Read our Live Chat with the author of the middle-grade novel, Space Rocks! below.

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Live Chat with Tom O'Donnell, SPACE ROCKS!

(02/19/2014)

  

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4:45	Nora - EarlyWord:  We will begin our live online chat with Tom O’Donnell, author of SPACE ROCKS! in about 15 minutes. Wednesday February 19, 2014 4:45 Nora - EarlyWord

4:46	Nora - EarlyWord Cover Wednesday February 19, 2014 4:46

4:51	Nora - EarlyWord:  Space Rocks! got a great review from Kirkus... Wednesday February 19, 2014 4:51 Nora - EarlyWord

4:51

Nora - EarlyWord:  KIRKUS REVIEW Xotonian Chorkle’s home asteroid Gelo is so boring that of course it’s going to spy on the iridium-stealing, fur-tufted invaders from Eo. Chorkle’s originator allowed it (there is no gender on Gelo) to check out Jehe Canyon for human incursion as long as it agreed to leave if it saw them…but they’re so interesting, and they have amazingly fun technology. Xotonians are adept at hiding, so the aliens are oblivious to Chorkle’s presence, but it makes off with their hologram device. When the Xotonians decide to unleash the dreaded, destructive Q-sik weapon to chase off the humans, Chorkle wants to warn the humans. It knows the ones it saw in the canyon are young ones. Having learned some human language from the hologram device and human transmissions, Chorkle intends to warn them…but it’s distracted by the sugary pink magic of Feeney’s Original Astronaut Ice Cream, and the young humans end up marooned on Gelo. Now Chorkle must keep them alive until their originators return for them. When the Vorem, the ancient enemy of the Xotonians, reappear, the fate of the solar system might hang in the balance. O’Donnell’s debut is an imaginative, smart and laugh-out-loud adventure. Chorkle is charming, and its alien perspective on the human invaders and the ensuing culture clash never falters. Clap your thol’graz—the open ending begs for a sequel! Wednesday February 19, 2014 4:51 Nora - EarlyWord

4:54

Nora - EarlyWord:  I see several chat participants gathering. You can send your questions through at any time. They'll go into a queue, and we'll submit as many of them as we can to Tom before the end of the chat. Don’t worry about typos – and please forgive any that we commit! Wednesday February 19, 2014 4:54 Nora - EarlyWord

5:00	Nora - EarlyWord:  Our author, Tom, has joined us and so has our chat leader, Lisa Von Drasek. Say hi to the everyone! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:00 Nora - EarlyWord

5:00	Tom O'Donnell:  Hello, everyone! I'm looking forward to answering your questions. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:00 Tom O'Donnell

5:01	lisa von drasek:  hi everyone Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:01 lisa von drasek

5:01	lisa von drasek:  you may call me your fearless leader Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:01 lisa von drasek

5:01	Tom O'Donnell:  Greetings fearless leader. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:01 Tom O'Donnell

5:01	Nora - EarlyWord:  Participants, please say hi to Tom and Lisa. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:01 Nora - EarlyWord

5:01	lisa von drasek:  Greetings human. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:01 lisa von drasek

5:02	[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Hi, Tom and Lisa! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:02 Guest

5:02	[Comment From Janie PickettJanie Pickett: ]  humans, well, maybe =) Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:02 Janie Pickett

5:02	[Comment From LibraryLessLibraryLess: ]  Greetings! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:02 LibraryLess

5:03	lisa von drasek:  Tom, we had a few minutes to chat yesterday. Can you say a few words about yourself? Where do you live? Is this your first book ? Do you have a pet? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:03 lisa von drasek

5:03	[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Greetings, Tom and Lisa! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:03 Guest

5:04	Tom O'Donnell:  Sure. My name is Tom O'Donnell and I live in Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:04 Tom O'Donnell

5:04	lisa von drasek:  Hello snowy Maine from to be blizzarding Minnesota Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:04 lisa von drasek

5:04	[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Greetings from snowy Maine! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:04 Guest

5:04	Tom O'Donnell:  My neighborhood is currently covered in filthy gray snow but otherwise lovely. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:04 Tom O'Donnell

5:05	Tom O'Donnell:  This is my first book. It was a blast to write it. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:05 Tom O'Donnell

