First Friday Five Favorite Things

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First Friday-Five Favorite Things: The Flame in the Mist

by Kit Grindstaff


Kit Grindstaff 

This past Friday, August 2, Marcy and I posted our answers to Kit’s debut novel, The Flame in the Mist. Today, you get to read Kit’s favorite’s. It’s always fun to see how different and similar our answers are with that of the authors. Kit has given great answers that will make the reader longing to read more.

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

Ooh, this is hard to choose without spoilers! One I love relates to Jemma’s change of heart toward Drudge, the decrepit servant at Agromond Castle. Blinded by appearances, Jemma, 13, has always found him revolting. But as she’s about to escape, she discovers he has wonderful qualities and is not as she believed. Mortified by her prejudice, and how rude and careless she’s always been toward him, she has to say goodbye to him only moments later. (Noodle and Pie, for readers who don’t know, are her two magical golden-pelted rat friends.)

Jemma turned and squeezed through the gap, arms first, then head, shoulders, and torso. Noodle and Pie hopped in after her. She took one last look across the tiny dungeon. Drudge waved, then was gone. A fragment of her heart tore off and followed the old man up the dark corridor as he shuffled back to his lonely alcove.

Like Jemma, I hated leaving him at that point. But what I knew, and she didn’t, is that she will in fact see him again…

2) What is your favorite chapter ending or cliffhanger?

One that I found really exciting to write is at the end of Chapter 29. Jemma has been through a grueling escape from Nox and Nocturna Agromond, who abducted her as a baby, and a harrowing journey to find her real parents (with plenty of cliffhangers on the way). She’s just met her mother for the first time. Emotions are running high. They’re in the town square, with the townsfolk gathered to cheer her return—and now she’s about to meet her father.

Their cheers dulled in Jemma’s head. The prospect of meeting her father suddenly seized her with the strangest mix of emotions: excitement, curiosity . . . and then a sense of foreboding, creeping up from her toes. She pulled up the hood of her cloak, as if it could hide her. The minutes ticked by: six thirty-seven, thirty-eight, thirty-nine, and still the cheers droned on, thick and distant, as if through a lake of syrupwater.

Every face, every tree, and every building in the square was still crystal clear. As crystal clear as the electric sense of someone approaching from behind her. Crystal clear as she turned around. And crystal clear as she saw the unmistakable dark hair and determined stride of Nox Agromond, exiting the inn and heading straight toward her.

3) Who is your favorite secondary character and why?

I’m going to cheat here and say two characters, because it has to be Jemma’s telepathic golden rats, Noodle and Pie, and you can’t have one without the other. They provide light relief, and I love their loyalty to her, their calm levity, and their simple wisdom. But I also love the fact that they’re still rats, and do ratty things like eating dead bugs, squeezing into small spaces, gnawing through ropes, and generally scampering around (including all over Jemma).
4) What is your favorite line or paragraph of description?

En route to finding her real parents, Jemma performs her first healing on a woman, Alyss, who is gravely ill. Jemma realizes Alyss has been cursed. She places two magical crystals in Alyss’s hands, begins her work. In Alyss’s aura, she sees images of a series of tragedies that Alyss has suffered, which are released in the healing process. At the end,

Each image burst like a bubble, scattering fragments that turned into gold light and drifted back into Alyss as though she were transparent, filling the spaces that the darkness had occupied. And all the while, the crystals sparkled with luminous blue, like lightning across two miniature night skies.

5) What is your favorite line of dialogue?

Since there’s a lot of darkness in The Flame in the Mist, I’m going to choose something more lighthearted. While still at Agromond Castle, Jemma and her erstwhile nurse, Marsh, realize they’re being overheard, so slip into a banter they’ve developed to fool the Agromonds into thinking they despise one another. Marsh has just told Jemma, “Be off with you. Or did a harpy eat your legs?” Jemma retorts:

“What makes you think I’d want to stay around you, anyway? You’re fat, and barely bigger than a troll!”

There’s several things I like about it. First, it tells the reader more of Marsh’s appearance; second, the fact that Jemma could say this to Marsh at all demonstrates Marsh’s toughness (Jemma knows it won’t hurt her); and third, it shows the warmth and trust between them. (Later in the same conversation Jemma calls her “Lard-woman”, which I also particularly liked.)

So there are my Five Favorites, Dave! Thanks so much to you and Marcy for hosting me.

