The X-Factor of Motherhood

There's nothing like those first few days after you realize you're in love. Euphoria takes over, and even a bit of foolish stupidity on occasion. But it's all in the name of the human dating-committing-mating process.

A young couple then marries and begins to map out what they see as their future together. For some, this includes children. Ah...procreation. Passing on the genes. Extending the family tree. Fatherhood. And Motherhood, which brings on the X-factor of being a mom.

Here's how to know if you (or your significant other) have the X-Factor of Motherhood.

1. Shower time is cut in half, because you're always in a hurry now. Shaving your legs really isn't that important.
2. No more manicures. Shorter nails are safer to avoid getting poop, finger paints, or creamy foods like peanut butter crammed under your fingernails.
3. Late night begins at 8:30 PM instead of 1:00 AM.
4. Going to the bathroom becomes a family affair. You can't even get 30 seconds free to pee ... ALONE.
5. You trade in your hot-chick muscle car for the dreaded minivan. 
6. Your favorite song to sing with the kids has to do with playgrounds and buses instead of beer, partying ALL NIGHT LONG, and hating your parents.
7. You begin to appreciate your  parents.
8. Your idea of a hot date is flannel PJs, a good book, while your hubby snores next to you.
9. Eating out means fast food, while racing the kids to their activities.
10. My favorite - you learn to be grateful for silence. Ah......

Feel free to add more! Can you relate?

My daughter and I are in a show this weekend, three showings to be exact. Hopefully I can get some photos and video to share with you. I'll probably need Monday to recover, so see you on Tuesday!! HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!

Unicorns - Dream Uniquely

Following my A to Z Challenge theme of childhood, motherhood, and all that eeks in between, I've chosen to highlight a legendary creature today.

When I was a little girl, I had a major obsession with stuffed animals. I was that kid who had to read each of my animals a story, give them a kiss--in order, of course--and then place them ALL in bed with me. This process practically drove my dad nuts.

But there was one stuffed animal that eluded me, one no one ever bought me--the Unicorn.

I wasn't a major horse lover or anything, but there was something about this mystical horse with a sparkly horn that ignited excitement in me. Seeing a unicorn lit my little creative mind. I remember laying in bed, my arms reaching toward my ceiling. I'd trace each shadow made from the glow off my nightlight, and each time, no matter where my make believe story would take me, I'd be riding a unicorn.

Did you know that unicorns originated in Chinese mythology thousands of years ago? Many believed them to be a great omen that came to aid humans with great mission.

I'm thinking I should have one. I'm on a great mission, headed to the grocery store later today. Picture if I walked in with my friend in the picture above. I bet no one would care if I cut line at the check out. Maybe the clerk would even give my unicorn a cookie or some unicorn treat like the tellers do for my little dog at the bank.

CLICK to access the
other A to Z participants.

Many people from numerous cultures around the world believe unicorns existed. It seems the only issue is that no one can agree on their true characteristics. From color to size to purpose, the stories all vary. For instance: the Eastern unicorn is a beast with the body of a deer, the tail of an ox, the hooves of a horse, and of course, a handy-dandy shiny horn. The only unique factor that is agreed upon is a unicorn's horn.

So see, maybe there really is something magical about a unicorn. That was the only factor about the unicorn which fascinated me.

Did you ever want a unicorn, stuffed animal or real?

Territory

Growing up takes guts. There are siblings to deal with, extended family, school, homework, friendships, household chores, and of course, Mom and Dad. All of that without even mentioning the physical aspects of growing pains.

Childhood is territorial by nature. Kids find norms and cling to them--games, friends, family, TV shows, stories, and characters. Even stuffed animals. As humans, we gather, join, plant roots, and stake our claim. Order and structure gives us purpose to grow and improve. It also pushes us to think, compromise, and prioritize.


The notion of territory might conjure a feeling of safety and assurance, which can couple itself with fear of change--keeping the norm as is. But as authors, whether writers of fantasy or contemporary ideas, we must find ways to create new portholes to view our world, relationships, and life through.

We MUST stake claim of our stories, while being territorial, giving the norm a new look.

CLICK to access the
other A to Z participants.

What about you? Do YOU claim your manuscripts in different ways? Do YOU push the territorial envelope? 

If you do, tell us how. What's your secret?

R is for Red Rover

When I first pondered a post to represent the letter R, I fanned through all my motherly-writer ideas to keep with my childhood theme. I came up with games like rugby and rollerblading, even contemplated rafting--whitewater in Maine, that is. Whoot!

