More with Lisa Mangum, YA Author

Last month we were chatting with debut novelist, Lisa Mangum, about her book, The Hourglass Door, set to release May 2009 and published by Shadow Mountain (national imprint of Deseret Book). She has worked as a serious editor for years, but launching her first novel has been an exciting twist in her life.

Lisa was kind enough to share a bit more about The Hourglass Door, an imaginative story of two teens working to save life as they know it. Although I finished reading it within two days of receiving it...last month...I still can't stop thinking about it. It's that kind of an intriguing read.



C.S.: Thank you, Lisa, for chatting again with us. You have introduced some intriguing concepts within your first book. So I just have to ask, when did the glimmer of these ideas first strike you?

LISA: It was June 13, 2007. Yes, I remember the exact date. I might even be able to tell you the exact time! I remember because I was talking with Chris Schoebinger (my coworker at Shadow Mountain) about young adult fiction and why certain books are better than others. Our conversation was interrupted, but I couldn’t stop thinking about it. That night after work, I had to drive to Provo, Utah, to attend a writer’s conference and suddenly, there it was. I was driving around the point of the mountain and the story just seemed to drop into my head. It was like Abby and Dante jumped in the car with me and wouldn’t stop talking.

Since I was on the freeway, I couldn’t stop driving, so I just told the story to myself out loud, working out details, repeating storylines so I wouldn’t forget anything. As soon as I pulled into the parking lot, I outlined the whole thing on scraps of paper I scrounged up in my car. Twenty minutes later, I had run out of paper and was almost late to the conference. I found Chris and told him about my brainstorm. He said, “When did you do this?” and I said, “On the drive here. What do you think?” and he said, “I think you should write it.” So I did. And a little more than a year later, I was finished.

C.S.: As you were working on this manuscript, which part felt the most naturally vibrant to you? Or did you have to work to make the story come alive?

LISA: In some ways, I think the conversations between Abby and her best friend Valerie were the easiest parts to write. I’m lucky that I have friends with big personalities and so I had a lot of real-life material to drawn on and fictionalize.

C.S.: Ah, yes, I thoroughly enjoyed the interactions between Abby and Valerie. Very real, very fresh. What about the other characters?

LISA:I was surprised a little at how quickly the characters bonded to each other—they felt like real friends or enemies or lovers—and all I had to do was try to keep up. The ending is also one of my favorite parts. I wrote a huge chunk of that in one sitting—just me and the computer—and the story just flowed out effortlessly. I hardly changed it at all during the rewrites.

C.S.: Do you have a favorite character from The Hourglass Door? If so, who and why?

LISA: Is it a cop-out to say that I like them all? J Writing Valerie always made me laugh. I identified with Abby’s quest to break free of other people’s expectations for her. I think Dante is downright dreamy. Zo demanded—and got—many of my best lines (turns out the villain hates to share!). And Leo had such a quiet strength about him, he always reminded me of my father.

C.S.: What are your thoughts about writers groups, critique groups? Do you participate in one?

LISA: I do. We meet every other Saturday morning for breakfast and to talk about our work. We rotate deadlines so we can focus on one person’s story at a time. That way we aren’t overloaded by having to turn in something new every week as well as read everyone else’s work at the same time. It’s worked out really well for us and many of us in the group have finished whole books that way.

I think writer’s groups are essential. It’s the best place to get honest feedback and specific critiques. As an editor, I can’t always give an author details about his or her manuscript. As a writer, I love being able to discuss big picture items—character arcs, pacing, plot twists—as well as the details—does that comma really go there? Is that really the best word choice? I’m energized every time we meet, even when we aren’t talking about my story.

C.S.: Some authors outline; some refuse to. Which kind of writer are you?

LISA: I used to try to write chronologically: Chapter one. Chapter two. All the way to the end. But I learned early on that it’s hard for me to write a book like that. I’d get stuck and instead of skipping the tricky part, I’d just stop.

I took a different approach with The Hourglass Door. After my brainstorm where I mapped out all the relationships and overall plot of the story, I took two or three days and handwrote an outline on the train as I commuted to work. It wasn’t anything fancy, just “Here’s what happens in chapter 1. Here’s what happens in chapter 2.” (Some of my notes were nothing more than “and then something cool happens.”)

