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Saturday, December 8th from 11:00am - 1:00pm at Rowe Public Library in Sheridan, IL
"Flutter" is the new teen romance science-fiction thriller by Gina Linko, published by Random House. Books will be available for purchase and signing. There will also be prizes to give away and yummy treats.
Come talk with the writers' group. We are going to discuss Flutter, and also the path to pubication! Hope to see you there.
Please register of this event by calling the library at 815-496-2031.
Have any of you ever heard of Seventeen Magazine? Um, yeah. That Seventeen. Only the coolest, best teen magazine out there! Well, the awesome people at Seventeen have a new giveaway in their December issue, which is out on stands today. If you open to the first few pages in the issue, there is a calendar for the months of December and January, and for each day of the month, Seventeen will be giving away AWESOME-TACULAR prizes!
Books like REACHED by Ally Condie, EVERYDAY by David Levithan, and LIES BENEATH by Anna Greenwood Brown, DVDS like Glee, and albums like Owl City. Each day, you can go online to enter to win a different item.
It reads, "These prizes will have you begging for snow so you can cozy up in your room all day!" And, "Kick off the New Year with 31 ways to beat winter boredom!" And there are SO many prizes.
You guessed it! FLUTTER is part of the giveaway! The awesome, iconic magazine is giving away ten copies of FLUTTER -- "a page-turning science fiction novel" -- on January 5th. Isn't that just so cool?
Thanks so much to the awesome people at Seventeen. And dear readers, go grab a copy of the newest issue so you can enter to win so many cool prizes!
And because I am a geeky, debut author, who grew up reading Seventeen, I have to give you pictures. Behold the coolness:
Thank you, Dear Readers, for not spoiling the ending of FLUTTER. I so appreciate it. I worried about that a lot when the first ARCs were making the rounds, because I wanted every reader to have the same opportunity to read FLUTTER without knowing how it all worked out in the end.
The mystery in FLUTTER is one of the things that -- I hope -- keeps readers flipping those pages, trying to figure out exactly what is going on with Emery and her loops. And, as I've said before, the end, for me, is the best part, the most important part. I wrote Emery's story with the end in mind, from the very beginning. And I've been absolutely DELIGHTED to see some of the comments that readers have said about the surprise ending.
Here are some of my favorites:
"And then the end. What an ending! Normally I'm not good in not spoiling anything but this time I'm really going to shut my mouth cause in my opinion the ending is the cherry on the cake. I think it is because of the ending the book will stick with me for even longer." -- from Melissa on Goodreads
"Well into the book, I was patting myself on the back for having figured it out. I got this Gina Linko. I see where you're going. I think it's...I'M WRONG?!?! Yep, wrong. Totally wrongity-wrong wrong wrong. And I loved being wrong. It was great. The reveal was fantastic..." -- from Mickey Goodreads
"There are surprises as the story goes along - ones that made me gasp - out loud! Oh, and the ending made me cheer - again, out loud." -- Maegan on Amazon
"The building tension will keep readers glued to the pages: I literally inhaled the last 100 pages!" --from Melissa O. on Goodreads
Of course, I've seen some tweets like, "OMG. That ending." And I've read a few complaints about it too. But, as another reader stated, "It's not for the faint of heart."
I'm just so glad that it is getting people talking. And even more glad that it has stayed a secret. Thank you, Dear Readers!
A huge thanks goes out to the White Oak Library -- especially Cindy and Natalie -- for hosting this wonderful event. They really went above and beyond for FLUTTER! It was so fun! The library provided cupcakes, but not just cupcakes. They had tiny little FLUTTER bookcovers on them! Behold:
And they had these gorgeous posters of the FLUTTER cover! (That's me being way too excitable. But can you blame me?)
And then I signed books! So many of them! We had over 100 people there, and I was just so overwhelmed with gratitude. Thank you to all of you for taking time out of your busy schedule and helping us celebrate! Here is a cute pic with one of my nieces. (Thanks, Kylee!)
And then a friend of mine from long ago sent me a picture of her daughter last night, reading FLUTTER. She finished it in one sitting and reported that she *loved* it. Is there any better endorsement? Thank you, Samantha!
