Debut Author of the Month: Debbie Reed Fischer...

Debut YA novelist Debbie Reed Fischer originally planned to write screenplays, but instead she fell into the business side of the industry, becoming a talent agent for TV and film. "It's probably just as well," she says, being that her first screen play—"about sorority girls who were perky Susie Chapsticks by day and axe-wielding serial killers my night"—wasn't exactly Oscar-worthy. "Now I would let my neighbor's dog use it as a chew toy if I could find it."

Fischer moved from talent agenting to model brokering in Miami, an experience that offered her a treasure trove of characters and the backdrop for her debut Braless in Wonderland released in April by Dutton. She eventually left the world of modeling behind, got married, went back to college and became an English teacher. After five years of teaching, she quit to "have two babies and focus on writing." She got involved in SCBWI, found a mentor, and started attending conferences—which all helped lead her to her first book contract. Here's her story.

Do you have an agent? How did you get your book contract with Dutton for Braless in Wonderland?
I was fortunate enough to meet my agent Steven Chudney at a Florida SCBWI conference. Within five minutes of my “pitch,” he kindly told me I talked too much, which shows he is a very perceptive man. We hit it off immediately. Steven really ‘gets’ my humor and what I’m going for. He sent out Braless in Wonderland to a handful of editors, and we received some positive responses within a few weeks, but it was Dutton who responded first. It was another several weeks of nervous waiting as it went up the editorial ladder until I got The Phone Call that an official offer had been made. The date was June 14, 2006, one of the happiest days of my life. My kids and I released a gaggle of balloons in the sky and I told them they could be anything they wanted. We celebrate June 14th every year now as our own wacky “dream day” holiday.

Your website refers to Braless in Wonderland as “a funny, honest peek at the crazy and glamorous world of professional modeling.” Tell us more about your debut novel.
Braless in Wonderland is about a small-town girl named Allee who falls into the world of modeling. She considers herself a brainiac and a feminist, but definitely not model material. She leaves that to pretty people like her little sister (a.k.a. “The Fluff”). That’s why it’s a complete shock when Allee, not her sister, is the one spotted by modeling scouts at the mall and signed by a major modeling agency in Miami. The book gets inside the mind a new model, especially her insecurities and her misconceptions about what the modeling industry is like. It’s also about holding on to the core of who you are, but being willing to grow and change.

You worked as a model booking agent for years—at the time did it occur to you that that world would make a great backdrop for a YA novel? Did anything in particular spark your idea?
It occurred to me from my very first day on the job, as I videotaped teen models dancing in prom dresses for a casting. The environment is so surreal, you really feel like you’re in a kind of modern Wonderland, which is one of the reasons elements of Alice in Wonderland are woven throughout the story. Many scenes in the book are based on my experiences as a booker. I repped a model who always carried a stuffed animal she called Jupiter. She made us talk to it. That weirdness made it into the book. The agency provided lots of inspiration.

I was especially intrigued by the fact that so many stereotypes I’d held dear were wrong, namely the “models are shallow and dumb” belief. That is definitely untrue. It’s just that models often have to choose between college or their career, which leaves them uneducated. Some manage to do both, but for most, the demands of the modeling industry and the travel required make it a tough call. That issue is addressed in Braless, as is the issue of stereotyping.

I was also fascinated by the transformation that took place after a new model arrived in South Beach. Every season there was some shy, quiet Susie from Osh Kosh who would suddenly become confident, loud Suzette by season’s end. That screamed, “YA novel!” to me. The teen years are a time of self-discovery, and the modeling industry is a world where you get to “try on different shoes,” both literally and figuratively speaking.

At one point, you decided to quit teaching and get and serious about writing. How long did it take you to get from that point to being a published YA novelist? What did you do along the way to learn about the world of books for young readers?
It took me about four years. The first year I attempted to write a novel without taking workshops or joining a critique group, because I just didn’t know any better. Plus, since I’d studied screenwriting, I actually thought I was ready to be published. HAHAHAHAHA! Never have I been so painfully wrong. That manuscript is now where it belongs. Six feet under. Just kidding, it’s in my closet. But I should probably bury it.

After about a year of toiling away, I realized A) that I was stuck, and B) it was terrible, so I took a workshop at a local library led by a YA author. It was then that I realized how much I still had to learn. I joined a wonderful critique group, started attending conferences, met fellow YA writers and really dedicated myself to my goal. As far as learning about the world of books for young readers, I’ve been an avid reader of middle grade and young adult fiction since I was a middle grader myself. I’ve never stopped reading books for kids. That’s actually why I had kids, to give me an excuse to read children’s books.

On your website bio, you mention a mentor. Can you tell me about that person?
With pleasure. Her name is Joyce Sweeney and she’s an award-winning YA author, a teacher, and a tremendous source of strength and guidance for many writers in South Florida. It was her workshop that inspired me to go after my dream. Under her mentorship, many local writers have become published. She also worked with my agent Steven many years ago when he was a publicist. I’m a big believer in synchronicity. People definitely come into your life for a reason.