Even though I outlined the book chronologically, I wrote whatever I felt like, whenever I felt like it. I wrote the first three chapters in a chunk because those were the scenes that wouldn’t leave me alone. But I didn’t write the Prologue until months and months later.

As I wrote, I realized what I had originally outlined wasn’t going to work so the whole second half of the book changed as the story took on its own life. That’s the fun part about writing—seeing how the story changes and following it down unexpected paths.

C.S.: Working as an editor by day and an author in the after-hours, how did you manage to complete this book? Were there days you never wanted to see a printed page again? :0)

LISA: That was the main reason I didn’t write for many years: I spend all morning in a chair, at a computer, thinking about words. Why would I want to come home and spend all night in a chair, at a computer, thinking about words? I was happy just being an editor for a long time. But once Abby and Dante jumped in the car with me and told me their story, I had to figure out a way to balance my day job and my writing.

I wrote a lot on the weekends. I wrote (by hand) a surprising number of pages on the train going to and from work. Honestly, I surprised at how quickly the word count added up and how many pages I ended up with considering I had to write in the fringes of my day.

C.S.: Do you need absolute quiet to be able to write?

LISA: No. In fact, I find I have a hard time working when it’s absolutely quiet. I love stretching out on the couch, turning on my laptop, setting my iPod to shuffle, and getting lost in the words and the story.

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I want to thank Lisa for taking the time to chat with me some more about her new book, The Hourglass Door. It releases next month and she'll be back with us one more time to tell us about her next project and what writers need to know about the submission process to a publisher. In the meantime, you may want to pre-order your personal copy so that you can be first on the block to own The Hourglass Door!

Dreaming

Several years ago I set five goals for my writing: write, polish, learn, attend, and send.

I’m a prolific writer so the first goal wasn’t a problem. I’ve always got a pen and paper—or laptop—in my hands. The second goal, polish, was a challenge. I’m a perfectionist and felt my work was never at its best. With the help of other writers, however, I learned that polishing a story, article, or novel is just that—polishing. Polish, by definition means to buff up. When I spray furniture polish onto my piano, it doesn’t automatically shine. There is, in fact, a dull residue which only after lots of elbow grease—buffing up—begins to yield results.

I began to understand that though my writing starts out needing lots of work to make it shine that doesn’t mean I am doomed to fail. It only means I need to work until I get the results I want—just like polishing the piano.

For me that was a great realization—a blessing.

Since fifth grade, I knew I wanted to be a writer. I just didn’t know it was okay to work at making that dream come true. When I was young I wrote with enthusiasm, then I followed my mother around reading my work. Her response was constantly harsh and to the point: “Lori, writing is not your forte.” She didn’t believe I could become what I dreamed of being, and she feared I’d embarrass myself; her fears became mine.

It took a long time for me to start believing in myself.

Knowing it was alright if my words didn’t shine the first time I wrote them, or when I rewrote them the second time, or even the third, I came to the realization that I could help myself by striving to learn more about writing in general. I began to read more, books on writing and books in the genres I wanted to pursue, thus helping myself meet my third goal. Attend, fourth on the list, involved writing classes and being part of critique groups. I met lots of other writers and would be writers who shared dreams and goals similar to mine.

I become conscious that early on in my life I’d been lead to believe that writing—being a writer—was something you either could or could not do, like walking or talking. When I understood that (just like playing the piano with any degree of proficiency) becoming a writer takes time, effort, and practice I was able to let go of old fears and enjoy the process of becoming.

The last item on my list, send, became easier as well. I analyzed, versus agonized over, rejection letters and resumed polishing before I again sent my work out. In time my efforts paid off. I found many opportunities and enjoyed writing for the newspapers and magazines that asked for my work; it felt good to have my articles, short stories and essays—my own words and feelings—appear in print.

But there was something more, something I dreamed of for a long time: I wanted to write children’s books and novels.

Gathering courage amidst continued opposition, both interior and exterior, I set out once more with my five writing goals. I still have a long road to travel but I enjoy being on that road, grateful to know it's okay to do more than just sit by the wayside and wish.