5:06	Tom O'Donnell:  I have one pet. A very lively tuxedo cat named Bug. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:06 Tom O'Donnell

5:06	Tom O'Donnell Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:06

5:06

lisa von drasek:  For those just joining us and haven't read the book, the Kirkus review (above) is a perfect recap I have an advance question from a participant "Why did you choose six days for the mothership to be repaired and the parents out of reach? It seems like a long time? (I have not had a chance to finish the book yet.) Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:06 lisa von drasek

5:07	[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Tom, in the book I noticed a lot of environmental references. I am a high school librarian, but I think this would be a great read aloud with an elementary class making connections to science. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:07 Guest

5:07	Tom O'Donnell:  Six days felt like a long enough time to have an adventure, but not too long for a rescue. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:07 Tom O'Donnell

5:07	Tom O'Donnell:  I love to hear that re: science! I can't claim that the book is 100% scientifically accurate. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:07 Tom O'Donnell

5:08	Tom O'Donnell:  But I did try to use logic when imagining some of these things. Such as what precious metals are found on asteroids; why the asteroid has an earth-like gravity etc. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:08 Tom O'Donnell

5:08

lisa von drasek:  The advance question as Kelly Page of Texas- She also wrote I will definitely be recommending this book in my library. Quality space adventures for elementary age kids are hard to find. I love the fact that it's from Chorkle's perepective instead of one of the children. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:08 lisa von drasek

5:08	[Comment From Janie PickettJanie Pickett: ]  Question: should I be hearing audio? I *am* hearing a keyboard, but no talking. Or is this a silent chat? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:08 Janie Pickett

5:08	lisa von drasek:  yes. no mics just tap tap tapping Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:08 lisa von drasek

5:08	Tom O'Donnell:  Great! Yes Chorkle's perspective was really fun to write from. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:08 Tom O'Donnell

5:08	[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  And the playfulness of language! I loved it! My is'pog was beating with delight! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:08 Guest

5:09	lisa von drasek:  Mine too! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:09 lisa von drasek

5:09	Tom O'Donnell:  I thought it would be fun to give kids a different perspective on normal human behavior through Chorkle’s (five) eyes. A lot of humor comes from detached observation and I thought an alien might be the ultimate detached observer. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:09 Tom O'Donnell

5:09	Tom O'Donnell:  Although of course Chorkle becomes more and more attached to the kids throughout the book. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:09 Tom O'Donnell

5:10	Tom O'Donnell:  Glad you liked the language! I had to keep a very long running list of words I made up. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:10 Tom O'Donnell

5:10	lisa von drasek:  Chorkle (how do you pronounce?) is of an alien race of with no gender. Could you talk about that? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:10 lisa von drasek

5:10	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  How did you decide on the names; such as is'pog.. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:10 The Brain Lair

5:10	Tom O'Donnell:  CHOR-kuhl is how I would pronounce its name. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:10 Tom O'Donnell

5:12	lisa von drasek:  Astronaut Ice Cream is an essential component of the story. Have you ever tasted astronaut ice-cream? when? Do you have any in your house right now? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:12 lisa von drasek

5:12	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  Why did Chorkle love the Astronaut Ice Cream bars so much? Was this something you loved as a child??????? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:12 The Brain Lair

5:12	[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Did you intend on this book being a series when you started. I admit I haven't finished it, but the Kirkus review seems to indicate a sequel. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:12 Guest

5:13

Tom O'Donnell:  I think my friend Matt brought some astronaut ice cream back from Space Camp when he went in the second or third grade. My lovely wife made her own version of Feeney’s Original Astronaut Ice Cream to celebrate the launch of the book as well! It’s got to be better than the real stuff. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:13 Tom O'Donnell

5:13	Tom O'Donnell Here's her version. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:13

5:13	Tom O'Donnell:  Yes, I intended the book to be a series. In fact the sequel is coming this Fall. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:13 Tom O'Donnell

5:13	Tom O'Donnell:  I just turned in final edits. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:13 Tom O'Donnell

5:14	Tom O'Donnell:  Back to your question about Chorkle's gender, Lisa. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:14 Tom O'Donnell

5:14	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  Do you have a 3D Holographic device?? If so, where can I get one??? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:14 The Brain Lair

