THAT JUST ADD MAGIC HAS A COVER!!!!
Showing posts with label Kelly Quinn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kelly Quinn. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
KELLY QUINN is getting a face lift
I've received the much anticipated comments from my editor from Aladdin (Simon and Schuster's Children's Publishing Division), and not surprisingly, I'll be making more changes to KELLY QUINN'S SECRET COOKING CLUB.
Recently, I've taken a break from KELLY to work on another project which isn't baked enough to tell you about. I'll just say that it's for an older audience than KELLY and takes place at a summer camp in the Poconos...that's it, I'm not saying anything else. And believe me, it's killing me because I'm excited about it. But, now I'm going to separate from the new project to attend to the KELLY comments. Some are quick fixes, while others are more significant and will take some time to figure out and rewrite.
I have a love/hate relationship with revising. Often being told you need to make changes to a project over which you've toiled for a very long time doesn't feel so good, although I have to say that I have an OUTSTANDING support network which makes this as painless as possible:
The WIPs: This is my very special critique group, the Works in Progress, that I'll talk about in more detail in another entry. They're feedback and ideas are always enlightening, and always gentle.
My agent: I'll admit that the first time Sarah told me to consider my manuscript a draft (after over a year of revising), I wasn't thrilled. But she was very specific with her guidance regarding what was needed for the plot to "work." She too was kind and gentle...and right, apparently because it caught the attention of the wonderful Alyson Heller.
Enter my new editor: Now a fresh set of eyes reviewed the piece from a slightly different perspective. Among other things, Alyson wants to ensure the commercial fit with Aladdin Mix. She knows the Mix audience well and wants to give them what they've come to expect from the imprint. When I didn't think there could be any room for improvement, Alyson has found the cracks that need mending.
So, it is with this newest set of insight that I'm determined to make KELLY even stronger. Working through edits can be time consuming, and tedious. BUT, it's also rewarding when you look at a chunk of pages and think, "By Golly, it's even better!"
Recently, I've taken a break from KELLY to work on another project which isn't baked enough to tell you about. I'll just say that it's for an older audience than KELLY and takes place at a summer camp in the Poconos...that's it, I'm not saying anything else. And believe me, it's killing me because I'm excited about it. But, now I'm going to separate from the new project to attend to the KELLY comments. Some are quick fixes, while others are more significant and will take some time to figure out and rewrite.
I have a love/hate relationship with revising. Often being told you need to make changes to a project over which you've toiled for a very long time doesn't feel so good, although I have to say that I have an OUTSTANDING support network which makes this as painless as possible:
The WIPs: This is my very special critique group, the Works in Progress, that I'll talk about in more detail in another entry. They're feedback and ideas are always enlightening, and always gentle.
My agent: I'll admit that the first time Sarah told me to consider my manuscript a draft (after over a year of revising), I wasn't thrilled. But she was very specific with her guidance regarding what was needed for the plot to "work." She too was kind and gentle...and right, apparently because it caught the attention of the wonderful Alyson Heller.
Enter my new editor: Now a fresh set of eyes reviewed the piece from a slightly different perspective. Among other things, Alyson wants to ensure the commercial fit with Aladdin Mix. She knows the Mix audience well and wants to give them what they've come to expect from the imprint. When I didn't think there could be any room for improvement, Alyson has found the cracks that need mending.
So, it is with this newest set of insight that I'm determined to make KELLY even stronger. Working through edits can be time consuming, and tedious. BUT, it's also rewarding when you look at a chunk of pages and think, "By Golly, it's even better!"
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Super Serious Patriotic Poop, By Kelly Quinn
Cindy: This week bloggers everywhere are writing about Independence Day. When I sat down to write a brief note, I swiftly fell into clichés. So, I thought I'd ask one of my favorite characters, Kelly Quinn, for her perspective of freedom. Take it away, Kelly.
Kelly: "This is so cool, my first blog. My neighbor Charlotte (Blah!!) Barney is going to be so jealous.
I'd like to start by saying that Cindy is awesome.
