My Favorite (YA) Books

Still seeking readers for my NA Contemporary, IF LIFE WERE FAIR.

For some reason, I don't have this post up when it was actually when of the first post ideas I had come up with. And so I (UBER-EXCITEDLY--who doesn't love books?) present to you:

MY FAVORITE (YA) BOOKS

Disclaimers: *I won't be including any of the mega popular books (Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, Twilight, you get the gist). If you really want to know, Harry Potter is REALLY up there on my fantasy list, The Hunger Games is one of my favorite dystopians, and Twilight is...okay. It did introduce me to paranormal before the fever set in, so I'll give it that. 

**I'll be trying to post only genres that I've read at least semi-widely in so that I can provide an educated nomination.

***Some genres might have multiple nominations because who said that there has to be limits on cream of the crop?

****There will be NO SUMMARIES. Or else this post will eat your computer. I recommend Goodreads if you're interested in learning more!

*****MOST IMPORTANTLY, all of the following are purely base on my opinion! Please don't take personal offense if I don't nominate one of your favorite books in a genre--instead, comment below and tell me what you think should have been nominated! A 60% chance I've probably read the book.

Fantasy - Urban

PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS series (MELTING POT)

BY RICK RIORDAN

MG or YA--I don't care because what can I say? The dialogue, the snarking characters, the humor, the mythology (and really, if I want completely accurate mythology, I'll go read a textbook) all come together into something that is utterly un-put-downable. 

THE SPACE BETWEEN (BEST VIBE+ORIGINALITY)

BY BRENNA YOVANOFF

I said I wasn't going to give summaries but I can't help but pitch this: the daughter of Satan and Lilith comes down to Earth and with the help of a suicidal boy, tries to find her brother. Really, I've never read anything REMOTELY like this, not in plot nor tone nor character. The Space Between is an indulgent mix of horror, mystery, fantasy, and romance.

Fantasy - Hardcore

THE PRINCESS ACADEMY (BEST COMING OF AGE)

BY SHANNON HALE

Don't be deceived by the pretty cover! Or the title! This book has a beautifully crafted plot and complex characters that will stick with you for ages (I read first read this in 5th grade and I still remember EVERYTHING that happens). The main character is 14, so I guess it could also be shelved as middle grade, but I my opinion it's a YA coming-of-age story with a fantastical world and customs that resonate with you. 

Scifi - Dystopian

UNWIND (WINNING CONCEPT)

BY NEAL SHUSTERMAN

Holy-moly. The concept of this! Instead of the option of abortion, parents can have their children "unwound" (which basically equals each and every body part and organ getting shipped off to someone in need) at age thirteen? At first glance, this sounds ludicrous, but once you think about it, you can start to see the argument for WHY "unwinding" is better than abortion. Doesn't mean you have to agree with it! But that's what's great about the book--it really, really makes you think. 

BIRTHMARKED trilogy (WINNING AURA + MALE CHARACTER)

BY CARAGH O'BRIEN

EXTREMELY underrated series. First off, sort of unrelated, but Caragh is one of the FRIENDLIEST authors I have ever met. Not just for emails--comment on her blog and she'll be SURE to reply back with an insightful response! But onto the books. The world-building is solid, the writing is full of life and color (really well-done 3rd POV!), but what really steals the show is Leon, the romantic interest. Seriously, I don't think I've ever read a character this fleshed out, so flawed and yet so redeemable. 

CHEMICAL GARDEN trilogy (WINNING AURA + WRITING)

BY LAUREN DESTEFANO

Now, in the book world, The Chemical Garden trilogy is one of those series where you either love it or hate it. For me, I understand that there are world-building flaws and that there are some weak characters (just as there are strong ones). But this series continues to steal a soft spot in my heart simply because of the aura--or mood--that it's lyrical, breathtaking yet humble, writing creates. I can FEEL the gloom of this futuristic world, even with some world-building holes. I can taste the saccharine opulence, smell the smoke. Lauren DeStefano is an author whom I will follow simply for her writing. 

Scifi - Hardcore

ENDER'S GAME (PERFECT MIX OF CHARACTER + PLOT-DRIVEN)

BY ORSON SCOTT CARD

Here's a book that I think deserves to be on school reading lists. Here's a book that I think that everyone should have in their repertoires, author personal-beliefs aside. Sure, it's a great read for those hardcore scifi lovers out there (space, aliens, battle-training school--what more is there to have?), but it goes deeper than that. Ender's Game, as straightforward as the writing is and as interesting but simple as the plot is, offers a deep, psychological perspective on childhood, growing up, and relationships. Think of it as a spice. The undertones are all there. 