5:14	[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Yes, I loved the idea of no gender! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:14 Guest

5:14	Tom O'Donnell:  I thought it would be interesting to imagine such a society and a great way to differentiate the Xotonians from the humans they are observing... Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:14 Tom O'Donnell

5:14	Tom O'Donnell:  I also thought a genderless protagonist might allow readers of any gender to identify more easily with it... Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:14 Tom O'Donnell

5:14	Tom O'Donnell:  And, last, I wanted to make the book more difficult to copyedit! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:14 Tom O'Donnell

5:15	Tom O'Donnell:  I don't have a 3D holographic device. I have to make do with a puny old Xbox 360 :( Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:15 Tom O'Donnell

5:15	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  Weirdly, I pictured Chorkle as a boy Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:15 The Brain Lair

5:15	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  As well as him having a father and grandfather! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:15 The Brain Lair

5:15	Tom O'Donnell:  Well, I think any interpretation of Chorkle's gender is the right one. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:15 Tom O'Donnell

5:16	[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  I love the cover. Did you have any say in the design? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:16 Guest

5:16	Nora - EarlyWord Cover Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:16

5:16	Tom O'Donnell:  I did not, though I really like it (sparkly!) Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:16 Tom O'Donnell

5:17	Tom O'Donnell:  I have a background in illustration and cartooning but it was nice to only be responsible for the words this time. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:17 Tom O'Donnell

5:17	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  Did the character names have any special meaning for you? Did you create a family tree to keep everyone straight? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:17 The Brain Lair

5:18	lisa von drasek:  your futuristic inventions with a foot in reality were a lot of fun If someone gave you a rocket bike where would you go right now? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:18 lisa von drasek

5:18	Tom O'Donnell:  No family tree. And the names were just meant to sound good (and hopefully consistent). Xotonian names tend to be five or six letters long, maybe using a few extra Ks. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:18 Tom O'Donnell

5:18	lisa von drasek:  Space Rocks has really captured what it is like to be a little brother. - do you have any brothers or sisters? Older? younger? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:18 lisa von drasek

5:18	Tom O'Donnell:  I’d probably fly home to Virginia, where I'm from. Tickets to the regional airport cost more than flying to, say, Paris. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:18 Tom O'Donnell

5:19	Tom O'Donnell:  I have an older sister. I do tend to think that the younger child is more of an observer. You’re kind of watching things play out with your sibling first before you try them. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:19 Tom O'Donnell

5:19	Tom O'Donnell:  That might be a little Chorkle-like. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:19 Tom O'Donnell

5:19	lisa von drasek:  My favorite line is from Gus when asked what makes his stew so tasty he says “the secret ingredient is love” Does anyone you know say that?? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:19 lisa von drasek

5:20	Tom O'Donnell:  I do not! But feel free to say it whenever you want. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:20 Tom O'Donnell

5:20	Tom O'Donnell:  Actually, you may have to clear it with Penguin's legal department :) Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:20 Tom O'Donnell

5:20	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  Did you have a fun relationship with your Grand Originator like Chorkle and Hudka? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:20 The Brain Lair

5:20	[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  I love that! What a fun writing assignment-to write about your family from your place (perspecitve in it). Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:20 Guest

5:21	Tom O'Donnell:  I had wonderful grand-originators! My grandmother was particularly magical—she spoke with an English accent and let us draw on the walls. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:21 Tom O'Donnell

5:21	Tom O'Donnell:  My grandfather used to secretly sneak us lots of Little Debbie snack cakes. I kind of thought he made them, maybe. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:21 Tom O'Donnell

5:22	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  I loved how you explained Kalak being harder on Chorkle. I'm a teacher, and my daughter always said I expected more of her at school than other students. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:22 The Brain Lair

5:22	Tom O'Donnell:  i can definitely imagine that. You can't play favorites so you have to be a little tougher. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:22 Tom O'Donnell

5:23	lisa von drasek:  I loved when Chorkle realized that perhaps as a kid his originator didn't always do what his grand originator wanted Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:23 lisa von drasek

5:23	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  Ha! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:23 The Brain Lair

5:23	lisa von drasek:  Teachers are always asking for school stories- stories that reflect kids lives and relationships. Space Rocks feels like a school story- do you have any comment about that? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:23 lisa von drasek

