Kelly Parra's LJ

Winter Mode

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:50:08 GMT

Last week, I was twittering and read fellow YA author Sara Zarr's declaration of an Internet hiatus. See her blog post here.

I suddenly felt like that would be awesome for me, to just take a holiday break for the next month or so from networking and feeling like I have to be creative with what to say.

The truth is, I've entered a personal winter mode. Holiday shopping is pretty much finished and I'll have activities with the kids. I want to watch movies and read books and dream up story ideas!

So yes, I'm following Sara in her break. No twittering or blogging. I have a couple more weeks to post on YA Fresh but Tina will be guiding that ship for the next month.

So if you need to reach me you can by email. And I'll see you some time in January of 2010. :)

Happy Holidays,

Kelly

What I'm Thankful For and How Things Change

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:28:44 GMT

I think it's about time to share what I am thankful for this holiday season. Above all, I am extremely thankful for my family and our good health. This is one thing I will never take for granted.

I am also thankful for the two books I was allowed to publish. I think many of us know 2009 has been an incredibly hard year with the recession and the effects on everything as well as publishing.

I am thankful for all the readers who have taken the time to read my books and who have posted a review or dropped me an email.

I am thankful for the unique writers and publishing people I have met in person and on-line.

Writing what I'm thankful for makes me think of the past and the future.

Next year I will be starting fresh with my career in many more ways than I ever expected. I have learned many things these past three years. And one thing that is for certain is that building my writing career has been one of the hardest things I've had to fight for. There have been times I have thought maybe this is not the path I am supposed to take. Maybe there are signs telling me: Writing is not for you, Kelly!! (haha)

I believe once I sold my Romantic Suspense and YA, things changed. I had to look at marketing as a job along with writing. I had to look at pleasing more people than just myself with my stories.

With the business part of publishing, the love for storytelling was shoved aside. And that is something a writer cannot lose.

When I started blogging in 2005, I was a lot more positive. I had dreams in my eyes and during the last two years I've become more grounded. I've learned. I've experienced what works and what doesn't. I've realized what's important and what isn't. I've changed. It's sort of like looking back at a younger version of myself and smiling at my silly innocence. Sounds a little dramatic, yet spot on.

In 2010 I will start my year as a realistic writer, knowing each writer has his/her own path. Some easier than others, and some extremely rough. And that I will have to work even harder to reach my new personal and professional goals. That I will finish my next book and write the best story I can.

So I will close with good writing to you and Happy Thanksgiving to my US friends. :) Thanks for reading.

"Never regret. If it's good, it's wonderful. If it's bad, it's experience." — Victoria Holt

~Kelly

Go With Your Strengths...

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:07:03 GMT

I had a writer's epiphany today. A parent wrote a review for Graffiti Girl saying how much her 13-year-old enjoyed GG. It made me feel great. Just the other day someone was telling me how some of my older relatives couldn't get into GG, that they liked Invisible Touch better.

The thing is when I wrote each book, I aimed for different audiences.

When I wrote GG, I wanted to write a book that kids in high school and middle grade wanted to read. I had a terrible time in high school getting through some of the classics as a teen. As an adult I can sit down and find all the themes and beautiful messages that I missed before because at a young age I felt forced to read them.

When I wrote Invisible Touch, I wanted to try to reach the young reader and possible some older readers. And it seemed I did reach some of those older readers too.

I have to admit, I'm not a literary writer. I enjoy stories with action, great and unique characters, and entertaining story lines. I may never be a literary writer, but I may be an entertainer writer for kids, and I may be the author kids want to read. I can only hope and do my best.

So my epiphany? I need to go with my strengths. I want to write for kids. I want to write entertaining reads that have kids turning the pages, and connect with characters their age.

I still consider myself a newbie writer. I'm still learning new things and techniques. I'm still on my writer journey and learning small and tough lessons.

Lesson learned.