Speculative - Post-apocalyptic 

HOW I LIVE NOW (POSSIBLY MY FAVORITE BOOK OF ALL TIME)

BY MEG ROSOFF 

Proves my theory on how shorter books (Of Mice and Men, The Great Gatsby) are often mind-shockingly brilliant. I picked this up from my decrepit library two summers ago and still get shivers when I think about it. It really is a simple story. Girl goes to countryside England to live with her cousins, World War ??? breaks out. But the characters...oh the characters. And not even that. This book is like chocolate. It's sweet and bitter, and yet there's so much more to its flavor than that, flavor that I just can't describe. 

LIFE AS WE KNEW IT (MOST REALISTIC/BEST DIARY-STYLE)

BY SUSAN BETH PFEFFER

A little less underrated than How I Live Now, but still underrated :( Seriously, this is one of the best post-apocalyptic survival tales out there because it's SO real. Yes, despite its inciting incident being that the moon blows up in our faces, the characters and their struggles were tangible. This is also one of the best diary-style books that I've ever read. Miranda, our narrator, isn't really likable, but you have to admire her for the hell that goes down in this story. 

Paranormal

A CERTAIN SLANT OF LIGHT (BEST GHOST STORY)

BY LAURA WHITCOMB 

I've read all the walks of paranormal (super/psychic powers, angels, demons, vamps, trolls, faeries, as so the list goes) and many ghost stories. The problem is that a lot of them blend into each other and then I can't remember any of their plots with much distinction. But A Certain Slant of Light? Oh, I wish it never ended. Theme-wise, it's more contemporary than paranormal, but that's really what makes it so great. The romance...possibly the best couple in the universe of paranormal. And the writing is a treat. In fact, this is one of the most literary YA's (not even just within the paranormal genre) that I've ever read. 

Contemporary

HOW TO SAVE A LIFE (BEST SLICE OF LIFE)

BY SARA ZARR

Now, of all the genres, I had the hardest time picking my favorite for Contemporary because for me, at least, Contemporaries are quiet, thoughtful sort of books. From John Green to Sarah Dessen, they leave me sort of depressed (in a good way!) after reading because they all leave a mark. However, my FAVORITE of all the Contemporary authors is Sara Zarr. Her writing is fantastic, her characters are real, and her plot conflicts are twisty but still fathomable. How to Save a Life is no exception. 

Historical 

BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY (BEST STORY + SIDE-CHARACTERS)

BY RUTA SEPETYS

I mentioned this title once and someone confused it with FIFTY SHADES OF GRAY. Probably the worst mix-up in the world. Between Shades of Gray is one of the most moving tales of human compassion and strength, based on the events of the deportations of the Baltic States orchestrated by the Soviets during WWII. Yes, a new angle on all the atrocities of WWII! I saved this for last because I THINK that my favorite genre might be historical fiction, but sadly there just isn't that much out there in the YA world. However, keeping in mind that less can be more sometimes, I am wholly satisfied with gems like Between Shades of Gray to represent the YA Historical Fiction sector!

This is one of my harder posts just because there are SO many awesome books in each of the aforementioned genres that I would love to nominate. However, keeping in mind that reading (and writing) is such a subjective business, a lot of these nominations are based on the gut feeling I have when I think about these books. Just as I had fun writing this, I hope you had fun reading! I'd LOVE to hear of your (dis)agreements/nominations, so please comment below!

Call for readers (and I will accept my limits)

***BEFORE YOU READ, DISCLAIMER!!! I am not breaking up with any existing or pre-promised partnerships. So no fear!***

Back when I was young and editing INGENICIDE (haha, just kidding!), I honestly wondered how the heck was I supposed to get people to read my MS? Therefore, whenever anyone offered, it felt just as exhilarating as...getting a full request. So in order to show my appreciation, I'd offer to swap, because why should I expect someone to read my MS without giving something back in return?

Slowly, it's beginning to dawn on me that I can't do that anymore. Between life, reading the works of my critique group, writing my own stuff, and trying to catch up on those MS's that I'd promised to crit, I have to come out honestly and say that I've bitten off more than I can chew. As much as I try to be an infallible, generous critter, I've realized that I can't continue to let this image get in the way of my actual abilities. Not only is that stressful for me (because I want to be able to read all the MS's in the world and I want to crit every single one), more importantly it's not fair to those whom I have promised a critique swap, who have to wait months and months without any feedback.

No longer can I promise to keep to the critique for a critique system. And I apologize profusely for that. I wish that I didn't have these limits because I owe so much to each and every person who takes the time to read my writing. Because without all of you, I wouldn't have improved as much as I have.

Because of my respect for all of you, I can't keep on overestimating the extent of my abilities.