Interview with Editor and Author, Lisa Mangum

Lisa Mangum is a person who has helped writers for many years as an experienced editor. So when I heard she had her own novel coming out May 2009, I was thrilled. I love to see others succeed and creating. Lisa was kind enough to spend time with me, chatting over all kinds of things. In fact, she's going to visit with us periodically over the next two months about her pending release of The Hourglass Door. It's a YA (Young Adult) novel that is full of adventure, romance, and a whole lot of intrigue.

C.S.: Lisa, you have a new book that is scheduled for release May 13, 2009. It's categorized as YA (Young Adult), but I bet adults will fall in love with it too. I'm soooooo intrigued with the title, "The Hourglass Door." Tell us about the book.

LISA: First and foremost, it’s a love story. It’s about a girl named Abby who is going through some tough times during her senior year of high school. On the surface, she has it all figured out: cute boyfriend, good friends, and high hopes for college. But it doesn’t take long before Abby’s life starts to take a different turn. Her boyfriend is looking for fireworks, but Abby’s not so sure about her own feelings. Her friends are full of advice, but Abby’s not sure they always have her best interests at heart. And she’s pinned her college dreams on the one school that she fears she won’t get into.

And then Dante Alexander walks into her life. He’s mysterious and interesting and unlike anyone she’s met before. Sparks fly between them almost immediately, and a relationship develops between Abby and Dante. But when the lead singer of the rock band Zero Hour, Zo, takes an interest in Abby and her friends, the danger deepens—and so does the mystery. Soon Abby learns of a centuries-old secret and must make a near-impossible decision that will change her future forever.

The Hourglass Door is technically classified as Young Adult, but I like to think that readers of all ages can enjoy the story.

C.S.: When you were little, did you have any idea of what industry you wanted to work in as an adult?

LISA: Absolutely. In fact, when I was in junior high, I checked out a copy of The Writer’s Market from the library and wrote to the editors of, maybe, twenty publishing companies asking for advice: How did they get where they were? How could I do the same thing? What should I study in school? Almost everyone wrote me back with great advice and encouragement (the editor at Del Rey even sent me two free books!). I still have those letters. It was a great boost to my youthful dream; it made everything seem possible.

In college, when I would tell people I was pursuing an English degree, they all ask, “Oh, so you want to be a teacher?” and I’d say, “No, I want to be an editor.”

C.S.: When did you first start writing?

LISA: I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I’d fill up notebooks with stories, poems, and ideas. I’d spend my summers writing stories on the computer in my pajamas. I guess I started writing seriously three or four years ago when my friends and I started a writing group together. I think that was when I put writing as a priority in my life and said to myself, “Hey, I can do this!”

C.S.: Did you have any self-doubts when you first began writing?

LISA: I think all writers have that little voice in the back of their head that says, “What are you thinking? Why would anyone want to read something you wrote?” It’s hard to silence that voice, but when I do, I find that some of my best writing comes through. Maybe because those are the times I toss my fears out the window and write something that I would want to read.
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Thanks, Lisa! Next month, Lisa Mangum will share with us how she got the glimmer for The Hourglass Door in the first place, her most favorite character in the book (hmmm, I wonder if it is the dreamy Dante), and especially how writers' groups are important to the improvement of pure creation. Make sure to subscribe to our blog so you'll be first to know when part two of our interview series posts.

Have fun checking out Lisa's website. And here is a bonus link to President Uchtdorf's message on creativity given at a recent General Relief Society meeting. It will inspire you and lift you, all at the same time. Who knows. Maybe it will be you next year being interviewed here for your own book!

LDSBookCorner.com -- A Great New Website

Are you an LDS author? Do you love LDS fiction (or non-fiction)? Want to sample a book before buying it? Enjoy this interview I had recently with Deanne Blackhurst and learn about her exciting new website concept. Just wait till you read what she's been up to!

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C.S.: Deanne, you have an exciting new proposition to share with us, a website all about LDS books. What was your purpose in starting this site?

DEANNE: The site is LDSBookcorner.com and it is devoted to supporting and promoting LDS authors.

