Top 5 Children's Winter Reads

The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffmann

With the holiday season in full swing and winter approaching, I thought it would be nice to share some of my favorite seasonal children’s stories. What books are on your winter reading list?

1. The Nutcracker by E.T. A. Hoffmann

As a lover of ballet, The Nutcracker is easily my favorite holiday story. This one keeps visions of sugar plums dancing in my head all winter long. A perfect choice for the tiny dancer in your life.

2. The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Anderson

Fairy tales have a special place in my heart, and what better way to celebrate the season than by reading this wintery favorite. With the popularity of Disney’s Frozen, this will likely be an easy favorite for kids.

 3. Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow by Jessica Day George

For me, winter is the prime time for fairy tales and this YA retelling of the Norwegian fairy tale “East of the Sun and West of the Moon” is no different. While it might be better suited to teen readers, tweens and upper Middle Graders should be able to appreciate this one.

4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

A perennial favorite with adults and children alike, it’s not really Christmas time until our green-skinned friend comes out. It’s a classic for a reason.

5. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

What’s more magical and comforting than the thought of jumping on a train and heading up to the North Pole on a snowy night? Whimsy and wonder abound in this heartwarming little story, and it continues to charm readers of all ages. 

What is it Like to Write a Series?

I get this question a lot lately. My short answer is: “It’s like writing a book. But three of them.” But I don’t think that’s terribly helpful, so allow me to expand…

Writing a book is hard. It’s an endeavor you need to dedicate a lot of time to, as well as invest money into. If your dream is to see your work published, there are a lot of steps along the way. The first being education. Now, I don’t mean that you need to get a full degree, but you should consider getting some kind of formal education such as taking classes and regularly attending writing lectures. Classes and lectures not only help you hone your craft, but they also help you keep in touch with the industry.

On that note, keeping in touch with the industry is another huge step. Follow agents and publishers on social media. Attend conventions. Read blogs. It’s vital to have your finger on the pulse of this industry because it’s always changing. You may think that your dystopian YA is an easy sell because it’s so huge in the media right now, but if you aren’t keeping up with the inside of the industry you wouldn’t know that the market is saturated with that genre right now. As such, that genre is an incredibly difficult sell these days. Which leads me to some advice – never write to a trend. Ever. The trends change month to month. There is no point in anticipating what will be the next hot genre. Don’t do it. Just write from the heart. Write with sincerity. Don’t write with dreams of fame and Hollywood blockbuster movies in mind. Write what inspires you. Write the music in your heart.

Now we come to the actual writing process itself. Every writer is different – some (like myself) need to outline extensively and some are “pantsers”, meaning that they write by the seat of their pants, no outlining they just let they words flow and the story form organically. Now for a stand-alone story, pantsing works just fine but I think when it comes to writing a series, outlining is necessary. There are so many story threads to keep track of that in the interest of keeping continuity and making sure you are following up on your subplots, it’s important to think out the complete story. It also helps with establishing pacing and dissemination of information.

Okay, so you’ve gotten the first draft of your manuscript written. Now what? Well now you get together with a critique group and you let your partners hack your precious words to pieces. I advise not relying on friends outside of the industry for this. Friends and family are more likely to just pat you on the head and only provide positive feedback. And if they don’t understand the industry, they really aren’t going to be able to give you what you need to make your manuscript shine. Go on to writing forums and seek out other writers. Meet, connect, work.

After you’ve gone through another draft or two (or four) with your group, then it’s time to send it on to agents and editors. Like receiving critiques, you need a lot of thick skin for this. You will be rejected. Not once, not twice. You will be rejected over and over again, and it sucks. At this point you have already invested so much time, money, effort, blood, sweat, and tears into your project that to face rejection feels like being stabbed in the heart. But you can’t let it faze you. If you believe in your work, if writing is your passion, and if it’s a career you are serious about pursuing, you must push past it and continue on. As my mother often tells me, “Every no is closer to a yes.”

Now let’s say you finally get that acceptance – well then it’s time to celebrate. But then you have a whole other host of new tasks to deal with including (but not limited to) networking, marketing and promoting your project, and making a presence on social media. But that is really a whole other topic.

