Friday Five/Where Do Ideas Come From Merged

Friday Five is a popular post, but I want to combine it with an oft asked question. Where do your ideas for a book come from?

So, in no particular order and without a lot of reflection, here they are:

Five Places Story/Book Ideas Come From

1. Characters pop into my head. Usually it's based on something I read, think about or see. Then the character begins to come to life when I write them down...backstory, what's happening in their lives, conflict, secondary characters, it all flows from the original character.

2. Eavesdropping- Yup. I do it all the time. Usually ideas from eavesdropping help with dialogue or with scenes, but I've heard of writers who have gotten entire novels from one overheard conversation. I also saw a guy at the YMCA working out once and he wore a shirt that said, "TEAM STALLION" One of the hockey players in Waiting to Score wears that shirt at a Halloween party.

3. Something in the news. A story may touch me or get me thinking along the lines of "What if"...

4. Dreams. I wish I had dreams like Ms. Meyer, who according to rumor got the story for Twilight from a dream. Last night I dreamt that a fish mated with a lobster and morphed into a monster in my cell phone case. And then escaped into my walls. Um. I'm thinking not so much a story I need to write. But perhaps a visit to my therapist is in order.

5. Real life experiences. Yeah. So many things that my characters do or feel or say comes from things that have happened in my life, or in the lives of those I know. It's always fictionalized of course, and usually made more juicy, but life experience accounts for a lot of what goes into writing. My writing anyways.

Switching Names

I saw another writer's post about character names and it made me laugh.

I am not the sort of writer who comes up with a character name and then must stick to it or melt into puddles if it changes.

Some writer's are very particular about the name and that's fine, but for me, I often google to find a name I like, and then maybe in a next draft or during revisions, the name doesn't work for me anymore. Or work for someone else even.

Luckily, I don't marry the name of the character's I'm writing. I change them around and then get confused when I can't remember who is named what in this draft of my work. That's a problem. Hee hee. I use nick names a lot, so sometimes when I change a character's name and use the find key to change all the places in the manuscript where it's used, I'll miss a nick name reference and suddenly my Jasmine, Jazz is also being called Nat, because her name used to be Natalie.

They do get picked up eventually and changed. It just struck me as funny that someone else does that too.

Actually the one character who came to me with his name is in the book that's being published sometime soon- WAITING TO SCORE. Originally Zack's name was EZ. The book was called EZ LIKE SUNDAY MORNING. My editor thought it was too cutesy and asked me to change it. It was by far, the hardest time I've ever had with a name change. But Zack grew on me, and that's who he is now...Zachary Chase.

New York, Here I Come. Maybe.

I'm 99.9% going to New York in May for the BEA, Book Expo of America. May 28-31,

http://www.bookexpoamerica.com/

It both thrills me to the core and scares me poopless. New York has such a big reputation. And they supposedly eat tourists for breakfast. Right? And Sex in the City girls are everywhere. I have an image of women stomping past me, wearing really expensive shoes. Pointy ones that can act as weapons on people like me who are more likely to be wearing Converse laceless sneakers.

But,New York is the publishing capital of North America. All the cool kids live and work there. Right? Am I really so intimidated by the cool kids? Um. Yeah. A little.

Book Expo is a great big event. In the great big city. It's got a glowing homing device heard by writers, publishers and booksellers everywhere. Even here in my little part of the world. I picked up on the tone. I'm coming baby. I'm coming to see you. 99.9% sure.

The Winner

Thanks for stopping by for Stacey's interview, especially those who left a comment!

I put numbers in a hat and made a draw and the winner of the Read A Book Sticker or the Emily the Strange Tights is......

ANGELA!!

I think I know you want the sticker, but send me your for sure choice and addy to

jemacleod011 at gmail.com

Chatting with STACEY JAY

About Stacey Jay
Stacey Jay is a workaholic with three pen names, four kids, and a decidedly macabre sense of humor. She loves zombies, creepies, crawlies, blood, guts, gore, and of course, romance. "You are So Undead to Me", Stacey's debut paranormal Young Adult Romance featuring Zombie Settler, Megan Berry was released January 22nd 2009 from Razorbill books. Look in your bookstores NOW!

About You Are So Undead to Me
Megan Berry's social life is so dead. Literally. Fifteen-year-old Megan Berry is a Zombie Settler by birth, which means she's part-time shrink to a bunch of dead people. All Megan wants is to be normal--and go to homecoming. But someone in school is using black magic to turn average, angsty Undead into flesh-eating Zombies, and it's looking like homecoming will turn out to be a very different kind of party--the bloody kind.

