Helen asks:
I'm 25 and I work on a newspaper in the UK and the reason I got into it in the first place is because I wanted to write, pure and simple. My first choice was to be an author but as I thought that would never happen I chose working on a newspaper. As most things don't turn out to be how you expect them (a reporter as I discovered is very different to an author) But through sticking to it I am writing a book at the moment. All I have ever wanted to be was an author and I was wondering if you could give me some advice (with boyproof published and queen of cool coming out soon) about how to even go about getting it published. It is all I have ever wanted and everybody says that phrase to me 'oh you'll do it' without ever really believing it will happen. Dear Helen,
I wonder if you got my email. I tried writing back but my hard drive died recently. Anyway, not a weird question at all. when we are starting out it is difficult to find peers around us who are interested in the same thing.
That would be my first suggestion. Find other writers, hang out with them. Form a writing group. Also, read a lot. Read a lot of the genre you want to write in. And then write a lot. Don't be afraid to send stuff out. Don't be afraid of rejections. Write. Send it out. Write. Sent it out. Rinse, Lather Repeat.
There are books on how to submit, how to write query letters. Go browse through them at bookstores or the library. In the US they are called Writers Market guides. (there is one for kids books, mystery, etc. etc.)) These give you the publishers addresses and also agents addresses.
Don't be afraid. Send your stuff out. Meet other writers. Go to literary events. Mingle. Read your stuff at open lit nights. Meet other writers. Join a writers group. If you write a specific genre, ie. mystery or kids lit or sci fi, join those kinds of associations. Go on writers retreats. Take a class at Uni. write. Write more. Oh and keep writing.
I have a theory that every art form takes about 10 years to arrive, whatever that means to you. Get in line. Wait your turn. And meanwhile, write.
Good Luck Helen. You can do it. Keep your eye on the north star. Don't let anyone tell you you can't do it.
Thanks for checking in on my blog.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Some Boy Proof FAQ's
here are a bunch of questions I've been getting about Boy Proof.
Are you Egg?
No. I am not Egg. She is not me. Although every book, every character has a bit of my truth in it. I like to say that they are all me and they are not me at all.
Is Egg someone you know?
Egg was inspired by a girl I saw who dressed up as Trinity and said that The Matrix was not just a phase she was going through. I don't know her. She was on a DVD about Matrix fans. Also, Egg was inpired by a girl who sat next to me in English class who didn't speak to anyone, she growled. I talked to her all the time but we weren't friends. I would borrow pens from her. OR complement her spooky clothing. In my yearbook she wrote "thank you for talking to me when I was being mean to the world."
Is Max someone you know?
No. Max is not anyone I know. But he reminds me of a boy I sat next to in geometry class. I would like to know Max. Max seems like a nice boy. Like he's really paying attention.
Are you Egg?
No. I am not Egg. She is not me. Although every book, every character has a bit of my truth in it. I like to say that they are all me and they are not me at all.
Is Egg someone you know?
Egg was inspired by a girl I saw who dressed up as Trinity and said that The Matrix was not just a phase she was going through. I don't know her. She was on a DVD about Matrix fans. Also, Egg was inpired by a girl who sat next to me in English class who didn't speak to anyone, she growled. I talked to her all the time but we weren't friends. I would borrow pens from her. OR complement her spooky clothing. In my yearbook she wrote "thank you for talking to me when I was being mean to the world."
Is Max someone you know?
No. Max is not anyone I know. But he reminds me of a boy I sat next to in geometry class. I would like to know Max. Max seems like a nice boy. Like he's really paying attention.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Jon Burger asks:Would you ever "wax poetic" if you could? Fuck, yeah.
Oh and on a side question.... What exactly does The Weekend know about sand beneath their toes and kissing beach -boys? Are'nt they from Ontario Oh well, you know, Andrea comes to L.A. and stays with me for like weeks on end while she is writing songs and smooching boys. So you know, now she's got a great new song called CALIFORNIA.
