Road to Echoes: 4 Lessons I Learned Writing Maxwell Wallace

I learned a lot about myself writing Maxwell Wallace.  I’ve mentioned before that my ability to write female characters has been difficult and why that is (here), but Max is the first female character I’ve written fully formed without having to do much of anything. That was new for me, and I think a testament to the power of who she is as a character. So real. So alive. 

When the Echo Answers is a companion novel to In the Echo of this Ghost Town

In honor of her, here are 4 things I learned from Max while writing this book:

Speak your mind

I grew up with the “be a good girl” lessons rooted in white, patriarchal, Christian home.  I’m not disparaging my experience. I had a wonderful childhood with amazing parents and family, but this “good girl” expectation didn’t serve me when I walked out into the world without the safety net of my loving family. My naivety opened doors to major mishaps. If I’d been taught that my voice mattered equally, I wonder how things might have been different.

Cal, Maxwell’s dad, has taught her that her voice matters. That her voice is equal to everyone else and she doesn’t have to be “the good girl” but instead just a smart one. Maybe, on some level, this is the kind of girl I’d wished I’d been. Maybe Max can empower a young woman to find her voice, know her worth, and speak up (even when the expectations are to be a “good girl”). What I would tell that girl: You are still a good girl even when you speak up. SPEAK UP!

Don’t Apologize

Asking forgiveness is a good thing. That’s not what I mean when I say “don’t apologize.” Instead, this is referencing those apologies for existing, for having an opinion, for being different, or using your voice to care for yourself.  It goes back to speaking up, but not feeling like your voice matters so you need to somehow disparage it by offering the “I’m sorry…”

Max doesn’t apologize unless she should. Goodness.  Cal has taught her that she matters. And as she says in the book, “My father has shown me that everyday.”  This!

Be Rude

One of my favorite podcasters—Crime Junkies—say this all the time. “It’s okay to be rude. Be rude. Stay alive.” Max is “rude” but maybe it isn’t so much as rude as assertive, confident, and self-assured.  She knows her worth (even if she struggles sometimes, because don’t we all), but the lessons from her father lead her to the path of trusting herself.  She says, “One of dad’s lessons: trust your instincts.”

I’ve gotten better at this, especially when it comes to my art. There’s this really great book I HIGHLY RECOMMEND to all creatives and especially women, and for women in general. Women Who Run With the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype by Clarissa Pinkola Estes, PhD. It’s a dense read, but ultimately, the idea is that as women we have shut down our intuition (due to all sorts of cultural and societal factors), but we need to reconnect to it. It is in our innate knowledge that we find the truth of our identity, our power, ourselves. It’s beautiful.

Don’t Hesitate. Just sit down

In the scene at the beginning when she sits down with Griffin outside the convenience store, Max says, “I leave the confines of the store and approach moody boy like he’s a wild animal in the zoo. Okay, too tentative. I actually just sit down. I don’t do too much with hesitancy and never have. Hesitancy hasn’t gotten me much, and besides, there isn’t time for it. Lessons from my father haven’t been about hanging back or blending into the background.” 

 I love this. 

This lesson has so many applications. Whether it’s putting myself out there as an author with local bookstores, submitting that query to an agent, offering insight on my latest blog, or teaching a webinar, I can’t be hesitant. Sure, there’s a time to ponder and reflect to find the best plan of action, but then it’s time to commit. To step forward. To put myself on the line. 

Max does this.  I love it. I love her.

I hope you do too.

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Road to Echoes: Tropes

Tropes—or the plot-situational cliches found in stories—are unavoidable and don’t equate to “bad writing.” It’s more accurate to recognize that tropes exist because every story has already been written. Tropes are a product of the human condition, or our own journey to understand it, so as readers we cling to these familiar and comfortable constructs. The chosen one trope allows us to explore our own journey, grappling with our own self worth and importance to our own narrative; the authoritarian government who steals freedom trope offers readers a place to wrestle with the constraints in their own lives; the love-triangle trope creates the opportunity to understand our own needs for our own various relationships. The trick for writers is to recognize the trope, discover a way to retell it to make it new again, all while remaining truthful. 

In the Echo of this Ghost Town and When the Echo Answers (both available for preorder) are full of familiar tropes. I thought I’d take this blog to explore four of the tropes you’ll find in these two stories, and explore how I tried to twist the device to make it fresh.

1. The Misfit

As a trope, the misfit (the “I’m not like other girls” or the “I’m so misunderstood”) has been overdone. Is it a surprise that it comes up over and over with YA fiction? Seriously. Didn’t we all feel like we didn’t quite belong as teenagers and were working overtime to try and find our tribe. It isn’t a shock to me to see this one come up over and over. All people, especially teens, are working through their sense of identity in relationship to others. But this trope has worn reader patience thin (I have some theories about this) but guess what, it's in both In the Echo of this Ghost Town and When the Echo Answers.

The good news is that you won’t see the phrases “I’m not like other guys/girls”, or “I’m so misunderstood” in either novel. Rather, the trope is in the circumstances and the emotional baggage of it that both Griffin and Maxwell carry. Griffin’s friends have abandoned him—at least that’s how he sees it—so he’s alone. Not only that, his friends have broken the bro code which makes Griffin see his perspective as the “right one.” On the other hand, Maxwell, by necessity, hasn’t ever had the opportunity to find her tribe. Instead, she’s moved so much with her single dad, that her misfit status has been an act of geography and situation instead of carting around the perceived social stigma. Her understanding of herself has been developed in her relationship with her father and a myriad of temporary relationships she’s had a long way.

2. Friends to Lovers

Friends to lovers is rather obvious. As a trope it hits the mark of realizing that through friendship, stronger and deeper feelings have the potential to develop. A great classic example of this trope is Emma by Jane Austen. I love to write the friends-to-lovers trope, and I suppose it is because it adheres to the nature of relationships in my brain. So in both Ghost Town and the Echo Answers, this trope takes center stage. It is situational to Griffin and Max’s experience. They begin as strangers (more on that later), become proximity acquaintances, develop a tentative camaraderie, until that deepens into friendship and then crosses into love. The journey to that happening in opposition (or reinforcement) to both character’s wants is what is at stake.

3. The Dysfunctional Family & the Absent Parent

A common (and legitimate) complaint about YA books is the “missing family”, the “orphan”, and the “dysfunctional family” tropes that are common in the category. My theory about the pervasiveness of this trope is because there is a need for the protagonist to develop a sense of self. An easy way to put them into a vacuum is to make them an orphan, remove the family, or create a family that is nonexistent in their lives. This choice, however, isn’t consistent with real life. Adults exist in teens’ lives, and they are formative in the development of a teen’s identity. This has created a need in the book category to characterize families (of all kinds). Thankfully, I’ve seen a lot more of this in recent years.

In both Griffin’s and Max’s stories, families are important. While In the Echo of this Ghost Town does explore the idea of a “dysfunctional” family, rather than keeping them removed from Griffin’s life, the story explores how one might rebuild relationships rather than keeping them distant. In Max’s case in When the Echo Answers, her dad, Cal, is integral to her life. He hasn’t been absent and instead has been a wonderful mentor, but Max will have to face the emotional consequences of her mother leaving them when she was a child. My hope, then, wasn’t to keep the family removed, but rather explore the ways these relationships impacted the characters, and then how the characters face these relationships as they form their identities.

4. A Meet-Cute

The Meet-Cute is a common romance trope in which the couple will meet for the first time by being thrown into a “cute” or interesting situation. An example is in the Adam Sandler movie 50 First Dates with Drew Barrymore. The entire movie is based on the idea of a meet-cute over a stack of pancakes. This trope is often a favorite. It’s the idea of being forced into a situation that raises the stakes often with obstacles and allows the protagonist(s) of the story to showcase their personalities.

I wouldn’t call the face-to-face meeting of Griffin and Max so much a meet-cute as I would a meet-weird. Griffin is sulking and Max calls him out on it by calling him a serial killer. They never exchange their names thinking they will never see one another again, but of course another meet-cute occurs, though meet-cute might be too sweet. Maybe a meet-surprise!

So there they are, four tropes you’ll find in my upcoming releases In the Echo of this Ghost Town and the companion novel When the Echo Answers. Are there more? Yes. (One of my favorites: the “there’s only one bed” situation. Hahahaha).  

Next Week: When the Echo Answers

The Stories Stars Tell: It's Here!

After 16 months of work, The Stories Stars Tell is here. I’m so excited to hand it over to you.

Here’s what I can’t wait to see from you:

• Honest reviews (post one on Goodreads, amazon, or any other book platform)

• Pictures of you reading or of the book (be sure to tag me or send them to me)

• To know how the story inspired you.

• Who were your favorite characters?

Look for a giveaway and a read-along in November (my birthday month!)

This-Then-That: YA Dystopian and SciFi Edition

Let’s see. Where to begin. Oh, at the beginning of course.

Isaac Asimov, scientist and science fiction writer said, “The true delight is in the finding out rather than in the knowing.” This never hit harder than having just finished the Illuminae Files by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff this week (if you haven’t read them, please, please, please do that right away. Even if you aren’t a dystopian or SciFi fan, if you love stories, the human condition, and people pushing up against great odds for ideas rooted in justice—read it!) and Asimov’s sentiments speak so loudly to the love of reading. We turn the page because we are discovering, experiencing the story unfold. It is a beautiful paradigm.

I did think, however, when I sat down to lead the blog in a This-Then-That (see the premise in last week’s post) bookish delight using dystopian and SciFi as a theme, I would get stuck. I haven’t read many. So as I engaged in a bit of research, checked into my Goodreads list, my mouth dropped open. I’ve read a ton of dystopian. Granted, it was many years ago until the market grew saturated with the same story in different dressings, but it is safe to say that I love dystopian stories nearly as much as I love contemporary. And simultaneously, I rediscovered my adoration for Science Fiction.

Fun Story (maybe I’ve repeated it elsewhere, but forgive me, I’m climbing toward old age). When I was eight, my elementary school librarian suggested a book called We Are Not of Earth by Jean Karl. It tore open my whole universe and contributed to my current love of reading. These last two months as I’ve read several science fiction novels, my love for the genre reignited! What a joy to return to a place and rediscover the magic that opened that door initially.

So with that said, here’s the Dystopian/SciFi This-Then-That. (Thank you to my IG friends who help fill in some gaps).

---

THAT

THIS

The Giver by Lois Lowry

This book is a classic in the dystopian genre. I’ve read it with students as young as sixth grade, but when you read it again as an adult - wow.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I read this book long before there was a movie. I loved it (though I do think there is much to be desired in the conclusion of the series). Regardless, this book is necessary to mention when talking dystopia and sci fi.

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishigura

This book isn’t strictly YA, but it fits in the category due to the age of the protagonist most of the way through and is one we teach in upper high school. This book is a slow burn, but when you get to that end - OMG.

Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray

I just read this book recently and was blown away by it. The giant questions posed in the story from what does it mean to be human to what do I believe about life . . . so good.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

If you’re only basing your assessment of this story on the movies, please don’t. This was an enjoyable trilogy (though it has been many years since I’ve read it - I remember a satisfying conclusion). I loved how Dashner just pushed the story…

Farenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Some might call Bradbury a prophet . . .so creepy how spot on he was about some things. I’ve read this book multiple times and it gets better with every reading.

Divergent by Veronica Roth

I debated whether to include this title (full disclosure, I’m not a huge fan of the final book in this series so I often will avoid recommending titles I didn’t love) but Divergent is important in the YA Dystopian/SciFi category just like The Hunger Games.