We appreciate you sharing your current favorites for The Flame in the Mist and encourage our readers to pick up a copy!

You can find Kit at:

                       

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/kitgrindstaff (@kitgrindstaff)

Dave Amaditz August 5, 2013 1 Comment Permalink

First Friday – Five Favorite Things – Debut Novel Day

by Dave Amaditz &

Marcy Collier

The Flame in the Mist
Welcome to August’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 novelist, Kit Grindstaff, and her novel, The Flame in the Mist. I had the privilege to meet Kit at 2009 Rutgers One-On-One Plus Conference, where she was busy working on her novel. Fortunately, I ran across her again this past June at the New Jersey SCBWI conference where she was able to share good news of publication, and more importantly, where she agreed to participate in this month’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?

Dave – There were so many to choose from, but in the end, without revealing some of the plots inner secrets, I chose this paragraph because it shows the perils that Jemma, the main character, must face, as well as illustrates one snippet of the fantastic writing found throughout the novel.


Jemma closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The Prophecy. Despite everything, it still burned inside her, driving her. She’d been drawn inexorably to this destiny from the moment she first started having doubts about the Agromonds, and had set it in motion with their first step toward escape. How she would ever bring back the sun, she had no idea, but rescuing the triplets was vital. They couldn’t wait.

Marcy – Jemma has lived her entire life in the castle with the Agromond family. She always knew that she was different – not like them. She finally finds the courage to escape from them with the help of Drudge. In this scene, her brave behavior and change of heart for Drudge is the beginning of how her character greatly changes throughout the novel.

“A big cave. Then another tunnel, which will lead away from the castle, where there’s no alarm. I understand.” Jemma squeezed his hands. “I wish I wasn’t leaving you here! But—”

“Go!” Drudge pulled his hands away. “Mussst, now! G’bye, Jmmmaaah.”

“Goodbye. And please say goodbye to Digby for me, will you? Tell him…tell him I’ll look for him in Hazebury, when I get there.”

Drudge nodded, wiping one eye with the back of his sleeve. “Trussst,” he said again, softly.

2) What is your favorite chapter ending or cliffhanger?

Dave – Again, without giving too much away, I picked this chapter ending because I didn’t see it coming and needed to immediately turn the page to find out what came next. To set the scene a little, Jemma is feeling pretty good about herself because she has gotten away from the castle, and the likes of Nox Agromond… only to see… well, you read for yourself.

Every face, every tree, and every building in the square was still crystal clear. As crystal clear as the electric sense of someone approaching from behind her. Crystal clear as she turned around. And crystal clear as she saw the unmistakable dark hair and determined stride of Nox Agromond, exiting the inn and heading straight toward her.

Marcy – This chapter ending gave me chills. In the last 24 hours, Jemma has discovered that her entire life has been a lie. Jemma is reading the back of a newspaper clipping and recognizes the picture of her mother.

She turned the picture over. 

Tiny writing was scrawled with obvious effort across the back.

My darling child. We are waiting.

Jemma felt her destination sharpen in her mind as clearly as etching on glass. For somehow, something in her knew that her mother, at least, was still in Oakstead – and alive.

3) Who is your favorite secondary character and why?

Dave – Nocturna is my favorite secondary character. She is the epitome of evil, one hundred percent committed to her cause and only willing to waver with feelings or actions that resemble kindness if, and only if, the end result will benefit her. Who else would say the following to their daughter?

“Yes, you will, Mord take you,” Nocturna said, gripping her harder, “if I have to kill you to get it.”

Marcy – My favorite secondary character was hard to choose because there were so many characters I adored. Jemma meets a young girl named Talon during her travels to escape. The reader expects Talon to turn Jemma in to the Chief Inquisitor who is also happens to be Talon’s father. But boy, does Talon surprise Jemma and the reader.

Talon frowned, then broke into a grin. “I know – come to my house! It’s the last place anyone’ll think of lookin’. Pa’s never home, an’ it’d never occur to ‘im you’d be hidin’ under our roof. Don’t worry, Ma can’t stand ‘im any more’n I can. We both felt ‘is fist a bit too often. ‘Sides, she’d be dead chuffed to meet yer. So come on, let’s be off!”

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

Dave –  This was not easy! So I picked two in order to give you a sense of the fantastic writing as well as of the evil Jemma faces in her quest.

