2009 Debutantes

Reading a discussion on twitter about people's love for the animated Disney Robin Hood fox (a love I must admit I share) started me thinking about all the weird literary "crushes" I have had throughout my reading career. Generally speaking, I haven't fallen for the romantic leads in my favorite books. Gilbert is fine for Anne, and I'm glad Harry gets Corlath, but they're not for me.

So I thought I'd ask the rest of you Debs and Watchers: who were/are the characters you've fallen in love with? It doesn't need to be in a strictly romantic sense... And the non-weird ones are fine too.

I'll post my answers in a comment, and look forward to hearing from the rest of you!

Hello debs and watchers!

I've been thinking a bit about reading: what it was like as a kid, what it's like now, and I got curious about other people's experiences...

So here are the questions:

What were you like as a reader as a kid? As a teen? How has that changed now? Do you read more, or less?

How did you pick what you read as a kid? As a teen? Did your parents or other adults encourage you or shape your habits at all?

Also, if you are a parent with reading kids, do you do anything particular to encourage them to read, or to guide their reading habits?

Thanks!

I should be working on my revision, so shh, don't tell my editor, but I was reading agent blogs and came across this post by Nathan Bransford (When does one become a writer):

http://nathanbransford.blogspot.com/2009/02/you-tell-me-when-does-one-become-writer.html

My first thought (and this was discussed in the comments): It was easier seeing myself as Writer than as Author.


Debs and Watchers:

There are many steps in the process from Offer to Published Book: When did you feel like an Author? Or do you yet?

For watchers and Debs:

I am betting most of us struggle a bit with trying to fit everything into our daily schedule: writing, reading, family, day-jobs, exercise, chores, hobbies, and of course time online.

So what's your schedule like? How do you fit everything in? Feel free to talk generally or give a sample day or whatever else you feel like sharing.

And, if you feel like it, share what your ideal dream schedule would be.

Wondering...

To what extent do you consciously structure your books (in the first draft, or in later revision)? Do you just go by gut feeling how each scene should play out, and which scene should follow? Do you analyze character motivation, plot points, themes, or whatever, scene by scene? Do you have a specific type of structure you try to follow (and if so, what)?

The big picture, structural type stuff is still something I don't feel completely confident in, so I'm curious to see how others handle it. :)

Last night I watched an old movie of Drew Barrymore's, Never Been Kissed. How much do I love Drew --let me count the ways, but I digress....

I thought about how much fun it might be to go back to high school for a Do-Over. Or alternately, how horrifying it might be. As writers and readers of Middle Grade and Young Adult fiction, we go back to the teen and pre-teen years in our heads all the time.

So, what would you tell your teen self if you could go back and visit her/him? Or what would you do differently if you knew then what you know now?

It is still Monday, isn't it? Well, yes - it is in my end of the world. So that counts. :)

The topic I would like to throw out for discussion is: Authors and Public Speaking.How important do you think public speaking skills are for an author?

Would an author you admire who really can't speak well in public turn you off of their books? On the other hand, would an author you've never read but who is a fabulous speaker inspire you to purchase their book?

Should writers polish up their public speaking skills? Do readers really care?

It seems that many of the DEBS are fairly talented people when it comes to public speaking. We have teachers, librarians and lawyers among us. All professions that require public speaking skills. Let's hope it helps! I wish I could watch the guru's speak!

Hi Debs and Watchers! Some of us were recently talking about how we review books we read, and I thought it might be an interesting topic to discuss here.

Do you review books you read (either in your blog, on Amazon, Goodreads, etc.)?
Do you use stars or numerical ratings? If not, why?
Do your friendships with other people in the writing community impact how you review? Or who you review?
Do you have any other guidelines you follow when reviewing something?

Thanks folks! I look forward to hearing what you all have to say. I will put my own response in a comment...

Did you ever get frustrated and quit writing? Did you want to quit? How did you work through that angst and find the joy again?

Open post here.

Comments from all welcome!

Hi folks! A question for both debs and watchers:

What books published in the past 10 years or so would you recommend to someone looking for a good overall grounding in the current YA and/or MG genres? Specifically I am thinking of books that would be good to read to be able to have meaningful discussions with other fans of children's literature (kids, booksellers, librarians, teachers, etc).

Thanks!

Edited to add: If you prefer, narrow down the genre. I myself am primarily interested in ya or middle grade fantasy, but I am happy to hear all the different recommendations. Thanks for the suggestion cynleitichsmith!