Blog Roll!

So, hello!!

I hope your summer is treating you well, and yes, according to my last blog post it really has been six months since my last visit, and not only have I missed you, but so much has happened since then!

Like...I recently signed a three-book deal for a new YA series, UNRIVALED, with Harper Collins that I'm super excited about!

Me celebrating at Harper Collins Headquarters with the only things you really need for an epic celebration: Snarkles & Sparkling Cider!

And since I hope to get this blog going again, I figured what better way to begin than by taking part in a blog roll?! 

The amazing author of HUSH LITTLE BABY, Suzanne Redfearn, invited me to join this blog roll in progress that's all about the writing process. I don't know about you, but I'm always interested in reading about other writer's creative processes, so without further delay, here's mine:  

1. WHAT AM I WORKING ON –
I’m currently working on the first book in my upcoming YA series, UNRIVALED (in stores early 2016!). It’s a bit of a departure from more recent works as it takes place in the fast-paced world of LA nightclubs, where three teens get caught up in a high-stakes competition and the desperate measures they take to win that make them suspects in a mysterious crime. It’s glamorous, edgy, suspenseful, sexy, and of course, there are loads of cute boys and romance! After writing 14 paranormals over the last 5 years, I’m having a blast returning to my contemporary roots!

2. HOW DOES MY WORK DIFFER FROM OTHERS OF ITS GENRE?
I don’t necessarily set out to make my books different, as I’m not really thinking about anyone else’s books while I’m writing. I just try to write about subjects that are either deeply personal, or deeply interesting to me, and then I create a cast of characters with varying perspectives and try to tell the absolute truth of their journey until ultimately (hopefully!) arriving at some sort of greater, more universal truth by the conclusion.

3. WHY DO I WRITE WHAT I DO?
Nearly all of my books are either reflective of some aspect of my life experience—feeling lost and failing myself miserably back in high school (FAKING 19), dealing with the soul-crushing grief of losing a loved one (SAVING ZOË and THE IMMORTALS series), or sometimes it’s a question or an idea that I’m grappling with—is there life after death? (THE RILEY BLOOM series), destiny vs freewill (THE SOUL SEEKERS series). Sometimes I start out merely exploring an idea, sometimes I’m actively looking for answers, but I’m always changed for having taken the journey alongside the characters.

4. HOW DOES MY WRITING PROCESS WORK?
I’m currently working on my 23rd novel and I can honestly say that my writing process continues to be a work in progress. I went from having no process with my first book (FAKING 19) to evolving to a sort-of three part process that works pretty well by now, but I’m always looking for ways of improving!
It’s basically part ritual—green tea, scented candles, a carefully curated playlist, part process—Blake Snyder’s Save The Cat Beat Sheet that I use as an outline, and a whole lot of discipline—not just the usual Butt In Chair, but rather, Butt Stays In Chair Until The daily Word Count Is In! I find that by doing that repeatedly for several consecutive months, by the end, I have a book!

5. HOW DOES MY WRITING PROCESS NOT WORK?
If my writing process isn't working it’s usually because something in my story isn't working. There’s no magic in the process, it’s merely a tool to get from Chapter 1 to the end. When I’m stuck, I either return to my outline and try to figure out why it isn’t working and where to go next, or I do more research into my characters and their world, or both—it never fails to get the story moving again!

So now I get to tag 3 more authors and trust me, you won't want to miss them!

Up next- the amazing Mary Pearson , author of the incredible JENNA FOX CHRONICLES TRILOGY and THE KISS OF DECEPTION (July 8)-- a book that took my breath away and left me begging for the sequel!

The incredible Kimberly Derting who writes books that I love, love, love like the awesome BODY FINDER series, and more recently, THE TAKING--an amazing book that I was luck enough to blurb!

And, the Fabulous Melissa de la Cruz who writes so many awesome books, it's hard to keep track! Most recently I loved The RING & THE CROWN, and FROZEN--book 1 in the Heart of Dread Series. Her books explore so many interesting worlds--witches, princess, vampires--I can't wait to get a glimpse at her process to see how she does it!

Enjoy!

xoxo

Alyson

Ray of Light

Last night I went to a memorial for a friend.

The focus was on celebrating their life and sharing funny memories, and while memorials are never easy, and the loss of my friend loomed large, there were some really great moments, involving some genuine laughs that seemed to lift the whole room. And it was during one of those laughs when I realized, once again, that THIS is what it’s really about.

It’s not what we are in the world, but how we are that matters.

Or, to steal a line from SHADOWLAND:

“We are not defined by our things . . . It’s not the clothes that we wear, the cars that we drive, the art we acquire—it’s not where we live—but how we live that defines us. . .it’s our actions that are remembered long after we’re gone.”

