book fits my above mentioned criteria)

• to enter, simply post a comment on Natalie's blog. Any comment. 

• This giveaway will close Wednesday, December 12 at midnight PST, when Natalie will chose ONE winner using Random.org. Natalie will announce that winner on Thursday, December 13.

This is an amazing opportunity.  I speak from experience when I say Sara's critiques are always spot on and extremely helpful.

Good luck to everyone!

Sara Megibow is an agent at Nelson Literary Agency.

Sara is on Twitter @SaraMegibow

Sara is on Publishers Marketplace (with client info and general opinions and tastes): http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/SaraMegibow/

5 Steps to an Awesome Book Signing

Last Friday I had my first author event ever. 

A few weeks ago my daughter took a copy of The Secret Underground to school and told her teacher that I wrote it.  Her teacher bought it on Kindle, read it, loved it, and asked if I would like to sign and sell books at the school Read Night. I almost told her no. I'm not the sort of person who loves meeting people, and I get terrified at the thought of having to sell my own books. I worried the night would be miserable.

It wasn't.  In fact it was really fun. We sold a lot of books and I got to meet so many great kids and their parents.  I thought I'd share a few of things that made it a success and might work for others doing book signings.

1. Spread the word.

My idea of spreading the word was putting a little post on Facebook the day before letting people know I'd be doing a signing.  My husband's idea of spreading the word was sending emails to everyone he knew, telling them about the book and how sales benefit Jayden, and encouraging them to come(without telling me).  WAY more people came because of my husband's emails.  He's the sweetest man ever.

2. Have a cheerleader.

My daughter's teacher is my favorite person now. She set up her room for the signing and stayed with me the whole time, chatting when it was slow (which wasn't very often) and talking up the book whenever someone came in. The majority of visitors were people I'd never met before and it REALLY helped to have a respected teacher telling everyone how much she loved my book.

3. Give something away.

I had some bookmarks made with information about how to buy the book, and a little blurb about Jayden.  Since this was a huge school event with at least a dozen activities in different rooms, most of the people weren't coming to see me. There were a lot of kids walking around without their parents, and since I didn't have a cool game or a fun art project for them it was nice to be able to give them something fun.  You'd be surprised how cool a free (promotional!) bookmark can be.

4. Keep it short.

I only signed for an hour.  It was busy almost the entire time.  I've heard of signings lasting two or even three hours.  Those long signings might work for a bestselling author, but for a tiny debut author like me an hour seemed just about right.

5. Give some profits to a good cause.

I'm fortunate that all the profits from this book go to a fantastic cause.  I know many people buy it just to support Jayden. I've heard some authors donate a portion of profits from signings to favorite charities.  I think that's an awesome idea.

I'm pretty sure I was spoiled and I'll never do another signing that's so well attended or fun.

Have you been to book signings?  Have you done your own?  What are some things that made it fun?

Not Just Another Pretty Face...

My very dear friend and CP, Karen is showing off her latest cover today. It's SOOOO pretty, I just had to share. I love that it's not the average YA cover--i.e. girl in a pretty dress with (sad) pretty face.

Karen and her cover designer, Alexandra Shostak, worked side by side to create the Taking Back Forever cover. After lots of hard work (and a lot of love) here it is…

Want to know more? Here’s a summary of Taking Back Forever.

Forever is worth the fight.

Maryah erased all memory of her past lives, but she couldn’t erase her soul mate Nathan, or his undying love. Now, Maryah and Nathan have a second chance at a future together, but first Maryah must remember the person she used to be and embrace her supernatural gifts—more than one kindrily member’s life depends on it.

Maryah’s power is Harmony’s best hope of finding her kidnapped soul mate, Gregory. But Harmony isn’t big on asking anyone for help, and she’s tired of waiting, so she’s taking matters into her own hands. Heaven help anyone who stands in her way.

To celebrate, Karen and Alexandra are giving away signed paperbacks of Grasping at Eternity. (Signed by Karen AND Alexandra!)

Contest is open internationally!

 Alexandra Shostak is a writer of dark and fantastical things, mostly meant for teenagers. She is a freelance cover designer, and is available to do covers and interior artwork directly for authors. She is also a former Irish dancer, a guitar player, and the person who can get you through the zombie apocalypse without getting bitten.

