Danny in a Newfangled World

Winston Churchill and a Good Horoscope

// May 26th, 2011 // No Comments » // Books

I was up past midnight — way later than my usual bedtime – compiling an exhaustive list of literary agents who are accepting submissions for middle grade fiction. Now that I’ve polished the sequel to Danny in a Newfangled World, it’s time to find it a home.  Since I’m not knew to querying for either fiction or non-fiction books, I am girding myself for a torrent of rejections. I’ve been down this road before.

Having self-published Danny in a Newfangled World, I feel much more prepared to tackle this daunting task this time around. For one thing, I now recognize how hard, hard, hard it is to market and sell a book. I’m fortunate to have published a book that Chapters-Indigo believes in. But getting the book on their shelves (fabulous as it is!) is just one step. Spreading the word about this awesome book for kids is a huge challenge – more so for an author without a big publisher’s name to back her. So, I can honestly admit that I am more motivated than ever to find a publisher. My face can handle a lot of door slams.

Today I will craft the “perfect” query letter (whatever that is) and send it out to literary agents. My goal is a few queries per day. I know, from experience, that agents are quick to reply. Publishers, on the other hand, prefer to keep you hanging… often indefinitely.  As I embark on this stage of my writing journey, I thought it seemed a perfect time to read my horoscope. I haven’t read it in about six months and I need some extra special guidance and motivation today.

So glad I read it:

You will face many challenges over the next few days but with Mars in your sign you have what it takes to survive and thrive (yeah!!) Think of new ways to make a name for yourself – but make sure it’s a good one (I’m on it!)

Not much later, I stepped into my office to turn on my laptop and just happened to look to my left where I hang all sorts of papers that are meant to remind me of stuff that, well, I don’t remember.  A wonderful quote by Winston Churchill caught my eye (did I put that there??)  Here it is:

Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.

Now. I’m ready.

Just About Finished the Sequel!

// May 20th, 2011 // No Comments » // Books

I’m adding the finishing touches to the sequel. The story is another crazy ride for Danny through cyberspace where he meets a crazy new friend, named Tula. Together, they try to find Danny’s mischievous little brother who is wandering somewhere inside the computer… likely causing all sorts of raucous!

Get a sneak preview of the first two chapters HERE.

Next week, I begin my search for a literary agent or publisher to represent both my books. I’m girding myself for the responses… this part of the job is never easy. Come back for updates on how things are turning out.

A Tough but Rewarding Gig: Publishing Alone

// May 3rd, 2011 // No Comments » // Books

Almost a year ago, I decided to stop trying to sway agents and publishers in favour of my kids’ chapter book and take a chance with self-publishing.  I did it partly because I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur and partly because I figured I had as good a chance as any small press author.  I also truly believed in the quality of my book and the market for this kind of kids’ story (and still do, by the way).

Certainly, taking on the small business aspect of selling books has been the roller coaster ride that I’d expected. There are real highs (Val King ordering my books for Chapters Indigo), and painful lows (being told I’m not a real author by literary associations).  I also empathize with publishers more than ever. It’s hard to make a living selling books! Just ask my accountant (also known as my husband).

Not unlike most first-time authors, I’ve had to hustle to book signings at bookstores, cajoled kids and parents to take a chance on a great new book, send press releases to newspapers and blogs, and uh, find additional means for income (jewellery anyone?)

I’ve learned more than I’d ever have imagined through this process and met some amazing authors who must, in my mind, be among the hardest working authors out there.  For anyone considering taking the self-publishing leap, here’s some advice:

• Be prepared to work hard. Really, really hard.
• Believe in your book. If you don’t, you’ll have a hard time convincing others of its worth.
• Get over any fear of sales. You’re not just a writer, you’re a salesperson.
• Get over any fear of performing. You’re not just a salesperson, you’re a performer.
• Do it on a shoe-string budget without sacrificing quality. It is possible, with some creativity and willingness to learn.

I have enjoyed the experience… enough so that I’ve written the book’s sequel, Danny in a Newfangled World: Saving Ivan.  I will publish it myself… unless an agent realizes its fabulousness and chooses to represent me. This time around, I think the odds are in my favour – whatever the outcome.

