Meet Author Lynda Mullaly Hunt

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Writer’s thought for the day:

“Writing is easy. All you do is sit staring at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead.” ~ Gene Fowler

First, I have winners to announce from the last two posts. Helen will be receiving a copy of May B and L. W. Reyes will receive a copy of Neville. Congratulations and thanks for playing!

A few weeks ago I reviewed a wonderful debut novel, One for the Murphys, by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. You might want to check out that review by clicking HERE. I absolutely fell in love with the characters and story. I’m always curious about the writer’s journey, so I contacted Lynda to see if she would share some of her own story. I’m happy to say she was willing. Here a little about her and then the interview.

Author Bio:

Lynda Mullaly Hunt is the author of middle-grade novel, ONE FOR THE MURPHYS (Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin), winner of The Tassy Walden Award: New Voices in Children’s Literature. She is also a former teacher and Scenario Writing coach. Lynda has been Director of the SCBWI-NE Whispering Pines Retreat for six years. Lynda lives with her husband, two kids, impetuous beagle and beagle-loathing cat.

Your protagonist Carley’s habit of turning words and finding an extra level of meaning was interesting to me. Is this something someone you know does, or did your character bring it along with her?

Actually, I do know someone who does this—me! I remember doing this as early as second grade. Therefore, Carley’s turning a phrase or finding a pertinent word inside another word came easily. There were a few times, however, that I had to study words and work at it a bit. Also, there were some obvious ones that fit really well that I didn’t notice until the final editing stage. I couldn’t believe that I had missed them!

I also tend to think in metaphors; my head makes comparisons automatically. My husband and kids have teased me about this for years, but it comes in handy if you’re a writer!

Your writing has such a great, natural flow to it. Do you spend a lot of time planning your writing – outlining and such – or is it a much more organic process for you? Maybe you could talk a little about your writing process.

Thanks so much, Rosi!

I’ve tried outlines, but they point and laugh at me.

Not only do I just jump in, but then I proceed to jump all over the place. I begin a book by writing the beginning; seems pretty normal thus far, right? When I’m a few chapters in, my mind will decide to show me the ending, so I write that. Then I spend the rest of the time connecting the two. However, all of those in-between chapters are written completely and utterly out of order.

My writing seems to be driven by the emotions of the characters. I really don’t know what part of the book I’ll be writing as I make coffee and “prepare.” However, when I sit down—BAM!---it’s usually there. Something, anyway. (If the writing stinks to begin with, I just keep writing through the stinky period.)

After finishing a scene, I write its title/subject on a 3x5 card and put it on a magnetic white board. As the book progresses, I work on putting these cards in order. Every chapter of a book is a separate file on my computer; piecing them together to create a novel later is actually fun! It’s like doing the ultimate puzzle! When it is assembled, I read it from beginning to end and add text to create smooth transitions between chapters. It’s a nutty process—but it’s all mine—so I embrace it!

Do you feel your job is easier or harder now that your debut novel is out? Is there more or less pressure? Does the pressure come more from yourself or others?

Well, in some ways, it is definitely easier. Query letters are a thing of the past—and that is a huge relief! I don’t have to sign up for critiques at conferences or worry anymore about “if lightning will strike.”

But there is definitely more pressure—and that is as it should be. Pre-publication, I obviously did write, but my schedule was a lot more flexible. Now, I must write on a regular basis in order to hit deadlines.

Also, marketing One for the Murphys turned out to be a lot more time consuming than I had ever imagined. But, that is partly my doing, as I tend to be an over-the-top researcher and get swept up by attention to detail. I actually like the marketing aspect of the author career, though. It can be fun and is a way of taking a break without taking a break. 

My publisher has never put direct pressure on me. However, when I signed a contract, I figured that high expectations were implied. I assumed that my editor and publisher expected my work to be of a high caliber. I assumed that they wanted me to work hard with them to create the very best book that we could. And, I assumed that they wanted me to work with them to get Murphys out into the world through marketing and publicity. We are, after all, a team.

What advice would you pass along to those of us who haven’t gotten that first book published?  

  

Well, to be honest, I think that writing with the publishing industry on your shoulder—whispering what the market wants, what will sell, etc. messes with a writer’s voice and craft. My advice is to forget about publication and focus on the writing. Attend workshops on character, plot, and pacing. Forge the best manuscript that you can—then worry about getting it into hands of publishing professionals.

Be open to critiques. I empathize that when you get a critique from someone, we’re sometimes tempted to explain or assume that they “just didn’t get it.” Try to walk the fence between confidence/optimism and knowing that writing for children is a business and that your work must be its very best to compete. Truly consider feedback. True—sometimes feedback is off base--doesn’t fit the voice of the character. However, if you hear something twice, you may want to linger on it for a bit; give it some extra thought.

To be honest, I didn’t really think I would get published in the beginning. I just worked to make my writing better because I enjoyed it and I liked the people in SCBWI. The first time I attended a “first pages” activity, the editor said my page was “cheesy. A horrible 70’s throwback or something. Just terrible.” 

I was embarrassed as my eyes shifted left to right, wondering who knew it was mine. But I didn’t dismiss it. I went back to my room and looked at it with a critical eye. And you know what? It was cheesy. It was terrible. I had work to do. Soon after, I abandoned PB writing for novels. 