But then I went back to my elementary school days and remembered one game we used to play for hours on the playground - Red Rover. Remember that one, where the object was to line up with your team of kids, wait for your name to be called, then run with all your might, and throw your body into the link of waiting arms in hopes of breaking through without ripping another kid's arm off? And if you broke through, you got to steal one of their kids?

Haha...that always felt so naughty, especially because I attended a Catholic elementary school.

I usually ended up face to face with a kid like the one on the far-right of this picture. Seriously. Not sure what my problem was. I guess I liked a challenge...and bruises.

The only elements needed to play the game were a good number of kids--at least 10, and open space, preferably on soft ground like grass. Playing on asphalt usually led to someone bleeding, which sent the nuns at my Catholic elementary school into a tirade and ended recess early.

CLICK to access the
other A to Z participants.

Over the years, Red Rover has fallen to the waste-side, plagued by the rising cost of playground/school insurances and stricter safety regulations. I am all for safety. But sometimes I believe our society places too many restrictions on given rights, the natural order of things--in this case, growing up--which ends up regulating childhood.

What's your take on the subject? Did you play Red Rover as a kid? 

Naptime

Sharing some motherly wisdom using the letter N.

When I (we) brought our first child home from the hospital, it didn't take me long to realize how important nap time was to him. As he grew older, I realized his nap times were even more important to me.

Once a newborn grows from infancy and into toddlerhood--meaning fully mobile without an off button--even catching a break to go to the bathroom is tough to get. So I learned to cherish my son's naps. It gave me the opportunity to catch up on housework, talk on the phone, or actually take a shower.

But once child 2, 3, and then 4 came along, nap time became null-n-void for me. It didn't matter that baby 4 and child 2 were napping. I still had child 1 and 3 to contend with, plus housework, phone calls, and organizing bills. Showers were few and far between for me for a few years. (I think there is a span of about four years where few photos can be found of me. lol) During those years, anyone aiming a camera at me did it at their own risk.

The other thing about nap times with multiple children is that the older children usually have activities that interrupt the younger ones' naps. It could be a sports activity or simply picking up the older child from preschool, which in most places is half-day. Nap time became nothing but a pain for me, totally stressing me  out.

CLICK to access the
other A to Z participants.

Mother-Writer Lesson: don't stress. The baby, as well as the older children, will adjust. Life is life, which must be enjoyed at every moment.


Writer Moms & Dads out there, what has been your experience with naptime?

(Psst...I totally spaced that this week is my kids' spring vacation from school. Sadly, I won't be able to post again until Friday. Have a great week and see you then!)

The Importance of a MUG

No, not someone's ugly mug. I'm talking about a literal MUG. You know, for coffee or hot chocolate. Maybe even for tea, ice cream, chowder or soup.

There are not many particulars in this world that I am finicky about. I'm rather liberal and will compromise on almost anything. Keeping the peace is a big thing with me. But don't be hoarding on my coffee MUG or you might find yourself flat on your back with a bloody nose.

A MUG must be weighty and stern. No flimsy or delicate MUG for me. I want something to grip a hold of and take in its comfort, not worry about breaking the ceramic. I prefer a plainer MUG, too. Fancy designs or flower arrangements just don't inspire me on a MUG. Now words might. Depends what they're communicating.

Humor always works for me, even if I'm in a chick MOOD. I'd never admit it out loud, though.

The MUG has been around for centuries, and has been made from many materials such as copper, tin, bone china, cheaper ceramic, and even stone. I can't imagine drinking any hot substance from a tin or metal MUG, but who am I?

Here's my favorite MUG of all time. The sucker holds approximately 3/4 of a full pot of coffee. I am totally in love with my MUG. Do you have a favorite MUG?

CLICK to access the
other A to Z participants.

And don't forget to ENTER my giveaway: BROKEN Challenge for Author AE Rought - a book tote and your choice of a YA book!

Lastly, the WINNER of my MG or YA book package giveaway is.....

AMBER TIMSOM GARCIA!

She chose the YA package. Whoot!!

I-Toe-Mized 4 Ice-Cream

I-ce cream.

U scream.

We all scream for Ice cream.

Want some? Well, take a gander through my teeny maze, while I share my Itemized list of Incredibly Insightful books. (I know today was for the letter H, but I was having a brain cramp and wrote on I.) In the comments, tell me what flavor Ice cream you found.