If you’re especially worried about the zombie apocalypse, you can find her in one of these places:

www.alexandrashostak.com

www.coversbyalexandra.com

www.yaconfidential.com

or on Twitter as @a_shostak

 

Karen was born and bred in Baltimore, frolicked and froze in Colorado for a couple of years, and is currently sunning and splashing around Florida with her two beloved dogs. She's addicted to coffee, chocolate, and complicated happily-ever-afters. Due to her strong Disney upbringing, she still believes in fairytales and will forever sprinkle magic throughout all of her novels.

www.KarenAmandaHooper.com

Twitter: @karen_hooper

Do You Stick to Your Genre?

Over the past few weeks I've been reading two very different books.  Both are by really big, extremely talented authors (and though I'm not going to name them, you can probably guess who...).  

One of these books is a brilliant conclusion to a brilliant series.  The author did what she does best and wrote a book every one of her fans will love.  I devoured every page.

The other book is a complete departure from what the author normally writes.  I pretty much hated it, and even though I'm the sort of reader who ALWAYS finishes what I start, I couldn't plow through this one.  I knew it would be different from what she'd written before, but it was TOO different for me.

A few years ago I went to a workshop about building a successful writing career.  The author talked about how she' never been able to stick with a genre.  She'd bounced all over from children's books to adult literary fiction.  She sold them all to different publishers and thought she was doing pretty well.  She loved each book and was excited to see all of them find places on bookstore shelves.  

She said it was a terrible career move.  The fans of one book didn't like (or didn't read) the others. So even though she had multiple books out, none did very well.  

I've toyed with writing different genres.  I normally write contemporary MG, but I've tried fantasy too. I have a dystopian YA that I think is kind of good.  I once dreamed of writing adults literary fiction.  

There are a few authors who are successful in more than one genre--like Shannon Hale and Neil Gaiman. But I think it's hard to do well.

Do you write in one genre or many?  Will you stick to a genre after you have a book or two published?

The Story I'm Afraid to Write

A few weeks ago, my brother asked me why I'd never written a serious story--particularly something about a sick baby.  I have real-life experience (with my little boy, Jayden, and my twin sisters who were born very premature), and maybe I could write something really meaningful.

I told him, I don't write stories like that because I don't want to relive any of the time when my baby was sick.  I've spent two years piling happy memories on top of the ones from the hospital, hoping they'd fade.  I write light, fun stories because that's where my mind wants to spend its time.

My brother nodded and let it go, but I couldn't stop thinking about what he'd said.

Then I had an idea for a book unlike any I've written so far. A serious book.  A book that would challenge me emotionally.

I've barely started and already I've ended every writing session in tears. The research is really, really difficult and the story is the most personal thing I've ever written.  It's likely I won't make it to the end and, even if I do, it would be a miracle if it was the sort of book anyone actually wanted to read.  But it is the book of my heart, and I really believe it's what I need right now.

Is there a special book you want to write someday?  One you're afraid to start?

How Book Sales will Help Jayden

Hi everyone!

It's been quite the weekend.  Thank you to everyone who has bought a copy of The Secret Underground or tweeted/blogged/facebooked about it. I wish I could give all of you a big hug! Every single sale makes a difference to Jayden's family.


I thought I'd tell you about just one big expense that Jayden's parents have on a regular basis.

Most parents know that formula can be super expensive, it's not unusual for a family to spend $20-$40 a week just on formula. Jayden's health issues, combined with food allergies, make it difficult to find a formula his tummy can handle.  The only one he tolerates costs between $70 and $100 per week.  That's over $3500 a year just for formula.  This is one of many expenses that make it difficult for Jayden's parents to make ends meet.

My goal for the book is to raise enough money to buy Jayden's formula for a year. I don't have a lot of sales data yet, but I know that during the pre-order period we raised enough to cover ten days, so we've only got 355 to go. :)

I'm going to keep a running total on the sidebar, so you can check up to see how we're doing.

Thanks again for all the support.  I really do believe it will make a difference.