CHATTING WITH STACEY
First of all, let me just start by saying that Stacey Jay is a very cool author name. It sounds famous, or like a really cool DJ name. I'm a little envious of your cool name. And your cool book. But enough of me! On to questions about you!

1. Where did you get the idea for your fab sounding book, You Are So UnDead to Me? And, um… how did come up with the mix of Zombies with romance?

Weirdly enough, I get a lot of my writing ideas while listening to radio Disney in the car with my kids. One day, that "Confessions of Teenage Drama Queen" song was on and I started thinking...what if she had something REALLY dramatic to deal with. Like...flesh eating zombies? (I'd recently watched 28 Days Later and had zombies on the brain.) And so, my book was born. (It was originally titled, "Confessions of a Teenage Zombie Queen", but Razorbill wanted a new title. Which is fabulous, since I love "You are So Undead to Me".) And zombies and romance were a no-brainer. (Ha! Get it....zombies...brains...heh...) But really, horror and romance are a great genre blend. Both get the adrenaline pumping.

2. Ha! Totally! So. Your main character has to be a part time shrink to a bunch of zombies. Are you the type of person who people come to for advice? Were you the advice giver when you were a teenager?

I've always been an advice giver. My mom called me an old soul, but I think I was just the type who made a lot of mistakes early on in life. And after making those mistakes, I REALLY wanted to help other people avoid them. Unfortunately, teenager or adult, it's hard to learn from someone else. Usually, we have to do the screwing up ourselves.

3. I know that for a FACT!! In your book, Megan is traumatized by seeing a dead Zombie in the buff? (Sounds scary and horrifying all right)

Nope, a zombie sees her in the buff. Which is even more eww. The thing is, you never know when a zombie is going to show up. So you should always wear your good underwear. Or always keep your underwear on...or something like that.

JE Blushes, apologizes and cringes at the thought of being seen in the buff by a zombie.

3. continued---So, then tell us about one of the most embarrassing/traumatizing things that happened to you when you were a teen?

Wow, there are so many. There was the time I was in a school pageant and kept stepping on the dress of the girl in front of me every time we left the stage. There was the time I ran into a brick wall (because I was reading while I was walking) and had a huge scrape on my nose that looked like a massive, deadly zit. There was the time I dressed up as a Conehead for Halloween and everyone at school said I looked like a human condom. Geez...so many embarassing moments, so little time. Really. I'll just stop right there.

4. Speaking of condoms-- um....four kids huh? When exactly do you find time to write?

They're very quiet and respectful...once I've locked them in the basement. Ha! Just kidding. Actually, my oldest is a great help when it comes to stealing some time for myself (she's the "Laura Mae" the book is dedicated to). And my middle two are good at entertaining themselves for an hour or two, as long as I promise mom time later. As far as my youngest is concerned...I'm still figuring that out. But he's only eight weeks old, so I'm sure I'll get the hang of finding to write with new baby sooner or later. If not, I trust that he will eventually grow, like the others have done before him.


5. Kids do that, don't they. So, if one of your kids decides they want to write books, what would you tell them?

I've already told my oldest that it's hard, very hard, but that I think being a writer is the best job in the world. I've warned her not to count on earning a living with her words, but there's no way I could discourage any of my kids from writing. Being a writer is a big part of my life and one of the most meaningful things I've ever done (outside of being a mom).

Wow. Inspiring!! Can't wait to get my hands on this book!!!!
Thanks so much for stopping by Stacey Jay.

And thanks to YOU stopping by. Remember. Leave a comment and you can win an EMO "Read a Book" Sticker OR Emily Strange Tights (see the photos in the previous post)

STACEY JAY'S WEBSITE can be found on my links on the right...cool authors to visit.

FIRST GIVEAWAY !!

On Monday I will interview the fabulous and funny Stacey Jay, author of YOU ARE SO UNDEAD TO ME.

Not only that, anyone who comments on her interview on this blog will be entered to win a cool emo READ A BOOK Sticker, or EMILY THE STRANGE Cut off Tights. Winner's Choice!!



Pop back on Monday and meet Stacey Jay!

Thankful Thursdays

Ah. So nice to devote one day of the week to being thankful. Yes? Because as easy as it is to bitch and complain about things, in the end most of us are so darned lucky and have full lives if only we look around us. So. Here's my little head turning moment and today I will look at the big things.

1. I have a wonderful little person who fills me with gooey love even if I get mad at him sometimes.

2. I have a great husband who does all that providing stuff while I stay home and write which doesn't do as much in the providing area.

