Storyteller's Journey

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Entwined Chapters

As I send off my cover letter, synopsis, and pages to the editor I mentioned last week, it is with this thought: what will she think of using alternating POV chapters?

After having read and enjoyed numerous novels where the author chose to alternate chapters with different points of view, I decided to implement that method for my story.

These books are great examples of writing with this method:

The Wanderer, by Sharon Creech. In this middle grade novel the author alternates chapters between the female protagonist's point of view and the male secondary character's point of view. Ms. Creech skillfully revealed important points (and secrets) in her plot to the reader that each of her characters was not always aware. The author was also able to reveal each character's back story to the reader, but kept it from the other character. By doing so, she drew the reader in as the third (all-knowing) member of the story - awesome! (I also like this example since The Wanderer is a Newbery Honor winner - clearly alternating POV chapters can work in a middle grade novel.)

The Body Finder, by Kimberly Derting. In this young adult novel the author alternates chapters between the female protagonist's point of view and the male antagonist's (murderer's) point of view. In my mind, Ms. Derting's book is the best example of creating tension with this approach that I have personally read. Since I alternated chapters in my MG manuscript with the protagonist and the antagonist, this example has been of great value to me. (It was a thrill for me to meet Kimberly Derting last year!)

Requiem, by Lauren Oliver. This recently-released young adult novel is an excellent example of successfully alternating chapters. Ms. Oliver alternated chapters between two characters that in essence were both main characters/protagonists. Using this method allowed the author to create suspense and tension, and also to propel her plot. Requiem became more textured and fully developed as each chapter was woven into the next, creating a dynamic finale to her Delirium series.( Lauren Oliver is one of my favorite authors not only because she is so talented, but because she also writes middle grade novels: Liesl and Po, and The Spindlers.)

The reason each of these authors was able to use the alternating chapter method so successfully (in my mind) was because each of them also entwined the chapters. What I mean by that, is that the chapters were metaphorically braided together, so that by the finale it was one, fused, super chapter, if you will. That was the real challenge for me in writing my novel with this method: writing entwined chapters, not just parallel chapters. That is one of the aspects of my novel that I am anxious to receive feedback on.

What is your favorite novel featuring alternating POV chapters?

Whimsical Word of the Week

Obnubilate -

cloud over, darken, or obscure.

Example: The teenage boy's bangs may have been in style, but they also served to obnubilate his vision.

Bibliophile's Corner

BOMB
The Race to Build - and Steal - the World's Most Dangerous Weapon
by Steve Sheinkin

Flap Copy Description:
IN DECEMBER OF 1938, a chemist in a German laboratory made a shocking discovery: When placed next to radioactive material, a uranium atom split in two.

That simple discovery, dealing with the tiniest of particles, launched a cut-throat race that would span three continents. The players were the greatest scientists, the most expert spies, hardened military commandos, and some of the most ruthless dictators who ever lived. The prize: military dominance over the entire world.
    
This is the story of the plotting, the risk-taking, the deceit, and genius that created the world's most formidable weapon. This is the story of the atomic bomb.

My Thoughts:
Steve Sheinkin's remarkable account of one of the most top secret U.S. government projects in history won him the 2013 Sibert Award (Non-fiction for Children), the 2013 YALSA Award, and a 2013 Newbery Honor Award! Whether or not you are a history buff, this book will keep you riveted from the first page to the last. I have read books on Oppenheimer, Einstein, and Truman, but this book shines the light on these historical figures (and many more) in a fresh and informative way. Although there are so many positive points to this book that could be mentioned, one thought stands out to me: Our youth of today need to hear this story. The detailed accounts of the devastation on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki after the U.S. dropped atom bombs must always be remembered. Mr. Sheinkin does not shy away from the truth regarding the government of the United States during the tumultuous time of World War II in 1945. I would highly recommend BOMB to readers from the ages of eight to eighty!

