Haunted at 17

Today is the release of my good friend Nova Ren Suma's new book, 17 & Gone! Look at the gorgeousness!

I've been waiting to read this one for a LONG time. Nova's books always touch me deeply. To celebrate her release, she's been running a series of posts from fellow authors called "Haunted at 17". I've been reading them with great interest, and debating for a couple days, but in the end I couldn't help but join in. For Nova. :)

*****

At 17, I was haunted by change.

I read a website somewhere that lists major causes of life stress--divorce, marriage, moving houses, major job or life change. I hit most of them within a few months when I was 17.

Susan at 17

I've been fascinated, reading all these other posts, at how others documented their experiences, in journals, online. Not surprising, I guess--we are all writers. But I didn't document anything then. I'd had something pretty horrible happen when I was 13, that broke me for a while. (I'm so glad this is not Haunted at 13! I wouldn't be able to do it!) After that I didn't write things down, not for a long time. I kept things in. I kept myself in, private, hidden. Or I let myself out in ways that were still "safe": ballet first, then acting. I didn't want to keep a record of any of it.

But the funny thing is, time helps. By the time I was 17 I was starting to come out of the horribleness. I made real, strong friends in that year, finally, friends I could be open with. My mom was happy again. At the end of my senior year (I was always a grade ahead, so I graduated at 17), I went on a trip to Europe with those friends, and had a great time. My mom and her fiancee moved houses while I was gone, so when I came back it was to a totally different house.

I still have dreams about my childhood house. I wonder sometimes if it's because I didn't say goodbye to it properly.

Anyway. That summer my mom got married again, to a man who's been a better father to me than mine ever was. I was a bridesmaid in their wedding. I started college in the fall, at a good, huge school.

So what was wrong? The change. 

I'd spent all that time coming back. Getting my feet under me, trying to realize that it was okay, that *I* was okay. That my life probably wasn't going to reverse in an instant again like that. I'd built friendships and helped my mom rebuild herself, and managed to get through high school. And now I had to start ALL over. Be an adult, stand on my own.

I had no belief that I could do it. I didn't have a lot of self-confidence, and what I did was fragile, and false.

I didn't know that college would turn out all right, in the end. It did, of course, after a couple years of floundering.

I didn't know that I'd have trouble finding a job after, but it'd be okay.

I didn't know that I'd meet my husband 5 years later, move in with him in 3 months, get engaged 3 months after that, we were so SURE. Or that we'd still be married 20 years later, with a beautiful, smart 11-year-old daughter.

I didn't know I'd be a writer.

I didn't know any of that, because that's the point of being 17. It's all uncertainty, and fear, and hope, and dreams. And change.

Books of Awesomeness

HELLO.

*waves dramatically*

So...I am now in a lull. My life, both writing and non-writing, always goes like this. I have a massive pile of Things, Reports and Books and such, and I work frantically trying to juggle it all and get it all done and turned in and check things off, and I make or come close to making those deadlines, and then...

It all falls off, for a week or two. In both work and writing I've turned everything over to others, and I'm waiting for them to be able to read/proof/evaluate and hand it back to me.

*looks out window*
*taps pencil*
*clears throat*
*looks out window again*

Can I admit I'm much better at juggling lots of things than not having enough to do? The first couple days are all YEAH I'M FREE LET'S READ ALL THE BOOKS AND WATCH ALL THE TV and then about a week in I'm good with having free time and ready to work hard again.

However, let's pick up that "read all the books" part, because in the week and a half or so I've managed to read THREE amazing books, amazing in totally different ways, so I thought I should take the (vast quantities of) time I have at the moment and post about them! Yes! Let's go! In the order in which I read them:

THE REECE MALCOLM LIST by Amy Spalding

I am listening to Pandora as I type this, and it's gone from COMPANY to ANYTHING GOES to SOUND OF MUSIC, which is just about perfect, I think. THE REECE MALCOLM LIST is a wonderful exploration of a girl's search for her place in life--through her relationship with her unknown mother, but also in school and with boys--but it also has great references to musicals and show people that my nerdy musical-loving teenager (and adult) self loved. The voice is spot-on, all at once funny and self-deprecating and yearning. I highly recommend.

THE MADNESS UNDERNEATH by Maureen Johnson

I'm a Maureen Johnson fan. I honestly don't know how any YA author could NOT be a Maureen Johnson fan. She's such an advocate for teens, kidlit writers, and the industry, plus she's ridiculously funny. I've read most of Maureen's books, and I've enjoyed them. But these last two books, the Shades of London series, have hit an absolute sweet spot with me. The writing is impeccable, the voice clear and engaging, and the subject...private British school, ghost hunting, entwined with Jack the Ripper? Yeah. I've sucked them both up with passion. This book is the rare second book that is as good as the first one...and I will NOT spoil, but she killed me with the end. In a good way...mostly. Read THE NAME OF THE STAR first, but have this one handy for the second you're done.

THE ARCHIVED by Victoria Schwab

Just...wow. You guys. Victoria's a longtime friend and all, so I was really hoping I'd love this, but OMG I LOVE THIS SO MUCH. The concept...I don't even want to spoil it for you! Let's say it involves a totally new concept of the afterlife, with new jobs and dangers and mythology, that I was completely entranced by. Victoria's writing is breathtaking, and the characters are still in my head several days later. I want more of them and the world, ASAP. There can't be a much stronger recommendation than that.