So, again, a humbled, grateful author just wants to say thank you one more time. To all of you readers! You are so dear to my heart.
Hello Readers:
On the eve of FLUTTER's release, I'm feeling all kinds of FEELINGS, and I just wanted to write a post in which I talk about being thankful. Writing is such a solitary thing to do. I sit for hours at a time, earplugs cranked up, can of Coke in my hand, intermittently staring out into space and typing away on the keyboard. And I live in my own little world, completely absorbed in my story, the characters, their decisions, their motivations, their LIVES.
But...
There's always a but, right? Good writing. Great writing. Publishable writing is NOT solitary. Because it takes a team of people to make a good story great. To make a novel worthy of that Random House colophon. For me, that team consists of several people, who I'd like to thank now.
First, my agent, Caryn Wiseman. She picked FLUTTER out of the slush pile. I know that the query process is not perfect. I know that it is frustrating and slow, but guess what? It also works. Caryn picked FLUTTER out of the slush and she requested the full manuscript, and from there, she became my most TRUSTED partner in writing. And I am SO glad to have an agent like Caryn, someone who is decisive, on top of everything, and is in the trenches with me, not just in a business manner, but also editorially. She helped me rewrite FLUTTER into what it is today.
Next, Suzy Capozzi at Random House is my editor, and every day I feel so lucky for her championing of FLUTTER. Through experienced editorial changes, cover design, and marketing, FLUTTER has become a real book. A tightly edited, perfectly suspenseful, romantic mystery. Suzy and her team took FLUTTER and molded it into the perfect shape that it wanted to become. And she sent it out into the world with the whole package -- a kick-ass cover and a perfectly pitched marketing campaign. It floors me to have such a great team on my side.
Last but not least, I want to thank my first readers, Eva and my mom. They read what I churn out, before it's any good, and they turn me in the right direction. They tell me honestly what works and what doesn't. They listen to me as I flesh out my characters or discuss a certain plot point. They put up with the midnight phone calls about ... what if????
FLUTTER is a group effort. I may have written the story, but the book is a group effort. And I just want to say thank you for this beautiful book. Thank you, Caryn! Thank you, Suzy and Random House! I feel so incredibly lucky to be right here, doing this right now.
And thank you to you, Dear Readers, for your reviews, for your tweets, for your kind words. Most of all, for reading. : )
And I will leave you with a funny cat picture:
I had to stretch out my back after writing too long, and Spinky decided it was his perfect spot.
Hello Dear Readers!
Please go on over to http://bookandlatte.com to view the awesome and fabulous book trailer for FLUTTER! It is eerie and romantic and full of mystery, just like the book! I hope that it will entice you to read about Emery Land, her loops, her handsome and enigmatic Asher, and her struggle to figure out how it all fits together!
What is that? You wish you could watch the FLUTTER trailer on the big screen? I think you might be able to. With an Apple TV! Would you like to win one?
It just so happens that I am giving away a free Apple TV! Help me spread the word about FLUTTER's debut, and you can enter to win! See the rafflecopter below!
And thank you SO much for visiting!
In case I haven't yet yelled it in your ear, FLUTTER comes out on Tuesday, October 23rd! It will be in actual bookstores, sitting on actual shelves, and it will be delivered to actual Kindles and Nooks, actual words on a virtual page! I am so thrilled and grateful, especially to you, dear readers, who have read or will read those words on a page. I can't even begin to relay my gratitude. Thank you, thank you. You'll never know how much it means to me that you have supported me. It fills my heart.
Okay. On to the good stuff. I will be touring around to other blogs for the rest of the week, and I will post the links here so you can get in on some of the awesome giveaway stuff! First off, the lovely Katy interviewed me over on A Girl, A Boy, and a Blog, discussing some of my inspirations for FLUTTER. She has some great questions, and this blog is fairly new, and let me just say, It Rocks! Thoughtful reviewing, lots of content. Great giveaways! Check it out: http://agirlaboyandablog.wordpress.com/
Speaking of giveaways ...