Matched by Allie Condie

As the YA dystopian phenomena raged, Matched jumped into the pack adding the element of romance to the mix.

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

How can we skip this book? I couldn’t, which is why it is included (even if it’s old and classic). Stranded adolescent boys trying to create a society asking the audience to consider what it means to be civilized. Chaos ensues…

Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth

I enjoyed this duology by Roth. Planets, political intrigue, battles to the death (for life), super powers, different humanoids and space ships with a dash of romance. I’m in.

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett

I vacillated on which title to pair this with, but in the end chose The Giver because I think in terms of literary acumen, Liggett wins. Her story looks at not only freedom like The Giver, but also female empowerment.

The Illuminae Files by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

I just finished this entire series (there are three titles and Illuminae is the first), and truthfully as a series, this one kicks most series’s butts as an incredibly constructed story (including The Hunger Games). But in terms of power hungry manipulation, excitement, adventure and action, this is a strong pairing.

Replica by Lauren Oliver

This is an interesting book in that it is two stories in one. One side is Gemma’s story, but it is the other side— Lyra’s story— that reminded me of Never Let Me Go. I could have read Lyra’s story for days . . .

Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Kaufman and Kristoff make the list a second time because this debut book of the Aurora Cycle is magical! The writing is fabulous and the adventure reminded me of Defy the Stars (and the other way around). So good!

The Echo Room by Parker Peevyhouse

This book is fascinating and captures the magic of that first book in the Dashner trilogy, The Maze Runner. The premise is you wake up in a room and have to figure out how to get out until you die trying. Then you wake up and have to try all over again.

More Than This by Patrick Ness

Seth wakes up in his old neighborhood that’s abandoned and overgrown as if the world has ended. Then he begins to get memories that tell him not everything is as it seems. (For fans of The Ugly Truth, Cantos Book 2 — don’t worry, it’s different :)

The Mirror Souls by Julia Scott

Indie Author alert! In this story Earth has nearly destroyed itself and a benevolent alien race has stepped in to intercede. In doing so, the human race is reorganized, but things don’t seem as “utopian” as the aliens would have you believe.

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Full disclosure, I haven’t read this book (I tried and couldn’t get past the first 25 pages). My IG users suggested it to go with Matched. I couldn’t think of anything else similar to Matched, so here you go. Comments appreciated.

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

Want a modern day satire that mimics The Lord of the Flies from a female perspective? This book is for you. I love Libba Bray. She’s great.

Coriander's Light by MJ Vaughn

Indie Author Alert! Coriander is in search of her mother. The only thing she has is a necklace left behind. When she gets an email from a stranger asking about the stone, it takes her on a whirlwind journey (into outer space).

These recommendations popped up on my IG story. I’ve added them to my TBR and I thought perhaps you might be interested in hearing about them as well. For your consideration:

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• July 2024
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  • Jul 13, 2023 Foundational Books & Book Bans Jul 13, 2023
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• June 2023
  • Jun 21, 2023 3 Things I Learned About Reading Space Opera Jun 21, 2023
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  • May 24, 2023 The Dangers of Myopic Reading May 24, 2023
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  • Apr 26, 2023 You Can Go Home Again Apr 26, 2023
• March 2023
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• January 2023
  • Jan 25, 2023 The Letters She Left Behind, 3 Years. Jan 25, 2023
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• November 2022
  • Nov 16, 2022 Book Hangover List Nov 16, 2022
  • Nov 9, 2022 Advice: Find your People Nov 9, 2022
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  • Oct 26, 2022 Contest Awarded Short Story: The Invalid Oct 26, 2022
  • Oct 13, 2022 The WHY Behind The Messy Truth About Love Oct 13, 2022
• June 2022
  • Jun 27, 2022 4 Things You Should Know about The Messy Truth About Love Before Reading Jun 27, 2022
• February 2022
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• December 2021
  • Dec 22, 2021 My Top 10 Songs (w/Lyrics) 2021 Dec 22, 2021
  • Dec 15, 2021 My Top 5 Characters I've Written Dec 15, 2021
  • Dec 1, 2021 My Top 5 of My Own Books Dec 1, 2021
• September 2021
  • Sep 1, 2021 Road to Echoes: 8 Tips for Using NaNoWriMo to Write Your Novel Sep 1, 2021
• August 2021
  • Aug 25, 2021 Road to Echoes: 4 Lessons I Learned Writing Maxwell Wallace Aug 25, 2021
  • Aug 18, 2021 Road to Echoes: Tropes Aug 18, 2021
  • Aug 11, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Loud Characters Aug 11, 2021
  • Aug 4, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Putting the Story Together Aug 4, 2021
• July 2021
  • Jul 28, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Research to Understand Griffin Jul 28, 2021
  • Jul 21, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Secondary Characters Primer Jul 21, 2021
  • Jul 14, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Writing Difficult Characters Jul 14, 2021
  • Jul 7, 2021 The Road of Echoes: What Inspired Griffin's Story? Jul 7, 2021
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  • Jun 30, 2021 The Road of Echoes: New Blog Series Jun 30, 2021
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  • Apr 28, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 4 Apr 28, 2021
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• March 2021
  • Mar 31, 2021 April Challenge: Finishing the Draft Mar 31, 2021
• February 2021
  • Feb 24, 2021 Character Speaks: Dear Paola, from Gabe Feb 24, 2021
  • Feb 17, 2021 Character Speaks: Dear Sam, from Seth Feb 17, 2021
  • Feb 10, 2021 Ask the Author: Advice for Newbie Writers? Feb 10, 2021
  • Feb 3, 2021 Ask the Author: What motivates you to write? Feb 3, 2021
• January 2021
  • Jan 27, 2021 Ask the Author: Series or Stand Alone? Jan 27, 2021
  • Jan 20, 2021 Ask the Author: Why did you choose to write YA? (Part 2) Jan 20, 2021
  • Jan 13, 2021 Ask the Author: Why did you choose to write YA? Jan 13, 2021
  • Jan 6, 2021 Ask the Author: Favorite Part of the Writing Process? Jan 6, 2021
• October 2020
  • Oct 16, 2020 Rainy Day Collective Podcast & Purity Culture Oct 16, 2020
  • Oct 14, 2020 The Stories Stars Tell: It's Here! Oct 14, 2020
• July 2020
  • Jul 1, 2020 Interview: Lauren-Marie with The Indigo Book Jul 1, 2020
• June 2020
  • Jun 24, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Dystopian and SciFi Edition Jun 24, 2020
  • Jun 17, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Contemporary Edition Jun 17, 2020
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• May 2020
  • May 27, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Piper Bee May 27, 2020
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• January 2020
  • Jan 29, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: A Hope and A Dream Jan 29, 2020
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• December 2019
  • Dec 18, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind: Character Interview Dec 18, 2019
  • Dec 11, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind: Annotated Playlist Dec 11, 2019
• October 2019
  • Oct 16, 2019 Awesome Writer Spotlight: Mary E. Pearson (again) Oct 16, 2019
  • Oct 7, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Gratitude Oct 7, 2019
• September 2019
  • Sep 30, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: It's time. Sep 30, 2019
  • Sep 16, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: A Difficult Story Sep 16, 2019
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• July 2019
  • Jul 8, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Aesthetic Jul 8, 2019
• May 2019
  • May 26, 2019 Time Away May 26, 2019
  • May 20, 2019 Writing Inspiration: Music May 20, 2019
  • May 13, 2019 Awesome Writer Spotlight: Mary E. Pearson May 13, 2019
  • May 6, 2019 Happy Book Birthday: A Character Interview May 6, 2019
  • May 1, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind PLAYLIST May 1, 2019
• April 2019
  • Apr 29, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Genevieve Jane Apr 29, 2019
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• March 2019
  • Mar 25, 2019 YA Author Series Launch: CL Walters Mar 25, 2019
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• February 2019
  • Feb 25, 2019 Pacing the Narrative: A New Tool Feb 25, 2019
  • Feb 18, 2019 Character and Conflict Part2: Motivation Feb 18, 2019
  • Feb 11, 2019 Character and Conflict, part one: Types of Conflict Feb 11, 2019
  • Feb 4, 2019 Point of View and Writing Feb 4, 2019
• January 2019
  • Jan 28, 2019 Off to Refill the Well . . . Jan 28, 2019
  • Jan 21, 2019 Character-Driven or Plot Driven Narrative? Jan 21, 2019
  • Jan 14, 2019 Character: Conversations Jan 14, 2019
• December 2018
  • Dec 3, 2018 The Ugly Truth: Cover Reveal and Playlist Dec 3, 2018
• October 2018
  • Oct 29, 2018 This Writer Reads Oct 29, 2018
  • Oct 8, 2018 Empathy is Our Superpower! Oct 8, 2018
  • Oct 4, 2018 The Writer Hoard Oct 4, 2018

This-Then-That: YA Contemporary Edition

Another week. Another installment of THIS-THEN-THAT. For all of you who commented either here or on Instagram, and in the IG Story for this week’s installment, thank you! Let’s do this again.

A reminder. THIS-THEN-THAT is a game that uses this format: If you liked THIS title, THEN you might enjoy THAT one.

This-Then-That.

The theme this week is YA Contemporary, which I have discovered is probably one of my favorite categories right up with YA fantasy. I didn’t realize it until I started pulling titles from my shelf and watched the stack take shape. So many good stories…

Same format as last week. Left side are the THIS titles and the right side are the THAT titles.

Here we go. . .

---

This

We Speak in Storms by Natalie Lund

A beautiful debut novel that follows three different teens as they grapple with metaphorical and literal ghosts haunting them. Its beautiful and the prose is moving.

Looking for Alaska by John Green

So, if you haven’t watched the Hulu series (or maybe you have and you want something else to read), this story is moody, angsty, and wonderful.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Cath—one half of the dynamic twin duo she makes up with her sister, Wren—does better with her computer and the fan fiction she writes. So starting college is throwing her off. This is one amazing read (and I’m not just saying it).

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

This tale about a young man’s journey to discover the keys to his identity is both poignant and lyrical. The prose is beautiful.

Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay

This is wonderful tale of exploration when attempting to navigate ethnicity and culture when feeling like an outsider. It’s part coming-of-age, part cultural exploration, and part murder mystery.

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Rowell has made the list twice (as she should because I couldn’t choose between Fangirl or this title). This book is about two strangers who happen to sit next to one another on the school bus and somehow magic happens.

Bookish Boyfriends: Talk Nerdy to Me by Tiffany Schmidt

This is an adorable romcom with lots of heart. Schmidt develops complex and dynamic heroines more inclined to discover the secrets about themselves (with a dash of romance on the side) - and all layered with the beauty of existing stories. This one is the third in the series about Eliza as she reads both Frankenstein and Anne of Green Gables.

The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner

This was Zentner’s debut novel (he’s since added three more titles to his book stack) and it hit me right in my heart. It’s a male coming-of-age about identity in relationship to fathers. It’s wonderful!

Simon and the Homo Sapians Agenda

“Sixteen-year-old and not-so-openly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now change-averse Simon has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he's pushed out without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or fumbling a shot at happiness with the most confusing, adorable guy he's never met.” Powellsbooks.com

Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone

Samantha McAllister looks like every other girl in her class except she struggles with a hidden mental illness, working to hide it from everyone who knows her. She finds solace in poetry club and learns that sometimes you just need the people in your life as a support system.

That

Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak

One of my favorite books ever written. This is the story about Clay Dunbar and what he does to save his brothers—all of them—from the ghosts threatening to tear them apart.