Here's where I'd usually give one of them away, but honestly I can't bear to part with any of these. I am SORRY. But please BUY THEM FOR YOURSELF AND LOVE THEM TOO.

Next on my to-read list: Laini Taylor's DAYS OF BLOOD AND STARLIGHT. Hopefully I'll be able to add it to the books of awesome list too!

Win a copy of IN THE SHADOW OF BLACKBIRDS

CONTEST IS CLOSED.

Thanks, you guys!! The winner is:

Ashley!!

Congratulations, Ashley! You'll get an email from me so I can get your fabulous prize on the way. Hope everyone else checks this book out when it comes out April 2!


*******************************************

You know what I haven't done in a while?

A GIVEAWAY.

I think it's time I fix that, right now. And I have the perfect book for it. Take a look at this awesome cover:

I KNOW, RIGHT? Ghosts and historical and creepy-awesome-looking girl with a touch of steampunk. Yesssss.

But what's better is what's inside. Here's the official description:
In 1918, the world seems on the verge of apocalypse. Americans roam the streets in gauze masks to ward off the deadly Spanish influenza, and the government ships young men to the front lines of a brutal war, creating an atmosphere of fear and confusion. Sixteen-year-old Mary Shelley Black watches as desperate mourners flock to séances and spirit photographers for comfort, but she herself has never believed in ghosts. During her bleakest moment, however, she’s forced to rethink her entire way of looking at life and death, for her first love—a boy who died in battle—returns in spirit form. But what does he want from her?
Featuring haunting archival early-twentieth-century photographs, this is a tense, romantic story set in a past that is eerily like our own time.

I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book--it doesn't come out until April 2--and I *devoured* it. Disclaimer: I've known Cat for...wow...15 years? More? We worked together long before we both ended up writing YA. She hosted my baby shower. So honestly I was a bit afraid to read it...because what if I didn't like it? How would I deal with it?

NOT A PROBLEM. You guys, it is so very good. Exquisitely written, spooky (almost more because of the influenza than the ghosts), and so, so atmospheric. The voice grabbed me and threw me into 1918 San Diego, and I was fascinated from there.

So, who wants to have my SIGNED copy? It also includes a bookmark signed by Cat. You do, right?

Here's how you enter:

1. For TWO entries in the drawing: comment below with (1) your name, (2) your email address, and (3) a fact about 1918. Any fact! Google happily!

2. For an additional entry, tweet about the contest with a link (@ me (@susan_adrian) so I know)

3. For another additional entry, post about the contest on Facebook! (I am, shockingly, Susan Adrian)

We're trying to spread the word about this fabulous book, so when it releases April 2 everyone will KNOW how much they want it. And one of you will already have it in your hands!

Since it's a 3-day weekend, contest will close Tuesday morning at 8 am MST, and I'll draw a random winner. North American entries only, sorry!

Good luck!

Shenanigans

HELLO, my pretties!!

Still here, working away in my own corner of the world. Hope you're doing the same in yours!

Since we last talked I have:

--Been ripping apart my current manuscript and making something new out of it. This is a Good Thing. I got some excellent, deep feedback in November/December (THANK YOU FOREVER, lovely CPs!), and realized I needed to completely rejigger the structure. Rejigger is too light of a word. Rip apart is closer. And the characterization too! I think at least half of it will be completely new material. And this is the third draft. Anyway, I probably will be fairly head-down for a bit until I get this done.

--Auditioned for and got accepted into the university choir. This is my first time singing ANYTHING other than in my shower, and I don't read music (yet--I'm trying to learn it quickly), so it was pretty much a miracle they let me in (Alto 1). I'm floundering a bit so far. But I'm very excited to be part of it and about the songs we're singing (including Oh Shenandoah, All Things Bright and Beautiful, Earth Song, and a version of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah). Wish me luck!

--Went to Vegas for the first time, last weekend. I gave my husband this trip as his Christmas present, and we had a blast. We saw a Cirque du Soleil show, and Rod Stewart live, and did fun things like ride the New York New York rollercoaster and sample sodas from around the world at the Coke store. And we did the Pawn Stars tour, because we could. :)

--I also read some great books, including one I'm going to give away soon, once things settle down enough for me to get to it (IN THE SHADOW OF BLACKBIRDS by Cat Winters). And I bought some new exciting ones, like THE ARCHIVED by Victoria Schwab, DAYS OF BLOOD AND STARLIGHT by Laini Taylor, and THE REECE MALCOLM LIST by rockin' agent-sister Amy Spalding. Yay new books! I'm also reading HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE for the first time with my daughter, and we're really enjoying that.

We are on the eve of February, which has long been one of my favorite months as it has my birthday *and* my daughter's birthday. If we can just skip over that icky Valentine's Day part.

Oh! And tonight after work I have to go buy a ballgown. Because next week we've been invited to the Governor's black-tie ball...

Yep, life is always interesting. Tell me what you're up to!!