So what is it like to write a series? It’s like writing a book. But three of them. It means a huge time commitment and dedicating a lot of energy to planning. It means having to make sacrifices in favor of working hard and investing in education. There’s no easy, simple answer here. Every writer’s path is different, but it all boils down to drive and determination. 

RPG Superstar Retrospective: A Personal Victory

Paizo's RPG Superstar Logo

Every year RPG publisher Paizo holds their “RPG Superstar” contest to look for new talent in the game design industry. Now, in addition to being a writer of children’s literature, I am also a hard-core gamer. I started playing RPGs when I was twelve years old (when my cousin introduced me to Dungeons & Dragons via the "Curse of the Azure Bonds" computer game), and I have been playing ever since.

This year Paizo hosted their contest twice in one year. My husband made it into the Top 32 of last season, and this season it was my turn. I’ve been entering the contest for about four years now and never truly thought I would make it far. For me, RPG Superstar was a personal challenge I set for myself. As I have mentioned in a previous post, I have struggled with dyscalculia my entire life. I’ve had a math teacher humiliate me in front of my entire class. I’ve had a guidance counselor tell me that I would never make it into college because of my low math scores. I’ve been told that I didn’t try hard enough, despite the fact that I poured over my text book with tears of frustration streaming down my face almost every night. Numbers, formulas, technical concepts… they simply do not click with me.

Despite the math heavy rules in many table-top role playing games, I have always enjoyed them. In fact, I think they have been the best math teacher I’ve ever had. It framed numbers and formulas in a way that was fun and made sense. After college, when I finally experienced the relief of discovering dyscalculia, I started to look to gaming as a way for me to casually practice my math skills. My gaming circle has always been incredibly patient with me in this regard. They understand I can’t calculate as quickly as everyone else, and give me the time I need to figure it out. They never coddle me or get frustrated when I am too slow. They understand my difficulties and are incredibly supportive.

RPG Superstar has not only been about my love of gaming, but also an extension of my desire to prove that I am not stupid. Entering every year has been a way for me to test myself; a way for me to overcome those nasty memories, and work toward helping myself to understand and apply mathematical concepts. Suffice to say, I never dreamed I would make it to the Top 32, let alone become a finalist!

The entire experience was overwhelming but very educational. There were some rounds I struggled more than others (the monster submission of Round 3), and others that I honestly just had pure fun with (map making in Round 2). The contest challenged my knowledge, abilities, and imagination, and I will admit that at times, it simply wasn’t fun. And when I say it wasn’t fun, I mean I was literally curled up, sobbing in a corner ready to raise the white flag. But every time I hit that point, I remembered the teachers who didn’t believe in me and it gave me the strength to continue. I had to prove to myself that they were wrong.

It’s evident to anyone who participated as a judge or voter that many of my entries lacked technical and systematic finesse. This is not something I will deny. It is absolutely a weak point of mine for obvious reasons mentioned above. But neither is it something I want to ever use as a crutch. The gaming industry demands a certain level of competence with technical skills (as they should), and I fought my hardest to develop those during the contest. I didn’t always succeed, but the point is I gave it my all and didn’t give up. I am quite proud of myself for that and all I accomplished.

I didn’t win, but I made it into the Final 4 and now have a chance to write a small adventure for Paizo. This was much farther than I ever dreamed I could make it. It means so much to me that so many were willing to overlook my flaws in favor of my strengths in concepts and imagination. That said, I am going to continue to work hard to grow my technical skills and gain the well-rounded edge I would like to have as a freelance game designer. I have learned much through this journey, but I still have much more to learn. This contest has tested my limits and it has introduced me to so many amazing, creative people. It was utterly exhausting, but I consider myself to have emerged victorious and with a new-found strength.

To anyone out there who may struggle with a disability, be it learning or otherwise, know that you are more than your disability. You are more than the names you may be called. Don’t let those voices keep you down from achieving your dreams because I am living proof that anything is possible. Just try your best and never stop believing in yourself. We may face challenges that many others may never understand or experience, but I assure you it makes the victories all the sweeter. You can do it. I believe in you. 

Event Report: Halloween Book Signing for Ashwood

This past weekend I got to have my first ever book signing. And what a rush it was! This is an event myself, Distinguished Press, and Kinokuniya Book Store have been discussing over the past month. Kinokuniya has long since been one of my favorite book stores in Manhattan. With it's stock catering to alternative fashion enthusiasts and geeks alike, it's a store where I always feel at home.