First - Everyone dozed. Only Grandmama Mallentent seemed to be awake, her crazed paint-cracked eyes staring from her portrait as if they saw into Jemma’s duplicity. Jemma fixed her gaze on the fire, and on the family motto glaring at her from the mantelpiece: Mordus Aderit. She tried re-ordering the letters to make pleasant words, but it only yielded ones that seemed to taunt her: Ruse. Dare. Dread. Dread. The word slithered into Jemma’s head, then wormed into her bones, where it curled up and tightened like a noose.

Jemma mopped her mouth with a napkin, her stomach in revolt. The stew had been vile. The silkiness of the pancreas made her retch, and how could she have ever liked the bitter taste of spleen, with its crumbly texture? Even the crunch of the bees-in-syrupwater dessert was disgusting to her now.

Second - What met her eyes was more horrific than she could have imagined. Countless small human skeletons were grouped together in twos and threes, some whose arm bones embraced another; others with finger bones entwined. Several behind the door looked as though they’d been trying to claw their way out.

Marcy – Jemma has never guided a horse before – this is her first time trying to ride Pepper under strained circumstances. I felt like I was right in the scene with the fantastic imagery and action.

“Easy, girl – easy!’ Terrified, Jemma gripped with her legs as she lay over Pepper’s withers, her arms wrapped around the mare’s outstretched neck. The ground rushed by. She could feel her cloak streaming behind her like wings. Wings that had saved her, breaking her fall from Mordwin’s Crag…She began to feel as though she was flying, and melted into Pepper’s thundering gallop, remembering the thrill of speed she’d felt earlier with Digby’s arm around her. All fear vanished. Her mind merged with the mare’s, envisioning where to go: Over there, to the right – Yes! That’s it…

5) What is your favorite line of dialogue?

Dave – Even with all the scary scenes I’ve picked for my favorites, I think this line proves, that in the darkest hours, there can be hope.

“Nobody is evil through and through, Jemma,” said Lumo, “or good, for that matter. Each of us has the capacity for both, and for most of us, one wicked act, or even several, does not make us a wicked person. That depends on how we choose to commit our lives. Yet even good people have the capacity for cruelty, just as evil ones have the capacity for kindness.”

Marcy – Digby made Jemma die her flaming red hair with a muck of berries and mud, then sheared her hair off like a boy’s so people wouldn’t recognize her. Jemma is not happy about this transformation until Digby gives her a compliment – sort of.

“’S’alright, Jem. I understand. Your hair is kind of your crownin’ glory. But you still look pretty good without it.”

Jemma smiled, her stomach flipping.

“Does stink a bit, though,” he added.

You can find Kit at:

                       

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/kitgrindstaff (@kitgrindstaff)

Dave Amaditz August 2, 2013 Leave A Comment Permalink

First Friday – Five Favorite Things – Debut Novel Day

by Dave Amaditz

and Marcy Collier



Poison by Bridget Zinn


Welcome to July’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 post is a continuation of Marcy’s Friday, July 5th post where we are highlighting Bridget Zinn’s debut YA novel, Poison.

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

Dave – Wow! I believe after reading the sample below, you’ll get a true sense of the descriptive nature of Bridget’s writing and the peril and dilemma faced by Main character, Kyra.


Just then, the sky turned black and the rain bloodred. Where it hit the ground, dark pools of coppery blood steadily rose until they filled Kyra’s vision. She coughed, choking on the bloody mist in the air. And then, in moments, the rain disappeared again. Just as all her other flashes of Sight had.

Kyra covered her eyes and slumped against the tree. The bloody scene revealed in her Sight hadn’t taken place yet – and she had to make sure it never did. That’s why she would do anything she had to – even abandoned a new friend, even kill an old friend – to stop her vision from coming true.


2) What is your favorite chapter ending or cliffhanger?

Dave – Kyra is being pursued for attempting to murder the Princess. She has met a handsome man, Fred, during her escape and has been unsuccessful at trying to ditch him and his dog, Langley. While she is hiding, this is what she sees and hears. It makes you wonder what is going to happen and makes it impossible to not turn the page.


What was he doing here?


Kyra held her breath. Langley pulled his head out of the bushes, and Kyra heard him shuffling off after Fred.


A few moments later she heard a loud shout, followed by a scream.



3) Who is your favorite secondary character and why?


