Lisa Rondinelli Albert

Exciting Development at Team Lisa!

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:38:54 GMT

Back in September, while I was working on the revision of my YA, MERCY LILY, my agent, Caryn Wiseman, sent over a critique from the agency’s newest member, Mary Kole. I was about ¾ through my revision and was thrilled to see that Mary had hit on many of the same sections I had, and then some. So I incorporated her suggestions and became more and more excited about this manuscript I’ve loved for a long time because I sensed that Mary really loved it too. Her enthusiasm totally rejuvenated me!

At ABLA, the agents works in teams but still handle their own clients, too. So last week, I was surprised when Caryn proposed that I be officially repped by Mary. With Mary’s enthusiasm about MERCY LILY and her ability to devote a bit more time to it, plus the fact that they have that team thing going on, I felt it was an offer I couldn’t refuse. ;-)

It’s like the best of both worlds and I’m grateful to Caryn for steering me to Mary. It’s all good! Mary and I talked and had a great conversation. She’s smart, friendly, funny, professional, and a go-getter! Everything Caryn said she was. I feel like I’ve won the jackpot twice. I heart ALBA!!

Mary will do some following up on a few submissions and then get this revision to the editors-in-waiting.

Yay! I'm stoked!

Giving & Receiving...Donate a book, get my Stephenie Meyer biography

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:11:11 GMT

Times are tough for lots of folks today and it’s a really good time to give.
Not money, books! My daughter is a senior in high school and her World of Children class is sponsoring many less fortune children who are in the Head Start program for a holiday event. Families in Head Start fall below Federal poverty levels. Last year, the students in World of Children served over 160 children, providing gifts, books, stickers, and holiday necklaces. The high school kids spend time reading to the young ones and help make holiday wishes come true.

I spoke to my daughter’s teacher and asked if I could put a call out to some of my writing and publishing friends and colleagues and she was so excited about it. If you’d like to participate in this, lots of little ones would sure appreciate it.

For the event, they’re collecting books aimed at children ages 4 to 8, so picture books and early readers would be great. They do NOT have to be new books, gently loved are fine, too. It’s not necessary for you to be the author either, but if you are, that’s great too! Any book(s) you’d like to pass on to these kids will brighten their holiday.

In return, for your book donation, time, effort, and care, I’m going to put all the donors’ names in a stocking and draw the recipient of a copy of my latest book, Stephenie Meyer: Author of the Twilight Saga. It’s just my way of saying thank you for paying-it-forward! Please spread the word! Blog it, Tweet it, rap it, mime it, whatever you'd like! I know it'll be a success!!

If you’re interested in donating a book, please email me at Writes4kids (@) wi.rr.com and I'll send you the address to ship to.

To be sure the books arrive in time, they’ll need to be shipped to me on or before December 4^th. Media mail takes a bit longer but it is less expensive, usually under $3.00.I’ll be taking photos of the stacks we get in and will blog about the event afterward. Because of student confidentiality, I may not be able to post pics of the actual event.

Thank you so much in advance!

Lisa and Alex (aka ReaderTeen)

Friday Five - Covergirl Edition :-)

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:49:25 GMT

1. I'm back to my school library job and was shelving new books yesterday. I really do enjoy working there! Seeing the K thru 8th graders come into the library just warms my heart. (unless of course, they're picking their nose right before they hand me a book! ; )

2. Stephenie Meyer: Author of the Twilight Saga is on the cover of the new Enslow catalog. They have a new e-catalog that's really cool, too! www.enslow.com

3. My revision for MERCY LILY is coming along and I plan to get it to my agent by Tuesday. The original version is still out with 4 editors, but we'll send the revision to 2 other editors who asked for it and then start sending it out to more. Will this be the deal maker? God I hope so. I heard there's a movie coming out about Jack Kevorkian, starring Al Pacino....and, it's not like Jack makes a cameo in Mercy Lily or anything, but the subject of assisted suicide is so relevant, I think my YA would be a must-read (if I do say so myself. Ha.).

4. I'm still creating the story "bible" for my humorous MG novel, but there's just so many hours in a day that I can see straight.

5. I have 3 nonfiction ideas I'm eager to flesh out, but again...(see #4)

Have a great weekend!
L~

More Goodness

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 22:42:56 GMT

Another editor has expressed interest in seeing a revision of MERCY LILY. Yayness!!

Take note: waits can very well be worth it. This one has had it almost a year. And that's through my agent. Just goes to show you how backlogged and busy things are.

As frustrating as waiting can be these days (longer waits due to staff cuts, etc...), stay focused and keep your eye on the prize. Meanwhile, keep submitting and send polite nudges every few months or so.

It's all good!
~L

It's All Good

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:37:25 GMT

Whoosh! Summer is almost over and I haven't posted much so here's what's up with me.