Advice for Budding Writers

// April 1st, 2011 // No Comments » // Books

When I’m at my book signings, I often am asked by aspiring young writers what advice I can give them.  It is always a pleasure to meet kids who have such appreciation for the written word that they want to become writers, themselves.  I, too, have wanted to be a writer since I was a child.  This love of writing eventually led me to study English Literature at university.

It wasn’t until I was in my early twenties that I realized I needed to finally get to work fulfilling my dream.  I finished my first novel when I was 28 years old.  It was the same year I became pregnant with my first child.  The novel went into hiding and, to this day, remains in a file collecting dust.  I’ll probably never try to get it published.  I call it my practice novel.

Seven years later, after being a stay-at-home mom for my three boys, I knew I had to get back to writing.  My happiness depended on it.  And, that is my first bit of advice to young writers.  Write because you love it.  You have to love it so much that you’re willing to do it for free.  Because, believe me, most writers cannot make a living as a writer.  I’m now into my fourth year slogging it as a writer, and the income is enough to keep me well below poverty level.  Thankfully, I am not the breadwinner of this family!  Although I do supplement my measly writing income (and pay off my business expenses) by selling Silpada jewellery part-time.  That is part of what it takes to be a writer — other jobs.

In a nut shell these are the best pieces of advice I can offer:

• LOVE writing.  Otherwise, it’s just not worth it.
• Work hard to making your story the best it can be.  That means revise, revise, revise.  You want to be proud of the book that others may eventually read.
• Don’t give up.  You will have many doors shut in your face.  Many people will tell you your story is not worth reading or publishing.  If you believe in your writing, keep on working at it.
• Finish what you start.  There is a sense of accomplishment in completing a writing project, whether it ever sees the light of day, or not.  Finish it, then start on the next one.
• Welcome criticism.  Other readers or writers can tell you what you cannot tell yourself.  Their criticisms will more than likely make your book better.
• Accept that you will have to sell your book if you plan on getting it to print.  No matter that you find a publisher or publish it yourself.  If you don’t get out there and try to sell it, nobody will buy it (there are thousands of other books they can buy – convince them that your’s is the one they want.)

That is my advice.  For new writers, some of these tips are hard to accept.  I know.  I was a newbie once, too.  Many years later, my skin is thicker, my resolve is harder, and my ambition higher than ever.  And, oh yes, all those rejections have made me humbler than I ever thought possible.  Good luck and happy writing.

Danny in a Newfangled World is in a Store Near You

// March 25th, 2011 // No Comments » // Books

I just received some great news!  Indigo will be stocking Danny in a Newfangled World in all Chapters and Indigo stores across Toronto from Oshawa to Kitchener/Waterloo.  So, the next time someone asks me where to buy the book, the answer is easier than ever.  WHEREVER YOU WANT!

Also, remember, supporting Indendents is just as important.  My book is available in downtown Toronto at Ben McNally Books (what a wonderful store!) and in downtown Oakville at Pick of the Crop, and lastly in downtown Burlington at A Different Drummer.

I am hoping that the fantastic kids’ book store, Mabel’s Fables, has my book on their shelves shortly.  If you live near this shop, perhaps you can give the owners a very polite nudge  

I am slated for many book signings in and around the west end of the city.  I’d love to see you!  Click HERE for more details on dates and places.

This Sequel Has a Title and Here’s a Sneak Peek

// March 17th, 2011 // No Comments » // Books

I’ve come up with a title for my book’s sequel. Of course, this may change, as I can be rather indecisive in this regard. But for now, the title is:

Danny in a Newfangled World: Saving Ivan

I’m working on the first major re-write these days and want to offer a sneak peek at the first chapter.  It’s only a couple pages’ worth, but I’d love to hear feedback below or on the facebook page.  And remember – this is a work-in-progress, so there may be major changes ahead.  Enjoy!