Notes on Writing Advice

I've had a wonderful few weeks since I posted last. Family vacation at Disneyland, Christmas (my very favorite holiday!), and New Year's. I wasn't as productive as during quieter times, but I am working away on a major revision of the WIP, and hopefully it'll be a far better story at the end of all the mess. I hope you had some good "off" time too, and maybe a bit of work thrown in!

The main purpose of this post isn't niceties, though. I need to talk to you about something. Okay, I need to *rant* about something, a little.

With the New Year a lot of people make resolutions to start writing, to write more, to get serious about writing. Yay! We need more good stories. But these new writers or newly serious writers get a lot of advice thrown at them. I've been seeing it popping up lately, all over. Especially from published writers.

I read a blog the other day from a published writer telling readers if they want to be a "real" writer they need to write every day. Sure, they didn't HAVE to. But if they were serious about it...well. This writer made it sound like if you don't write every day, you might as well give up now, because you weren't dedicated enough.

NO. NO NO NO NO NO. Guys, I may have growled at the screen a little.

I've seen so many writers give advice like that over the years. Not "I did this, or I do this, and it works for me." That's useful! But that's not what I see everywhere. I see "If you want to get published, or be successful:"

• you should write every day (this is a huge one in the community)
• you should outline (sure, pantsing is okay for newbies, but not for people with contracts...)
• you should NOT outline
• you should use Scrivener
• you should use Word
• you should write in cafes, like real writers do
• you should turn off Internet while you write
• you should let your manuscript sit for (2 weeks, 1 week, a month) after the first draft. Whatever you do, don't touch it before then!
• you should fast-draft and then revise
• you should revise as you go
• you should have 3 (or however many) crit partners for each stage
• you shouldn't have crit partners after a certain point, just agent/editor
• you should have a certain number of stages in drafting

etc., etc. RULES. Not tools, or thoughts, or ideas to consider. RULES. And new writers are going to suck those rules right up and try to do all of them, even though many of them conflict! I know I did. I flailed.

Okay. So my books are not on the shelf yet, so maybe I don't have the authority that a genuine pubbed author has. But I have been doing this for about 12 years. I'm working on my 7th manuscript. And I know a LOT of published authors at this point, have witnessed them go through the process of writing books over and over. And here's what I've learned. 

• Everyone writes differently. And that's OKAY.
• Not only that, but every BOOK is different. You'll change and develop as a writer. The books will require different tools. Some might need outlining. Some might need fast-drafting. Some might need a zillion revision stages, and some might only need a couple. And your life will change too. For some books you may write every day. Sometimes you can't do that--you may have other circumstances and you may not be able to write on weekends, or on Wednesdays, or for a week when your mother is here.

You are still a real writer.

I happen to be writing every day right now, because I found a way that works for me. But for years I didn't write on weekends--weekends were strictly family time, and that was important too. I still finished books, had an agent, went out on sub, wrote more books. 

I think there are three absolute "rules" you need to follow to be a real writer. These are the only things we all need to do. And we all DO them, over and over and over, from the 20-published-books author to the ones still in the trenches, at all levels. I learned them a long time ago from Diana Gabaldon, and they're the only true rules I've ever seen. Ready? Here they are:

1. Read.

2. Write.

3. Don't give up.

That's it. Nothing else matters.

/rant

Ketchup (no, no. Catch-up)

Yes, once a month is a PERFECTLY reasonable blogging schedule. Why do you ask?

(If you ever want to know what I'm up to, by the way, I'm on twitter all blooming day, many days, chattering like a maniac.)

Anyway. Much has gone on since I last typed in this box:

--TWO trips to Oregon. The first was for the fabulous second annual KT Literary retreat (see pics here!), which was my first time meeting other lovely KT clients. You guys: they all rock. It was a small sampling, but I can't wait to meet more. It was a bit rainy in Portland (shock), but we got in lots of wandering and book-browsing and chatting and eating yummies.

--The second was last weekend, a work-ish trip to go see our football team play their last regular game of the season. We'd won 8 in a row, practically unheard of for our team, so we were hoping to finish it out strong and celebrate in the other team's stadium. Not so much...we got crushed. *sigh* Still was mildly fun. And we're still in the playoffs, starting this weekend!

--I finished a book.

*secret smile*

Okay, not REALLY. I finished a DRAFT of a book, an extremely short, extraordinarily rough draft. But still, it's all in one piece so I can attack it and make it better now. Starting today! I meant to dive right in the next day, but the last trip intervened, and today's the first day I can. So I WILL. *looks at draft* *is only a little scared, mostly excited* *and scared* *a little*

Hope all is well with you, lovely peoples. Are you ready for Thanksgiving? Christmas?

Hahahahahahahahaha. Yeah. Me either.

Gallivanting

I'm resting a little bit this week. Well-deserved, I think, after three consecutive 3-day weekend trips to Billings, then LA/Del Mar, then Denver. I love trips and exploring, but WHEW.

Of course "resting" includes catching up on piles of work, piles of laundry, and piles of dishes. But hey, it's familiar. Comforting. :)

I am such an INFT/J.

