down the writer's path

To Kill Who? Not the muse.

In a moment of severe procrastination, I clicked over to Georganna Hancock's Writer's Edge blog, and fell prey to her teasing post about The Book Quiz. This literary fun-filled tidbit is designed by Storey Clayton, author of Loosley Based. Apparently this quiz is where we part company, Georganna. No Cinderella am I, but you, Gentle Reader, you are who?

You're To Kill a Mockingbird!
by Harper Lee
Perceived as a revolutionary and groundbreaking person, you have changed the minds of many people. While questioning the authority around you, you've also taken a significant amount of flack. But you've had the admirable guts to persevere. There's a weird guy in the neighborhood using dubious means to protect you, but you're pretty sure it's worth it in the end. In the end, it remains unclear to you whether finches and mockingbirds get along in real life.
Take  the Book Quiz at the Blue Pyramid.

Please continue to read the next post and take part in my poll.

Editor's note: Will the weird guy please step out of the shadows and come forward?

Poll: What is your favorite type of post?

Down the Writer's Path has been around for quite a while, so I hope you've taken the time to read a number of posts. I'm curious about what you, my readers, enjoy reading when you come here. Check out the various types of posts and choose your favorite. If you enjoy the variety you find here, choose the last one: Enjoy the mix. If you have more to say after you vote, please send me an email or use the comment feature.

Writing coops, The Litblog Coop, and the power of numbers

There is power in numbers as I experienced yesterday. I spent some time meeting with a couple other members from the local SCBWI-Houston Speakers Cooperative to work out the basic framework for an event we hope to put on at the end of September. I doubt this would be possible or as powerful had the idea been broached by a single writer. A number of writers definitely make the event more attractive. This is the second year of the coop's existence but my first year as a member. We have about twenty members who are local published authors, mostly members of the local SCBWI chapter, and who write and/or illustrate books for children and young adults. The coop uses the money raised from membership fees and annual events to commercially produce an attractive magazine-formatted catalog. Each member has one half of a page (vertical) and a photo, brief bio, 2-3 covers, and speaking presentations are listed. This catalog is then sent to about 3,000 recipients who book or have an interest in finding speakers for their schools--usually teachers and librarians.

In addition the coop does three or four postcard mailings. We also put on events such as the annual Writing Academy 101 to raise money for other marketing opportunities such as attending TLA, IRA and other high visibility annual conferences. These events include major exhibit halls where it's pretty expensive to get and man a booth. By using the money we earn from events and with each member participating providing manpower, we're able to show our books, schedule autographings during the trade show and roam the hall looking to see what the publishers and others in the industry are doing.  Often we even find editors manning the trade show booths and find we're suddenly having one of those rare face-to-face moments with them.

Coops are a great marketing tool for writers who are, mostly, devoid of the necessary funds to handle major marketing efforts. By combining money, time, and effort all manner of things are possible. In recent months I've seen a flurry of cooperative efforts by writers. This week’s Kirkus Reviews Newsletter, a semimonthly newsletter delivered to my email inbox, highlighted a recent column called The Merry Band of Literary Bloggers Find Strength in Number by the Book Babes about a new cooperative effort, the Litblog Coop, comprised of twenty literary bloggers or litblogs who have come together to draw attention to contemporary fiction. The Book Babes also point out the small number of readers who are estimated to make up the literary fiction market. Would you believe about 35,000 nationwide? No wonder they're banding together. The litblog coop seeks to expand the audience using the joint power of these literary bloggers. It’s too soon to tell whether their efforts will pay off; however, the idea of the coop has certainly generated a lot of press. Moorishgirl numbers among their ranks, and her blog has managed to generate a lot of recognition and press, so I imagine their efforts will continue to be chronicled in the media. (If you want to keep up with the Book Babes, bookmark the Book Standard website.) 

Online coops are not new, although news of their efforts don't often generate the press The Litblog Coop has received. Several months ago, in an effort to discover ways to market the e-book version of Divided Loyalties, I joined an online cooperative effort called the All Star Scribes. The brainchild of Lori Soard, she had already successfully tested an online coop targeting romance readers called Divas of Romance. All Star Scribes includes all genres, and you'll find me among the YA authors. I recently joined a similar online cooperative effort developed by Karen Woods called Flowers and Hearts. This site will officially be launched in May.   

Another great cooperative effort is Blogcritics.org, the brainchild of Eric Olsen. Here you find over 700 bloggers, including moi, who contribute reviews in the realm of politics, culture, books, music, DVDs, and film. This is a great way to expand the reach of your personal blog. The hope is that when readers come to the end of your review, they’ll not only want to read your other reviews but also click over to your blog and see what else you’re writing about.