Chapter 1  The Secret is Out

Everybody needs to have some sort of skill.  For Danny, it was playing video games.  Although it wasn’t exactly a talent that his mom and dad would have picked for their first born son, it was a source of pride for him.  He was okay at sports, as long as the ball never came to him.  And his school marks were somewhere between crummy and not bad.  At least that’s how his parents described them.  Those things might have bugged him a bit more if he didn’t have at least one awesome talent.  But he did.  Best video game player… EVER… (at least, in his grade).  That is, he was the best… until recently.

The problem is that he’s afraid of his computer.  One of the downsides of being a monster killer, he supposed.  A month ago, Danny was sucked inside his computer. Yeah, very cool, right?  But things took a turn for the worse when he realized his new cyberspace buddy, Desmond, was actually a monster that had a taste for ten-year-old boys.  Danny had always struggled watching his avatar die when he played video games, but was especially horrified to experience his real self chomped into digital bits.  That’s why he had to take Desmond down.  It wasn’t so hard.  Just a push off a cliff.  But the whole experience left Danny jittery about going near a computer.  For weeks after he returned, he didn’t dare turn it on. 

His cool factor, which wasn’t all that impressive to begin with, took a major nose dive when he quit playing video games.  Although being a monster killer should have (by most kids’ standards) given him some serious bragging rights, he kept it a secret.  Sharing that kind of story could just as easily turn a slightly unpopular kid into a complete loner if no one believed him.  And that was a risk that Danny wasn’t willing to take. 

Chances were slim to none that anyone would believe he’d leaped inside his computer screen.  Oh yeah, and been chased by a hoobogey that wanted to eat him alive.  Danny knew how ridiculous that sounded.  With his stories of video game glory growing stale among his classmates, his usually proud voice grew softer and softer each passing day.  He was now just an average kid.  Average at school.  Average at sports.  Average at video games (oooh, that one hurt).  Who cared about an average kid?  He dropped into the background, like the framed photos of every graduating class hanging in his school hallway – always there, but nobody bothered to take any notice.

Book Apps are Not Books

// March 7th, 2011 // No Comments » // Books

There has been a lot of chatter lately about the latest effort to lure kids to reading… Book Apps!  Can’t get your child interested in boring old paper books?  No worries… these books are filled with music, cartoons, and a melodious voice (much more impressive than momma or papa’s lame-o narration!)

Seriously?  Does a child really need to be entertained extensively to enjoy a story?  Below is an app for a book that my boys all enjoyed – Freight Train.  The version that I’d read to my boys was a simple picture book with lots of colourful trains and a few well-chosen words.  Invariably, at least one of my kids sat on my lap as I read out loud.  We pointed at pictures and when the book was finished, more than likely, my kids begged for another book to be read.

Kids’ books are not meant to be a solo endeavour.  They’re meant to be shared.  That is what builds a love of books among kids – a deeply buried memory of a cherished time with family that will remain for a lifetime.  Sure, this Freight Train app is kinda’ neat and fun.  But it’s not reading.  It’s not encouraging a love of books.  I guess I’m not sure what exactly it’s encouraging.  There is a soundtrack of music in the background, a deep-voiced fellow narrating the words, and animation.  To the point that it’s distracting. 

Another important element of reading… Quiet.  Just as I don’t appreciate my kids’ chit chatting or pushing eachother as I read aloud, I don’t appreciate hearing noises and seeing pictures come to life when I’m trying to immerse myself in a book.  When I read Pinocchio to my boys over the course of a few weeks last year, they were required to sit quietly.  And you know what?  They did!  How else are they going to enjoy one of the English Language’s most beloved story?

Books have always been a celebration of the imagination.  Whether the book is filled with pictures, is fiction, or non-fiction.  The words always evoke an image inside our heads, they build assumptions, and if the book is really good – it has the ability to affect our experiences.  An app is not any of that.  It’s another toy created by businesses looking to make a buck.  It will not nurture a love of reading.  Am I saying book apps are inherently bad?  No — they’re not bad or wrong or the end of all that is literary. 

Just don’t confuse them with books.  Because THAT would be wrong.

My Son, the Editor

// February 23rd, 2011 // No Comments » // Books

Writing my sequel is going a bit slower than I’d hoped.  It’s funny how life gets in the way of things.  Thankfully, I am more than three-quarters finished, well, I WAS three-quarters finished until my son read through my manusript.  He is a voracious reader at eight years old (almost nine) and recently asked if he could read my sequel from my laptop.  A couple of months earlier, I’d read the first eight chapters to him and he was curious to find out what happened in the subsequent seven chapters that I’d completed since.

