Next Book News!

We’ve debuted, we’re debuting and we’re selling more stuff! Check back on the 28th of each month to find out all the awesome Next Book News!

Jen Malone sold another book!

 Jen’s YA,  ME, HIM & THE PAPARAZZI, will be published by HarperImpulse Winter 2017!!  

Here’s a blurb:

The California dream was supposed to give fifteen year-old Annie Shelton a fresh start far removed from her dad’s unusual betrayal. But when things don’t go according to plan in La La Land, Annie’s mom snags a last-minute gig as makeup artist to a teen movie idol. Then she finagles a spot for her daughter on his European promotional tour.

Down-to-earth Annie would rather fangirl architectural sights than an arrogant A-lister. That is, until behind-the-scenes Graham Cabot turns out to be more sweetly vulnerable than she could have imagined. Too bad falling for a poster boy isn’t all red carpets and star treatment, especially when you factor in obnoxious fans, an overprotective assistant, a stage mom/manager, and a beefy bodyguard.

But it isn’t until the paparazzi make an appearance that things get really sticky…

Add it on Goodreads!

 

Kate A Boorman sold books 2 and 3!

Abrams/Amulet bought books 2 and 3 in the WINTERKILL trilogy (publication fall 2015 and fall 2016 respectively).

 

The Cover of CHARMED by Michelle Krys revealed on YABC!

The cover of CHARMED, Michelle Krys’ sequel to HEXED, was revealed over at YA Books Central!

 

 

Add it on Goodreads!

 

The Cover of LIFELESS by AdriAnne Strickland revealed on Icey Books!

The cover for LIFELESS, AdriAnne Strickland’s sequel to WORDLESS, was revealed over at IceyBooks! Check it out and enter to win a signed copy of WORDLESS! (note: giveaway ends midnight on August 28th!  Go. Now!!)

 

 

Add it on Goodreads!

 

The Cover of THE STOLEN MOON by Rachel Searles revealed on YA Buccaneers! 

The cover for THE STOLEN MOON, Rachel Searles’ sequel to THE LOST PLANET was revealed on the YA Buccaneers blog!

 

 

Add it on Goodreads!

 

What an awesome news month!!  Check back in September for more great One Four news!!

Robin Constantine is a born and raised Jersey girl who moved down South so she could wear flip-flops year round. She spends her days dreaming up stories where love conquers all, well, eventually but not without a lot of peril, angst and the occasional kissing scene. Her YA debut, THE PROMISE OF AMAZING, is out now! Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins Publishers.

When We Say YA: August Edition

This month, many of us head back to school as teachers, PTO volunteers, or even students. So I asked my fellow One Fours what their favorite school-based scene is in a YA novel (including their own). Here’s what they said:

I love the scenes in ELEANOR AND PARK on the school bus. The way the proximity of the bus seat becomes something different for both Eleanor and Park as the book progresses is a beautiful thing. On a personal level, I suppose my favorite school scenes to write with Madelyn for DREAM BOY were set in the cafeteria. It’s such a hub of school life–with all the swirl of social hierarchy and ritual. There’s a lot to play with. All that aside, my favorite school room in my real high school was definitely the band room. I was such a band geek. Hmmmm… Maybe I should work some band scenes into the story I’m writing now.

– Mary Crockett, DREAM BOY

One of my favorite scenes in a school is when Anne Shirley breaks a slate over Gilbert Blythe’s head, and then when the teacher makes her copy lines on the chalkboard, she boldly corrects the teacher’s spelling of her name before complying. I still wish I had half as much courage as Anne. For my own book, my favorite school scene takes place in the girls’ bathroom, where Julep starts a salacious rumor to trick a popular girl into going to a formal with a nerdy guy. Very different scene from Anne’s, but shows a similar gumption and determination to be exactly who you are, despite society’s attempts to force young women to conform to “acceptable behavior.”

– Mary Elizabeth Summer, TRUST ME, I’M LYING

My new favorite scene in a YA book is the poker game in the latter half of the book, WINGER, by Andrew Smith. It involves five poker players, a bottle of bourbon smuggled in to their dorm room, a gatorade bottle full of pee, and a boy with an issue to settle. I have never laughed so hard as when I read this scene. It’s disgusting, gross, and boy perfect.

