Anyway, it’s Wednesday, so it’s road trip time! This week the lovelies at YA Highway want to know:

How do you beat writer’s block?

Truth be told, I don’t have time for writer’s block these days. I am so busy wrangling Baby Caveman (who is now trying to climb walls, so I have to watch him carefully and constantly) and taking care of other things that I don’t get much time to write. This makes me cherish my writing time so much that I  don’t get a chance to get stuck. It’s funny; it’s almost like the less time I have, the more productive I am in my writing. If I don’t have time to dilly-dally then I just get words out. I think the block only comes when I am able to hang out thinking too much about what is getting put on paper.

A couple months ago, I went to a book signing with Aprilynne Pike. Someone asked her what advice she had for a writer with writer’s block. Her answer was one of the best I’ve ever heard: she doesn’t believe in writer’s block. Some may call her naive, she said, but she just doesn’t believe it exists, so she doesn’t have a problem with it. I think she has a great point; I mean, writer’s block is pretty much all in our heads, yes? So if we don’t allow it in, it can’t get to us. Easy peasy.

(I can’t imagine I’ll be the only one posting this today, but I can’t help it. Because Jackson Pearce is that awesome.)

1. Bleck.

I have been sick for over a week now. I am on the uphill now, but last week was miserable. Thus the bloggy silence. Sorry, buddies. I didn’t mean to give you withdrawal pain (you know who you are). I am really over this whole being sick thing. If y’all could convince this illness to let me be already, that would be great.

2. No fair!

So, in case you haven’t heard, I am really freakin’ excited for Sisters Red. It releases June 7th. I thought about preordering it on Amazon.com or someplace but then thought to myself, naw…I will support my local shop and get it there. Except now people have had their Amazon preordered copies for weeks now. Also, I have friends all over the country who have spotted it on store shelves already and nabbed copies. My local shop I wanted to support? Still doesn’t have it on the shelves. Sure, they are getting copies (I definitely asked a LONG time ago), but I want mine now!

*sigh* This was a kinda bleak post, wasn’t it? Sorry friends. I will chipper up in time for my next post.

Anyway, today I have two radical things for Two For Tuesday.

1. Writers’ Blok by Ja¢kson Pearce

2. Abby is holding a contest!

To celebrate 50 followers, Abby Stevens is holding a fabulous contest. Prizes include signed books by Lauren Willeg and Carrie Ryan (if you didn’t win my contest, be sure to check Abby’s out for another chance at a signed Forest of Hands and Teeth) and query critiques. Pretty radical, if I do say so myself. Be sure to visit Abby’s blog and enter!

Drawn from the comments:

RANI!!! (yes, she is my sister. no, that didn’t affect the drawing–I used Random.org.)

Drawn from the sign-up form:

KATE!!! and ELIZABETH!!!

Congrats, winners. I have emailed all three of you–remember, books are on a first-come, first-served basis, so be quick! If I don’t hear back this week, I will draw a new winner next Monday.

Thanks to everyone for entering and making my first contest a success.

Jackson Pearce is twenty-five years old and currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with a slightly cross-eyed cat and a lot of secondhand furniture. She recently graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and a minor in Philosophy. She auditioned for the circus once, but didn’t make it; other jobs she’s had include obituaries writer, biker bar waitress, and receptionist. In addition, Jackson coaches both colorguard and winterguard at a local high school.

Jackson began writing when she got angry that the school librarian couldn’t tell her of a book that contained a smart girl, horses, baby animals, and magic. Her solution was to write the book herself when she was twelve. Her parents thought it was cute at first, but have grown steadily more concerned for her ever since.

And now, the interview!

1. You coach a high school color/winterguard, which I think is AWESOME. Can you explain a little about what winterguard is and how you got into coaching? Also, does your coaching job help you with your writing?

Winterguard is similar to fall colorguard, only instead of performing with a marching band on the field we perform indoors and to a soundtrack. I was involved in winterguard and colorguard all throughout high school, and the year after I graduated had a chance to work with a group. I’ve been doing it ever since! I think coaching definitely helps with writing because it keeps me honest and in touch with my audience. I don’t necessarily get ideas from my students, but they remind me what being a young adult is about when I start to become a jaded grownup

(Pssst…check out the Winterguard Jackson Coaches. They are awesome!)