Save the Cat!: Blake Snyder The Art of War for Writers: J.S.Bell Writing the Breakout Novel: Donald Maass Characters/Ems/VP: N. Kress Hooked: Les Edgerton Elements of Style: Shrunk/White Word Power Made Easy: N. Lewis Oxford Dictionary & Thesaurus Plot & Structure: J.S. Bell Bird by Bird: Anne Lamott The Grammar Devotional: Mignon Fogarty 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary: Funk & Lewis Stein on Writing: Sol Stein How to Write Attention Grabbing Query & Cover Letters: John Wood Self-Editing for Fiction Writers: Renni Browne/Dave King  Reading Like a Writer: Francine Prose Feel free to add to my list! I'd love to learn about more books on the craft of writing! Ooh, and what flavor did you find? WAIT! Before you go... I must announce some winners.  A Copy of Catherine Stine's FIRESEED ONE: Larissa Hardesty! The three lucky Alleywalkers to win an e-copy of Patti Larsen's FAMILY MAGIC: Michael D. Theresa Milstein April P. And the grand prize - all four books in the FAMILY MAGIC collection goes to: PK Hrezo! CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL! CLICK to access the other A to Z participants. And don't forget to ENTER my two giveaways: Chance to win books: either MG or YA, & my BROKEN Challenge for Author AE Rought - a book tote and your choice of a YA book! ~Sheri~ (Psst...There will be NO YATT tomorrow. I wrote six posts last week, and must catch up on writing. See you on Friday!!)

Eggstravaganza MG & YA Book Giveaway!!

CLICK to access the
other A to Z participants.

With today being all about the letter F, I figured a journey into the FREEBIES of life might prove interesting.

First, let's define FREE: enjoying personal rights or liberty; unrestrained, casual, informal; without charge.


FREEBIES: a sunset, a smile, warm breeze rustling the leaves, a breath, laughter, family, friends, physical abilities, the ability to work for what one wants... I could go on and on. On a daily basis, you probably don't reflect on such things; I know I don't. But when given the opportunity, do it. It's refreshing and reviving. 


AND guess what? I have a two-part FREEBIE for you today!! Package #1 consists of Middle Grade goodies, while Package #2 is for the Young Adult in all of us--some closer than others. 

MG Package

YA Package

To Enter, simply fill out the form below, checking only ONE way you shared this FREEBIE with others and indicating which giveaway you want to be entered into, either Package #1 MG or Package #2 YA. Of course, I'd love it if you'd follow me, so we can chat more but that is not required.


The Hop runs from April 6th to April 12th. I'l announce the two WINNERS on April 13th. And remember to HOP HERE too, to find others participating. There are 289 of us. Whoot! Talk about free books, swag, and lots of other fun stuff!! Have at it, folks.  


ALL MY BEST & GOOD LUCK!! Thank you for visiting the Alleyway!! OOh, and don't miss out on another chance to win a FREEBIE, right HERE on Writers Ally. I'm giving away another book, while YA Author AE Rought is giving away an amazing book tote!


PS: please scroll down and check out my post supporting a great author. I had to post this earlier than I'd expected. TY!!

Sykosa Book Blog Tour!!

CLICK to access the
other A to Z participants.

Today we celebrate the letter E. And as I was preparing for such an eventful letter, I discovered the perfect post: an EXERPT of a newly released Upper YA (18+) novel ENTITLING me to partake in the author's blog tour. I'm also over on Oasis for YA, where I've posted an interview with the author, Justin Ordoñez.

(One Important Note: I became aware that this excerpt contains harsh language and could be considered a bit racy, only after I had agreed to the blog tour. While this is no reflection on the author or story whatsoever, I've chosen to black out a few words, because this site also regularly celebrates middle grade and picture book literature. Thank you for your understanding.)

About the book: YA fiction for the 18+ crowd. Sykosa is a sixteen-year-old girl trying to reclaim her identity after an act of violence shatters her life and the lives of her friends. Set at her best friend’s cottage, for what will be a weekend of unsupervised badness, Sykosa will have to finally confront the major players and issues from this event, as well as decide if she wants to lose her virginity to Tom, her first boyfriend, and the boy who saved her from danger. Get it on Amazon.


Before the excerpt, check out what you could win!!