Oh and on a side question.... What exactly does The Weekend know about sand beneath their toes and kissing beach -boys? Are'nt they from Ontario Oh well, you know, Andrea comes to L.A. and stays with me for like weeks on end while she is writing songs and smooching boys. So you know, now she's got a great new song called CALIFORNIA.
Caitlin R. asks: Quel est le nom du caractère principal dans La Reine de Refroidir ? Do you mean the Snow Queen? Or the Ice Queen? Whoever you mean, I hope the name of that character isn't Cecil (or Caitlin). *shivers*
Pouvez-vous dire que je ne peut pas parler le français ? I know! You are cute! And your eyebrows are great!
What does Ribinder mean? Ribinder Fairfax-Spare is the name of my alter ego. She's the person you come up with on a rock tour driving between Sudbury and and Winnipeg to stop from losing your mind. Or maybe it's because you are losing your mind? *shrugs shoulders* Whatever! Let me paint a portrait of Ribinder. She wears all black, drinks champagne, is a divorcee and eats men for breakfast. Naturally her best friend is named Praxis. Think a slightly more classy Edina and Patsy from Ab Fab.
Pouvez-vous dire que je ne peut pas parler le français ? I know! You are cute! And your eyebrows are great!
What does Ribinder mean? Ribinder Fairfax-Spare is the name of my alter ego. She's the person you come up with on a rock tour driving between Sudbury and and Winnipeg to stop from losing your mind. Or maybe it's because you are losing your mind? *shrugs shoulders* Whatever! Let me paint a portrait of Ribinder. She wears all black, drinks champagne, is a divorcee and eats men for breakfast. Naturally her best friend is named Praxis. Think a slightly more classy Edina and Patsy from Ab Fab.
Tattoos
MoniqueMadigan asks: Tattoos?
I have two. One is of the symbol for Queen Amidala from Star Wars. Although when I'm feeling hate for Star Wars I say it's a fleur de lys. And people believe me! Suckers! My other one is the alchemy symbol for a comet. Cause I love comets.
I have two. One is of the symbol for Queen Amidala from Star Wars. Although when I'm feeling hate for Star Wars I say it's a fleur de lys. And people believe me! Suckers! My other one is the alchemy symbol for a comet. Cause I love comets.
TinTin
Andrew "Awesome" Auseon asks: Are you frightened or delighted at the possibility of a Steven Spielberg directed Tintin movie?
Andrew, I am always frightened and delighted when some story I adore is going to be made into a movie. First things first, it's going to be ruined. OK. We just have to accept that. But I've heard some terrific things about this Spielberg fellow. Mark my words. I think he's a director to watch. I have to assume though that there will be a love interest. Probably she'll look like a girl TinTin. Captain Haddock might not drink as much and uhm, (this is a good thing) they'll all be less racist. Also on the plus side, maybe kids will start reading TinTin and I can continue declaring it The Year Of TinTin, every year. Wait, scratch that. HE'S MINE AMERICA! BACK OFF!!
Andrew, I am always frightened and delighted when some story I adore is going to be made into a movie. First things first, it's going to be ruined. OK. We just have to accept that. But I've heard some terrific things about this Spielberg fellow. Mark my words. I think he's a director to watch. I have to assume though that there will be a love interest. Probably she'll look like a girl TinTin. Captain Haddock might not drink as much and uhm, (this is a good thing) they'll all be less racist. Also on the plus side, maybe kids will start reading TinTin and I can continue declaring it The Year Of TinTin, every year. Wait, scratch that. HE'S MINE AMERICA! BACK OFF!!
Montreal
Holliedzma asks: I am wondering what places you would recommend in Montreal?
You are going to have so much fun! Montreal is a great friggin' city!
L'Oblique is an excellent music store. It's on Rivard just below Mount Royal. Make sure to go to Pharmacie Esperanza. Casa del Popolo, Fave used book store is SW Welch. And for drinking (since it's 18 there) I always go to Korova or the Bifteck (all of these are on St. Laurent) Also, check out the Divan Orange and The Green Room.