Me at Kinokuniya Book Store NYC

Suffice to say I was thrilled when Kinokuniya responded to my request to host my book signing. There is nowhere else I would want to have my debut book release event. It was a dream come true. Of course, dreams led to waking reality, and I realized that this meant I would have to face the bane of most writers - speaking in public! I turned to my friend and cover designer, Nancy Ramos, and asked her if she could do me the favor of moderating the talk before the signing began. To my relief, she agreed and I could finally breath again knowing that I would have her at my side for the event.

Nancy Ramos MCing the discussion with me before the signing

Cover designer, Nancy Ramos and author, C.J. Malarsky

 Like most writers, I am very much an introvert and I prefer to express myself through my writing. Though I have many years worth of experience and academic background in theater, getting up in front of people still terrifies me. It's one thing to be on stage pretending to be someone else, but another thing entirely when you have to address people as yourself.

A packed house

Patrons lining up to get their book signed

The big day finally came, and on Halloween, none the less! But with it also came the marathon of butterflies swarming inside my stomach. Luckily, I had friends and family on hand to keep me calm. Nancy was a brilliant MC and Kinokuniya, a very generous host. I spoke for about 40-45 minutes with Nancy asking me a number of prompt questions about Ashwood and other literary questions. The time flew by in a whirlwind for me. I couldn't recall what I had even said afterwards, though a number of people assured me it was an engaging and eloquent talk. So whatever jitters I had, I somehow managed to mask it.

Signing copies of Ashwood

We had a great turn out, from friends and family, to complete strangers. And what's more - Kinokuniya sold out of their stock! A huge thank you to everyone who came out to show their support, and also to Kinokuniya Book Store who took a chance on a new, indie author. I can easily say that this was the best Halloween I've ever had. Thanks to all who participated!

Me with Kinokuniya's event coordinator, John Fuller - Thank you Kinokuniya!

Ashwood is Live!

That's right! Ashwood has been released a few days early. It is live and ready to be purchased, just in time for Halloween. So how about celebrating the season with a spooky read. Here's all the places where you can get your own copy:

Amazon (for Kindle & Paperback) 

Smashwords (for digital)

Barnes & Nobles (for Nook & Paperback)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Ashwood Updates and Cover Reveal

I know I've been blogging a lot lately about other people's book and not my own. So here is my update on my upcoming debut novel, Ashwood, complete with cover reveal!

Look at that beautiful cover! It's courtesy of designer Nancy Ramos. This was exactly the vision I had in my head, so I'm thrilled with the result. Nancy delivered a dream come true.

Ashwood is a YA horror and officially launches on October 31st. What better way to celebrate Halloween, right? Here's a quick blurb:

"When sixteen-year-old Willow goes urban exploring in an abandoned asylum she expects the dark halls and creepy atmosphere. But she doesn’t expect it to follow her home. After the trip, Willow becomes haunted by nightmares in which she never left Ashwood Asylum. Nightmares where she is pursued by grotesque, mind-infesting horrors called the mora who feed off the fear of mortals. Unfortunately for squeamish Willow, they are hungry. And she is their perfect meal. 

Upon waking, Willow recalls only fleeting memories of dead butterflies, hollow eyes and discordant whispers. But soon the boundary between dreams and reality disintegrates, trapping Willow in a living nightmare. Can she escape before she becomes Ashwood’s next permanent resident?"

Ashwood delves into the world of Slavic folklore and tackles themes regarding fear, loneliness and the struggle to overcome both. It will be available for e-readers such as Kindle and Nook, as well as paperback prints.

If you are in the Metro New York area, I will be hosting a talk and book signing for the release at Kinokuniya Bookstore in Manhattan on Saturday, Oct. 31st starting at 2pm EST. There will be candy and raffles prizes. Costumes are encouraged, and Kinokuniya is having a 15% discount for all costumed guests. Hope to see you there! 

Top 5 MG & YA Halloween Reads

Looking for something spooky to read to get you in the mood for the Halloween season? Well, look no further! Here is a list of my top five favorite spooky Middle Grade and Young Adult books, in no particular order.