3. I have a lovely laptop with full speed Internet. Bliss. For me!

4. I have a book that will be published this year. A dream come true.

5. I have a nice house, a vehicle to drive and all of my daily needs are met. Of course sometimes I want MORE and I whine and complain, but at the end of the day I go to bed in a warm room with a full belly surrounded by people I love, and my health is good as is my family's. That's pretty great.

6. I'm not a teenager anymore. Which while you are a teen is not necessarily a bad thing, it does have a lot of angst and insecurity and a great big unknown future lying ahead. It's hard work.

Of course, teenagers probably think my condition is worse. Middle age. GAH!!!!!!!! I respect teens and think they're brave, beautiful souls full of promise and ever changing destinies. Oh, to have the whole world in front of you!
But I'll let teens be thankful for that. And their good skin and speedy metabolisms.
Live in the now but prepare for the future. As Timbuck 3 said in the 80's:

"The Future's so Bright, You Gotta Wear Shades."

Monday Meanderings

So, I'm reading Paper Towns and last night I dreamt that John Green came to my son's school to do a signing. Yeah. At an elementary school. The Nerdfighter himself. It made sense in my dream though and before I could say hello and get him to sign my book he took off to a media blitz. Hmm. Wonder what that dream is trying to tell me.

Ahh. John Green, such a fab writer and incredibly witty in his prose. I am enjoying the story so far. It's made me think about the females in his books. His main girl is a strong kick ass girl on the outside, who no one seems to understand. The mc is in love with her and sees her as much bigger than life until he begins to uncover her secrets. Interesting. There must be some theme there. Whatever. He does it well. He is the brilliant one, that guy. And he has cool writing partners too. Check the acknowledgements.

I suppose dreaming about authors is better than dreaming about Britney Spears, right? Which I do. Dream about her, I mean. When she was all shaving her head and dating that paparazzi guy I dreamt I brought her home to help her with her problems. Aren't I sweet?

I wonder if all writers have weird dreams. I think they do. I wish I had Stephanie Myers dream. The one about Twilight. Hee! Hey another random fact. John Green and Stephanie Myer share the same agent.

Who do you think is the agents secret fave??

Friday Five (already?)

Wow. This week really did get away from me. I've been really caught up in revisions. Living inside a story, caught up in a fictional world. Hmm. Weird. But that is what I do (to quote Linda D)


1. My hub got stitches this week. Fixing his Hot Wheel. That's what I've named the car he is reassembling and building and doing lots of stuff to in our garage. It repays him by dropping a pipe on his head. Thus. Stitches. Stupid Hot Wheels.

2. I got to volunteer at Superson's school today. It was awesome the way his face lit up and he was all proud that I was there helping out. I seriously must treasure these times when he's not yet mortified by my mere presence in his proximity.
Or something.

3. I am so happy with a critique I got on Faded Genes this week. It was truly helpful and insightful because I'm writing about a character whose head I can't completely get into because the character is half black and half white. And I'm, well. Not.

4. I did weights three times this week. I also did cardio 3x and plan to do more tomorrow and Sunday. How much weight have I lost you ask. Oh. Well about... oh...None. I know muscle weighs more than fat. Blah blah blah. But seriously...wtf?

5. I have three teenage nieces who are all incredibly beautiful. I will not give out their numbers to any teenage boys ever.

Monday Meanderings

I am revising a book that is tentively called, Faded Genes.

It's been through a lot of revisions lately, but I'm really thinking it's getting better. That's good news. Hopefully the People Who Matter will like it too. And buy it and publish it and stuff. It's pretty different than Waiting to Score though. Not a boy POV.

Cross your fingers. Lift your feet when you go over train tracks. Throw a penny in the fountain and make a wish. (all things to do for good luck)

Five Things on Friday

Today I go for totally random...

1. I love clipping my toenails. Love it. The feel of freshly shorn toe nails is truly delicious. Especially right before slipping on sneakers to exercise.

2. Pulling up socks also creates a divine feeling of yumminess. Doubt me? Do it. I dare you. Do it right now. Pull up your socks and tell me it doesn't feel wonderful.

3. Breakfast cereal is one of my favourite foods. I could eat cereal three meals a day. * whispering* Sometimes, I do.

4. I have the song "Operator" by Shiloh on my iPod. And I like it. It's so happy...

5. I am addicted to celebrity gossip. There I said it. Does that make me a bad person? Probably. I read two gossip blogs almost every day. I know too much about things that don't really matter. I dream about celebs all the time.

New Year Meme

This questionairre is floating around cyber space...so I thought I'd play.


1. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Hmm. A new book deal. Some more income from writing and related activities.

2. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Etched. That sounds almost painful. But. Hmm. How about December 15. Superson's birthday, which is carved right in to my gray matter. In a good way. Mostly.

3. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
What the heck was I proud of? God. It's all a blur already. I must have done something to be proud of? Let's say my 5km run for Breast Cancer and raising more than I have other years for it.

4. What was your biggest failure?
Writing related --I was super disappointed about not getting a really great ghostwriting gig I auditioned for. I got so close....made it to second rounds. But then. Big fat old rejection. Okay. It wasn't fat and it was nice. But still....
I also didn't lose the weight that I still want to lose this year....

5. What was the best thing you bought?
I bought a pair of Suede/Leather Rockport boots that I love. Unfortunatley they don't go well with yoga pants so I don't wear them much.

6. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My husband continued to provide for me and Superson in a most excellent way.

7. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Well, for me I think appalled and depressed are two very seperate emotions. Writing is as depressing sometimes as it is exhilerating. Oh. I know. My ex sister in law appalled me. Appalls me. Mean maybe. But true.

8. Where did most of your money go?
The cabin, bills, holidays and Superson.

9. What song will always remind you of 2008?
High School Musical. Every single of them. Played over. And over. And over. Again.

10. Compared to this time last year, are you...
i. happier or sadder? Probably y happier.
ii. thinner or fatter? Hm. Probably the same. But I am so on it.
iii. richer or poorer? More of the same. Every year is a fresh start in our household with hub's career. Hope for richer. Hope. Hope. Hope.

11. What do you wish you'd done more of?
I wish I'd taken time to be happier and nicer to my loved ones.

12. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Worrying and eating to mask that worry.

13. What was your favorite TV program?
America's Top Model

14. What was the best book you read?
Hmmmmm....I can't pick one and you can't make me.

15. What was your favorite film of this year?
Juno

16. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Oh my God. I went to High School Musical 3 and to Moxie's. But it was fun. I turned 43. Gah. I'm an old woman.

17. What kept you sane?
The truth is not really appropriate to post on this blog.

18. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Oh. I fancy Johnny Depp. And strangely...Russell Brandt

19. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008:
Dude- Patience is a virtue. And. Happiness is a Habit I should be developing. Seriously. I need to choose to be happy more often.

20. Word you said often enough that it should have been your catchphrase:
No!

Win Your Way Through 2009

Gift bags are the coolest, no???

So many surprises and treats all wrapped up in one bag of prettiness. Swoon!!

Well. If you like gift bags too, you might be able to WIN ONE. And you have 12 chances to win. One more than eleven. There's some good odds here, and no while I didn't whip out my calculator to figure them out exactly, I just know they're good! Trust.

To celebrate a year of YA fiction from debut novelists, debut2009 is hosting the Twelve Months of Debsness, with prize packages. Join the Debs as we launch into 2009 and you'll be able to win. Easy peasey, Miss Louise.

http://community.livejournal.com/debut2009/

And remember, WAITING TO SCORE launches in late Feb/ early March, so that's only months away!!

Books in 2009

So many great Young Adult books are coming out this year, and many from my very own group of peeps, The DEBS!!

The first book out of the gates comes January 22 from Stacy Jay, author of YOU ARE SO UNDEAD TO ME. I'll be chatting with Stacy about her book on January 26. I know I can't wait!!!

Thinking About Taste

I hate pie. Not an earth shattering revelation, but true nonetheless.

I love chocolate in almost every form, yet I have a friend who doesn't like sweets at all. I can totally resist salty snacks. For others it is their weakness.

Taste. It is individual. It is neither right nor wrong. What I like, I like. What you like you like. Sometimes there's no real explanation. Opposite tastes are not supposed to offend each other. They just. Are.

I loved the movie Juno. When I want to cry I watch Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood. My husband didn't like Juno at all. When he wants to cry he watches Groundhog Day. Okay. Not really when he wants to cry, but it is one of his fave movies.

So. Then comes books. Er. My book. It is coming out in weeks. My teen book. An edgy book. I have to remember, that some people will love it. Some won't... but I have to remember that it's okay!

I think it's a good book. Yes. I do, it's a quiet but powerful story.

It is not a lot of things. But it is a lot of things. Honest. Hopeful. Disturbing.

Some will like it. Others. Well. Won't.
That's why we have different genres and even sub genres.
Taste.

Well Hello 2009

It's a brand new year and you know what that means? Well. Think about it. Of course you do!

I am always a wee bit hopeful the first day of a new year. So many possibilites linger. New beginnings! New hopes! New dreams!

So...good bye 2008. You were not such a bad year, not at all. But 2009 is shiny and new and full of promise...

Here's to a great new year full of great reading, great writing and Believing! In ourselves and what we can accomplish!