Dave Amaditz

All of the posts under the "Dave Amaditz" category.

First Friday – Five Favorite Things – Debut Novel Day

by Dave Amaditz 
& Marcy Collier
Goblin Secrets
Welcome to April version of – First Friday – Five Favorite Things – Debut Novel Day. In this monthly series, we ask five simple questions about a debut novel that will hopefully entice anyone reading this post to pick up the novel and read it themselves, and/or give them at a glance some insight into the author’s writing style and voice as well as how some of the characters might think or act. We do this by presenting, first, answers to our Five Favorite Things, followed by the author’s answers in a follow-up post.

This month we’re pleased to highlight debut author and National Book Award Winner, William Alexander’s novel, Goblin Secrets.

1) What is your favorite line or paragraph from the novel as it relates to the main character’s development and/or growth?

Dave- I picked this passage because the main character, Rownie, has just had his narrow view of the world grow larger. Not only has he met a troupe of goblin actors, but he realizes that they know of his missing brother, Rowan.

The circle of goblins all stared at Rownie with their large, bright-flecked eyes. Rownie tried not to cough again. The world had just changed shape, and he didn’t recognize the new shape it was in.

Marcy – This development comes early in the story, but this brief snapshot gives the reader a better understanding for Rownie, the main character’s motivations and actions throughout the novel.

Rownie had a brother older than any of the siblings who shared Graba’s shack, an actual birth-brother. They looked alike, both of them dark with dark eyes – eyes you couldn’t easily see the bottom of. Everyone called the brothers Rowan and Little Rowan. After a while “Little Rowan” shortened into “Rownie.” Rownie had never had a name of his own. Their mother drowned before she’d had a chance to name him.

2) What is your favorite chapter ending or cliffhanger?

Dave- In Zombay, the tunnels are the worst place to go, yet Rownie goes there in search of his brother. He is confronted in the darkness by Graba, an evil spell caster, who is after both Rownie and his brother.

Rownie remained in the dark, with Graba. He tried to remember how to breathe.

Marcy – ***Spoiler Alert*** Poor Rownie has been searching high and low for his long lost brother the entire novel. The reader peers around every corner with Rownie, hoping and praying the two brothers will once again be reunited. I won’t give away the dramatic details, but check out this cliffhanger:

The railcar shook and slid to a halt. The lights inside sputtered and went out. “Rowan?” Rownie asked in the dark.

3) Who is your favorite secondary character and why?

Dave- Essa, a goblin, is my favorite secondary character. In the midst of chaos and danger she maintains her easy-going personality. What’s not to like about lines like these?

The first example comes when she sees Patch, a goblin whom they feared dead.

“Shut it, scowly trousers!” Essa came sprinting from the other end of the tower and knocked both Patch and Nonny to the ground with a tackling hug. Patch held his leg and winced. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” said Essa. “Are you hurt? Is it bad? Are you actually drowned and you just came back to haunt us? I hope not. I would hate it if you said even less than you usually do.”

The second example is her explaining to Rownie what a halberd is.

“If an ax and a spear had babies, they would be halberds,” Essa told him. “It’s a pokey-pokey weapon for convincing things that are taller than you to stay back, please. Here’s one.” She handed it to Rownie and grabbed another.

Marcy – Even though Rowan doesn’t appear until the end of the novel, I get such a clear picture of his vibrant and vivacious character through Rownie’s eyes that I keep hoping that I’ll get to meet the real Rowan, not simply hear about Rownie’s memories of him. Throughout the novel, little snippets of big brother’s character shine through like the paragraph below.

Sometimes Rowan had enough to buy an extra fish pastry, and they would split the third one. He always gave his younger brother the larger piece.

4) What is your favorite line or paragraph of description?

Dave- There were so many fantastic images throughout, but in the end I decided to pick one that gave a little insight into Rownie’s personality as well as his kid-like voice.

Rownie understood very little of the conversation, though he listened carefully. He sifted words through his head like fine dust through his hands, and he caught what he could. As the youngest he was used to piecing together his understanding from snatches of overheard conversations, and the rest he set carefully aside on the shelf in the back of his mind.

Marcy – Like Dave said above, there were so many great lines of description that I had a hard time choosing as well, but I decided on one simple sentence. Twelve words. What an image it paints for the reader – well done!

The gravestones were all worn and crooked, like teeth badly cared for.

5) What is your favorite line of dialogue?

Dave- This comes from Essa, a goblin, and is extremely short. But I loved it. What else would a goblin actor say to their fellow actor before going on stage?

“Break your face, everybody!” said Essa. She said it with so much hope and cheer that Rownie was sure he must’ve heard her wrong.

