Erica O'Rourke

Answers!

Happy Tax Day, everyone! I have spent much of the last week in a reciept-sorting, record-checking fog, only to discover that my phone line has been out for...I don't know how long. Which means my accountant has probably been trying to call me all weekend, unsuccessfully. I'm sure his schedule is WIDE-OPEN today. I'm sure I'm his favorite client EVER.

Anyway, the winner of the Second-Chance Contest Giveaway is...

Darith L!

Darith, I'll be contacting you to get your snail mail address, so you should be receiving your prize this week or early next week!

And here are the answers to the questions you asked in the comments. If you asked on Tumblr, I answered over there.

Colin, my favorite expat and fellow Doctor Who fan asked: How do you pick your character's names? Delancey Sullivan is an interesting name--I'm not sure I would have ever thought of that one.

I have a different process for each book I write. In the Torn Trilogy, Mo needed an Irish-sounding name that was pretty but could be nicknamed to something a little more plain, and Maureen/Mo was an obvious choice. Maura was a little more unexpected, so Maura/Mo it was. The women in Verity's family all had virtue names: Constance, Patience, Verity...Evangeline isn't quite a virtue name, but it seemed to fit. And Grey seemed a good last name, since Verity viewed the truth as much more nuanced than her first name suggested.

As for Delancey, she's named after a neighborhood in New York, where she was born. The  rest of her family has names relating to Chicago. There's more to it than that, but...spoilers!

 

Which brings us to Colin's second question: Have you been watching Doctor Who the past few weeks? Thoughts?

Of COURSE I've been watching! I...am suspending judgement for now. Matt Smith, as always, is fantastic. His monologue at the end of Rings of Akhenaten ("I have lost things you will never understand...") was so moving and perfect. And the Clara mystery is quite intriguing -- I think it all ties in to her mom, somehow. The most important leaf in the world, Mama Oswin's promise to always find Clara, even if she's on the moon...I don't know yet, but I think it all ties in together in some sinister way. I can't wait to find out.

That being said, I'm not 100% smitten with Clara yet. Partly because I loved Amy and Rory, and partly because she still seems very much a creation of the writers. They seem to be working very hard to prove that she is the most perfect possible companion: sassy and plucky and brave and smart and flirty and beautiful and...she's perfect. They really want us to notice how perfect she is. Because, you see, she is perfect. And while that might tie into The Mystery of Clara, it's also them working really hard to make us love her because she is... say it with me...perfect. The writers are also working hard, it feels like, to set up situations that could easily turn romantic. I'm not crazy about that notion (HI RIVER SONG, WIFE OF THE DOCTOR) but if they're going to go down that path, I'd prefer the chemistry between the characters shine through on its own, rather than be foisted on them by the script and the director, which is how it currently feels. I know it's a short season, people, but a slow burn always has a better payoff, and an obvious authorial hand is never good storytelling.

But even with all of these caveats, I love it best in all the world. Saturday nights are what get me through the rest of the week.

Bethzaida asked, "Is there is going to be a love triangle in DISSONANCE?"

This is a tricky question to answer without spoiling things. There won't be a love triangle like there was in TORN. But the story does take place in multiple universes, and in those universes are multiple versions of Simon, the boy Del likes. So...is it a love triangle if the two guys are the same guy? I will let you decide.

Anastasia asked, "Is Dissonance going to be the first book in a series? Because according to Goodreads it's a stand alone."

The plan right now is that Dissonance is a two-book series. That may change -- I certainly have ideas for more books --  but for now, DISSONANCE 2: Electric Boogaloo will conclude Del's story. (As an aside...I don't go on Goodreads. Ever. So I have no idea what information is there or if it's accurate.)

Darith L. asked, "What inspired you to write this novel?"

A couple of things: One was the steady diet of sci-fi and fantasy I consumed as a child -- in particular, Roger Zelazney's Nine Princes In Amber, which my dad read so many times the covers fell off our copies (always the mark of a good book).