Top 5 MG & YA Halloween Reads

Rabbit in Red by Joe Chianakas; photo courtesy of Goodreads

1.  Rabbit in Red by Joe Chianakas

If you are in any way a fan of the horror genre (especially slasher movie classics), then this is the book for you. This YA is dark and bloody, but not without humor too and not to mention FUN. It is Cabin in the Woods meets Ready Player One. In it, teenager Bill Wise wins a trip to the studio of his favorite director to compete in a contest that tests his love for the horror genre and win an internship with the studio. But is this contest really as it seems? I'm not telling - you'll have to find out for yourself. And I strongly recommend you do.

2. The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier

Set during the time of the Potato Famine era, this middle grade book tells the story of two Irish children who have journeyed to England to find work in a remote manor house. They quickly discover that they have found themselves in a house haunted by a mysterious figure called “the night man” who plagues the family who lives there. The children must uncover the secrets of this phantom before it is too late. This is pure classic gothic horror at its finest, and underneath the creepy atmosphere there is a beautifully sincere heart resting in the core. 

3.  Doll Bones by Holly Black

This is one of my favorite books of all time. It is a middle grade mystery and tells the story of three friends who go on an impromptu adventure to bury a doll which they believe is haunted by the ghost of a dead girl. But it is so much more than that. It is simultaneously creepy and sentimental, haunting and tender. At it's heart, this is a coming-of-age story laced with gentle brushes of paranormal horror. It is eerie, it is touching, it is brilliant. 

4.  The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls by Claire Legrand

Another fun and creepy middle grade horror, The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls is delightfully quirky and unsettling. Young Victoria doesn't like nonsense so when her friend Lawrence disappears and things go topsy-turvy, she launches a quest to restore order to her perfectly manicured life. This investigation leads her to the sinister title orphanage where Victoria finds herself in over her head with the malevolent mistress who oversees its operations. It's very reminiscent of Neil Gaiman's "Coraline", but unique enough to stand on its own creepy, crawly legs.  

5.  Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

Lovers of J-horror flicks, rejoice. This is the perfect book to get your ghostly fix. While Joe Chianakas' Rabbit in Red veers more toward the slasher genre, Anna Dressed in Blood goes the route of the supernatural. It is a dark YA about Cas Lowood, a teenage ghost hunter who ends up getting tangled in the story of a tragic phantom known as Anna Dressed in Blood. It is utterly frightening and heartfelt at the same time, and it truly exemplifies the YA Horror genre. It's a must read for any horror enthusiast. 

Official Sponsor of Rufflecon

I am proud to announce that I am an official sponsor of Rufflecon!

Rufflecon is an alternative fashion conference celebrating a variety of fashion sub-styles including, but not limited to, lolita, fairy kei, mori girl, gyaru, and steampunk. Since my upcoming book, ASHWOOD, features a protagonist that is a young J-fashion enthusiast, I thought that Rufflecon would be a perfect fit. Additionally, if you attend the High Tea event on Sunday, Oct. 4th, you will have a chance to win a free copy!

I am looking forward to attending and proud to sponsor such a great event. See you there!

Summer Pick 2015

So happy that the humid summer is done and we're slipping into the nice, cool autumn. I managed to read quite a few great reads this past season, but one stands out above the rest...

Summer Pick 2015

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

YA Fantasy

The Summary

Under the Martial Empire, defiance is met with death. Those who do not vow their blood and bodies to the Emperor risk the execution of their loved ones and the destruction of all they hold dear.

It is in this brutal world, inspired by ancient Rome, that Laia lives with her grandparents and older brother. The family ekes out an existence in the Empire’s impoverished backstreets. They do not challenge the Empire. They’ve seen what happens to those who do.

But when Laia’s brother is arrested for treason, Laia is forced to make a decision. In exchange for help from rebels who promise to rescue her brother, she will risk her life to spy for them from within the Empire’s greatest military academy.

There, Laia meets Elias, the school’s finest soldier—and secretly, its most unwilling. Elias wants only to be free of the tyranny he’s being trained to enforce. He and Laia will soon realize that their destinies are intertwined—and that their choices will change the fate of the Empire itself.