Dave – Nadya, a gypsy, witch and seer, who unfortunately has only a minor role in the novel, is my favorite secondary character.


With lines like… Nadya’s eyes twinkled. “It’s always fun to spend time with young people.” She shook her head. “Always think they know everything. There are more things in this world that you don’t know than you will ever imagine.” and “Of course I can. And so can you.” Nadya picked up another piece of cloth. “Just touch the spark inside of you for a moment, and you’ll know that what I say is true.” 


She proves to be extremely intuitive and empathetic to Kyra’s problems. I think this is what Kyra would have been like as an adult.


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


Dave –  I chose this particular passage because it gave me the creeps reading it. I wonder what it was like to write. Read the novel to find out what Kyra, the Main character, felt when she traveled there to meet Arlo.


At the end of the tunnel, a large sulfurous cavern bustled with activity. Hammers clanged, men grunted at their work, and wheelbarrows loaded with metal scrap went to a huge red glowing vat and came away empty. There were trolls lifting giant crates, and goblins sharpening weapons. At the center of it all, shouting at a group of oversized thugs and ratty-looking thieves, was the unmistakable hulking form of Arlo Abbaduto. His gigantic head was completely hairless, leaving nothing to distract from his misshapen nose and freakish protruding eyes.


Great. Yes, she wanted to meet with Arlo, King of Criminals, Master of Thieves, Ruler of Wrongdoers, and so forth – but not this way, not frog-marched in by two evil little munchkins, their tiny fingers clamped down so hard Kyra could feel her arms bruising.



5) What is your favorite line of dialogue?


Dave – This line proves what a true friend can and should be.


Arianna pulled her into a hug. “Kyra, I don’t know anything about witches, but if you’re one, it must be a good thing.”

To read more about Bridget’s debut novel Poison and her journey, please go to:

Dave Amaditz July 8, 2013 Leave A Comment Permalink

First Friday – Five Favorite Things – Debut Novel Day

by Dave Amaditz

and Marcy Collier

Poison by Bridget Zinn

Welcome to July’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 author Bridget Zinn’s debut novel, Poison. Sadly, Bridget passed away at the age of 33 after battling cancer. She never got to see her book released, but her family, friends, critique group partners, bloggers and others in the writing community have pulled together to celebrate her accomplishment and help get her book to readers like you.

Marcy and I really enjoyed  reading the story and wanted to share it with you. Marcy’s answers will be posted today, and my answers will be posted on Monday.  

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

Marcy – It was the most ridiculous thing in the entire world; Kyra, would-be assassin and master potioner, had resorted to hunting down her prey – her best friend the princess – with a piglet.


The main character, Kyra, is strong and fearless. She possesses so many admirable qualities. She doesn’t believe that she needs anyone to help her accomplish her mission. Until she is told that the only way to find the princess is by using a pig to sniff her out. This is the first time Kyra realizes she requires help and must agree if she wants to accomplish her mission.


2) What is your favorite chapter ending or cliffhanger?

Marcy – At the edge of the forest she couldn’t help but look back one last time at the home of the Master Trio of Potioners It was run-down and seedy, yes, but it had been her home – where she’d made a name for herself, fallen in love with the wrong man, and betrayed everyone she’d ever known.


Back before she’d tried to murder the princess.


Whoa, wait a minute, say what? Talk about cliffhangers of all cliffhangers. I couldn’t wait to swipe the screen and read more and more and more!


3) Who is your favorite secondary character and why?

Marcy – Oh my, Fred. It’s got to be Fred. He is such a lovable, fun, quirky character. The scenes with Fred are so unbelievably funny and heartwarming. Fred would be the type of person you’d love to hang out with in real life. And in this scene, there’s a bit of a hint that he may be a little smitten with Kyra.


Fred reached into his pocket and pulled out a small white flower. “They were growing next to the carrot bed.” He tossed it into Kyra’s lap.


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

Marcy – Let me just say, there were way too many to choose from, so I narrowed the list down to my top three favorites.


Rosie and Langley were sleeping together under a tree – the big dog curled around the tiny pig, the pig’s muzzle tucked into the dog’s belly.

(Can you think of a sweeter, more adorable picture?)


If she was going to wish for something, it should be something really important. Like pie.

(Pie – a girl after my own heart!)


