Deb Joanne Keeps It Cool

First: Important news! Congratulations to Kerry Ann Morgan who has won an annotated copy of SMALL MEDIUM AT LARGE. Thanks for celebrating my launch week with us!

Now, to today’s business.

This week’s theme is heat. Quite timely, considering this extreme heat wave. Even though I’m in Canada, it gets pretty hot up here and we do get humidity, so it’s fair to say that the last week has felt like tropical hell in these parts. I’m very tired of the ‘hot enough for you’ comments and so thought I’d go a different way for today’s post. Seeing as I write for kids, it doesn’t seem right to talk about heat in books, so you won’t be getting a 50 Shades review here (and despite not being a stranger to heat in books, I haven’t read it anyway).

So as my book just launched, I think it’s fair to say, I’ve been feeling some metaphorical heat. As in the pressure to succeed and sell a lot of books. What that ‘a lot’ means, I’m not really sure. I don’t know what my publisher’s expectations are, but I do know I need to sell more than just me and my mom can buy on our own. Much rides on a book’s release, much more than just the success of the one book itself; unless you’re planning to only publish one book, your publisher will be looking at sales when considering your next book. Will there be a sequel? Depends on the sales. Will there be a next book at all? Depends on the sales. Will you eat next week? Well, yeah, because your advance wasn’t near enough to allow you to quit your day job, so you still have that to pay the bills. But you see where I’m going with this. There’s a lot of pressure. I’ve heard that it’s hard to get published, but even harder to stay published. Can I say for the record: THAT IS TERRIFYING TO ME! Because I really would like to stay published. I would REALLY like to make a career of this writing thing. And that means a book two and beyond. So yeah, as I’m launching my book and am having a great time with that (which I really am-see the picture of the fun reading I did on the weekend) I’m also feeling the pressure to sell a lot of books. Which kind of sucks, because I can’t do a lot at this point. I mean, yeah, I’ve done a lot of online marketing and have gone out and signed stock at bookstores, and have now even gone and done readings, but I can’t sign stock at every store. And I can’t do a ton of readings outside my own community. Much of it is out of my hands now.

And that makes me sweat. See? Heat.

But so much about being an author means letting go. Letting go of what you can’t control. Doing what you can (like writing a good book and doing your best to market it), and leaving the rest up to the fates. And trying not to worry about it too much and moving on with living your life. That’s SO important-I remember one year, I spent a whole summer obsessing and worrying about submissions, and come labor day, I had nothing to show for it except a wasted summer and a bunch of rejections.  So that’s what I have to do: I have to get out from under heat lamp, trust that I’ve done all I can do, and concentrate on what’s really important.

And today, what’s important is this:

How about you? How do you cool off, either from the crazy heat we’ve been experiencing, or from the pressure of needing to succeed?

July 9th, 2012 | Posted by JoanneL | Joanne Levy, Small Medium At Large, The Writing Life

Deb Joanne’s Launch Week Concludes with Just the Kind of Question You Might Expect from Deb Linda

My very first thought when I heard about Joanne’s book was, best title ever!

TG (my darling husband, for those of you who don’t know me very well), said exactly the same thing when he saw me reading it. No doubt about it–Small Medium at Large is the perfect title for this book. I mean, come on. A middle grade book about a girl who gets hit by lightning and, as a result, can hear ghosts?

Like I said. Perfect.

But a great title alone cannot carry a book. The book has to live up to it. Rest assured, Small Medium at Large is more than up to the task. I’ll admit, I was a little worried about being able to relate to a middle grade book at this point in my life, especially since my kiddos are no longer in that age group. But as soon as I started reading, my worries fell away–I was sucked right into the story, and enjoyed an amazing nostalgia trip down memory lane. Made me feel like a kid again, and I love that!

As you’ll note from my question, certain parts of the book were excruciatingly (an hilariously) easy for me to relate to.