2.Your vlogs are really fun, opinionated, and informational (or sometimes just FUN). On Twitter last week, someone even referred to you as the Vlog Queen. What made you decide to get started on vlogging?

I thought it would just be fun one night, so I made one! It got such a positive response that I kept it up. I try to make them interesting/fun/funny, and tend to just not do videos if I don’t have anything exciting to video about. I’ve got one coming up I’m VERY excited for…

(Follow Jackson on YouTube – you will not be sorry.)

3. Moving onto your writing. What is your favorite thing about writing for young adults?

Young adults are shameless– they don’t care if something is a bestseller or a graylist book. They read what they think is good, and respond to it passionately. They’re the perfect audience.

4. On your live show a couple weeks ago, you mentioned that AS YOU WISH went through many renditions before it became what it is now. How many versions did you write before the final one? How did you know it was finally ready to see the world?

I genuinely have no idea how many renditions it went through– there were a bunch! I actually never KNEW it was ready, but trusted my editor’s gut feeling that it was polished and shiny.

5. Quick! You have four words to describe AS YOU WISH. Go:

Hopeful, romantic, melancholic, meaningful

6. Your next book, SISTERS RED, is also told from alternating points of view. What do you liked best about writing in this style?

I love writing from alternating POVs because it gives me a chance to show how more than one character is changing as a result of the story.

7.We all know how important it is to have others read our work and give us honest feedback. Who are your first readers and how did you find them?

I found my critique partners through online communities, mainly the 2009 Debutantes. My critique partners have changed a lot over the years, but now I feel like I have a really solid group that does an AMAZING job with the craziness that is my first drafts!

8. When you are struggling with your writing, how to you motivate yourself to keep going?

It’s funny you should ask this, because I’m definitely struggling right now with SWEETLY revisions! I just keep reminding myself that if I can get through this, I can get through anything writing-wise…

9. When you know you should be writing, but just aren’t, what is your favorite procrastinatory outlet?

DEADLIEST CATCH. And Glee. But seriously, I LOVE Deadliest Catch and Mythbusters and other nerd shows.

10. What is the best bit of advice you have for aspiring authors?

Don’t quit, and don’t be afraid to fail. They’re just words– you can delete them, rewrite them, start over, and no one is going to come yell at you. Relax and enjoy the act of creating!

11. Aside from your own, what are a couple books you love and would recommend we all read?

I loved Carrie Ryan’s The Dead-Tossed Waves and John Green/David Levithan’s Will Grayson, Will Grayson. Unfortunately, I haven’t had much time to read recently since I’ve been working on notes and new books.

12. It is no secret that I ADORE the South. In fact, I might be making a list of reasons why the husband and I need to move to warmer climates. What is your favorite thing about living in the South?

I love the South. Love it love it love it. I think my favorite thing about the South is the people. Even though the small-town-feel is somewhat a thing of the past, people are largely polite, kind, and interesting. There’s an attitude here that you just can’t find anywhere else.

13. Finally, it’s time for the Fast Five! What are five random things we might not know about Jackson Pearce?

-I collect My Little Ponies.
-I have owned two purple couches in the last two years.
-One of my favorite books is actually a graphic novel called BLANKETS by Craig Thompson.
-I have never left the country, but got a passport just in case. I really want to travel!
-I have pink luggage. Because pink is awesome.

————

Thanks so much, Jackson!

Don’t forget to sign up for a chance to win a signed copy of As You Wish.

For more Jackson Pearce, be sure to check out her website, follow her on Twitter, or become a fan on Facebook (or do all three!).

One of MY favorite summer-time activities

That’s right! My birthday is right around the corner (thanks so much for all the early birthday wishes, guys), so it is time to get this contest underway!

Once upon a time, I said I would be giving away one signed book for every 50 followers the blah-g has. But you know what? That means I would only be able to give one book away. I love all three books, and I want to give them all a new home! So, because all 55 of you are so great, I am going to go ahead and give all three books away!

Wait! I am new here. What three books are we talking about?