I need to be myself. :)

I wasn't going to show this vlog until Friday with the Readergirlz Teen Read Week Celebration, but I thought this was the right time to show you the real me.

Kinda silly, not very sophisticated, and with untamable hair. *wink*

"In The Mood For Quotes..."

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:16:33 GMT

"If I don't write to empty my mind, I go mad." ~ Lord Byron

"A word is not the same with one writer as with another. One tears it from his guts. The other pulls it out of his overcoat pocket." ~ Charles Peguy

"If I fall asleep with a pen in my hand, don't remove it - I might be writing in my dreams." ~ Danzae Pace

"Easy reading is damn hard writing." ~ Nathaniel Hawthorne

"The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say." ~ Anaïs Nin

"Blogtoberfest Halloween Short & Giveaway!"

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:01:42 GMT

It's time again for another Invisible Touch short story with Kara and Anthony. Here's a quick Halloween scene from Kara's sign-seeing world for author Jeri Smith-Ready's month long Blogtoberfest, with many more cool authors and giveaways. So check back to the fest all month long!

In the mean time, read about Kara, Anthony, and a little ghost...and leave a comment to enter to win a copy of Invisible Touch. Contest ends October 16th!

But wait--there's more just in time for Halloween! (haha)

Three more chances to win at Free Book Friday Teen! Read my interview with Jessica Brody and leave a comment to win Touch by October 16th!

Thanks!

~Kelly

"Book Blogging Isn't What It Used To Be..."

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:23:55 GMT

The Federal Trade Commission is taking a stand on Book Reviewers and Bloggers with "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials". And it's pretty detailed and confusing.

According to Publisher's Lunch:

"The main point of essence for book publishers, and book bloggers and online reviewers, is the determination that "bloggers may be subject to different disclosure requirements than reviewers in traditional media." They judge that "a blogger's statement on his personal blog or elsewhere (e.g., the site of an online retailer of electronic products) qualifies as an 'endorsement,' -- i.e., as a sponsored message -- due to...the value of the merchandise he has received and has been asked to review by that advertiser," and that such a connection must be disclosed.

In other words, bloggers--as well as "reviewers" posting to sites like Amazon and LibraryThing, or receiving books through programs ranging from Bzz Agent to Nelson's 10,000-blogger initiative--who are writing about a book after receiving a free reviewer's copy are expected to disclose that information. And publishers who "sponsor these endorsers (either by providing free products - directly or through a middleman - or otherwise) in order to generate positive word of mouth and spur sales should establish procedures to advise endorsers that they should make the necessary disclosures and to monitor the conduct of those endorsers."

Wow.

I haven't read through the 80 page document, but apparently even if you "tweet" about it, you have to say if you've been given the book freely. Now if you get the book free and then give it away that's not a lasting compensation. However, if you link as a affiliate (i.e. amazon) when you've gotten the book free, you could be fined. Here on LJ, I haven't endorsed books in a while, but on YA Fresh I do so a lot and now I'll have to say whether I've been mailed a book or purchased it myself. I'll certainly only be linking as an affiliate to my own books from now on.

You can download the document here. These new guidelines will be put into effect on December 1, 2009. Read more updates on the galley cat at the following links:

FTC Blogger Rules Carry $11K Fines

Book Publishers, Bloggers, & the FTC Guidelines

Who Gets to Be an Online Book Reviewer?

An Open Letter to the FTC

Mind boggling.

grafangel

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:26:35 GMT

The producers of Graffiti Girl came across this graffiti piece photo. "Grafangel" is my character Angel's tag in Graffiti Girl. I thought this was cool to see. :)

"Hispanic Heritage Month Giveaway"

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:34:02 GMT

It is Hispanic Heritage Month and Reading in Color is holding a cool giveaway of 8 titles for readers, including Graffiti Girl and Invisible Touch!

In honor of Hispanic Heritage month I'm giving away 8 books with Latino/a main characters!