As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of the Sykosa eBook edition is just 99 cents this week. What’s more, by purchasing this fantastic book at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes. The prizes include $550 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of the book. All the info you need to win one of these amazing prizes is RIGHT HERE. Remember, winning is as easy as clicking a button or leaving a blog comment--easy to enter; easy to win! To win the prizes:

1. Purchase your copy of Sykosa for just 99 cents
2. Fill-out the simple form on Novel Publicity
3. Visit today’s featured social media event
4. BONUS: Leave a comment on this post*

Leave a comment, win $100: One random tour commenter will win a $100 Amazon gift card. Just leave a comment on this post, and you'll be entered to win. For a full list of participating blogs, check out the official tour page. You can enter on just my blog or on all of them. Get out there and network!

THE EXCERPT:

First period. American history.

Who knows which is worse. At this hour, it’s too early to care. Luckily, it’s never too early to xxxx and moan. And she would do so, save her teacher is already on it. He’s up at the board—in shock that not a pupil noticed how his cuff smudged all his bullet points. Like wrist trajectory were her problem. That’s a math problem. And math problems aren’t her problem for another two hours. Yawn. He’s still going on—something about full attention being on…

Her fingernails.

Fingernails, you see, are better than lectures.

Particularly these lectures. Particularly this class.

She wishes nail polish didn’t break the Academy’s Personal Code, then her fingernails could be pretty colors, and she’d feel like a pretty girl. They should let her do her nails in class. It’s no different from doodling. It also increases hygiene, and in high school, that’s nothing to scoff at. She may paint her fingernails this afternoon, just for fun, then remove it and—

Hang on. Her teacher said something will be on a test.

Never mind, she already knows it.

Anyhow, if she does do her nails, she has a problem. She doesn’t know what to do. However, she does know she doesn’t want to do something she’s already done. If she’s gonna do her nails for one night, then it’d be nice if it were a departure of some type. Alas, her brain has no ideas. Being pretty is hard! Yet, she likes it so very much. That does it. She needs to talk to Niko. For one, Niko’s her best friend. Two, Niko’s gifted in the department of being glamorous. And luckily, Niko’s her neighbor, so she drafts a note that she passes across the table.

What should I do with my fingernails?

Niko reads the note in delight, then dies of boredom.

I thought you were gonna share good gossip or something.

No, I want to do my fingernails.

Do something slutty. That’s always good for a thrill.

That’s a good idea.

Niko always has good ideas. Niko’s brilliant!

She wishes she were Niko.

And Niko wishes she were Sykosa’s breasts. That’s me, Sykosa! Well, technically, it’s my breasts. Breasts are an urgent topic for Niko, seeing as her prime puberty years have passed, and to Niko’s horror, she’s all As in the bra and all Ds on her report card. That’s harder on a girl than people think. And it’s why Niko collapses her cheek on her hand, then inconspicuously stares at those far-bigger boobs. Niko thinks she does it for a second or two. In reality, it’s seven or eight. Now, before anyone makes any assumptions, Niko’s not gay. She’s about as boy-crazy as a girl gets. To the point that she collects boyfriends as if they were Girl Scout badges.

And to be fair, this breast-staring is harmless.

Though every girl has her limits.

Hers have been exceeded. Not by Niko, but by Tom. He also has his cheek in hand, his eyes overcome by her chest—for what is maybe ten or eleven seconds.

Unlike Niko, he’s thinking of her as if she were some toy.

He may be right.

In the only snowstorm of the year, as the Academy froze under the sickly sweet smell of a dysfunctional oil furnace, she retreated behind the two bell towers of the Academy chapel. And on that very day, this very boy—in his ski jacket laden with those sticky tags they put on bags at airports—stumbled onto her smoking self and put his tongue in her mouth. It was a bold move. And it impressed her. They didn’t need to “talk.” Besides, it woulda xxxxx up the moment. I get shy fast. Accordingly, she kissed him until her heart beat so hard she became faint. It meant something. This feeling. She caught her breath. They sat beside each other. Seconds later, she wished they hadn’t stopped, so they restarted, then kept at it.

This time without the tongue.

Niko steals the note, then writes a new one.

Why is he looking at you like that? Only I’m supposed to look at you like that!

Niko’s the type who admits her faults shamelessly. While it’s slightly backward, Niko does so not as a deterrent from such behaviors, but to enable them. She rarely complains. Because that’s Niko. And somehow that excuses everything Niko does. That said, she supposes she’s predisposed to Niko’s jealously over her body, perhaps to the point of flattery. You see, this Tom-thing is nothing. Or if it is something, it’s certainly not enough of something. Not enough for her to buy a prom dress.