My YA novel, MERCY LILY, is with several awesome editors. We've received a few passes, but they've always come with super nice, complimentary comments. Last week, one house extended an invitation to resubmit a revision. They called the subject "captivating" and said they admire my ambition in this project. Not too shabby! I'm planning on streamlining the storyline and getting it back to them ASAP!

My MG novel, "DREAM," has some competition out there by way of recent sales on PM. I began writing my MG in mid 2007, but I wrote 2 NF books alongside it, so the process was one of pecking. It's funny how a story I started writing 2 years ago suddenly has become a trend. I've never written with a trend in mind and never will. I know the sales we're seeing now are projects that were most likely started way back, too. GMTA! I'm really happy with this story and believe it'll find a home once we start shopping it. I'd love to propose a series because this concept is just too fun for one book. We'll see!

My idea file is overflowing and that is always a great thing!

What's up with YOU?

My book tour with THE MILES BETWEEN by Mary E. Pearson

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 21:11:50 GMT

I was so excited to get an ARC of THE MILES BETWEEN when I went to ALA in Chicago several weeks ago.

Summary from BN online: Destiny Faraday makes a point of keeping her distance from her classmates at Hedgebrook Academy. Her number one rule: Don't get attached. But one day, unexpectedly finding a car at their disposal, Destiny and three of her classmates embark on an unauthorized road trip.

They're searching for one fair day...a day where the good guy wins and everything adds up to something just and right. Their destination: Langdon, a town that Destiny's unsuspecting companions simply hope will hold a day of fun. But, as Destiny says, Things are not always what they seem. Only she knows it holds far more than that...a deep secret she has never shared with anyone.

Buckle your seatbelts! MILES BETWEEN is a wild ride that explores the wonder and magic of a very real world where chance, mystery, and secrets abound.

My journey began here, in my favorite reading chair on the back porch. I have to say that the first line is one of the best I've ever read. I was seven the first time I was sent away.

I'm a big fan of Mary E. Pearson's novels and this newest addition had me hooked. So hooked, that I ended up crumpling and tossing my to-do list like a calendar page thrown in the trash before the day is done because I did not want to stop reading.

When Destiny describes Hedgebrook Academy, the most recent boarding school she's attending as Rolling green hills hem in the redbrick mansion that serves as the school, I had to catch my breath. I knew someone who had been sent away at a young age and ending up in that setting. Here's the photo I took after I'd read the entire book. This building served as the Children's Home in Milwaukee many years ago.

I read on the porch until I had to stop to get ready for dinner reservations. I took THE MILES BETWEEN with me to my favorite place, Crawdaddy's, and still couldn't put it down (even with blacked steak in front of me). Is it a coincidence that Crawdaddy's ceiling is a painting of a blue sky and clouds, just like the cover of THE MILES BETWEEN? I think not. Our waitress got a kick out of our tour, too.

Destiny's story is full of coincidence, chance, and fate. The characters are fully formed, witty, intense, charming, cocky, sincere, and secretive. I loved them! I found myself tearing up, laughing out loud, and relating to each of them in some way. Hedgebrook Academy is named for Argus Hedgebrook and the grounds have a bronze statue of Argus. Now, I already knew I'd be part of the tour at some point and had a few fun places in mind to take the ARC to, so when I read about the Argus bronze, I thought "What are the chances."

Here's Milwaukee's famous bronze: Henry Winkler as The Fonz from Happy Days! (double points since he's a children's author! ;-)

Our road trip continued to the lakefront, where the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds were putting on a show. It was spectacular! I had intended to take the ARC to Lake Michigan because it's a must-see in Milwaukee, and the air-show was just a bonus. However, as I watched the show, I realized just what I was witnessing and got goosebumps. Not just because of all the near misses they purposefully pull off, but because of how Destiny might have reacted to that show. Coincidence? Hmmm.

And to the gull that flew into my shot of the Thunderbirds and appears to be joining formation, I said, "What are the changes?"

Destiny Faraday, Seth, Mira, and Aidan travel 76 miles to the town of Langdon. They divide the miles so each of them has 19 miles to rule however they like. Would you believe that between my house and the furthest place I traveled (the air-show), was 19.24 miles? It's true! I think it was destiny.

THE MILES BETWEEN is a journey I highly recommend. It's a road trip where trust is tested, secrets are told, friendships are made, pasts are revealed, and futures are found.

Maybe it was a coincidence that my name was pulled to join the ARC book tour and Mary e-mailed me to let me know. What she didn't know was that I already had my own ARC. What are the chances?

I can't close without saying that I could see this book on the big screen. Bits and pieces remind me a little of Ferris Bueller's Day Off, The Breakfast Club, and Thelma and Louise (with a way better ending, though).

And last, but not least, Pepper was so excited about going on a road trip, she had to get in the picture.
I wanna play with Lucky!!!

Do yourself a favor and click HERE to order THE MILES BETWEEN.

