MUF Contributor Books

Pink Hair and Other Terrible Ideas + Giveaway

By on February 4, 2019   /   Articles, Author Interviews, For Kids, For Librarians, For Parents, For Teachers, For Writers, Giveaways, MUF Contributor Books  

Today is World Cancer Day, devoted to raising awareness of the disease and supporting those individuals and their families who are facing it head on. And that’s exactly what MUF contributor, Andrea Pyros, has done with her newly released novel, Pink Hair and Other Terrible Ideas. We’re pleased to interview Andrea and to shine a light on this heartfelt and important book, especially today:

 

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Twelve-year-old Josephine has a lot on her plate―best friend issues, first crush issues, divorced parent issues, twin brother issues . . . and then her mom hits her with news that shakes her to her core: a breast cancer diagnosis. Josephine doesn’t want anyone to know―not even her best friend. Sharing the news means it’s actually real, and that’s something she’s not ready to face. Plus it would mean dealing with the stares―and pity―of her classmates. She got enough of that when her parents split up. Unfortunately for Josephine, her twin brother, Chance, doesn’t feel the same way. And when Chance dyes his hair pink to support his mom, the cat is out of the bag. Suddenly Josephine has to rethink her priorities. Does getting an invite to the party of the year matter when your mom is sick? And what if it does matter? Does that make her a monster?

 

ABOUT ANDREA:

Andrea Pyros is the author My Year of Epic Rock, which was called “a perfect read for anyone who feels BFF-challenged” by Booklist and “a charming addition to upper elementary and middle school collections” by School Library Journal. Andrea has written extensively for young adults, starting with her stint as co-founder of the pop culture website Girls on Film and then as a senior-level editor at a variety of teen magazines. A native of New York City, Andrea now lives in New York’s Hudson Valley with her husband and their two children. For more information, visit her at www.andreapyros.com.

 

Read the interview and scroll down to enter the Rafflecopter widget below for a chance to win a signed copy of Pink Hair and Other Terrible Ideas. Good luck! (This giveaway is only available in the United States.)

Why was it so important to you to write a book about cancer?

When I was in sixth grade, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. On top of feeling worried for her and scared about what might happen to me if something happened to her, I also felt guilty, because I still had regular middle school kid concerns, like about friends and crushes and school. That seemed wrong, somehow. I wrote Pink Hair… because I wanted kids like me to know it’s totally normal to still think about themselves when a loved one is sick. Life keeps going!

Aside from your own experiences in middle school, was there anything else that sparked the idea for Pink Hair and Other Terrible Ideas?

The idea was born when I saw an article about a student who’d dyed his hair pink in honor of his mother’s breast cancer diagnosis and his school suspended him. I was shocked. Like, here’s someone coping with a parent’s illness and trying to do something positive and he was being punished for it. I was nowhere as brave as this kid. When my mother got sick I was embarrassed to talk about it and didn’t want people to know. That’s why I gave Josephine a twin brother who copes in a vastly different way than she does to their mother’s news—none of us deal in the exact same way when facing a hard time.

What kind of research did you have to do for the book?

I drew quite a bit on my own experience as a child and my memories of my mother’s surgery, and how scary that time was for her and for me. I also spoke with a breast cancer surgeon to learn more about how breast cancer is treated today, compared to back in the 80s. Things have changed quite a bit in how we speak about and understand cancer.

What was your greatest challenge in writing this story of Josephine?

Josephine is a confusing and messy person. She loves her mom and twin brother, but she’s also mad at them and frustrated, and doesn’t always behave the “right” way with them. I wanted to make her real and human, but it’s hard when your main character sometimes does things you don’t approve of.

Have you ever dyed your hair pink?

I WISH! I’ve been thinking about it, but I’m intimated by the upkeep. 🙂

Can you tell us a little bit about your writing process with this book?

Sure! I had a writing group, which is a fantastic motivator. We’d meet every other week and share pages and give each other feedback on our projects. Their notes really helped, as did the enforced deadlines, because otherwise it’s too easy for my fiction writing to get pushed to the side by other job projects, time with my family, or just goofing off. I worked on the first draft with them, and then wrote the first revision with my writing group, as well.

