On the Web
Regular blogging:
Monthly blog on Writer Unboxed.
In terms of a guest blog, it’s helpful if you provide guidance as to what you’re looking for (craft, humor, how-to, anecdotal), and whether you want me to give away a book. As for interviews, please send the questions (no more than five, please) in the body of the email, no attachments, along with your request and the “need by” date.
In Person
RT Booklovers Convention
April 11 – 15, 2012
Hyatt-Regency O’Hare
Chicago, IL
SCIENCE FICTION: Popular Tropes & Themes & How to Write SF that Dazzles
(WEDNESDAY, 1:00-2:00) Learn what tropes and themes sell from acclaimed and bestselling authors of science fiction. We’ll cover what ideas have performed well, what markets may be untapped and how to put your best manuscript forward. Audience Q&A is encouraged.
Captain: Ann Aguirre
Panelists: Beth Revis, Cindy Holby, Cindy Spencer Pape, Linnea Sinclair, Isabo Kelly
YOUNG ADULT: The Kids are All Right —
Adult to YA Fiction
(WEDNESDAY, 3:30-4:30) A number of established authors have made the transition from adult fiction to YA novels. What are the pitfalls? How does your writing change? Can you do both? This panel of authors will guide you through the transition — or the multitasking — necessary to add YA fiction to a writer’s repertoire.
Moderator: Kelley Armstrong
Panelists: Ann Aguirre, Jenna Black, Sophie Jordan, Jeri Smith-Ready, Rachel Vincent
YA Midnight Slumber Party
(WEDNESDAY, 11:45pm-1am) YA books aren’t just for kids. Whether you love YA or are curious what the buzz is all about, come join some YA authors for our “slumber party.” We’re keeping it real with slumber party games, junk food and lots of swag and prizes. Come hang out with us and find out why YA books keep teens and adults alike up all night (PJs optional).
Hosted By: Ann Aguirre, Josephine Angelini, Brodi Ashton, Charlotte Bennardo, Anne Greenwood Brown, Zoraida Cordova, Kady Cross, Bree Despain, Debra Driza, Cole Gibsen, Rachel Harris, Leanna Renee Hieber, Nancy Holder, Tara Hudson, Colleen Houck, Sophie Jordan, Suzanne Lazear, Lea Nolan, Jana Oliver, Amy Plum, J.A. Souders, Jeri Smith-Ready, Natalie Zaman
SPECIALTY: Dystopian Delight — Making the Apocalypse Bad to the Bone
(THURSDAY, 11:15-12:15) Give us your ideal world and we’ll break it. Give us your happy homes and we’ll burn them down. NYT bestselling and critically acclaimed authors teach you how to end the world with style.
Panelists: Ann Aguirre, Larissa Ione, Carrie Lofty, J.A. Souders
FANTASY: Beyond Unicorns & Elves — Writing Extraordinary Fantasy Fiction
(FRIDAY, 11:15-12:15) Join us for an analysis of what makes a compelling fantasy, whether dark or light. We’ll talk about key elements of worldbuilding, character development, witty banter 101 and help kill your plot bunnies. Bring your questions and insatiable curiosity!
Captain: Ann Aguirre
Panelists: Jenna Black, Yasmine Galenorn, Shawntelle Madison, Robin Hobb, Sarah Zettel (aka Marissa Day)
READER: Giant Bookfair
(SATURDAY, 11am-2:00pm) Meet more than 300 authors who will autograph books, posters and bookmarks. Bring your “keepers” and have them signed!
Author Speed-Dating
(SATURDAY, 2:30-3:30pm) Lightning-fast rounds of small-group conversation with some of our phenomenal young adult authors. NOTE: Sign-ups required at Registration. Seating is limited.
Authors: Ann Aguirre, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Jenna Black, Sarah Rees Brennan, Kiera Cass, Kristi Cook, Rosemary Clement-Moore, Kimberly Derting, Leigh Fallon, David Macinnis Gill, Colleen Houck, Michele Jaffe, Sophie Jordan, Stacey Kade, Stephanie Kuehnert, Saundra Mitchell, Aprilynne Pike, Rachel Vincent
Teen Day Party
(SATURDAY, 6:15-7:30pm ) Mix and mingle with the YA authors who signed at the Book Fair. Swag bag pick up for the first 250 TEENS who registered. Tons of giveaways. Must present ticket to receive a swag bag!
Some of the authors you’ll meet: Jus Accardo, Ann Aguirre, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Kelley Armstrong, Brodi Ashton, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Charlotte Bennardo, Jenna Black aka Jennifer Barlow, Rachel Caine, Ally Carter, Kiera Cass, Tera Lynn Childs, Cinda Williams Chima, Kady Cross aka Kathryn Smith, Kimberly Derting, Anne Elizabeth, Jennifer Estep, Kami Garcia, Cole Gibsen, Traci Hall, Cynthia Hand, Alyxandra Harvey, Jill Hathaway, Nancy Holder, Colleen Houck, Michelle Jaffe, Sophie Jordan, Stacey Kade, Stephanie Kuehnert, David Macinnis Gill, Mari Mancusi, Melissa Marr, Emily McKay aka Ivy Adams, Richelle Mead, Saundra Mitchell, Alyson Noël, Erica O’Rourke, Jana Oliver, C. Allyn Pierson, Aprilynne Pike, Amy Plum, Sarah Rees Brennan, Beth Revis, Veronica Roth, Carrie Ryan, Jeri Smith-Ready, Margaret Stohl, Rachel Vincent, Lacey Weatherford, Veronica Wolff, Natalie Zaman, Melissa de la Cruz
Discussion & Signing at Blue Willow Books
June 13, 2012
7pm
14532 Memorial Drive
Houston, TX 77079
RWA National Conference
July 25 – 28, 2012
Anaheim Marriott
Anaheim, CA
If you’d like me to visit as a speaker or a guest, I will be happy to consider it. I’m available for school visits, where I can give a variety of presentations, including but not limited to:
• How to Draft a Book in 6 Weeks (or less)
• So You Want to be a Writer
• The Payoff of Perseverance
• Finding your True Voice
I’m also available for general Q&A and readings. I’m happy to spend the whole day at your school, but will only do presentations for grades 9 and up. I’ll also be happy to sign while I’m there. Since I live outside the US, it may be wise to invite me when I’m already planning to be in the States. In 2012, I have events scheduled in Nevada (March), California (March), Illinois (April), and California (July) again.
If I’m not already in the States, I prefer events in CA and TX because those locales are the quickest / easiest for me to travel to, but it never hurts to ask! Feel free to email me for more information about any of the above.
Finally, if you want a signed bookplate (or bookmarks) and you won’t be in my vicinity this year, drop me an email. I’m happy to hook you up.