~Lisa

Opening a Vein and Getting Personal

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:40:58 GMT

This is a difficult entry to write but it’s so important, I hope you read on. Ten years ago today, I lost my mom. She was vibrant, nurturing, funny, down-to-earth, and a realist. She read some of my early writings and always supported me.

For a year or so prior to losing her, my dog was very ill and I had been struggling with the idea of putting her down. I know, I know, this isn’t the cheeriest post I’ve written, but please read on...

During the three days I’d spent with my mom in the hospital, my dog went downhill fast, and I ended up having her euthanized two days after my mom passed. Mom passing put it all into perspective and easing my dog’s suffering at that point became an easier choice and I knew it was the right thing to do.

After months and months went by, the day came when I finally got the courage to open a vein and let a story pour out. It’s not mom’s story. It’s not my dog’s story. It’s not my story. But there are definitely nuggets and elements of all three in the novel. MERCY LILY, is the story of Lily, a veterinary assistant who is faced with her mom’s request for assisted suicide.

Now, my mom did not pass that way, however, she and I had had long conversations about assisted suicide and Jack Kevorkian when he was in the news. I’m sure we would’ve had great discussions about the recent news of a famous conductor and his wife choosing to die together in a clinic, and the story of a woman with MS fighting for the right to end her life when she sees fit.

Opening a vein like this, and having my personal life experience as the genesis for my YA, has been the most difficult and rewarding writing I’ve done to date. There have been times that I’ve thought that people would think I’ve “used” my losses to my advantage and it’s icky. But my hope is that the thought-provoking story will speak for itself and readers will come away wanting to discuss what they would do. If and when someone has to deal with these issues, I can only hope my words help them understand or make a choice.

Today, when you see a lily, give a nod to Sylvia, my mom.

ALA Chicago - Come say "Hi" to me and 17 other writers!

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:38:30 GMT

You are invited to Nonfiction Book Blast: Booktalks for Reluctant Readers

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Convention Center Room W181
10:30 am to 12:00 pm
ALA Annual Conference, Chicago
wiki at http://nfbookblast.pbworks.com/

Track: Children & Young Adults; Literature & Collection Development

Despite the emphasis on fiction for leisure reading in schools, many
reluctant readers are often more drawn to reading nonfiction. Expand
your nonfiction repertoire as 17 authors booktalk their latest work.

Panelists include award-winning and acclaimed authors April Pulley
Sayre (Vulture View), Kelly Halls (Albino Animals), and Carla
McClafferty (Something Out of Nothing: Marie Curie and Radium), as
well as many additional prolific or brand new authors. Their
booktalks, plus new ones crafted by audience members, will be yours to
take back home to excite your students about reading nonfiction.

Moderator: Sharon Mitchell, Library Media Specialist

Speakers

Lisa Rondinelli Albert, Stephenie Meyer: Author of the Twilight Saga (Enslow Publishers, May 2009), So You Want to Be a Film or TV Actor (Enslow Publishers, 2008)

Mary Bowman-Kruhm, The Leakeys: A Biography (Prometheus Books, 2009)

Laura Crawford, In Arctic Waters (Sylvan Dell Publishing), The Pilgrims’ Thanksgiving From A to Z (Pelican Publishing), Postcards From Chicago (Raven Tree Press)

Jeri Chase Ferris, With Open Hands: The Story of Biddy Mason (Lerner), Arctic Explorer: Matthew Henson (Lerner)

Amy S. Hansen, Bugs and Bugsicles: Insects in the Winter (Boyds Mills Press, 2010), Touch the Earth (NASA and NFB, 2009)

Gwendolyn Hooks, Makers and Takers (Rourke Publishing, 2008)

Katherine L. House, Lighthouses for Kids:History, Science, and Lore with 21 Activities (Chicago Review Press, 2008)

Patricia K. Kummer, The Great Barrier Reef (Marshall Cavendish Benchmark, 2009), The Great Lakes (Marshall Cavendish Benchmark, 2009), North Korea and South Korea (two books) (Scholastic/Children's Press, 2008)

Suzanne Lieurance, The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire and Sweatshop Reform in American History (Enslow Publishers, Inc.)

JoAnn Early Macken, Flip, Float, Fly: Seeds on the Move (Holiday House, 2008)

Carla Killough McClafferty, In Defiance of Hitler: The Secret Mission of Varian Fry (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2008)

Kelly Milner-Halls, Dinosaur Parade (Lark/Sterling Publishers, 2008), Saving the Baghdad Zoo (HarperCollins/Greenwillow, 2009), Tales of the Cryptids (Darby Creek Publishing, 2006)

Wendie Old, The Halloween Book of Facts and Fun (Albert Whitman), The Groundhog Day Book of Facts and Fun (Albert Whitman)

April Pulley Sayre, Honk, Honk, Goose: Canada Geese Start a Family (Henry Holt, 2009)

Anastasia Suen, Wired (Charlesbridge, 2007), The U.S. Supreme Court (Picture Window Books)

Christine Taylor-Butler, SACRED MOUNTAIN: Everest (Lee and Low Books, 2009)

Rebecca Hogue Wojahn and Donald Wojahn, Follow That Food Chain (Lerner, 2009)

I hope to see you there!