Here's the deal with the 4th of July:
Do you know that lots and lots of people died...I mean they chose to die, like they volunteered to risk their lives so that people hundreds of years later...like me...like now...so that I could be any religion I wanted to be? and so that I could get a job doing whatever I want? and so that I can own a house? and so that I can vote (when I am 18)?
As my friend Darbie would say, "That's some super serious patriotic poop."
So, I think the 4th of July is a totally big deal and that Sam - he's the guy that owns Sam's Super iScream, home of the Super Swirley - should create a whole new frozen concoction just for this day....like a Frozen Fruity Firecracker: Blue Raspberry ice cream, red strawberry syrup and white marshmallow topping, all swizzled around and topped with sparklers that really light up. As my dad says, "there's no such thing as too much ice cream or too much football." Forgetting the football, he knows what he's talking about, because he's been eating ice cream his entire life."
Cindy: Thanks, Kelly. I think you're awesome too.
Cindy: All talk of ice cream aside, I'm glad we have a day to celebrate our freedom, because it is something that warrants celebrating.
I hope you enjoy all your many freedoms.
Kelly: "This is so cool, my first blog. My neighbor Charlotte (Blah!!) Barney is going to be so jealous.
I'd like to start by saying that Cindy is awesome.
Here's the deal with the 4th of July:
Do you know that lots and lots of people died...I mean they chose to die, like they volunteered to risk their lives so that people hundreds of years later...like me...like now...so that I could be any religion I wanted to be? and so that I could get a job doing whatever I want? and so that I can own a house? and so that I can vote (when I am 18)?
As my friend Darbie would say, "That's some super serious patriotic poop."
So, I think the 4th of July is a totally big deal and that Sam - he's the guy that owns Sam's Super iScream, home of the Super Swirley - should create a whole new frozen concoction just for this day....like a Frozen Fruity Firecracker: Blue Raspberry ice cream, red strawberry syrup and white marshmallow topping, all swizzled around and topped with sparklers that really light up. As my dad says, "there's no such thing as too much ice cream or too much football." Forgetting the football, he knows what he's talking about, because he's been eating ice cream his entire life."
Cindy: Thanks, Kelly. I think you're awesome too.
Cindy: All talk of ice cream aside, I'm glad we have a day to celebrate our freedom, because it is something that warrants celebrating.
I hope you enjoy all your many freedoms.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Character - In Life and In Fiction
Character is one of the writer's most important tools. Let's take Kelly Quinn for example. We experience her story through her eyes, and as such, we get to know her and the characters around her ie: Darbie, Hannah, Senora Perez, and the Rusamano Twins, who add flavor (ie: Rocket Launching Rainbow), to the adventure.
But, character is also vitally important in life's relationships. In life, character is seen in the way people behave, and how they react to situations, particularly unexpected situations. One's words help define their character, but, as the saying goes, actions speak louder... We witness examples of both good and bad character all the time: At the grocery store, on the soccer field, at work, and in our families. I'm often amazed at the spectrum of character, ranging from random acts of kindness to complete insensitivity. You probably are too. It's said that true character is what one does when no one is watching, then what we witness may not be reality. Hmmmm...confusing?
A big difference between fiction and life is that we writers control what our characters do whether it's something seen or unseen. In life we have no control over other's character, only over our reactions to it.
But, character is also vitally important in life's relationships. In life, character is seen in the way people behave, and how they react to situations, particularly unexpected situations. One's words help define their character, but, as the saying goes, actions speak louder... We witness examples of both good and bad character all the time: At the grocery store, on the soccer field, at work, and in our families. I'm often amazed at the spectrum of character, ranging from random acts of kindness to complete insensitivity. You probably are too. It's said that true character is what one does when no one is watching, then what we witness may not be reality. Hmmmm...confusing?
A big difference between fiction and life is that we writers control what our characters do whether it's something seen or unseen. In life we have no control over other's character, only over our reactions to it.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Last Installment of Awesome TV Detectives
Our last category is SOOOOOO COOOL. Ed Lane, the bald guy from Flashpoint, is played by Hugh Dillon. Ed can talk anyone off a ledge at gun point with only four minutes left in the show. (Actually, I love the whole cast of FP.)