Anyway, I did have some great trips. I saw a concert at the Hollywood Bowl with husband! Saw his childhood home, and schools (he kept saying "they're so small"). Went to the amazing Emily Hainsworth's book launch! Saw a play of THE GIVER with an old friend!

AND I met my wonderful agent, Kate Schafer Testerman. She's bouncy and smart and funny and though I knew it before, the visit absolutely confirmed I'm in excellent hands.

Proof!

We went out for crepes, YUM. Though next time I am totally getting the Crepe Suzette.

I also learned a few things about myself on this solo trip:

• I talk back to the GPS. Often. Not even swearing, but conversationally.
  
• When I'm alone in a hotel room, I only turn on the TV as a last resort. I wrote over 3k on New Book (yay) and read a ton: TEN by Gretchen McNeil (spooky), REAL MERMAIDS DON'T WEAR TOE RINGS by Helene Boudreau (fun), and the one that's currently sucked me into its world wholeheartedly, CROWN OF EMBERS by Rae Carson. I love my Kindle, though I guess that's not news.
  
• I thought I was good at packing, but apparently NOT. I realized five minutes into the first flight that I'd totally forgotten to pack the dress pants I needed for the next day, so I had to go buy some. And I didn't pack any casual clothes to hang around and write in on Sunday. Urgh.
  
• I also apparently suck at taking pics of myself! The above picture Kate took is the only evidence of the trip at all--I didn't take one pic with Emily. At least I'm not one of those many  people constantly walking around with my nose stuck in my phone.
  No, my nose is stuck in my Kindle. :)

So I have a couple weeks at home (with major work/life events) before I head out again on another solo trip, this time to Portland at the end of October. I'm already making my list of things to improve. Pack better, take pictures...but I think that reading and writing part can stay the same.

*~*~

Fall Bounciness

Tonight is forecasted to be the first real frost--I'll have to get out there and cover our fledgling pumpkins with sheets, bring the hanging strawberries into the garage for the night. You'd think this would make me sad...the end of our perfect summer weather.

It actually makes me bouncy.

I adore Fall. It's my favorite season by far. Why?

• The light changes utterly. It slants orange across the yard, across my daughter's face as she helps me water. It's friendlier, calmer than strong summer light. It tells me things are changing.
•  The wardrobe switch! By the end of August I'm tired of my small rotation of tank tops and capri pants, and ready to dive back into my massive pile of sweaters, jeans, and colorful stripy wool socks. Plus buy a few more, here and there. (my husband's cry: "Like you need any more sweaters!" Yes, I do.)
• New boots. I discovered I really could wear high-heeled boots instead of flats last year (who knew?). Just got my third new pair to replace ones I wore out last year. LOVE them!
• The scents. Break out the Spiced Cider, Hot Toddy, and Pumpkin Vanilla scented candles! I am READY. But beyond that, fall itself smells fresh to me. Leaves, wet pavement, browning grass, pencils. Aaah.
• Candy corn! But mostly, Jelly Belly's Autumn mellocreme mix. YUM.
• Most of all, it's a new start. For my daughter school starts, of course, but also art classes and dance, and this year, clarinet lessons. Since I work on a college campus, everything starts up around here too, and the whole place is busting with energy and excitement. Plus sports: football! Volleyball! Basketball! Our schedule goes from nearly empty to packed full.

I do think of the tragedy of September 11 today, of course, like everyone. I remember that day very clearly. I was pregnant with my daughter, and I was petrified of the future she was going to be born into very soon. But she is here, and happy, and doing well. And with Fall comes HOPE. I feel like I can start again, and succeed. Everyone gets a new chance, including me. Including you.

Happy Fall!

Winner winner chicken dinner

**AND THE WINNER IS....**

Sandy!!

Congratulations, Sandy!! Email me your address at susan (dot) adrian (at) yahoo (.com), and I'll get your prize on its way to you. I KNOW you'll enjoy it. Especially since you picked Billy. ;)

IN A FIX release day + giveaway!!

GUYS. Today is a VERY EXCITING DAY.

It's the *release* (book birthday) of the debut novel by my very good friend and crit partner, Linda Grimes!

WOOOHOOOO!!!

Linda and I have been online friends and writing compatriots for...10 years? (or more) We connected on Compuserve Writer's Forum back in the day, both nestled into a small writer's support group (Kickass Writer Chicks), and then both moved on to a different but also amazing small writer's support group (Team Sparkle). We've emailed each other through many books, queries, agent-crises, submission-crises, writing highs, plot craziness, and personal Stuff. We've met twice, on two different coasts, and had a few phone calls, some in tears. I was one of the first people to read IN A FIX and fall in love with Ciel (and Mark and Billy). I am SO VERY proud and excited to see her book out there in the world, where everyone else can read it too!

To celebrate, and to thank Linda for all her support, I'm going to give away a copy of IN A FIX to one lucky winner.

To tantalize you, here's the book blurb from Goodreads:

The start of an original new urban fantasy series starring human chameleon Ciel Halligan

Snagging a marriage proposal for her client while on an all-expenses-paid vacation should be a simple job for Ciel Halligan, aura adaptor extraordinaire. A kind of human chameleon, she’s able to take on her clients’ appearances and slip seamlessly into their lives, solving any sticky problems they don’t want to deal with themselves. No fuss, no muss. Big paycheck.