What are some of your favorite writing tips?

My writing tips that work for me (but may not work for you, so take these with a grain of salt): 1) When I’m writing, I block social media on my computer so I’m not distracted quite so easily. 2) I remind myself that a first draft is going to sound clunky and stilted. Don’t panic, it’s going to take shape over time! 3) People write in all sorts of ways—between work and family obligations, or they write during lunch breaks or just on weekends or for thirty minutes in the morning. Whatever it is you’re doing to get words onto paper, you do you. There’s no wrong way to write.

Thanks so much, Andrea, for taking the time out to share a bit about Pink Hair and Other Terrible Ideas!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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MG Authors Share Their Secret Holiday Wishes

By on December 24, 2018   /   Articles, Author Interviews, Fiction, MUF Contributor Books  

In celebration of the holiday season, and in eager anticipation of 2019, we asked a merry band of MG authors to share their holiday wishes, big and small. Here’s what they had to say:

Beth McMullen, author of the MRS. SMITH’S SPY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS series.

“I wish for the world full stomachs, sturdy roofs, good books, good friends, joy, laughter and possibly some chocolate. For my author friends, I wish for words that flow like a river, a fully charged laptop, a great answer to the question ‘what happens next?’ and a sense of humor for when it all goes sideways. Happy Holidays and best wishes for a spectacular 2019!

 

Jonathan Rosen, author of NIGHT OF THE LIVING CUDDLE BUNNIES and FROM SUNSET TILL SUNRISE.
“For everyone who has persevered and worked hard toward a goal to accomplish it this year.”
Wendy McLeod MacKnight, author of  IT’S A MYSTERY, PIG FACE! and THE FRAME-UP.
“That every child finds the book that lifts them up, inspires them, and brings them peace.”
Hayley Chewins, author of THE TURNAWAY GIRLS.
“For every young girl in the world to find her true voice–and to have the courage to use it.”
Kim Ventrella, author of SKELETON TREE and BONE HOLLOW.
“That ghost stories return as a popular winter pastime. After all, there’s no better time to get spooky than the deep, dark of winter.”
Darcey Rosenblatt, author of LOST BOYS.
“That everyone finds time next to a fireplace with a good book. “
Kristin L. Gray, author of VILLONIA TAKES CHARGE and the upcoming picture book,
KOALA IS NOT A BEAR.
“I’d love a magical snow day where the world pauses, and everyone in it sips hot cocoa with marshmallows, reads their pile of wondrous books, and watches  movies by the fire with loved ones.
Amanda Hosch, author of MABEL OPAL PEAR AND THE RULES FOR SPYING.
“To give everyone that lovely moment when they feel safe and cared for. And then have that moment last! (Of course, if they’re characters in a book—it won’t.)”
Susan Tan, author of CILLA LEE-JENKINS: FUTURE AUTHOR EXTRAORDINAIRE and CILLA LEE-JENKINS: THIS BOOK IS A CLASSIC and CILLA LEE-JENKINS: THE EPIC STORY.
“Peace on earth, a good book for all.”
Melissa Sarno, author of JUST UNDER THE CLOUDS and the upcoming A SWIRL OF OCEAN.
“For all women to have confidence in their voices, and for their words to be lifted and heard.”

Jarret Lerner, author of ENGINERDS and REVENGE OF THE ENGINERDS.

“That everyone have a nice, long, uninterrupted chunk of time to a read a book that they’ve been wanting to read all year long.”