Seeley Booth played by David Borearaz (Bones) - What kind of name is Seeley, but who cares? The chemistry of the whole cast of this show is awesome.
Let's face it, David Caruso (above) is the King of Coolsville. He can't be left off my list because my girls love him as Heratio Caine. They don't know him as John Kelly from NYPD Blue. Check out this NYPD picture. I chose it because of Rick(y) Schroeder who I sat next to at a NY Yankees game in 1977. (That was the same game that Dave Winfield gave me a ball.)
Let's face it, David Caruso (above) is the King of Coolsville. He can't be left off my list because my girls love him as Heratio Caine. They don't know him as John Kelly from NYPD Blue. Check out this NYPD picture. I chose it because of Rick(y) Schroeder who I sat next to at a NY Yankees game in 1977. (That was the same game that Dave Winfield gave me a ball.)
Arron Hotchner: Thomas Gibson from Criminal Minds. More serious character, more serious show.
Anthony DiNozzo: Michael Weatherly from NCIS. You've gotta admit, as crass as he is, he is very funny. (No, Mark Harmon is not cooler.)
Hands Down, The Coolest TV Cop EVER is Elliot Stabler, Christopher Meloni from Law and Order SVU. I have Chris pegged to play Kelly Quinn's father in the movie...not that one is being made, but IF one were being made, it would be him....of course, he would play opposite moi as Mrs. Quinn.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Introducing the Super Swirley
Super Swirleys are a very important ingredient of KELLY QUINN'S SECRET COOKING CLUB. Ever since visiting 3B, the kids have been dying to know what's in them.
So, what is a Super Swirley?
Let's ask Kelly Quinn herself. "OMG. Super Swirleys were the best milkshakes in Delaware, and possibly the world. They were ice cream and all kinds of other stuff blended into a heavenly frozen concoction. I couldn’t live without them. They’re made at Sam’s Super iScream, which luckily, was within walking distance from my house."
Each of the girls in the story (Kelly, Hannah and Darbie) has their favorite Swirley. Darbie loves the Rocket Launching Rainbow Super Swirley. Here is a recipe:
Rocket Launching Rainbow Super Swirley
When you can’t make up your mind enjoy this three-layered concoction.
Layer 1: Strawberry ice cream blended with colorful Skittles.
Layer 2: Banana ice cream with ribbons of golden caramel.
Layer 3: Bright green pistachio ice cream peppered with Nerd candies.
Topped with whipped-cream and rainbow sprinkles.
There you have it. If you try it, let me know how you make out, or email a picture of it to me.
So, what is a Super Swirley?
Let's ask Kelly Quinn herself. "OMG. Super Swirleys were the best milkshakes in Delaware, and possibly the world. They were ice cream and all kinds of other stuff blended into a heavenly frozen concoction. I couldn’t live without them. They’re made at Sam’s Super iScream, which luckily, was within walking distance from my house."
Each of the girls in the story (Kelly, Hannah and Darbie) has their favorite Swirley. Darbie loves the Rocket Launching Rainbow Super Swirley. Here is a recipe:
Rocket Launching Rainbow Super Swirley
When you can’t make up your mind enjoy this three-layered concoction.
Layer 1: Strawberry ice cream blended with colorful Skittles.
Layer 2: Banana ice cream with ribbons of golden caramel.
Layer 3: Bright green pistachio ice cream peppered with Nerd candies.
Topped with whipped-cream and rainbow sprinkles.
There you have it. If you try it, let me know how you make out, or email a picture of it to me.
Monday, June 1, 2009
The 411 on writing Kelly Quinn
It's exciting to have so much interest in KELLY QUINN'S SECRET COOKING CLUB, and I thank you all for asking and for caring. .
I get lots of questions about the process of writing a book. I thought I'd capture a TOP TEN.
10. How long did it take you?
I wrote the initial rough draft of KELLY in about six weeks. But, I revised and edited it for almost two years.