Writers have always come together to form communities, participate in anthologies and self-published endeavors, and create organizations; but blogging, with its immediate capacity to allow writers to easily self-publish from their home and interact directly with their readers, is now creating an even more fluid way for writers to form cooperative ventures to accomplish any number of reasons. Coops seek to generate media and increase books sales; they provide a way for bloggers to expand their audience; and coops can work off and online to produce greater recognition, sales, and speaking engagements. I'm sure there are many more that I have yet to uncover.

Many thanks to Will Hoffacker for his interview this past week. I hope you had the time to read of Will's blogging over at Youngest o fOne and his ensuing writing efforts. Be sure and stop by his blog, say hello and offer some encouragement for his new literary effort.

Will Hoffacker gives DWP an exclusive!

Finally, tell us a little bit about your plans for your future. . . .

I have been keeping this a secret for a long while, but I can think of no better time to announce it: I’m planning to release a collection of all my 2004 posts in book form (with only a few omitted for personal reasons). It’ll have original introductions, dedications, “About the Author,” and the works. Of course, with my luck coupled with my spare time (or lack thereof), I’d probably be lucky to have it released in 2006. I’m going to be doing a lot of work concerning said book this week, so perhaps I’ll keep you updated on my weblog. I guess the reason I’ve been concealing this information is, I don’t like to make promises I’m not absolutely sure I can keep. That said, I’m absolutely dedicated to this concept, and I can’t wait to get the gears a-turnin’. (And, in case you were wondering, the book was partly my father’s idea, and partly influence from the recent effort on Gems from Blogdom, Tvindy’s anthology.) Besides that, I think I’ll just take things one day at a time. And hopefully finish high school.

Will Hoffacker on books and writing for teens: Is fantasy all there is?

We've been talking to Will about his blogging and writing efforts, now let's move on to some of his opinions on books for teens, writers who write for teens, and whether he has any advice for those writers.

Let’s talk about books. Do you read much? If so, what are some of your favorite books and do you have a favorite author? What about most kids your age, do they read books much or is everyone into the videos, games, music, etc.?

Yes, I love to read, and my parents tell me that I always have. I’d say my favorite author is most likely Eoin Colfer, author of the Artemis Fowl series, The Supernaturalist, and—my personal favorite—The Wish List. Another one of my all-time favorites is Holes by Louis Sachar, and, of course, Consumer Joe by my good online-buddy, Paul Davidson. Unfortunately, since I started high school, homework has consumed massive amounts of my spare time, rendering me almost unable to read for pleasure at all. So, come summer vacation, I plan to read as much as possible. What’s that you say—the new Harry Potter book is over two thousand pages? Well bring it on, as long as it’s coming out in July! Many of the kids I know would be more than happy to read a book if it interested them. One of my best friends comes into school everyday reading AM New York. On the other hand, video games have a staggering popularity among my generation, and I confess that I own quite a number of them myself. It’s today’s music industry I can’t stand. But now is clearly not the time to go on a ridiculous tirade about rap and hip-hop.

If someone wanted to write for teens, what advice would you give them? Would you recommend any particular authors?

In my experience, it seems that many teens don’t like to be—how should I put this?—spoken to, so it must be incredibly difficult to write for them. The only advice I can think to give is to create issues that teens can really relate to. And most of all, trick them. You see, you should have a very solemn moral, but teens don’t like to be lectured or preached to, so trick them into thinking they’re just reading a cool book, when really they’re learning a lesson. You know what I mean? As for particular authors, gee, few can get it absolutely right. Fantasy authors like Colfer and Rowling seem to know what they’re doing, though. Oh, and one more thing for all those authors writing for teens! Why is it that every time I enter the “Teens” section at Barnes & Noble, every book seems to be either a) about wizardry, or b) directed towards the female demographic? I’m starting to get my fill of fantasy.

While the is the final posting of Will's interview this week; we will have one last Q&A Monday when Will also makes a big a announcement.

Meanwhile, if you don't return over the next couple of days, enjoy the weekend.

Will Hoffacker becomes a contributor to Gems from Blogdom

We've talked about the Angry Sugar Bowl and Will's use of graphics to have his own online store, now let's talk about something that can happen as a result of blogging.

Will, I noticed one of your fellow bloggers is talking about doing an anthology composed of blog entries by a variety of bloggers. Can you tell us about it? Do you plan to participate and why?