My Question:

There are so many funny and touching scenes in Small Medium at Large that I love. Your characters are so real–they transported me back to my youth (admittedly a long trip), and I had a blast spending time with them on the page. My absolute favorite scene is the one where Lilah has to shop for a bra. (I can’t imagine a woman, of whatever age, who couldn’t relate to it on some level.) Did you draw on embarrassing memories of your own to frame that scene, or was it a product of your vivid imagination?

Joanne’s Answer:

Thank you so much, Linda. That scene, the bra-shopping one, is my very favorite in the book as well. There’s something about being a developing tween girl that just begs for humiliating scenarios, right? So much material! This scene is sort of an amalgam of my own humiliation over developing and getting a bra, which I think for a lot of girls is a bittersweet experience—you WANT to be growing up, but having to admit that your body is changing is embarrassing. Of course, it’s embarrassing for tweens; it seems to NOT be embarrassing for grownups, which I think is where the fun begins and why I think this scene works so well. Despite her reluctance to let ghosts help her with this very important thing, Lilah’s spirited peanut gallery (her dead grandmother and an also-deceased fashion designer) offer a lot of help in getting her fitted properly. But in the end, when it looks like all will be okay, poor Lilah runs into her crush, Andy, and all goes terribly wrong.

I remember very distinctly a horrifying experience I had back in sixth grade—I was wearing this white turtleneck with penguins on it, when a boy (who will remain nameless, but I still remember his name very clearly, thank you very much) walked up to me, looked me up and down and told me I had big boobs. I think it was that very weekend that I made my mom take me to get a bra. I’m pretty sure she made me get one in blush pink—I don’t know why, but who wants to argue?

And I’m not even going to get into what it was like for me, developing in front of three older brothers (although, since you have three brothers of your own, Linda, you probably have a good idea what it was like).

But back to my scene—so to answer your question, this particular experience didn’t happen to me, but it may as well have, minus the ghosts. Looking back, I’m pretty thankful now that my awkward years (especially the developing ones) happened – now that I’m well beyond that stuff, I have a goldmine of experiences that prove to be great fodder for books.

Back to Linda: So true, Joanne! Awkward experiences are the purest form of research. And, yes, having three brothers ensures you’ll have every one of those awkward experiences pointed out and commented upon. Trust me, I know.

If any of you out there have kids or grandkids (nieces, nephews, neighbors…) of the right age, I can’t recommend Small Medium at Large highly enough. Oh, heck, even if you want a fun trip down Memory Lane, it’s a great choice. You can always pretend you’re buying it for a friend.

Do you ever get the urge to revisit the books you loved as a kid?

Leave a comment and be entered to win a signed copy of SMALL MEDIUM AT LARGE!

July 6th, 2012 | Posted by LindaG | 2012 Debs, In a Fix, Joanne Levy, Linda Grimes, Small Medium At Large

Deb Joanne’s Launch Week Continues With The Inevitable Question…Can You Say Sequel??

In case you didn’t get this from Molly or Erika’s posts, let me put it plainly: SMALL MEDIUM AT LARGE is awesome. It is such a fun read, and the afternoon I spent reading it (because yes, I read it in one afternoon… it’s that kind of “just one more page!” story) was one of those times I can’t believe I get to call what I do “work.” Lilah is the kind of girl I’d totally want to be friends with, as are some of her ghosts. I mean, can you think of anything better than having a legendary fashion guru at your fingertips?

I liked SMALL MEDIUM AT LARGE so much that of course I couldn’t limit myself to only one question for Deb Joanne…

The storyline of Small Medium at Large is so much fun, but also complex. I’m wondering how the story was formulated: Did the whole thing come to you in a flash one day, while you were driving down the street, or in the shower or something? Or did it slowly evolve over time? And if the latter, which part came to you first? The title is so clever that I could even see someone coming up with that and building a story from there…

Also, have you given any thought to turning this into a series?? I’d love to follow Lilah’s adventures!