9. That's a lot of revising. Where did you get all the comments from?
I'm part of a fabulous writing critique group called the Works In Progress (WIPs). The WIPs read and reviewed KELLY over and over. I also paid a professional editor to read the entire manuscript. Lastly, my dad read the book about ten times and gave me comments. At seventy-something, he's more a 'tween than most 'tweens.
8. How long is it? (Kids always ask this.)
It's about 190 double-spaced, new Times Roman sized 12-font. But, that doesn't mean that's exactly how long it will be when it's printed, as page and font sizes vary.
7. Will there be pictures?
There will be cover art, but since it's a middle-grade (aka "Tween") book, it probably won't have any art within the text.
6. Who's doing the illustration/cover? Because I know a guy.... (This is a very popular adult question.)
I don't know. The publisher will take care of all this, but I'll get to see the options (I think).
5. Do you have a literary agent?
Yes, I'm the luckiest person in the world to work with Sarah Davies of The Greenhouse Literary Agency. She is a complete gem. If you want to know more about Sarah or The Greenhouse visit www.greenhouseliterary.com.
4. How did you find a literary agent?
It wasn't easy. I researched (thank goodness for the internet) agents interested in the age range and themes of my book. Then I read lots about each of them to assess if they would be a good fit for my project.
3. How did you query agents?
I attended a few SCBWI conferences to understand how to approach an agent. I wrote a cover letter and synopsis, (which I revised repeatedly). I made electronic and snail mail packages pursuant to the agent's submissions guidelines and sent them in.
2. Are you going to quit your other job?
No. I have a full-time job that I like very much. Writing is my second job and a passion. I intend to continue to do both for as long as I can.
And the number one question that people ask me....kids and adults alike: Can I be in the movie when/if it's made?
Sure......But, I have dibs on Mrs. Quinn. If my husband doesn't land the part of Kelly's dad, I'll approach Christopher Meloni (Eliot Stabler from Law and Order SVU.)
I get lots of questions about the process of writing a book. I thought I'd capture a TOP TEN.
10. How long did it take you?
I wrote the initial rough draft of KELLY in about six weeks. But, I revised and edited it for almost two years.
9. That's a lot of revising. Where did you get all the comments from?
I'm part of a fabulous writing critique group called the Works In Progress (WIPs). The WIPs read and reviewed KELLY over and over. I also paid a professional editor to read the entire manuscript. Lastly, my dad read the book about ten times and gave me comments. At seventy-something, he's more a 'tween than most 'tweens.
8. How long is it? (Kids always ask this.)
It's about 190 double-spaced, new Times Roman sized 12-font. But, that doesn't mean that's exactly how long it will be when it's printed, as page and font sizes vary.
7. Will there be pictures?
There will be cover art, but since it's a middle-grade (aka "Tween") book, it probably won't have any art within the text.
6. Who's doing the illustration/cover? Because I know a guy.... (This is a very popular adult question.)
I don't know. The publisher will take care of all this, but I'll get to see the options (I think).
5. Do you have a literary agent?
Yes, I'm the luckiest person in the world to work with Sarah Davies of The Greenhouse Literary Agency. She is a complete gem. If you want to know more about Sarah or The Greenhouse visit www.greenhouseliterary.com.
4. How did you find a literary agent?
It wasn't easy. I researched (thank goodness for the internet) agents interested in the age range and themes of my book. Then I read lots about each of them to assess if they would be a good fit for my project.
3. How did you query agents?
I attended a few SCBWI conferences to understand how to approach an agent. I wrote a cover letter and synopsis, (which I revised repeatedly). I made electronic and snail mail packages pursuant to the agent's submissions guidelines and sent them in.
2. Are you going to quit your other job?
No. I have a full-time job that I like very much. Writing is my second job and a passion. I intend to continue to do both for as long as I can.
And the number one question that people ask me....kids and adults alike: Can I be in the movie when/if it's made?
Sure......But, I have dibs on Mrs. Quinn. If my husband doesn't land the part of Kelly's dad, I'll approach Christopher Meloni (Eliot Stabler from Law and Order SVU.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
