Wendy Delsol guest blogs at savvyauthors.com
August 21, 2010
Wendy Delsol guest blogs at savvyauthors.
Interview copied below:
WHY IT NEVER HURTS TO MAKE A FEW GOOD PALS By Wendy Delsol
At PAL’s July 2009 first meeting, eight writers (representing an array of genres: mystery, literary, women’s fiction, YA fiction, children’s, and middle grade) met for introductions.
Since that first meeting, PAL has met four more times and its membership has grown to eleven (now including the genres of science fiction, food, and historical nonfiction).
In the group’s first year, the following topics were addressed:
Just who qualifies for membership? Certainly, a society of published writers can take many forms. For our purposes, it was decided to follow the guidelines of organizations such as Romance Writers of America and Mystery Writers of America and define published as advance earning authors who are with a non-vanity, non-subsidy, non-electronic book publisher. In limiting membership this way, our goal is to focus on the promotional obligations and expectations specific to the publisher/author relationship.
What is our mission? To network, share information, and provide mutual promotional support.
How is this mission accomplished? Being the busy-bee writers that we are, it was decided that we’d meet four times a year, seasonally as it turns out. Each meeting would have an assigned topic. Below are some of the tangible outcomes of the group’s collaboration:
For the Writer’s Guide to 2010 by Writer’s Institute Publications , Sharelle Byars Moranville contributed an article entitled “Beethoven Versus the Crickets, Description in Fiction.” Fellow PAL writers—Kali Vanbaale , Mike Manno , Rebecca Janni , Kimberly Stuart , Eileen Boggess , Jan Blazanin —and I were quoted for the article. Free publicity none of us would have received had we not teamed with Sharelle for mutual promotion.
PAL of Central Iowa now has its own blog. Content and categories include meeting details, author profiles, author news, and book launch announcements. All PAL members have access to the blog’s dashboard and can post on any topic related to writing.
PAL of Central Iowa has a facebook fan page. Again, all members can post status updates on any author-related topics.
At the launch parties for Eileen Boggess’s MIA THE MELODRAMATIC, Rebecca Janni’s EVERY COWGIRL NEEDS A HORSE, and Mike Manno’s END OF THE LINE, fellow PAL members were in attendance. Writers often share stories of sparsely attended bookstore events. Not only do PAL members give priority to one another’s appearances, but also help spread the word. Nor does it hurt to have a few friendly faces in the crowd ready with an interesting query should the audience get shy during the question and answers period.
PAL members have researched and shared information on book fairs and author events where signings and book sales will take place. One such example is the Iowa Center for the Book’s “The Write Stuff: Iowa Author Fair 2010” .
Busy freelance writer Sharelle Byars Moranville, partnering with fellow PAL member Jan Blazanin, again penned an article, this time for The Writer’s Guide to 2011. The article entitled “Promotion Motion” opened with a description of our very first PAL meeting. The piece interviews members Rebecca Janni, Susan Maupin Schmid, and me. Regarding PAL, I state: “Ironically, the act of writing is an introspective undertaking. The type of personality that is well suited to hours of contemplation and reflection isn’t always the most outgoing or gregarious of temperaments. Nonetheless, a book requires promotion and today’s author is expected to sing its—and our own—praises. It’s comforting and encouraging to have backup singers. With any luck, they can dance too!”
PAL’s August 2010 meeting took place at Beaverdale Books and discussed opportunities for cross promotion between authors and independent bookstores with owner Alice Meyer. It was fascinating to view the book industry from the perspective of a bookseller. Alice shared her trust in the Midwest Booksellers Association as a source for book recommendations. New Pages was cited as a source for a state-by-state listing of independent books, while Alice reiterated that a local angle and personal contact from the author often makes a difference when selecting titles for the shelf. Finally, our group and Beaverdale Books will cross promote via website links.
Next up for PAL, Tweeting 101. Those members who have successfully been using this form of social media will help get their fellow writers up to speed on the @ing, #ing, and DMing of Twitter.
Today’s writers wear many hats, one of which is that of circus barker. So even if it’s entirely out of your comfort range and makes you feel like, well, a freak, it helps to have support. So, what the heck, sign up a few fellow writers, pitch a tent, hand out megaphones, and spread the step-right-up message. Your book will have multiple promoters and more than likely you’ll make a few new friends—PALs—in the process.