Marcy – There is a scene in the novel where Thomas, one of the Goblins goes on a tirade and is going to curse Cob, the owner of the alehouse, for not paying the goblins for their performance. His young daughter comes out to make amends and shows true honor and bravery toward the goblins. Her sincerity comes through in these lines:

“I’m just sorry he tossed you out,” the girl said. You should have some payment for the show, so I brought you some bread.” She lifted the basket she held. “It’s fresh. It doesn’t have maggots in it, not unless your curses work very fast.” She gave him the basket.

You can find William at:

Dave Amaditz April 5, 2013 3 Comments Permalink

First Friday – Five Favorite Things – Debut Novel Day

Freshman Year & Other Unnatural Disasters
by Dave Amaditz and Marcy Collier
Welcome to March’s version of – First Friday – Five Favorite Things – Debut Novel Day. In this monthly series, we ask five simple questions about a debut novel that will hopefully entice anyone reading this post to pick up the novel and read it themselves, and/or give them at a glance some insight into the author’s writing style and voice as well as how some of the characters might think or act. We do this by presenting, first, answers to our Five Favorite Things, followed by the author’s answers in a follow-up post.

This month we’re pleased to highlight debut author, Meredith Zeitlin’s novel, Freshman Year & Other Unnatural Disasters.

1) What is your favorite line or paragraph from the novel as it relates to the main character’s development and/or growth?

Dave- I picked this passage from the beginning the book, as I believe it sets the stage for all the problems the main character is going to face throughout the novel.

 “That’s another thing. Guys. How did it happen that I’m the only one of my friends – including Em, the shy one! – who has never hooked up with anyone? Not that I haven’t had any chances, mind you. A certain Keith Mayhew has been frantically pursuing me since sixth grade. (He’s totally nice, but… I don’t like himthat way.) I just want my first real kissing experience to be this utterly awesome thing, with the right guy and the right situation. And I know fourteen isn’t that old… but it feels like I’ve totally missed the boat. I mean, I am seriously the only one now. And what if my friends start having sex or something before I even get to first base, and I’m still wandering around, unkissed, unnoticed? I’ll just die of humiliation. Not that I can imagine anyone (especially myself) having sex with any of the guys I know – or anything leading up to sex, really. It all seems so awkward and sort of gross… and yet it’s what I think about ALL THE TIME.”

Marcy – The main character, Kelsey thinks that her mom wants to re-enact her own teenage years vicariously through her daughter. Kelsey never gives in and tries to keep her away from her friends and the latest gossip, until one day Kelsey has a breakdown. This scene is pivotal in the development of Kelsey’s relationship with her mom.

And then the weirdest thing happens. Maybe it’s her shrill, endlessly irritating voice or just the fact that my life is a mess, but I burst into tears. Even as it’s happening I’m surprised, though I guess after the last couple of months this is sort of becoming routine. Thanks, hormones. Anyway, Mom is really surprised. And somehow I find myself telling her all about Cass and Jordan and Em (I do not mention Keith for fear she’ll overreact and drag me to a gynecologist or something) and she actually really listens. Puts down the newspaper and everything.

2) What is your favorite chapter ending or cliffhanger?

Dave- This cliffhanger stood out to me, as I lived the tension right along with Kelsey. Who wouldn’t want to die seeing their best friend kissing their crush?

I laugh, looking back up at the balcony. Then the stage lights do a sweep over the audience, and for a moment, the girl’s face is illuminated.

It’s Cassidy. My Cassidy.

And she’s kissing…

Jordan Rothman.

My stomach drops to my knees.

Marcy – Kelsey has a major crush on Jordan Rothman. She believes that freshman year will be different, and she and Jordan will start dating even though they’ve barely ever talked.

*** Spoiler alert ***

Then Kelsey sees one of her best friends making out with Jordan. You have to read on to the next chapter to find out what’s happening. Terrific cliffhanger!

It’s Cassidy. MyCassidy. And she’s kissing… Jordan Rothman. My stomach drops to my knees.

3) Who is your favorite secondary character and why?

Dave- I switched back and forth between Travis, Kelsey’s younger sister, and Mom as my favorite secondary character. Mom won out in the end. She has parenting down pat and deals with the ups and down of teen life with humor. She knows when to back off and give her daughter room to grow, but also knows when to step in, to put her foot down, to say enough is enough.

Following is a response from Mom to Kelsey after Kelsey has just finished confiding in her about boyfriend/girlfriend problems.