There will be 5 winners. The first winner will pick 3 books, the 2nd winner will pick 2 books and the other winners will each get one.

Ends: Thursday Oct. 8 at 11:59 PM CT

Open: Internationally (some authors are mailing the books to the winners, those books are only open to U.S. residents. A * means it's open to U.S. residents only)

Read more details here and enter. Good luck!

"Don't Let the Waiting Turn You To the Dark Side"

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:32:51 GMT

I was reading the comments on my agent’s latest blog entry, "Agent’s Get Rejected Too," and read a comment that had me shaking my head. I’ve been reading Pubrants since 2006. Kristin has blogged on this topic before. In fact, she’s received many generous and encouraging comments over the years. Among these comments, she’s also received rude comments, some that are way off the wall, and some that are just plain bitter. But she’s told me everyone’s entitled to his/her opinion so she rarely censors the comments.

Here is the comment by anonymous that recently caught my eye:

I'm guessing, though, that you get the courtesy of a personal, timely response when you're rejected, and not a faintly xeroxed form letter which takes at least six months to arrive.

Ouch.

This anonymous writer is actually taking his/her frustrations out on an open forum, and not even directing it toward NLA, since they are straight electronic these days.

I’m telling you now, as a writer, rejection is part of the job. And the waiting is a huge part of the job, whether you are waiting on a response on a submission from an agent or an editor . With my first book, a publishing house had my book well over six months. And it took me nearly a year to sell it. A year of waiting and wondering and hoping.

And because my agent has a good size client list, we have to wait to receive her feedback on a project since there are all kind of issues that have priority if other writers have deadlines or she’s backed up with deals and contracts.

If you sell a book, it’s a waiting game to get your contract fine-tuned and signed, to hear from your editor regarding edits because they have other books on a schedule before you, to even get paid your first check.

Then your release date can be slotted for 1-2 years from the date of sale.

Lots and lots of waiting.

Tick-tock-tick-tock.

All I’m saying is, I know the waiting is harder than you might have expected, but you have fight to not to let the bitterness get to you. You have to be like Luke Skywalker and suck yourself back from the dark side, because that darkness can fester. It can block you and get you down.

In this business, you have to look for the light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak. You have to keep your eye on your goal. Even with two books under my belt, I’m still trying to reach goals, and yeah, there are times I have to beat the dark side off with a stick. *wink*

So come on, guys, if you're a writer, you're in it for the long haul.

With all the waiting, and more waiting, and more waiting, and all.

"Color Online's HHM Recommended Reading List"

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:21:38 GMT

Hispanic Heritage Month runs Sept. 15th-Oct. 15 and Color Online provides their Community HHM Recommended Reading List.

Thanks so much for adding Invisible Touch to the list! And it's an honor to be listed with such a great selection of titles!

1.Rogelia's House of Magic by Jamie Martinez Wood
2.The Holy Tortilla and a Pot of Beans by Carmen Tafolla
3.Voices in first person edited by Lori Marie Carlson
4.The Smell of Old Lady Perfume by Claudia Guadalupe Martinez
5.White Bread Competition by Jo Ann Yolanda Hernandez
6.I Wanna be Your Shoebox by Christina Garcia
7.Invisible Touch by Kelly Parra
8.Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez
9.Who's Your Daddy? by Lynda Sandoval
10.Mexican White Boy by Matt de la Pena
11.Dark Dude by Oscar Hijuelos
12.The Brothers Torres by Coert Voorhees
13.Gringolandia by Lyn Miller Lachmann
14.Down To The Bone by Mayra Lazara Dole
15.The Meaning of Conseulo by Judith Ortiz Cofer
16.The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
17.Journey of Dreams by Marge Pellegrino's
18.The Tequila Worm by Viola Canales
19.Leaving GloryTown by Eduardo F Calcines
20.Petty Crimes by Gary Soto
21.Sammy & Juliana in Hollywood by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
22.Haters by Alisa Valdes Rodriquez
23.Honey Blonde Chica by Michele Serros
24.Sofia Mendoza's Guide to Getting Lost in Mexico by Malin Alegria
25.Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco Stork
26.La linea by Ann Jaramillo
27.The Poet Slave of Cuba by Margarita Engle
28.Adios to My Old Life by Caridad Ferrer
29.Amor and Summer Secrets by Diana Rodriquez
30.Gamma Glamma by Kim Flores
31.Cuba 15 by Nancy Osa
32. Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Munoz (MG)
33.Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz (MG)
34.So Hard to Say by Alex Sanchez
35.Rainbow Boys by Alex Sanchez
36. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
37.Jaguar by Michele Dominguez-Greene
38.The Whole Sky Full of Stars by René Saldaña Jr
39.Cubanita, Riding the Universe by Gaby Triana