So, be confidant in your skill! But, remember that we all—published or prepublished—have things to learn.

What’s next for you?

My second novel, ALPHABET SOUP, is under contract with Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin) and I couldn’t be happier!  Set in the 70’s, it’s about a fifth grader named Lucy who can’t read so she acts out in class to hide it from everyone until a teacher sees through her bluster. 

I am very much enjoying working on this book. I wondered if I would love working on another book as much as Murphys, but I really do! It is set to be released in spring, 2014. During the “down times” of editing (when my publisher/editor, Nancy, has the ms) I will be speaking at conferences and visiting schools. I’m REALLY excited about this! 

Thank you, Lynda,  for so generously sharing your time and thoughts.

Lynda recently posted a link to her new book trailer for One for the Murphys. It’s terrific. It made me want to carve out a day and read her delicious book again. You can find the trailer at this link. It is worth your time! http://lyndamullalyhunt.wordpress.com/2012/04/04/one-for-the-murphys-book-trailer-middle-grade-novel/ You might enjoy poking around her website while you’re there.

Remember, if you have trouble leaving a comment, click on the title of the post and it will give you just this post with a comments section on the bottom.

I'm Back ... With a Book Review of May B.

Hello Blog Readers. I know some of you must think I fell off the edge of the world, but I didn’t. After the craziness of the holidays, my husband was hit with some serious germs, and I have spent my time nursing and worrying. We aren’t out of the woods yet and won’t be for quite awhile, so please excuse me if my blogging is spotty over the next couple of months.

"Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away." ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery

I ran across this quote recently and think it really speaks to writers. I am going to make a little poster of it and hang it in my office. I thought it would be a nice way to start the blog post today. I think it would be equally useful for things other than writing, like decorating and fashion design and ………., well, who knows. You might want to fill in the blank yourself. But it is a particularly appropriate quote for a review of a fine book written in verse.

Last April, I reviewed a marvelous book, Three Rivers Rising by Jaime Richards. First, it is historical fiction – well researched and a compelling story. Second, it was written in verse. I found that fascinating. The language was so spare and beautiful. If you missed the review, you can read it HERE . There is also a nice interview with Jaime HERE .

You might wonder why I am bringing up these posts from last year, but I have a reason. It is by way of introducing a brand new book, just released this month. It is also historical fiction and is also written in verse. Now I love historical fiction. I love to read it and I love to write it. My second (not yet published) novel is historical fiction, and I have some other such pieces in the pipeline. But verse? Holy Guacamole! I don’t know how people do this, but Caroline Starr Rose has done it so very nicely in her debut novel, May B.

Caroline Starr Rose

12-year-old Mavis Betterly, May B., has lived most of her life in the plains of Kansas. It is the late 1800s and May and her family live in a sod house (soddy) miles from neighbors or towns. Her best friend is her older brother Hiram, who defends May when her reading disability makes things hard for her at school. It’s a hard life and the family of four struggles. When a neighbor offers to hire May to help his new wife with cooking and housework, May’s father agrees. May doesn’t want to go, but is given no choice. She worries about missing school, especially since she has such trouble reading. Her dream is to become a teacher one day, and she knows she can’t accomplish that if she can’t go to school. Her father promises he will get her back before Christmas, but five months stretches immeasurably for May.

Mrs. Oblinger is young. May thinks she’s not much older than May is. And she is a town girl – apparently miserable in her new life. Mr. Oblinger is a kind man and tries in every way to make his new wife happy. May does her work and thinks about home and her own family.

Ma’s probably rolling dough,

Humming.

Maybe Hiram’s grinding coffee

Now that I’m not there to help.

He’s already brought the milk pail in.

When Pa gets back,

He’ll share what he heard in town.

May isn’t particularly happy or comfortable, but it’s clear she will do what she needs to do to meet the obligation her father set for her. One day, Mrs. Oblinger says she is going for a ride, but leaves a note behind saying that she is going home. When Mr. Oblinger reads the note, he takes the rifle, gets into his wagon, and tells May to not hold supper. He might be awhile.

Fear flashes inside me.

Pa never left Hiram and me without

protection.

All around me there is nothing

but the prairie and the sky.

“Silly girl,” I tell myself.

“There’s no reason to worry.”

But it takes time for my heart to slow.

May faces something few could – loneliness, fear, few supplies, wolves, and finally a huge blizzard. This is a story of courage and perseverance and resourcefulness. It is told in the clear voice of a young girl, true to the time and place of the story. It is beautifully written and a compelling read. You can easily read it in a day and I recommend you do. It is well worth your time.

Here is a link to a great book give-away you might want to check out: http://caseylmccormick.blogspot.com/2012/01/2000-follower-awesome-giveaway.html

If you are reading this in your email, don’t forget to click on the headline to go to my blog. If you haven’t subscribed yet, please do. And please leave a comment. If you have trouble leaving a comment, please click on the title of the post and comments should pop up at the bottom. If you don’t have one of the accounts they ask for or don’t want to use that, please use Anonymous, but let me know who you are. Thanks. I love to hear from you.