Then she says, “I’ll tell you this much, honey: Even if Cassidy is experimenting sexually” – GAG! – “she is probably one of the few. Everyone always thinks the whole freshman class is getting it on” – vomit, seriously -“but then senior year you find out it was three people and a lot of imagination. Otherwise 20/20 would be doing a show about it.”

Marcy – JoJo beats to her own drum. She is this spunky, outgoing character who is full of life. She is a free-spirit who is always up for an adventure and makes every scene where she appears exciting. You never know what this character will say or do, but she is honest and true to her friends. Her laid back personality balances Kelsey, who is often high strung.

4) What is your favorite line or paragraph of description?

Dave- I picked this passage because it shows how desperate Kelsey feels to fit in. She describes Lexi, a new girl in school, as being beautiful, yet she has yet to realize her own beauty.

“It only takes a single day for me to realize that Lexi is way too busy being admired to even notice me shooting her death-ray looks across every hallway and classroom. She has a lot on her plate, after all, what with crossing and uncrossing her endless legs in their $250 jeans, giggling, and flipping her perfect, evil, cascading blond locks.

Not that I’m spending all my time watching Lexi. Most of the time I watch Jordan Rothman watching her. Day by day, my meticulously imagined future with him slips away from me like a helium balloon on a windy day.”

Marcy - This line made me laugh out loud, and I’m quite sure this is how teenagers feel.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I take it out to see a lovely text from my mother about dishes in the sink and how she’s not my maid. Thanks, Verizon, I think, for making your phones so user-friendly that even the elderly can send text messages.

5) What is your favorite line of dialogue?

Dave- This is spoken by Keith after a quite awkward kiss with Kelsey, her first. (Boy am I glad I’m no longer a teen.)

Keith glares at me and shouts over the band, “Well, it’s more like you’re not doing it right. Have you ever even made out before? My brother is in college, y’know, and he told me everything there is to know about Frenching when we were in seventh grade, so I think I know what I’m doing, Kelsey. But don’t worry – I’m happy to practice with you till you feel more confident about your skills. “

Marcy – I did not see this accident coming. JoJo and Kelsey are at JoJo’s house drinking. After way too much alcohol, Kelsey brings the bottle of vodka to her lips and smashes the lip of the bottle against her mouth. She doesn’t know she has cracked off her front tooth until she looks in the mirror.

I yelp, “Oh my God, JoJo, I think I just broke my face!” 



You can find Meredith at:

Dave Amaditz March 1, 2013 1 Comment Permalink

Exercise and Earn More

by

Dave Amaditz

In May of last year I posted about the benefits of daily exercise. I talked out how exercising gave me more energy and how having more energy translated into better writing. To read the entire post, follow this link . http://rt19writers.blogspot.com/2012/05/exercise-daily-and-keep-physically-fit.html

I still exercise four days a week and definitely benefit by having more energy afterwards. Except today, because for some stupid reason I decided to push it extra hard, and although I felt great after the workout, I’m paying the price now… stiff muscles, and a burning (pun intended) desire to go to bed and rest.

Of course, I won’t let a little soreness stop me from exercising. Why would I? I know the benefits. And now, according to an article I recently read, research has shown that those who exercise daily earn more than those who do not exercise, by as much as 9%. To read a few different articles on the topic, follow these links.

So, now that we know how to get rich, shouldn’t we be exercising? Think about it. Those who exercise earn more money. Shouldn’t it stand to reason that those who exercise have more success in writing? Get more books published? Get more acceptance letters from editors and/or agents?

Hmmm. Something’s wrong here. I just finished my novel, and as of last month, began querying agents… And so far… nothing. I know. I know. It’s still quite early in the game. I need to give it plenty of time. So I will. I will be patient. (And keep my fingers crossed and say a few prayers in case the exercising doesn’t work.)

Well, here’s a shout-out to all the agents.

Hello agents! I exercise regularly. According to the article, I should be more successful…

On the other hand, maybe the shout-out won’t make a difference. Maybe agents don’t care if I exercise. I’ll bet they do care if I’m writing and if I’m writing with quality though – – and for that, there is only one solution.

Sit in front of the computer. Write. Then rewrite. Rewrite. Rewrite. Workshop the manuscript with your writer’s group. Then rewrite again.

Oh well, I guess it’s a good thing I’ve been exercising after all, because now, at least, I’ll have the energy to write a few quality pages.

And a stronger heart to handle the rejections I’m sure will come.