My good online-buddy Tvindy indeed came up with the ingenious idea of the anthology, “Gems from Blogdom,” the cover of which features none other than my creation, the Angry Sugar Bowl (in addition to other pictures, of course). So naturally, I am indeed participating, because Tvindy suggested a few of my posts, and I am always willing to lend a hand. And frankly, what blogger doesn’t want their words in print? I will be contributing three posts already written for Youngest of One—“The Color of Intimidation” (all about the popularity of wearing hot pink), “Explaining a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich to an Alien” (the title of which says it all), and “Dogs Have Fleas, Fleas Have Markets” (which is indeed about a local flea market). The project will be released some time soon, and will hopefully become an annual event between the few of us. And here’s the kicker—we don’t make a dime. That is to say, for the first month or so it will be sold for no more that the publisher’s base price, primarily so that we contributors can order our own copies dirt cheap. Only later, if it becomes remotely popular, will we raise the price and start making some green.

Editor's note: Will also guest-blogged on Tvindy's site the other day.

Will Hoffacker and the Angry Sugar Bowl

Okay, today's title speaks for itself. On with the interview.

Another aspect about your blog is the graphic element. Talk to us about that angry sugar bowl and other graphics you post. You have a Cafe Press store, too, with plenty of items available for your fans. Had any takers? I would think the stickers would be popular. (For me, the journal is sitting in my shopping cart waiting for me to finish buying.)

It’s been over a year since I first doodled the Angry Sugar Bowl, and I’m still not sure I can look at him without giggling. The whole graphic element on Youngest of One genuinely started: a) because I’d just joined TypePad and I wanted to find use for the picture capabilities, and b) as a joke concerning my poor skills as an artist. However, like my writing, my drawing has certainly evolved since I first started. Recently the Angry Sugar Bowl starred in his own short-lived bi-weekly web-comic, which I hope to pursue again, and I’d post a lot more doodles if only I could create links to the pictures within the post as I once did (which unfortunately seems impossible with the new mandatory TypePad style). And, also like my writing and drawing, my capabilities using Microsoft paint have too expanded. Yes, everything you see on The Yoo Shop, the Youngest of One Café Press store, (with the exception of the Angry Sugar Bowl) has been created using Microsoft Paint. I’m both proud of my abilities, and ashamed of my lack of better software. I have raised some money off of my products, but unfortunately not enough to actually receive a check. However, I don’t want to be unfair in my prices, so I’m just going to wait for more orders and continue to design better products. The stickers have not sold, unfortunately. My most popular product was probably one of my “T-Shirts of the Month” from a few months back, which simply displayed a frowning face and the word “yuck.” The design had been pulled right out of a drawing that I’d done of myself. My cousin’s friend (who has become quite a fan of YOO) ordered one for himself, and soon told me how popular it had become among his circle of friends. I’m considering re-introducing it for the sole purpose of ordering one myself.

Perhaps Will will comment on his new T-shirt of the month and how he came up with the design? Read further into the comments for his answer.

Return tomorrow for more with Will and his recent foray into the world of anthologies.

Will Hoffacker: How has blogging influenced your writing?

Before we start, I wanted to let you know I posted my latest review to Blogcritics.org. The Diary of Ma Yan is a fascinating read and, although classified as young adult, is more than capable of holding the attention of older readers. Now that we've taken care of that little bit of business, let's talk to Will about writing.

You have a great way of telling the story of your day and of writing mini-essays about a variety of subjects. Were you interested in writing before you began the blog? Has the blog expanded your view of yourself as a writer or do you simply blog for the pure fun of it?

I feel as though I’ve always been interested in writing. For a long while, Youngest of One was centrally about what happened to me in school today, what sort of crazy escapades me and my friends were up to today, and how much I’m looking forward to the weekend. Then suddenly I was faced with a challenge—summer vacation. Suddenly the days were much more boring, without any grand school time events to document. And so, I gradually became accustomed to blogging not about day-to-day life, but about my opinions and, most of all, what was really getting on my nerves. That summer of 2004 really brought out a certain style of writing I had no idea I possessed, and since then those mini-essays have pretty much become the norm on my weblog (when, of course, I have the time to write them). The sheer fun of it is very essential to how I blog, but the learning experience of it all is also entirely significant.

One thing I like about your blog is that it isn't a diary-style where someone simply goes on and on about his or her feelings yet never really saying anything. Many of your entries read like small essays and you certainly have the ability to capture the interest of readers who are not only your age but older. One of my favorite entries was the one detailing your school field trip to Philly. Since I'm Philly born and bred, I had to laugh as I read your commentary. Took me back in time. It seems as if you're writing more and more commentary not just on your daily life but on the world around you. Would you agree?