Two, I always start a book with what-if questions, and the ones that triggered DISSONANCE went a little something like this: What if had the ability to move through infinite universes. If you could have anything, how would you choose between them? What if there was something you couldn't have? What's the cost of having infinite choices? And if you were constant, but everything around you changed...what kind of person would you be?

It turns out you'd be a lot like Delancey Sullivan.

 

Thanks for playing along, all! I am off to pay my taxes, but I'll be back later this week with more exciting news and pretty things to share.

Cover Love, Our Winner, and Another Contest

Today is a good day, people. I know it's Monday, but all three of my children are in school. It's rainy and gray, which means nobody is making me feel bad about not doing spring yardwork. Most importantly, I can show you the cover of DISSONANCE!

Now, if you participated in the YA Scavenger Hunt last weekend, you've already seen it. And I was BLOWN AWAY by your kind words and incredible response. (See the bottom of this post for the winner.) But when the hunt was over, the cover came down. The good news is, I have got your back. Behold:

 

This cover, guys. I fell in love with it the minute I opened the email. And then, when an envelope from the good people at Simon and Schuster arrived with actual cover flats -- printed copies, just like you'd wrap around a hardcover -- I gasped. Because in real life, this cover shimmers. I don't know how they do it. Fairy dust, maybe, or intricate laser something-or-other. But it shimmers, and the colors glow, and everything about it, every single aspect, perfectly captures the story.

I don't think I'm spoiling anything if I tell you that music and sound make up a huge part of Del's world, as does her ability to walk between alternate realities. And Lizzy Bromley, my genius cover designer, has done an incredible job of getting that musicality and movement across in a single image, whereas I needed a whole bunch of words. I love, love, LOVE it, and I hope you do, too.

There are a few descriptions of the book floating around right now, but I'm still revising, so take them with a large grain of salt. For now, here's what I can share about the story itself:

For Delancey Sullivan, alternate universes aren’t just a theory: they’re a way of life. Every time someone makes a choice – to eat breakfast or skip it, to sneak out or stay in bed – parallel realities are created, and echo versions of ourselves take the roads not traveled in the Key World. As a Walker, Del navigates between the Echoes, keeping the dimensions in harmony. But when her own choices go horribly wrong, she must decide between her heart and her duty – and live with the consequences.

 (Also, there are cute boys. And kissing. I don't think that's too spoilery.)

If you want more hints about the story, check out my tumblr -- there are plenty of pictures I've reblogged and tagged "Dissonance." They're not spoilers, but they've reminded me of the book in some way, so you can start to get a feel for Del's world (or worlds, really). And if you want to add the book to your Goodreads pile, I am told this is a good link for such things.

Now, on to the giveaway portion of this post. First, the winner of the YASH giveway is...

TESSA VAN DIEST!

So: if you are Tessa, I'll be emailing you to get your address for the prize pack. If you're NOT Tessa, you still have a chance to win a copy of TORN and a cover flat of Dissonance: all you need to do is ask a question (preferably about Dissonance, but I'm not super-picky) either here or in my Tumblr Ask Box. I'll answer the tumblr questions pretty quickly; the ones here will be answered...eventually. (The contest runs until 3:00pm central time on Friday, April 12.)

 

 

Shiny Things On The YA Scavenger Hunt!

Three reasons I am over the moon right now:

1. Last week's phone call!
   
2. Today is the last day of Spring Break. Tomorrow, all three of my darling children will be back in school and I can GET. STUFF. DONE.
3. On April 4th, the Spring 2013 YA Scavenger Hunt begins! I've participated in the hunt several times, and this time out, I have something shiny to show you.

Literally shiny.

It's the cover reveal of DISSONANCE! And it is gorgeous! The incredibly talented Lizzy Bromley, who designed the covers for WITHER, LEVEL 2, and LINKED, worked her magic on my book. I gasped when I saw it, in the best possible way, and I can't wait to share it with you.