How had she come to this? How had she ended up a hungry, friendless fugitive in the middle of a frigid river wearing completely ridiculous lacy underthings? With a pig balanced on top of her head.
(This scene is hilarious. I can’t wait for you to read it!)

5) What is your favorite line of dialogue?


Marcy– I went to college for two years at West Virginia University. Of course this was my favorite line of dialogue – especially because these remarks came from a princess!


Princess Ariana rolled over on one elbow and looked serious. “Have you ever tipped a cow?”

To read more about Bridget’s debut novel Poison and her journey, please go to:

Dave Amaditz July 5, 2013 Leave A Comment Permalink

First Friday-Five Favorite Things: The Doodles of Sam Dibble

by Judy Press



This past Friday, June 7, Marcy and I posted our answers to Judy’s debut chapter book, The Doodles of Sam Dibble. Today, you get to read Judy’s favorite’s. It was fun to see that some of mine and Marcy’s favorites were also Judy’s. 


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


In the beginning of the book Sam’s teacher asks the third grade class to name a person they admire the most. The student’s answers range from their teacher, a dad who promises a fishing trip, and a pet parakeet who can roll over and play dead. Sam picks Demolition Dan, “The World’s Greatest Wrestler.” But when questioned about choosing someone he doesn’t personally know, Sam lies and tells the class that Demo Dan will be coming to his birthday party. At the end of the book Sam re-considers and picks Grandpa Dibble. “I like the stories Grandpa tells because they’re really funny. And when I get in trouble for doodling, Grandpa says it’s not such a bad thing ‘cause he got in trouble all the time. But the best thing about Grandpa is he is my family, and he’s my best friend.”


2) What is your favorite chapter ending or cliffhanger?


Sam’s classmates are waiting expectantly for Demo Dan to show up at his birthday party. With time running out, the house suddenly fills with smoke and the fire department is called. A firefighter rushes in and discovers the birthday cake Grandpa left in the oven has burnt. When firefighter Dan removes his mask, Sam realizes that it’s Demolition Dan.


3) Who is your favorite secondary character and why?


Grandpa Dibble has an offbeat sense of humor and is always there to support Sam, even when he gets into trouble. And when Demo Dan fails to show up at his birthday party, it’s grandpa who puts a bowl on his head, drapes a towel around his shoulders and passes himself off as the “Grampinator,” a WFG (World Famous Grandpa) who won his match against Demo Dan using his secret weapon, “The Grandpa Hug.” 


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


When Rachel, the most popular girl in his class, asks Sam about his birthday cake, he answers, “My grandpa is making my cake and it’s a surprise.” Then he goes on to say that one time his grandpa told him about a cake that he baked for a king in Egypt but when the King died they had to bury him inside the cake.


5) What is your favorite line of dialogue? 


As a former art teacher I encourage all kids to express themselves through various forms of art, including doodling. My favorite line in the book is when Sam says, “I think doodling is a lot of fun. It’s like taking your pen for a walk and going places you’ve never been before.”


Book two of the series, Double Trouble – The Doodles of Sam Dibble is also out and the third and fourth book in this series will be coming out soon!

Thanks Judy for sharing your favorites!

You can find Judy at:

You can find the illustrator Michael Kline at:

Dave Amaditz June 10, 2013 Leave A Comment Permalink

First Friday – Five Favorite Things – Debut Novel Day

Judy Press's Latest Book

by Dave Amaditz and

Marcy Collier

Welcome to June’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 ourFive Favorite Things, followed by the author’s answers in a follow-up post.


This month we’re pleased to highlight debut chapter book author and Route 19 member Judy Press’ chapter book, The Doodles of Sam Dibble.


Congratulations, Judy, we’re so proud of you!

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


Dave -With this particular passage, I believe Sam realizes what is really important in life. Warning, this could be a spoiler for some.


The person I admire the most is two people. The number two person is Demo Dan. He’s the world’s greatest wrestler, and when he has a match he climbs up on the ropes and jumps down on top of the other wrestler, but then he goes home and puts out fires and keeps people safe.


The number one person for me, though, is my grandpa. He used to be a kid, but then he got old. Now he is really old, like, maybe a hundred years old. I like the stories Grandpa tells because they’re really funny. And when I get in trouble for doodling, Grandpa says it’s not such a bad thing ’cause he got in trouble all the time. But the best thing about Grandpa is he is my family, and he’s my best friend.


