manuscript and synopsis critique

My friend and fellow writer, Cynthea Lui, is working to raise money for a Title I school she's identified that needs books and supplies. My own twelve year son attends a Title I public school, so I'm aware of the many needs a school like this has. To help her, I've donated one five page manuscript critique and one ten page manuscript and synopsis critique. Here's the link to bid on these items if you're interested:

http://tr.im/KFitzmaurice

I've belonged to an amazing critique group for five years now. They're so amazing, I thanked them in my acknowledgments. They taught me the Oreo cookie method of critiquing. It's when you start with something you like about someone's writing, then tell them how it can be improved, (in your opinion), then finish with another batch of positive comments.

Actually, to give proper credit, I think it was writing instructor Louella Nelson at UCI who originally taught us the Oreo cookie method. She said it's even better if you give away a bag of Oreos with the manuscript.

Untitled Novel

I do my best thinking in the morning. From 3am on, I'm able to work out my character's problems, suddenly discover what's missing in a chapter, and sometimes even think up entire conversations I previously didn't know I needed. I keep a notebook next to my bed in a drawer just so I can write them down. I've always been like this. I'm not much of a sleeper. I wish I were, but I'm not.

This last week I finished my second draft on a companion book to The Year the Swallows Came Early. I still can't, however, think up a title for the book. But I know it will come to me early one morning. It will tiptoe in like magic. And I will suddenly recognize it, much like a person who recognizes a friend as they walk through a crowded room toward them. I'll quickly turn on the light to write it down and sigh. Partly because it will finally be done, meaning, it's finally done, and partly because it will finally be done, meaning, I'll miss the characters.

Take the Dare

Today marks the release of fellow writer and friend Cynthea Lui's Paris Pan Takes the Dare. To celebrate the release, Cynthea is generously donating money from the sales of her new book to Tulakes Elementary School, a title one school in Oklahoma City.

I decided to support Cynthea because my own son attends a title one school. I know personally the needs that schools like these have.

Here is the link to her press release. You can bid on items such as books, free author visits, manuscript critics, etc., here.

http://www.cynthealiu.com/showyoucare/a-letter-from-tulakes-elementary/

I've donated two signed copies of my own book, The Year the Swallows Came Early, and a free author visit via Skype.

I hope you'll help us in this campaign to raise money.

Friends of Albert Borris

Albert Borris is a fellow member/author of The Class of 2k9. His book, Crash Into Me, is due out this summer. He suffered a massive stroke last December. He is making progress every day, but there is a way we can help. A fundraising event to benefit Albert has been scheduled for the end of June. The following is from a flyer posted by Albert's family:

"On Sunday June 28th from 1PM to 5PM at the International Sports, Skating and Fun Centre, Mt Laurel, New Jersey, family and friends will gather to assist debut author Albert Borris. Tickets are $10 students/$25 adults. There will be Family Fun: Skating, arcade games, and more...50/50 raffle, Prize Raffle, Teen Book Sale, and an Opportunity to buy signed copies of Albert’s first novel CRASH INTO ME.Albert Borris has been the Student Assistance Counselor at Moorestown High School for over 20 years. Last December Albert suffered a massive stoke leaving his speech severely damaged. This summer, Albert has the opportunity to attend an intense program in speech therapy at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, ranked #1 in rehab facilities in US News and World Report. He has made a difference with countless kids in our community. June 28th we invite you to come and make a difference in his life. Please help us give Albert back his voice in the world."

Here's what Kirkus said about Albert's novel CRASH INTO ME: "This is no ordinary road trip. After four high-school students—reticent narrator Owen, perpetual liar Audrey, Korean-American lesbian Jin-Ae and socially inept, alcoholic Frank—meet online, they head west on a celebrity-suicide road trip. Their last planned stop is Death Valley, where they will carry out a suicide pact. During their intense two weeks together, the teens bond emotionally and physically, as they make self-discoveries, explore their own reasons for committing suicide and feel validated for the first time. Flashbacks to the students' online chats show how far they've traveled—in miles and in changed perceptions. As they approach their final destination, they must decide if their trip has come to a conclusion—or if their lives are just beginning. This gripping debut novel gives a spot-on portrayal of depressed and suicidal teens with realistic voices. Fans of Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why (2007) will find this page-turner a hopeful alternative."

If you are unable to attend the June 28th fundraiser but would still like to help, donations can be made to Friends of Albert Borris c/o TD Bank 22 W. Main St. Moorestown, NJ 08057

fourteen waded up one dollar bills

Yesterday, five author friends and I met at the lovely Laguna Beach Books bookstore for a joint young adult and middle grade book signing. We had a fantastic time talking with readers. I met a librarian from Corona del Mar who was wonderful. My sister came from Las Vegas to buy even more copies of my book.

But there was one thing that really stood out. My sixteen year old son had a water polo tournament all weekend, which was located almost an hour north from us. I knew his games would prevent him from attending the signing, so I wished him luck in the morning and told him I'd see him late that afternoon.

Near the end of the signing, just as we were about to clean up, he rushed into the store (he's now driving) with a wad of crumpled up one dollar bills in his hand. He was wearing his water polo sweats, his hair was still wet in places. He smelled like chlorine.

"Mom," he said. "Am I too late to buy a book from you? Can you still sign one for me?"

He opened his hand. There were fourteen dollars there, not quite enough to buy the book.

"I don't have enough, do I?" he asked.

I quickly found my purse and gave him my credit card. He walked to the cashier with the book. When he came back, he handed it to me. "I left the last game early to get here, " he told me. "Will you write something good?"

So I did. And then I wiped the tear from my eye.