I actually did start out with the title that was in my head one morning when I woke up. It nagged at me for about a year until I realized I had to write the book or it would haunt (ha!) me for the rest of my life. That said, when I did write it, it was actually a YA book, complete with some jokes that were really inappropriate for a MG audience (starting off with her lightning strike coming just as she’s kissing her new brother…er…stepbrother). After a wise editor suggested I rewrite it as a MG {see more on this YA-to-MG evolution in Deb Molly’s post}, I cleaned it up and added in a lot of stuff to make the plot and jokes better for the intended age group. So, in the end, the book it is today was kind of a Frankenstein project as I knitted together scenes and characters from the original with a lot of new material. It was not an organic process at all.

As for your series question, yes, I’ve given it a lot of thought and do hope to continue with Lilah’s adventures! Of course, publishing being what it is, it’s not entirely up to me if we proceed with that, so although I’d love to, there’s no official word on that just yet. BUT, you are actually the second person to ask me that within the last 24 hours, so I’m hoping that’s a good sign! {I’m hoping so too! You’d definitely have one series devotee in me!}

*   *   *

It’s officially summer reading season, and I can’t recommend a seasonal read more highly than SMALL MEDIUM AT LARGE. Pick up your copy today… Or leave a comment below and be entered to win a signed copy of SMALL MEDIUM AT LARGE! Today’s question: Have you ever come up with an entire story inspired by an awesome title? 

July 5th, 2012 | Posted by RachelB | 2012 Debs, Joanne Levy, MWF Seeking BFF, Rachel Bertsche, Small Medium At Large

Deb Joanne’s Launch Week Continues With Ghost Stories Galore!

Happy Fourth of July! Or, as we say here at the Debutante Ball, HAPPY DEB JOANNE’S BOOK LAUNCH WEEK!

Because it’s the Fourth of July — time for camping, cookouts, s’mores, and of course GHOST STORIES — I thought I’d ask Joanne about the hilarious cast of misfit ghosts that people — er, ghost? — SMALL MEDIUM AT LARGE. 

Usually when we see ghosts in books or movies, they have some unfinished business that’s keeping them tethered to this earthly coil, and won’t rest until they finish that business. But Lilah’s ghosts seem to have much less pressing concerns. What inspired you to write such friendly ghosts? Were there other ghosts in books or movies you drew from? Have you ever had a ghostly encounter, yourself? 

Thanks for this great question, Molly! There’s actually more to it than you might think. When I first wrote the book as a YA, it was pretty dark. Like, really dark. One of the ghosts, Alex’s sister (Alex is Lilah’s best friend), had committed suicide a few months before the book opens, and returns through Lilah to try to explain and beg for Alex’s forgiveness. Also, later on, Tamsin (who was actually the mean girl in the old version) is suffering from depression and a ghost from her family appeals to Lilah save her after a suicide attempt. Yeah, it was pretty dark (but yet funny, somehow). So when that wise editor asked me if I would consider rewriting the book as a MG, she specifically asked for happy-go-lucky ghosts-ones who were okay with being dead. I struggled with that for a while, especially with the young ones like Rufus, because I really didn’t want to scare kids, but when you’re talking about ghosts, you inevitably have to talk about death. I tried to keep the death stuff pretty light, especially with the younger ghosts.

I haven’t had an encounter with any ghosts myself. But I used to have a lot of dreams about my grandfather after he passed, and also still have dreams about a guy I grew up with who died in his early 20s. I sometimes wonder if they’re talking to me through dreams or if I just shouldn’t eat burritos close to bedtime.

Joking aside, writing this book has made me really think about ghosts (and thunderstorm safety!) and wonder what happens to us when we die. Obviously, I still have no idea, but I’d like to think that our friend and families stick around and watch out for us and whisper in our ears that maybe we really shouldn’t eat that burrito at such a late hour. Doesn’t mean we’ll listen, but it would be nice to know they’re out there.

***

Wow, the book reads so smoothly — and the ghostly characters are so clear and well developed — I never would have guessed that they weren’t hanging around from draft one!

