Visual Inspiration, Week Nine
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Images I've found this week that I've used visual inspiration for my current work in progress. All images sourced from Tumblr and We Heart It, none are mine. If you know any original sources let me know and I'll update the post with them. If you've done a visual inspiration post, comment with the link - I'd love to see it (it'd be awesome if you say you're participating in my meme and link back here but you don't have to do that).
2010 Inkys: Shortlist & Interviews
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Last year I was extraordinarily lucky to be a judge of the extremely awesome Inky awards - if you're not already familiar with what the Inkys are all about, here are the details:
Here's the recently-announced shortlist (I am not going to mention my favourite but oh my gosh, I love all these books!):
GOLD INKY - Australian
Liar by Justine Larbalestier
Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey
Raw Blue by Kirsty Eager
Swerve by Philip Gwynne
Stolen by Lucy Christopher
SILVER INKY - International
Going Bovine by Libba Bray
Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Will Grayson, Will Grayson by David Levithan & John Green
The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
You can vote here! (I made the font extra-large in order to entice you to vote! So do it!)
Now, for your reading pleasure, an interview with three of the awesome teenage Inkys judges, Broede, Grace & Hamish:
Steph: Tell me a bit about yourself (perhaps your favourite books!), and how you came to be an Inkys judge. Are you an aspiring writer yourself?
Grace Bell: I enjoy reading urban fantasy and sci-fi mostly, but my favourite-ever novel (as opposed to picture book) I think is Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce, or else the Maximum Ride series by James Patterson. I do write occasionally, but I don’t know if it will ever go beyond writing for just myself or for fan fiction. I became a judge when I answered the call for judges on the Insideadog website and was chosen for the role.
Broede Carmody: Hi there! I'm seventeen, on the verge of finishing year 12, and often think of myself as a little too crazy to be considered normal and a little too normal to be considered crazy. I came to be an Inkys judge by hastily replying to an email from Lili Wilkinson, which was forwarded to me by my trusty school librarian (she thankfully keeps me in the loop of all things literary.) I have too many favourite books to count, and a crown-tailed red and green Siamese fighting fish without a name (suggestions, anyone?) I am an aspiring writer, but when I said this to Melina Marchetta at the Albury Writers' Festival she told me that, if I was in the process of writing, then that I am, unconditionally, a writer. I have had articles published in my local newspaper, and after exams are finished I'm going to pour my being into working on the YA novel ideas that have been swimming around in my head all year (cross fingers they turn out good!)
Hamish Knowles: My name is Hamish Knowles. I am 15 years old. My favourite hobby is the bass guitar. It is pretty much my life. I love reading books, and my most favourite book is 'The Lost Boys Appreciation Society' by Allan Gibbons. I love writing stories, in fact english is my best subject in school.
Steph: Have you read differently as a judge than you read normally, for enjoyment? Have you enjoyed the judging process? (The discussions, etc.)
Grace: Some of the books, like Shark Girl, Swerve and Anonymity Jones are not books I probably ever would have chosen to read usually, but I did enjoy the experience of reading outside my comfort zone not for school purposes. It’s very interesting to be collaborating with a group, for discussions and such, and discovering the differences and similarities between our reading choices, that’s for sure!
Broede: Definitely! Normally I read quite quickly out of habit, but for the Inkys I decided to read much slower in order to get the most out of each book. Also, I took into account the likes and dislikes of a larger audience, kind of distancing my own prejudices (hopefully) from the judging process. Even sharing the books around to my friends once I read them has been awesome, to see what they had to say and whether it was any different to what I had thought about a particular book. Talking to the authors has also been a fun part of the judging process (my interviews with a few of them should make an appearance on my blog soon.)
Hamish: Reading all these books has been a challenge, but i can't necessarily say that i have read them any differently than i would read something for enjoyment. I have loved being part of the judging process and i hope to do something like it again. It has been a really great experience.
Steph: I know you're not allowed to talk about favourites... but I'm just wondering, do you have a clear favourite to win at this point? (Don't tell me what it is!)
Grace: I have one or two in my favour, especially by authors I’ve been reading for a while now, but of course I love them all!
Broede: I tried not to pick favourites whilst judging, I really did, but I guess it's one of those pitfalls of human existence that forced me to like some books over others. Luckily, however, it wasn't just my opinions that counted! Needless to say, all of the longlisted books for both the Gold and Silver Inky were great - and even the shortlist presents a selection that makes it hard to define a clear winner. I think it will be a close call, so another words - get voting!
Hamish: There are two books on the shortlist that i wouldn't mind winning, but all the shortlist books are great, so i don't mind which book wins.