5:23	Tom O'Donnell:  Yes, I think that's an important part of growing up. Realizing, strange as it may seem, that your parents were just like you once. And maybe your loveable grandparents weren't so loveable to them all the time :) Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:23 Tom O'Donnell

5:24	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  Their relationship was so realistic to me! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:24 The Brain Lair

5:24	Tom O'Donnell:  Really glad you found to be so. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:24 Tom O'Donnell

5:24	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  What did you base the Qsik on? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:24 The Brain Lair

5:24	[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  I agree all the relationships and emotions felt realistic to me as well. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:24 Guest

5:25	Tom O'Donnell:  Re: school stories - On the one hand Chorkle is a five-eyed alien who lives on an asteroid. On the other hand it’s just a kid with regular old kid problems. That’s the trick of the book that I hope works for readers. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:25 Tom O'Donnell

5:25	lisa von drasek:  It does for me Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:25 lisa von drasek

5:25	Tom O'Donnell:  I guess the Q-sik is a little bit like The One Ring. It gives great power at a terrible cost. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:25 Tom O'Donnell

5:25	lisa von drasek:  What did you like to read as a kid? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:25 lisa von drasek

5:26	Tom O'Donnell:  The Choose Your Own Adventure and Time Machine series were big in my school. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:26 Tom O'Donnell

5:26	Tom O'Donnell:  The Mouse And The Motorcycle. The Bunnicula series. Ender’s Game. A Wrinkle In Time. Treasure Island. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:26 Tom O'Donnell

5:26	Tom O'Donnell:  The one that really feels like it changed me forever, as the answer to the previous question might indicate, was Lord of the Rings. For whatever reason, it’s still kind of THE book for me. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:26 Tom O'Donnell

5:27	[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  So I have to ask what you think of the LR movies? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:27 Guest

5:27	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  Did you also read the Hobbit? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:27 The Brain Lair

5:28	Tom O'Donnell:  I liked them but they will never supplant the books for me. Also, making Gimli a source of comic relief was unconscionable. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:28 Tom O'Donnell

5:28	Tom O'Donnell:  :) Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:28 Tom O'Donnell

5:28	lisa von drasek:  Space Rocks is fast paced and very visual. At times like being in a game or movie. Was that intentional? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:28 lisa von drasek

5:28	Tom O'Donnell:  Yes, I read the Hobbit. But after LOTR for some reason? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:28 Tom O'Donnell

5:28	[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Greetings from Florida! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:28 Guest

5:28	Tom O'Donnell:  Greetings! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:28 Tom O'Donnell

5:29	Tom O'Donnell:  I tried to make it fast-paced and exciting with crisp dialogue. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:29 Tom O'Donnell

5:29	Tom O'Donnell:  I also have done a little writing for TV so maybe that influenced the style. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:29 Tom O'Donnell

5:29	lisa von drasek:  and quite a bit snappy dialog it is. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:29 lisa von drasek

5:29	Tom O'Donnell:  And I think visually, as a cartoonist. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:29 Tom O'Donnell

5:30	Tom O'Donnell:  Although I was a little bit deliberate about not describing exactly what a Xotonian looks like. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:30 Tom O'Donnell

5:30	Tom O'Donnell:  I love the cover illustration for the book that Kristin Lodgson did, but I tend to think that whatever Chorkle you imagine is going to be better than the one I describe. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:30 Tom O'Donnell

5:31	Tom O'Donnell:  Writing dialogue is maybe the most fun part of writing for me. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:31 Tom O'Donnell

5:31	lisa von drasek:  yes I did notice that. and although I did long for illustrations especially of the thsss-cat, the words did paint the pictures in my mind's eye. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:31 lisa von drasek

5:31	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  What about the inside illustrations for the chapters. Did you draw those? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:31 The Brain Lair

5:31	Tom O'Donnell:  I did not. But again, I think they're great. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:31 Tom O'Donnell

5:32	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  Does Gus have a mom? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:32 The Brain Lair

5:32	Tom O'Donnell:  I don't think that he does. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:32 Tom O'Donnell

5:32	lisa von drasek:  Tom, time to explain the facts of life Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:32 lisa von drasek