Thinking all of this through has helped me come to terms with the fact that I can't maintain a critique partnership with everyone (although I'd really, really love to), that I have to accept the fact that there are simply readers out there who just want to enjoy the MS and do not expect a critique in return.

And so I now I post my call for all beta readers interested in reading and providing oh-so-helpful feedback on the second pass of my newly finished MS, IF LIFE WERE FAIR.

Genre: Upper YA/NA Contemporary (with medium romantic element)
Word Count: 58,000
Status: Complete--version 2
Query:

Idle from her gap year before college and cynical from running the hamster wheel of binge eating and exercising, eighteen-year-old Bernie Lisel receives an ultimatum from her mother: get a job or lose the credit card. 

Easier said than done.

Waitressing at the fancy French bistro in Manhattan is just what Bernie doesn’t need on her plate. But in the name of money to supply her binges, she’ll take it. Even if that means installing an edit button on her perpetually snarking mouth and trying not to mix up vanilla cream and tartar sauce. Gradually, Bernie learns the ropes and begins to bond with a crew of optimistic and quirky coworkers. And then there’s Luke Wells, assistant chef and a sophomore at Columbia. Selfless and diligent to a fault, he might also be the best listener to people's problems in the entire universe. Perhaps that’s why Bernie feels equal parts exposed and guarded around him.

But when Luke is diagnosed with stage III stomach cancer and refuses treatment, Bernie suddenly discovers that she’s not the only one with a secret to keep. Putting aside her eating disorder to help Luke with a turbulent family past, she orchestrates a journey to his home state of Montana. As the 2,400 miles whittle down, the last question on Bernie’s mind is of her own recovery. She only wonders if she can accomplish for Luke what she never could for herself—breaking the self-fulfilling cycle of resignation.

If you are interested, please comment with your email OR email me at joanart6 AT gmail DOT com. And if I haven't said this already, seriously, you guys are the best. I'm sorry for this being such a downer post. If you do decide that you'd like to be a beta for ILWF, I really appreciate it. I completely understand how busy everyone is, which is why the writing community continues to surprise me with its awesomeness. 

Post-manuscript completion thoughts

After two months of flying through the beginning, waddling around the sticky middle, and sprinting full-speed to the finish line, I have finally completed MS #3!!* For the super rough blurb, check out the my NOVELS tab and scroll to IF LIFE WERE FAIR. 

This was me post-completion. Don't you love my alter persona? 

I had a lot of fun writing this one because the main character had a very strong personality and naturally I spent a lot of time in her head as the novel is from first person POV. Surprisingly, the the writing process was different from MS #2, INGENICIDE. I know you're thinking well, Joan, you're writing a different novel for one, not to mention in a different genre. Of course the process is going to be different. And I understand that, but at the same time I had thought that the overall feel would be more or less the same, given the method I used for INGENICIDE was successful, as in I actually finished it and thought to myself: hey, this doesn't suck too badly!

Now in retrospect, I can see how writing IF LIFE WERE FAIR turned out to be a different experience than INGENICIDE. Firstly, I wrote INGENICIDE (65k) over the course of four months at the pace of a consistent plod. That means I had more time to afford non-writing days, days when I'd wait for some inspiration to strike (guilty!). In contrast, IF LIFE WERE FAIR (58k) is the product of a two month writing frenzy (which is still is far from the Nano pace, but it was a lot of me--I'm a slowish worker :). Why? Well, I still feel kind of sad for missing the dystopian bandwagon for INGENICIDE  so this me trying to catch the wagon for upper YA/NA before I miss it and fall face-flat in the dust.** But that's beside the point. The point is that I didn't have the luxury of losing too many writing days with IF LIFE WERE FAIR.  Which is probably why there were points in the story where I practically had to force myself to muscle through, not so much because they boring, but because I only have so much juice in me for a day. I've always been able to squeeze out some juice, but this was wringing. 

Secondly, I wrote in a completely different style for IF LIFE WERE FAIR as compared to INGENICIDE.  My CP's noticed this, and I, too, was aware. Bernadette, the MC in IF LIFE WERE FAIR has a lot of emotional baggage and is trying to rescue a personality that has been warped by her eating disorder. As a result, the syntax, word choice, and tone of every sentence in IF LIFE WERE FAIR were stark contrasts to the minimalistic and artistic voice of Sibyl, the MC from INGENICIDE. I had no idea how much this would influence the writing process! There were days when Bernie, oh-so-moody, just wouldn't speak to me. 