Dave Amaditz February 20, 2013 2 Comments Permalink

First Friday-Five Favorite Things: Freakling, Lana Krumwiede


This past Friday, February 1, 2013, Marcy and I posted our answers to Lana’s debut novel, Freakling. Today, you get to read Lana’s favorite’s. First though, I wanted to mention that the idea for doing this series came to me while I was reading Lana’s book. She had such great insight into her characters, and there were so many moments throughout when I found myself really intrigued by lines of dialogue or paragraphs of description as it related to her main character’s growth. After running the idea by Marcy, she and I came up with the questions for the series. Marcy and I both hoped that by doing this, both we and our readers would gain a little insight into the thought process of the authors we were highlighting, as well as a sneak peek at their debut novels.


What I didn’t realize is the effect that this would have on the authors. Here’s what Lana had to say about the exercise.


“This is actually very thought-provoking. I started wondering if I should start thinking about things like this in the early or middle stages of the writing process. I think a really interesting pre-writing exercise would be to journal about what is my favorite thing about this character’s personality. Or, what is her character growth going to be all about and how can it be shown to maximum effect? I do think about things like that, but I don’t often write it down or perhaps explore it fully.”


“Of course, sometimes the writing takes on an energy of its own, and an author can’t afford to ignore that. Even so, I find that if I can plant some solid ideas in my subconscious beforehand, then more or less forget about that as I write and let my subconscious work things out on its own, things come together nicely as I write. Not sure this is making any sense… the point is that I think these questions are really thoughtful and not the run-of-the-mill author questions, so good job!”


Thank you, Lana, for the compliment! Marcy and I really enjoyed reading the book and picking out our five favorites.


Now, let’s hear Lana’s five favorites.


1) What is your favorite line or paragraph from the novel as it relates to the main character’s development and/or growth?


Taemon is a bit tricky to write as a main character, because his personality is reserved. He doesn’t like the limelight, and he would rather someone else take the lead. But he does have a strong sense of integrity, and when it was clear that people were relying on him to lead, he steps up to take that role. In my mind, this happens for the first time when Taemon and Amma get captured, and Taemon has to come up with a plan to escape. At that point, everyone looks to him for direction, and he doesn’t shy away from it. That’s my boy!


Here’s a quote from Taemon in which we finally see him taking a stand:


“It’s not right for people with psi to use it for violence. Isn’t that why the powerless colony was established in the first place? Because being powerless makes you vulnerable?”

2) What is your favorite chapter ending or cliffhanger?


All the chapter endings in Freakling have a bit of the cliffhanger, though some are stronger than others. I think one of my favorites is the end of chapter eleven. The scene where Taemon and Amma ride in the back of Jad’s hauler is light and fun, then things get tense quickly when Taemon realizes where Jad is headed. Oh, and my other favorite is in chapter thirteen when he discovers the mysterious psi door at the colony.


Taemon faked outrage. “All right, that’s it.” He picked up another piece of hay. “All or nothing. If I win this one, you have to tell me. And if you win . . .”



“What?” Amma asked with a smile. “What do I win?”



Taemon looked at the scenery. He wasn’t thinking about the hay-spitting game anymore. A deep anxiety worked its way from his stomach to his scalp.



Earth and Sky! Was that the city wall he saw in the distance? They must be way past the drop-off station. He should have been paying attention. He never should have trusted Jad.



Taemon turned and banged on the roof of the driving compartment. “Stop!”

3) Who is your favorite secondary character and why?



Challis! She was really fun to write because she seems clueless, but she knows more than anyone can guess.



Here’s a fun line or two from Challis:


“Ah, you’ve come to see your Auntie Challis. It was always good to see you, Thayer.”



“Um, you too,” Taemon said.


Hannova looked confused. “What did she call you?”


Taemon whispered to Hannova, “I think she’s got me mixed up with her nephew.”


“Thayer’s my father, not my nephew. And another thing, the pickles next year were excellent. Sour, just the way I like them.”


“Next year?” Taemon asked.


“It’s all in the eyebrows, Thayer.”

4) What is your favorite line or paragraph of description?


This is tough because description is my least favorite thing to write; I have to make myself do it. I’m the same way as a reader—I tend to skim over description. I think the hardest thing was trying to describe psi as I introduced it in the first chapter. I rewrote that opening chapter countless times, trying to get the right tone and to inform the reader enough without getting off to a slow start. That feeling when the scene finally feels right is so satisfying.


Here’s an excerpt from the first chapter:


One day when he was about three years old, Taemon realized dishes didn’t wash themselves. Someone nearby was using psi to tell the dishes and the doors and the quadriders what to do. You couldn’t see it, you couldn’t hear it, but when an object moved, someone nearby was doing it with psi. Da said even the Earth had her psi. She used it to fetch rain from the clouds and rouse the seeds in spring.