Bio: Wendy Delsol (http://www.wendydelsol.com) writes both young adult and women’s fiction. Her YA novel STORK releases with Candlewick Press on October 12, 2010. In 2011, The McCloud Home for Wayward Girls will be published in August by Penguin and Stork’s sequel, FROST, will release in September, again with Candlewick.
(note: PAL picture includes, left to right: Kimberly Stuart, Wendy Delsol, Wini Moranville, Kali VanBaale, Susan Maupin Schmid, Jan Blazanin, Rebecca Janni, Mike Manno, Sharelle Byars Moranville)
Author Spotlight–Jan Blazanin
August 11, 2010
What genre do you write in? What books have you written? What are they about?
I write contemporary young adult fiction. My first novel, Fairest of Them All, which was released in April 2009, is the story of Oribella Bettencourt, who’s a model, dancer, and star of the beauty pageant circuit. A Hollywood producer has come to Des Moines in search of a modern Rapunzel, and Ori lands the part. And why shouldn’t she? With her hardworking, self-sacrificing mother guiding her career, Ori is stunning, dedicated, poised and has lustrous blond hair that sets her apart from all the other girls at school. So what if she doesn’t have any friends her age, or anyone to talk to other than her mother? Ori is on the verge of having everything she’s ever dreamed of, until almost overnight she begins to lose her hair. With no career, no social life, and her mother barely speaking to her, Ori must find a way to rebuild her life.
In Summer 2011, Egmont Publishing will release A&L Do Summer, my latest Iowa-based young adult novel. Best friends Aspen Parks and Laurel Piedmont are determined to fill the summer before their senior year with parties and cute guys. But it isn’t easy in dinky Cottonwood Creek, Iowa, even for an inventive Chicago transplant like Laurel. Her first idea—stashing pigs in the high school—fizzles when she posts her plan on Facebook and bullies Buster, Ferret, and Kong carry it out. Knowing they’ll be blamed, the girls spend all night herding the pigs outdoors and cleaning up the mess. The only plus for Aspen is meeting Clay, her brother Manny’s friend who helps them by driving the pigs home. When Buster, Ferret, and Kong realize the girls have ruined their prank they promise revenge, and the girls find themselves in more trouble than they could have imagined.
Tell us about yourself.
I grew up in Kennedy Station, Iowa, in what was left of a thriving railroad community. When I was in my early 20s, I went through a traveling phase and lived in Washington, D.C., Texas, Arizona, and California. Although I especially loved Washington, I feel most comfortable in Iowa—except in the dead of winter. Then I’d rather be someplace a whole lot warmer!
I attended elementary and high school in Adel, Iowa, earned undergraduate degrees from Grand View University and Iowa State University, and received my Master’s Degree in teaching from Drake University in Des Moines. I studied writing at the Institute of Children’s Literature and the Iowa Summer Writing Festival, and I own dozens of books about writing I’ve actually read. I’m a member of SCBWI and a regular attendee at writing conferences.
Since I retired from full-time teaching in 2006, I’ve taught summer novel writing courses for fifth and sixth graders and creative writing classes for students 55 and older. I also present writing workshops for grades 4-12 throughout the school year.
I currently live on 11 wooded acres in Waukee, Iowa, with my life partner Mike, my dogs and cat, and a flock of guinea fowl. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me reading, running, working out, pulling weeds, walking the dogs, or chasing uninvited wildlife out of the house.
What are you working on?
My latest project is a young adult novel with paranormal elements. Amber Raymond is seventeen and a talented artist, but she doesn’t think she has much else going for her. She’s a little chubby and shy with boys, nothing like her beautiful older sister Brissa who travels the world with her antiquities dealer boyfriend. When Amber’s mother wins a trip to the Cayman Islands and her parents leave her alone on her birthday weekend, Amber reaches an all-time low. Then she eats the contents of a mysterious jar from Brissa and releases Amethyst, a teen ruler who’s been held in suspension for 3,000 years. Amethyst has five days to find The Heart of her people or doom them forever, and she needs Amber’s help to accomplish her mission. As if that weren’t difficult enough, evil sorceress Carnelia is determined to find The Heart and use it for her own purposes.