This particular assignment is pretty enjoyable... that is, until Ciel’s island resort bungalow is blown to smithereens and her client’s about-to-be-fiancé is snatched by modern-day Vikings. For some reason, Ciel begins to suspect that getting the ring is going to be a tad more difficult than originally anticipated.

Going from romance to rescue requires some serious gear-shifting, as well as a little backup. Her best friend, Billy, and Mark, the CIA agent she’s been crushing on for years—both skilled adaptors—step in to help, but their priority is, annoyingly, keeping her safe. Before long, Ciel is dedicating more energy to escaping their watchful eyes than she is to saving her client’s intended.

Suddenly, facing down a horde of Vikings feels like the least of her problems.

 Doesn't that sound fabulous? So here's all you have to do to win:

1. Comment below, saying (even if you haven't read the book) whether you think you'd be Team Mark or Team Billy. BOTH ARE GOOD CHOICES.
2. Have an address in North America where I can send the book.
3. Enter by 5 PM Mountain time TOMORROW, September 5th. That's right, you have TWO DAYS to enter, and that's it!

I'll send you a copy direct from a lovely online bookstore!

**contest is closed!!** winner will be announced TOMORROW!

Writers and Parties

Like most writers I know, I've got a little bit of social anxiety. If given a choice and able to be completely honest, I'd rather stay home with a book and a computer than go to a big party or social function. But for real-life reasons I find myself having to go to quite a lot of these events. I thought I'd illustrate in pictures what going to a party is like for me...and probably many of you!

All pictures are public domain from Flickr Commons.

BEFORE THE PARTY:

Oh my God, what did I do? Why do I have to go to this? It's going to be awful, I know it. BREATHE.

DURING THE PARTY:

Wow, there are a lot of people here. I even know some of them! This isn't so bad.

Not bad at all. These people are actually pretty funny! And I think maybe they even get me. See, they laughed.

This guy even looks like GARY COOPER. And I think I'm being passably charming. Woot! Success!

 AFTER THE PARTY:

Oh my GOD what did I say? I think that one guy who looked like Gary Cooper looked at me funny. I probably sounded like an idiot. Ugh. And that dress. I probably should've worn a different dress.

Oh well, I'd rather read anyway.

Or write. Damn, this character is witty at parties. I am good.
I think.

What to Do When You're Waiting

If you've been around the publishing business for more than 5 minutes, you know a couple of things:
(1) it's about half work and half waiting and (2) publishing has its own time dimension. A slow....motion....thenquickmotionrightnow dimension, with its own rules.

It's no one's fault--it's just the nature of the beast. Publishing is an extremely collaborative process, so EVERYBODY has to wait for other people at some point. Agents wait. Editors wait. Sales, Marketing, Design...all of us. And, of course, writers. We often wait for long stretches, hope soaring, doubt clinging stubbornly to its tail. You don't have to enjoy it, but you do have to get used to it.

But there are Things that you can do--and that you shouldn't do. I've listed a few ideas, but please feel free to chime in with more!

THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU'RE WAITING:

1. Work.
No matter how this process goes, no matter who you're waiting on, this truth is always the same: you're going to need a next book. Maybe not the sequel of the book you've got out there, but something. New, different. Something that excites you. Something to remind yourself that as a writer, you WRITE. And you're learning things every day about craft, about people, about characters and plots and the world around you...so it's very likely this new book will be even BETTER than the last one. Make it so to the best of your ability. Work like nothing else is going on, like it's your first try. Always, always, keep working.

2. Read.
You write because you love reading, right? Right? See what your colleagues are doing, the books that made it onto the shelf or the Kindle/Nook/thingum. Read great books, entertaining books, bad books. Read all those books by your friends that have piled up, and books you've stumbled across. Read in your genre and outside of it. Read. Pay attention. Absorb. (Enjoy.)

3. Look around you.
Oh my gosh, did you know it's summer? A lot of people are outside doing things under that yellow blazing ball. Try it, instead of chaining yourself to your email refresh button. Go for a walk, a drive, a swim. Hang out at a cafe without your nose being stuck in a computer, and watch people. If you don't get out and watch/interact with people, you won't keep learning, and your books won't get better. Maybe even play. If you have family, do something with them! (gasp)

4. Be bad.
This just means let yourself do stuff you normally wouldn't do...in moderation. Watch reality TV marathons, or go get ice cream, or play video games all night. You're under a lot of stress. It's okay to relax and treat yourself sometimes, and this is one of those times.

5. Remember that it really won't be forever.
Even when it feels like it. Also, good things take a while and are worth the effort AND the wait.

THINGS NOT TO DO WHEN YOU'RE WAITING:

1. Don't harass people.
Just don't. Whether it's agents you've queried, or your agent, or editors or whoever, leave them alone. Let them do their business. They are NOT focused on you--your manuscript is a very small part of their very busy lives. Wait in line like everyone else, with grace.
(I interrupt this post to note that one of my BIGGEST pet peeves is line-jumpers, in any form. Hate it. It is so rude and disrespectful. I think it's my British ancestry.)
Note: It is TOTALLY OKAY to harass your writing friends a little bit during this waiting time. They get it, and they have either been through it themselves or they will. Just remember to be patient when it's their turn to harass you.
Second Note: It is always okay to ask respectful questions too, especially of your agent. Absolutely. Just don't go over the line to harass. You can feel where that line is. You know. Be professional.