5) What is your favorite line of dialogue?


I think my favorite dialogue in Freakling is the kind where Taemon gets confused about how powerless things work. For example, when Amma wants him to paddle the boat around the lake and she has to explain to him how to use an oar. That “fish-out-of-water” stuff is really fun to write because it adds humor, of course, but also because it shows how strange the powerless lifestyle is to a city dweller. The psi wielders have become so dependent on their power that they no longer have the basic notions of how to do things by hand.


“Me? Captain?” Taemon asked. “How can I move a boat without psi?”


Amma rolled her eyes. “Ever heard of an oar?”


“Or? Or what?”


Vangie and Amma laughed, but Taemon shrugged. How under Blue Skies was he supposed to know these things?

Congratulations Lana on your debut novel Freakling! Be sure to check out the sequel to Freakling. Archoncomes out in October, 2013.


Thank you again, Lana!

You can find Lana at:


Twitter:  @LanaKrumwiede

Amazon:  Freakling


Dave Amaditz February 4, 2013 Leave A Comment Permalink

First Friday – Five Favorite Things – Debut Novel Day

by Dave Amaditz & Marcy Collier


Welcome to February’s version of – First Friday – Five Favorite Things – Debut Novel Day. In this monthly series, we ask five simple questions about a debut novel that will hopefully entice anyone reading this post to pick up the novel and read it themselves, and/or give them at a glance some insight into the author’s writing style and voice as well as how some of the characters might think or act. We do this by presenting, first, answers to our Five Favorite Things, followed by the author’s answers in a follow-up post.


This month we’re pleased to highlight debut author, Lana Krumwiede’s novel, Freakling.


1) What is your favorite line or paragraph from the novel as it relates to the main character’s development and/or growth?


Dave – This passage comes from near the end of the book Without giving away what happens in the story, Taemon, the main character, has to confront the dilemma facing him… how to solve the problem facing him without killing his brother.


 “Moke’s death flashed in Taemon’s mind. He tried to shove his sadness away until he realized that it was part of the solution. Moke died because Taemon’s knowledge was useless without power and Amma’s power was useless without knowledge. If you could separate Yen’s knowledge from the power…”


Marcy – Taemon, the main character of the story is a rule follower. The special ability (psi) that he and everyone around him possess is a gift that should not be taken for granted or used recklessly. He feels sorry for anyone without psi until he finds himself living in their community and realizes they may truly be the lucky ones.


The tune was simple, not nearly as complex as the psi music he knew, but he had to admit this music had more emotion, more feeling. The musicians swayed and bounced when they played, their faces showing something that Taemon was sure he’d never experienced.


2) What is your favorite chapter ending or cliffhanger?


Dave – There were many great chapter endings, but I chose this one from early in the novel. It occurs during a confrontation when Taemon’s brother, Yens, has Taemon dangling over the edge of a cliff with sharp rocks and the raging ocean below.


“Forget all this stuff about danger increasing power. You’re asking for disaster.”

Yens grinned. “That’s the whole point.” And he let go.

Taemon fell into the water, and the sea hauled him out again.


Marcy – My favorite chapter ending is when Taemon finds himself alone with his brother out to sea. The brother is this insidious, awful person who is selfish and only cares about having power. He threatens Taemon’s life until Taemon relinquishes and tells him the information his brother seeks. As the reader, you think great, now Taemon will be okay. But instead of being saved, his brother releases him out to the choppy sea to die.

3) Who is your favorite secondary character and why?


Dave – Elder Naseph, the high priest, is my favorite secondary character. He’s the perfect antagonist – – cunningly evil with a diabolical plan to achieve ultimate power.


Marcy – Moke is a great sidekick to Taemon. He is this quirky, bizarre, lovable kid, who is honest and forthright. Taemon isn’t sure if he can trust this boy or become his friend. Moke responds with the following line: 

“You don’t know what to make of me.” Moke nodded. “That’s okay: you’re a quake after all. Quakes are supposed to question. Here’s what you need to know before you decide: My parents run the crematorium. I study weasel droppings. I create sculptures from cat hair. And I stink at psiball.”


What’s not to love about this secondary character?


4) What is your favorite line or paragraph of description?

Dave – There were so many to choose from, but in the end, I picked this passage, as it accurately describes the main character’s emotions. It shows how difficult it is for him to understand what it is like for him to live in a different culture, and that believe it or not, different might be better. I think it is a lesson of acceptance we can all learn from.


“A sharp rapping sound made him wince. He turned and saw someone hanging a sign over one of the booths. Even the sounds were different here. Banging, grinding, creaking, pounding. He’d never realized how noisy primitive life was.