Good News...

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:18:04 GMT

Good news to share...

Earlier this year I was invited by author Andrea Richesin, editor and contributor of Because I Love Her and her forthcoming What I Would Tell Her, to submit a sample for her Young Adult author anthology on young first crushes.

As in my first crush, as in non-fiction. As in honest, straight-forward truth. haha.

Recently the anthology sold to Ann Leslie Tuttle @ Harlequin. (Yes, my first editor for my Bombshell.)

The theme of the anthology is CRUSH, an anthology of 20 essays on the joys and pain of first love. The anthology is slotted for February 2011.

I am thrilled to be part of this anthology and excited to get started on the project!

"Social Networking. Does it Work?"

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:12:41 GMT

I was lurking on a Twitter Kid Lit Chat last night and social networking sites were brought up. Do Twitter, Myspace, Facebook really help spread the word about books? What kind of updates/tweets do you like to read? Is Twitter replacing blogs? How do writers keep these social networks separate from the personal life?

Good questions!

I have an account with all three of these social network sites and a blog so I thought I'd give my two cents...

Do Twitter, Myspace, Facebook really help spread the word about books?

In my experience Twitter, Myspace, and Facebook don't help me to sell books. I can't say that for every author, but what I use these sites for are to connect with other writers, readers, and industry people. It is a way for readers who have read my books to stay updated on what might be going on with my writing or giveaways. It's a way for me to keep track of my favorite authors, celebrities, TV shows, and the publishing industry.

What kind of updates/tweets do you like to read?

I like to read tweets that are clever and make me smile. I like to read tweets about interesting industry links and powerful quotes. I like to read tweets about topics I'd like to converse with other people about. Twittering is fun and informative and can just take a few seconds to dish out.

Is Twitter replacing blogs?

I don't think Twitter is replacing blogs because of the short character count. But I will admit since I've been tweeting, I don't blog as much. If I have a thought that I can simply type and send out quickly rather than taking the 15-20 minutes to blog, then I'm going to tweet it. I'm all about saving time these days!

How do writers keep these social networks separate from their personal life?

Very carefully! haha. I have to admit Facebook is more of a social site for me. I rarely use it for promotion because I have many family and personal friends on the site. If I have an interview or event, I'll definitely post it on FB, but FB has turned out to be my procrastination station. I try to keep Twitter, my blog, and Myspace strictly writer friendly, but I do slip up every now and then. :)

"one creative individual I will miss"

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:11:48 GMT

"It's amazing, Molly. The love inside, you take it with you." ~ Patrick Swayze (Ghost)

I am merely one of hundreds of thousands of fans of the entertainer, Patrick Swayze. I did not know the real man. I only knew what many of us knew—the talented individual on screen.

This year has lost many iconic greats, creative people that in one way or the other made a significant stamp on our world. I don’t know if it’s because I am so connected to the world events by my computer, but the losses in 2009 have astounded me.

Patrick Swayze was an amazing talent. I enjoyed his acting, dancing, singing, and unique walk for many years. The roles he chose were so strong that they were unforgettable. And I wonder, just because I have always been in awe of the characters he played on film, does that mean I liked him as a person?