Uhm, you know what just make Saint Laurent, Duluth and St. Denis your friend. From like Sherbrooke to St. Viateur.
Also, music wise, keep me totally posted with your shizit, as all my friends in Montreal are music-y peeps. Say hi to them for me. I miss them already.
You are going to have so much fun! Montreal is a great friggin' city!
L'Oblique is an excellent music store. It's on Rivard just below Mount Royal. Make sure to go to Pharmacie Esperanza. Casa del Popolo, Fave used book store is SW Welch. And for drinking (since it's 18 there) I always go to Korova or the Bifteck (all of these are on St. Laurent) Also, check out the Divan Orange and The Green Room.
Uhm, you know what just make Saint Laurent, Duluth and St. Denis your friend. From like Sherbrooke to St. Viateur.
Also, music wise, keep me totally posted with your shizit, as all my friends in Montreal are music-y peeps. Say hi to them for me. I miss them already.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Only ever when over 21
Slatts asks:
Is this where we ask them? Yes it is. Please go ahead with your questions.
drugs or alcohol when: writing songs? Sometimes OK.
recording them? Never OK.
performing them? Always OK.
Is this where we ask them? Yes it is. Please go ahead with your questions.
drugs or alcohol when: writing songs? Sometimes OK.
recording them? Never OK.
performing them? Always OK.
Friday, June 10, 2005
Joe asks:
Can I get a back rub?
Joe, that question can only be answered case by case. Each applicant to receive a back rub is carefully considered. There are two answers to that question a) Yes. Take your shirt off, or b) No! Not on your life!
On occasions there may have been laughing involved. Sorry about that, but I swear, the laughing happened mostly when I was in High School.
Can I get a back rub?
Joe, that question can only be answered case by case. Each applicant to receive a back rub is carefully considered. There are two answers to that question a) Yes. Take your shirt off, or b) No! Not on your life!
On occasions there may have been laughing involved. Sorry about that, but I swear, the laughing happened mostly when I was in High School.
Friday, May 27, 2005
Slatts asks:
what's the skinny on what you played (and who played with) on Whoever? I played guitar and then asked some friends to come in and add tracks. I let them just do whatever they wanted, with some little suggestions from me. Then when I mixed, I got to pick and choose what I liked best. That's the best part about art! ARTISTIC CONVERSATIONS! Most of them had never been in a studio where the 24 track was operated by a monkey running on a treadmill! So that was a good incentive.
Jo Knowles asks:
What has been your most amazing experience so far as a published YA author? When this tough young woman who was reading to try to improve herself but was starting out with YA books because she wasn't that good a reader said she read Boy Proof, because she felt like that. She said, "I've never wanted to meet an author before. This is the first book signing I've ever been to."
Eli Asks:
Who was the first person who invented electricity? Eli, I'm not quite sure. I'm going to go with Benjamin Franklin. Something to do with a kite and a key and a lightining storm. And quite frankly, I think, pretty much anything can happen with those elements. It certainly screams: Danger! Scientific Advancement! Electricity!
Who was the first person who invented Tintin? That would be Herge. What I like best about Tin Tin is that he is an adventurer and a dreamer and has a lot of really good friends. Also he likes to travel, which is a plus in my book.
Oh, and How are glaciers formed? I think the ingredients are water and an Ice Age.
what's the skinny on what you played (and who played with) on Whoever? I played guitar and then asked some friends to come in and add tracks. I let them just do whatever they wanted, with some little suggestions from me. Then when I mixed, I got to pick and choose what I liked best. That's the best part about art! ARTISTIC CONVERSATIONS! Most of them had never been in a studio where the 24 track was operated by a monkey running on a treadmill! So that was a good incentive.
Jo Knowles asks:
What has been your most amazing experience so far as a published YA author? When this tough young woman who was reading to try to improve herself but was starting out with YA books because she wasn't that good a reader said she read Boy Proof, because she felt like that. She said, "I've never wanted to meet an author before. This is the first book signing I've ever been to."