Goodbye Days by Jeff Zentner

So you’re waiting for your friends to pick you up after work. You text them. Next thing you know, they’ve been in a fatal accident.

Yeah…

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

So you were introduced to Simon and Baz in Fanrgirl. Here’s the story Cath was fangirling about!

We Are Okay by Nina LaCour

This is such a beautiful story about grief, self-acceptance, love and friendship. Marin disappears after the death of her grandfather; It takes her best friend Mabel to bring back to the land of the living.

A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi

Shirin is a muslim girl in America post 9-11. With racism and prejudice rampant, she’s built some tall walls. Then she meets Ocean, and he threatens to bring them all down.

Every Other Weekend by Abigail Johnson

Adam’s family is falling apart after the death of his oldest brother. Jolene’s family fell apart a long time ago. Every other weekend, they find comfort in their friendship. But when they take things to the next level, will it all fall apart?

The Best Laid Plans by Cameron Lund

A classic friends-to -overs romcom, Keely is ready to have sex but she doesn’t want it to be with one of the boys she’s known since Kindergarten. When she meets college boy Dean, she thinks he’s the one, but will her virginity cost her the man of her dreams? That’s where best friend Andrew comes in and everything goes awry.

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

A powerful narrative written in verse, this story follows Xiomara as she navigates what it means to be a young woman, a daughter, and a person of color amidst the familial, religious and cultural messages that bombard her.

Only Mostly Devastated by Sophia Gonzales

This is an adorable Grease retelling featuring Ollie who had a summer fling with Will. When Ollie unexpectedly remains in town and starts high school, the boy Ollie thought was comfortable out, isn’t.

Together We Caught Fire by Eva V. Gibson

An unflinching story that grapples with heavy topics like suicide, mental illness and religion, sex and self-efficacy. This story is tightly weaved together in this story about Lane, her journey navigating complicated relationships and learning she doesn’t have to do it all alone.

For your consideration (because I write YA Contemporary. :) . . .

Earlier this year, a bookstagram friend on IG, Lavinia (@instaraygram) who helped with last week’s post read The Cantos Chronicle (the books I wrote). She said she loved them . . . and asked me if I’d read Brigid Kemmerer? She said, “Your style reminds me of hers.” I hadn’t, but I was immediately intrigued. So I scooped up all of her titles and FELL IN LOVE with her (so what an honor to be compared to her!) So one more This/That . . .

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THIS

THAT

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Finally . . . Join me on my IG Story (@cl.walters) to help with next week’s theme: YA Sci Fi and Dystopian. I need your help.

CLWalters Blog RSS

• July 2024
  • Jul 15, 2024 Imposter Syndrome: Tools for Authenticty Jul 15, 2024
• June 2024
  • Jun 1, 2024 June Read Along: In the Echo of this Ghost Town Jun 1, 2024
• March 2024
  • Mar 25, 2024 New Post on SubStack tomorrow! Mar 25, 2024
  • Mar 1, 2024 March Read Along: The Bone of Who We Are Mar 1, 2024
• January 2024
  • Jan 31, 2024 February Read Along: The Ugly Truth Jan 31, 2024
• December 2023
  • Dec 28, 2023 2024: Year of the Read Along Dec 28, 2023
• October 2023
  • Oct 25, 2023 Unhealthy Relationships and Romance Books Oct 25, 2023
  • Oct 25, 2023 Relationships: Isolation versus Autonomy Oct 25, 2023
  • Oct 22, 2023 Unhealthy Relationships: The Love Bomb Oct 22, 2023
  • Oct 22, 2023 Healthy Relationships: Hindsight is 20/20 Oct 22, 2023
  • Oct 22, 2023 Relationships: Beware Gaslighting Oct 22, 2023
• September 2023
  • Sep 25, 2023 Blog Digest from 2018-2023 Sep 25, 2023
• August 2023
  • Aug 26, 2023 Blog Moved to Substack Aug 26, 2023
• July 2023
  • Jul 31, 2023 The Trials of Imogene Sol: The Allies Jul 31, 2023
  • Jul 13, 2023 Foundational Books & Book Bans Jul 13, 2023
  • Jul 5, 2023 Tropes: Found Family Jul 5, 2023
• June 2023
  • Jun 21, 2023 3 Things I Learned About Reading Space Opera Jun 21, 2023
• May 2023
  • May 24, 2023 The Dangers of Myopic Reading May 24, 2023
  • May 17, 2023 My Trek...Journey...Quest to O'ahu Independent Bookstores May 17, 2023
  • May 10, 2023 My Life as an Alien Invader May 10, 2023
  • May 3, 2023 How I Got to Hawaiʻi, My Hawaiʻi Story May 3, 2023
• April 2023
  • Apr 26, 2023 You Can Go Home Again Apr 26, 2023
• March 2023
  • Mar 29, 2023 Cantos Love: Happy Anniversary! Mar 29, 2023
  • Mar 22, 2023 Cantos Love: Gabe Mar 22, 2023
  • Mar 15, 2023 Cantos Love: Seth Mar 15, 2023
  • Mar 8, 2023 Cantos Love: How They Came to Be Mar 8, 2023
  • Mar 1, 2023 Cantos Love: A Month of Cantos Mar 1, 2023
• January 2023
  • Jan 25, 2023 The Letters She Left Behind, 3 Years. Jan 25, 2023
  • Jan 18, 2023 Behind-the Scenes: The Trials of Imogene Sol Jan 18, 2023
  • Jan 11, 2023 Behind-the-Scenes: Reading & All My Rage Jan 11, 2023
• November 2022
  • Nov 16, 2022 Book Hangover List Nov 16, 2022
  • Nov 9, 2022 Advice: Find your People Nov 9, 2022
• October 2022
  • Oct 26, 2022 Contest Awarded Short Story: The Invalid Oct 26, 2022
  • Oct 13, 2022 The WHY Behind The Messy Truth About Love Oct 13, 2022
• June 2022
  • Jun 27, 2022 4 Things You Should Know about The Messy Truth About Love Before Reading Jun 27, 2022
• February 2022
  • Feb 2, 2022 February Ideals: Dreaming Feb 2, 2022
• December 2021
  • Dec 22, 2021 My Top 10 Songs (w/Lyrics) 2021 Dec 22, 2021
  • Dec 15, 2021 My Top 5 Characters I've Written Dec 15, 2021
  • Dec 1, 2021 My Top 5 of My Own Books Dec 1, 2021
• September 2021
  • Sep 1, 2021 Road to Echoes: 8 Tips for Using NaNoWriMo to Write Your Novel Sep 1, 2021
• August 2021
  • Aug 25, 2021 Road to Echoes: 4 Lessons I Learned Writing Maxwell Wallace Aug 25, 2021
  • Aug 18, 2021 Road to Echoes: Tropes Aug 18, 2021
  • Aug 11, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Loud Characters Aug 11, 2021
  • Aug 4, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Putting the Story Together Aug 4, 2021
• July 2021
  • Jul 28, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Research to Understand Griffin Jul 28, 2021
  • Jul 21, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Secondary Characters Primer Jul 21, 2021
  • Jul 14, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Writing Difficult Characters Jul 14, 2021
  • Jul 7, 2021 The Road of Echoes: What Inspired Griffin's Story? Jul 7, 2021
• June 2021
  • Jun 30, 2021 The Road of Echoes: New Blog Series Jun 30, 2021
• May 2021
  • May 26, 2021 Favorite Reads of 2021 So Far May 26, 2021
  • May 19, 2021 Cover Love May 19, 2021
  • May 12, 2021 Writing Limbo May 12, 2021
  • May 5, 2021 Writing In Between May 5, 2021
• April 2021
  • Apr 28, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 4 Apr 28, 2021
  • Apr 21, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 3 Apr 21, 2021
  • Apr 14, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 2 Apr 14, 2021
  • Apr 7, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 1 Apr 7, 2021
• March 2021
  • Mar 31, 2021 April Challenge: Finishing the Draft Mar 31, 2021
• February 2021
  • Feb 24, 2021 Character Speaks: Dear Paola, from Gabe Feb 24, 2021
  • Feb 17, 2021 Character Speaks: Dear Sam, from Seth Feb 17, 2021
  • Feb 10, 2021 Ask the Author: Advice for Newbie Writers? Feb 10, 2021
  • Feb 3, 2021 Ask the Author: What motivates you to write? Feb 3, 2021
• January 2021
  • Jan 27, 2021 Ask the Author: Series or Stand Alone? Jan 27, 2021
  • Jan 20, 2021 Ask the Author: Why did you choose to write YA? (Part 2) Jan 20, 2021
  • Jan 13, 2021 Ask the Author: Why did you choose to write YA? Jan 13, 2021
  • Jan 6, 2021 Ask the Author: Favorite Part of the Writing Process? Jan 6, 2021
• October 2020
  • Oct 16, 2020 Rainy Day Collective Podcast & Purity Culture Oct 16, 2020
  • Oct 14, 2020 The Stories Stars Tell: It's Here! Oct 14, 2020
• July 2020
  • Jul 1, 2020 Interview: Lauren-Marie with The Indigo Book Jul 1, 2020
• June 2020
  • Jun 24, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Dystopian and SciFi Edition Jun 24, 2020
  • Jun 17, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Contemporary Edition Jun 17, 2020
  • Jun 10, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Fantasy Edition Jun 10, 2020
• May 2020
  • May 27, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Piper Bee May 27, 2020
  • May 20, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Nancy Richardson Fischer May 20, 2020
  • May 13, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Rob Rufus May 13, 2020
  • May 6, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Lisa Brown Roberts May 6, 2020
• April 2020
  • Apr 29, 2020 Reading Wonderland: an Introduction Apr 29, 2020
  • Apr 22, 2020 Quarantine: 37 Days Apr 22, 2020
• March 2020
  • Mar 31, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Road Trip Wrap Up Mar 31, 2020
  • Mar 25, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 8 Mar 25, 2020
  • Mar 18, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 7 Mar 18, 2020
  • Mar 11, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 6 Mar 11, 2020
• February 2020
  • Feb 29, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 5 Feb 29, 2020
  • Feb 24, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 4 Feb 24, 2020
  • Feb 19, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 3 Feb 19, 2020
  • Feb 12, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 2 Feb 12, 2020
  • Feb 4, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 1 Feb 4, 2020
• January 2020
  • Jan 29, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: A Hope and A Dream Jan 29, 2020
  • Jan 15, 2020 The Letters She Left Behind: It's here! Jan 15, 2020
• December 2019
  • Dec 18, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind: Character Interview Dec 18, 2019
  • Dec 11, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind: Annotated Playlist Dec 11, 2019
• October 2019
  • Oct 16, 2019 Awesome Writer Spotlight: Mary E. Pearson (again) Oct 16, 2019
  • Oct 7, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Gratitude Oct 7, 2019
• September 2019
  • Sep 30, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: It's time. Sep 30, 2019
  • Sep 16, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: A Difficult Story Sep 16, 2019
  • Sep 9, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Journey to Gabe Sep 9, 2019
• July 2019
  • Jul 8, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Aesthetic Jul 8, 2019
• May 2019
  • May 26, 2019 Time Away May 26, 2019
  • May 20, 2019 Writing Inspiration: Music May 20, 2019
  • May 13, 2019 Awesome Writer Spotlight: Mary E. Pearson May 13, 2019
  • May 6, 2019 Happy Book Birthday: A Character Interview May 6, 2019
  • May 1, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind PLAYLIST May 1, 2019
• April 2019
  • Apr 29, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Genevieve Jane Apr 29, 2019
  • Apr 15, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: M. Wednesday Apr 15, 2019
  • Apr 8, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Leslie Arambula Apr 8, 2019
  • Apr 1, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Alison Aldridge Apr 1, 2019
• March 2019
  • Mar 25, 2019 YA Author Series Launch: CL Walters Mar 25, 2019
  • Mar 12, 2019 Book Mash-Up Fun Mar 12, 2019
  • Mar 4, 2019 Snappy Dialogue in 3 Minutes Mar 4, 2019
• February 2019
  • Feb 25, 2019 Pacing the Narrative: A New Tool Feb 25, 2019
  • Feb 18, 2019 Character and Conflict Part2: Motivation Feb 18, 2019
  • Feb 11, 2019 Character and Conflict, part one: Types of Conflict Feb 11, 2019
  • Feb 4, 2019 Point of View and Writing Feb 4, 2019
• January 2019
  • Jan 28, 2019 Off to Refill the Well . . . Jan 28, 2019
  • Jan 21, 2019 Character-Driven or Plot Driven Narrative? Jan 21, 2019
  • Jan 14, 2019 Character: Conversations Jan 14, 2019
• December 2018
  • Dec 3, 2018 The Ugly Truth: Cover Reveal and Playlist Dec 3, 2018
• October 2018
  • Oct 29, 2018 This Writer Reads Oct 29, 2018
  • Oct 8, 2018 Empathy is Our Superpower! Oct 8, 2018
  • Oct 4, 2018 The Writer Hoard Oct 4, 2018