I think it would be hilarious if I just said “Yes” and was done with it, since you summed it up pretty well yourself, but then it wouldn’t be much of an interview. Anyway, yes, I absolutely agree with you. One thing that all my avid readers (however many or few there may be) seem to say is that I have a knack for expressing my views in a manner that is supposedly beyond my years. In fact, that’s why I ultimately decided to post a picture of myself, because I wasn’t sure anyone actually believes I’m a teenager. Personally, I wouldn’t know if I have such a gift, because I’ve never been any older than myself. And as totally ridiculous as that may sound, you can’t deny that it’s the truth. That said, I’m flattered that those who have spoken out about my writing feel that way about me, and I will solemnly try to continue as best I can. Pop culture and the world around me have indeed been an outstanding influence on my writing in months of late, but as often as I can I still like to go back to my roots and blog about the obnoxious lady at the Taco Bell or how much I hate shoveling.

Editor's Note: Tune in tomorrow to find out about Will and the Angry Sugar Bowl!

DWP Interviews Blogger Will Hoffacker of Youngest of One on teen blogging & the evolution of YoungestofOne

This week we'll be talking to Will Hoffacker, teen blogger and writer. Somehow or another I found Will's blog, Youngest of One, and soon became a regular reader. Will lives in Queens and attends Regis High School in Manhattan. He has a busy schedule, yet, he still finds time to blog. Which means he still finds time to write.

As Will tells it, he's held two consecutive weblogs, both entitled "Youngest of One." He realizes the fact that the entries have nothing to do with that title, but he uses that name anyway. With the help of his tech-savvy father, he also maintains a moblog and online store. In the second grade, he promised to dedicate his first book to his English teacher.

Let’s talk about the beginnings of your blog. How did it come about? How did you come up with the name Youngest of One? How long have you been blogging and what were your intentions when you first started? Have your goals or intentions with the blog changed over time?

I was once watching a technology-oriented show starring Leo Laporte called Call for Help on a cable network called TechTV. Their guest on the show was one of the editors of The Weblog Review. That segment really introduced me to the weblog concept, and then my tech-savvy father introduced me to how darn easy it is to create and manage one. I’ve always enjoyed writing immensely, but first I knew I’d need to come up with a name. I wanted something that would catch the eye, but still play on some apparent trait of mine. I went with the whole not-having-siblings thing. Looking back, I probably could have come up with a better title if I had dwelled on it more, but I’m happy with the one I’ve got. The blog I first created, however, is not the one that I write today. On September 29, 2003 I started the original Youngest of One, via Blogger. Over three months and one hundred posts later, I switched to TypePad, where I started YOO 2.0, the very blog readers see today. At first my intentions were simply to write every day and document some of my day’s events. Nowadays I have a few readers to think about, so I guess you could say my intentions now include not offending anyone. Since I began Youngest of One, someone has in fact reviewed it via The Weblog Review, the site that obviously helped me get started. It wasn’t an especially positive review. Hmmm, I’m not sure I remember the score exactly. Oh, who am I kidding? Of course I remember! It was a 2.5 out of 5. Since then, however, said reviewer has commented on my weblog in order to express her sentiments of “no hard feelings,” and even told me I had potential. I appreciated it very much.

Do many of your friends blog? How do you see blogs being used by teens? Has it evolved since you first started yours?

Only one of my friends has ever had a weblog—a girl in my class who used Xanga. Unfortunately her posts were somewhat infrequent and she didn’t keep it up for very long. She and I had entirely different blogs. Hers was the kind that had some sort of picture as the template and played Good Charlotte when you went to it. Mine is the kind that’s less about how it looks and more about conveying messages. She was the kind of blogger who uses internet lingo and abbreviations, such as “u” instead of “you” or “r” instead of “are.” There’s nothing wrong with using that sort of writing, but I’m a bit more traditional. My cousin of the same age also held a weblog for a short time. It concerned one of his all-time passions—horse racing. He wrote truly extensive posts, but unfortunately he didn’t continue with it either. Personally, from the time I started until nowadays, I feel that most teen blogs concern personal relationships. They seem to be centrally focused on relationships with their friends, parents, teachers, etc. Some bloggers can do wonders with this sort of writing, and I fully encourage them to do so. I’ve found that some of my best material has been about the antics of my grade school buddy, Cheeseburger (who, by the way, is a great guy once you get to know him well enough).

Remember, this is a blog and you can easily engage Will through the comment section at the end of every post. Tomorrow we'll learn how blogging has impacted Will's writing.

Update on my viral marketing results with Exploring Texas History: Weekend Adventures

So far the experiment I did several weeks ago with the release of my new book, Exploring Texas History: Weekend Adventures, is still reaping rewards. The sales figures did jump into the 14,000s, there were sales by people who might not have even noticed the book, and today I received word that a review had been posted on  Blogcritics.org. I also learned a similar review will appear in the Casa Grande Dispatch in Arizona by the same reviewer, Temple Stark.

Check out Wayne Hurlbert's Blog Business World for an in-depth look at viral marketing.