I guess in someway because the roles he chose in the films The Outsiders, Red Dawn, Dirty Dancing, Ghost, Roadhouse, Point Break had portrayed leaders with personal demons inside, made me think maybe that is how he lived his life. I don’t know.

He was married to the same woman for 34 years, someone who shared his interests of creativity, love, and life. I have been with my husband for 13 years and I can’t imagine my life without him. It is sad to know his wife and family are grieving for him.

One thing I did not know about Patrick Swayze was his battle with alcoholism. Again, something that made him a real person with faults, not just a iconic figure on screen. Whenever I watched his interviews they were always honest, spiritual, and positive.

He is one creative individual I will miss seeing in the spotlight.

Book of Ideas

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:28:45 GMT

I've been working on a new proposal. It's a potential short connecting series. There are a lot of things to remember and explore with this proposal. So I started a small Book of Ideas.

There are doodles and themes and characteristics and conflicts. Usually I have this information scattered all over the place. On my computer, some on my laptop, some random scrap of paper, post-its, a few pages in a notebook... Very unorganized, me.

Now I have my story thoughts all in one place.

While it is fun starting a new project, it is also a little scary. Because even though you as the writer believe in this story and the characters, others will not. You might have poured such hard work into your story, and still it can get denied.

But I can't stop myself. This is another story I want to tell. I believe in it. And that's what you have to do if you want to be a writer.

You have to Believe.

In your writing.

In your story.

In your characters.

You have to Believe In Yourself.

Quotes, The Latest

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:34:54 GMT

I have been collecting a few more quotes. Quotes are wonderful. Quotes are memorable. And when done just right, quotes are awe inspiring.

"Write it. Shoot it. Publish it. Crochet it, sauté it, whatever. MAKE." — Joss Whedon

"I write to give myself strength. I write to be the characters that I am not. I write to explore all the things I'm afraid of. " — Joss Whedon

"I dream for a living." -- Steven Spielberg

"The public has an appetite for anything about imagination - anything that is as far away from reality as is creatively possible." -- Steven Spielberg

"If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place." -- Nora Roberts

I don't think you can write - at least not well - if you don't love stories, love the written word. -- Nora Roberts

Peaks and Valleys

Sat, 08 Aug 2009 16:57:10 GMT

So I'm writing this summer. I'm also freelancing and trying to keep the kiddos entertained.

Unfortunately, the two books I'd been working on this past year didn't work out. *sigh* Since I'm typically a slow writer, that means I'm pretty much back to the drawing board and it will be a while before I have another release.

At first as I was typically Kelly bummed.

Typically Kelly bummed involved much obsessing, much reading, and munching out.

The obsessing involved many questions...

Do I want to go back to writing Romantic Suspense?
Do I want to write this story idea I've been working on all over again with another angle?
The kiddos are young but not babies anymore, am I ready to go back to work?
With all the munching do I have the power to go on a diet. haha.
Am I good writer at all???

Then August came around and I was recharged. I was ready to make decisions.

Maybe one day I will write Romantic Suspense, but not now.
I was hit with a new story idea. Boom-->BAM. It took hold and I flew with it. My agent may not be pleased with it, but I think it has something. And I won't know until I try.
I am ready to get a part time job again. It's time to get ahead with the finances. Freelancing is nice, but it's not steady.
I do not have the power to go on a diet. :)
I'm a writer, I've had some satisfied readers, I must be doing something right.

After all this contemplating, I've realized I've had a lot of ups and downs with my career. If it was graphed it would have many peaks and valleys. Right now I'm at the valley.

So I'm working on getting my kiddos ready for back school. I'm back to finding a job. And I'm writing to finish a book by the end of the year while freelancing. 2009 brought another life cycle change for me that wasn't so good for my career.

And a little chinese astrology food for thought...we are currently at the Year of the Ox, where many of us have to work hard and struggle this year.