 

Jake Burt, author of  GREETINGS FROM WITNESS PROTECTION and THE RIGHT HOOK OF DEVIN VELMA.
“For every kid to find a book that, while reading, they can experience with as much joy, wonder, and excitement as I did when I first discovered the magic of stories (thank you, James and the Giant Peach!).”
Sally J. Pla, author of THE SOMEDAY BIRDS and STANLEY WILL PROBABLY BE FINE, and picture book BENJI, THE BAD DAY, AND ME.
“That this impossible world gets way better at cherishing life in all its forms, but especially the lives of children. And that our own special kidlit community continues its excellent work caring about both kids and each other.”
Alyson Gerber, author of BRACED and FOCUSED.
“That every kid can find at least one book that makes them feel heard and understood and accepted.”
Rob Vlock, author of SVEN CARTER & THE TRASHMOUTH EFFECT and SVEN CARTER & THE ANDROID ARMY.
“I actually have two wishes. First, I wish everyone on earth could learn to love each other and live in peace and harmony forever. Second, I wish for a large cheese pizza. Actually, I’m starving. Let’s go with the pizza first and that whole love, peace and harmony thing second. Have a wonderful New Year everyone!”

Bridget Hodder, author of THE RAT PRINCE.

“This year, I wish you all the courageous persistence represented by the light of the Hanukkah candles, which kept burning even when common sense said there was no hope left. And I wish you the loving unity represented by the angels of Christmas, who proclaimed at Jesus’s birth: ‘Joy to the World’– the entire world, without boundary or limit. Happy Holidays, everyone!”

Katie Slivensky, author of THE COUNTDOWN CONSPIRACY and THE SEISMIC SEVEN.
“My greatest wish for the new year is for everyone to have something to look forward to in 2019. Never underestimate the power of an ambition, dream, or hope!”
Allison K. Hymas, author of UNDER LOCKER AND KEY and ARTS AND THEFTS.
“My greatest wish for the holidays is that I’ll be able to spend some good, quality time with my family and that no one will ‘retrieve’ something (i.e., my Christmas candy) that does not belong to them.”
Natalie Rompella, author of COOKIE CUTTERS & SLED RUNNERS and the picture book,
THE WORLD NEVER SLEEPS.
“I am very excited about a book I have out on submission. I would love for this book to come into the world!”

And finally, my wish…? For anyone facing rejection to say, “Today, I will NOT give up.”

Melissa Roske, author of KAT GREENE COMES CLEAN.

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5 Questions for Hillary Homzie

By on October 3, 2018   /   Articles, MUF Contributor Books  

Middle-grade author and MUF blogger Hillary Homzie celebrates the publication of her latest MG novel, APPLE PIE PROMISES (Sky Pony Press, October 2). Here, she chats with fellow MUF blogger Melissa Roske about the writing and researching process, haunted houses, and strawberry-rhubarb pie. 

1. Your latest MG, APPLE PIE PROMISES, is about Lily, a seventh grader who is sent to live with her father, stepmother, and half-sister while her mother is on an academic fellowship in Morocco. Where did you get the idea for the premise, and what kind of research did you do?

After I finished Pumpkin Spice Secrets, which was the first book in Sky Pony’s Swirl line, I discussed with my editor the possibility of writing about a seventh grader who must live with her new stepfamily after her mom earns a fellowship abroad. Immediately, I thought of having the mother travel to Morocco. My father’s family is from North Africa, and I knew it would be a wonderful opportunity for me to explore that part of the world. I scoured travel blogs and articles about Morocco. I asked friends who were going or had just come back from a trip there. I became an inveterate armchair traveler, falling in love with the sights and sounds of the country. I had so much fun having Lily’s mom write dispatches from Rabat, the gorgeous capital city, sitting along the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg. Oh, I really want to go! Of course, the main action takes place in the States, in Tacoma, Washington, but Lily (and the reader) will definitely learn a bit about Morocco, and especially Rabat.

I also spent time researching Tacoma. I’ve been to Tacoma and have spent time in the general Seattle area, which I love. However, I haven’t lived there, so I watched vlogs of Tacoma residents, as well as immersed myself in reading about the city through books and blogs. And yes, I fell in love all over again with the Northwest. I set my middle-grade novel Queen of Likes (Simon and Schuster/Aladdin MIX, 2016) in Portland, another quirky, cool, beautiful Northwestern city. Also, I found myself researching haunted houses. Not real ones, but the kind that students and the PTA assemble for school fairs. I’ve put together a few haunted houses in my day, but it was fun to read about different themes out there. In Apple Pie Promises, Lily works on a haunted house for the fall festival with her stepsister, as well as her crush. Let me tell you, I spent quite a few Google searches investigating zombie makeup and funny sayings and names on gravestones. You know, like Ben Better and Ann M. T. Grave. I love research assignments that make me giggle like a madwoman.