The End

Marcy – I cleared my throat and looked down at the floor. “I invited Demo Dan to my party, that’s all. It’s no big deal. And he hasn’t said he’ll be there, but I know he’s coming.


Sam confesses to his mom at dinner that he invited Demo Dan to his birthday party. Even though his dialogue seems confident, his body language (clearing his throat and looking down at the floor) is not. The reader realizes that Sam is having doubts that the greatest wrestler ever will not show for his birthday party.


2) What is your favorite chapter ending or cliffhanger?

Dave – Sam is having a conversation with his best friend Robert and he’s trying to squash Robert’s doubts about Demo Dan, the world’s greatest wrestler not showing up at his birthday party. As Marcy mentions below, I too thought this could’ve been used to show how his main character grows and develops.


“What if he’s got a match that day or his tour bus breaks down or he gets hurt and has to go to the hospital?” Robert asked me.


I shook my head. “Demo Dan won’t miss it for anything because I am his number one fan.”

And if he does, I’ll be in the biggest trouble of my life!

Marcy – I shook my head. “Demo Dan won’t miss it for anything because I’m his number one fan.” And if he does, I’ll be in the biggest trouble of my life.


This chapter ending could have gone either way for favorite cliffhanger or how the main character grows and develops. In the beginning of the story, Sam has no doubt that Demo Dan will come to his birthday party. But now that he’s invited so many people who are looking forward to meeting the star wrestler, he begins to have doubts whether Dan will actually attend.

3) Who is your favorite secondary character and why?

Dave – Grandpa Dibble is my favorite secondary character. He is so unbelievably quirky and funny, and it’s obvious that Sam has inherited his sense of humor. Even with all those oddities, he’ll stop at nothing to make his grandson’s birthday celebration worthwhile.


The following are a few examples of Grandpa’s personality:


“Lucy is also very bright,” Wax’s dad told my mom. “Her teacher said she could be another Albert Einstein.”


Maybe she could be a dangerous criminal and have her picture on a wanted poster.


“Did you say Al Einstein?” Grandpa said. “We used to pal around together. He was always coming up with crazy ideas.”


Also:


“How’d you do it?” Robert asked. “No one’s ever beaten Demo Dan.”


“I got him with my secret weapon,” Grandpa said. “It’s the ‘Grandpa Hug.’ Those bums can’t take all that loving. They cry like a baby and give up.”

Marcy – Grandpa – my favorite character has to be Grandpa. He’s always there trying to help his Grandson, Sam, even though his plans usually backfire in a hysterically funny sort of way. There were actually scenes from previous pre-publication versions of Grandpa being over-the-top funny, but those scenes were eventually cut. I personally think Judy should do a take-outs version like they do in the movies of the scene cuts of Grandpa.


I opened the front door wide and saw Grandpa! He was standing there with a bowl on his head and a towel knotted around his shoulders.

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

Dave – I chose this particular passage because it gives insight into Sam’s way of thinking, which as you can tell, matches exactly the way most young boys think. It lets you find humor in his seriousness.


Mrs. H. was in the back of the classroom helping Cookie with his math. Everyone was working on math except me. I had to write my report on the person I admire the most.



I didn’t write it when I was supposed to. It was my birthday, and there should be a rule that says kids don’t have to do homework on the weekend when it’s their birthday parties.

Marcy – Here’s the weird thing about Wax’s dad: He owns a funeral home and he hangs around dead people all day. When Mr. Baxter sees me, he always wants to slap five. But I know he just touched a dead person, so I tell him I just pooped in the toilet and didn’t wash my hands.


This line made me laugh out loud. How appropriate that Wax’s father owns a funeral home and Sam is completely grossed out by this. What’s worse is Sam’s Mom is dating the guy.

5) What is your favorite line of dialogue?

Dave – I think the following line shows perfectly the character of the antagonist Sam has to deal with. Wow! What a character. (And I promise, Marcy and I worked separately and did not share the results until after completing all five answers).


Wax stood back as his dad walked inside. “Happy birthday, Dribble,” Wax said. “I can’t stay long because I have a baseball game, and my dad said that’s more important than your party.”

Marcy– Wax stood back as his dad walked inside. “Happy birthday Dribble,” Wax said. “I can’t stay long because I have a baseball game, and my dad said that’s more important than your party.”