More links:
Creative Reading Prize
Insideadog
Broede's blog, Listening To The Ants Scream
There is no other award in Australia that reflects what teenagers want to read. The Inkys are international awards for teenage literature, voted for online by the readers of insideadog.com.au. There are three awards: the Golden Inky for an Australian book, the Silver Inky for an international book, and the Creative Reading Prize, won by a young person for a creative response to a book they love, in any format they choose.It's kind of absolutely fantastic.
Here's the recently-announced shortlist (I am not going to mention my favourite but oh my gosh, I love all these books!):
GOLD INKY - Australian
Liar by Justine Larbalestier
Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey
Raw Blue by Kirsty Eager
Swerve by Philip Gwynne
Stolen by Lucy Christopher
SILVER INKY - International
Going Bovine by Libba Bray
Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Will Grayson, Will Grayson by David Levithan & John Green
The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
You can vote here! (I made the font extra-large in order to entice you to vote! So do it!)
Now, for your reading pleasure, an interview with three of the awesome teenage Inkys judges, Broede, Grace & Hamish:
Steph: Tell me a bit about yourself (perhaps your favourite books!), and how you came to be an Inkys judge. Are you an aspiring writer yourself?
Grace Bell: I enjoy reading urban fantasy and sci-fi mostly, but my favourite-ever novel (as opposed to picture book) I think is Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce, or else the Maximum Ride series by James Patterson. I do write occasionally, but I don’t know if it will ever go beyond writing for just myself or for fan fiction. I became a judge when I answered the call for judges on the Insideadog website and was chosen for the role.
Broede Carmody: Hi there! I'm seventeen, on the verge of finishing year 12, and often think of myself as a little too crazy to be considered normal and a little too normal to be considered crazy. I came to be an Inkys judge by hastily replying to an email from Lili Wilkinson, which was forwarded to me by my trusty school librarian (she thankfully keeps me in the loop of all things literary.) I have too many favourite books to count, and a crown-tailed red and green Siamese fighting fish without a name (suggestions, anyone?) I am an aspiring writer, but when I said this to Melina Marchetta at the Albury Writers' Festival she told me that, if I was in the process of writing, then that I am, unconditionally, a writer. I have had articles published in my local newspaper, and after exams are finished I'm going to pour my being into working on the YA novel ideas that have been swimming around in my head all year (cross fingers they turn out good!)
Hamish Knowles: My name is Hamish Knowles. I am 15 years old. My favourite hobby is the bass guitar. It is pretty much my life. I love reading books, and my most favourite book is 'The Lost Boys Appreciation Society' by Allan Gibbons. I love writing stories, in fact english is my best subject in school.Steph: Have you read differently as a judge than you read normally, for enjoyment? Have you enjoyed the judging process? (The discussions, etc.)
Grace: Some of the books, like Shark Girl, Swerve and Anonymity Jones are not books I probably ever would have chosen to read usually, but I did enjoy the experience of reading outside my comfort zone not for school purposes. It’s very interesting to be collaborating with a group, for discussions and such, and discovering the differences and similarities between our reading choices, that’s for sure!
Broede: Definitely! Normally I read quite quickly out of habit, but for the Inkys I decided to read much slower in order to get the most out of each book. Also, I took into account the likes and dislikes of a larger audience, kind of distancing my own prejudices (hopefully) from the judging process. Even sharing the books around to my friends once I read them has been awesome, to see what they had to say and whether it was any different to what I had thought about a particular book. Talking to the authors has also been a fun part of the judging process (my interviews with a few of them should make an appearance on my blog soon.)
Hamish: Reading all these books has been a challenge, but i can't necessarily say that i have read them any differently than i would read something for enjoyment. I have loved being part of the judging process and i hope to do something like it again. It has been a really great experience.
Steph: I know you're not allowed to talk about favourites... but I'm just wondering, do you have a clear favourite to win at this point? (Don't tell me what it is!)
Grace: I have one or two in my favour, especially by authors I’ve been reading for a while now, but of course I love them all!
Broede: I tried not to pick favourites whilst judging, I really did, but I guess it's one of those pitfalls of human existence that forced me to like some books over others. Luckily, however, it wasn't just my opinions that counted! Needless to say, all of the longlisted books for both the Gold and Silver Inky were great - and even the shortlist presents a selection that makes it hard to define a clear winner. I think it will be a close call, so another words - get voting!
Hamish: There are two books on the shortlist that i wouldn't mind winning, but all the shortlist books are great, so i don't mind which book wins.
More links:
Creative Reading Prize
Insideadog
Broede's blog, Listening To The Ants Scream
The Pizza Delivery Blog Tour: A.S. King & Please Ignore Vera Dietz
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Knock knock knock. I have a pineapple, black olive and mushroom, for the phenomenal Steph Bowe...