And while my friend will be remembered by thousands of people around the world for his groundbreaking books on screenwriting, it was his unfailing optimism, generosity of spirit, and pure passion for seeing his students succeed that touched us the most.

How do you want to be remembered?

Alyson

PS- I'm over at Living Your Five today, blogging about my progress! See it HERE.

Who'll Stop the Rain?

So if you read the previous post, then you know that author, screenwriter, story guru, and all around amazing human being (and I don't use that lightly, in this case it's true) Blake Snyder has passed away, leaving this world way too soon.

It's taken me a few days to collect my thoughts on this loss, probably because I, like many others, felt it so deep. Blake was one of those rare individuals with a passion for both life and story craft that was hugely infectious, you couldn't help but smile when he was in the room.

I'd read his books a few years ago, and always recommend them to anyone even remotely interested in story craft as they are truly life-changing, or at least they were for me. But I didn't get the chance to see him in person until the RWA convention in San Francisco last year, taking the stage in front of hundreds (thousands?) of writers, mostly female, and he was so giddy with excitement about the craft of storytelling he actually giggled--resulting in my best memory of the entire weekend.

Then, last April, when my local RWA chapter invited him to come speak, I seized the chance to sign books alongside him. Afraid of coming off like the semi-crazed fan that I was, I couldn't help but gush, over and over again, about how much his books helped me with everything from plotting my novels to crafting synopsis and back cover copy. And rather than being put off by my rabid, fan-girl, mumblings, he couldn't have been more gracious or kind--that's just who he was. And when he bought a copy of EVERMORE and asked me to sign it--well, it was a moment I'll never forget.

We exchanged a few e-mails, and I was on the verge of e-mailing him again, but being so busy with the deadline for book #4 (still untitled!), a story for an anthology (KISSES FROM HELL), and copy-edits for SHADOWLAND--I put it off, thinking I had plenty of time--something there's never enough of. I should know that by now.

And though he's no longer with us, his passion for story and people will always live on in the brilliant legacy he left behind in his books, his movies, and his passion for those whom he reached.

I'll be speaking at my local RWA chapter on Saturday morning about the craft of writing YA, drawing on some examples of how Blake's methods influenced my books, among other things. If you get a chance to stop by, I'd love to see you there. The cost is $10 for members and $20 for non-members. Details for the event can be found HERE.

Carpe Diem everyone!

A

xoxo

Blake Snyder

Blake Snyder 1957-2009

Screenwriter, teacher, and author of SAVE THE CAT, Blake Snyder has passed away today and I am so deeply saddened.

He was a wonderful teacher and a beautiful, inspiring person with a generosity of spirit seldom seen.

He will be greatly missed.

Rest in Peace.

How To Save A Cat

Yesterday's signing with Blake Snyder was awesome!

My writing guru/SAVE THE CAT author and I are like--BFFs now.

Totally.

As evidenced by the pictures below!

Anyway, his talk, as usual, was super inspirational and informative--and I took notes like mad! 

Notes that I will diligently go over tomorrow since today is solely dedicated to the eating of chocolate bunnies!

Happy Sunday Everyone!

Alyson

xoxo

Champagne Wednesday Lives On!

So, I'm on my way out the door to go pick up my husband at the airport since he's been hanging with the niece and nephew all week, while I've been at my computer, furiously revising SHADOWLAND, so it would be ready for him on his return (yup, he's my first reader--such a good sport!). And after getting bumped from a flight or two (oh the perils of  ex-airline-employee-free-travel benefits!), he's now safely ensconced on a seat and headed my way! 

Good thing too since I  just learned that EVERMORE is still at the #1 spot on the New York Times Best Seller list for Children's Paperbacks for the 6th week in a row now!!!!  And it's always a lot more fun to swill champagne with someone you like/love!

There's so much going on this week, but in the interest of time, I'm just going to list it all here:

Ready?

This Friday, April 10, 2009, at 8:30 PM Eastern I'll be giving a radio interview HERE. So, if you get a chance, stop by and  listen me to drone on and on about--erm--stuff.

Then on Saturday, April 11, 2009, I'll be signing copies of EVERMORE from 12:30 - 1:00 PM at:

Orange County RWA meeting
695 East Madison
Brea, CA 92821
Admission:
Members $10, Non-members $20

I'll be sitting alongside screenwriting guru, writing idol, the SAVE THE CAT man himself--Blake Snyder--and trust me, I can barely contain myself!  For anyone struggling with plotting their stories (raises both hands) struggle no more-- all the answers can be found in his book. Seriously, go get yourself a copy! Or better yet, come to the meeting on Saturday and get yourself a signed copy. I'm so not kidding.

Okay, and I'm not even done yet, believe me, there's more! But I just checked my husband's flight info, and dang if he doesn't have tail winds getting him in early!

Off to the airport--have a good night everyone!

Alyson

xoxo