P.S. The paperback is FINALLY up on Amazon!  And the Kobo and Google eBooks are now available too.  All purchase links are on the sidebar.

THE SECRET UNDERGROUND releases today!

Well, we're here.

Today The Secret Underground is available for purchase, and every single penny of profit will go to Baby Jayden and his family.  If you haven't heard about the project yet, watch this short video.

We're still working out glitches at a couple retailers. These are the places where it will be. The highlighted stores are live now.  I'll update as more sites go live.

The eBook is available on:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
iTunes
Google
Kobo
Sony
Overdrive

The paperback is available on:

Amazon
CreateSpace eStore

Coming soon to most other online booksellers.

The audiobook is available on:
iTunes
Amazon
Audible

Thank you so much for all of your support.  It has meant so much to me and so much to Jayden's family too.


P.S.  We've had some trouble with the print book.  It looks like it won't be on Amazon until next week sometime.  It will be at most other retailers in a month or two.  I'm so sorry about this!  It's a bit frustrating, but I promise I'll let you know when it becomes available,

Last Minute Jitters

The Secret Underground comes out FRIDAY!!!

People keep asking me if I'm excited.  I attempt to smile and nod, but to be honest I'm way more terrified than excited.  I feel like I have a billion emotions about the book release and many of them are conflicting.

I want the book to do well for Jayden.  I want people to buy it and read it and leave reviews and tell their friends.

But I'm also really scared to have it out in the world where people can buy it and read and hate it and leave really mean one star reviews and tell their friends it sucks.

Yep.  It's a fun place to be. I'm wondering if this is how all authors feel.

Details

I've had the worst time staying on top of everything these past few weeks.  I've been trying to finish recording the audiobook and also trying to write blog posts for the kind-of-sort-of blog tour that's happening right now. Because of this, there's a few details I've probably forgotten to share.

• Jayden is in the hospital right now.  He's doing okay, but he could definitely use some good thoughts and prayers.

• A lovely blogger, Heather Kelly is hosting a Write-a-thon on September 28th to celebrate the release and maybe raise a little money for Jayden.  Join in!  It should be fun.

• The eBook version of The Secret Underground is available for preorder on Amazon and iTunes. You'll be able to purchase it at all online book sellers (Amazon, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, Google, Sony, Kobo, Overdrive, etc.) on September 28th.

• The print version will be available on September 28th on Amazon (and maybe a few others).  We're working on getting it to every major online book seller (you should even be able to order from your favorite brick and mortar bookstore).  That should happen in the next month or two, hopefully in time for holiday shopping. 

• The audiobook will be available through Amazon, Audible, and iTunes.  If all goes well, it should be up and ready by the 28th too.

That's about all!  I'm going to try to get some links on the sidebar for the blog tour posts.  Thank you so much for all the support!

Why

I've had some people ask me why I "picked" Jayden's family to get the profits from the book.  Why didn't I support some charity that helps a lot of people, instead just one little boy?


This is my answer:

Two years ago I had my fourth baby. He spent two weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit.

I am convinced that there is nothing more difficult for a parent than watching a child suffer.  Those two weeks were the hardest of my life.  I've never cried so much or prayed so hard.

Today, my son turns 2. He is healthy and happy. I don't have to worry that he'll stop breathing or that he'll get a cold or flu that could end his life.

Jayden's parents still have to worry about those things.  They've lived two years never knowing if they'd have their precious baby one more day.  

I can't fix Jayden's problems.  I can't make him better. But I can do something to ease his parents worries.

I know it's not some grand cause, but it is a cause (and a family) I believe in.  I think maybe Emily Dickinson said it best:

If I can stop one heart from breaking,

I shall not live in vain;

If I can ease one life the aching,

Or cool one pain,

Or help one fainting robin

Unto his nest again,

I shall not live in vain.

What do you believe in?  What cause (or person) are you passionate about?  

Getting the Word Out

My super sweet friend and critique partner posted about The Secret Underground today.  It's also the first place you can see the book trailer (that isn't really a book trailer).  Please check it out here!

Social Networks: Which Ones Do You Need?