Two weeks ago, my book Please Ignore Vera Dietz came out. It’s a pretty exciting time, but what's more exciting is popping around to interesting blogs and answering cool questions for my hosts. (Official Rules here, if you’re the curious type.) Before I start, I want to say congratulations to you, Steph, on Girl Saves Boy. Watching your publishing story unfold was really exciting and I'll admit it made me goosebumpy on more than one occasion. Rock on. Best of luck with all of it! Okay--on to the brain pizza!
SB: Can you describe where you write? (Or places you have written...)
ASK: I live in a small two-hundred year old hunting cabin in the middle of the woods. I have an office in the corner of my tiny basement that we call The Cave. I can't stand up in it, so I'm very lucky that I sit while I write. My history with awesome or more spacious offices is kinda bittersweet. Every time I carved out a nice place to write, I had a baby and had to give my office to them. LOL. About a month ago, I moved to a desk up in my bedroom because my WIP involves airplanes and I didn't think I should write that in a room with no windows. I think I might stay up there a while. So far, it's working out well even though all I have up there is a few thesauruses, a stapler, a printer and some Post-it notes. I wrote my first novel in my bedroom in a small flat in Dublin 17 years ago, so there's something a little nostalgic about rolling out of bed and straight into the chair. I'm lucky to have a Mr. King who delivers coffee.
SB: I'd love for you to recommend things that you find inspiring - particular songs, or films, or experiences.
ASK: Do most other writers find music as inspiring as their favorite books? Please Ignore Vera Dietz was inspired on a drive across town to buy organic rice. I happened to be listening to OKGO's OhNo in the car and I drove by the old pizza delivery store where I used to work and one song reminded me of an old friend who isn't with us anymore and BAM. Next thing you know, I'm in a parking lot, scribbling notes and Vera Dietz was born.
Movies for me are a sporadic happening these days. But I lean on my old classic favorites for inspiration. The Deer Hunter, Apocalypse Now, The Shining. Fun, uplifting stuff, eh? (If you ever wondered why my novels are dark...)
I think the most inspiring things I do are: Working with and meeting new people. Or traveling to new places, or reading history books.
SB: I'd love to hear a bit about your high school experience (horrifying? or the best years of your life?) and whether you think your experiences during your teen years are what influenced you to write YA as an adult.
ASK: There is no doubt my high school experiences have influenced me to write YA books. Even when I didn't know I was writing YA books, I was writing about teenagers and coming-of-age. I wouldn't call my teen years the best years of my life, but looking back, they were pretty good, I guess. I had a few great friends--the closest of which I am still close to now 25+ years later. I was a poor student, though, which is one thing I'd change if I could go back. I played basketball and loved that. For me that was a huge part of my whole life, really--so being on the high school team was a big deal. But ever since my 10th grade poetry teacher made us start writing in journals, I would write for at least an hour a day. I did have some horrifying moments--the usual stuff. Mean boys, mean girls, rumors, being exposed to the beginnings of bigotry and ugliness the world has to offer--just like everyone else. Okay. I had quite a bit of that because I was pretty weird, but still, the further I get away from it, the less horrid it looks. Maybe I've always just been writing it out.
Your awesome all veggie topping combo earns you a BONUS GIVEAWAY!
This means one lucky reader will win a signed copy of PLEASE IGNORE VERA DIETZ! All you have to do is leave a comment in the comment trail about your favorite type of pizza!
Contest ends on October 29th, 2010 midnight EST.
Before I go, I should really tell you a little about my book, shouldn’t I?
PLEASE IGNORE VERA DIETZ
is a Junior Library Guild selection for Fall 2010
18-year-old Vera's spent her whole life secretly in love with her best friend, Charlie. And over the years she's kept a lot of his secrets. Even after he betrayed her. Even after he ruined everything. So when Charlie dies in dark circumstances, Vera knows a lot more than anyone. Will she emerge and clear his name? Does she even want to?
"Brilliant. Funny. Really special." --Ellen Hopkins, author of NYT bestselling Crank, Glass and Tricks
Thank you Steph, for having me over to you blog and for helping me celebrate the launch of my new book! I hope you enjoyed the [imaginary] pizza!
Next stop on the Pizza Delivery Blog Tour is October 28th: Jen Blom
Two weeks ago, my book Please Ignore Vera Dietz came out. It’s a pretty exciting time, but what's more exciting is popping around to interesting blogs and answering cool questions for my hosts. (Official Rules here, if you’re the curious type.) Before I start, I want to say congratulations to you, Steph, on Girl Saves Boy. Watching your publishing story unfold was really exciting and I'll admit it made me goosebumpy on more than one occasion. Rock on. Best of luck with all of it! Okay--on to the brain pizza!