5:33	Tom O'Donnell:  Okay... Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:33 Tom O'Donnell

5:33	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  She wasn't mentioned when we were talking to parents, so I was wondering if she was still in his life... Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:33 The Brain Lair

5:33	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  :) Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:33 The Brain Lair

5:33	Tom O'Donnell:  Oh, sorry, I got those chats out of order. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:33 Tom O'Donnell

5:33	lisa von drasek:  or as one of the humans in Space Rocks put it "the talk" Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:33 lisa von drasek

5:33	[Comment From NoraNora: ]  I've seen, and enjoyed, some of your humor for adults in the New Yorker. Do you approach writing for adult differently? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:33 Nora

5:33	Tom O'Donnell:  To answer your question, I think Gus's mom passed away. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:33 Tom O'Donnell

5:34	Tom O'Donnell:  Lame answer: yes and no. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:34 Tom O'Donnell

5:34

Tom O'Donnell:  On the one hand, certain concepts aren’t relevant to kids. Like, say, whether or not Congress intends to extend unemployment insurance or something like that. You obviously can’t fill a children’s book with what we would call in the South “cuss words”. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:34 Tom O'Donnell

5:34

Tom O'Donnell:  On the other hand, I believe that if a joke or an idea works for kids it should be strong enough to for adults as well. But when I was writing Space Rocks! I wasn’t trying to write a good story for kids. I was just trying to write a good story, period. I don’t really want to pander to anybody. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:34 Tom O'Donnell

5:35	lisa von drasek:  hey! that's what I was going to say! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:35 lisa von drasek

5:35	Tom O'Donnell:  We have mind-melded fearless leader. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:35 Tom O'Donnell

5:36	[Comment From Maryland LibrarianMaryland Librarian: ]  Do you write full time? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:36 Maryland Librarian

5:36	Tom O'Donnell:  Usually, I do. Some of it is freelance writing for other places, like the aforementioned New Yorker. Other times it's a little ghostwriting. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:36 Tom O'Donnell

5:37	Tom O'Donnell:  I also do some graphic design, art and animation for video games. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:37 Tom O'Donnell

5:38	lisa von drasek:  Animation?? Anything for kids? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:38 lisa von drasek

5:38	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  You mentioned you had done some TV writing. Was that for adult or children's shows? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:38 The Brain Lair

5:38	Tom O'Donnell:  It was for an adult show, airing on Comedy Central in April. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:38 Tom O'Donnell

5:39	lisa von drasek:  this would be the one with cuss words we don't use in the south? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:39 lisa von drasek

5:39	Tom O'Donnell:  Yup! It's a cartoon but very much not for kids :) Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:39 Tom O'Donnell

5:40	lisa von drasek:  can we follow you on twitter? do you have a webpage? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:40 lisa von drasek

5:40	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  hahaha! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:40 The Brain Lair

5:40	Tom O'Donnell:  Yes, on Twitter I'm @tomisokay and my website is tomisokay.com. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:40 Tom O'Donnell

5:41	Tom O'Donnell:  Chorkle has a Twitter account which is @chorklefromgelo Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:41 Tom O'Donnell

5:41	[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Have to head out, but wanted to thank Lisa and Tom for this opportunity. Loved it! And I will make sure all the elementary librarians in my area buy Space Rocks! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:41 Guest

5:41	Tom O'Donnell:  Thank you, I really appreciate it! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:41 Tom O'Donnell

5:42	lisa von drasek:  so the chorkle account is safe for teachers to share with kids? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:42 lisa von drasek

5:42	[Comment From Janie PickettJanie Pickett: ]  I particularly like this new approach to authors and librarians connecting, and the chance to get to know more about the authors our kids will be reading. Thanks so much to Tom and Lisa and Penguin! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:42 Janie Pickett

5:42	[Comment From El TeacherEl Teacher: ]  Are there any supplementary materials for SPACE ROCKS! that I can use with my students? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:42 El Teacher

5:42	Tom O'Donnell:  Yes it is. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:42 Tom O'Donnell

5:43	Tom O'Donnell:  Thank you for participating Janie! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:43 Tom O'Donnell

5:44	lisa von drasek:  supplementary materials would be things like- a discussion guide, a vocabulary test on alien words... a game to hand out....stickers... I vote for stickers! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:44 lisa von drasek