2. Don't whine about waiting.
You know how I said above that we all have to wait? It's true. It's not going to endear you to anyone--or make them want to work with you--if you're the only one out there whining about it. Be a grown-up and be patient. Be positive, at least in public.
 (It is still TOTALLY OKAY to whine to your friends. That is part of the reason they are there.)

3. Don't give up.
I mean it. Don't. Give. Up. You will never ever ever make your dreams if you give up. (and this is from someone who tried...it didn't stick.) If you keep a good attitude, are professional, keep working and improving your writing, and ARE PATIENT, you'll do it, whatever your goal is.

Those are my thoughts. What are yours?

Folk Festival Weekend!

This past weekend was our 5th Folk Festival here in town, and it's still a wonderful event. We have such a good time! The three of us wandered all over listening to live music from different countries, lying in the sun (and ducking the massive thunderstorms, but we lived), eating good fair food, and rocking out. We saw musicians from:

• Russia
• Slovakia
• Puerto Rico
• Dominican Republic
• Congo
• Iran
• Azerbaijan
• Japan
• Sweden
• Nova Scotia

plus Hawaii, New Orleans, Texas blues, rockabilly...honestly. They were ALL amazing.

Here's just a tiny sample of one of the best acts we saw. If you ever get a chance to see live Japanese Taiko drumming, DO. They had the whole tent standing, cheering, and clapping as best we could in time.

The woo-woo story of how I met my husband

The year I met my husband didn't start out so well.

I'd been having a rough time. I'd graduated with an English degree (with honors!), but there was a nasty recession and nobody was hiring people with newly minted English degrees, honors or no. I scrambled for a job, any job. I remember offering to work unpaid for the local newspaper for a while, just so they'd give me a chance. No dice. Finally a friend hooked me up as a clerk for a major bookstore chain in San Diego, and we roomed together (with others) to save money.

That worked, for a while. But I...fell in with some people. Started smoking. Started drinking Scotch, pretending to be tough. I thought I was in love with my boss, who was cute in a ne'er-do-well sort of way, but was already living with one woman and constant-flirting with another.

I was miserable.

On New Year's Eve, I broke. One of my friends from college had come down to visit, and I'd been hoping Bad Boy from work would show up to our party, but he didn't. I lost it--got waaaay too drunk, cried a lot, got sick a lot. Poor friend from college.

The next morning, in my hungover, regretful haze, I grabbed my calendar for the new year. I flipped open to a random page, stuck my finger on a random day, and wrote:

I will change my life by this day.

March 26th. I forgot about it, later. Drifted through the days doing what I was doing, being largely unhappy. Got promoted to Manager Trainee, started traveling to stores around the district, covering where they needed it.

On one of these trips I met a super-hot Assistant Manager. He was funny too, and smart. The next day he called me to ask a question, and we talked for 5 hours. He asked me out--we had a disastrous, yet perfect, first date that's another story. Three months later we moved in together. On Christmas morning that year he asked me to marry him, and I squealed in happiness. There was no question. There was no stupid Scotch-drinking, and we quit smoking together (and ate pounds of chocolate cake in the process). We traveled all over California, we got better jobs. We were together, from then on.

It was only later, the next year, when I flipped through the pages of that calendar and realized it.

I'd met him on March 26th. That very day. And it changed my life.

Happy Anniversary to my wonderful husband, who gets me in every way. These 16 years have treated us pretty well, together, and I wouldn't change a thing.

This week so far in pictures

Sometimes the word part of my brain gets a little overworked, and I revert to pictures to express what's going on. So far, this is the week in pictures:

This is where we fish, and where we spent all day Sunday. Aaaaah. (Plus, there's nothing quite like the feeling of pulling in a fat brook trout!)

This is me trying to figure out what happens next in T2. I hit 50k on Sunday, which means this draft is getting close to the end, and requires some heavy plot-thinking...(also, this is actually from Blue's Clues, which Child was addicted to when she was small. We did many Blues Clues hunts in our house)

I got Trish's book in the mail yesterday!! Woot!!

I am doing my very best not to do this, in spite of a  whole bunch of life changes going on right now. Mostly good, just change-y!

And last, this is (roughly) what I'm going to see tonight! By long tradition we do fireworks, our own and the town's, on the 3rd here. Tomorrow is for sleeping in and the parade!

What are you up to this week? Are you on vacation like EVERYONE ELSE IN MY OFFICE?

Things that Make Me Happy Today

Every once in a while I like to pause the craziness for five minutes and reflect on what is making me happy RIGHT AT THIS MOMENT. Here's today's happiness list:

--My fantabulous agent, Kate Schafer Testerman, who manages to be calm, kind, AND encouraging
--The weather, which has dropped from a little-too-hot 89 yesterday to 77 today. Family bike ride, we are coming at you tonight!
--Salt and Vinegar almonds. I can totally pretend these are healthy.
--Pandora radio, rocking me out right now
--T2, my current manuscript, which I love dearly because it keeps surprising me. Should hit 50k this week!
--Fellow authors and friends who keep up a steady stream of sparkles when I need it, and chat when all is cool. :)

Happy Tuesday, lovelies!