Always thrilled to share my writing with any of my boys, I opened up the document and left him alone.  His initial comments were typical of any young boy.  “It was great!”  But I’m no fool.  As any good editor or writer will admit, there is always room for improvement (especially when it’s a first draft!)

A couple days later, he and I were hanging out at a Tim Horton’s together and I forced him to elaborate further on his critique of my book.  Hey – I could use the help, after all, this is free consulting advice from my target reader group.

It didn’t take a lot of prodding to get the kid to ‘fess up.  His biggest issue was with my latest chapter.  It’s LAME.  I’d written a video game scene where Danny had to outwit and outplay his opponents in an effort to learn some tricks of the online world (these traits he acquires will later help him to complete his quest).  Well, it needs a re-write.  We discussed what kinds’ of things would be best.  Peter drummed up: dragons, mythology, or the elements (fire, ice, earth).  All neat ideas. 

So, it’s back to work for me.  This time, I’m going to make it awesome.  But if I don’t — I’m not too worried, my son will let me know.

A Busy Winter Means a Sooner Spring

// February 11th, 2011 // No Comments » // Books

I am so thankful that the past few weeks have been super busy.  You know why?  Because I do not like freezing cold temperatures.  And, the faster these icy days pass me by, the happier I am! 

First off, I am signing books every weekend in the month of February at various Chapters Indigo locations.  Boy, those are fabulously fun!  I am amazed by all the lovely children and parents there are in this city!  Just last weekend at Chapters Square One I met a beautiful family of nine.  Yes, that’s correct… Mom, Dad, and seven beautiful kids between the ages of 6 months (baby) and 14 years old.  I didn’t get to meet all of them, but the kids that I spoke to were charmingly sweet and articulate.  Kudos to Mom and Dad!  You are inspiring…  And, a special thank you to Chapters Indigo for opening their doors to a local author such as myself.  It is a fantastic opportunity that I greatly appreciate.

I am working steadily on my sequel.  And, no, I do not have a title for it yet.  For some reason nothing is coming to me.  I may have to ask for some help in the coming months!  I am now on chapter 14 and the first draft is about three-quarters complete.  It is shaping up to be one crazy cyber-adventure!  And girls will really love one of the new characters — Tula – who is by Danny’s side as he stumbles through one hijinx after another.  Stay tuned for more on that!

I have also put together a cool presentation for schools.  I invite local schools to check out the information on my author visit for their students.  It puts a modern twist on the usual author visit by connecting traditional story writing and telling with digital media.  I am looking forward to starting those in the spring! (Check it out under the Schools tab.)

Ah, Spring.  Doesn’t that word just make you feel more refreshed?  Flowers, sunny skies, squishy mud, singing birds, oh yeah, and I suppose for the younger readers…. the last months of school!  But, let’s not get too carried away. Winter is still in full swing and will be for another month (at least).  Enjoy the snow because I know it’s pretty hard to enjoy the cold!

Valentines Day is Coming!

// February 4th, 2011 // No Comments » // Books

My kids love to celebrate every holiday.  Like most kids, it’s the treats and sweets that get them excited.  For  moms and dads, Valentines Day is, thankfully, one of the less grueling holidays of the year.  Buy a pack of valentine cards for the kids to hand out (help them write all their friends’ names), maybe splurge on some special goodies for snacking, and that’s about it! 

One of the great things about Valentines Day is it helps us all remember to take a minute to tell our loved ones how much they mean to us.  With such busy lives, we tend to forget to tell family members how special they are.  I look forward to receiving my boys’ wonderful heart crafts that they will undoubtedly create in school.  No matter how many times they tell me, I never get bored of hearing “I love you, Mom.”

To celebrate Danny in a Newfangled World’s first valentines day, I’ve created a page of fun valentine greetings that kids can colour and cut out to give to friends and family.  It’s a great little craft to do on a cold afternoon. 

Danny in a Newfangled World Valentines