Lisa Rondinelli Albert

www.lisaalbert.com

Stoked! Great review of the Stephenie Meyer biography!

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:29:49 GMT

This review from the Twilight Examiner at Examiner.com has me smiling! :-)
(if the text is small, I've provided a direct link at the bottom. Otherwise, try to enlarge in your browser.)

Stephenie Meyer biography is a comprehensive and enjoyable read for Twilight fans (review)

June 18, 2009

If there was ever any doubt that an entire book could be written about Stephenie Meyer’s rise to success, let it be forever put to rest. Lisa Rondinelli Albert’s biography of Stephenie Meyer, author of the Twilight series and The Host, is a fluid and comprehensive presentation of that very story.

Stephenie Meyer: Author of the Twilight Saga is part of Enslow Publishers' Authors Teens Love series (within which Albert has also penned a biography of Lois Lowry, and others have written about anyone from Roald Dahl to Isaac Asimov).

The book is thorough, well-paced, and unendingly interesting.

Beginning with Meyer’s early days, Albert traces the arduous and prolific steps that went into making Stephenie Meyer the iconic literary hero that she is to so many. From her high school prom to her post-Twilight life as a mother, Albert misses nothing in bringing to life the details on Meyer’s accomplishment (both professionally and personally) in breaking into and so impressively embracing the world of literary authorship.

It is clear from the text that Albert has both respect and understanding for Stephenie Meyer and her fans. She also clearly appreciates what Meyer’s fans are already going to know and is careful to bring the story as a drastic cut above a simple synthesis of public information.

What Albert offers to Twilight and Stephenie Meyer fans in her book is an excellent overview of all of the warm and compelling details that have gone into making Stephenie Meyer’s “a life that most people can only dream of.” Tempered and timely, Albert’s work on Stephenie Meyer: Author of the Twilight Saga is also a wonderful way for Twilight and Stephenie Meyer newcomers to catch up, in one fell swoop, on the details of Meyer’s career.

One of the most fascinating parcels contained in the book is the original voice that Albert is able to transcribe without taking a first-person stance at all – how unique and special Stephenie Meyer’s story is as an author.

Clearly latent throughout the text is an admiration, astonishment, and appreciation for what Meyer has been able to accomplish with the Twilight series. From an authorial and publishing stance, as reflected in this piece, the view is very clear – this is a fascinating success story that just has to be told.

Bright, cheerful, and extremely nostalgic, Stephenie Meyer: Author of the Twilight Saga is certainly a positive and enjoyable read for any fan of Stephenie Meyer and the Twilight series.

Stephenie Meyer: Author of the Twilight Saga by Lisa Rondinelli Albert is available for purchase at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Books-A-Million, and Borders.

For the record, I do not know this columnist. :-) She's made my day, though! Here's link: http://www.examiner.com/x-4908-Twilight-Examiner~y2009m6d18-Stephenie-Meyer-biography-is-a-comprehensive-and-enjoyable-read-for-Twilight-fans-review

~Lisa

Blurb of my YA novel -or- If You Like These, You'll Like This....

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 20:37:47 GMT

Please note: if the text appears small and you're using Mozilla, use the View tab to increase the readability. I use IE when blogging and have been told other browsers don't exchange the font size correctly. Thanks for reading and playin'!!!

I read this article with great interest this morning and came away feeling more enthusiastic about my YA novel, MERCY LILY, than ever. I haven’t gone into great detail about my YA here before, but after reading this, I’m inspired to put up a blurb. (First, go on and I’ll wait while you read the Wall Street Journal article.)

Let me be clear, I’m not comparing my novel, my story, myself, to this stellar group of writers and their books. I plan to nab WINTERGIRLS at ALA next month but I have read IF I STAY, HUNGER GAMES, and THIRTEEN REASONS WHY (my review here). I’ve read several other novels that confront death and have the main characters making tough choices. (GRIEF GIRL, LIFE AS WE KNEW IT, etc.).

What I am saying is that I’m glad these books are doing so well because I recognize that my novel does have something in common with them. They’re all thought-provoking novels that leave the reader thinking, “What would I do?” I’m going to be kind of cocky here and say that if you love the types of books listed above, my novel will be on your

to-read pile.

You know those book/movie/etc. recommendation lists that say, If You Like THIS, Then You’ll Like THIS..., well that’s where I feel like I’ll fit in here. For me, it’s pretty exciting because having what-would-you-do discussions about my novel is something I think teens and adults (the world! ; ) will benefit from. It’s something I really look forward to.