But you know what? That's okay.
I'm a fighter.
I'm a writer.
I love telling stories. Its a part of me.
And one day, I'll have a peak again.

Just like before, it will take determination, hard work, and a goal.

I see my goal and I'm doing everything I can to get there.

YA Fresh Multicultural YA Spotlights in August

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 16:18:47 GMT

With some recent blog talk of books with characters of color, I'm trying to bring some more positive light this month. Everyday in the month of August, I'm spotlighting a multicultural young adult novel on YA Fresh. On some days there will be double posts because we'll have other YAF posts to share. Sounds like a big challenge even for me! haha. :) But I know it will be fun!

CCW YA Workshop

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:36:26 GMT

The event in Monterey, CA with the Central Coast Writers was awesome!

The meetings are held at a lovely hotel, where Shelley Adina (All About US Series) and I were provided dinner and dessert. We chatted with many of the members, who were all very gracious and wonderful.

After the CCW business concluded, I opened up the workshop by thanking everyone for inviting us. This was my second workshop on the topic of multicultural YA. I was a little calmer this time around! (haha!) But I still need some experience here!

Shelley is an absolute pro! She knows her stuff and went through her Inspirational topic like a breeze!

Here are the points we basically covered:

~ The Do's and Don'ts of Multicultural YA
~ The Inspirational Market
~ How to reach your target audience
~ How to reach readers through the Internet

With various questions from the audience, such as how do we pick our character's names, are personally diaries marketable, would specific ideas or age groups sell for YAs, etc. We had a steady Q&A going, which was very nice!

I also had a pleasant surprise visit by one a blogger friend, Kelsey! She was visiting family in California, and this summer she'd met Sarah Dessen too! It was so awesome of her to attend our workshop!

I think a few hundred more of these events and I might just actually feel like I know what I'm doing. *wink*

Invisible Touch Ballad

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 22:38:11 GMT

There's a cyber party going on at author Stephanie Kuehnert's blog, and it's going on all month long to celebrate the release of her cool novel, Ballads of Suburbia. (love that title!)

Here's what Ballads is about:

Kara hasn't been back to Oak Park since the end of junior year, when a heroin overdose nearly killed her and sirens heralded her exit. Four years later, she returns to face the music. Her life changed forever back in high school: her family disintegrated, she ran around with a whole new crowd of friends, she partied a little too hard, and she fell in love with gorgeous bad-boy Adrian, who left her to die that day in Scoville Park....

Amid the music, the booze, the drugs, and the drama, her friends filled a notebook with heartbreakingly honest confessions of the moments that defined and shattered their young lives. Now, finally, Kara is ready to write her own.

Sounds totally awesome!

To help Steph celebrate, I wrote a lit ballad for my character Kara Martinez from Invisible Touch. Read the ballad and comment to win a copy of IT, and let know what you think!

Workshop In Cali

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 04:43:39 GMT

If you're in the California coastal area, I'm giving a workshop with YA author, Shelley Adina!

We'll be in Monterey, California tomorrow, July 21st, 2009, talking YA!

Emerging Genres: Writing and Selling Multicultural
and Inspirational Young Adult Fiction

"Today’s market is more difficult to break into than ever, but there are under served niches that editors and agents are looking to fill. Multi-published young-adult authors Kelly Parra and Shelley Adina will discuss two of these: the multicultural and inspirational genres, with a focus on young adult fiction. They’ll share tips on how to write for these readers, strategies for breaking in, and the do’s and don’ts they’ve learned the hard way. They’ll also share some of their marketing and promotion strategies for reaching readers."

Check out the info @ Central Coast California Writers.

I received an email from a reader, who is visiting the area and said she'll be attending, so I'm excited!

Scratched Notes

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 04:44:24 GMT

This weekend, I scratched out some notes on my new characters. I really don't know them that well yet, but an image of them is in my head. Their personalities will be a fun learning experience.