This line is so typical of Wax and his family who are often out for only themselves. And Wax isn’t afraid to repeat his dad’s words to Sam even though they are downright rude.  

You can find Judy at:

You can find the illustrator Michael Kline at:

Dave Amaditz June 7, 2013 Leave A Comment Permalink

First Friday – Five Favorite Things – Debut Novel Day

by Dave Amaditz &
Marcy Collier

Personal Effects by E.M. Kokie

Welcome to May’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 ourFive Favorite Things, followed by the author’s answers in a follow-up post.


This month we’re pleased to highlight debut author E. M. Kokie’s novel, Personal Effects.

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

Dave – To me, this passage catches Matt at one of his lowest points. He thinks he’s finally worked out a way to reconnect with parts of his brother’s life he never knew, but… well, let Matt describe what happened, as he’ll do a better job than I.


I thought I was coming here on a mission, one last thing I could do for T.J., maybe the most important thing anyone could do for him. And I planned and plotted and drove and skulked and it all worked… except for the part where I got everything totally 100 percent wrong.

Marcy – On the road trip back home from delivering a special letter, Matt makes a stop at McConnells Mill State Park (which is actually one of my favorite places to take a day trip from Pittsburgh). He replays the last camping trip he and his brother T.J. took and realizes that he had everything all wrong when his brother tried to have a heart-to-heart talk with him in front of the campfire. This realization shows how his character has grown.


But maybe he was trying to figure out if he could tell me or if he should tell me, or how. Maybe he was already getting ready to leave for good, leave me behind, and didn’t know how to tell me that. Whatever it was, I didn’t ask because I figured, ultimately, whatever was in his head was about death. It never occurred to me it could be about life.

2) What is your favorite chapter ending or cliffhanger?

Dave – Matt has been reading through stacks of letters and searching through tons of pictures that were part of his brother’s “personal effects.” They’re helping him to reconnect with the part of his brother’s life that he didn’t know. He’s borrowed his friend’s car and drove hundreds of miles to meet the girl, Celia, who has written most of the letters and is in many of the pictures, the girl who he thinks might be his brother’s wife.


The front door opens, and a tall guy in a suit shuffles through, juggling some kind of briefcase, two cloth bags, and some other stuff.


“Hi,” he says when he looks up and sees me standing there. “You must be Matt, right?”


Oh. Celia’s brother. A little older than in the pictures, and with the start of a scruffy beard, and glasses, but definitely him.


“Oh, uh, hi,” I carefully put the picture back where it was, adjusting it until it’s exactly like I found it. “I was just looking at the pictures.”


I think she has some albums set aside to look through with you,” he says, staring at the pictures on the table. “Some pictures of your brother.”


I want to say something, but nothing seems right, with the twisting sick feeling in my stomach and the itching desire to see the pictures she’s put aside right now.


“So, you’re Celia’s brother, right?” I take a large sip of my soda and push my hand out to shake hello.


“Uh, no. I’m Will. Celia’s husband.”

Marcy – I’m usually a pretty perceptive reader. I always seem to see the next surprise coming at me. I. Did. Not. See. This. Coming. Oh my gosh, this cliffhanger ending blew me away and forced me to stay up way past my bedtime to see what happened next. I will not ruin this for those readers who have not read the book yet. Go get a copy of the book!


“So, you’re Celia’s brother, right?” I take a large sip of my soda and push my hand out to shake hello.


“Uh, no. I’m Will. Celia’s husband.”

3) Who is your favorite secondary character and why?

Dave – Shauna is my favorite secondary character. She’s known Matt for years and knows everything he’s been through, yet chooses to stand by him despite all of his problems and how others think of him. She’s risking so much of herself to help Matt make connections with his brother’s friends, by lending him her car. The following example will give you an idea of how much she cares for him.


She shakes free and wraps her arms around her middle. “Look, whatever happens, or… whatever you decide to do, just call me, OK? Every day? Because I’m going to worry, and probably be grounded, and it’s going to suck and…” Her hard eyes scare me. “Just promise, OK?”

Marcy – Oh, Shauna – a girl after my own heart. She’s sweet and adorable but can be oh-so-tough and forceful when she gets upset. She’s been Matt’s best buddy since they were kids. Matt wants to become more than friends but would never jeopardize their friendship. She wants to join Matt on his road trip, but he won’t allow her to come. She’s so mad at him, but doesn’t break her promise of allowing him to use her car. Then, she throws him an envelope with cash in it.