5:44	[Comment From Janie PickettJanie Pickett: ]  thank you! Have a great evening. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:44 Janie Pickett

5:44	Tom O'Donnell:  Penguin certainly has loads of stickers. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:44 Tom O'Donnell

5:44	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  I love that Chorkle plays Alien Invasion. How did you decide to use that tidbit? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:44 The Brain Lair

5:45	[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  We've ordered multiple copies for our library system. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:45 Guest

5:45	Tom O'Donnell:  Well, I just thought it would be fun to have Chorkle be totally entranced with human culture. That it would really see the magic in junk food and brain-rotting video games. :) Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:45 Tom O'Donnell

5:46	lisa von drasek:  I do see this story sparking many discussions. I loved how you showed how much we fear the unknown. The emotional meltdown at the council meeting was spectacular Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:46 lisa von drasek

5:46	[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Our community librarian was asking yesterday for fun sci-fi middle grade reads for book clubs this summer. Do you ever do Skype visits with book clubs who've read your book? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:46 Guest

5:46	[Comment From Sara from PenguinSara from Penguin: ]  We do have stickers! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:46 Sara from Penguin

5:46	Tom O'Donnell:  I just thought it would be funny to have an alien blasting other aliens within the game and sort of not giving it a second thought. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:46 Tom O'Donnell

5:47	lisa von drasek:  Sara????author's visits! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:47 lisa von drasek

5:47	Tom O'Donnell:  I would certainly do a Skype visit. You can contact me on Twitter or email me at thomas.peter.odonnell@gmail.com Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:47 Tom O'Donnell

5:47	[Comment From GuestGuest: ]  Thanks! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:47 Guest

5:48	lisa von drasek:  Tom, Do you like to travel? what was the best, coolest, most fun place that you have ever been to? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:48 lisa von drasek

5:48	Tom O'Donnell:  I'm glad you liked the council scene! I tried to make a big group discussion by "adults" as lively as I could. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:48 Tom O'Donnell

5:49	Tom O'Donnell:  I studied abroad in France when I was in college. It was an invaluable experience. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:49 Tom O'Donnell

5:49	Tom O'Donnell:  Learning a foreign language in another country does make you feel a bit like an extra-terrestrial. It renders the most mundane things—like the difference between our McDonalds and their McDonalds—extremely interesting. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:49 Tom O'Donnell

5:50	Nora - EarlyWord:  Ten minute warning, everyone. Get your final questions in! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:50 Nora - EarlyWord

5:50	lisa von drasek:  For those who haven't been, it reminded me of ALA council chambers on a particularly fraught meeting. Next time I am just going to imagine them as Xotonians Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:50 lisa von drasek

5:50	lisa von drasek:  okay, I'll bite- what is the difference between their McDonalds and ours? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:50 lisa von drasek

5:50	Tom O'Donnell:  Haha! Do ALA members break down into tears or start fistfights? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:50 Tom O'Donnell

5:51	Tom O'Donnell:  Well, they had a bunch of Asterix-themed meals for one thing. Asterix is like their Mickey Mouse, only more ubiquitous and beloved. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:51 Tom O'Donnell

5:51	lisa von drasek:  Nora, I'm still active- do you want to answer that one? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:51 lisa von drasek

5:51	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  Haha! And pretty much all board meetings! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:51 The Brain Lair

5:52	Nora - EarlyWord:  I agree about ALA Council meetings involving melt-downs. But, I though Council was its own breed of being. Now I see its universal. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:52 Nora - EarlyWord

5:52	lisa von drasek:  Tom, Do you have any questions for librarians? I do- what should is the most important advice you would give to a new children's/YA author? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:52 lisa von drasek

5:52	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  I've been to ones that remind me of the Observers. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:52 The Brain Lair

5:53	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  I was left wondering so much about the parents at the end of Space Rocks. Do they get reunited?????? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:53 The Brain Lair

5:53	Tom O'Donnell:  Yes, what IS the most important advice you'd give to a new children's/YA author? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:53 Tom O'Donnell

5:53	Tom O'Donnell:  Hmm. I suppose you'll have to check out the sequel in Fall 2014, Brain Lair. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:53 Tom O'Donnell