 

This year's hunt will begin at NOON PACIFIC TIME on APRIL 4th, 2013 and end at NOON PACIFIC TIME on APRIL 7th, 2013. We'll announce the winner on April 10th.

If you haven't participated in the hunt before, it's simple: start here, or at any of the participating authors' sites, or at the YASH Homepage. At each stop on the hunt, you'll find exclusive bonus content from participating authors and a clue, plus the chance to win a signed book from every author on that team! (I'm Blue Team, but you can also participate in the Red Team's hunt, too. Many authors will be hosting individual giveaways, too.)

I'll be giving away a copy of TORN and a custom necklace, so stock up on snacks and meet me back here on Thursday at noon PST!

 

 

 

DISSONANCE: My Next Big Thing

Chicago-area people: Tomorrow is the Books + Beer Signing – I’ll be there with Jamie Freveletti, Linda Joffe Hull, and Keir Graff, buying beers for readers and giving a 10% discount on every title. There’s more info here, but as an added bonus, if you buy the entire Torn Trilogy, you get a custom necklace or
t. It would make an excellent Christmas gift. (It would make an excellent self-gift, too. I won’t tell.)

(I’m quite smitten with them.)

And now, onto the Q&A! Elizabeth Amisu tagged me to participate in the the “Next Big Thing” meme. Next Wednesday, I’ll link to the authors I’ve tagged. For now, I hope you enjoy reading a bit more about Del and DISSONANCE.

What is the working title of your next book?

My next book is titled DISSONANCE. It’s coming out in Fall of 2013, which feels both far away and very soon at the same time.

Where did the idea come from for the book? 

DISSONANCE falls more into the speculative/sci-fi realm, which is what I grew up reading, so in an indirect way, it came from all the authors I loved as a kid, like Robert Heinlein and Roger Zelazney.  This particular book came from my fascination with two things: the theory of alternate universes, and the idea that we’re defined by our choices.  If you have limitless choices, how do you decide between them? What does that say about you?

What genre does your book fall under?

Sci-fi. Del’s ability to navigate alternate worlds is grounded in science, not magic.

What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition? 

Ooooh. I am terrible at this. I tend not to think of specific real-life people during the writing process, because I worry the characters would become less themselves, and take on more characteristics of the actor. Let’s say this: I would love for Joss Whedon to cast it, because the Whedonverse is full of incredibly talented, versatile actors.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

A sixteen-year-old girl navigates between alternate universes and falls for different versions of the same boy in each one – but in her home world, he barely knows she exists.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency? 
I’m represented by the brilliant Joanna Volpe of New Leaf Literary; DISSONANCE will be published by Simon and Schuster Books For Young Readers.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?

Hmn…five months, maybe? I tend to write a really messy, awful first draft. Revising it into something coherent is my reward for reaching the end.

What else about the book might pique the reader's interest?
The working title of the book was "The Roadside Marker Book," because I am really, really bad at coming up with titles. Also, there are eleventy billion Doctor Who references, because I’m a little obsessed with the show. You'll also find plenty of kissy bits, which are always fun to write, and sisterly squabbling, the accidental end of the world, a slightly deranged grandfather, minor larceny, and Del’s collection of boots, which I am QUITE envious of.

Thanks for the invite, Elizabeth! I'll be back next week with links to the next round of authors!

 

Random on a Tuesday: Question Edition

Questions for you, both rhetorical and otherwise.

:: Tomorrow is the first day of school. The first day of school is two hours long. This is ridiculous. What is the point, other than to muck up my schedule?

:: My house is under siege from box elder bugs. Judging from their behavior, they've been listening to a lot of Barry White, if you know what I mean. (And I think that you do.) My cats are too dumb and lazy to do anything about it.  Before I call an exterminator, any advice?

:: I am getting super-excited about my group signing at Anderson's Bookshop. (August 30th! 7 pm! With Leigh Bardugo, Susan Dennard, Dan Krokos, and Veronica Roth!) I am also getting nervous, because I have no idea what to wear. Can I get away with wearing jeans? Suggestions?