Thanks for asking, Mr. Anonymous-Made-Up-Follower-Man. I am so excited to be giving away signed copies of:

So, here’s how this thing is going to work:

Just fill out the form below. Every follower has one entry, but there are options for more entries! Who doesn’t like to increase their odds? Post a blog entry, tweet a Tweet, and link in the sidebar and get extra chances to win!

And, like I promised so long ago, those few people who were following along with me before I announced this contest will get extra entries as well (I know who you are ).

Also (and I promise I am almost done rambling): I know there are some of you who are regular visitors or who subscribe via email. While you have to be a Google Friend Connect follower to get all the shiny extra entries, I don’t want to leave you completely out. So this is what we’ll do:

One book will be given away to someone who leaves a comment on this post telling me what their favorite summer-time activity is or what they are most looking forward to about summer. That’s it! Give me some summer love in the comments for your chance to win.

The other two winners will be drawn from those people who fill out the form. Yes, you can both comment and use the form–you will be in the running for all three titles!

Alright. I think that is all. The contest will close April 30th at 11:59 PM. Winners will be picked at random and emailed. Book choice is first-come first-served.

Entries closed!!

Have I mentioned yet how ridiculously excited I am for this book? Yeah, I am pretty sure I have once or twice. Or so many times I am not even going to go back and count them. This book sounds awesome! Don’t believe me? Read this:

Scarlett March lives to hunt the Fenris—the werewolves that took her eye when she was defending her sister Rosie from a brutal attack. Armed with a razor-sharp hatchet and blood-red cloak, Scarlett is an expert at luring and slaying the wolves. She’s determined to protect other young girls from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every single wolf is dead.

Rosie March once felt her bond with her sister was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts fiercely alongside her. Now Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves and finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax—but loving him means betraying her sister and has the potential to destroy all they’ve worked for.

What? You need more convincing?! Well then, check out the book’s shiny new website where you can read the prologue! Then, head over to Jackson’s website and tell her how excited you are. ‘Cause, how could you not be?

Is it June 7th yet?

I have lived in Montana long enough to know this isn’t the end of Winter. We will have more snow, and more blustery wind, and more really-freaking-cold days, but 50º is 50º and I am excited. Hey, if we can’t get excited about the little things in life, then what are we living for?

In celebration* of Montana’s pseudo-spring, I am launching a fun, fabulous giveaway! I have one two three signed books to giveaway. And since we are celebrating the wonderful 50º weather, I am going to base my giveaway on fifties.

So, see that fun little Google Friend Connect widget over in the sidebar? (————>) Once I have 50 smiling faces over there, I will put one book in the giveaway pool. If I get 50 more, a second book will be added. And, if I get 50 more than that, the third book will be added to the pool. What are the fabulous books I speak of? I thought you would never ask. They are:

I loved all three of these books! They are completely different from each other, but each is wonderful in its own way. I can’t wait to share them with you, so make sure you are following for a chance to win!

Oh, what’s that you say? You need a deadline for the contest? Okay, I suppose I can do that. Since the best part of spring is my birthday** (obviously), I will end the contest then (or thereabouts). So, assuming we have at least 50 followers by April 27th, there will be much book-giveaway-ery to celebrate the 26th anniversary of my birth.

Now I am going to stare out the window for a while and wish I could be enjoying this beautiful weather. Good day to you all!

*Okay, so I had planned the giveaway before the great weather. Whatever. I am still using it as a fair-weather celebration.

**I know, I know. We aren’t supposed to get so giddy about our birthdays after we are about 13 or 14, but I refuse to give in to such boring traditions. I want to find joy in the simple things, so I will be ridiculously excited about my birthday!

Why would you post a teaser from someone else’s book? I am glad you asked.

Remember when I said I would have some contests this year? Well, the first one is coming up quick, and As You Wish is part of that contest. Read this little teaser and get excited people. Get very excited.

This is the first paragraph of chapter one. If you want to learn more about the book, check out Jackson’s website.

All I’ve learned in today’s Shakespeare class is: Sometimes you fall in love with the wrong person just so you can find the right person. A more useful lesson would’ve been: Sometimes the right person doesn’t love you back. Or sometimes the right person is gay. Or sometimes you just aren’t the right person.

Thanks for nothing, Skakespeare.