Why do you think he is looking at me like that?

Because you * him.

Not to delve too far into the well of note-passing dynamics, but she—and the Queens—use secret codes in case of confiscation. “*” means xxxx, in all forms and conjugations. She has not * Tom. She has not * anybody. Her lips quiver at the *. It feels like something she’ll put off until she is thirty. Simultaneously, she also feels like it could happen in the immediate future.

Sometimes she just “knows.”

Gross.

Afraid? 

No!

But, she is afraid. Everything is too complicated. It should not have to be. She goes behind the chapel. He goes behind the chapel. They make out. Simple, right? It’s not. Regardless, if even that must be complicated, then certainly the concept that she wants to go to Prom, thus he should ask her to Prom and then they should go to Prom is simple, right? It’s not. You see, he has this best friend, this confidante, this main focus, this everything—and her name is not Sykosa, but Mackenzie.

Or as you will soon find out: “M.” That’s what he calls her.

About the author: Sykosa is Justin Ordoñez's life's work. He hopes to one day settle down with a nerdy, somewhat introverted woman and own 1 to 4 dogs. Visit Justin on his website, Twitter, Facebook, or GoodReads.

A BROKEN Challenge

DOESN'T THIS IMAGE OF THE LETTER C
REPRESENT BROKEN TO A T?

Here for another edition of our YATT meme-Young Adult Teen Tuesday? Well, in staying true to the theme of the A to Z Challenge, YA Author AE Rought and I decided to offer you a Challenge as part II of my spotlight on her book BROKEN, recently acquired by Strange Chemistry and scheduled for release in January 2013. If you missed Ann sharing her wisdom of writing YA and her journey with BROKEN, CLICK to take a peek at my post representing the letter B.

CLICK to access the
other A to Z participants.

Have you ever felt broken or known someone who has? Have you created a character with a broken spirit, struggling to put the pieces back together? Then this CHALLENGE is for you. 

Write a piece, or use an existing piece of 250 words or less, giving the reader a sense of being damaged, injured, in a state of despair, and BROKEN. I will narrow the entries down to three and Ann will choose the winner, which will be announced on Monday, April 23rd - the day representing the letter W. The winning entry will also be posted on Writers' Ally that day. The cut-off date for entries is April 17th at midnight EST.

1st THE PRIZE: a critique of your choice.

• query letter
• synopsis
• or first five pages
• Plus she's offering up an amazing book tote she creates herself. Here's the one she made for me last year. Isn't it awesome!!

To ENTER, please leave a comment below telling me you're entering and return later to post your entry in the comments. Or, if you're more comfortable, email your entry to me once it's complete. You can just hit the little envelope in my right sidebar.

I will also offer a 2nd PRIZE, either a copy of BROKEN after its release or a YA book now from Book Depository. For this, fill out the FORM below. The winner will be announced at the same time.

Strange Chemistry's new BROKEN by Author AE Rought

CLICK to access the
other A to Z participants.

As you Alleywalkers know, the Graffiti Wall was created to celebrate children's literature in all shapes and forms from literary agents, publishing houses, editors, authors, and the books themselves. I always hold any visitor close to my heart. But today's guest shares a more personal place in my life.

She's a wife, mother, published adult author, and one of my amazing Oasis for YA sisters -friend -beta -brainstormer & everything else. 

AE Rought

Author of BROKEN, to be released Jan. 2013

Can you describe yourself in five to ten words?

How about 3, and alliterative to boot? Compulsive. Creative. Compassionate.

You've been writing for some time. What provoked you to make the leap from Adult literature to YA?

When I read, it’s almost always YA—I adore the “new love” stories. When I told my adult romance CP that I wanted to try YA, she said, “Honey, you’ve always kind of written it anyway.” I stepped back and looked at my stories, and she was right. The heart of my romances is consistently that first blush/first love relationship. Where better to explore that than through a teen heart, feeling it the first time?

How has your long relationship with your agent helped you?

Gina knows me, she understands my writing compulsion. A great illustration of this: I told her once I wanted to write a light, happy romance. She giggled a little, then said, “You’ve always been dark.” Gina knows how I think, where my writer brain automatically goes, and how best to help nudge it into something amazing.

What is the biggest challenge in writing YA as opposed to Adult?

Each has its own challenges. The tensions, tones, and pacings are different. For me, I think the biggest challenge beyond an authentic teen voice has been dialing back the Heat, and letting the real emotions in the relationship grow.