2. Baking is a huge part of this book, as Lily is an avid baker. She even Skypes with her mom while she’s baking. Are you a keen baker? If so, what is your favorite dessert to bake, and why?

True confession. I’m not a baker, but I love pies (strawberry rhubarb and tart apple pies are my favorite), so I had to read about pie baking, watch videos and cajole a friend who is actually a gifted baker to tutor me (it was so terrible. I was forced to sample pies. Ah, such cruel hard work). The hardest part is undoubtedly the crust, and my friend taught me a few tricks, which I attempted to repeat. My son filmed my tutorials and I plan to post some of it online (even the fails) to help non-bakers like me get over their baking phobia.

3. Pranks weigh heavily in APPLE PIE PROMISES. What is the silliest/craziest prank you’ve ever pulled? 

I’ve done quite a few pranks, from kidnapping stuffed animals to tying strings to closet doors, but probably the silliest happened in college. I was living in the French House (La Maison Française, at University of Virgina), and a friend purchased une crotte—basically, a piece of brown plastic that looked remarkably like a turd.  We’d drop it on the bathroom floor and then wait to hear a piercing cry, and cursing in French. It gave a whole new meaning to “Pardon my French.”

4. Do you have a specific writing routine? If so, can you tell us about it? 

Well, my writing routine first involves non-writing. Getting up. Feeding the dog. Feeding the child. Packing the child’s lunch. Walking for about 40 minutes up and down a steep hill with my husband, who is disciplined about these things. This is lucky for me, because I’m lazy and would much rather stay in bed and read. Then I check email and see what’s going on with the news (which can be dangerous since there’s a lot going on, so if I’m strategic I don’t do this, but I’m not often strategic). But somewhere around 10:00 a.m., I do start writing. And then take a break around lunchtime. Then write some more. Of course, not every day is writing. But I feel much better about my life if I can get a couple of hours in or more. Oh, and I do take social media breaks and scan to see what’s going on with my writing friends. In truth, I’m most productive when I’m on a tight deadline, and I’ve had some crazy deadlines. When a deadline looms large, I don’t even need to use Freedom (which shuts off my internet access) in order to make my goals.

In a strange way, when life interrupts due to family obligations and other responsibilities, it only makes me hungrier to write when I do finally sit in front of my computer. And often literally hungry. I confess to liking snacks when I write. I’m trying to switch to drinking more tea though.

5. What advice would you give to aspiring writers? And how about to aspiring bakers?

Finish what you write. I can’t tell you how often I’ve gotten bogged down by the first three chapters—obsessively rewriting them. I would say just write on through to the end, and only after you’ve finally gotten your armature in place, then spend time fine-tuning. After all, you might have to throw away your opening—perhaps starting later or earlier. Also, be careful of overcomplicating things. I’m famous for over-plotting, and then having to scale it back to spend more time on characterization. For aspiring bakers, don’t be afraid to throw away your too buttery pie dough. It’s no different than for writers—throw away your darlings, if it will make a better book (or pie!).

HILLARY HOMZIE is the author of the upcoming Ellie May chapter-book series (Charlesbridge), as well as contemporary middle grade novels, including Apple Pie Promises and Pumpkin Spice Secrets (Sky Pony Press), and Queen of Likes, The Hot List and Things Are Gonna Get Ugly (Simon & Schuster/M!X). She is also the author of the humorous chapter book series, Alien Clones From Outer Space (Simon & Schuster/Aladdin). Hillary lives in California with her family, and teaches at the children’s writing MFA program at Hollins University. You can find out more about Hillary her  website and follow her on Twitter.

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