To celebrate FLUTTER's upcoming release, enter the Goodreads Giveaway below for a chance at one of two signed hardcovers of FLUTTER!
And come back later this week for more prizes, including a chance at a free APPLE TV!
As my six-year-old son would say, Dude.
I don't really know how to express myself, so I will let the pictures do the talking. The pictures with a real, finished, actual hardcover copy of FLUTTER. The cover is so gorgeous, so glossy, and the book underneath is red. Red!
Both Spinky and Sparkle were integral in the process of writing this book. While I wrote, they tried over and over to lay on the keyboard. They sat on the keyboard, and then they just generally hung out on top of the keyboard. So, of course, they fought over who got to read the hardcover first.
Now take a look at that spine. First off, the book underneath the jacket is red. So very cool! And look at the spine. That' s my name. And that's the Random House logo! *jaw drops*
Now this is the beautiful jacket. Just in case that fabulous red hardcover gets chilly. Thank you so much, Random House Designers. It is so eye-catching and really relays the excitement and the science-y spookiness of the book.
Twenty days and FLUTTER will be in the wild. Like a child going off to college or something. I'm getting a little teary-eyed!
Stay tuned for some AWESOME contests coming soon! I have so many cool prizes for you, dear readers! How about a Flutter bookbag and a chance to win a free Apple TV? Coming soon with the FLUTTER trailer!
The release of FLUTTER is getting perilously close! I can hardly believe it! Below is the fancy invitation to my book launch/signing party that the White Oak Library has graciously asked to host. I am so excited! I have lots of shenanigans and prizes planned, so please come and join me!
Every work of art, every paperback in the used book store, every single creative success has had that special someone who believed in it, who pushed that author/creator forward at that specific moment in time. And I think for many of us writers, that someone is our agent. He/she read our first novel -- or at least our attempt at it at the time -- and saw something in it. It struck a chord. It made that agent sit up and take notice, fall into the story maybe, or at least see the spark of something new and different and INTERESTING.
For many of us, our agent is our biggest fan, but even more than that, for me, my agent is the one who can bounce ideas back at me and say, Yes, this is working. Or no, let's try this. Having a creative partner -- who you completley trust -- is just so important! In order to do good work, your VERY BEST WORK, there has to be someone who pushes you. Someone who gets it, when the ideas you volley back and forth come to fruition on the page.
The creative process is individual, but for me, mine has only gotten better since I've gotten my agent. So thank you, Caryn Wiseman! Shout out to her and her exquisite taste. ; )
We write to connect with readers, and sometimes there is that disconnect: the story is original, the characters are believable, interesting, and dynamic, but something is wrong. Agents GET THIS -- LIKE IT'S THEIR JOB. Oh yeah, it is. And I have been so floored a few times when my agent can just pinpoint exactly what needs to be changed or what I need to look at more closely. And I am so lucky to have an editorial agent in Caryn. She helps me write, with a few words here, a three-page email there. ; )
Writing is solitary a lot of the time, and it is collaborative sometimes too.
So a big thank you to my agent Caryn! FLUTTER comes out NEXT MONTH! More details soon about the launch party and some contests!
Colleen Truskey
I recently had the chance to interview the photographer of the original photo used on the cover of FLUTTER. Her name is Colleen Truskey, and not only is she a truly talented photographer and an inspiration to the idea of "story telling," she is also a high school student!
Colleen was contacted through her DeviantArt page (http://iiha.deviantart.com/) by the Random House design department, and her photo, originally titled The Sybil, became the cover for FLUTTER. Her photo captures the essence of the main character Emery on one of her loops (Yes, you will know what this means soon!). You can feel that this gorgeous photo tells a story. And don't you just want to know what that story is? Thank you, Colleen, for capturing a magical moment, as well as agreeing to come on the blog!
Isn't it cool to see the before and after versions?
Colleen was gracious enough to supply a few more of her brilliant photos, as well as answer some of my questions below!
Can you explain why you are interested in photography?