I sketched out the basic GMCs - Goals, motivations, conflicts. I have the general concept of the story. The GMCs often alter over the length of the book, but I need a general goal. A set-up to try and get to know these kids better.

I'm going to try and not go too dark, but--haha--if I worry about it too much, I'll get blocked! So I'll go with it and see how it goes.

Started a rough first scene... This story will have two POVs and a romance.

I thought about making a book collage, where you cut out images that relate to your story and characters and paste them together since I'm a pretty visual and hands on person, but I was too eager to start.

I think it would help, though, once I get to know these characters better.

Good writing to you.

Fascinating Discussion on YA

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:13:08 GMT

There is a fascinating discussion going on at Chasing Ray, regarding the lack of YA books involving, "African American, Native American, Jewish, Muslim, Asian American, Indian, LBGT and on and on."

The blogger asks the question:

" [...] are their fewer teen books published with minority characters because publishers do not think they will sell or is the problem that writers capable of crafting such books from their own experience are uncommon?

In other words - are white writers (who are in the majority) afraid to write books with minority characters or are minority authors prevented from being published because the kids they write about don't have the purchase power of the white kids?

[...'] Do you think that writers and publishers address this identity issue strongly enough and in a balanced matter in current teen fiction? Can authors write characters of different race/ethnicity or sexual preference from their own and beyond that, what special responsibility, if any, do authors of teen fiction have to represent as broad a swath of individuals as possible? "

Published authors have given wonderful and thought-provoking answers on the blog post and many interesting comments. I have to admit I've been a little afraid to be so honest on the topic, without coming across as complaining. Here are my thoughts I posted in the comments and what I've experienced writing multicultural YA:

This is a fascinating discussion. One as a published author I have been afraid to discuss so that I don't come across as merely only rooting for the multicultural writer or publishers not supporting MC (multicultural) titles.

I've been writing MC characters for about ten years as I am multicultural. What I discovered when trying to sell my first adult novel a few years ago, editors were only interested in MC books if the books were about the cultural experience--an issue the MC character had to deal with then prevail. At the time, my first book was with a MC character but because she wasn't dealing with a MC issue, the editors were not interested.

When I chose to write for teens, I wanted to write characters of mixed ethnicity. Characters who were of two cultures. Or maybe even more nationalities like myself, Mexican, Filipino, and Italian. I also wanted to write books teens wanted to read. When I was in school, it was extremely hard to enjoy the classics and wouldn't it be great to write a book teens would want to read for school?

My two books Graffiti Girl and Invisible Touch have MC issues weaved through the stories and I've recently discussed with my agent that I'd like to write a story with MC characters where their conflict is not MC. We'll have to see the feedback we receive from editors on the next submission. I've grown up with MC issues, but also issues teens of all colors have experienced, so why I cannot write a MC character with issues even Caucasian characters face?

With the MTV Books imprint I was published with there was only one other Latina writer on the list. I can't believe that writers are not writing MC characters, but sadly my first thought is that publishers are buying few and the ones that are published are not receiving the publicity push that could help get the book to interested readers.

On the topic of MC authors writing MC characters, I do feel the instinct to write what I know. It would be difficult to write deeply about a cultural I do not know much about myself, but that's only my feelings about my own writing. I have nothing against writers writing about other cultures that are not their own, in fact I encourage it.

Many teens who are MC have reviewed or written to me that they can relate to my characters--some not even Latina--and it makes me feel good. I'm not a bestseller, and I also have to admit I do not have a literary voice that resonates with adult YA readers, but it has with teen readers. It gives me some hope that I'm doing the right thing writing MC characters even though they are not selling in a big way, even knowing that readers who are not Latina won't pick up my books because they may feel being raised in another cultural that they couldn't relate to the story.

Thank you very much for this thought-provoking post.

The Blank Page

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:12:08 GMT

This is what I have to start with...a blank page.

I had two complete book proposals, nearly half of two books, but they didn't work. They were too dark, not enough feeling. Maybe no light. So now I'm back to a blank page. In a way that could mean nothing.