:: On the topic of fashion...if one were to buy short cowgirl boots because one has a gift certificate burning a hole in one's pocket, what color should one get? Turquoise? Red? Green? Tan?

:: Not a question, but I thought you should know that this is what $350 in school supplies gets you.

 

Questions for me? Hit the comments, or this handy "Ask" feature over on my Tumblr. (I've been reblogging things that remind me of DISSONANCE over there, btw, if you're curious about the story.)

 

 

Currently on a Tuesday

I am...

:: getting ready for a long-overdue dentist appointment. "You're going to love it here!" chirped the receptionist. Somehow I doubt it, but this IS the dentist that sent my husband a bottle of champagne because he's so conscientious about flossing, so I am witholding judgement for now.

Seriously. For FLOSSING. I don't even know, people.

:: listening to this singer nonstop. When I make up the Dissonance Soundtrack, expect to see a lot of her songs.

 

:: loving this blog, because it reminds me how much better life is when I'm not drowning in stuff.

:: wondering how the hell I'm going to get rid of the old couch when I can't even fit it through the doorway.

:: sniffling a teensy bit at this keynote by Myra McEntire. Hint: someone you know is in the video.

:: ignoring the backyard. Don't look at me like that. Nobody gardens in this heat.

:: restocking my own Summer Survival Kit, thanks to your excellent suggestions. If you haven't entered the giveaway yet, there's still time!

Happy Tuesday, all!

WIP Friday: Still Summer Edition

First of all, thank you for all the wonderful comments and shoutouts and excitement over DISSONANCE! I've got plenty of work ahead of me, and I'm not sure how much I'm allowed to share about the story just yet -- but I have heard that you can already add the book on Goodreads.  (Confession: My books are on Goodreads, but I am even more clueless about Goodreads than I am Facebook, if such a thing is possible. Regardless, I think if you click the link above you can...add it? Do things with it? Stare at the placeholder for the cover? I dunno, but I'm told it's a good thing.)

Second, happy news! Kirkus Reviews has named BOUND one of July's Top Twenty-Two Books for Teens! And even better, my dear friend Susan Dennard's upcoming release, SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY, made the list as well.

Third, I find this:

UNACCEPTABLE.

Honestly, you guys. This weather? This is Darklings-murder-your-bff-in-an-alley weather. And we're only halfway done with summer.

While I am dreaming of moving to Newfoundland (average July high temp: mid-60s) it seemed fitting to do a very summery giveaway! The best thing about summer, in my opinion, is sitting around and reading because you don't have school. But I've heard that some people actually like to go out, into nature, where it is hot. And you get sunburns. And bugbites. And dehydration. You need to be prepared.

I, myself, always feel better with a survival kit. And I feel even better when you have one, too. So, I'm giving away some essentials to bridge the gap between now and when Nature decides to straighten up its act. Wanna see what's included?

 

(You can never have too many cute bags.)

(It's important to stay hydrated.)

(This sunbock doesn't make your face all greasy.
And nothing's worse than sunburned lips.)

(Chocolate melts in this weather, and you want fresh breath when you see your summer crush.)

(Because nature is dirty. And out to get you.)

(Scarf/wrap/emergency towel/picnic blanket.)

And of course, no survival kit is complete without something to read!

Just to mix it up, I'm including two books in the giveaway:

• Your choice of one book from the Torn Trilogy (TORN, TANGLED, or BOUND) and swag.
• A copy of SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY when it comes out (July 24th). Trust me -- it is worth the wait! In the meantime, go check out the SS&D website, which is chock-full of goodies and a gorgeous trailer. Sooz is including a set of SS&D trading cards, which are custom-illustrated, in the giveaway.

 

To enter, leave a comment telling me what your summer essentials are. The giveaway ends Friday, July 13th at noon CST, and as always, it's international. One entry per person, please.