And lastly, writing the ending to IF LIFE WERE FAIR was just as exhilarating, but more taxing, than writing the ending to INGENICIDE  This is probably due to the fact that I worked myself into a last leg writing sprint and whipped out 8k in one night. The emotional impact of watching all of the story simmer down before my eyes in the matter of hours was unbelievably thrilling and sad.*** The reason why I was able to write this much at once for the end of IF LIFE WERE FAIR and not for INGENICIDE is because I had a clear idea of how I wanted IF LIFE WERE FAIR to end even before the halfway point of the story. That made the road leading up to the finale much easier to navigate.

All in all, writing IF LIFE WERE FAIR was neither easier nor harder than writing INGENICIDE, even though I had more experience under my belt. Regardless, I had a blast watching my characters come to life and weaving a theme and voice throughout the novel. Currently, I'm letting it rest for a bit before diving into revisions. Meanwhile, I'm so excited to start on this shiny new idea that popped to me during the sticky middle of IF LIFE WERE FAIR  A post will be up for that soon, and I'll be adding it to the NOVELS tab.

For those of you who have written more than one MS, did you find the general "writing experience" changed (outside of genre related differences) from one MS to the other? 

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*I think I might have carpal tunnel? I have an ache going from my right pinky down the side of my palm?!

**I don't believe in write the next trend. I DO believe in timing. If it just so happens that what you are currently writing might be garnering interest in the publishing world, well, why not try to seize the opportunity?

***I went to bed at 2AM and couldn't fall asleep for an hour because my head was buzzing with the story-residue. Plus, it was thundering like the end of the world. I had planned to brew myself a massive cup of coffee the next morning, but we lost power :( Needless to say, I was a zombie for the rest of the day until my awesome friend supplied me with chocolate and gingersnaps. Who says sugar isn't a remedy?

Inner Peace and Sunshine Awards

My lovely fellow blogger/novelist/epically-awesome-friend Julia (whom I met online during Writeoncon's Pitchfest this past spring AND in-person during WDCE--twas fate) has recently nominated me for the Inner Peace and Sunshine Awards.

I am super excited to reveal seven things about me that you won't be able to find on the About Cynthiarox66 tab! Hopefully, they won't be too boring because my life is pretty mundane and undramatic :)

1. My inner storyteller first manifested when I told fortunes for my friends and for friends of my parents. I got in trouble for it once, because I basically told this guest at a dinner party that he would get run over by a car sometime in the distant future. No malicious intentions, I promise you! I did love the Hunger Games, though, so I'm not sure what that says about my streak for violence. Even now, I don't know whether or laugh or cringe at the memory.

2. I've never filled up a diary. The closest I've come to doing so is with one that I got in 2005 at Borders (oh, the nostalgia). That's basically filled with mush about the boys I had crushes on from elementary school through middle school. I can't make myself read it.

3. I'm a pseudo-vegetarian. So, if I were starving, I'd be fine with food touching meat. I'm fine with drinking chicken soup and leaking behind all the chicken bits. I'm not a true vegetarian, however, because I have no real love for vegetables. More of a carbohydratarian.

4. I LOVE Hayao Miyazaki and all of Studio Ghibli's movies (Spirited Away, anyone? Howl's Moving Castle? Kiki's Delivery Service? Princess Mononoke?). The artwork is just mind-blowing, as are the details and the scores and the characters. I have a 140,000 word fanfic on Spirited Away--basically what got me into writing longer works. It's two chapters from being complete, but I haven't updated in ages just because original work seems to grab my attention more than fanfic nowadays :( If any of my fanfic followers are reading this, I promise that I will finish it someday!

5. I'm freakishly scared of bugs. Especially crawling things with lots of legs. Millipedes are the worst...*shudders*. I don't think I'd survive for more than a week in a jungle.

6. I can bake a mean cupcake. If I can ever find a baking partner, I'd definitely audition for Food Network's Cupcake Wars. In fact, my life plan goes like this: get an education, get a job that makes a decent living, retire with saved money, open a cupcake shop/be a full time writer.

7. I enjoy writing by hand. Sometimes. Just to bask in the beauty of my handwriting. Haha just kidding. I'm volunteering this summer at this program for middle schooler who need a little boost and sometimes I find myself with free time. I COULD just bring my laptop and type my writing, but hey, old-school looks more academic, right? Have to set a good example for the kids ;) It really is a different experience--slower, but I'm more concise with my words.

Now for nominations! If you don't see your name below, it's because I'm scatterbrained, not because I forgot about you, so feel free to hop in! Have fun, guys :)

Deborah Kreiser 
The Loony Teen Writer
Carissa Taylor
Zara Hoffman
Sarah Faulkner
Avon

Giveaway Winner!

This is overdue, but thanks to all who participated in the giveaway of book one Marie Lu's Legend trilogy! The winner is...DUNDUNDUN...

Bgrey

Congratulations, Bgrey! Please email me at joanart6@gmail.com with your mailing address, and I will ship over Legend :D