– Blurb from Goodreads

The Characters

Our two main characters are Laia and Elias, though there are other notable characters that also play important roles and who are equally as compelling. Laia is driven by her loyalty and love for her family to jump head-first into danger. Though she constantly chastises herself for her cowardice, her actions prove that she is incredibly brave despite these insecurities. She comes off as a bit naive and sounds much younger than she is at times, but as a whole she was endearing.

Elias, likewise, is also likable and I enjoyed witnessing his internal struggles and emotional conflicts. His compassion and fortitude make him an easy favorite. The dynamic between his relationship with other characters are varied, complex and believable... and often heartbreaking. 

The Setting

This isn't quite dystopian and neither does it fully feel fantasy, but instead touches of both. The setting is very reminiscent of Roman-occupied Constantinople with classic mythological elements used to bring out the fantasy aspects. It's never heavy handed on it's use of magic which helps sell this world to the audience. Some have referred to this as a YA friendly version of A Song of Ice and Fire and I can certainly understand the comparison, though I think this book stands on it's own.  

Overall Opinion

This is one of those books that has me not want to put it down. I was fully engaged from start to finish. There are so many moments that had me on edge, with jaw dropped open. It's a great mix of action, intrigue and drama. It's rare when a book lives up to the hype surrounding it, but I am happy to say that An Ember in the Ashes truly does live up to it.

Be warned though - this is a very dark and gritty book, and the setting is an utterly bleak place. As a trigger warning, rape is a subject that is frequently discussed throughout the text, and while nothing occurs "on-screen", as it were, it may still be upsetting to some.

Author Spotlight: Jennifer Gadd

In this "Author Spotlight" I interviewed Jennifer Gadd, author of the recently published book, CAT MOON by Distinguished Press. It is a Middle Grade horror, perfect for kids who like a little touch of spookiness in their stories. 

CAT MOON by Jennifer Gadd

C.J.: Can you tell us about some of the inspiration for your newly released book, CAT MOON?

Jennifer: A few things come to mind on this. One is a long-time interest in the folklore around lycanthropy. Couple that with the character of Remus Lupin from the Harry Potter series and the burgeoning market for teen vampire stuff, and you have a pretty good medium for what I wound up writing.


C.J.: What was your biggest challenge that you faced during writing this book?

Jennifer: When I wrote the book ten years ago, my girls were 11 and 16. And the thing about kids is that they constantly need stuff. Finding blocks of time where I wouldn’t be interrupted was the thing I remember being very frustrating. 

C.J.: Who was your favorite character to write?

Jennifer: Oh, Emma, definitely. I love that girl so much. She sort of sprang out of my imagination fully-formed, as it were, so I always knew exactly how she would react, what she would want, and what she would say without having to think very hard about it.

C.J.:  If you could transform into any animal, what would you choose?

Jennifer: I would like to be a dog who lives in my house. Because that’s a pretty cushy proposition.

C.J.: Who are some of your favorite authors and favorite books?

Jennifer: In my opinion, the finest novel ever written is The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It is just so tightly written, with hardly even one word wasted. Just brilliant. I do love a lot of “canon” literature—Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and George Eliot, to name a few. For more popular authors, I would choose Agatha Christie, Douglas Adams,  Candace Robb, and Anne Perry.

C.J.:  How did you get started as a writer?

Jennifer: I don’t remember ever NOT being a writer, to tell the truth. I can remember writing short stories and poems in elementary school. Anytime there was a writing-based choice for school projects, that was my option.

C.J.: What advice do you have for young, aspiring writers? 

Jennifer: Read everything you can get your hands on. Read good stuff, read bad stuff, read easy stuff, read hard stuff. Read. And then write. Write every spare second you have available. And don’t forget to make time for writing. Make it a priority. If you don’t, life will always manage to take the time from you.

You can find CAT MOON here:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Smashwords

Dyscalculia and the Imaginative Mind

I’ve always hated math. It’s not that I’m “just bad at math” – I straight up don’t understand it! No matter how many times I go through calculations or study the formulas, nothing about it makes sense to me. Nothing clicks in place. But it’s not just math that I struggle with. There are other little issues I have too – I have difficulty reading analog clocks, I’m always highly anxious about being late, I have no concept of distance and measurement and I have to hold up my index and thumb on each hand to see which one forms the “L” so I know which is left and which is right. This is how it has always been with me. It’s just a part of my reality.