Photography is simply a wonderful medium to work with! So much can be said in a single motion of the eyes, a slump of the shoulders, the expanding chest from a deep, filling breath. Photography can seize these moments and, beautifully captured, they truly can tell a story. The best part is that the story doesn’t even have to be the “correct” story. Done right, a photograph can capture a moment that everyone can relate to in some way, thereby connecting everyone who has seen the photograph. It’s a pretty powerful experience, and it’s even better to have the ability to make those experiences.
Do you have any other creative pursuits?
Yes! I’m big into painting and drawing, and love to write. I only wish I had time to give all of my hobbies the attention they deserve!
What do you hope to study in college?
That’s a tough one. It seems that the closer I get to leaving high school, the farther away I get from having any real idea of what I want to do in college. I’ve always been envious of the kids who’ve known exactly what they wanted to do – whether it was go into medicine or journalism or what have you – since they were seven. It’d make things so much easier! As much as I wish I did, I really don’t have a definite plan. Anthropology, education, international studies, forensics – the doors are wide open.
What kind of career do you hope to have? And how do you plan to get there?
Well, since I really don’t know what I want for a major, a possible career is an even vaguer prospect. I know what I ultimately want from my career, but not necessarily what I want for my career. I know I want to be fulfilled and end the work day feeling like I’ve done something good that I can be proud of. I want something that gives me the opportunity and ability to meet new people who I can learn more from and have new experiences that broaden my perspective. I guess that, when it all comes down to it, I’m going to have to discover this mystery calling and career and then dedicate myself to making it my own.
Do you have advice for other young people that are striving toward creative careers, or just enjoy creative hobbies?
Based on my answers to the previous two questions, I’m not entirely sure if I’m qualified to answer this one! Personally, my creative pursuits will always be hobbies for me. They’re something I enjoy immensely and can’t imagine going without, but I have different plans than turning them into a career. However, just because they’re hobbies doesn’t mean they require any less effort. The best part of a creative hobby – or a career, for that matter – is seeing the finished project all polished and shined and being able to say “I made that!” Reaching that point is no walk in the park, though; it’s time consuming, often frustrating, and requires a lot of dedication. A lot of dedication. So I guess my only advice for others who enjoy the creative process in any form is just to stick with it. If you really want it, you’ll have to make the time for it and work at it, which I know is far easier said than done.
What kind of books do you read? What are some of your favorites?
I read more historical fiction than anything else, but that doesn’t mean I don’t stray into other genres quite often. Picking favorites is difficult, but if I had to choose I’d probably give the following (in no particular order):
-Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
-The Poisonwood Bible – Barbara Kingsolver (Pretty much anything by Kingsolver, actually)
-Into the Wild – Jon Krakauer
-The Winter King – Bernard Cornwell
-American Woman – R. Garcia Y Robertson
In reading the description of FLUTTER, are you excited to see how your photo fits into the story?
Oh yes, I’m thrilled! I always love seeing how people interpret my work, and can’t wait to read the book and see just how my photograph will be connected to the story.
Can you describe yourself in three words?
I can try...Thoughtful, Empathetic, & Eclectic!
Thank you, Colleen, for taking the time to talk with us about your gorgeous photo, as well as what it means to pursue creative work. You are truly an inspiration to all young adults -- and everyone -- out there!
And to my readers, if you would like to see more of Colleen's work, like the wonderful photo below, you can go to her DeviantArt page at http://iiha.deviantart.com/ .
Aren't these covers just gorgeous?
Hello Lovely Readers:
Would you like to read about Emery and Ash and time travel and love and mystery and loops and suspense and EVERYTHING before most of the world gets their hands on FLUTTER? Or how about another highly coveted, fabulous time-traveling romantic mystery? Would you like to read about Anna and Bennett and music and love and romance in TIME BETWEEN US?
Well, you are in luck! I have one last ARC to give away! And so does Tamara Ireland Stone! So please enter our Time-Crossed Lovers Giveaway below:
But I don't think that's quite enough for you lovely readers! You need more prizes! FLUTTERish swag and gift cards!
Random winners will be chosen for these blog prizes, and all you have to do is leave a comment in this blogpost! So without further ado, here is the lovely Flutterish swag that will be up for grabs:
such as the wonderful Anderson's near me. 