Winners!!

DRUM ROLL, PLEASE!!

The winner of SOMETHING LIKE NORMAL is....

Rachael Allen!

The winner of THIS IS NOT A TEST is...

Amanda!

(winners drawn with Random.org from all entries)

Rachael and Amanda, please email me at susan(dot)adrian (at) yahoo (dot) com with your addresses, so I can send you your fantabulous prizes!!

GIVEAWAY: SOMETHING LIKE NORMAL and THIS IS NOT A TEST!!

*NOTE: Contest is now closed. Thanks to those who entered!*

Today's an exciting day for readers. TWO amazeballs books are releasing today! TWO books that I am so very excited for readers to get in their hands and devour and love, in different ways.

First is a book I haven't had a chance to read yet, but believe me, I can't wait.

Something Like Normal by Trish Doller is not your standard contemporary. First, it's from the boy's perspective--but more than that, Travis is a Marine, back from a tour in Afghanistan. Here's the summary:

When Travis returns home from a stint in Afghanistan, his parents are splitting up, his brother’s stolen his girlfriend and his car, and he’s haunted by nightmares of his best friend’s death. It’s not until Travis runs into Harper, a girl he’s had a rocky relationship with since middle school, that life actually starts looking up. And as he and Harper see more of each other, he begins to pick his way through the minefield of family problems and post-traumatic stress to the possibility of a life that might resemble normal again. Travis’s dry sense of humor, and incredible sense of honor, make him an irresistible and eminently lovable hero. (from Goodreads)


I've known Trish since we were both hanging around at Verla Kay's Blueboards, writing different books, querying, going through the process. I always liked Trish's avatar because it looked so hopeful, so friendly. Her posts were friendly too, and smart. I was thrilled when I discovered that my new agent represented Trish too--we're agent sisters!--and she's been very supportive of me.


But that's not why I think you should read this book. It's not why *I* want to read this book. I want to read it because of reviews like this one, about SLN's emotional honesty:


http://youngadultanonymous.blogspot.com/2012/06/review-something-like-normal-by-trish.html


and this one, which says it's an "important, timely novel" but also talks about the strengths of the romance, and the realism:


http://cleareyesfullshelves.com/blog/early-review-something-like-normal-by-trish-doller.html


Yeah. So that's Reason #1 to be excited about today as a reader. You can buy that book!


Second is a book I HAVE read, and loved. GUYS. COURTNEY SUMMERS HAS A NEW BOOK OUT TODAY, AND IT'S ABOUT ZOMBIES!!

This Is Not a Test.

Well. It's not really about zombies. It's about people: damaged, hurting, REAL people who happen to have to deal with zombies. Here's my review from Goodreads:


***
I've loved all of Courtney's books, and I expected to like this one--she is such a talented writer, she can pull anything off. Even zombies! I admit, I'm not a zombie fan--but this book isn't about zombies at all. It's about people: how they relate, how they react in difficult circumstances, and really, how they can completely mess each other up--and redeem each other.

Courtney's amazing skill lies in opening a vein directly to a character and letting us in to that private, real world. That skill hasn't changed just because this book has zombies. Sloane is very, very real and heartbreaking in her pain, but she was still someone I wanted to spend time with and understand. All the other characters are also deeply realized, complex people in their own right.

The zombie setting is well done and keeps you on the edge of your seat, but in the end it's Sloane's journey I found most compelling.

Read it. Trust me.
***

 I have to tell you too--in just a little aside--how awesome Courtney is. She's been an incredibly supportive friend to me for years now, and I have a sneaking suspicion she is the same with a ton of other writers. Courtney emails have made me cry, have gotten me through, have made me laugh out loud more than once. I think she deserves the best of everything.


She just also happens to write effing kick-ass amazing books, which I am so happy to support.


So here's where you say WEREN'T YOU GOING TO GIVE AWAY A BOOK, SUSAN?


Why, yes. Yes, I was. Not only that, I am going to GIVE AWAY TWO BOOKS, one of each.


Here is ALL you have to do:


--Comment on this post and tell me which book you'd like, Something Like Normal or This Is Not a Test (or if you want either, say that too!) You'll be entered!


--You get an extra entry if you tweet about the contest! Just make sure to @susan_adrian so I see it!


--Contest will be open until Thursday morning, June 22, 8 am MDT. North American entries only, please (sorry!) The winners will have the books shipped directly to them.


Let's all celebrate this Excellent Reader Day!!

Triplet Talk: The Thrilling Conclusion

Welcome to the thrill-a-minute conclusion of Triplet Talk, a chat with Kate Schafer Testerman and her 3 brand-new clients: myself, Elizabeth Briggs, and Krista Van Dolzer.