5:54	lisa von drasek:  thats what I like- the sequel in the same year- thanks penguin! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:54 lisa von drasek

5:54	Tom O'Donnell:  Hooray for sequels! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:54 Tom O'Donnell

5:54	Tom O'Donnell:  Except the Ghostbusters sequel. Not a fan. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:54 Tom O'Donnell

5:54	lisa von drasek:  My advice to first-time children's authors -- get out there and have fun with the teachers and kids Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:54 lisa von drasek

5:54	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  Gah! But that's in the Fall! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:54 The Brain Lair

5:54	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  Be accessible! Things like this chat, Skype, Twitter chats, any way I can connect my students to the person behind the book - ups the book being checked out Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:54 The Brain Lair

5:55	Tom O'Donnell:  I'll try to do it! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:55 Tom O'Donnell

5:55	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  Which means I can buy more copies and continue buying it! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:55 The Brain Lair

5:55	Nora - EarlyWord:  Tom -- you and I both live in Brooklyn. Are you amazed that it's become SO hip? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:55 Nora - EarlyWord

5:56	Tom O'Donnell:  Hmm. I've been here for 10 years and it has become even hipper in that time. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:56 Tom O'Donnell

5:56	lisa von drasek:  ... and don't decide after just 4 books to stop. keep going!!! you have a universe to explore Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:56 lisa von drasek

5:56	Tom O'Donnell:  Across the street it looks like they're opening a hipster pharmacy! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:56 Tom O'Donnell

5:56	[Comment From KimberlyKimberly: ]  Great advice The Brain Lair! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:56 Kimberly

5:56	Tom O'Donnell:  Where I can get artisanal small-batch aspirin, I guess? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:56 Tom O'Donnell

5:57	Nora - EarlyWord:  A "hipster pharmacy"? Sounds like it could be the setting for a book! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:57 Nora - EarlyWord

5:57	Tom O'Donnell:  I would love to keep going. I'm working on an outline for Book 3 as we speak... Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:57 Tom O'Donnell

5:57	lisa von drasek:  there is one in Carroll Gardens called Farmacy. artisnal ginger syrup. I import it to Minnesota Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:57 lisa von drasek

5:57	Tom O'Donnell:  Wow! You are hipper than me Lisa. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:57 Tom O'Donnell

5:58	Nora - EarlyWord:  As the sky darkens over Brooklyn, it's time for us to wrap up. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:58 Nora - EarlyWord

5:58	Nora - EarlyWord:  Thanks so much, Tom and Lisa. And thanks to our participants for so many great questions. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:58 Nora - EarlyWord

5:58	Tom O'Donnell:  Well, thank you both for the chance to do this! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:58 Tom O'Donnell

5:58	Nora - EarlyWord:  SPACE ROCKS! Is available now. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:58 Nora - EarlyWord

5:58	Nora - EarlyWord SPACE ROCKS! On Bookshelf Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:58

5:58	lisa von drasek:  Goodbye Tom, I have had a really good time getting to know you Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:58 lisa von drasek

5:58	Tom O'Donnell:  And thanks to all the participants! If I didn't answer anything, find me on Twitter. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:58 Tom O'Donnell

5:58	[Comment From KimberlyKimberly: ]  Thanks so much! I love meeting authors. Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:58 Kimberly

5:59	Nora - EarlyWord:  This chat will be archived on the Penguin Young Readers page on EarlyWord : http://penguinyrauthors.earlyword.com Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:59 Nora - EarlyWord

5:59	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  This was awesome! Thank you so much! Putting in an order for two copies. Can't wait to tell the students about our chat! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:59 The Brain Lair

5:59	Nora - EarlyWord:  If you enjoyed our chat with Tom, tell your colleagues about this program and please come back for next chat! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:59 Nora - EarlyWord

5:59	lisa von drasek:  when is our next chat nora? Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:59 lisa von drasek

5:59	[Comment From KimberlyKimberly: ]  Will do! Wednesday February 19, 2014 5:59 Kimberly

6:00	Tom O'Donnell:  Bye everyone! It's been a lot of fun. Wednesday February 19, 2014 6:00 Tom O'Donnell

6:00	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  I'll be here! Wednesday February 19, 2014 6:00 The Brain Lair