But primitive life had its advantages, too. He could tell who was doing what. Everything felt relaxed and friendly and open. Of course, that relaxed feeling probably had something to do with the fact that he was not required to lie, cheat, or pretend to be anything other than what he was.”


Marcy – This line captures a clear picture of Taemon’s passion in two short sentences.


Taemon’s head was filled with the sketches he’d seen on the tinker’s slate. Already he’d thought of three different changes he’d make to those plans.


5) What is your favorite line of dialogue?


Dave – This is spoken by Amma. She lives with the non-gifted, but has the power of psi (the ability to move things with her mind) which she is forced to keep hidden. It is a line I believe all of us can learn from.


“Exactly,” Amma said. “What is the desire of your heart? It doesn’t matter if you have psi or if you don’t. You still have to know what you want; you have to picture it in your head before you can make it happen.”


Marcy- “This is stupid to the power of stupid,” Taemon said.


Such a fun line that brings out Taemon’s voice and personality as his character becomes more confident and daring.


You can find Lana at:


Twitter:  @LanaKrumwiede

Amazon:  Freakling



Dave Amaditz February 1, 2013 Leave A Comment Permalink

First Friday – Five Favorite Things – Debut Novel Day

We want to thank author Jill Hathaway for participating in our First Friday – Five Favorite Things – Debut Novel Day. We asked Jill to answer five questions about her novel Slide. On Friday, January 4, 2013 post, David Amaditz and Marcy Collier answered the same five questions about Jill’s debut novel.

1) What is your favorite line or paragraph from the novel as it relates to the main character’s development and/or growth?
Jill –  Toward the end of SLIDE, Vee and her father have a falling out. The fact that she’s able to move past his mistake is huge to me. Here are her thoughts on the matter:
“I look back at him, and I see my father for what he is. A man. He is just a man. One night, he drank a little too much and did something stupid. He made a mistake. But he is more than that mistake. He is the man who makes a lasagna, the man who holds my mother’s picture and cries when he thinks no one is looking, the man who makes broken babies whole. He is just a man. But he is a good man.”
2) What is your favorite chapter ending or cliffhanger?
Jill – Aaagh, this is so hard without spoiling the story! One of my favorite parts is at the end of chapter 20, but I can’t tell you why! It is just so satisfying. (At least to me.)
3) Who is your favorite secondary character and why?

Jill – Rollins is my favorite secondary character. He has a lot going on at home, and I really feel for him.
4) What is your favorite line or paragraph of description?

Jill – My favorite line is probably this: Yeah, maybe a little morbid, but true.
“It’s wrong that death is a loss. It’s something you gain. Death is always there, whispering in your ear. It’s in the spaces between your fingers. In your memories. In everything you think and say and feel and wish. It’s always there.“
5) What is your favorite line of dialogue?
Jill – Rollins tells Vee, “You’re about as delicate as an AK-47.” Hee.
We want to thank Jill Hathaway for participating in First Friday – Five Favorite Things – Debut Novel Day. 
You can find Jill at: 
Twitter – @jillscribbles
Amazon – Slide
Congratulations Jill on your debut novel Slide, and we look forward to reading the sequel, Imposter, coming out on March 26, 2013.

Dave Amaditz January 7, 2013 Leave A Comment Permalink

First Friday – Five Favorite Things – Debut Novel Day

by Dave Amaditz & Marcy Collier

SLIDE

Marcy and I are excited and proud to unveil the premier post for our new feature – First Friday – Five Favorite Things – Debut Novel Day. In this monthly series, we ask five simple questions about a debut novel that will hopefully entice anyone reading this post to pick up the novel and read it themselves. We also want to give our readers some insight into the author’s writing style and voice as well as how some of the characters might think or act. We do this by presenting, first, answers to our Five Favorite Things, followed by the author’s answers in a follow-up post.


This month we’re pleased to highlight debut author, Jill Hathaway’s, novel Slide.


1) What is your favorite line or paragraph from the novel as it relates to the main character’s development and/or growth?


Dave – This passage comes from fairly early in the novel, but gives me so much insight into what the main character is thinking and feeling.

 “My left hand hovers over my sister’s shoulder. I feel like I should rub her back the way Sophie’s mother rubbed hers when she was upset, but I can’t quite bring myself to do it. Something in the gesture would be false. I can’t offer her the comfort she needs right now. In order to give something, you need to have it inside of you to give. And right now there’s nothing inside me at all.”