This-Then-That: YA Fantasy Edition

Last month the Reading Wonderland blog series offered four author interviews with a plethora of book recommendations (check out my May posts). I thought, let’s keep the ball rolling on the beauty of reading and books and play a game: This Then That which offers a book title I’ve read to which someone else provides a recommendation of a different title that aligns with that style. Fun right?

This week, I asked my Bookstagram friend Lavinia Ungureanu (you can find her on Instagram @instaraygram) to play along. I know how much she loves YA fantasy, so I thought she was the perfect person to ask to participate. What you’ll find is a book gallery below. The left side is my THIS titles. I’ve linked all of the books to Powell’s books (because it’s an independent bookstore, but I suggest finding a local one). The right side are Lavinia’s THAT titles. If you think of one, drop it in the comments. And visit my IG story today for YA Contemporary. I’ll give you THIS titles and you share your THATs! Can’t wait.

This Then That

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THIS

CL Walters

Strange the Dreamer

This is the first book in a duology by Laini Taylor. The follow up is Muse of Nightmares. She also has several other fantasy titles, one of her most popular being Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Ember in the Ashes, Book 1

Sabaa Tahir’s fourth book in this series releases in December. You’ve got time to enjoy the first three books before then.

Harry Potter Series

There are seven books in this series. It begins with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. It might be categorized as Middle Grade fantasy initially, but each title ages with the protagonist, Harry.

Infernal Devices Trilogy

Clockwork Angel is the first in the Infernal Devices trilogy by Cassandra Clare. It is set in Victorian England and follows three characters: Tessa, Jem and Will. The follow up titles are Clockwork Prince and Clockwork Princess.

A Curse So Dark and Lonely

This book is the first in a series written by Brigid Kemmerer. The follow up title as already been released: A Heart so Fierce and Broken. The third title is set to be released January 2021.

Children of Blood and Bone

This is the first book in a series written by Tomi Adeyemi. A gripping fantasy with African influence, it’s gorgeously told. The second in the series is also available: Children of Virtue and Vengence.

A Darker Shade of Magic

This is the first book in the Shades of Magic trilogy by V.E. Schwab, more adult than YA, but definite crossover appeal. All of the titles are available.

Throne of Glass

This is the first title in a series by Sarah J. Maas of nine books—all of which have been released.

Circe

A mythological retelling of the witch Circe from The Odyssey.

The Night Circus

A fantastic novel set in a circus amid magicians in a life or death competition. Brilliant and rich.

THAT

Lavinia Ungureanu

The Raven Boys Cycle

This is the first book of 4 by Maggie Stiefvater; this is a staff pick by the Powells Book Staff.

Shatter Me Series

Tahereh Mafi wrote this series of seven novels (all available) that begins with this one. A kind of super hero dystopia with edge and a lot of romance.

The Name of the Wind

Patrick Rothfuss presents a “riveting first-person narrative of a young man who grows to be the most notorious magician his world has ever seen.” Powells.com

Stalking Jack the Ripper

The first in a series of four books, Stalking Jack the Ripper is about a Lord’s daughter who goes “against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.”

The Wrath and the Dawn

From Goodreads: In a land ruled by a murderous boy-king, each dawn brings heartache to a new family. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, is a monster. Each night he takes a new bride only to have a silk cord wrapped around her throat come morning. When sixteen-year-old Shahrzad's dearest friend falls victim to Khalid, Shahrzad vows vengeance and volunteers to be his next bride. Shahrzad is determined not only to stay alive, but to end the caliph's reign of terror once and for all.

Spin the Dawn

from Goodreads: Project Runway meets Mulan in this sweeping YA fantasy about a young girl who poses as a boy to compete for the role of imperial tailor and embarks on an impossible journey to sew three magic dresses, from the sun, the moon, and the stars.

Six of Crows

The first of a duology (the second title is Crooked Kingdom). It’s a squad - heist story set in a fantasy world and it is fantastic.

The Grisha Trilogy

Shadow and Bone is the first title in The Grisha Trilogy also by Leigh Bardugo. Gorgeous fantasy with magic and romance. All three of the titles are available.

Serpent and the Dove

A staff pick at Powells.com:

"Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live." Lou (a scrappy, snarky witch of a girl) and Reid (a stoic, principled witch hunter) accidentally stumble their way into a forced marriage. Lou must hide the secret of her magic from her unexpectedly kind but undeniably dangerous new husband, and Reid, honorable to his core, begins to question where his loyalties lie. A lush, gorgeous, and incredibly fun debut. Recommended By Joanna S., Powells.com

Language of Thorns

A collection of shorts that transport you into the Grishaverse of The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, The Six of Crows, and King of Scars. Can’t get enough of Leigh Bardugo!

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Don’t forget to check in on my Instagram story to share you thoughts about the contemporary titles I’ve posted! I’ll be posting your THAT to the blog next week.

NEXT WEEK: This Then That, YA Contemporary Edition

CLWalters Blog RSS

• July 2024
  • Jul 15, 2024 Imposter Syndrome: Tools for Authenticty Jul 15, 2024
• June 2024
  • Jun 1, 2024 June Read Along: In the Echo of this Ghost Town Jun 1, 2024
• March 2024
  • Mar 25, 2024 New Post on SubStack tomorrow! Mar 25, 2024
  • Mar 1, 2024 March Read Along: The Bone of Who We Are Mar 1, 2024
• January 2024
  • Jan 31, 2024 February Read Along: The Ugly Truth Jan 31, 2024
• December 2023
  • Dec 28, 2023 2024: Year of the Read Along Dec 28, 2023
• October 2023
  • Oct 25, 2023 Unhealthy Relationships and Romance Books Oct 25, 2023
  • Oct 25, 2023 Relationships: Isolation versus Autonomy Oct 25, 2023
  • Oct 22, 2023 Unhealthy Relationships: The Love Bomb Oct 22, 2023
  • Oct 22, 2023 Healthy Relationships: Hindsight is 20/20 Oct 22, 2023
  • Oct 22, 2023 Relationships: Beware Gaslighting Oct 22, 2023
• September 2023
  • Sep 25, 2023 Blog Digest from 2018-2023 Sep 25, 2023
• August 2023
  • Aug 26, 2023 Blog Moved to Substack Aug 26, 2023
• July 2023
  • Jul 31, 2023 The Trials of Imogene Sol: The Allies Jul 31, 2023
  • Jul 13, 2023 Foundational Books & Book Bans Jul 13, 2023
  • Jul 5, 2023 Tropes: Found Family Jul 5, 2023
• June 2023
  • Jun 21, 2023 3 Things I Learned About Reading Space Opera Jun 21, 2023
• May 2023
  • May 24, 2023 The Dangers of Myopic Reading May 24, 2023
  • May 17, 2023 My Trek...Journey...Quest to O'ahu Independent Bookstores May 17, 2023
  • May 10, 2023 My Life as an Alien Invader May 10, 2023
  • May 3, 2023 How I Got to Hawaiʻi, My Hawaiʻi Story May 3, 2023
• April 2023
  • Apr 26, 2023 You Can Go Home Again Apr 26, 2023
• March 2023
  • Mar 29, 2023 Cantos Love: Happy Anniversary! Mar 29, 2023
  • Mar 22, 2023 Cantos Love: Gabe Mar 22, 2023
  • Mar 15, 2023 Cantos Love: Seth Mar 15, 2023
  • Mar 8, 2023 Cantos Love: How They Came to Be Mar 8, 2023
  • Mar 1, 2023 Cantos Love: A Month of Cantos Mar 1, 2023
• January 2023
  • Jan 25, 2023 The Letters She Left Behind, 3 Years. Jan 25, 2023
  • Jan 18, 2023 Behind-the Scenes: The Trials of Imogene Sol Jan 18, 2023
  • Jan 11, 2023 Behind-the-Scenes: Reading & All My Rage Jan 11, 2023
• November 2022
  • Nov 16, 2022 Book Hangover List Nov 16, 2022
  • Nov 9, 2022 Advice: Find your People Nov 9, 2022
• October 2022
  • Oct 26, 2022 Contest Awarded Short Story: The Invalid Oct 26, 2022
  • Oct 13, 2022 The WHY Behind The Messy Truth About Love Oct 13, 2022
• June 2022
  • Jun 27, 2022 4 Things You Should Know about The Messy Truth About Love Before Reading Jun 27, 2022
• February 2022
  • Feb 2, 2022 February Ideals: Dreaming Feb 2, 2022
• December 2021
  • Dec 22, 2021 My Top 10 Songs (w/Lyrics) 2021 Dec 22, 2021
  • Dec 15, 2021 My Top 5 Characters I've Written Dec 15, 2021
  • Dec 1, 2021 My Top 5 of My Own Books Dec 1, 2021
• September 2021
  • Sep 1, 2021 Road to Echoes: 8 Tips for Using NaNoWriMo to Write Your Novel Sep 1, 2021
• August 2021
  • Aug 25, 2021 Road to Echoes: 4 Lessons I Learned Writing Maxwell Wallace Aug 25, 2021
  • Aug 18, 2021 Road to Echoes: Tropes Aug 18, 2021
  • Aug 11, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Loud Characters Aug 11, 2021
  • Aug 4, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Putting the Story Together Aug 4, 2021
• July 2021
  • Jul 28, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Research to Understand Griffin Jul 28, 2021
  • Jul 21, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Secondary Characters Primer Jul 21, 2021
  • Jul 14, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Writing Difficult Characters Jul 14, 2021
  • Jul 7, 2021 The Road of Echoes: What Inspired Griffin's Story? Jul 7, 2021
• June 2021
  • Jun 30, 2021 The Road of Echoes: New Blog Series Jun 30, 2021
• May 2021
  • May 26, 2021 Favorite Reads of 2021 So Far May 26, 2021
  • May 19, 2021 Cover Love May 19, 2021
  • May 12, 2021 Writing Limbo May 12, 2021
  • May 5, 2021 Writing In Between May 5, 2021
• April 2021
  • Apr 28, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 4 Apr 28, 2021
  • Apr 21, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 3 Apr 21, 2021
  • Apr 14, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 2 Apr 14, 2021
  • Apr 7, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 1 Apr 7, 2021
• March 2021
  • Mar 31, 2021 April Challenge: Finishing the Draft Mar 31, 2021
• February 2021
  • Feb 24, 2021 Character Speaks: Dear Paola, from Gabe Feb 24, 2021
  • Feb 17, 2021 Character Speaks: Dear Sam, from Seth Feb 17, 2021
  • Feb 10, 2021 Ask the Author: Advice for Newbie Writers? Feb 10, 2021
  • Feb 3, 2021 Ask the Author: What motivates you to write? Feb 3, 2021
• January 2021
  • Jan 27, 2021 Ask the Author: Series or Stand Alone? Jan 27, 2021
  • Jan 20, 2021 Ask the Author: Why did you choose to write YA? (Part 2) Jan 20, 2021
  • Jan 13, 2021 Ask the Author: Why did you choose to write YA? Jan 13, 2021
  • Jan 6, 2021 Ask the Author: Favorite Part of the Writing Process? Jan 6, 2021
• October 2020
  • Oct 16, 2020 Rainy Day Collective Podcast & Purity Culture Oct 16, 2020
  • Oct 14, 2020 The Stories Stars Tell: It's Here! Oct 14, 2020
• July 2020
  • Jul 1, 2020 Interview: Lauren-Marie with The Indigo Book Jul 1, 2020
• June 2020
  • Jun 24, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Dystopian and SciFi Edition Jun 24, 2020
  • Jun 17, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Contemporary Edition Jun 17, 2020
  • Jun 10, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Fantasy Edition Jun 10, 2020
• May 2020
  • May 27, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Piper Bee May 27, 2020
  • May 20, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Nancy Richardson Fischer May 20, 2020
  • May 13, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Rob Rufus May 13, 2020
  • May 6, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Lisa Brown Roberts May 6, 2020
• April 2020
  • Apr 29, 2020 Reading Wonderland: an Introduction Apr 29, 2020
  • Apr 22, 2020 Quarantine: 37 Days Apr 22, 2020
• March 2020
  • Mar 31, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Road Trip Wrap Up Mar 31, 2020
  • Mar 25, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 8 Mar 25, 2020
  • Mar 18, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 7 Mar 18, 2020
  • Mar 11, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 6 Mar 11, 2020
• February 2020
  • Feb 29, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 5 Feb 29, 2020
  • Feb 24, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 4 Feb 24, 2020
  • Feb 19, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 3 Feb 19, 2020
  • Feb 12, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 2 Feb 12, 2020
  • Feb 4, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 1 Feb 4, 2020
• January 2020
  • Jan 29, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: A Hope and A Dream Jan 29, 2020
  • Jan 15, 2020 The Letters She Left Behind: It's here! Jan 15, 2020
• December 2019
  • Dec 18, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind: Character Interview Dec 18, 2019
  • Dec 11, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind: Annotated Playlist Dec 11, 2019
• October 2019
  • Oct 16, 2019 Awesome Writer Spotlight: Mary E. Pearson (again) Oct 16, 2019
  • Oct 7, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Gratitude Oct 7, 2019
• September 2019
  • Sep 30, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: It's time. Sep 30, 2019
  • Sep 16, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: A Difficult Story Sep 16, 2019
  • Sep 9, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Journey to Gabe Sep 9, 2019
• July 2019
  • Jul 8, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Aesthetic Jul 8, 2019
• May 2019
  • May 26, 2019 Time Away May 26, 2019
  • May 20, 2019 Writing Inspiration: Music May 20, 2019
  • May 13, 2019 Awesome Writer Spotlight: Mary E. Pearson May 13, 2019
  • May 6, 2019 Happy Book Birthday: A Character Interview May 6, 2019
  • May 1, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind PLAYLIST May 1, 2019
• April 2019
  • Apr 29, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Genevieve Jane Apr 29, 2019
  • Apr 15, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: M. Wednesday Apr 15, 2019
  • Apr 8, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Leslie Arambula Apr 8, 2019
  • Apr 1, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Alison Aldridge Apr 1, 2019
• March 2019
  • Mar 25, 2019 YA Author Series Launch: CL Walters Mar 25, 2019
  • Mar 12, 2019 Book Mash-Up Fun Mar 12, 2019
  • Mar 4, 2019 Snappy Dialogue in 3 Minutes Mar 4, 2019
• February 2019
  • Feb 25, 2019 Pacing the Narrative: A New Tool Feb 25, 2019
  • Feb 18, 2019 Character and Conflict Part2: Motivation Feb 18, 2019
  • Feb 11, 2019 Character and Conflict, part one: Types of Conflict Feb 11, 2019
  • Feb 4, 2019 Point of View and Writing Feb 4, 2019
• January 2019
  • Jan 28, 2019 Off to Refill the Well . . . Jan 28, 2019
  • Jan 21, 2019 Character-Driven or Plot Driven Narrative? Jan 21, 2019
  • Jan 14, 2019 Character: Conversations Jan 14, 2019
• December 2018
  • Dec 3, 2018 The Ugly Truth: Cover Reveal and Playlist Dec 3, 2018
• October 2018
  • Oct 29, 2018 This Writer Reads Oct 29, 2018
  • Oct 8, 2018 Empathy is Our Superpower! Oct 8, 2018
  • Oct 4, 2018 The Writer Hoard Oct 4, 2018