I love, love, love it! Get ready for the contest – coming soon!

Today’s question comes from Jessie Sin, who asks: Who are your most read and awaited authors and why?

Here’s the deal: I don’t really have any authors whose books I eagerly anticipate. That’s not to say there aren’t a lot of wonderful, talented writers whose books I love; I just tend to do things on a more book-by-book basis.

For instance: I am a big Nicholas Sparks fan. I have read, um, six or seven of his books. But I haven’t read any of his most recent ones. I will eventually, but I don’t have that author-draw that compels me to buy everything he puts out right away. Similarly, I read all 7 Harry Potter books, but when The Tales of Beetle the Bard was released, my reaction was more meh than anything else.

I guess I am just not great with the whole author loyalty thing. Sorry author friends.

But, I do have a list of books I am incredibly (like, holy sporks, can this book come out already, ’cause I have to read it…can’t live without it, give it to me now) excited for. So, in lieu of a list of most awaited authors, I give you:

Books I am SO excited for

Book three in the Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins.

Why? Well, books one and two (The Hunger Games and Catching Fire) are sitting patiently on my bookshelf waiting to be read. I am trying my hardest to not read them until just before the third comes out, because I seen how people get with these books. I think the anticipation will be even worse if I read the first ones now. But still, they have all the way until August to tempt me; I don’t know if I will be able to hold out.

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

Why? Four reasons: 1. Jackson is awesome, and hilarious, and adorable. 2. I really enjoy Jackson’s writing (have I mentioned my love of As You Wish yet?). 3. The story sounds great–modern retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, complete with the bond of sisterhood and, oh yeah, werewolf hunting. Heck yes. 4. THE COVER!

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Why? The story of a teenage girl who works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency is intriguing; the narrator’s voice is great; Kiersten’s blog is so fun that I just can’t help but to want her book too.

Spells by Aprilynne Pike

Why? I loved Wings. The story is fairly simple, but completely captivating. I love the characters. And Aprilynne’s writing is crisp and beautiful. I can’t wait to read more about Laurel.

Wow. That is all I can think of off the top of my head. I have a list a mile long (no, seriously, it is that long) of books that I want to read–some on shelves now, some not yet–but these four are the ones I am most looking forward to this year.

Here’s another news flash for you: teenagers swear too. A lot. I heard a blip from a study today (I have no idea who conducted the study or how they came up with the results, so take this with a grain of salt) where they determined the the average teenager uses cuss words 83 times a day. That’s a lot.

So, it is safe to say that if you are a teenager, you are no stranger to the f-bomb.

And if you are a parent of a teenager, you kid and the sh-word have been acquainted. I mean, it is a big world out there and, unless you have been keeping your kid locked safely in the house for his whole life (in which case I should probably call social services – just sayin’), he has heard a cuss word or two. And probably used one or two as well.

So why is it that when someone comes across a curse word in a YA novel, all hell H-E-double-hockey-sticks breaks loose? Reviewers give lower reviews; older readers lament that they can’t pass the book on to teenagers; parents storm the school administration building demanding books be pulled from library shelves.

Some claim the writers have more responsibility to the young adult readers. To which I say:

Dear Parents;

Our responsibility as YA authors is to write, to explore, to entertain. It is not our responsibility to raise your children. That, dear parents, is your responsibility.

Curse words, when used organically, add depth and realism to a book. That is not to say I advocate cussing (remember? I am trying to stop), but I do understand that is how people talk – young adults included. It is only fitting that we find the occasional f-bomb (or [insert curse word here]) in YA books.

Finally, I leave you with a great video from Jackson Pearce on the subject. Because, well, Jackson is made of awesome.

And now (this is where the eye candy comes in), behold:

It is a thing of beauty

This will be added to my Russian Books shelf as soon as I can get my grubby little mitts on it. I loved the book in English and can’t wait to experience it in Russian. Plus, the cover is so pretty I will even forgive the brunette head on it (which, while beautiful, does not match the pale blonde main character at all).

What’s that? Not everybody reads Russian and I should probably explain what this is? Okay. Wings by Aprilynne Pike (um, does she have a great name or what?). Go check it out; it is a seriously good read.