What are three random things others wouldn’t know or guess about you?
- When I was a kid, my brother Dan and I played on top of the boxcars left on the railroad siding near our house.
- Four years ago I rode on a zip-line in the Jamaican rain forest, and I wasn’t scared at all!
- I know how to drive a stick shift, and every car I’ve bought has had one.
AUGUST 2010 MEETING
August 9, 2010
PAL members (L-R): Mike Manno, Kali VanBaale, Eileen Boggess, Alice Meyer (Beaverdale Books), Susan Schmid, Victor Verney, Jan Blazanin, Sharelle Moranville, Kimberly Stuart, Wendy Delsol
On August 5th, 1010 PAL of Central Iowa was hosted by Alice Meyer of Beaverdale Books for another successful meeting. Thank you to Alice for opening up her store to the group and taking time out of her busy schedule to consult with us on the topic of cross promotion between authors and independent bookstores.
Judging by comments overheard during the evening, every author came away from the meeting having learned something new. Among the topics discussed:
Alice mentioned the Midwest Connections Programs, sponsored by the Midwest Booksellers Association as a resource used by independent bookstores. The program is something that Midwest based authors could discuss with their publishers. Also, New Pages was suggested for a list of independent bookstores in Iowa. Alice did reiterate that often personal contact from the author makes a difference as to whether or not she will carry a book.
One of the most out-of-the-box ideas of the evening was Alice’s Home Book Party concept, a kind of Tupperware meets book club format. Wow. What a great idea. I can’t wait to hear more about how this innovation in bookselling will work.
Another of Alice’s golden promotional ideas: designating Beaverdale Books as the (or one of a handful) of places that ships signed copies. We also talked about having an icon or link to Alice’s e-mail on our site included with other purchase options.
Thanks again to everyone for an educational and enjoyable evening.
PAL members (L-R) Mike Manno, Kali VanBaale, Eileen Boggess, Alice Meyer (Beaverdale Books), Susan Schmid, Victor Verney, Sharelle Moranville, Jan Blazanin, Kimberly Stuart, Mary Kay Shanley
Eileen Boggess Author Spotlight
August 8, 2010
Eileen Boggess is the author of Mia the Meek (Bancroft Press, 2006), Mia the Melodramatic (Bancroft Press, 2008), and Mia the Magnificent (Bancroft Press, 2010). A former middle school teacher with a Master’s Degree in Middle Level Education, Eileen enjoys exploring the humorous side of the topsy-turvy teenage years.
A native Iowan, Eileen currently lives in Urbandale with her husband and two children. She is presently working on several young adult manuscripts. For more information, please visit her website at www.eileenboggess.com.
Victor Verney Author Profile
August 8, 2010
What genre do you write in? What books have you written? What are they about?
I write nonfiction — although I fully intend to write some short stories and a novel or two before all is said and done. My first book, Warrior of God: Jan Zizka and the Hussite Revolution, was published in ’09 by Frontline Books, a British press specializing in military history. Zizka, little known in the West despite being a huge cultural icon in the Czech Republic, is to that country what Oliver Cromwell is to England, Simon Bolivar is to South America, or George Washington is to the U.S.A. The Hussite Revolution of 1419 was the very beginning of the Protestant Reformation and the religious wars that swept Europe after Luther.
Tell us about yourself.
Although my parents were originally from northeastern Ohio, they moved around a bit during the early years of their marriage. Eventually, however, they settled in Buffalo, NY, where my father was a mechanical engineer at a local steel plant and my mother an art teacher. Like my father, I served in the U.S. Navy for four years, receiving my honorable discharge at the rank of E-5. In addition to learning welding and pipefitting, I also saw Europe, the Caribbean, and the western Pacific Rim.
I earned a graduate degree in American literature with a minor in American history at the State University of NY/Buffalo, writing my doctoral dissertation under direction of the late Leslie Fiedler, renowned literary and cultural critic. After a few years as an English professor, I entered the field of journalism, working as editor at both weekly and daily newspapers. A desire to focus on specific projects led to a career as freelance writer.
Along with a strong avocational interest in jazz, I have a life-long fascination with baseball — two of my favorite writing topics — as well as history and literary studies.
What are you working on?