It’s funny but ever since I was a little girl I’ve dreamed of owning a bookstore. Of course in my imagination it was a quaint little shop filled with new and used books, where people could browse at their leisure while I sat in a rocking chair by a fire, a cat at my feet reading a good book. Granted a cyber bookstore is a little different but I do have a wood burning stove near my computer and my black lab is curled up under the computer desk at my feet. So perhaps I’m living the dream after all.

C.S.: When did the idea first come to you?

DEANNE: I’ve always been a big reader, and always interested in LDS authors. I hate to date myself but I remember reading Charly by Jack Weyland when it first came out. Since then a lot of bright and talented new authors have been emerging. I think some of the best writing ever produced by Latter-Day Saint authors is out on the market today.

Originally I just wanted to create a place where all these books could be gathered and appreciated. But my husband pointed out to me that I had to support my dream somehow. So I became an Amazon book affiliate, which allows me to sell books without carrying the inventory. What is really cool is that I can offer everything from the most recent releases to those that have been out of print for years.

C.S.: What do you feel are the best things about LDS books?

DEANNE: First off, I want to make it clear that I support books by LDS authors, not all of which are LDS books per say. But getting back to your question…

Like many avid readers, trying to find something in the national book market today is really a crap shoot. Take Danielle Steele. First rate stories, a skilled writer but in almost every book there is at least one scene that just makes me cringe. But you wouldn’t know that from looking at the cover. No half naked men molesting half naked women. And she is quite successful.

Another example. I saw The Devil Wears Prada at the movie theater and thought I might enjoy the novel, but I couldn’t get through the first chapter because of the foul language. And don’t get me started on the blood and guts mysteries that are all the rage today.

When I open an LDS novel, I never worry. I might not like the story, but I will never be offended. I may explore the hearts and experiences of people who see the world differently than I do, but I’m never going to be fed the lies that evil is good, and good is passé.

This doesn’t just apply to fiction. There are some amazingly wise and insightful members out there who are sharing their expertise in such areas as understanding the scriptures, to how to run a family, teach a class or have a closer relationship with your spouse. I wouldn’t touch a book on intimacy in a national books store, but there are several tasteful and informative books on the subject, written by LDS experts.

C.S.: What do you wish you'd see more from LDS authors?

DEANNE: I read a lot of books so that I can review them on LDSBookcorner.com, and what I’d like to see are more authors continuing to hone their skills. In my opinion, the number one problem is the first chapter. There are so many books that are just wonderful, once you make it to chapter two. But how many new readers will push on?

On my website, I offer a feature called the Daily Chapter. For no charge, a visitor can sign up to receive five or six pages each day Monday through Friday of a select book or novel with a different book chosen each week. This allows readers to sample a number of new authors as well as their old favorites, and buy the ones that catch their interest.

But to catch a reader’s interest, those first twenty pages have to reach right out, grab the reader and pull them in. Once they’re hooked, if the plot is exciting, the threat is truly threatening, and the characters are real and likeable, then people will flock to buy the book.

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I'd like to thank Deanne. Next week, we'll learn about her very own book that is slated for release soon. Until then, feel free to stop by her site at LDSBookcorner.com and sign up for the Daily Chapter. The writers participating are some of the top selling LDS authors like Jennie Hansen, Shannon Guymon, and more. She'll also be showcasing some lesser known but equally talented up and coming writers. LDS writing has grown up a lot in the last ten years, so sign up and find out what’s out there.

And while you are on the site, you are free to browse the library and explore some of the hundreds of books she has on display.

If you like what you see, pass the word around. if you know of an LDS author that isn’t on her site yet, please drop her a line at ldsbookcorner@gmail.com and tell her about them.

2009 LDStorymakers Conference registration is now open!

Oh, it is so exciting. The 2009 LDStorymakers Conference registration is now open. And within the first 24 hours (yesterday), nearly all of the hotel rooms were already booked. That's right; registration is filling quickly. Here is the link and in just a second, I'll share more information below (from the LDStorymaker site itself). But I have to tell you: I was present at last year's conference and it was the highlight of the year for me. Register quickly to reserve your space!