And for everyone spending the holiday camping, pick up a copy of SMALL MEDIUM AT LARGE on your way to the woods — it’s the perfect campfire read!

AND don’t forget that you have an opportunity to WIN a signed and annotated copy of SMALL MEDIUM AT LARGE! To enter, tell us your favorite ghost story in the comments below! 

July 4th, 2012 | Posted by M. Molly Backes | Debutante Ball, Joanne Levy, M. Molly Backes, Small Medium At Large, The Princesses of Iowa, The Writing Life

Deb Joanne’s Launch Week Continues with Deb Erika’s Question!

Let me just say, not only did I adore Deb Joanne’s debut, SMALL MEDIUM AT LARGE, but it was a shared joy in our house. From the moment my two young daughters saw the cover and I explained it was the story of a young girl who could talk to ghosts, they were hooked! Each time I read a chapter, they wanted to know what happened next—almost as much as I did. (In a few years, I’ll even be able to explain to them my very favorite scene in the book. To avoid any spoilers, I will say only two words: foundation garments. Trust me, I was rolling.)

Since I was so quickly and thoroughly smitten with SMALL MEDIUM AT LARGE (read my Goodreads review if you need further proof!), I asked Joanne this:

Joanne, one of the things I most loved–and admired–about SMALL MEDIUM AT LARGE is how you crafted Lilah’s voice so authentically. As a writer, I struggle to write younger characters with anything close to believability, but Lilah’s dialog and self-reflection (and that of her peers) was always so spot-on. PLEASE share how you are able to write your young characters so well and so convincingly, and if you can offer any advice on finding voice for characters who are beyond our own age ranges.

And here is Joanne’s answer:

Thanks, Erika, for your very nice words about Lilah’s voice. I’ve heard a few times that I nailed the voice, which is such a huge compliment, especially to someone who doesn’t have kids and had to rely on her memory and ear when writing middle-graders! When I wrote Lilah, I employed what I call (in my head, mostly) my sweet, yet bossy-know-it-all voice. I really do call it that and keep it in the front of my mind when writing kids. I definitely remember 12 as being that age when I really did think I knew it all, but was at the same time still very unsure of everything and very easily embarrassed. I know those things seem so contradictory, but I think if you remember being that age, you will hopefully get what I’m saying. It’s also important to keep the sweet in there – Lilah thinks she knows a lot about the world and is happy to impart her knowledge, but she isn’t mean spirited at all—she just thinks maybe not everyone knows the things she knows.

Like here, when Lilah is addressing her mom at her wedding:

“And may I say once again, you are a breathtaking bride!” (These are the kinds of things you must say to the bride, whether or not she’s your mother.)

And at that age EVERYTHING SEEMS SO VERY IMPORTANT. And I’m not sure if that’s because so much of the world is exciting and almost every experience is new, or because the world of a tween is very small and directed inward (probably both), but I add a lot of (sometimes invisible) exclamation points to sentences and that helps remind me that I need to communicate that tone of how important everything is. It also helps that I’ve never really grown up and I actually talk a lot like Lilah does (admittedly, with some swears thrown in). I remember when we were shopping the ms, one editor actually said the voice sounded too young, and I was like, but I talk like that! Anyway, she must have been in the minority, since, like I said above, I’ve had a lot of great feedback on Lilah’s voice.

Thanks so much for such a great answer, Joanne!  And trust me—there’s a reason why so many ghosts flock to Lilah and refuse to leave. Once you dive into her world, you’ll want to hang out with her for as long as possible too!

Dear readers, do you think it’s hard to capture the voice of younger characters? Leave a comment and be entered to win a signed copy of SMALL MEDIUM AT LARGE!

July 3rd, 2012 | Posted by ErikaM | Joanne Levy, Small Medium At Large

SMALL MEDIUM AT LARGE Launch Week – Deb Joanne’s big, teary, thank you post.

It’s here. It’s really here. SMALL MEDIUM AT LARGE releases tomorrow*.  I’m such a bundle of emotions about this, but I wanted to take this opportunity to talk about a couple of things that surprised me about this long journey.

