3 S.R. Johannes: April 2011

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Bookanistas - The Story Book by David Baboulene (Giveaway)

The Story Book: A Writer's Guide to Story Development, Principles, Problem-solving and Marketing.

I've read a lot of "how-to write" books so I didn't think another one could help. But this one is worth the read.

This is a book for beginning writers as well as more established writers.

In The Story Book, author, scriptwriter, story consultant and Ph.D scholar of story theory, David Baboulene, helps us understand what makes a gripping story. Tips of the trade are given in several great interviews with some big names in the publishing and film industry.

He also includes some of his research on the history of storytelling as well as the overall psychology of a reader. The fun part is that David uses a lot of writing examples from movies (ie. Back to the Future) and other well-known books to help explain and show the points he's making. I found this helpful to see how his tips had been applied.

In addition, his books also covers the basics like:
  • the key parts of a story
  • the nuts and bolts of structural techniques
  • story development from beginning to end.
  • a series of story questions to analyze own WIPs
  • writing prompts
  • submitting your novel to agents or editors
  • coping with rejection
This is a must-read for your writing book collection.

I have 2 books to giveaway. Make sure you are a follower and leave a comment on:

Why do you love to write?

Also, don't forget to check out other Bookanista reviews:

Stop by Myra McEntire’s blog for more awesome info on our first Bookanistas Give Back project

Elana Johnson thrills over The Third

Christine Fonseca takes a shine to Demonglass

Shana Silver is rapturous about Moonglass

Carrie Harris revels in Divergent

Rosemary Clement-Moore adores Enclave

Stasia Ward Kehoe has Perfect cover love

Veronica Rossi enthuses over Enclave

Megan Miranda travels the pages of Blood Red Road


Monday, April 25, 2011

Share your news!

Hey guys -

Just was wondering what news you had out there. I'd like to help celebrate.

any new agent deals?

book deals?

reached any new writing milestones?

Any books about to be released?

Going to SCBWI LA this year? I am!

I'd love to hear anything positive :)

Toot your own horn and let me know so I can wave a big congrads!


Thursday, April 21, 2011

The Bookanistas: Possession by Elana Johnson

Possession (coming 6/7/2011)


Vi knows the Rule: Girls don't walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn...and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi's future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.

This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.

Okay so WOW!

First , did you all see this from PW?

Possession held me completely captivated from
beginning to end. And what an end! I fell in love with the
characters and had countless moments of ‘Wow.
—JAMES DASHNER, bestselling author of The Maze Runner

Hello? James Dashner? (swoon)

Possession is pacy and kept me up nights. It even has a cliffhanger. Vi is a kick-ass heroine and... Jag is oh how do I say it....HOT.

I love love love the technology angle. I mean controlling technology - how cool is that? Anyone interested in mind control, people who can sense technical power, and all the latest gadgets you wish you had.

The fact that I adore Elana, her blog, and friendship is just a cherry on the top. And if you have not read her blog or followed her advice on querying - I say....what are you crazy!!!

My only concern with Possession at this point - is - a stand alone.....what if they don't do a sequel!!!!

Please let their be a sequel!!!!!

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Check out the other Bookanistas:



Elana Johnson visits Dark and Hollow Places
LiLa Roecker gets silly over Spoiled
Christine Fonseca has a passion for Possession – with giveaway
Shannon Messenger marvels at Moonglass – with giveaway
Jamie Harrington adores Invincible Summer
Scott Tracey bathes in Blood Magic
Carolina Valdez Miller interviews Invicible Summer author Hannah Moskowitz
Jessi Kirby praises Playing Hurt
Bethany Wiggins delves into Divergent
Shana Silver presents a Guestanista gushing over Between Here and Forever
Gretchen McNeil parties over The Anti-Prom
Carrie Harris sings out about Shift
Rosemary Clement-Moore applauds Abandon
Sarah Frances Hardy enjoys Me Jane
Matt Blackstone loves Like Mandarin
Corrine Jackson delights in The Duff
Stasia Ward Kehoe discusses Displacement

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Bookanistas Book Buzz! Shimmer (by Alyson Noel)

Sorry I have not been here much.

Not only have I been under deadline, but I was at the beach for Spring Break all last week and just catching up.

I know most of you know Alyson Noel, especially her Evermore series. But she just started a new MG series with a spin off on Riley's character that is awesome.

Radiance came out last year and it was adorable. Well the sequel Shimmer just came out and hit the bestseller list.

I met Alyson Noel last year and she is just as

sweet as this series. IN Shimmer - Alyson has packed a lot of stuff into it - slavery, death, humor. The story of Rebecca and the slaves on Virgin Islands during the turn of the century is heartbreaking. In this book, Riley is forced to mature when faced with serious issues and anger.

Having solved the matter of the Radiant Boy, Riley, Buttercup, and Bodhi are enjoying a well-deserved vacation. When Riley comes across a young ghost named Rebecca, Riley soon learns Rebecca's not at all what she sees. The daughter of a former plantation owner, she is furious about being murdered during a slave revolt in 1733. Mired in her own anger, Rebecca is keeping the ghosts who died along with her trapped in their worst memories. Can Riley help Rebecca without losing herself to her own nightmarish memories?

Here is an excerpt

Check out the other Bookanistas!