I’m currently working on a book about nine famous writers who served as bona fide combat soldiers — versus wartime ambulance drivers (e.g. Hemingway, Dos Passos, Cummings), journalists (Crane), or nurses (Whitman). I signed a contract last year with Algora Publishing, and the provisional title is Pen & Sword: Writers Who Fight. The subjects are Miguel de Cervantes, Lord Byron, Leo Tolstoy, Ambrose Bierce, Arthur Conan Doyle, Wilfred Owen, Siegfried Sassoon, George Orwell, and Kurt Vonnegut.
What are three random things that others wouldn’t know or guess about you?
- I’ve played piano since I was 10 and have performed semi-professionally much of my life. After starting with ’60s garage bands during high school, I discovered Miles Davis my freshman year of college and went off the deep end with jazz-fusion during the ’70s. I even played in Top-40 bands in San Diego during the synthesizer-crazy ’80s and was able (for a while, at least) to fulfill every musician’s fantasy: quitting my day job!
- I’m a serious cat lover and have been fascinated by felines since my first boyhood trip to the zoo. My mother did not share my appreciation, so I didn’t have my own cat until later in life. I recently experienced, for the first time, the sorrow of having to put a beloved pet to sleep, which affected me far more than I (or anyone else) might have guessed.
- Despite taking typing classes in high school (at my mother’s insistence) and being a piano player, I am a terrible “hunt-and-peck” typist! I rely heavily on the voice recognition software program Dragon NaturallySpeaking to write — or perhaps I should say dictate — my lengthier work.
The Write Stuff Iowa Author Fair
August 6, 2010
What: Once again, the Iowa Center for the Book,the Iowa Library Association, and this year, the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature along with the Coralville and Iowa City Public Libraries are partnering to bring together another amazing array of Iowa authors. “The Write Stuff: Iowa Author Fair 2010” will feature some 50 authors who are living and writing in Iowa and who have published a recent book of general interest. It is free and open to the general public. Barnes & Noble of Coralville will sell copies of participating authors’ works on site that evening. Last year’s Iowa Author Fair held at the Des Moines Public Library drew nearly 500 people. Don’t miss this opportunity to spend some time visiting with several PAL authors, purchase books and have them signed.
When: Wednesday, October 13th, 6:30-8:30pm. Free and open the public.
Where: Coralville Public Library, 1401 5th St., Coralville, IA
Contact: Elyse Miller at 319-248-1850
Susan Maupin Schmid
August 4, 2010
Susan Maupin Schmid grew up next to a cemetery and has always been interested in things like mummies, archeology, history, and exploration. She writes science fiction and fantasy for young adults. Her debut novel, Lost Time (Philomel 2008) was a finalist for the 209 Eleanor Cameron Golden Duck Award for excellence in science fiction for children and is a nominee on the Sunshine State Young Reader Award List for 2010/2011.
Author Spotlight: Kali VanBaale
August 4, 2010
Born and raised on a dairy farm in southern Iowa, Kali VanBaale’s debut novel, The Space Between (River City Publishing, 2006) earned a 2007 American Book Award, the 2007 Independent Publisher’s silver medal for general fiction, the 2007 Iowa Reader Literary Award for Fiction and the 2006 Fred Bonnie Memorial First Novelist Award. The Space Between is the story of a wife and mother struggling to keep her family together after her son commits a high school shooting.
Her second novel, Mercy Road, is currently represented by Russell & Volkening Literary agency pending publication. Her short stories and essays have appeared in the anthologies Cup of Comfort for Adoptive Families, Voice’s of Alzheimer’s and Voice’s of Caregiver’s.
In 2009, she was awarded an Iowa Arts Council major artist grant to begin work on an untitled third novel. She teaches creative writing for Des Moines Continuing Education and is the Literary Advisor for The Modern Dickens Project, an innovative serial novel competition based in Des Moines. The Modern Dickens Project recently earned a 2010 Iowa Arts Council mini grant.
Kali resides outside Des Moines with her husband and three children.
Successful Launch Party for Mike Manno’s END OF THE LINE
July 20, 2010
Beaverdale Books hosted the launch for Mike Manno’s END OF THE LINE, book two in the Parker Noble series.
From Mike’s blog:
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Standing room only for launch party