Reading Wonderland Interview: Nancy Richardson Fischer

Alice’s escape down the rabbit hole really was about one thing: ADVENTURE. She wanted her own adventure instead of reading about it.

This quintessential idea brings to mind one of my favorite quotations in a fantasy book series I recently finished called The Shades of Magic trilogy by V.E. Schwab (if you like edgy fantasy - a MUST read! The series begins with A Darker Shade of Magic). Lila, one of the central characters told another, “‘I’d rather die on an adventure than live standing still.’” And isn’t that, in many ways, a truth for all of us?

One amazing adventure story I wanted to share with you is The Speed of Falling Objects written by Nancy Richardson Fischer (her novel When Elephants Fly has been nominated for the Leslie Bradshaw Award for Young Adult Literature). It is not only a survival story but also an incredible coming-of-age tale swirling with family drama and new love.

Danielle (Dani) Warren, the daughter of a TV reality survivalist, is nothing like her brave father. After an accident that takes her site in one eye, she’s learned to compensate for that change, but that isn’t the only thing she’s compensating for; she wants to make everyone else happy, especially her mom, but it’s beginning to feel like it’s at a cost to her own. When her dad, who she hasn’t seen for years, calls to invite her on a trip to the Amazon to film the next episode of his TV show, she jumps at the chance to prove she can be the daughter he’s always wanted. But nothing goes as planned. When their small plane crashes in the Amazon and a terrible secret is revealed, Dani must face the truth about her parents, about her own happiness, and find the strength to survive the deadly rainforest to find her way home.

I loved this story, and over the last several months, I have had the wonderful opportunity to get to know Ms. Richardson-Fischer through Instagram (give her a follow @nanfischerauthor). She so graciously agreed to answer my questions as a contributor to the Reading Wonderland:

CLW: The Speed of Falling Objects is a survival story set in the Amazon. I have read on several occasions your aversion to reptiles and creepy crawly things. What on earth inspired this story?

NRF: I’ve always been fascinated with stories of survival—sinking sailboats and months lost at sea, climbers who help each other crawl down mountains after brutal injuries—there is no better way to figure out who people are, at their core, then to witness them struggle and see who retains their humanity, survives and thrives. Usually, it’s the person you least expect that digs deepest and surprises!

Originally the plane crash in this novel was going to happen on a snow-covered mountain. I’ve spent time winter camping, used to rock climb, and understand that world. But while doing research, it became clear that nothing would push Danny toward growth more than the Amazon.

There are 3,600 species of spiders in the Amazon Basin, 2.5 million insects, and seventeen types of highly venomous snakes. Plus, there are so many ways to die! If the plane crash doesn’t result in devastating injuries, a bite from a wandering spider can kill in less than twenty minutes. The fer-de-lance, an aggressive pit viper, has venom that leads to gangrene, amputation and death. Even the frogs exude a toxin that can cause fatal heart attacks. There are bullet ants whose bite feels like a gunshot, bloodthirsty leeches and electric eels that can unleash over 600 volts …

All of which I studied with shudders (Danny and I have that in common) as I squinted at photos, read first-person-accounts and watched survivalist videos. Choosing to create a character that has similar fears, at least in the creepy crawly realm, allowed me to identify and empathize with Danny and tap into my own very real fears to make hers more believable.

CLW: When writing this story, what was the scariest thing you researched and how did you get through it?

NRF: The scariest things were the spiders! Seriously, I am less afraid of a plane crash, broken bones and other injuries, sleeping in the jungle, even scorpions and snakes, than I am of a spider. But spiders came with the story and over time I was able to not just read about them but look at them so I could realistically describe their furry, terrifying bodies. For the record, in real life I’m still petrified of them.

CLW: There are a lot of things I loved about this book, but here are two: the way you delved into family relationships and its impact on identity, and the real way teens have feelings (especially with respect to sex and relationships) and how you didn’t shy away from either. Can you comment on what helps you explore those kinds of heavier topics with depth and realism?

NRF: The best way I know to explore heavy topics is to do the research. I read about dysfunctional families, used my own experiences in that realm, talked to teens, watched videos, read other books that dove into dark subject matter and then did my best to respectfully explore all the issues that Danny faces.

CLW: The Speed of Falling Objects is your fourth book and the follow up to the YA, When Elephants Fly. Having been through this publication process, going to book signings, interacting with readers, what was the most surprising thing(s) you have learned going through the process?

NRF: The Speed of Falling Objects is actually my eleventh published book! My first eight were sport autobiographies that I co-wrote with athletes like Monica Seles, Nadia Comaneci and Apolo Ohno. I also wrote three Junior Jedi Books for LucasFilm and then wrote When Elephants Fly followed by The Speed of Falling Objects. There have been a lot of surprises along the way. First, it was a much longer process getting to the point where I could write my own fiction than I imagined. Second, I’m surprised at how much I love the editing process—that’s where the real magic happens! Third, interacting with readers, doing books signings and meeting other authors has been both a joy and much needed. Writing is a solitary process so hearing from readers who love my books feeds my soul and talking with other authors provides a much needed group of friends who both support each other and help ease the rough patches along the road to publication.

CLW: Which is the favorite book you’ve written, and why is that the case?

NRF: I really don’t have a favorite!  I loved writing Lily and Swifty’s stories in When Elephants Fly and the chance to educate people about the plight of elephants, but then along came Danger Danielle Warren in The Speed of Falling Objects… Each book I write is my favorite of the moment. And then I move on and give my heart to the next story.

CLW: What is your favorite genre to read, and do you have a recommendation for readers?

NRF: My reading is all over the place. I love all of Tana French’s mysteries—she’s a poet at heart and creates incredible characters. I can’t put down Stephen King’s novels and am dazzled by his imagination and the way he makes me care. And Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale has stayed with me for life.

CLW: Favorite classic read?

NRF: For Whom The Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway.

CLW: Stephen King wrote that “Books are distinctly portable magic.” What was the last book you read that transported you?

NRF: Mary Doria Russell’s The Sparrow changed me forever. Then I read her follow-up, Children of God, and I was changed again.

CLW: Which specific authors or specific books - YA and otherwise -  have inspired your own author’s journey?

NRF: Too many to name so I’ll just list a few of the authors I love… Misa Sugiura, Jennifer Longo, Jennifer Mathieu, Frances Hodgson Burnett, Stephen King, Peter Straub, Rebecca Makai, Mark Helprin, Sara Blake, Diana Gabaldon, Barbara Kingsolver…

CLW: The theme is YA Contemporary books. What makes your top-five list in no particular order?