-Jaye Robin Brown, NO PLACE TO FALL

I’m just going to say it: Bella playing volleyball in gym class from Stephenie Meyer’s TWILIGHT. Oh, the awkwardness. Brings back memories…and not necessarily good ones.

-Lisa Maxwell, SWEET UNREST

I have always loved the scene in THE CATCHER IN THE RYE when Holden is talking about his speech class. Whenever a student is giving a speech and gets off topic, the students and teacher would say “digression” and completely fluster the poor student giving the speech. As a teacher, I’ve always wanted to yell “digression” when a student digresses, but I think that would do more to damage the speaker than to help him/her.

-Chris Struyk-Bonn, WHISPER

My favorites were always the Divination scenes in the HARRY POTTER books. Especially the ones in PRISONER OF AZKABAN. So vividly described, and I always felt like Harry was at his snarkiest best in Divination.

-Skylar Dorset, THE GIRL WHO NEVER WAS

The first scenes that come to mind are the bus scenes in ELEANOR & PARK. There are plenty of other scenes in YA novels that relate to hallways and cafeterias, bathrooms and classrooms, but that image of Eleanor walking down the aisle looking for a seat will stay with me forever. Part of that may be due to my time on the county’s Safe Schools Advisory Council, where I worked against both passive and active bullying to try to create a more inclusive school environment throughout the school division, but honestly, I think Rainbow Rowell just did a fabulous job with all those bus scenes. The music room scenes in Jandy Nelson’s THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE are also brilliant. But my favorite? That “cranny” scene in Karou’s art class in the Prague Lyseum in DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE. For sheer brilliance of introducing plot, character, and world, you don’t get much better than that. But also? Using wishes to make a narcissistic ex-boyfriend’s butt itch uncontrollably while he’s posing in the nude for your art class in the hope of getting you back? Um. YES! So original, and so much fun!

– Martina Boone, COMPULSION

It’s hard to pick a favorite school scene from one of my all-time favorite books, but the opening of Jerry Spinelli’s STARGIRL would do for starters. In strolls Stargirl Caraway on her first day of eleventh grade, dressed in an off-white, floor-length dress with ruffles that “looked like her grandmother’s wedding gown.” She carries a ukulele on her back, and while everyone in the cafeteria watches spellbound, she pulls it out and begins strumming “I’m looking over a four-leaf clover that I overlooked before.” Then there’s silence and the sound of one person clapping: the lunchroom cashier. It just gets better and better with every page, and totally heartbreaking after the excitement of her eccentricities dies down and she is shunned. But in his inimitable way, Spinelli celebrates individualism and hope on every page.

-Linda Vigen Phillips, CRAZY

Like Mary Elizabeth Summer, I love the scene in ANNE OF GREEN GABLES where Anne Shirley breaks the slate over Gilbert Blythe’s head, but even more than that amazing scene, I love the scenes in later books when Anne has grown up to be the kind of teacher beloved and respected by her students, because she never lost that strong spirit that always defined Anne Shirley. (Yes, I’ve read the entire series, many times.) … On a personal level, my favorite school scenes to write for TWELVE STEPS were the history class scenes between Andi and Dave, and their teacher, Mr. Mayer. The teacher is a cross between my favorite high school teacher, and two of my high school friends who now teach history classes, so of course he made me smile. But the best part of writing those scenes was watching Andi’s secret love of history–and her determination to succeed at all costs–peek through her “I couldn’t care less about school” mask.

–Veronica Bartles, TWELVE STEPS

Joshua David Bellin has been writing novels since age eight (though his first few were admittedly very short). His debut YA science fiction novel SURVIVAL COLONY NINE will be published in September 2014 by Margaret K. McElderry Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. Josh likes (in no particular order) gorillas, frogs, monsters, and human beings.

Friday Q&A: Back to School Edition

Image by SG, used under a Creative Commons License

This month’s question:

What is one thing the debut process has taught you?