On your site, you give ten tips for writers. Your #1 tip: “Be fearless.” Are there any fears you had to overcome as you embarked on a writing career? Any fears you’re still working on?
My fears mostly deal with revealing truth in my writing. Even though I write humor, I also draw from my own personal mistakes, my insecurity and awkwardness; all of that takes courage. I really try not to pull punches when it comes to depicting the under belly of high school politics, family relationships, or in the case of Braless, the modeling industry. Someone who read my book said to me, “Why do you have to write about models who take diet pills?” I answered that while it’s true that not all models pop pills, it would be dishonest to write a book about the modeling industry and not include a model who takes appetite suppressants. There are models in my book who starve themselves, models who eat healthfully, as well as some who eat tons of pizza and fast food, yet remain wasp-waisted goddesses. All types exist in the modeling world. The truth is the truth.

A scene in Swimming with the Sharks, involves a first-time make-out session that goes horribly wrong. It’s based on an experience I had in high school, and it was incredibly difficult (read embarrassing) to write, and even more difficult to read to my critique group. But it was a turning point for me as a writer. Every single person in the group recounted an experience similar to the one I’d written. It was clear I’d struck a chord, and now I’m glad I wrote that scene. But that’s where the fear comes in, those pesky thoughts of "What will my mother-in-law or my son’s teacher think?" It takes bravery to be honest and I’m a total chicken about most things. But I really can’t write any other way.

I love that you’ve got a dream cast picked out for a movie version of Braless in Wonderland—that’s something I do a lot when I read novels. Has the book been optioned? Maybe it could turn into the next big CW show. (Gossip Girl will be cancelled eventually, although I hope not any time soon.)
CW, Lifetime, the big screen, the Weather Channel, bring it! It hasn’t been optioned . . . yet. Would you like to join me in a little visualization exercise so we can make this happen? That whole law of attraction thing? Come on . . . concentrate . . .

I also love that you’re giving away accessories (hoop earring like ones your main character wears, for instance) along with books as you promote Braless. What else have you been doing to create buzz?
Fun interviews like this one! The most rewarding thing I’ve done to promote is join the author class of 2k8. It’s a wonderful network and I’ve learned so much from other members. I also love communicating with readers via the Internet. I’m active on Myspace, Facebook, and I have a blog. Write to me! My video trailer is my favorite part of promotion so far. It feeds that whole “movie option” fantasy . . .

In a blog post you expressed some frustration in regards to promotion—the MySpacing, Facebooking, blogging, Listserving, chatrooming, etc.—in that it takes time away from writing. As a debut author, how do you reconcile that?
I’m getting all tough love now with my promo activities. Ultimately, time for writing has to be a priority. Everything else has to come second. If it means I have to neglect my blog for a few days to finish a chapter, then so be it.

Tell me more about your second novel, Swimming with the Sharks which comes out in September from Flux.
The main character is Peyton, who has finally earned a coveted spot on the varsity cheerleading squad. For her, it’s the end of standing on the social sidelines and the beginning of being in the Alpha Clique. The problems start when Lexie, the charismatic and powerful squad captain, orders Peyton and her team mates to drive another girl off the squad by bullying her. As the cruel hazing spirals out of control, Peyton is torn by her conscience, yet seduced by the chance to have everything she wants.

What’s your advice for aspiring YA novelists, particularly anyone thinking about giving writing full time a go?
My motto is: “Write what blows your skirt up!” Write whatever it is that you like to write. Enjoy yourself. Don’t get caught up in the angst, the neigh-sayers, the statistic-quoters. Just write. Find your own voice. Most of all, take workshops, join writing organizations, and make friends with other writers. It can change the trajectory of your life. Trust me. Oh, and check out my website for more writing tips at www.debbiereedfischer.com.

Debut Author of the Month: S.A. Harazin...

S.A Harazin spent years working in hospitals--and years writing--before finding an agent and a publisher for her debut novel Blood Brothers, a July 2007 release from Delacorte (with whom she has a two-book contract). Here Harazin talks about her book and her path to publication.

Tell my readers and me a little about your debut novel, Blood Brothers, and Clay, your main character.

Clay is an orderly at a hospital where mopping floors and facing life or death situations is normal for him. He dreams of becoming a doctor, but he does not have the money or good grades. His childhood friend, Joey, has it all—good grades, money, supportive parents, and plans to attend to Duke University.

One evening Clay goes to Joey’s house and finds him confused and combative. Clay acts in self defense and then has to call 911 for help. Joey ends up in the hospital on life support. Over the course of a few days, Clay faces suspicion, betrayal, and lies as he tries to uncover what happened to Joey before he arrived.

Before you got your first book contract, you had been writing for more than a decade. Had you submitted novels to editors or agents before Blood Brothers?

Yes, I have another novel I submitted three or four times before I wrote Blood Brothers. I’d get revision suggestions, and I would revise. But I really did not know how to revise. That manuscript is now in a drawer.

You definitely subscribe to the philosophy of “write what you know.” During the time you worked in hospitals, did you ever envision the experience flavoring YA novels?