But before I start, let’s discuss something really important: a giveaway. Everyone who comments on this post and the rest of the Debs’ posts this week (so through Friday) will be entered into a draw for a signed and annotated copy of SMALL MEDIUM AT LARGE. That’s right—there are secrets and behind the scenes stuff written right on the book. Because I don’t have enough to do this week. See how much I love you, loyal Deb Friends?

Okay, now, to the post:

I started writing stories a long, long time ago, but it wasn’t until about 9 years ago that I really thought about getting published and began to work towards that goal.

I really had no idea how the whole publishing thing worked. But I knew I needed to start with a book. So I started writing. And eventually, I ended up with a book that I thought could be published. Yeah, you know the story, right? I queried and yadda, yadda, yadda that first book (and a lot of its friends) lives under the bed. But I kept going. And going. And going…

But there are two BIG things I didn’t know when I started out, and these are what I want to talk about today.

1. I had no idea how hard this would be. Really. It never entered my mind when I first started out, that I would be faced with a lot of failure. This was due to part naiveté and part stupid arrogance, but there you go. I didn’t have a clue that it would take me this long. And that’s a good thing, because I never would have continued if I’d known it would take me almost a decade and many, many books written. I don’t want to say that where I am at now erases all the heartache and tears I’ve shed over this journey, but hell, I did it. And I feel pretty darn good for having survived it with a published book at the end. I failed and failed and failed and then I succeeded, and at the end of the race, all that counts is that I crossed the line.
2. I never realized how many amazing, talented and wonderfully gracious people I would meet along the way. Honestly? This is what kept me going when I started to realize #1. And this is what I really want to talk about today on the eve of my book release. Sure, my book comes out tomorrow and it’s a dream come true and all, and I should probably ask you to go buy it**, but I really want to talk about how this entire experience has shaped me and introduced me to a community of amazing people.

There have been so many people who have helped me along the way, so many that I tried to name a bunch in my book acknowledgements, but it was too long and had to edit it down to only a few names (which hurt and was actually harder and more painful than writing the book). But I want to say here publicly that so many editors and agents—even the ones who didn’t work with me directly, but were on Twitter or blogging, graciously dispensing advice—have helped shape me and my book. And to all my writer friends: the ones I met online or through conferences or local networking – a hearty thank you to you as well. You are often my inspiration to keep going, and I love that we can lean on each other and know what it’s like in this crazy business.

(Yes, Mom, I realize you were a huge supporter, too, but you had your week already)

So although I celebrate my book release tomorrow, I also will be celebrating YOU and all the fine people around me that I never would have met if I’d given up 9 years ago.

Please raise your glass with me and let’s celebrate together.

And darn it all –someone pass more tissues!

*it actually released here in Canada last week, but for our intents and purposes and those of my publisher, TOMORROW is the big day.

**Please buy my book.

July 2nd, 2012 | Posted by JoanneL | 2012 Debs, Contest, Joanne Levy, Small Medium At Large

Deb Joanne Runs to the Sea

This week’s theme is Getting Away. Wow, how timely. My book releases in Canada tomorrow and next Tuesday in the U.S., so you can bet I really want to get away. This past year has been full of getting ready for this and I’m sure feeling that. I need a holiday.

And for me (and thankfully my husband) the best holiday is one spent at sea. That’s right: I’m a cruiser. You may already know this, since I talked about my last cruise a bit at Thanksgiving, but I’m never as happy as I am when I’m at sea.

So now, as I’m going a bit insane with book release(s) and launch stuff, I’m going to give you a peek into why the ocean is my happy place.

*sigh*

And here’s a photo montage (admittedly, with some weirdly random photos that my husband included, like the artwork and elevator maintenance – what the?)

So let’s hear about YOUR happy place! Where do YOU love to be when you’re getting away?

June 25th, 2012 | Posted by JoanneL | 2012 Debs, Joanne Levy, Small Medium At Large