To learn more about the talented author - Steve Sheinkin, click here: http://stevesheinkin.com/

Storyteller's Journey

 Inevitable Change

The arrival of spring is always a welcome event in the Pacific Northwest - with it comes the promise of warmer, brighter days ahead after months of gray, wet weather.

Change is inevitable in nature: we are all  aware that without it, plants and animals can not grow, thrive, or even survive. The same can be said for just about anything - including the life of a writer.

Last Saturday I interviewed my good writer friend - Kriston Johnson. (She is the author of the soon-to-be-released young adult novel - Awakened.) Kriston mentioned the need for writers to have their work professionally edited prior to self-publication. She and I have had long discussions about this very topic. There is a growing trend in the publishing world where writers are having their work professionally edited even before sending out query letters.

After having my middle grade manuscript reviewed by beta readers and partially edited by a retired editor friend, I have come to the conclusion that my story deserves something special...but what? Since I'm a firstborn, Type A individual, it has always been difficult for me to ask for help...but the time has come.

I have completed a cover letter and a synopsis for my middle grade novel, and will be sending them off next week with a request to obtain the services of an East Coast literary editor/consultant. I came to this decision for many reasons - here are a few:

1- The expertise that a veteran children's book editor can offer is just what I need to make my story shine.
2- The particular editor I will be contacting is known to me through a number of her clients...she has a stellar reputation.
3- I have seen talented writers either not gain representation, or if they did, their manuscripts never seemed to progress further than the agent's desk.

If you really knew me, you would know how difficult this decision has been. Obtaining the services of a professional literary editor/consultant is not only a professional investment, but a financial one as well. As I have proceeded on my storyteller's journey, I have learned so much about the world of publishing. I believe my best chance to gain representation is to catch the attention of an agent right from the start.

Change. This journey has brought about so many changes in my life. This next step represents crossing over a shaky bridge with uncertain waters lurking below. There is no guarantee that the editor I mentioned will agree to accept me as her client. The intense desire to see my story traditionally published has brought me to this place.

I'm hoping for new energy and a positive change in my life as a writer.

Have you experienced any recent changes on your writing journey?

Whimsical Word of the Week

Vernal -

in spring: appearing or happening in the season of spring.


Example: The vernal equinox was much anticipated after a particularly harsh winter.

Bibliophile's Corner

Out of the Dust
by Karen Hesse

Back Flap Description:
"Dust piles up like snow across the prairie..."

A terrible accident has transformed Billie Jo's life, scarring her inside and out. Her mother is gone. Her father can't talk about it. And the one thing that might make her feel better - playing the piano - is impossible with her wounded hands.

To make matters worse, dust storms are devastating the family farm and all the farms nearby. While others flee from the dust bowl, Billie Jo is left to find peace in the bleak landscape of Oklahoma - and in the surprising landscape of her own heart.

My Thoughts:
Although Out of the Dust was written over fifteen years ago, this poignant novel in verse is just as powerful today as it was in 1998 when it won the Newbery Medal Award. Ms. Hesse's eloquent, poetic style coupled with her amazing and accurate descriptions of the Great Depression of the 1930's, make this novel a true work of art. The author presents a protagonist who must deal with more than her share of life's harshest miseries; the beauty of this story is that the reader ultimately sees the young heroine transcend her pain with strength, dignity, and courage. I would highly recommend Out of the Dust to readers from the ages of eight to eighty.

To learn more about the author, Karen Hesse, click here: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/contributor/karen-hesse

Sensational Scribe

           COVER REVEAL!

Today marks the first time I have revealed a book cover on Writ of Whimsy; it couldn't have come at a more appropriate time, since Awakened is the debut YA novel for my writing partner and good friend - Kriston Johnson!

Here is a summary of the fast-paced and fascinating story that was a pleasure for me to see come to life over the past few years:

Can fighting for the right side be the wrong thing to do?

Draven, the tyrant ruler of Elyndia for the last one thousand years, searches for the one who can fulfill his prophecy.