MERCY LILY

As the veterinary assistant on her small farm, dealing with the concepts of quality of life, natural death, and euthanasia have become second nature for Lily. Her duties of caring for animals, and being her mama’s caretaker, become blurred when Mama’s health rapidly declines and the holistic bee venom therapy fails. Lily grapples with the hardest decision not only of her own life, but her mother's, too. As her sophomore year comes to an end she finds herself struggling with isolation, renewed friendships, budding romance, and the concepts of love, loss, and letting go.

Powerfully, yet sensitively written in first person, present tense, this YA is a thought-provoking novel that deals with assisted suicide by subtly comparing it to veterinary euthanasia.

Edited to add: I'm not the greatest blurb writer and forced myself to stop there. I wanted to include subplots about the forbidden love between Lily and Trent, and a bit about how Lily's Dad languished before dying after an accident when she was 12 -- and how Mama just wants to be with him now. All through these subplots are hints of Lily's studies of Romeo & Juliet. It all ties together, of course, and I hope there's a change you will get to read it in the future.

How many of you would read this YA and/or recommend this title?

Super Thankful Thursday

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:45:00 GMT

I’m thankful when my hard work recognized. Very thankful! Enslow is giving my latest book, Stephenie Meyer: Author of the Twilight Saga some additional promotion and I’m very grateful and excited.

I learned that my second book with them, So You Want to Be a Film or TV Actor? was selected for the Books of Note 2009 list by the TriState Young Adult Book Review Committee.

-ms/jr Albert, Lisa Rondinell So You Want to be a Film or TV actor? LMN,LM

Enslow 2008 128p 31.93 978-0-7660-2741-1

Discusses the personality, talent, and training needed to be a successful actor. A solid entry for career classes in middle and high school. Colorful photos and sidebars with definitions of terms new to readers make this book accessible.

Their site also says: For a book to be included in this list it must be read and recommended as a notable book by an individual reader. Then a second evaluator must also agree that the book qualifies for the booklist.... also agree that the book qualifies for the booklist.

Check out the entire list here: http://www.tristatereviews.org/BON2009.pdf

As for my fiction, I’m thankful my YA is making the rounds and have a feeling something good will happen soon. I’m keeping the faith that someone will love it as much as I do.

I’m thankful to have my day job come to a close next week and for the extra time I’ll have to complete the super fun MG (series?) I’m working on. Forgive me for harping about how fun, humorous and commercial this MG is, but it is!

Lastly, I am so thankful that book ideas seem to be coming out of nowhere. I’ve had several in the last week and quickly wrote them down and saved them in my Idea File. J The MG I’m working on now was plucked out of that file. It sat and waited its turn while I finished my NF work.

What’s up with you?

Friday Five

Fri, 29 May 2009 14:15:30 GMT

After today, there's NINE days of school/work left until the long and happy writing days of summer. I've got big plans to revise the first half of my MG WIP, create an outline, and get it to my agent by the end of June. She read the first 3 chapters in rough form and really liked it. My CP's used the "L" word last night during our crit meeting and I'm excited to polish and send what I have so far. This is a very funny MG with lots of commercial potential and I'm feeling the need to get it to Wise Agent soon.

My YA is still out on rounds. Send vibes that someone will fall in love with it. All it takes is one! (even though thoughts of a bidding war is always fun. :-)

A little BSP about the Stephenie Meyer bio which is up on Enslow's site now. I had sent a press release out to a few news sources and it ended up taking on a life of its own. It was picked up in Italy, Brazil, Germany and all around the U.S. Crazy! My sites got 500 hits a day for several days and when I checked Amazon (something I never did with my other titles) the book was in the 30,000's in sales and #7 -- 7! -- in biography category ranks. I was stoked because it was my first press release and I hemmed and hawed about doing it. So glad I did!

I'm speaking to a group of teen writers this afternoon. It's very casual and more of a chat, but I hope to inspire them and talk craft and business. I plan to bring snacks and prizes. :-)

My son is graduating from HS in 12 days!! He was asked by the committee to write a song that'll play during the slide show and has been working hard on it. He's written quite a few songs and records them with a friend who has equipment. I heard the first part the other day and was SO impressed! It's going be very cool to hear him singing during the ceremony. The song is poignant and funny in parts and I'm so proud of him. I'm going to surprise him with The Song Writer's Market... just like our CWIM...but for the music industry. It's put out by Writer's Digest Books, too. Who knew!

Today was a very good day

Thu, 21 May 2009 05:18:12 GMT

I've had some issues at work lately and today was better. Icky Union stuff, but it'll be over soon. 15 days until Summer Break! Woot!

Wise Agent and I make a great team and things are being sent out, nudged on, and it's all good. Something's going to happen soon. I can feel it. Maybe it'll be typing The End of my WIP or a sale, but whatever it is, it'll be good and positive. I'm keeping the faith!