Yes, I'm sure you have to 'check' yourself at times. :D

BROKEN is the first YA novel you've written to see the light of the publishing world. Can you share a bit of your journey, growth, and even frustration specific to the YA avenue?

My stories usually start with an outlandish What if? I used to be a pantser, and now, thanks to the complex subject matters of late, I’m a plotter. Pantsing just doesn’t treat the concepts well enough for me. I wrote one novel twice because I knew the core concept was kickass, but I failed in the execution. Admitting I failed was one of the biggest growth moments, I think. Frustration? Hm… Being behind the curve, I guess. I’m no good at predicting the market. I got off that train with BROKEN and wrote what I wanted, not what I thought might fit.

It is so refreshing to hear a writer say that he/she wrote what they wanted. Love that.


Here's BROKEN'S book blurb:

CLICK the P to view images
Ann has saved that represent
BROKEN to her.

 A string of suspicious deaths near a small Michigan town ends with a fall that claims the life of Emma Gentry's boyfriend, Daniel. Emma is broken, a hollow shell. She and Daniel had been made for each other. 

When she encounters newcomer Alex Franks, only son of a renowned widowed surgeon, she's intrigued despite herself. He is as drawn to her as she is to him. He is strangely...familiar. The closer they become, though, the more something inside her screams there's something very wrong. And when Emma stumbles across a grotesque menagerie of mangled but living animals within the walls of the Franks' estate, she knows...

What moved you to write this story and how did you develop it?

The best way I can explain this is I felt BROKEN, the dark, twisted, aching romance of it existed almost like a separate entity in me. After I finished the rewrite of that first YA, nothing else felt right. So, I called my actual Young Adult YA beta, told her what I felt, and that I had to write it. We bounced ideas around, hit the reimagining idea, so I decided to go where my agent said I write—dark—and things just started falling into place. Borrowing on a metaphysical concept and taking the tropes of Frankenstein, I roughed up the concept for BROKEN. I wanted to take the main characters and twist them till they broke. I think I succeeded with Alex and Emma.

The Publisher of BROKEN
Click the image to link

You have an amazing publisher! It's been only a short time since your two book deal announcement, but how has it been working with them thus far?

OMG, Sheri. I’m so lucky! Amanda is great. I wanted an editor who really “got” my novel, and I won the jackpot with her. Strange Chemistry is as awesome as its name. J

I'm one of your betas, so I know your other stories are grade A+. Do you plan on revisiting those? (I want you to!!)

First, thank you! Second, BROKEN is intended as a single title, so... I'll keep you informed.

Graffiti Wall question: What would your ideal grocery store checkout line look like?

Empty as a freshly dug grave. MUAhahaha. >:} But, clean, of course. Who wants their groceries with a side order of dirt?

How did I know you'd say that....

This is a personal preference, but I'm curious. What do you feel is the most important to a writer - drive, honing the craft, betas, perseverance, CPs, research, platform, cyber-presence, etc..? What makes a successful writer in the YA realm?

Bear with me…

I always do. *wink

Every writer has different skills, every writer has different needs. Perseverance? Hell yeah—if you give up, you get no where and only have yourself to blame. I would put honing your craft near the top, because without a damn good story, you’re not going to get the success we all want in this business. The tools to honing your craft? Drive, research, knowing who you’re writing to, and betas and CPs. Those people are hugely important, they’re in the trenches with you, guarding your flank, lifting you up or covering your butt. Often times, your betas and CPs help with platform and cyber-presence, too.

So, long story made short, it’s all important, but the semantics are going to be different for the individual writer.

With all you've witnessed, where do you see YA literature heading and what advice could you give to those bent on publishing young adult stories?

I’m probably not the best person to ask for “future of publishing” advice—I wasn’t thinking about publishing when I wrote BROKEN.

We’re still seeing vampires and werewolves, though not as many, and the takes and treatments are different. Fantasies and fairies continue to show up on the shelves. Dystopians are going strong and seem to be proliferating. We’re seeing more of the darker stories, more horror. My best advice is to take the path less traveled, but write what You want, and make it amazing.

Now that your book deal has been announced, what are your next steps? 

Well, there are forms to fill out, and cover stuff, and edits, and proof reads... The Alley will be one of the first to know, and included in every BROKEN detail I can!

STAY TUNED for more BROKEN tomorrow, as Ann offers up a contest per our Blogging from A to Z Challenge. It's fabulous and some awesome prizes.