Time for a Change

Hi all! This blog has always been a bit of a lost cause, and it's been mostly for news and updates on the books. I've redone my website in more of a blog-esque fashion, so it's time to say farewell to this one.

From now on, you can find all the news about me and the books at my new and improved website.There's also more to see, with extras that I'll be adding to and a lot more information overall.

You can also find me chatting away daily on my writing blog, Fiction University. (This is the one to go to if you're after writing advice)

Thanks to all the folks who came (and will still come) by to say hello. Come join me at the new place!

Janice

I'm Doing a Workshop: How POV Can Cure Your Common Writing Problems

I'll be doing a writers workshop on April 9 at FoxTale Book Shoppe in Woodstock, GA. While it's aimed at those writing for teens, the techniques are the same so writers of adult work can also benefit.

WORKSHOP FOR WRITERS OF YOUNG ADULT FICTION
View to a Skill: How Point of View Can Cure Your Common Writing Problems
Instructor: Janice Hardy, Author of The Healing Wars: The Shifter and The Healing Wars: Blue Fire (Published by Balzer & Bray/Harper Collins)

WHEN: SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 1pm-5pm
COST: $60
WHERE: FoxTale Book Shoppe, 105 E. Main St., #138, Woodstock, GA 30188

As young adult fiction continues to grow as a writing genre, so does the demand for quality, publishable writing. If you are currently writing young adult fiction with an eye towards publishing, you will not want to miss this unique opportunity to work with an expert in the field. Join novelist Janice Hardy for this half-day workshop that focuses on how point-of-view can fix commonly seen problems in your manuscript: telling, not showing, info-dumping, back story, weak character goals and motivations, low stakes, and more. Bring those frustrating sections of your book, and work with Janice to get inside the head of your character and help you get your story moving in the right direction. So that workshop participants can get the most out of this period of instruction, the class will be capped at fifteen attendees. Sign up today by linking to www.foxtalebookshoppe.com and registering online, or call FoxTale at: 770/516-9989.

Come Down and Say Hello

For those in the Atlanta,GA area, I'll be speaking and signing books at the Avenue Forsyth Barnes & Noble on February 26, at 2-3pm, so come on down and say hello.

It's during B&N's Exceptional Child Week, which is a week-long event from February 26 - March 4 that celebrates local schools, reading and books. I was there last year and had a great time. They really put on a wonderful show with lots of fun things for guests to see and do.

Wonderful News!

I'm delighted and excited to anounce that The Pain Merchants (the UK version of The Shifter) is on the shortlist for the 2011 Waterstone's Children's Book Prize! The winner will be announced February 9, 2011.

This is so very very cool.

The Shifter (US version) also got some love of its own and has been nominated for the 2011-2012 Truman Readers Award. The winner there will be announced April 2012.

So far, 2011 is starting off on a pretty darn good foot.

Book Fair Fun

You know, you'd think I'd be better about updating these things, but it always slips my mind. I might have to make that a New Year's Resolution this year. Remember to update the blog about events!

I'll be at Barnes & Noble this evening at the Otwell Middle School Book Fair. It's open to everyone, and supports the school, so come on by, say hello, and get some books. They don't even have to be mine, though that would be nice.

Barnes & Noble
The Avenue Forsyth
Building 200 Suite 252
410 Peachtree Pkwy
Cumming, GA 30041
From 6-8pm

Meet Me in Gainesville

For those of you in the Gainesville, GA area, I'll be at Hall Book Exchange this Saturday at their 24-hour Read-A-Thon. I'll be appearing from 2-3pm.

Saturday, October 23, 2010, 2-3pm
Hall Book Exchange
1854 Thompson Bridge Rd.
Gainesville,GA

The Blue Fire Travelling Launch Party: The Story

The Traveling Launch Party was a success, and fun was had by hopefully all. I know I had a great time. Night One was at Fox Tale Books, a wonderful independent bookstore in Woodstock, GA. They had the window all done up with my books and blue sparkle stuff and it looked really cool.

We walked inside and were greeted by yet another display. And yes, seeing my books in the windows and on display like this totally rocks.

After a bit of socializing with the Foxes (the lovely gals who own the shop), it was time to set up the food and get ready for the guests. I had planned quite the spread for the evening, with some yummy snacks and a cake.

The cake. Funny story here. I went to Publix with the book jacket in hand and asked if they could put it on the cake. The conversation went something like this:


ME: Can you put this on a cake?
BAKER: Yes, but we're not allowed to due to copyright.
ME: It's my book, for my book launch party.
BAKER: -stares at me dubiously-
ME: -flipping open the cover- See? There's my picture. I can show you my driver's license.
BAKER: Let me ask someone. -goes to speak to head baker, both return-
HEAD BAKER: We can do it, but you'll have to write a letter giving us permission.
ME: Okey dokey.


I wrote the letter and everything worked out. It's nice to see that they take copyright images seriously, but it cracked me up that I almost didn't get my own cover on a cake!


Guests started arriving, we joked and laughed and ate, then the Foxes tossed me up in front of everyone to talk about the book and writing in general. We had a great discussion, lots of good questions were asked, and they had to drag me off stage so I could sign books and let folks go home.

Day two sent us to Barnes & Noble, for a more traditional book signing. I recruited my neighbor and a few of her friends to do hair braiding and face painting for the kids, and set up shop in the back.

We also had some chairs set up so folks could hang out and chat after they got their books signed, and we had a nice informal mini-party going on all morning. The girls even went poaching for children when the face painting slowed down and brought back more customers. Spiders were big, and there were lots of cheeks with arachnids on them.

I got to meet some other bloggers and readers (Hi Kritsa!) face to face, and see some bloggers and readers I've met before, who even drove in from another state to see me! (Hi Sarah, and Kayelee!) It's always fun to meet folks I "see" online and put a person to the name.


We wrapped up and went home, tired from all the fun, but in good spirits. Next time, I need to remember to take more pictures.


Next signing is over at:


Saturday, October 23, 2010, 2pm
Hall Book Exchange
1854 Thompson Bridge Rd.
Gainesville,GA

They're doing a 24-hour read-a-thon for charity, so if you're in the area, stop on by that day.