My dog was limping for a few days and $100.00 later, it was determined to be arthritis. No broken bones. Whew!

18 years young son came home with a tattoo today. I like it. It's the Roman Numeral V since he's the fifth. It's done in a way that it looks like old cement in block letters. Nicely done and it's on the back of his shoulder. Now I want mine of a lily. :-) We're going laptop shopping soon for his graduation/18th B-Day gift. I was NOT going to give a tattoo as a gift. Sorry! LOL That was his cha-ching.

My daughter did ALL the laundry today for me. What a gem! Have I told you she aspires to be an editor and author? She yanked IF I STAY from me (even though it was her Mom's day gift to me ;) and I'm reading LIFE AS WE KNEW IT. We'll switch soon and then discuss. This girl has a future as a novel-in-verse author and I'll bet good tattoo money on it. Does anyone have info on the Columbia Publishing program, by chance?

I've been flying under the radar and wrapping up the end of the school year. Also getting ready for ALA in July. I'll be on the panel: Nonfiction Bookblast for Reluctant Readers. It'll be my first time at ALA and I'm stoked!

I really really want to get to LA this year but it seems unlikely with you know...the economy. If I have a sale soon, I'll go. Cross your digits, people!

That's all for now! Thanks for stopping by!
xo

Contest Alert! Stephenie Meyer biography up for grabs

Fri, 01 May 2009 13:24:52 GMT

To celebrate the release of my latest book, Stephenie Meyer: Author of the Twilight Saga, I'm giving away a copy to one lucky winner.

Just comment over at KidLit Central News before 10 PM Central Time and I'll pull a random name and announce the winner before midnight CST.

Easy, yes? No strings attached. You don't have to copy and paste my blog to yours, answer how many peanut M&M's I eat daily, or do anything except join the party over there.

FYI: I sent a press release about the release to a few select news groups and it's been picked up by some very interesting sites this morning, so I hope the competition is fierce.

Here's a blurb from the release:

This biography goes beyond a basic examination of the life and success of Stephenie Meyer. Author Lisa Rondinelli Albert’s research led her to fans who provided early e-mail correspondence with Meyer as well as never-been-seen-before photographs, including one of particular interest—Stephenie’s high school prom photo. Meyer herself had not even seen this photo until it was uncovered by Albert, who was able to put the two prom dates back in touch.

Good luck!!

Stephenie Meyer biography cover is in.

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 23:15:23 GMT

And I like it! I acquired most of the photos for this book but the cover photo is one that Enslow acquired. It's the most current (from the red carpet of the movie premiere) and I'm very happy with it.

Inside this book there's a photo that I acquired directly from Steph's high school prom date. Stephenie hadn't even seen this photo so I was thrilled to get permission to use it. I was able to connect Steph's prom date with her agent so, she has finally seen the photo and I hope it brought back fond memories for her. I think readers will love seeing the photo of her as a teen.

I think this is the first biography of Stephenie Meyer and I'm grateful for the opportunity. It'll be officially released May 1st, but is available for pre-order now on Amazon.

Yay!

Finding balance without guilt

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:05:00 GMT

I blogged over at KidLit Central today and reveal how I fought writer's guilt and found balance. I'm sure I'm not the only writer who has struggled with feeling guilty about time spent writing. Pop on over and let me know your thoughts!

Working the WIP - Revision methods

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 17:29:28 GMT

Befriend the Binder System

Confession time: Several years ago, my home office looked more like a landfill full of paper, folders and the occasional (empty) bag of peanut M&M’s.

I had several manuscripts in various stages and all of them had been critiqued by many readers. Overwhelmed and trying to clean and organize, I purged my file cabinets to make room for a fresh drawer full of paper. I dreaded the thought of it, though. The last thing I wanted to do was to fill my cabinet back up just to purge it again in a few years. Plus, I feared that as soon as those critiques were filed away in closed cabinet, it could be years before I’d see them again. (out of sight, out of mind?) I needed my critiques handy, but organized. I opted to invest in binders of various sizes and colors, a good quality three-hole punch and lots of sheet tab dividers. (I love office supplies!)

For my shorter work, one binder sufficed. But for novel-length projects, two three-inch binders were necessary. Binder #1 holds research articles and notes. Its five sections are divided by tabs, making fact checking less of a chore.

Binder #2 holds critiques from each member of my two critiques groups. Each critiquer has their own tabbed section and as my WIPs grow, so do my critique binders. Say I’ve sent 2 chapters to be critted, as soon as I receive the crits of my work, I three-hole punch it and file it in the binder. Because I often have a dozen critiques per novel, this system has made the revision process much more manageable.

Once my WIP reaches The End, I take a clean copy of my completed manuscript and work alongside my binder filled with critiques. I’m able to methodically flip through all critiques, one by one, and ascertain the needed changes. This system has made what was once a daunting task to me, a fun, exciting, and enjoyable one. (I single space any electronic critiques I receive in order to save paper and binder space.)