That there is a limit to the amount of stress and/or celebration cupcakes my pants size will tolerate.
—Heidi Schulz, HOOK’S REVENGE

There is nothing more important than working on the next book, not just because it’s “responsible” but because it’s truly the best distraction.
—Dahlia Adler, BEHIND THE SCENES

That the absolute best thing about becoming a published author is finding my writing soulmates.
—Mary Elizabeth Summer, TRUST ME, I’M LYING

Patience is a virtue… I don’t have. *clicks refresh*
—Lauren Magaziner, THE ONLY THING WORSE THAN WITCHES

My lesson is a confession: I stole every last drop of patience laurenmagaziner had…and spent it all in one month. The lesson is that is obviously to steal more wisely.
—Natalie C Parker, BEWARE THE WILD

That which is “beyond my control” actually IS beyond my control and I can RELAX ALREADY, or I can explode into little bits of Kate-shrapnel. And I’m a tidy sort and the latter is too messy.
—Kate A Boorman, WINTERKILL

Some people will love your book. Some will not. Surround yourself with people who love YOU.
—Louise Galveston, BY THE GRACE OF TODD

It’s true that writing the book is the easy part – the part we do out of love. Submissions. Revisions. Marketing. Sales. That’s where it feels like “work”.
—Helene Dunbar, THESE GENTLE WOUNDS

Focus on why you started writing in the first place. Because you love it.
—Christina Farley, GILDED

Putting a book out in the world is a good thing. Meeting all the amazing people who come your way when you put a book out in the world is an even better thing. Having someone love your book like you do — Wow! The best!
—Mary Crockett, DREAM BOY

Meeting young writers at school visits is the best thing about being an author. Also, writers of all ages are the best, nicest people to hang out with. 🙂
—Veronica Bartles TWELVE STEPS

That it’s important to remember to celebrate. It’s easy to get buried in stress and forget that this is an exciting, awesome time. So, cheers! *clink!*
—AdriAnne Strickland, WORDLESS

You never know how your book may affect a reader and give them hope.
—Catherine Linka, A GIRL CALLED FEARLESS

It’s probably never going to stop be surprising that it worked–that there’s a book out there with my name on it.
—Lisa Maxwell, SWEET UNREST

Fellow writers are awesome and really help through the craziness of the debut year. Get yourself a writing tribe, stat! They will definitely keep you sane.
—Maria E. Andreu, THE SECRET SIDE OF EMPTY

That gratitude and generosity are the keys to happiness!
—Edith Cohn, SPIRIT’S KEY

Letting go. That’s impossibly hard for me. I’m used to running my own business and managing people. Having the whole S&S/Pulse team of editorial, publicity, marketing, design, sales, and educational experts behind the book is fantastic, and more than any other publisher I’ve run across, they are very collaborative and engaged. But all those areas are not my job, and I don’t always have to know the whole picture. Similarly, once the book is out there, who reads it and how it is received is completely out of our control. That’s all hard for a control freak. : )
—Martina Boone, COMPULSION

Heidi Schulz is a writer, reader, and giraffe suspicioner. Her debut novel for middle grade readers, HOOK’S REVENGE, will be published by Disney•Hyperion on September 16, 2014. A sequel, HOOK’S REVENGE: THE PIRATE CODE will follow in September, 2015. Bloomsbury Kids will publish her picture book debut, GIRAFFES RUIN EVERYTHING, in spring of 2016. She lives in Oregon with her husband, their teen daughter, a terrible little dog, and five irascible chickens. Connect with Heidi on her website, Twitter, and Facebook.

Happy 14th Day: AUGUST

Greetings, readers. Having a good summer (or winter, if you’re down south)?

Now, for our yummy (mostly review-centered) news:

Catherine Linka’s A GIRL CALLED FEARLESS is a finalist for the Southern California Independent Booksellers Young Adult Book Award.

Booklist praised AdriAnne Strickland’s August debut sci-fi/fantasy, WORDLESS, for its “impressive mythology and fast-paced adventure!”

Kirkus called Lisa Maxwell’s SWEET UNREST “A tale of magic, murder and romance in the steamy South” and said “debut author Maxwell tackles slavery, segregation and racial tensions admirably and offers a time-transcending romance.”

Mary Elizabeth Summer’s TRUST ME, I’M LYING has been selected for the Autumn 2014 Kids’ Indie Next List. Also, Random House Australia has acquired the Australian rights to her debut. Woohoo!