When I was a little girl it was chalked up to the age-old “she’s just bad at math” and “she just has to study harder”. But I did study hard. I even had tutoring sessions. Nothing worked. Then one day, when I was in 7^th grade, I went to up my math teacher’s desk to get help figuring out a problem. She looked it over and a scowl formed on her face. This was followed by her hastily correcting my work before shoving it back in my hands before loudly berating me in front of the class for being “stupid” and needing to “get my head out of the clouds.”

I went numb. My head lowered while my face burnt with humiliation. I managed to trudge back to my desk but I couldn’t bring myself to lift my head again. The damage had been done. If a teacher said I was stupid, then I assumed that is just what I was. There was no reason for me to try ever again. It didn’t matter – I was just stupid and nothing could change that. From that day forward I didn’t even bother to apply myself with math because it was clear to me at the time that I was a lost cause.

Later, well after I managed to graduate from college, I learned about dyscalculia and it changed my entire perspective. Much like how dyslexia is with letters and words, dyscalculia is a learning disability which effects a person’s ability to comprehend numbers. Every single bullet point of the symptoms matched me to the core. When faced with this revelation, I burst into tears and felt a wave of relief crash over me. I wasn’t stupid. I wasn’t a lost cause. My mind just worked differently.

It’s estimated that between 3-6% of the population is affected by dyscalculia and yet it is still under-diagnosed and not well understood even by educators, who are still only now just learning about this disability. The other fascinating thing I learned about it was that many dyscalculic people score high when tested on language and reading, and tend to be highly creative. So while dyscalculia may have hindered me in mathematics, it allowed me to fully embrace this other wonderful part of my brain. This thing, which I had always viewed as a weakness, had contributed to one of my greatest strengths – my imagination and love for literature. And it is those strengths that have helped me find success and happiness in my life. So if being bad at math is the price for that – I’ll take it!

The struggle to deal with feeling of inadequacies can be suffocating at time, but it’s vital to look beyond perceived shortcomings, be it in ourselves or others, and learn to focus on our talents. I’ve come to accept that I can’t be good at everything and that’s okay! All any of us can do is to try our best and love all the parts of ourselves that make us the people who we are.

Top 5 Favorite Early Childhood Books

Stories are such a huge part of childhood. Certain ones just connect with us and stay with us well into adulthood. These are the stories we hand down to the next generation. These are the stories that still light up our eyes when we think back on how they made us feel. So here is a list of my five favorites from my early childhood that have a special place in my heart.

Top 5 Favorite Early Childhood Books

Image courtesy of GoodReads.com

1.  The Serendipity Books by Stephen Cosgrove

The Serendipity Books were a series of whimsical stand-alone stories that carried a poignant message at the end of each little paperback book. They were morality lessons told to us by fantastical and adorable creatures, many of whom had several of their own books in the series. The beautiful illustrations by Robin James helped stir the imagination and complement the gentle tales. I was absolutely in love with them as a child, with Buttermilk (picture above) being my favorite. 

2. The Whisper the Winged Unicorn Series 

Written by a number of different authors, this series featured the title character of Whisper, a winged unicorn living in an enchanted land. Much like the Serendipity books, it was a stand-alone series that followed Whisper's adventures with her friends as they all learned lessons. They were charming and heart-warming little stories, and really... what little girl could resist a rainbow-maned unicorn? ...Okay, okay - I STILL can't resist rainbow-maned unicorns.

3.  The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

I'm sure this is a favorite on everyone's list, but what can I say? It's a classic for a reason. My mother used to read this to me and my brother when we were little. The stark and simple illustrations do such an effective job at evoking the book's core theme of friendship and loneliness. This is still a household favorite and one we all take turns reading to my two little nephews. 

4.  Jellybeans for Breakfast by Miriam Young

I remember being drawn to this one's bright yellow cover with two smiling girls. Jellybeans for breakfast? Sign me up! This early reader story was a prose about one nameless girl trying to convince her neighbor to come over by telling her about all the fantastical adventures they will have together. It was a great book that captured childhood whimsy and wishes. And a great gift to give a best friend.

5.  The Chick and the Duckling by Mirra Ginsburg

This was another book my mom used to read to me as a young child. It tells the story of a little chick who tries to do everything his bigger ducking friend does, with the line "Me too!" said the Chick echoing throughout the story. "Me too, said the Chick" became a common phrase my mom would use every time I wanted follow or imitate my older brother. She still teases me with it to this day.