“It’s only what I had on hand from my birthday and babysitting, so not that much, but there’s no way you’d make it back with what you have.”

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

Dave – So much of the story is tension-packed because of the relationship between Matt and Dad. I chose this passage because it shows that even with all the turmoil in his life, Matt is still on many levels able to function like a normal teenage kid.


I trade her one of the sodas for a steaming plate. Before digging in, I wait for her to sit. But she puts her soda down so she can pull her sweatshirt from around her waist and tug ittarget over her head. COUGAR SOCCER blazes across her chest in brand-spanking-new gold letters. I remind myself not to stare. It’s new – the sweatshirt, not her chest. Her chest has been tormenting me for years. Last week, all the rising-senior soccer players got their “senior sweatshirts” in one of those very-important-to-them ceremony things. She’s been wearing it whenever it’s the least bit cool enough and being very careful not to get it dirty. Shauna already has senior fever: excited and going through all the rituals of junior year to be ready. The way things are going, I may never be as senior. Her teammates think I’m a loser. They’re not the only ones.

Marcy - The reader doesn’t have a clear picture of Mom’s story until near the end. One of my favorite paragraphs relates to Matt coming to terms with his mother’s leaving him at such a young age.


How do you grieve for someone who kissed you good-bye one morning when you were five years old and then left while you were at preschool, so that you came home to an empty house and never saw her again? Do you even grieve when you spend the next year and a half confused and scared and sometimes worried that she might come back?

5) What is your favorite line of dialogue?

Dave – This line comes from Matt , and I think it could’ve been used as my favorite scene relating to character growth, as he is finally able to stand up to his father and say what he thinks.


“Dad… I’m not T. J. And I’m not you.” I don’t know who I am yet. “can’t you see that? And just let me… let me have a couple years to… figure it out? Figure out…”

Marcy–Matt has just discovered that he has no idea who his brother really was and can either face the truth or live in denial.


“If you want to hear about who your brother really was, come on back, or call. But if you ever take a swing at me again, I’ll break your arm.”

You can find Emily at:

Dave Amaditz May 3, 2013 Leave A Comment Permalink

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: Freshman Year & Other Unnatural Disasters, Meredith Zeitlin

by Meredith Zeitlin



This past Friday, March 1, Marcy and I posted our answers to Meredith’s debut novel, Freshman Year & Other Unnatural Disasters. Today, you get to read Meredith’s favorite’s. If you look closely enough you’ll notice that some of the answers Marcy and I posted on Friday are the same as Meredith’s answers.
Here are the five (SPOILERS WITHIN)!

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


The first time Kelsey really considers someone else’s situation before her own is when she learns a friend she’s in a fight with is being played by her boyfriend. Kelsey isn’t malicious in her self-centeredness – it’s just sort of how she is. But at this moment in the story she realizes her problems might not be the most pressing: “Can I really not say anything to Cassidy? She needs to know the truth, and from a friend; finding out through the rumor mill might serve her right for dashing my hopes and dreams, but it would be humiliating and awful for her.”


What is your favorite chapter ending or cliffhanger?


The end of the chapter where Kelsey catches one of her best friend’s kissing her crush. The first time I read this aloud to a group, everyone gasped. It was such a cool moment!

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


Meredith – Who is your favorite secondary character and why?


Probably JoJo. I love how much self-confidence she has, and her ability to be herself and never worry if her choices are “cool” or not. I wish I was more like her at 14… or, you know – now.


What is your favorite line or paragraph of description?


The scene where Kelsey gets her costume for the school play: “I look like Pavarotti – if he were grilling at a barbecue. In seventeenth-century Russia.”


What is your favorite line of dialogue?


My editor insisted I take this line out, saying that no mother in the world would actually say this to her daughters. I told her that my mother (who I dedicated the book to, lest anyone doubt that my mom is an amazing and beloved woman) has been saying this to me and my sister for as long as I can remember, and the line was staying IN. It’s the editing battle I’m proudest of winning. “I always said you girls take after me, even if you look just like your father. He ruined both of you with that nose.”

Congratulations Meredith on your debut novel Freshman Year & Other Unnatural Disasters! 

Thank you again, Meredith!


You can find Meredith at:

Dave Amaditz March 4, 2013 2 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

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