Kosmos Verlag has acquired the German Rights to Trisha Leaver’s THE SECRETS WE KEEP. Also, Brilliance Audio has acquired the North American Audio rights to Trisha’s debut.

Booklist says of Christina Farley’s GILDED: “Energy, adventure, and ancient Korean legends whisk the reader away to lands real and spirit bound.”

Kirkus said of Elissa Sussman’s STRAY: “Fairy-tale tropes are turned on their heads in this exploration of class and ideology.”

VOYA magazine says of Jessica Love’s PUSH GIRL: “Kara’s voice is so clear and so realistic that it pulls the reader in.”

VOYA writes that Joshua David Bellin’s SURVIVAL COLONY 9 is “filled with interesting plot twists, compelling characters, and gripping action,” and School Library Journal adds that “[Bellin’s debut] will appeal to sci-fi fans who will anxiously await the planned sequel.”

And…

Just one more thing…

School Library Journal gave Heidi Schulz’s HOOK’S REVENGE a starred review, saying “Schulz’s debut novel is a rollicking page-turner that’s more than just an action-packed adventure. “

 

Amber Lough lives with her husband, their two kids, and their cat, Popcorn, in Syracuse, NY. She spent much of her childhood in Japan and Bahrain. Later, she returned to the Middle East as an Air Force intelligence officer to spend eight months in Baghdad, where the ancient sands still echo the voices lost to wind and time. Her Middle Eastern fantasy, THE FIRE WISH, debuted this July from Random House BFYR.

 

Introducing Kate A. Boorman, author of WINTERKILL

Out here, I can feel the dead in the trees… 

 

Today we’re speaking with Kate A Boorman, author of WINTERKILL, a young adult alternate history thriller that releases September 9^th, 2014. One author, four questions….. and go!

 

Hey, you’re getting published! How’d that happen? 

I always want this answer to be: I started writing when I was a child and just pursued a life long dream. I mean, I wrote a kickass mystery short story in grade six (just ask my elementary school—it won an award, I remember, and why wouldn’t it? It featured death by steam room!) and some extremely bad poetry and some short stories in high school, but the truth is, it didn’t occur to me that I could write fiction until very recently.

I’d been writing for hire for several years—qualitative research/analysis etc.—and I was an avid reader, but fiction always felt like it lay far beyond me—not so much beyond my abilities, but my purpose (ie. what would I have to say?). You know those people who have “write a bestseller” on their bucket list—or if not their bucket, their Dream Big list? I always thought those people were completely out to lunch. Like, yeah, I’ll write a book and also be an astronaut and a rockstar in my spare time. I think my decision to try writing fiction was born of a combination of (old) age emboldening me, and needing a creative outlet outside my life of momosity. It was sort of like: what’s the worst that could happen? I don’t have to tell anyone I’m writing.

Very quickly I realized I loved it (also? I am obstinate and the first book I wrote went nowhere and my failure made me more determined). When life threw a curveball a couple of years ago I realized writing was also a really safe place for me. I used NaNo 2011 to finish a different book. I went to a couple of conferences, took workshops on craft, read voraciously, and revised that book. When I felt like it was finally the book I’d hoped to write, I started querying. I received offers of rep, accepted rep, revised with agent, went out on sub, and my agent sold the book in about three weeks. And that book, obviously (and surreally) is my debut that releases this September.

 

What’s your debut book about?

WINTERKILL is about a young girl living in an isolated settlement whose dreams urge her out into the forbidden woods, where the enemy lies in wait. It’s about fear—how it motivates and inhibits us—and discovery, and choosing to believe you are worthy of love.

Here’s an unofficial blurb: 

The woods outside Emmeline’s walls are deadly. Years ago, her people settled out there. Only a handful survived.

Emmeline knows she can’t go out there. She is already watched for Waywardness—the rule-breaking behavior that sent her grandmother to death. She should ignore those dreams that urge her to ask questions she shouldn’t.

But inside the walls is a marriage she doesn’t want, and a boy she can’t have.

And something out there calls to her.

 

What cool facts might readers not know about you?