I hope you've come here by way of the other 3 installments, or to be honest, it's not going to make a ton of sense! If you haven't and you'd like to start at the beginning, here are the links:

Part 1, hosted by Kate Schafer Testerman 

Part 2, hosted by Elizabeth Briggs

Part 3, hosted by Krista Van Dolzer

And now, Part 4, featuring last bits of advice, guns, and puppies! (Dum dum dum....) 

*****

Krista: I'll throw my last question out there, then, unless anyone has any others...?

Susan: Perfect.

Kate: Go ahead!

Liz: Yep.

Krista: For Liz and Susan, now that you’ve reached the querying finish line, what do you wish you had known when you were back at the start gate? And for Kate, any last words of advice or encouragement you’d like to share with us?

Liz: Hmm.

Susan: As usual, I will twist that to my own purposes. Ha! I don't have much with the querying process, but I have to say: please, please, find the agent who's the RIGHT fit for you, not just any agent.

Krista: Susan, it sounds to me like you're saying that writers should only query those agents they'd genuinely like to work with. It doesn't do you any good to query someone you'd rather not sign with.

Susan: Yes, and don't just say yes to the first person who offers. Research, talk to clients.

And once you have an agent, communicate and make SURE it's still a right fit. I ended up leaving my previous agent after 3 years and it was petrifying to take the leap and leave that safety net, but I am so much happier now for my future. It was the right choice, and it's critical.

Liz: According to my husband I am THE most impatient person in the world. And when you hear stories like "I queried and the next day got an offer," it's hard to not think "THAT WILL BE ME." So I would have wanted to know that waiting doesn't always mean it will be a no, and to just be patient. Also good submission advice.

Krista: So true, Liz.

Kate: Let's see. Personal to you guys, I would say remember I'm always here, and you can always ask me anything! More generally, I think working on your writing now is good, but don't forget to get in some reading for pleasure too. When you all sign multi-book contracts, and have to deliver book two quickly, you'll miss these days of free time!

Susan: Yes, Liz! Kate, here's hoping!

Patience and perseverance.

Liz: Fingers crossed.

Krista: I've learned not to compare myself to others. Their successes aren't my failures, so I can cheer with them and cry with them. We really are all in this together (even if we're not all triplets, like the three of us).

Liz: Yeah, that is tough too. Everyone's journey is different.

Susan: Good point, Krista. Comparing does NOT work during subs.

Krista: Oh, I definitely read for pleasure. I get through, like, two books a week.

Kate: *is jealous*

Susan: Me too. I can't read much when first-drafting!

Krista: Hey, baby's gotta eat, mama's gotta read.

Liz: Haha.

Kate: I read a lot more in those early days with Beau. Of course, I picked the WORST books! I mean, good books, but very bad for a new momma.

Susan: I read all of the Harry Potter books aloud to Child when I was nursing. We're about to start reading them together now...and I wonder if they'll sound vaguely familiar...

Liz: Heh.

Krista: That's a fun thought, Susan.

How were they bad for a new mom, Kate?

Liz: I have no kids. But the dogs like to sit with me when I read. Very helpful.

Krista: Very helpful dogs, indeed, Liz.

Kate: Living Dead Girl by Liz Scott and Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan, to name a few. But also most of the Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner, and Diana Peterfreund's unicorn hunter books.

Liz: They sit on my feet when I write too.

Kate: Puppies!

Susan: Oh, love Diana's unicorn books.

Kate: Jake is keeping me company while I work.

Susan: Jake...the puppy?

Kate: Jake is one of my dogs, Dizzy is the other.

Susan: Ha! Because Jake the character keeps me company while I work...

Krista: Oh, I thought Susan's MC had somehow climbed out of her manuscript, and we were all going to find out that urban fantasy is REAL.

Kate: As well he should! I just realized what I said! Duh!

Susan: HA.

Liz: Susan's book is magic obviously.

Susan: Clearly. He has assumed puppy form.

Kate: There you go, Susan, next time you get stuck in the plot, turn Jake into a puppy.

Susan: I can say my agent told me to do that.

Liz: Good plan.

Kate: It's a cuddlier version of "blow something up."

Susan: Yes! Generally though I just like to bring in a gun. Krista and Liz, that might not work for you...

Liz: Totally works for my book.

Susan: *high-five Liz*

Krista: Uh, no. I'm pretty sure firearms aren't allowed in most middle schools... :)

Liz: I took a firearms class to research my book

Susan: Oh now I'm jealous.

Kate: OK, I should go get the boy.

Krista: See you guys later! It's been wonderful chatting!

Susan: Thank you so much!

Liz: Yeah this was fun!

*****

Th-Th-That's All, Folks! We certainly had fun. I hope it was fun (or funny) for you too, and informative. It definitely shows that agents are people too--and that your relationship with your agent IS a professional one, but doesn't have to be all seriousness.

Also, I hope we intrigued you a little about our books!

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go write a scene where Jake turns into a puppy....

Truth

I've kept a few secrets from you, blog.

Sometimes you knew, like I when I was pointing you at fuzzy kittens instead.

Sometimes I hid it pretty well, even when I was having really rough time. Or I just didn't post at all for a month.

But the truth is I quit writing last year, when it got impossible to go on. And then a story brought me back, with full, blazing love.

The full truth, if you're curious, is in my Turning Points post on Nova Ren Suma's blog today.