Good luck to all of you! And please remember to enter here for the blog prizes, but enter on Goodreads for the ARC! And enter by August 7th!
I've been writing like crazy lately. I'm always writing, but first drafting is different. When I have a new idea, I become OBSESSED with it. I write sort of in a fugue. I can't sleep. I can barely think of anything else. I am constantly jotting down notes. It is an exhilirating time for me, because at this stage anything is possible. And I don't worry too much about making it perfect, just getting it down on paper. I recently told my critique group that I write fast and then I revise forever. I think that about sums up my process.
I also take notes on a plot diagram like the one we all learned in junior high.
The whole plot curve, with the rising action, climax, denouement. I don't know how much I stick to the plot curve, but I like to have it all planned out. I need to know where I'm going. I write for the end a lot of the time, not to say the end doesn't change. If that makes any sense.
Also, yes, I have the worst handwriting on earth.
How do you write?
Today in Publisher's Marketplace I read an exciting snippet, so I think I can tell my news now!
My wonderful agent, Caryn Wiseman, has sold my follow-up to FLUTTER, to my very awesome editor, Suzy Capozzi. I am a real-life Random House author, and I can hardly handle how proud I am to be part of this team. So, thank you Caryn. Thank you, Suzy. For loving Corrine and her story. The fact that I get to go through this wonderful process again, after FLUTTER goes out into the world this fall, is truly just an embarrassment of riches. I am so excited for INDIGO.
I will have a more detailed summary before to long, but for now, here it is:
FLUTTER author Gina Linko's INDIGO, in which a 17-year old girl moves to moody, atmospheric New Orleans with her family following the death of her sister, a death that she believes she caused, until she meets a boy, who convinces her that, rather than taking life, her touch has the power to give life, again to Suzy Capozzi at Random House Children's, in a very nice deal, for publication in Fall 2013, by Caryn Wiseman at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency (World).
Check out the new couch and picture (which I will hang eventually and not just prop!). Plus, one adorable twin.
And then the kitchen wall which I painted:
Let it not be said that I'm afraid of color!
My oldest daughter is a big time reader. This is her blog post.
These are some of my favorite books, and they are fun to read because they are exciting.
I love this book and Darth Paper. You should read them both.
More books should be as good at this. The pictures are so cool and they help tell the story.
I love the Hank Zipzer books. They are quick and funny.
I also love Harry Potter, and I am on the fifth one, and I will take some pictures of my Lego Diagon Alley and put them on here. I have made THe Hogwarts Express, Hagrid's Hut, The Night Bus, and Quidditch. I still have to do Hogwarts.
Hey there!
This is what I was busy doing this week:
Finalizing first-pass pages. It is really, really cool to see all of the tiny inconsistencies caught by the amazing copyeditor. Plus, the whole process, every step, is so exciting. The process to REAL book. I can't imagine it ever getting old.
Also, check these out! If you preorder FLUTTER, send me an email and I will send you an autographed one of these! I promise!
Hello Everybody,
It's time to announce the final lineup of the Spring Scavenger Hunt! This year it will be bigger and badder than ever before with 60 -- count 'em 60 -- YA authors! With fabulous prizes around every corner you DO NOT want to miss this! Having just loaded all the books into my blog I have to say these books look so enticing! Who wouldn't want to win these?
Below is your sneak preview of the authors and the books they will be featuring on the hunt.
I will be giving away the first ARC of FLUTTER in the YA Scavenger Hunt that is coming soon. More details to come soon. Check it out here! http://yascavengerhunt.blogspot.com/
Hello people (and by that I mean Mom) --
Look at what just came in the mail! Actual bound books -- advanced reader copies (ARCs) -- of the fabulous FLUTTER.
I am busy swooning over the gorgeousness! The cover! The page layout and design! The actual feeling of holding this book in my hands! *doing happy dance*
For the record, my kids were way more excited about the bubble wrap that the books came in. Thanks for the ego check, J and M!
Thank you, Random House design team. Maybe I will be able to give one of these babies away on here sometime soon. Contest to come! But for now, please swoon with me:
Even Sparkle loves FLUTTER.