Marcy – Vee treasures her mom’s CD collection, but right now she knows that her sister needs the music more. Vee understands that her sister doesn’t remember as much about their mom, and she gives up this treasured keepsake to help her sister.

 “When I’ve loaded the CDs all back into the box, I push the flaps closed and carry it to my sister’s room. She hasn’t returned from breakfast yet, so I place the box on her unmade bed and leave the room. I’ve attached a pink Post-it note. It says: This is who she was. Love, V.”


2) What is your favorite chapter ending or cliffhanger?


Dave – There were many great chapter endings, but I chose this one from early in the novel.

“I hear the man set the phone down. A second passes, stretching out into forever. Another second. Another.

And then the screaming begins.”


Marcy – This ending kept me up at night. I had to see what happened next!

“But she won’t wake up, no matter how hard I shake her. I grab her arms and drag her off the couch. I can barely see my way to the door. Gasping, I take in a mouthful of blackness. The smoke invades my lungs, and I feel myself choking. Everything goes black.”


3) Who is your favorite secondary character and why?


Dave – Rollins is my favorite secondary character because he is so strong and confident at times, yet so vulnerable at others to being hurt by the ones he loves. He’s just like one of us.


Marcy – Rollins is my favorite secondary character. He is this quirky, eclectic guy who has a heart of gold and can be quite a rebel. He has a unique style and shows Vee how much he cares about her through his thoughts, words and actions like finding vintage t-shirts for her or making sure she’s okay after she blacks out. We see he has an even bigger heart when we learn about his home situation, but I won’t spoil it for those of you who haven’t read the novel yet!


4) What is your favorite line or paragraph of description?


Dave – There were so many to choose from, but in the end, I picked this passage, as it gives me a snapshot of the main character’s life.

“I scoop the pancakes onto a plate. I spend a long time standing in front of the refrigerator, looking at a picture of my mom when she was in college, tan and skinny and smiling, with blond hair and a white tank top. Below it, there’s a picture of my sister at her eighth-grade graduation. Dad and I stand on either side of her, giving her double bunny ears. On any other fridge, this would look like a happy collage of memories, but on our fridge it’s a mockery of what once was, what could have been. A happy family.”


Marcy – I loved this line – it painted such a clear picture for me of the two girls.

“The girl is Mattie. She is my sister and my exact opposite in every way. If she’s the pink glitter on your valentine, I’m the black Sharpie you use to draw mustaches on the teachers in your yearbook.”


5) What is your favorite line of dialogue?


Dave – This is spoken by the main character Vee.

“It’s just a really weird time for me,” I say finally. “With this whole Sophie thing and my sister freaking out. I feel like I’m stuck in this nightmare and everyone’s insane but me. Or maybe I’m the one who’s insane. I don’t know.”


Marcy – Need I say more? Who wouldn’ t be intrigued by this line.

“Really? Conjoined twins?”

Look for Slideauthor Jill Hathaway’s responses for First Friday – Five Favorite Things – Debut Novel Day on Monday, January 7, 2013!

You can find Jill at:

Twitter – @jillscribbles

Amazon – Slide

Dave Amaditz January 4, 2013 Leave A Comment Permalink

Scary

 

by

Dave Amaditz

It’s that time of year again for scary.

I don’t mean Halloween-scary, although it’s a sure thing that I’ll soon be bombarded with chilling movies filling the TV screens and children of all ages marching through my neighborhood dressed in frightening costumes. That type of scary is a given, and I’m okay with it. In fact, I quite look forward to watching movies with my children as well as seeing all of the uniquely  frightening and not-so-frightening costumes the neighborhood children wear to collect Halloween candy.

The scary I’m talking about deals with acquisition time at the publishing houses.

I’m told that fall in the publishing business is one of the busiest times of the year, as editors come to editorial and acquisition meetings prepared to pitch the novels they most want to see published. Normally, I wouldn’t spend too much time thinking about the process, but this year, I happen to have two stories with two separate houses. For the past few months I’ve been patiently waiting to hear a response. Of course, I would love to hear a positive response, but as I sit here waiting, I find myself wondering what would be scarier – – receiving a message from the editors with wishes for better publication luck elsewhere, or the continual wait in limbo that comes with not receiving a response.

Is there anyone else out there still waiting for a message like me? How does it make you feel?