All the Bright Places [by Jennifer Niven]

A List of Cages [by Robin Roe]

The Outsiders [by S.E. Hinton]

The Hunger Games [by Suzanne Collins]

Lord of the Flies [by William Golding]

CLW: What are you working on now?

I’m working on my second adult novel! It’s an exciting new world and I hope that the readers who loved When Elephants Fly and The Speed of Falling Objects will take a chance and give my next novel a try!

CLW: Where can readers find you?

Readers can find me on Instagram and Twitter @nanfischerauthor and can write me at: nancyrichardsonfischerauthor@gmail.com. For all requests, please contact my agent, Stephanie Kip Rostan, Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency.

So much thanks to Ms. Richardson-Fischer and the time she offered to share with us!

Next Week: Piper Bee and her upcoming release,

Joy’s Summer Love Playlist

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Reading Wonderland Interview: Lisa Brown Roberts

Welcome! Welcome to the bottom of the rabbit hole. I will be your host as we tour this Reading Wonderland together. Here’s your magical elixir for the journey:

First stop, YA Romance and the adorable YA RomCom. As a genre, YA books (and truthfully, stories on the whole) are so much about identity and relationships, that a category of finding love and acceptance while discovering self is paramount. Our author on today’s blog, Lisa Brown Roberts, is a veteran writer with six titles to her name, the most recent being a RomCom called The Bookworm Crush that came out in 2019.  

In The Bookworm Crush, Amy loves reading and books - especially romance novels - but she doesn’t see herself like the brave heroines she reads about. Toff, on the other hand, is an anti-reader, but an incredible surfer ready for the pro-circuit. When Toff rescues Amy from an adventure that perhaps is on the verge of going awry, Amy realizes he’s the perfect person to help her win a competition to meet her favorite author, because he is, after all, a winner. What Toff doesn’t realize, however, is that by agreeing to work with Amy, she’s going to push him to face some spaces in his own heart he’s been avoiding. Told in alternating perspectives shared by both Amy and Toff, readers get to go on a ride with them that is laugh-out-loud funny, gorgeously sweet, and wonderfully poignant leaving the reader satisfied and buoyant.

I’m so excited that Ms. Roberts agreed to be interviewed to dish about The Bookworm Crush among other things that make reading magical. 

CL WALTERS: The Bookworm Crush, the companion novel The Replacement Crush (both YA RomComs), was  released in 2019. What were one or two real-life experiences/observations/inspirations that contributed this story?

LISA BROWN ROBERTS: The Replacement Crush- I love bookstores (don't we all) and thought how fun it would be to essentially grow up in one, and work there recommending books and running a book club. It was fun to create that life for Vivian, the heroine. Vivian's mom (Rose) is an author/bookstore owner, and making her an author was pure selfish indulgence on my part. I gave Rose some of my own traits, and incorporated my son's embarrassment about how flaky I can be when I'm in the middle of writing a new book.

The Bookworm Crush - Instagram is my favorite social media space, and I really love bookstagram. Incorporating that into a novel was so much fun. I'm so thrilled with all the positive feedback I've received from book bloggers and bookstagrammers who loved that aspect of the story. I love all of the amazing bookstagram photos of this book, too! It's very "meta." :) 

CLW: You already know that I adore Toff (and I know I am not alone in that swoony adoration); I have posted about him enough. Did you make a Pinterest board for his character and what other elements inspired this adorable prankster?

LBR: Ah, Toff...I had so much fun with him! My books are always created characters first, plot second. Toff just appeared fully formed in my mind when I wrote The Replacement Crush. Some characters reveal themselves more slowly to me, in layers, but he just *boomed* onto the page, ready to party! 

It was hard not letting him take over The Replacement Crush. I knew I had to write his story and I was so happy that Entangled Teen wanted to publish it. I had to give Toff his first real romance, and Amy had crushed on him forever, so...happily ever after for them and for me as an author!

I think we all know those guys – the life of the party, the ones who bring the fun, who charm themselves out of trouble…I certainly crushed on more than one as a teen.

I do create Pinterest inspiration boards for each book. I keep them private until the book is published and then I make them public. Sometimes I continue to add to them after the book is out. The thing is, I love the idea of Pinterest, but I don’t have much time to use it as much as I’d like to.

CLW: The interesting Instagram/Bookstagram world is almost a character in this book. What were things you researched to flesh out this facet of The Bookworm Crush?

LBR: I started following the bookstagram world a couple of years ago and was astounded at the passion readers have! The #shelfies amaze me - so gorgeous and unlike my messy bookshelves. I love #BookfaceFriday and knew I had to incorporate that into the book (side note- I had to explain #BookfaceFriday to my editor since she'd never heard of it). Basically, I do a lot of stalking on bookworm accounts, but not in a creepy way. One of [the] best reader emails I've received was from a girl who was so inspired by Amy that she started her own bookstagram account. That made [me] so happy. 

CLW: The Bookworm Crush is your sixth book (Congratulations!). Do you have a standout experience with a fan you’re willing to share?

LBR: My favorite part of being an author is interacting with readers. Social media is great, but meeting readers in person is fantastic. A couple of years ago, I attended a reader event in Atlanta that was mostly geared to adult romance readers. Lots of fun, but not much action in the YA author area, so I was thrilled when a sweet teen girl approached my table holding copies of all my books. She said she’d come to the event to meet me. Nothing tops that! 

CLW: Do you have a favorite #otp (While #bonnieandclyde should make a list maybe a different one)?

LBR: Just like Amy in The Bookworm Crush, I love Lizzie and Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. I’ve written my own P&P retelling (like so many other authors) and hope to publish it someday. Barack and Michelle Obama are a real-life #otp for me, along with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Also, Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellan are a fabulous BFF #otp. 

CLW: One of my favorite scenes in The Bookworm Crush is when Amy becomes the victim of an incapacitated Toff. Was there an event that inspired this particular scene or perhaps specific things that inspire your process in writing scenes filled with romantic tension?

LBR: I’m glad you liked that scene! It was added during the revision process with my editors. We cut one scene and needed another. I’m not really sure what inspired it, though I wanted a scene where Toff and Amy were “trapped” together, which this was. When I wrote it, I wasn’t sure if it worked. I couldn’t tell if it was funny or just weird. My editors loved it, so I trusted them, and hearing from readers that they like it, too, is a relief!

Writing the scenes with chemistry and romantic tension are my favorites. They usually grow organically from the characters. For instance, in the #BookfaceFriday scene, I knew Toff would be ridiculous and bossy and flirty, but I didn’t know exactly how until I started writing and he took over. Again. ☺ 

CLW: What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

LBR: I can’t pick just one! 

Writing a first draft is my favorite part of the writing process. Actually, getting that “ah ha” feeling when I come up with an idea that I’m excited to write is my first favorite part, then capturing the feeling of the story and wrangling my characters into a draft is my second favorite part of the process. I turn off my internal editor for that first draft, and it’s so fun and freeing to write everything I want to. I worry about cutting later. 

Opening my box of author copies is another highlight, especially after going through multiple rounds of revisions. Holding the finished book always causes happy tears.

Hearing from readers once the book is out in the world-that is the best. I love when readers see themselves in my stories, and find the characters relatable and real. Those are the highest compliments. Well, and when they fall for the love interests, too. That’s always good. ☺

CLW: Which specific authors or specific books - YA and otherwise - have inspired your own author’s journey?

LBR: Here are a few of the bigger influences:

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle – my favorite book as a kid, along with her nonfiction that I love as an adult. 

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, of course

All of Judy Blume’s books

Julie Anne Peter’s books. Julie was my first writing mentor, and she’s a brilliant author. Her books are fierce and brave. She was one of the first big LGBTQ authors in YA, and her book Luna, featuring a transitioning character, was nominated for a National Book Award.  She’s also hilarious and kind, and she’s the reason I didn’t quit writing. 

CLW: The theme is YA Romance. What books make your top-five list in no particular order?

Really tough to narrow down, but here are five of my favorites:

Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

CLW: What are you working on now?

LBR: This very moment, it’s hard to write because of COVID. My day job is super busy, and when I’m not doing that, I’m spending my time with my family trying to stay upbeat and getting sunshine as much as possible.

However, once I resume writing, I’ll get back to a couple of YA rom-coms that are in various stages of creation and revision. 

CLW: Where can readers find you?

LBR: I’m most active on Instagram, semi-active on Facebook, and usually avoid Twitter, but pop on once in awhile ☺

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram |BookBub|

Next Week: Rob Rufus and The Vinyl Underground

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Indie Author Marketing: Road Trip Wrap Up

We did it. We made it to the finish line, and The Cantos Chronicles are out in the world today. How we did remains to be seen, but here’s the feedback on our journey:

1. Followers LOVE the new covers!

   This was the first thing that was mentioned as a ”stand out” in terms of marketing these books. This doesn’t surprise me (and probably doesn’t anyone else either) which reiterates the point that authors (indie authors, specifically) should budget for a cover as part of your marketing strategy. How the product appears matters. That shouldn’t come as a surprise, right? Case in point: Look at the two Swimming Sideways covers (pre-rerelease and post). Which one do you like better?

The black and white was the second cover. It’s a Canva stock image and clearly an inexperienced Indie move. It isn’t the wisest choice when trying to “stand out” in a competitive market. The new cover is designed by a trained graphic artist, Sara Oliver Designs, and is original to Swimming Sideways!

Um. Yeah. The new cover is hands down better than the other (thank you, Sara!)

2. Followers enjoyed getting to know me (the author).

Shocking - I know - baring who I am isn’t comfortable - naturally introverted, but adaptably extroverted. That means I’m a freaking chameleon. No. Actually, it doesn’t, but I’d like to think it is a super power. Okay. In all seriousness, while being more in the “spotlight” doesn’t feel comfortable, it is a part of building a relationship. There is a give and take between people. What’s your favorite color? Mine is… This must occur, right for that reciprocal relationship building. This doesn’t stop even in a social media world which means we have to put ourselves out there.

What made this difficult for me (besides the whole discomfort of being in the “spotlight”) is the belief that I don’t think I’m all that interesting. I’m just ordinary Cami. Here I am feeling like my brain might be boiling over trying to figure out what’s interesting, and I’m thinking “there’s nothing worth sharing.” Perhaps this is a lie I tell myself because people expressed: I liked getting to know you. Hmm. Who knew? The lesson then: I can’t be afraid to put myself out there; I can’t worry about if what I have to share is interesting or not because I can only be myself; and I can’t be afraid to share my truth.

3. Followers liked getting to know the characters in a different way.

The methods mentioned were sharing the music playlists, sharing the book lists, and the new content snippets that helped readers feel more connected to the characters. That’s cool (and I wish I could share with you how cool these people are in my head… still!)

4. Followers liked being able to “talk” with other followers about the books while reading.

One IG follower said that being able to talk about the books with other readers while reading was a little like a “social media book club.” Bookstagrammers have this on lock and are very prolific in this regard. It’s a great tool (though I won’t pretend I’ve figured out how to generate more engagement with this; I think it will continue to be time and consistency).

Well. Here we are fellow road trippers. We’ve parked the van in the garage. We’re popping the champagne. Let’s toast to nine weeks of bumping along this Indie Marketing Road to a job well done. Thank you for being on this journey with me.

What’s next? Not sure. I’m going to take a couple weeks to finish my current book and figure myself out.