Super cool: I have man-hands, which are “abnormally large hands on the end of rather stick-ish arms” (not the OED definition). The hands are very useful for playing piano (which I do) and opening jars (which I feign being unable to do because who likes opening jars?). The stick-ish arms would be useful for stabbing zombies through their torsos. Or so says my husband. I suppose I’d have to make my man-hands go rigid into something like spear-points to accomplish such a thing, but if I couldn’t get ahold of a stabby-stabby-poke-stick (which is what you’d need to fight zombies), then I’d be willing to try it. (Note: my book is not about zombies. Or man-hands.)

Less cool: I’m a terrible bike rider. Five words: pant leg in bicycle chain.

 

Why do Canadians use extra letters in their words and spell stuff funny? (colour, honour, cheque)

It’s an issue of National Security and I can only tell you if you pledge allegiance to these things: maple syrup, poutine and David Suzuki. On Canadian soil, of course.

 

Kate Boorman is an independent artist and writer from the Canadian prairies. She was born in Nepal (where she was carried up the Himalayas in a basket) and she grew up in a small Albertan town (where she rode her bike to Girl Guides). She is fond of creepy things. Speaking of! Her YA fantasy WINTERKILL debuts September 9th, 2014 (Abrams/Amulet and Faber & Faber).

WORDLESS Release Day

… Except this post won’t be wordless. I am, in fact, a rather wordy person, which is probably why I write books. I’ve written a few at this point, and WORDLESS isn’t the first nor the last. It’s a step on what has been a long journey—a continuing journey, most definitely! So while this is a (book) launch, which conjures visions of rockets blasting off from the earth, it feels to me more like an incredible stopover on the moon. And thank you all so much for accompanying me on this venture.

Sounds cheesy, eh? Well, some folktales say the moon is made of cheese. Please kick back for my book launch/picnic on the moon, have a slice of cheese (gruyere on baguette, anyone?), and maybe check out WORDLESS while you’re here:

 

“The Gods made their Words into flesh, giving privileged individuals the powers of creation …”

In Eden City, a member of the illiterate wordless class would never dream of meeting the all-powerful Words … much less of running away with one. So when a gorgeous girl literally falls into his lap during a routine trash run, seventeen-year-old Tavin Barnes isn’t sure if it’s the luckiest or worst day of his life. That girl is Khaya, the Word of Life, who can heal a wound or command an ivy bush to devour a city block with ease. And yet she needs Tavin’s help.

By aiding Khaya’s escape from the seemingly idyllic confines of Eden City, Tavin unwittingly throws himself into the heart of a conflict that is threatening to tear the world apart. Eden City’s elite will stop at nothing to protect the shocking secret Khaya hides, and they enlist the other Words, each with their own frightening powers, to bring her back.

 

What people are saying:

“Impressive mythology and fast-paced adventure.” – Booklist

“Just the right amount of pizzazz in the form of cinematic action and naked, sexy fun…. [An] intriguing, original science-fantasy setting sure to attract fans.” – Kirkus Reviews

“Strickland’s fast-paced debut… raises questions of identity and belonging…. Even the least ethical characters prove emotionally vulnerable.” – Publishers Weekly

“A fast-paced blend of sci-fi and fantasy with scary real-world implications, Wordless grabbed hold of me from the start and wouldn’t let me go. Brilliant.” – Chelsea Pitcher, author of The S-Word and The Last Changeling

 

You can purchase a copy of WORDLESS at these places, or request it at your local library:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Indiebound ~ Books-A-Million ~ Book Depository

 

 Check out the official blog tour here for a chance to win one of three copies + a $25 B&N gift card!

 

AdriAnne Strickland was a bibliophile who wanted to be an author before she knew what either of those words meant. She shares a home base in Alaska with her husband, but has spent two cumulative years living abroad in Africa, Asia, and Europe. While writing occupies most of her time, she commercial fishes every summer in Bristol Bay, because she can’t seem to stop. Her debut YA sci-fi/fantasy, WORDLESS, is coming in Summer 2014 from Flux Books. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook.

The Author’s Voice: interview with OneFour author Mary Elizabeth Summer

A female con artist, her kidnapped father, & some dangerous hit men (plus one annoying student dean).

Mary Elizabeth speaks with us about her forthcoming YA mystery/thriller TRUST ME, I’M LYING (Delacorte, October 2014).