I also recommend using the Shrunken Manuscript Method at the revision stage. This is Darcy Pattison’s trick and it helped me immensely with revision.

Put these two methods together and get revising!

Working While I Wait...Easier Said Than Done

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:35:46 GMT

So my YA has been out on submission and to keep from pacing, wondering and having general waiting angst, I’m trying to focus on my WIP. “Get to work on your next book” is good advice and believe you me, I’ve been trying.

I’ve printed the work-in-progress and have organized all of the critiques in a big ‘ol binder. I’m ready to go over it and slap it around before I send it off to Wise Agent.

“So what’s the problem?” you ask.

“Digging in and concentrating,” I say.

Just when I’m in the groove and into my character’s head, she flops down and tells me she can’t go on until we hear back about her big sister manuscript. Okay, it’s really me that flops down, but it feels like my new characters are waiting too.

A couple of the submissions have been out several months and I like to imagine that they’re busy crunching numbers. A few other submissions are only a few weeks old and I like to imagine all of them coming together and arm wrestling over it.

Meanwhile, I’m wrestling with my WIP and won 2 out of 3 matches this week.

Any tips on working while you wait? I’m all ears!

Cynthea Liu and The Great Wall of China....must see video!!! I mean it!!

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:52:38 GMT

It's time to party and celebrate! Today The Great Wall of China is released! Woot. Amazing author and marketing guru, Cynthia Liu, made an awesome video that you must watch. Seriously. Not only does it make me want this book badly, it also makes me happy and proud to know Cynthea and call her my friend. (this video made her dad cry and you'll see why.) You rock, cynthea !!

25 Things About Me

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 20:22:48 GMT

Tagged by several people from LJ and Facebook so here it goes! 25 Things About Moi:

1. I’m the youngest of eight kids.

2. I’m Italian, Irish, German and Norwegian.

3. I make a mean Italian sausage cheese tortellini soup.

4. I grew up in Milwaukee on a block with lots of kids.

5. We were allowed to run with scissors on days that the blade sharpening man pushed his cart up our block (I can still hear the sound of the stone wheel, sharpening the blades!).

6. The blade man was sometimes followed by the fruit cart man.

7. I had an orange Huffy with a banana seat and high handlebars and an orange skateboard.

8. My first car was used 1972 Cutlass Supreme. I bought it before I had my driver’s license.

9. I spend my mornings writing nonfiction, novels, and 25 things about me lists. I work in a school library in the afternoon.

10. The first rejection I ever received was from Helen Gurley Brown at Cosmopolitan Magazine when I was 19.

11. I’m a former dealer of antiques and collectibles.

12. I like real people and fake jewelry.

13. I used to collect vintage purses.

14. I believe there is a fine line between self-promotion and bragging.

15. I love a good cheeseburger and a cold beer.

16. I’m a backyard bird watcher and once saw a pileated woodpecker. Amazing!

17. Our dearly beloved parakeet used to mimic our dog whistle and drive the dog insane.

18. Before kids, hubby and I traveled via motorcycle to Canada, Corpus Christi Texas, Boulder Colorado, Tennessee and more.

19. My office is decorated with my kids’ artwork dating back from when they were 2 & 3 years old.

20. My office window sills display the collection of rocks and fossils that I’ve found.

21. My favorite flower is the Day Lily. I hope to get a lily tattoo this year!

22. I believe in karma (Hear that, used car dealers?).

23. I love sushi and wasabi.

24. My friend and I were taken from our seats and placed in the front row at a Billy Joel concert.

25. I have a wide taste in music. Old school disco, hip-hop, some rap, rock n roll, some country, and will dance to anything.

TGIF

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 17:42:00 GMT

It's been a great week. Since I handed in my Stephenie Meyer bio the week of the 19th, I've spent lots of time reading. Oh how I've missed it and the wait was well worth it.

FAR FROM YOU by Lisa Schroeder ( lisa_schroeder ) is beautifully written. I fell in love with the mc immediately and immersed myself in her joy, sadness, love, and understanding. I am amazed (but not surprised) by Lisa Schroeder's skill at telling this story through intimate verse. Bravo!

I also read THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins. I did not want to put this book down. I was engrossed in the story and its telling. My only wee complaint was a switch that came in the form of a rule change. As a reader, I felt a bit mislead. It was resolved and the reason for the switch was explained but by that time, I had grown a bit suspicious and it felt a bit convenient. Overall though, I loved the pacing, action, and characters in this book.

As for my books, I'm going to digging up an older MG for revision and continue on with another WIP MG. I hope to have them to my agent in May or June.

My YA is still out on rounds and I sure could use some good news soon! Come on publishing world, it's a great book! One editor we heard from said it's thought-provoking, heartbreaking and made her cry. All good things and just the type of reaction I was going for. It came close. Another is bound to love it, right?