Now, I have to figure out how to look at the “after publication” marketing. :)

CLWalters Blog RSS

• July 2024
  • Jul 15, 2024 Imposter Syndrome: Tools for Authenticty Jul 15, 2024
• June 2024
  • Jun 1, 2024 June Read Along: In the Echo of this Ghost Town Jun 1, 2024
• March 2024
  • Mar 25, 2024 New Post on SubStack tomorrow! Mar 25, 2024
  • Mar 1, 2024 March Read Along: The Bone of Who We Are Mar 1, 2024
• January 2024
  • Jan 31, 2024 February Read Along: The Ugly Truth Jan 31, 2024
• December 2023
  • Dec 28, 2023 2024: Year of the Read Along Dec 28, 2023
• October 2023
  • Oct 25, 2023 Unhealthy Relationships and Romance Books Oct 25, 2023
  • Oct 25, 2023 Relationships: Isolation versus Autonomy Oct 25, 2023
  • Oct 22, 2023 Unhealthy Relationships: The Love Bomb Oct 22, 2023
  • Oct 22, 2023 Healthy Relationships: Hindsight is 20/20 Oct 22, 2023
  • Oct 22, 2023 Relationships: Beware Gaslighting Oct 22, 2023
• September 2023
  • Sep 25, 2023 Blog Digest from 2018-2023 Sep 25, 2023
• August 2023
  • Aug 26, 2023 Blog Moved to Substack Aug 26, 2023
• July 2023
  • Jul 31, 2023 The Trials of Imogene Sol: The Allies Jul 31, 2023
  • Jul 13, 2023 Foundational Books & Book Bans Jul 13, 2023
  • Jul 5, 2023 Tropes: Found Family Jul 5, 2023
• June 2023
  • Jun 21, 2023 3 Things I Learned About Reading Space Opera Jun 21, 2023
• May 2023
  • May 24, 2023 The Dangers of Myopic Reading May 24, 2023
  • May 17, 2023 My Trek...Journey...Quest to O'ahu Independent Bookstores May 17, 2023
  • May 10, 2023 My Life as an Alien Invader May 10, 2023
  • May 3, 2023 How I Got to Hawaiʻi, My Hawaiʻi Story May 3, 2023
• April 2023
  • Apr 26, 2023 You Can Go Home Again Apr 26, 2023
• March 2023
  • Mar 29, 2023 Cantos Love: Happy Anniversary! Mar 29, 2023
  • Mar 22, 2023 Cantos Love: Gabe Mar 22, 2023
  • Mar 15, 2023 Cantos Love: Seth Mar 15, 2023
  • Mar 8, 2023 Cantos Love: How They Came to Be Mar 8, 2023
  • Mar 1, 2023 Cantos Love: A Month of Cantos Mar 1, 2023
• January 2023
  • Jan 25, 2023 The Letters She Left Behind, 3 Years. Jan 25, 2023
  • Jan 18, 2023 Behind-the Scenes: The Trials of Imogene Sol Jan 18, 2023
  • Jan 11, 2023 Behind-the-Scenes: Reading & All My Rage Jan 11, 2023
• November 2022
  • Nov 16, 2022 Book Hangover List Nov 16, 2022
  • Nov 9, 2022 Advice: Find your People Nov 9, 2022
• October 2022
  • Oct 26, 2022 Contest Awarded Short Story: The Invalid Oct 26, 2022
  • Oct 13, 2022 The WHY Behind The Messy Truth About Love Oct 13, 2022
• June 2022
  • Jun 27, 2022 4 Things You Should Know about The Messy Truth About Love Before Reading Jun 27, 2022
• February 2022
  • Feb 2, 2022 February Ideals: Dreaming Feb 2, 2022
• December 2021
  • Dec 22, 2021 My Top 10 Songs (w/Lyrics) 2021 Dec 22, 2021
  • Dec 15, 2021 My Top 5 Characters I've Written Dec 15, 2021
  • Dec 1, 2021 My Top 5 of My Own Books Dec 1, 2021
• September 2021
  • Sep 1, 2021 Road to Echoes: 8 Tips for Using NaNoWriMo to Write Your Novel Sep 1, 2021
• August 2021
  • Aug 25, 2021 Road to Echoes: 4 Lessons I Learned Writing Maxwell Wallace Aug 25, 2021
  • Aug 18, 2021 Road to Echoes: Tropes Aug 18, 2021
  • Aug 11, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Loud Characters Aug 11, 2021
  • Aug 4, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Putting the Story Together Aug 4, 2021
• July 2021
  • Jul 28, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Research to Understand Griffin Jul 28, 2021
  • Jul 21, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Secondary Characters Primer Jul 21, 2021
  • Jul 14, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Writing Difficult Characters Jul 14, 2021
  • Jul 7, 2021 The Road of Echoes: What Inspired Griffin's Story? Jul 7, 2021
• June 2021
  • Jun 30, 2021 The Road of Echoes: New Blog Series Jun 30, 2021
• May 2021
  • May 26, 2021 Favorite Reads of 2021 So Far May 26, 2021
  • May 19, 2021 Cover Love May 19, 2021
  • May 12, 2021 Writing Limbo May 12, 2021
  • May 5, 2021 Writing In Between May 5, 2021
• April 2021
  • Apr 28, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 4 Apr 28, 2021
  • Apr 21, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 3 Apr 21, 2021
  • Apr 14, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 2 Apr 14, 2021
  • Apr 7, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 1 Apr 7, 2021
• March 2021
  • Mar 31, 2021 April Challenge: Finishing the Draft Mar 31, 2021
• February 2021
  • Feb 24, 2021 Character Speaks: Dear Paola, from Gabe Feb 24, 2021
  • Feb 17, 2021 Character Speaks: Dear Sam, from Seth Feb 17, 2021
  • Feb 10, 2021 Ask the Author: Advice for Newbie Writers? Feb 10, 2021
  • Feb 3, 2021 Ask the Author: What motivates you to write? Feb 3, 2021
• January 2021
  • Jan 27, 2021 Ask the Author: Series or Stand Alone? Jan 27, 2021
  • Jan 20, 2021 Ask the Author: Why did you choose to write YA? (Part 2) Jan 20, 2021
  • Jan 13, 2021 Ask the Author: Why did you choose to write YA? Jan 13, 2021
  • Jan 6, 2021 Ask the Author: Favorite Part of the Writing Process? Jan 6, 2021
• October 2020
  • Oct 16, 2020 Rainy Day Collective Podcast & Purity Culture Oct 16, 2020
  • Oct 14, 2020 The Stories Stars Tell: It's Here! Oct 14, 2020
• July 2020
  • Jul 1, 2020 Interview: Lauren-Marie with The Indigo Book Jul 1, 2020
• June 2020
  • Jun 24, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Dystopian and SciFi Edition Jun 24, 2020
  • Jun 17, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Contemporary Edition Jun 17, 2020
  • Jun 10, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Fantasy Edition Jun 10, 2020
• May 2020
  • May 27, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Piper Bee May 27, 2020
  • May 20, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Nancy Richardson Fischer May 20, 2020
  • May 13, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Rob Rufus May 13, 2020
  • May 6, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Lisa Brown Roberts May 6, 2020
• April 2020
  • Apr 29, 2020 Reading Wonderland: an Introduction Apr 29, 2020
  • Apr 22, 2020 Quarantine: 37 Days Apr 22, 2020
• March 2020
  • Mar 31, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Road Trip Wrap Up Mar 31, 2020
  • Mar 25, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 8 Mar 25, 2020
  • Mar 18, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 7 Mar 18, 2020
  • Mar 11, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 6 Mar 11, 2020
• February 2020
  • Feb 29, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 5 Feb 29, 2020
  • Feb 24, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 4 Feb 24, 2020
  • Feb 19, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 3 Feb 19, 2020
  • Feb 12, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 2 Feb 12, 2020
  • Feb 4, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 1 Feb 4, 2020
• January 2020
  • Jan 29, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: A Hope and A Dream Jan 29, 2020
  • Jan 15, 2020 The Letters She Left Behind: It's here! Jan 15, 2020
• December 2019
  • Dec 18, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind: Character Interview Dec 18, 2019
  • Dec 11, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind: Annotated Playlist Dec 11, 2019
• October 2019
  • Oct 16, 2019 Awesome Writer Spotlight: Mary E. Pearson (again) Oct 16, 2019
  • Oct 7, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Gratitude Oct 7, 2019
• September 2019
  • Sep 30, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: It's time. Sep 30, 2019
  • Sep 16, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: A Difficult Story Sep 16, 2019
  • Sep 9, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Journey to Gabe Sep 9, 2019
• July 2019
  • Jul 8, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Aesthetic Jul 8, 2019
• May 2019
  • May 26, 2019 Time Away May 26, 2019
  • May 20, 2019 Writing Inspiration: Music May 20, 2019
  • May 13, 2019 Awesome Writer Spotlight: Mary E. Pearson May 13, 2019
  • May 6, 2019 Happy Book Birthday: A Character Interview May 6, 2019
  • May 1, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind PLAYLIST May 1, 2019
• April 2019
  • Apr 29, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Genevieve Jane Apr 29, 2019
  • Apr 15, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: M. Wednesday Apr 15, 2019
  • Apr 8, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Leslie Arambula Apr 8, 2019
  • Apr 1, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Alison Aldridge Apr 1, 2019
• March 2019
  • Mar 25, 2019 YA Author Series Launch: CL Walters Mar 25, 2019
  • Mar 12, 2019 Book Mash-Up Fun Mar 12, 2019
  • Mar 4, 2019 Snappy Dialogue in 3 Minutes Mar 4, 2019
• February 2019
  • Feb 25, 2019 Pacing the Narrative: A New Tool Feb 25, 2019
  • Feb 18, 2019 Character and Conflict Part2: Motivation Feb 18, 2019
  • Feb 11, 2019 Character and Conflict, part one: Types of Conflict Feb 11, 2019
  • Feb 4, 2019 Point of View and Writing Feb 4, 2019
• January 2019
  • Jan 28, 2019 Off to Refill the Well . . . Jan 28, 2019
  • Jan 21, 2019 Character-Driven or Plot Driven Narrative? Jan 21, 2019
  • Jan 14, 2019 Character: Conversations Jan 14, 2019
• December 2018
  • Dec 3, 2018 The Ugly Truth: Cover Reveal and Playlist Dec 3, 2018
• October 2018
  • Oct 29, 2018 This Writer Reads Oct 29, 2018
  • Oct 8, 2018 Empathy is Our Superpower! Oct 8, 2018
  • Oct 4, 2018 The Writer Hoard Oct 4, 2018

Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 8

One more week until The Cantos Chronicles releases March 31, 2020!

Good News! IndieReader.com gave Swimming Sideways, Cantos Chronicles Book 1 a 4.5 stars out of 5 stars rating! That means it’s considered a, “IndieReader Approved” designation and will go on their “BEST OF…” YA round up. That’s AWESOME!

One another note:

With the chaos of the current situation, I wasn’t sure if I should even post, but I decided that regardless, I’d committed to this Indie Author Marketing Road Trip. Though I’ve been grounded to a halt due to a very flat tire, a bent rim, and inclement conditions, but that’s part of the journey right? It begs the question: How do we adapt in the face of challenges.

This is pretty challenging. :)

So here we are.

1. My events are cancelled for now. As difficult as this is to take, I’m choosing to look at it as an opportunity to develop and grow. I hope to eventually reschedule.

2. My IG friends have come in clutch by posting. Thank you to them for keeping things visible. I appreciate it so much. I haven’t seen any of the reviewers post yet. Hope those are forthcoming.