The Paladins, an elite band of warriors sworn to protect their way of life at all costs, search for the one with the ability to bring their world crumbling down.

An innocent girl, tormented by demons only she can see, lives on the brink of insanity and longs for a life of peace.

When seventeen-year-old Jade Rosenberg reads from an antique book, she has no idea that she has read an incantation awaking her inherited power; she learns she has descended from an enchanted realm and is a member of a powerful race thought to have been hunted to extinction.

Ripped from her world, Jade is forced to seek refuge from those who want her dead. She is given one of two options and the time has come for her to make a choice:
assassinate their sworn enemy...

Or sacrifice her soul.

                                           *   *   *   *   *   *   *

And now, it is my pleasure to welcome Kriston Johnson to
Writ of Whimsy! Thanks for agreeing to be interviewed, Kriston.

"Thank you for having me on Writ of Whimsy, Victoria."

Kriston, where did the idea for "Awakened - The Legends of Elyndia" originate?

"A few years back my husband was given a family heirloom passed down to him from his father. It was an antique knife with a curved blade and tattered copper sheath. When the knife was handed to my husband he held it with great respect, as it was obvious that it was very old. Not long after he held it, my husband carefully pulled the sheath from the blade and held the knife out in front of him for everyone to in the room to see. As he was holding the knife I pictured a wave of powerful magic wash across the room as if the beholder just awakened an ability they never knew they had. Thus, my story was born."

I've heard that story before, but I still find it so amazing. Could you tell me a little bit about your journey in creating your debut novel?

"I literally started at ground zero. It had been twenty years since I had been in school and I had not written anything longer than a grocery list since. The first thing I did was enroll in a few classes at the community college. When I started taking my writing more seriously I started blogging, attended a conference, joined the Willamette Writers and SCBWI. I wanted to be fully immersed in the writing community."

Do you have any tips about self-publishing that you'd like to share?

"Yes, hiring a professional editor is a must. Awakened had two rounds with an editor and one with a proofreader. Beta readers are extremely helpful, but an editor will always catch more, and force you to dig deeper. Self-published authors should also hire a professional cover designer. I know we are told not to judge a book by its cover, but let's face it, a lot of people do. If a cover looks like it was thrown together at the last minute, a reader may think the book was too."

What does your life outside of your literary pursuits look like?

Gets husband
Me - "Honey, what does she mean by this question?"
Husband - "She wants to know what you like to do when you're not writing."
Me - "Are you telling me...there is a life beyond my book?" tilts head and blinks
Husband - cautiously walks backward out of the room
Me - total Kermit flail

Now there's the Kriston I know, folks! Last question, Kriston:
What advice would you share with aspiring authors?

"Be in the moment. Balancing my precious free time is always a delicate task. Working full time and spending quality time with the family leaves a very limited time to squeeze in a decent writing session. I spent the first three years of my writing life in constant turmoil. When I was with my family I was irritated that I was not writing, when I was writing I was ridden with guilt that I was not with my family, so time with either was full of distractions and never as rich and fulfilling as it could have been.

Take the time - make a schedule so neither is neglected. That way you are sure to get the most out of each moment."

Thanks again, Kriston. Good luck with "Awakened!"

Kriston Johnson

Kriston Johnson lives in Southwest Washington with her husband, teenage son, and miniature Australian Shepherd. Her home rests at the fringe of an old growth forest that she insists is the home of Jason Voorhees. Her husband thinks that that's a ridiculous assumption, because everyone knows it's really Bigfoot. Every summer Kriston participates in the annual pilgrimage to Faerieworlds, a real life faerie realm here on Earth; she has an unhealthy obsession with Star Wars, The Vampire Diaries, and Iron Man. Awakened is her first novel.
You can visit her online http://kristonjohnson.blogspot.com/

Hope you all enjoyed meeting the author of "Awakened."
I'll be a host for Kriston's book blast in April that will feature giveaways!