Dave Amaditz October 26, 2012 Leave A Comment Permalink

2012 Winner – SCBWI Work-in-Progress Grant For a Contemporary Novel – Dirty Secrets, YA – Persistence Pays:

by

Dave Amaditz

Some of you who have followed our blog for a while may remember earlier posts I’ve written (Revision and Character Growth – http://rt19writers.blogspot.com/2012/04/revision-and-character-growth.html) (When Is the End, the End: An Update – http://rt19writers.blogspot.com/2011/10/when-is-end-end-update.html#comment-form) (When Is the End, the End? – http://rt19writers.blogspot.com/2011/08/when-is-end-end.html#comment-form) about the current novel I’ve written… Or should I say rewriting… Or should I say have rewritten again and again and again.

So as not to bore you, I’ll just say that all posts had do with the fact that I’ve been writing this novel for a long time and many things about the story have changed, including the age of my characters and the focus of my story. The premise of the posts went unwritten. .. Remain persistent. Don’t give up on something you believe in, especially if that something has promise.

Last Friday, after looking out the window most of the morning from my writer’s desk into a rain-filled sky, I received an e-mail, a reward for my persistence . My young adult novel, Dirty Secrets, was picked as the winner of this year’s SCBWI Work-in-Progress Grant for a contemporary novel. http://www.scbwi.org/Pages.aspx/Work-In-Progress-Grants

 Wow! I nearly fell out of my chair.

I’m still reeling a bit now, still amazed at the accomplishment, because it was completely unexpected. I had hoped of course that the story was strong enough to receive some type of recognition, a letter of merit or honorable mention. This completely blew away my expectations.

Now, as I try to float slowly back to earth, I need to remind myself that the reward is not an excuse to stop working. In fact, the work still ahead is what allows me to continue to focus on my main goal, publication.

There’s more to write about the award, and the road which led me to apply, but I’ll save that for another time.

In the meantime, for all of you who may be feeling a bit low, a bit down on your luck because you haven’t heard from an editor or agent, keep this story in mind as one of hope, one that will shed a little light onto an otherwise darkened landscape.

Dave Amaditz July 27, 2012 2 Comments Permalink

Exercise Daily and Keep Physically Fit; to Improve Your Writing?

by

Dave Amaditz

You don’t have to look far to see reports about the latest health craze sweeping the nation. Whether it’s broadcast on late-night infomercials or seen on the nightly news, the message remains the same. Doing a physical routine will help you live longer, help your heart stay stronger, keep away those unwanted pounds, prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and on and on and on.

Honestly, I don’t think it’s a bunch of flub. It’s hard to ignore the advice and recommendations of trained physicians as well as research-based data. More than that, it’s my own personal experience, the powerful positive feelings I get, and always achieved, from physical activity.

I believe in having a daily workout routine. That’s not to say, however, there haven’t been periods in my life where I have gotten a little lax. Reflecting on those times is more proof to me of the power of being fit. I didn’t have energy. I didn’t like the way I felt. I didn’t feel like doing much. My mood was negatively affected.

Before I broke my neck in a diving accident (July 3, 1983) I ran somewhere between three to five miles a day. One of the first things I remember when waking from surgery was being asked a question from the on-duty nurse.

 “Are you a runner?”

 I nodded, a bit confused, because I didn’t consider myself a runner, just someone who enjoyed running. The point here however is that had I not been in such good shape, I was told I wouldn’t have made it. In fact, the on-duty nurse told me they were ready to write me off. She told me they couldn’t find a pulse, but eventually found a faint trace and became very hopeful when that sound became a consistent 38 beats per minute. My heart had been trained to withstand stress because of the running. My running, my physical conditioning saved my life.

Fast forward nearly 30 years… Well… Maybe 28 years. I was in one of those stages of my life where exercise wasn’t a priority. Thinking back on it now, I was suffering through the same negative effects I’d mentioned above… Loss of energy. Feeling weaker. Blah. Blah. Blah.

I began again to exercise, not the same activities done before to keep in shape, but others tailored more specifically to me as I sit in a wheelchair. One year later, I’m again feeling the positive effects from maintaining a regular exercise routine.

And how, you may ask, does all this apply to writing?

Having more energy has translated into more time that I sit in front of the computer. More time in front of the computer means I write more. I feel more alert, which means I’m writing more effectively. When I write more effectively the results are; writing more on a daily basis, coming up with more creative ideas (often times when I’m away from the computer exercising), meeting goals more consistently… And on and on and on.

No. I don’t think the benefits of exercise have been exaggerated.

If you’re not already on an exercise program I hope you soon begin. See if you experience similar results as I did. Then, let me know.

If you’re already exercising regularly and find that you are experiencing, or have experienced some of the same positive results as I have, keep it up, and of course, let me know.

I’m willing to bet that by giving a regular exercise routine to try you will not only feel better, but have better writing results.

Dave Amaditz May 25, 2012 6 Comments Permalink

get_footer() ?>