3. I’ve maintained my Social Media content - that’s about the extent to my abilities right now. It Is what it is.

4. I’m working on April’s newsletter for my subscribers and some new work to share with them.

5. I developed a #bookstagram challenge with the hashtag #quarINTEENd which I hope provides 1) something fun and creative to do in April while we’re all shut in; 2) sparks discussion between book lovers, and 3) adds to the community.

In light of the climate and the difficulties, I offered an Ebook copy of Swimming Sideways to interested readers via Instagram and Facebook. The offer still stands. You can sign up for my newsletter, you can email me (clwalters2015@gmail.com) or DM me on Instagram, and I will email you the ebook. This offer is valid until Tuesday, March 31. Happy reading.

Available March 31, 20202 in Ebook, Paperback and Hard Cover wherever books are sold.

CLWalters Blog RSS

• July 2024
  • Jul 15, 2024 Imposter Syndrome: Tools for Authenticty Jul 15, 2024
• June 2024
  • Jun 1, 2024 June Read Along: In the Echo of this Ghost Town Jun 1, 2024
• March 2024
  • Mar 25, 2024 New Post on SubStack tomorrow! Mar 25, 2024
  • Mar 1, 2024 March Read Along: The Bone of Who We Are Mar 1, 2024
• January 2024
  • Jan 31, 2024 February Read Along: The Ugly Truth Jan 31, 2024
• December 2023
  • Dec 28, 2023 2024: Year of the Read Along Dec 28, 2023
• October 2023
  • Oct 25, 2023 Unhealthy Relationships and Romance Books Oct 25, 2023
  • Oct 25, 2023 Relationships: Isolation versus Autonomy Oct 25, 2023
  • Oct 22, 2023 Unhealthy Relationships: The Love Bomb Oct 22, 2023
  • Oct 22, 2023 Healthy Relationships: Hindsight is 20/20 Oct 22, 2023
  • Oct 22, 2023 Relationships: Beware Gaslighting Oct 22, 2023
• September 2023
  • Sep 25, 2023 Blog Digest from 2018-2023 Sep 25, 2023
• August 2023
  • Aug 26, 2023 Blog Moved to Substack Aug 26, 2023
• July 2023
  • Jul 31, 2023 The Trials of Imogene Sol: The Allies Jul 31, 2023
  • Jul 13, 2023 Foundational Books & Book Bans Jul 13, 2023
  • Jul 5, 2023 Tropes: Found Family Jul 5, 2023
• June 2023
  • Jun 21, 2023 3 Things I Learned About Reading Space Opera Jun 21, 2023
• May 2023
  • May 24, 2023 The Dangers of Myopic Reading May 24, 2023
  • May 17, 2023 My Trek...Journey...Quest to O'ahu Independent Bookstores May 17, 2023
  • May 10, 2023 My Life as an Alien Invader May 10, 2023
  • May 3, 2023 How I Got to Hawaiʻi, My Hawaiʻi Story May 3, 2023
• April 2023
  • Apr 26, 2023 You Can Go Home Again Apr 26, 2023
• March 2023
  • Mar 29, 2023 Cantos Love: Happy Anniversary! Mar 29, 2023
  • Mar 22, 2023 Cantos Love: Gabe Mar 22, 2023
  • Mar 15, 2023 Cantos Love: Seth Mar 15, 2023
  • Mar 8, 2023 Cantos Love: How They Came to Be Mar 8, 2023
  • Mar 1, 2023 Cantos Love: A Month of Cantos Mar 1, 2023
• January 2023
  • Jan 25, 2023 The Letters She Left Behind, 3 Years. Jan 25, 2023
  • Jan 18, 2023 Behind-the Scenes: The Trials of Imogene Sol Jan 18, 2023
  • Jan 11, 2023 Behind-the-Scenes: Reading & All My Rage Jan 11, 2023
• November 2022
  • Nov 16, 2022 Book Hangover List Nov 16, 2022
  • Nov 9, 2022 Advice: Find your People Nov 9, 2022
• October 2022
  • Oct 26, 2022 Contest Awarded Short Story: The Invalid Oct 26, 2022
  • Oct 13, 2022 The WHY Behind The Messy Truth About Love Oct 13, 2022
• June 2022
  • Jun 27, 2022 4 Things You Should Know about The Messy Truth About Love Before Reading Jun 27, 2022
• February 2022
  • Feb 2, 2022 February Ideals: Dreaming Feb 2, 2022
• December 2021
  • Dec 22, 2021 My Top 10 Songs (w/Lyrics) 2021 Dec 22, 2021
  • Dec 15, 2021 My Top 5 Characters I've Written Dec 15, 2021
  • Dec 1, 2021 My Top 5 of My Own Books Dec 1, 2021
• September 2021
  • Sep 1, 2021 Road to Echoes: 8 Tips for Using NaNoWriMo to Write Your Novel Sep 1, 2021
• August 2021
  • Aug 25, 2021 Road to Echoes: 4 Lessons I Learned Writing Maxwell Wallace Aug 25, 2021
  • Aug 18, 2021 Road to Echoes: Tropes Aug 18, 2021
  • Aug 11, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Loud Characters Aug 11, 2021
  • Aug 4, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Putting the Story Together Aug 4, 2021
• July 2021
  • Jul 28, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Research to Understand Griffin Jul 28, 2021
  • Jul 21, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Secondary Characters Primer Jul 21, 2021
  • Jul 14, 2021 The Road to Echoes: Writing Difficult Characters Jul 14, 2021
  • Jul 7, 2021 The Road of Echoes: What Inspired Griffin's Story? Jul 7, 2021
• June 2021
  • Jun 30, 2021 The Road of Echoes: New Blog Series Jun 30, 2021
• May 2021
  • May 26, 2021 Favorite Reads of 2021 So Far May 26, 2021
  • May 19, 2021 Cover Love May 19, 2021
  • May 12, 2021 Writing Limbo May 12, 2021
  • May 5, 2021 Writing In Between May 5, 2021
• April 2021
  • Apr 28, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 4 Apr 28, 2021
  • Apr 21, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 3 Apr 21, 2021
  • Apr 14, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 2 Apr 14, 2021
  • Apr 7, 2021 April Challenge: Update No. 1 Apr 7, 2021
• March 2021
  • Mar 31, 2021 April Challenge: Finishing the Draft Mar 31, 2021
• February 2021
  • Feb 24, 2021 Character Speaks: Dear Paola, from Gabe Feb 24, 2021
  • Feb 17, 2021 Character Speaks: Dear Sam, from Seth Feb 17, 2021
  • Feb 10, 2021 Ask the Author: Advice for Newbie Writers? Feb 10, 2021
  • Feb 3, 2021 Ask the Author: What motivates you to write? Feb 3, 2021
• January 2021
  • Jan 27, 2021 Ask the Author: Series or Stand Alone? Jan 27, 2021
  • Jan 20, 2021 Ask the Author: Why did you choose to write YA? (Part 2) Jan 20, 2021
  • Jan 13, 2021 Ask the Author: Why did you choose to write YA? Jan 13, 2021
  • Jan 6, 2021 Ask the Author: Favorite Part of the Writing Process? Jan 6, 2021
• October 2020
  • Oct 16, 2020 Rainy Day Collective Podcast & Purity Culture Oct 16, 2020
  • Oct 14, 2020 The Stories Stars Tell: It's Here! Oct 14, 2020
• July 2020
  • Jul 1, 2020 Interview: Lauren-Marie with The Indigo Book Jul 1, 2020
• June 2020
  • Jun 24, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Dystopian and SciFi Edition Jun 24, 2020
  • Jun 17, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Contemporary Edition Jun 17, 2020
  • Jun 10, 2020 This-Then-That: YA Fantasy Edition Jun 10, 2020
• May 2020
  • May 27, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Piper Bee May 27, 2020
  • May 20, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Nancy Richardson Fischer May 20, 2020
  • May 13, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Rob Rufus May 13, 2020
  • May 6, 2020 Reading Wonderland Interview: Lisa Brown Roberts May 6, 2020
• April 2020
  • Apr 29, 2020 Reading Wonderland: an Introduction Apr 29, 2020
  • Apr 22, 2020 Quarantine: 37 Days Apr 22, 2020
• March 2020
  • Mar 31, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Road Trip Wrap Up Mar 31, 2020
  • Mar 25, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 8 Mar 25, 2020
  • Mar 18, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 7 Mar 18, 2020
  • Mar 11, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 6 Mar 11, 2020
• February 2020
  • Feb 29, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 5 Feb 29, 2020
  • Feb 24, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 4 Feb 24, 2020
  • Feb 19, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 3 Feb 19, 2020
  • Feb 12, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 2 Feb 12, 2020
  • Feb 4, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: Update No. 1 Feb 4, 2020
• January 2020
  • Jan 29, 2020 Indie Author Marketing: A Hope and A Dream Jan 29, 2020
  • Jan 15, 2020 The Letters She Left Behind: It's here! Jan 15, 2020
• December 2019
  • Dec 18, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind: Character Interview Dec 18, 2019
  • Dec 11, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind: Annotated Playlist Dec 11, 2019
• October 2019
  • Oct 16, 2019 Awesome Writer Spotlight: Mary E. Pearson (again) Oct 16, 2019
  • Oct 7, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Gratitude Oct 7, 2019
• September 2019
  • Sep 30, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: It's time. Sep 30, 2019
  • Sep 16, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: A Difficult Story Sep 16, 2019
  • Sep 9, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Journey to Gabe Sep 9, 2019
• July 2019
  • Jul 8, 2019 The Bones of Who We Are: Aesthetic Jul 8, 2019
• May 2019
  • May 26, 2019 Time Away May 26, 2019
  • May 20, 2019 Writing Inspiration: Music May 20, 2019
  • May 13, 2019 Awesome Writer Spotlight: Mary E. Pearson May 13, 2019
  • May 6, 2019 Happy Book Birthday: A Character Interview May 6, 2019
  • May 1, 2019 The Letters She Left Behind PLAYLIST May 1, 2019
• April 2019
  • Apr 29, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Genevieve Jane Apr 29, 2019
  • Apr 15, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: M. Wednesday Apr 15, 2019
  • Apr 8, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Leslie Arambula Apr 8, 2019
  • Apr 1, 2019 YA Author Series - Author Spotlight: Alison Aldridge Apr 1, 2019
• March 2019
  • Mar 25, 2019 YA Author Series Launch: CL Walters Mar 25, 2019
  • Mar 12, 2019 Book Mash-Up Fun Mar 12, 2019
  • Mar 4, 2019 Snappy Dialogue in 3 Minutes Mar 4, 2019
• February 2019
  • Feb 25, 2019 Pacing the Narrative: A New Tool Feb 25, 2019
  • Feb 18, 2019 Character and Conflict Part2: Motivation Feb 18, 2019
  • Feb 11, 2019 Character and Conflict, part one: Types of Conflict Feb 11, 2019
  • Feb 4, 2019 Point of View and Writing Feb 4, 2019
• January 2019
  • Jan 28, 2019 Off to Refill the Well . . . Jan 28, 2019
  • Jan 21, 2019 Character-Driven or Plot Driven Narrative? Jan 21, 2019
  • Jan 14, 2019 Character: Conversations Jan 14, 2019
• December 2018
  • Dec 3, 2018 The Ugly Truth: Cover Reveal and Playlist Dec 3, 2018
• October 2018
  • Oct 29, 2018 This Writer Reads Oct 29, 2018
  • Oct 8, 2018 Empathy is Our Superpower! Oct 8, 2018
  • Oct 4, 2018 The Writer Hoard Oct 4, 2018