And in another way it could mean everything.

The blank page could be a story waiting to be written. It could be ready to be filled with dark and light. It could be ready for some feeling. That's what I want to create this time. I don't want to worry about the time going by. Or the sales numbers or the things happening that don't really matter in long run when all you have is a blank page to fill.

I'm ready to write another story that matters.

And I'm starting with a clean slate, characters to get to know.

I'm starting with a blank page.

Wish me luck. :)

Publicist or Storyteller?

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 04:53:45 GMT

I think one of the hardest parts of being a published author is the marketing. When you are on your journey to publication, learning your craft, taking workshops, entering contests for feedback, reading books, rewriting, what you are trying to do is make your book the best it can be. You are trying to make your book into a published book.

But what I've noticed after writing two published works is that I can't just worry about writing the best book I can. As a published author, I have to worry about what's selling to publishers, or my sales numbers, or marketing the books that have gone to publication in order to gain new readership.

And when that happens, the creativity suffers. The writing becomes harder.

I love being a writer. I love to tell stories. That is what I've wanted to do for the past ten years. It's a dream to be published, one I cherish. But being a published author doesn't stop at the creativity or the spinning of stories. Today it goes beyond that with marketing and trying to please all the people who work with you on the book.

I want to entertain myself as I write. I want to entertain readers who are willing to read my work.

But I can't just do that because I am a published author and have to factor in sales and marketing. I have to factor in that unless I spend money I don't even have to hire a publicist, I have to be my worst enemy to my writing.

I have to be a publicist when I want to be a storyteller.

And when I've done all I can as a publicist and it still doesn't work, I wonder one thing...

Where does that leave the storyteller?

Reasons to Read Invisible Touch

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:40:40 GMT

I'll be the first to admit, I had some trip ups with Invisible TouchMy first release date was supposed to be September 2008. I didn't know if this was the perfect date, but I planned all of my promotion for September. Then, the strangest thing happened...my Advanced Reader's Copy was printed instead of my edited manuscript. The publisher graciously fixed this and reprinted my books with the correct edits, but my release date was pushed to October 2008. I moved my launch to a month later, but somehow it still felt a little off and promotion for the book hasn't been the greatest. So I've come up with a list of reasons you might like to read Invisible Touch!

1. I commissioned this cool book video about the story...it really captures the suspense and premise of the novel.

2. Touch had the weirdest printing snafu that I mentioned above. Come on, my book has a supernatural storyline and this weird glitch happens. *shiver* Is that like a sign??

3. It's listed in a Goodreads "THE ULTIMATE SUMMER '09 READING LIST" currently @ #14. (Coolio!)

4. It's been said to have a surprising ending in various reviews! (My lips are sealed!)

5. It's been given the "Gold Award of Excellence" from TeensReadToo.

6. It has a romance between a tough guy and a girl both struggling with secrets.

7. Enchanting Reviews gave Touch 5 Enchantments!

8. Invisible Touch is on the Fresno Library Summer Reading List (this was found by chance) and this is a quick blurb from the site: "There’s romance, Latino culture, mystery, and a touch of the paranormal, witten by the author of Graffiti Girl. It’s better than an asada burrito at El Pollo Loco!" Love that one!

9. Bestselling author Laurie Faria Stolarz said, "Invisible Touch is a blending of mystery, romance, and deep and dangerous secrets." *sigh*

10. Ultimately, I wrote Touch for two reasons. 1) for the reader to have an entertaining read. I know as an author you can't please every reader, but I hoped to entertain as many readers as I can. 2) I lost two important men in my life and I dedicated this book to them. It was a way to say goodbye and I put a lot of my grief into the book. There was a time I was writing the book and I was so deep into Kara's POV, I spaced. When I finally snapped out of it, I had a whole page written. I blinked and it was one of those weird moments that you're not sure what happened, but something weird did indeed happen. Still trips me out...