Eli Asks:
Who was the first person who invented electricity? Eli, I'm not quite sure. I'm going to go with Benjamin Franklin. Something to do with a kite and a key and a lightining storm. And quite frankly, I think, pretty much anything can happen with those elements. It certainly screams: Danger! Scientific Advancement! Electricity!
Who was the first person who invented Tintin? That would be Herge. What I like best about Tin Tin is that he is an adventurer and a dreamer and has a lot of really good friends. Also he likes to travel, which is a plus in my book.
Oh, and How are glaciers formed? I think the ingredients are water and an Ice Age.
E. Lockhart asks:
Pourqois le francais on le live journal? Why should we commit to english all the time? I'm bi (lingual)
What does the name Seaskull mean and how did you come up with it? When I was in my first band Bite, we decided to have punk rock names. Cecil Seaskull was a funny way of saying Cecil twice. I think I dodged the bullet, the other ladies took the names Eunice Uranus and Nutella Bondhead. They only kept their names, for like three shows, pussies. Wheras, mine stuck. And every lady should have a punk name, don't you think?
Likewise, The Divine Miss Pixie Woods? (Nerdy Girl, I can understand by myself) On the way to Oregon, there was a sign for a forest, it said, "Pixie Woods, next exit." I thought, I'd like to be in a place called Pixie Woods.
What was it like at the High School for Performing Arts? Details please, for those of us who watched Fame way too many times. There is nothing better than spending half of your day studying theatre and half the day doing academics. The theatre part was way better. Oh yeah, and the dancing on the cafeteria lunch tables.
New York versus LA. Talk amongst yourself. "You say you like NY better than LA, and I just sit there, I believe that you like looking like a Ramone, when I would rather kiss a beach boy. I want to feel the sand between my toes, and feel the sun burning up my nose I'll give you all of my black clothes. Just light your smoke and watch me go..." The Weekend
What were you like in High School -- cool, or nerdy, or what? 42
What do you know now that you wish you knew in high school? How to drive.
Holly Black asks:
What made you make the transition from music to writing YA books? I was in a band by accident. I always wanted to write stories. My friend Julie asked me to be the singer because she was too shy at the time to sing. I said I would join if I could write a song called "Ew, I kissed him." So, actually, I kind of transitioned back to what I wanted to do in the first place.
What are the similarities between the music business and the publishing business? What are the differences? In music and in publishing, I use the same words! Only books are longer! Also, touring in a band is much more fun, because you usually can sing for your supper and get gas money to get to the next city. Also, there's more merch, like fun t-shirts and wrist sweatbands. The biggest thing is that holding a guitar is much heavier than holding a book. Unless your book is like, a dictionary, or War and Peace. (which thankfully, mine are not.)
Northbard asks: Is it true that you warn every boy you date that they will one day be part of your art? It is a little known fact that there is actually a warning sign about that tattooed in microscopic 1's and 0's on my entire body. So, pretty much, everyone, at all times, is duly warned.
How do I join the Cecil Seaskull Fan Club? Everyone has the option of being automatically enrolled in the Cecil Seaskull Fan Club if they have ever seen a Star Wars movie, or even heard that the films even exist.
How can I somehow catch your eye and become part of your art someday? Good question. Try flowers. Safe bets also include chocolate (belgian dark) and seranading me under my window with a lute. (please be in good voice) (and perhaps know a madrigal or two.)
What sort of presents should fans send you, and do you prefer cash or checque? I accept all items Tin Tin and Gama-Go. Or dubloons.
What bands have you been in? Oh, that's an easy one. Ask harder questions. They were: Bite. Nerdy Girl. Cecil Seaskull.
That thing I just heard from that guy over there... is it true? Absolutely not! He's totally got it all wrong. It only involved a sketchy moonlanding, a screwdriver, a lute, animals from the L.A. Zoo and the guy I'm in love with. And no, the police were not called! And no, noone went to jail! Jeez! Talk about your broken telephone!