The rest of this might be slightly eye-glaze inducing for you if you are not a writer, but it is way too fun for me not to share. The talented Jackson Pearce (have I mentioned yet how much I love her book) corralled 28 YA authors to give their best advice for this great video. It is a must watch for any aspiring author. Also, it is probably a lot funnier if you remember the original.

Jackson’s Description and Participants:

28 YA Authors give you advice on writing, publishing, and everything in-between. And they do it TO SONG.
(This is yet another reason why YA authors are the coolest subspecies of author.)

Authors, in order of appearance:
Jackson Pearce (AS YOU WISH, SISTERS RED)
Kristina Springer (THE ESPRESSOLOGIST)
Aimee Friedman (SEA CHANGE)
John Claude Bemis (THE NINE POUND HAMMER)
Cyn Balog (FAIRY TALE, SLEEPLESS)
Barry Lyga (GOTH GIRL RISING)
Ally Carter (GALLAGHER GIRLS series, HEIST SOCIETY)
Aprilynne Pike (WINGS, SPELLS)
Shani Petroff (BEDEVILED)
Carrie Ryan (THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH)
Neesha Meminger (SHINE COCONUT MOON)
Jaclyn Dolamore (MAGIC UNDER GLASS)
Brenna Yovanoff (THE REPLACEMENT)
Margaret Stohl (BEAUTIFUL CREATURES)
Erin Dionne (THE TOTAL TRAGEDY OF A GIRL NAMED HAMLET)
Maggie Stiefvater (SHIVER)
Jennifer Jabaley (LIPSTICK APOLOGY)
Michelle Zink (PROPHECY OF THE SISTERS)
Jessica Burkhart (CANTERWOOD CREST series)
R.J. Anderson (KNIFE, REBEL)
Kami Garcia (BEAUTIFUL CREATURES)
Jenny Moss (WINNIE’S WAR, SHADOW)
Tessa Gratton (BLOOD MAGIC)
Lauren Bjorkman (MY INVENTED LIFE)
Becca Fitzpatrick (HUSH HUSH)
L.K. Madigan (FLASH BURNOUT)
Sarah Prineas (THE MAGIC THIEF series)
Saundra Mitchell (SHADOWED SUMMER)
Javier Ruescas (CUENTOS DE BERETH)

Original song performed by Baz Luhrman, written by Timothy John Cox and Nigel Andrew Swanston. Parodied by me with the help of a microphone and a karaoke track!

***

I should go back to my last post and add heed the advice in this video to my list of goals. This is some seriously good stuff here!

…and pick up a copy of Jackson Pearce’s As You Wish. Seriously, go now. Unless, of course, your local bookseller is as lame as mine is and doesn’t carry it. (In all fairness, I normally love my local shop. But I have been peeved about the lack of As You Wish for months.)

As You Wish came out in August. I went immediately to my favorite bookstore to pick it up. But they didn’t have it! I immediately complained to my sister (who works for the same store, but in another town). I could have checked the Barnes & Noble in town, I suppose, but I have pretty specific reasons for shopping where I do. And I am just not ready to change my habits now.

So there I was last weekend, nearly four months later, standing in a Barnes & Noble (I had to kill some time before Avatar and it is next door to the theatre). I decided to suck it up and just get the book there instead of being stubborn any longer. So I made my way back to the young adult section–only to discover As You Wish is nowhere to be found! I was devastated.

Later that night, after watching the movie (which, by the way, is awesome), I had an early Christmas celebration with my Dad, Step-mom, and the bookstore employee sister. My very last gift was from my sister. And it was my very own copy of As You Wish!! YAY! She remembered my complaints about her store not carrying it, so she special ordered it for me (and then hoped I didn’t get it before she could give it to me).

To make a long story short maybe a little less long: this book rocks! I picked it up last night and told Bubba I was going to read a chapter or two before getting on with all the millions of things I need to do before we leave town again Wednesday. Three hours later, I put the book down. I didn’t move once until it was finished. The story is so great, the emotion so real and wonderful, and the writing so crisp! I just want more and more of it.

I cannot wait to read more from Jackson Pearce. Her next book, Sisters Red, comes out next June. It seems like such a long time to wait!

What a great cover! I can't wait to read it.