Never. I’ve always been a writer, but I never considered submitting anything for publication until about ten years ago. I was writing short stories at that time and attending a writer’s group at a bookstore for fun. One day I was reading a short story and a group of teens came over and started listening. One of the teens—a male—complimented the story and asked if I had anything published. He said the “voice” of the short story sounded like him, and he knew exactly how the character in the story felt. Then I decided to submit the story to a lit magazine. The editor wrote back that I should be writing for children. That’s when I started reading young adult books and writing for teens.

Please tell me about your path to publication. How did you find your agent?

I’d been writing, reading, and learning the craft for several years before I submitted my first novel attempt. In 1999 I wrote the first draft of Blood Brothers and over the next few years submitted it to four agents. The third agent gave me some suggestions but did not ask to see a revision. The fourth agent said yes. I had found him by networking with other writers.

You’ve said that your agent asked for some revisions and you did a major revision of Blood Brothers with your editor. Is this what you expected? How did you feel about the whole editorial process? Any surprises.

I did expect to do a major revision because other authors I knew would have to do major editorial revisions. The process was intense. I had to do a rewrite in six weeks, and I am a slow writer. I learned that I could write fast when I had to, but I also had my editor (Joe Cooper who is no longer at Delacorte) to give me advice. Surprisingly (to me at least) he asked for more flashbacks with a tone change. I enjoyed writing those less intense scenes most of all. My agent Steven Chudney had not read the rewrite until he received an ARC. He said it was the same book but it was also a different book. I was amazed at the difference that editorial input made. I think it took the book to a whole new level. There were others at Delacorte—including my new editor, Claudia Gabel—who played a significant part in the process.

Your book has been out for a few months. How does it feel reading reviews?

I generally won’t read a review unless my editor or a reviewer emails me. The book is published, I wrote it from my heart, and I wrote what I was passionate about. I feel like I’ve done all I could do at that time in my life to write a good book.

What have you done to promote Blood Brothers? How has your involvement in the Class of 2k7 helped you?

I did the usual things. I set up a web page and a blog, and I joined MySpace. I’ve contacted local bookstores, and I asked to participate in a SIBA conference which turned out to be a great experience. I am normally shy, but the Class of 2K7 helped me move out of my comfort zone and gave me the support I needed to promote. I’ve made friends, read great books I would have otherwise missed, and shared the ups and downs.

Do you think all new authors should have websites? What else should debut authors do to promote their work?

An author should have a professional looking website, and I think this should be the priority in promotion.

Other ways to promote:

• Check out book fairs and conferences and get things started early if you want to participate. Be aware that most are planned many months in advance.
• Visit your local bookstores after your book is out and introduce yourself. Offer to sign stock.
• Set up a MySpace page. This is a great way to network. I actually get more book-related email from MySpace “friends” than I do from my website.
• Start a blog.
• Bookmarks are nice to have for school or library visits. Postcards and brochures—for me at least—are not all that effective except for mailing locally to let schools or libraries know you are available for visits. I think bookstores toss them into the trash.
• Do not obsess. A writer can spend every hour of the day promoting and still feel like it isn’t enough. I try to balance promotion with writing—I am a writer. That is what I do best. I want to write, and that is the most important thing to me.

You said, “I feel like I’ve been stuck between 14 and 19 years old,” and you have three teenage kids. As an author, what appeals to you about teenage-hood?

I find teens interesting and amazing. The teenage years are filled with so much emotion, conflict, and change it’s hard not to be intrigued.

You used your initials rather than your first name (in great company with S.E. Hinton, J.K. Rowling, E.L. Konigsburg, K.L. Going…) Is that something your publisher encouraged you do to as a female author writing male characters? Any particular reason you chose a male main character?

I have author friends who were asked to use their initials, and I could see why it might be a good idea. I made the decision to use my initials.

I didn’t actually choose a male main character. When I first heard his voice and then visualized him, he was male.

Tell me about your second novel, Painless. When will it be released?

Painless (which is the working title) is about a boy with a hereditary disease who is trying to beat the odds and survive. After moving to a colder climate—something he needs to improve the quality of his life—he meets a girl.

My editor mentioned something about 2009—but she has not seen a draft yet. I have not shown this draft to anyone. It’s not where I want it to be yet. I want to write a better book and grow as a writer. For me, it’s all about the writing and the story.

What was it like for you getting a contract for a book you hadn’t yet written? Was that at all scary?

I was thrilled and surprised to get a blank contract, and I will admit, I thought I heard my agent wrong when he called.

I have moments when I experience fear. I think it goes with the territory. But passion and determination squash the fear.

What advice would you give unpublished writers working on YA novels?

Read hundreds of books. Write and rewrite. Take time to learn the craft. Develop grit. Grit is the ability to persist with passion. Experts speak of the 10-year rule—it takes a decade of hard work to become successful in most endeavors. The ability to persist in the face of obstacles is important in major achievements.

And new authors?

If you’re a new author, turn off your Google alerts and don’t Google your name or check your Amazon rankings endlessly. (I think checking once in a while is OK.) Focus on writing a fabulous book. Enjoy the journey.