 

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Kate Boorman is an independent artist and writer from the Canadian prairies. She was born in Nepal (where she was carried up the Himalayas in a basket) and she grew up in a small Albertan town (where she rode her bike to Girl Guides). She is fond of creepy things. Speaking of! Her YA fantasy WINTERKILL debuts September 9th, 2014 (Abrams/Amulet and Faber & Faber).

Mad For Middle Grade: A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words

Welcome to MAD FOR MIDDLE GRADE!  We’re here the first Monday of every month, discussing middle grade writing, chatting about from our favorite middle grade books, introducing our own middle grade titles, sharing middle grade writing advice, and generally obsess over everything middle grade! And if there’s any middle grade topic you’re interested in, we’d love to hear it in the comments!

Bring on the laugher! Our August debut books are both full of LOL humor:

THE ONLY THING WORSE THAN WITCHES
by Lauren Magaziner
Release date: August 14
Goodreads

AT YOUR SERVICE
by Jen Malone
Release date: August 26
Goodreads

[Insert a super happy funky-little-boogie-dance here in celebration of the release of my book and Jen’s positively delightful book!] YAY!!!!! 🙂

Today we sharing pictures! Some will have captions… and as for the others, well, you know that famous saying: a picture’s worth a thousand words. But whether we’re showing you a photo of our imagined characters, the book’s setting, important objects, or even beyond-the-book inspiration, we hope that these pictures give you insight into the flavor, tone, and feel of our respective books!

Question: Share a photo that has some connection to your book or your publishing experience!

Adriana Schanen
QUINNY & HOPPER
Disney-Hyperion

“Quinny & Hopper” was made possible in large part by daughter’s 2nd grade chick study.

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Dana Alison Levy
THE MISADVENTURES OF THE FAMILY FLETCHER
Delacorte/Random House

Boys, more boys, and SHENANIGANS!

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Gayle Rosengren
WHAT THE MOON SAID
Putnam/Penguin

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Heidi Schulz
HOOK’S REVENGE
Disney-Hyperion

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Jen Malone
AT YOUR SERVICE
Aladdin/Simon & Schuster

This is my daughter and this moment is what I pictured whenever I sat down to write. I cried when I took this shot.

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Kate Hannigan
CUPCAKE COUSINS
Disney-Hyperion

The house where “Cupcake Cousins” is set was inspired by the fantastic Michigan beach houses we see on bike rides during our vacations.

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Lauren Magaziner
THE ONLY THING WORSE THAN WITCHES
Dial/Penguin

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Louise Galveston
BY THE GRACE OF TODD
Razorbill/Penguin

One of the many inspirations behind By the Grace of Todd—my very own not-so-evil genius.

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Rachel Searles
THE LOST PLANET
Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan

Music = Energy = Inspiration!

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Rebecca Behrens
WHEN AUDREY MET ALICE
Sourcebooks

The White House Swingset, with a view into the Oval Office from the slide.

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Rebecca Petruck
STEERING TOWARD NORMAL
Abrams/Amulet

A 4-H competitor gives his steer a wash and blow-dry before the Goodhue County Fair. No lie: steers get more beauty care than I do! 🙂

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Paul Durham
THE LUCK UGLIES
HarperCollins

The morning commute.

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Skila Brown
CAMINAR
Candlewick Press

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Tara Dairman
ALL FOUR STARS
Putnam/Penguin

Mmmm, Indian food.

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Tracy Holczer
THE SECRET HUM OF A DAISY
Putnam/Penguin

One of Mama’s birds.

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Are there any topics you want to hear about next time? Let us know in the comments section!

Miss us already? We’ll be back for another Mad For Middle Grade on Monday September 1st! See you later, alligator!

Lauren Magaziner is a 4th grader at heart, watches way too much TV, and loves to steal people’s toes to make Toecorn, which tastes like chewy, meaty popcorn. Only one of those is true. (Okay… you caught me. They’re all true.) Her MG debut THE ONLY THING WORSE THAN WITCHES—about a boy who becomes a witchling’s apprentice in a town full of dangerous, Toecorn-loving witches—is forth-coming from Dial/Penguin on August 14, 2014.