Rowan asks: Cecil, how did you get to be so impossibly cool? Do you have any tips for the kids out there that aspire to be as cool as you? Lemons. Good for freckles, highlighting your hair, decoding secret messages. Also, wedges of lemon make excellent accents in drinks.
Pourqois le francais on le live journal? Why should we commit to english all the time? I'm bi (lingual)
What does the name Seaskull mean and how did you come up with it? When I was in my first band Bite, we decided to have punk rock names. Cecil Seaskull was a funny way of saying Cecil twice. I think I dodged the bullet, the other ladies took the names Eunice Uranus and Nutella Bondhead. They only kept their names, for like three shows, pussies. Wheras, mine stuck. And every lady should have a punk name, don't you think?
Likewise, The Divine Miss Pixie Woods? (Nerdy Girl, I can understand by myself) On the way to Oregon, there was a sign for a forest, it said, "Pixie Woods, next exit." I thought, I'd like to be in a place called Pixie Woods.
What was it like at the High School for Performing Arts? Details please, for those of us who watched Fame way too many times. There is nothing better than spending half of your day studying theatre and half the day doing academics. The theatre part was way better. Oh yeah, and the dancing on the cafeteria lunch tables.
New York versus LA. Talk amongst yourself. "You say you like NY better than LA, and I just sit there, I believe that you like looking like a Ramone, when I would rather kiss a beach boy. I want to feel the sand between my toes, and feel the sun burning up my nose I'll give you all of my black clothes. Just light your smoke and watch me go..." The Weekend
What were you like in High School -- cool, or nerdy, or what? 42
What do you know now that you wish you knew in high school? How to drive.
Holly Black asks:
What made you make the transition from music to writing YA books? I was in a band by accident. I always wanted to write stories. My friend Julie asked me to be the singer because she was too shy at the time to sing. I said I would join if I could write a song called "Ew, I kissed him." So, actually, I kind of transitioned back to what I wanted to do in the first place.
What are the similarities between the music business and the publishing business? What are the differences? In music and in publishing, I use the same words! Only books are longer! Also, touring in a band is much more fun, because you usually can sing for your supper and get gas money to get to the next city. Also, there's more merch, like fun t-shirts and wrist sweatbands. The biggest thing is that holding a guitar is much heavier than holding a book. Unless your book is like, a dictionary, or War and Peace. (which thankfully, mine are not.)
Northbard asks: Is it true that you warn every boy you date that they will one day be part of your art? It is a little known fact that there is actually a warning sign about that tattooed in microscopic 1's and 0's on my entire body. So, pretty much, everyone, at all times, is duly warned.
How do I join the Cecil Seaskull Fan Club? Everyone has the option of being automatically enrolled in the Cecil Seaskull Fan Club if they have ever seen a Star Wars movie, or even heard that the films even exist.
How can I somehow catch your eye and become part of your art someday? Good question. Try flowers. Safe bets also include chocolate (belgian dark) and seranading me under my window with a lute. (please be in good voice) (and perhaps know a madrigal or two.)
What sort of presents should fans send you, and do you prefer cash or checque? I accept all items Tin Tin and Gama-Go. Or dubloons.
What bands have you been in? Oh, that's an easy one. Ask harder questions. They were: Bite. Nerdy Girl. Cecil Seaskull.
That thing I just heard from that guy over there... is it true? Absolutely not! He's totally got it all wrong. It only involved a sketchy moonlanding, a screwdriver, a lute, animals from the L.A. Zoo and the guy I'm in love with. And no, the police were not called! And no, noone went to jail! Jeez! Talk about your broken telephone!
Rowan asks: Cecil, how did you get to be so impossibly cool? Do you have any tips for the kids out there that aspire to be as cool as you? Lemons. Good for freckles, highlighting your hair, decoding secret messages. Also, wedges of lemon make excellent accents in drinks.
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