On the home front, Sweet A has mono now. Dear J is just recovering from it. My dog is even sick. WTH? I have doctor and vet bills coming out of my ears. Better get those taxes done ASAP so I can use our refund.

This weekend, I'm going to read SAVVY and THE UNDERNEATH, make homemade chicken soup and do taxes. I am a wild woman!

L~

That's a Great Idea Thursday

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 17:06:55 GMT

It was my turn to post over at KidLitCentralNews today and I share the Method to My Madness when it comes to writing nonfiction. Go take a look and dig into that nonfiction project you know you have in you.

Stephenie Meyer bio ... Promo a go-go

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 04:52:21 GMT

I better get that last chapter in tomorrow because Enslow has already started offering the book for pre-order. Nice! :-) It's been a fast track project and quite the interesting trip. It'll be available May 1, 2009 so that makes it 9 months from the day I was offered the contract to the actual release. Crazy fast!

I sent half the book earlier in the month and everything else this morning, sans chapter nine. A bit of tweaking and it'll be on its way tomorrow afternoonish.

I've received several Google Alerts today telling me the title is up on various sites. So, I thought I'd make one of my own. It's bare bone right now, but go take a look-see. http://www.stepheniemeyerbiography.com/

Guess what I'm going to do with my free time? I got me a date with a Rug Doctor. Then, I am going to tackle 18 years of photographs and get them in albums. Then, purge the office, do taxes, and sleeeep.

Squeee!

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 01:59:07 GMT

Okay, not a book sale "squeee!" but a "I have mad research skills" squeee. Seriously. I could work for The Enquirer, but I don't. I write for Enslow. :-)

You know that bio I'm almost done with? The one about an author who has taken over the world and has everyone all vampire crazy? I just acquired the greatest photo thanks to her high school prom date.

Maybe I'll take that PI up on his offer and do a little side work come summer. Really, I was offered a job as an assistant PI several months ago.

Back to my coffin....ahem, cave.

A New Year's Toast

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 17:35:25 GMT

Happy New Year, LJ friends!

2008 was quite a year!

My second book with Enslow, So You Want to Be a Film or TV Actor was released and is doing nicely.

I was contracted to write the biography of Stephenie Meyer and will be turning it in in a few weeks.

My fabulous agent, Caryn Wiseman at Andrea Brown Literary Agency, sent out my YA novel, MERCY LILY. Having an agent is a new experience and it’s been wonderful.

I’m grateful that my hubby and kids are healthy and happy! Hubby got the “all clear” this year. Sweet A got her driver’s license. Dear J became a senior and applied for college. (hang on...I need to spike my coffee....)

Okay, I’m back!

2009 is going to be full of change.

I’ll probably be wreck if Dear J moves away. A proud wreck.

Sweet A will be a senior and applying for colleges.

I hope to have a YA sale this year. Maybe another NF book or two, too.

My big writing goal (the one I can control) is to finish my MG novel, DREAM, and outline books 2 and 3.

Revising my MG novel, GOOD-BYE CAJUN MOON is also on the 2009 to-do list.

At the top of my 2009 list is to spend more time with family and friends. Not worry about things beyond my control. Lastly, to be content with what I have, and be grateful for the possibilities to come.

Happy New Year!

Lisa Rondinelli Albert

Exciting Development at Team Lisa!

Giving & Receiving...Donate a book, get my Stephenie Meyer biography

Friday Five - Covergirl Edition :-)

More Goodness

It's All Good

My book tour with THE MILES BETWEEN by Mary E. Pearson

Opening a Vein and Getting Personal

ALA Chicago - Come say "Hi" to me and 17 other writers!

Stoked! Great review of the Stephenie Meyer biography!

This review from the Twilight Examiner at Examiner.com has me smiling! :-)(if the text is small, I've provided a direct link at the bottom. Otherwise, try to enlarge in your browser.)Stephenie Meyer biography is a comprehensive and enjoyable read for Twilight fans (review)

Blurb of my YA novel -or- If You Like These, You'll Like This....

Super Thankful Thursday

Friday Five

Today was a very good day

Contest Alert! Stephenie Meyer biography up for grabs

Stephenie Meyer biography cover is in.

Finding balance without guilt

Working the WIP - Revision methods

Working While I Wait...Easier Said Than Done

Cynthea Liu and The Great Wall of China....must see video!!! I mean it!!

25 Things About Me

TGIF

That's a Great Idea Thursday

Stephenie Meyer bio ... Promo a go-go

Squeee!

A New Year's Toast

This review from the Twilight Examiner at Examiner.com has me smiling! :-)
(if the text is small, I've provided a direct link at the bottom. Otherwise, try to enlarge in your browser.)

Stephenie Meyer biography is a comprehensive and enjoyable read for Twilight fans (review)