Spring Pick 2015

Now that spring is officially over, it's time for me to share my favorite book I read through the spring season. So without further ado, my spring pick...

Spring Pick 2015

The Walls Around Us by Nova Ren Suma

YA Thriller

 

The Summary

On the outside, there's Violet, an eighteen-year-old dancer days away from the life of her dreams when something threatens to expose the shocking truth of her achievement.

On the inside, within the walls of the Aurora Hills juvenile detention center, there's Amber, locked up for so long she can't imagine freedom.

Tying their two worlds together is Orianna, who holds the key to unlocking all the girls' darkest mysteries…

What really happened on the night Orianna stepped between Violet and her tormentors? What really happened on two strange nights at Aurora Hills? Will Amber and Violet and Orianna ever get the justice they deserve—in this life or in another one?

In prose that sings from line to line, Nova Ren Suma tells a supernatural tale of guilt and of innocence, and of what happens when one is mistaken for the other.

– Blurb from Goodreads

The Characters

While their is a diverse cast of characters, the main story focuses on three specific characters - Violet, Amber and Orianna. Each of these three girls is complex, interesting and so very realistic.

Having read a previous book by this author (Imaginary Girls), I will say that Ms. Suma has a gift at getting into her character's heads and making the most raw portraits of humanity. There is something so utterly visceral and sincere about how she crafts her characters that it's easy to get swept up into their heads and the story, in general.

Without giving too much away about these three girls with their intertwined lives, I will say this - they each feel unique unto themselves. You can easily find bits of people whom you know in real life in them. And the best part is they are so beautifully flawed. None of them is perfect by any means, not even seemingly pristine Orianna who is a character I could see as falling into the realm of saccharine with a less skilled author at the helm. Lucky for us, Suma has a strong grasp of character development and human understanding that allows her to not fall into overused tropes or stereotypes.

The Setting

This is a modern day story which primarily takes place at the fictional Aurora Hills juvenile detention center set in the northeast of the United States. The story shifts between the current time and flashbacks that may feel jarring at first, but once you settle into the tone and pace, you can easily follow the slips in and out of conscious.

Overall Opinion

The action of the story is diluted through a lot of info dumping, but it works. In fact this is one of the few stories that I have seen it succeed. There are a lot of shifts in narrative and time via flashbacks and flash-forwards. That's okay - it's supposed to be a bit confusing, a bit ethereal. All will be revealed at the end and what a brilliant reveal it is.

The tone is foreboding and almost dreamy with a lingering sense of dread weighing through the murk. Atmospheric and psychological, it had be hooked from start to end. This is masterful writing and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in reading something a little different.

Top 5 Favorite Authors

Like every writer, I am first and foremost a reader. There have been so many stories, characters and authors who have shaped my own writing. But there are just some authors who I find myself returning to time and time again. Here is a list of my five favorite authors and what it is about their works that keep me coming back for more. Enjoy!

Top 5 Favorite Authors

 

1.  Lloyd Alexander

It’s no great secret that I am an absolute fangirl when it comes to Lloyd Alexander. He is the first author that truly touched my heart and made me love the written word. There is a pure classic quality to his stories that make them feel timeless and familiar. His works are a perfect example of middle grade high fantasy and I’m not sure we’ll ever meet his like again. When I was a young woman struggling to become a writer myself, I would write to him and tell him how much of an inspiration he was to me. He, in turn, always replied without fail and encouraged me to keep following my dreams. His words both in stories and in letters continue to guide me.

2. Peter Beagle

Like most children of the 80’s, I discovered his famed story The Last Unicorn after watching the animated movie version. The movie stole my heart and the book sang to my soul. I was immediately enchanted by his words. Everything about them evoked such a sense of utter sincerity.  Having seen him several times now in person, he is also fascinating to listen to and very kind to his fans. There’s a spark of magic in that man, I swear.

3. Holly Black

I first was introduced to Holly Black’s writing with her Spiderwick Chronicles and have been following her career ever since. I think what I love most about her writing is that she does such an amazing job with integrating fey lore into modern settings. She clearly gets the fey. She has such an obvious appreciation of the lore and pays it full respect. Her characters are always complex and believable in spite of whatever bizarre circumstances they may find themselves in.