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Sixth Annual
LDStorymakers Writers Conference

Friday & Saturday April 24-25, 2009

Provo Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
101 West 100 North
Provo, Utah 84601
Phone: 801-377-4700
Fax: 801-377-4708
Toll-free: 800-777-7144

PRESENTERS INCLUDE:

Keynote Speaker Dean Lorey
who has written extensively for film, television, and recently, a middle grade fantasy series

National Agent Amy Jameson
of A + B Works Literary Agency

Editor Stacy Whitman
previously with Mirrorstone, the children's and young adult imprint of Wizards of the Coast, and now a consulting editor for Tor's children's and YA lines

Representatives from LDS publishers
including Deseret Book and Covenant

Plus many, many national and LDS authors

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That's right; registration is filling quickly. But there is still time for you to register. Here is the link . Again, last year's conference was the highlight of the year for me. Register quickly to reserve your space!

The Power of a Good Book

As writers, we aim to write a book that influences, sustains, or even entertains. Books are able to do that simply because of ink blobs on the page, formed in shapes we recognize. I have always found that fascinating.

I found an old book recently in a used bookstore (sometimes these stores are our society's most priceless of jewels). Published in 1941, the book is called The American Citizens Handbook.

The book's author quotes William J. Hutchins' 1916 text, "The Code of the Good American." His words remind the reader not to injure another, whether in word or in deed. I found his "ink blobs" fascinating ... and sobering, an almost literary analysis of a gentler time.

And here was the thought that struck me upon reading his words (included below): How far have we strayed as a culture, in the nearly 100 years since he first fashioned his publication?

I must admit, Mr. Hutchins' words saddened me. For against them, the backdrop of our society intensified his society's own gentility. Oh, that we would capture that society's expressions and make them our own. What a better world that would be.

Here are his words:
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THE LAW OF SELFCONTROL

"The Good American Controls Himself. "Those who best control themselves can best serve their country.

• "I will control my tongue, and will not allow it to speak mean, vulgar, or profane words. I will think before I speak. I will tell the truth and nothing but the truth.
• "I will control my temper, and will not get angry when people or things displease me. Even when indignant against wrong and contradicting falsehood, I will keep my selfcontrol.
• "I will control my thoughts, and will not allow a foolish wish to spoil a wise purpose.
• "I will control my actions. I will be careful and thrifty, and insist on doing right.
• "I will not ridicule nor defile the character of another; I will keep my self respect, and help others to keep theirs."
  

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That kind of says it all, doesn't it? Again, as writers, are we aware that our words capture more than simple thought as we write them? They contain nuances of mood and lifestyle, veritable snapshots of our day. Ah, the power of the written word.

Discipline is a Muscle

How many times have you thought to yourself, "I sure wish my book were out."

It can be hard, sitting at your computer screen and looking at a word count that feels measly. Whether that word count is 247 (or 2470 or 24,700) if your goal is a published book, the distance between reality and your dream can feel exhausting and perhaps improbable.

In an interview in the newspaper Idaho Statesman, on 10/14/08, author Laura Lippman shared how she moved from being a newspaper reporter to published novelist -- 4 pages at a time. She spoke how she simply loved writing and really did sit down daily and write about 1000 words a day. It was that simple.

OK. Well, maybe it is a bit more complex than that. There is a craft to writing that must be achieved to actually write books that people want to read. But the craft comes after the actual writing. If you don't have words on a page, how can you polish them?

So the next time you feel like despairing over your unfinished manuscript, instead of getting cerebral about where you're not, sit in front of the computer instead and get lost in the world you are creating. Ignore punctuation, ignore grammar rules. Just play around in your written world.

That's right; romp in your fictional world with your characters and just have fun. You'll find yourself writing more and commiserating less over unfinished projects. And in the end, you will find yourself with a completed manuscript, bringing you much closer to being like published authors similar to Laura Lippman. With a completed draft, then you can focus on the craft of writing and begin the next portion: editing and seeking an agent (if that's your dream).

But until you are actually writing and completing your project, the reality of "published author" will stay far, far ahead of you. For more information on bringing your dreams into realities, visit my new blog, The Butterfly Principle. And make sure to join our LatterDayAuthors.com forum for camaraderie and fun along your "written way."