SB: Can you describe where you write? (Or places you have written...)
 |
| Old picture of the cave, but you get the idea! |
ASK: I live in a small two-hundred year old hunting cabin in the middle of the woods. I have an office in the corner of my tiny basement that we call The Cave. I can't stand up in it, so I'm very lucky that I sit while I write. My history with awesome or more spacious offices is kinda bittersweet. Every time I carved out a nice place to write, I had a baby and had to give my office to them. LOL. About a month ago, I moved to a desk up in my bedroom because my WIP involves airplanes and I didn't think I should write that in a room with no windows. I think I might stay up there a while. So far, it's working out well even though all I have up there is a few thesauruses, a stapler, a printer and some Post-it notes. I wrote my first novel in my bedroom in a small flat in Dublin 17 years ago, so there's something a little nostalgic about rolling out of bed and straight into the chair. I'm lucky to have a Mr. King who delivers coffee.
SB: I'd love for you to recommend things that you find inspiring - particular songs, or films, or experiences.
ASK: Do most other writers find music as inspiring as their favorite books? Please Ignore Vera Dietz was inspired on a drive across town to buy organic rice. I happened to be listening to OKGO's OhNo in the car and I drove by the old pizza delivery store where I used to work and one song reminded me of an old friend who isn't with us anymore and BAM. Next thing you know, I'm in a parking lot, scribbling notes and Vera Dietz was born.
Movies for me are a sporadic happening these days. But I lean on my old classic favorites for inspiration. The Deer Hunter, Apocalypse Now, The Shining. Fun, uplifting stuff, eh? (If you ever wondered why my novels are dark...)
I think the most inspiring things I do are: Working with and meeting new people. Or traveling to new places, or reading history books.
SB: I'd love to hear a bit about your high school experience (horrifying? or the best years of your life?) and whether you think your experiences during your teen years are what influenced you to write YA as an adult.
 |
| A.S. King circa 1986/87 typing in the guidance office. |
ASK: There is no doubt my high school experiences have influenced me to write YA books. Even when I didn't know I was writing YA books, I was writing about teenagers and coming-of-age. I wouldn't call my teen years the best years of my life, but looking back, they were pretty good, I guess. I had a few great friends--the closest of which I am still close to now 25+ years later. I was a poor student, though, which is one thing I'd change if I could go back. I played basketball and loved that. For me that was a huge part of my whole life, really--so being on the high school team was a big deal. But ever since my 10th grade poetry teacher made us start writing in journals, I would write for at least an hour a day. I did have some horrifying moments--the usual stuff. Mean boys, mean girls, rumors, being exposed to the beginnings of bigotry and ugliness the world has to offer--just like everyone else. Okay. I had quite a bit of that because I was pretty weird, but still, the further I get away from it, the less horrid it looks. Maybe I've always just been writing it out.
Your awesome all veggie topping combo earns you a BONUS GIVEAWAY!
This means one lucky reader will win a signed copy of PLEASE IGNORE VERA DIETZ! All you have to do is leave a comment in the comment trail about your favorite type of pizza!
Contest ends on October 29th, 2010 midnight EST.
Before I go, I should really tell you a little about my book, shouldn’t I?
PLEASE IGNORE VERA DIETZ
is a Junior Library Guild selection for Fall 2010
18-year-old Vera's spent her whole life secretly in love with her best friend, Charlie. And over the years she's kept a lot of his secrets. Even after he betrayed her. Even after he ruined everything. So when Charlie dies in dark circumstances, Vera knows a lot more than anyone. Will she emerge and clear his name? Does she even want to?
"Brilliant. Funny. Really special." --Ellen Hopkins, author of NYT bestselling Crank, Glass and Tricks
Thank you Steph, for having me over to you blog and for helping me celebrate the launch of my new book! I hope you enjoyed the [imaginary] pizza!
Next stop on the Pizza Delivery Blog Tour is October 28th: Jen Blom
Visual Inspiration, Week Eight
Monday, October 25, 2010
Images I've found this week that I've used visual inspiration for my current work in progress. All images sourced from Tumblr and We Heart It, none are mine. If you know any original sources let me know and I'll update the post with them. If you've done a visual inspiration post, comment with the link - I'd love to see it (it'd be awesome if you say you're participating in my meme and link back here but you don't have to do that).
Visual Inspiration, Week Seven
Monday, October 18, 2010
Images I've found this week that I've used visual inspiration for my current work in progress. All images sourced from Tumblr and We Heart It, none are mine. If you know any original sources let me know and I'll update the post with them. If you've done a visual inspiration post, comment with the link - I'd love to see it (it'd be awesome if you say you're participating in my meme and link back here but you don't have to do that).
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