4. Jessica Day George

Princess stories have a close place in my heart, so it was only a matter of time before I discovered the works of Jessica Day George. There is no edgy guile to her stories that has started to saturate the market. She simply takes classic elements, tells straight forward stories and still manages to make them all her own. Her characters and their stories are effervescent, innocent and pure fun. She truly has a gift with capturing the joy and magic of childhood, for young and old readers alike.

5. Neil Gaiman

I’m not sure I can say much about Neil Gaiman that hasn’t already been said – the guy oozes imagination from his every pore. He does such a great job at world building and crafting beautiful stories. When I read his works, I really do feel transported to his worlds. He’s another one who really understands fey lore and how to utilize magic in his settings. A master wordsmith and an imagineer to the core, Neil Gaiman is an author’s author.

Winter Pick 2015

I am starting a new feature on this blog called “Seasonal Picks”. At the end of each season, I’ll pick my favorite book among the books I read during that time and review it. So without further ado… I give you my Winter Pick…

Winter Pick 2015

The Darkest Park of the Forest by Holly Black

YA Fantasy

 

The Summary

Children can have a cruel, absolute sense of justice. Children can kill a monster and feel quite proud of themselves. A girl can look at her brother and believe they’re destined to be a knight and a bard who battle evil. She can believe she’s found the thing she’s been made for.

Hazel lives with her brother, Ben, in the strange town of Fairfold where humans and fae exist side by side. The faeries’ seemingly harmless magic attracts tourists, but Hazel knows how dangerous they can be, and she knows how to stop them. Or she did, once.

At the center of it all, there is a glass coffin in the woods. It rests right on the ground and in it sleeps a boy with horns on his head and ears as pointed as knives. Hazel and Ben were both in love with him as children. The boy has slept there for generations, never waking.

Until one day, he does…

As the world turns upside down, Hazel tries to remember her years pretending to be a knight. But swept up in new love, shifting loyalties, and the fresh sting of betrayal, will it be enough?

– Blurb from Goodreads

The Characters

One of the biggest things I need to fall in love with any story is to connect to the characters. There have been numerous books where the setting and plot have been compelling, but I ultimately didn’t like it because the characters were either unlikeable or unrelatable. Holly Black is wonderful at crafting very believable characters and this work is no different.

Hazel, Ben and the other character feel and sound like contemporary teenagers. Given some of their extraordinary talents (in the case of Ben and Jack) and the fantastical atmosphere, building strong characters may seem like a feat. But Black pulls it off with her usual grace and style.

As the central character, Hazel was compelling and sympathetic in her yearnings. She is flawed, complex and totally believable. I think it would be easy for any reader to see a bit of themselves reflected in her because of how utterly human she is – an aspect which is wonderful when showcased alongside the other fey characters we encounter through the story.

And speaking of the fey, Black gets major props for crafting the fey characters to be so close to the heart of faerie folklore. One thing I’ve said in the past and will say again is that Holly Black gets the fey. She understand the mercurial and capricious nature and it is evoked from every word on the page. As huge fan of faerie lore, I appreciate this very much.

The Setting

The fairy-tale-in-a-modern-day setting is rather popular in media these days. As such, it’s hard to stand out while still feeling fresh but Black does it. The story takes place in a contemporary suburban American town on the border of a faerie forest. It never once comes off as hokey or contrived – the town of Fairfold feels exactly how a town in any fairy tale would feel if set in the modern day. From the interaction from the town folk to the tourists, the way the characters interact with their environment rings true. I’ve never seen the fairy tale in modern times theme pulled off as well as I did in this story.

Overall Opinion

From a compelling setting to gripping characters, there is a sincerity in Black’s stories that makes her writing seem almost effortless. This is a beautiful modern day fairy story that pulled at my heart. I also appreciate the presence of gay characters in a YA novel that were written seamlessly and without any sense of the author trying to make a statement. I wish we could see more diverse characters like Ben in children’s literature. His sexual identity is a part of him without being the only defining aspect of his personality and I applaud Black for the way she handled him.

Overall this is a very well-written story which easily sweeps its reader into Hazel’s world. I highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys fantasy or faerie lore.