Thank you all so much for the kind words, congratulations, pre-orders, and especially for spreading the word about The Secret Underground! I'm so excited about this book.  It's a story I really love, and I hope others will enjoy it too.  Plus, I'm hopeful its sales will help out Jayden's family.

It's will be available on NetGalley for the next month.  If you'd like to review a copy please check it out!


For the past 3 years I've tried to keep my social networking simple.  I blogged (occasionally), I tweeted, and that's all I did. Even those two things felt like too much sometimes. It wasn't hard to resist the urge to join Facebook, Goodreads, Pinterest, Tumblr, LinkedIn or any of the other cool new networks.

I thought I was doing just fine with what I had.

Then I had a book coming out.

When I told some of my published author friends about The Secret Underground, their very first advice was, "You need to get on Facebook and Goodreads."

They explained that, while I've been able to make writer friends through blogging and Twitter, READERS don't hang out (much) in either of those places.  When I tried to explain that I doubt my target audience (9- to 13-year-olds) hangs out on any social network, my friends countered that while most kids don't have Facebook or Goodreads accounts, their parents, teachers, and librarians do.

I have smart friends.

So, convinced it was something I had to do, I opened Facebook and Goodreads accounts last week.  Now I'm kicking myself for not doing it sooner.  It's probably not a great idea to start something new right before a book comes out.  It's tough to learn how the networks function while also trying to make friends. I have a feeling neither will be very respectable for months (or even years) yet.

The moral of this story:  START NOW.  Most networks don't take that much time and you'll be grateful to have friendships established when you have a book to sell someday.

How many social networks do you use?  Which ones do you get the most out of? Which ones are a waste of time?  (Please tell me!  I need to know.)


P.S.  If you friend me on Facebook or Goodreads, or add The Secret Underground to your Goodreads bookshelf,  I'll love you forever!

BIG News

Things have been a bit crazy around here, and I'm about to tell you why...


I am thrilled to announce my first book, The Secret Underground, will be released September 28!

The Secret Underground is a middle grade adventure about a girl named Ally who discovers all the boys in her neighborhood are digging a tunnel to an abandoned steel mill.

My family and I have decided to donate 100% of the profits from this book to baby Jayden and his family. Most of you probably know a bit about Jayden, since we did an auction for him earlier this year, but for those of you who don't, here is his story:


Jayden was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, just before the horrible earthquake in February 2011 that killed 182 people. He suffers from a combination of congenital problems including Hirschsprung's disease.  Because of this he's been through many serious surgeries during his short life.  He's almost died multiple times, but he's a strong little guy and whenever things look bleakest, he rallies and shows his doctors and family that he will fight to hang on. His family recently moved to Australia in order to be closer to a hospital that could handle his care.  They've been through SO MUCH.  Along with the stress and anxiety of dealing with Jayden's condition, they are also struggling financially because of the massive burden of caring for a chronically ill child. For more details check out his blog.


To support Jayden, my agent has helped me put together the perfect book package. We've worked together to create a print book and ebook (and probably even an audio book) that can be marketed 100% as a fundraiser. It's been quite an exciting (and busy) experiment! 

You can pre-order the eBook on Amazon and Apple.  It will be available at all other online book outlets (Nook, Kobo, Sony, etc.) soon. The print version should be available for pre-order on Amazon in the next few weeks and later this fall you'll be able to walk into to any bookstore and order a copy.

I'm so excited about this project and so happy to be able to do this small thing for Jayden's family. 

Stay tuned!  I'll be posting many more details in the coming weeks. 

Or, if you NEED to know more now, feel free to visit my website. 

Five Years

Five years ago, when I was eight months pregnant with my third child, I decided to write a novel.

My first book took me more than a year to write.  When I finished, I thought it was AWESOME.

It wasn't.

Now, five years later, I've written five finished novels. Two of them are pretty darn good.  Two are passable--meaning I could probably let friends and family read them without dying of embarrassment.  And one, the one I wrote first, is really, really awful.

I don't regret writing any of them.  Each one taught me something about my voice and how I build worlds and create characters.  The hours I put into writing crap made me a better writer.

Have you finished a book? Five? Ten? What have you learned as you've transitioned from a clueless new writer to a less clueless older writer?