6:00	[Comment From KimberlyKimberly: ]  Bye Tom Wednesday February 19, 2014 6:00 Kimberly

6:00	Nora - EarlyWord:  The next title in the Penguin Young Readers program is NIGHTINGALE’S NEST by Nikki Loftin. Chat is March 26. Sign up to join the program here: http://penguinyrauthors.earlyword.com Wednesday February 19, 2014 6:00 Nora - EarlyWord

6:00	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  Bye! Thanks for your time, Tom! Wednesday February 19, 2014 6:00 The Brain Lair

6:00	Nora - EarlyWord:  Thanks everyone. Over and out! Wednesday February 19, 2014 6:00 Nora - EarlyWord

6:00	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  Do we have to re-sign up each time? Wednesday February 19, 2014 6:00 The Brain Lair

6:01	Nora - EarlyWord:  Thanks for that question! This is like a book of the month club... Wednesday February 19, 2014 6:01 Nora - EarlyWord

6:01	Nora - EarlyWord:  Once you sign up, you automatically get access to new titles every 5 weeks or so. Wednesday February 19, 2014 6:01 Nora - EarlyWord

6:01	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  Oh! Awesome! Wednesday February 19, 2014 6:01 The Brain Lair

6:02	[Comment From The Brain LairThe Brain Lair: ]  So I am opted in! Wednesday February 19, 2014 6:02 The Brain Lair

6:02	Nora - EarlyWord:  A great note to end on. Thanks everyone. Wednesday February 19, 2014 6:02 Nora - EarlyWord

 

 

Thanks to all of  you have asked for a children’s and YA version of our popular Penguin First Flights program, we are  delighted to announce the launch of the Penguin Young Readers Author Program— an opportunity to be part of the launch of major new YA and middle grade titles.

Sign up to automatically receive advance readers copies (in print or via NetGalley) of new titles.

A few weeks later, you will be invited to an exclusive live online chat with the author, led by EarlyWord Kids Correspondent, Lisa Von Drasek.

The first title in the program is Space Rocks!, a middle grade title by comedy writer Tom O’Donnell. Kirkus is the first to review it, saying the main character is “charming and [the book’s] alien perspective on the human invaders and the ensuing culture clash never falters.”

The second title in the program is Nightingale’s Nest, by Nikki Loftin, the author of The Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy.

Many thanks to our sponsor, Penguin Young Readers. Sign up here.

Click here to find out more about the book and to sign up for the program.

Also available,  Nora’s podcast interview with M.D. Waters, author of Archetype.

Click here to find out more about the book and to sign up for the program.

Live Chat with M.D. Waters, ARCHETYPE

(11/13/2013)

  

Close

3:43	Nora - EarlyWord:  We will begin our live online chat with Misty Waters, author of Archetype in about 15 minutes. Wednesday November 13, 2013 3:43 Nora - EarlyWord

3:44	Nora - EarlyWord:  Meanwhile, here’s the cover of the book and a link to my recent podcast interview with Misty. Wednesday November 13, 2013 3:44 Nora - EarlyWord

3:44	Nora - EarlyWord ARCHETYPE U.S. Cover Wednesday November 13, 2013 3:44

3:53

Nora - EarlyWord:  I'm appy to see chat participants beginning to gather. You can send your questions through at any time. They'll go into a queue, and we'll submit as many of them as we can to Misty before the end of the chat. Don’t worry about typos – and please forgive any that we commit. Wednesday November 13, 2013 3:53 Nora - EarlyWord

3:54	Nora - EarlyWord:  Ooops -- first person to catch my typo wins a prize! Wednesday November 13, 2013 3:54 Nora - EarlyWord

3:55	[Comment From MelMel: ]  Missing the H in happy. ;) Wednesday November 13, 2013 3:55 Mel

3:56	Nora - EarlyWord:  You got it Mel -- give that person a ti-shirt! Wednesday November 13, 2013 3:56 Nora - EarlyWord

3:56	Nora - EarlyWord Read the book, wear the Tee Wednesday November 13, 2013 3:56

3:56	[Comment From CharissaCharissa: ]  MELINDA. I am so jealous. Wednesday November 13, 2013 3:56 Charissa

3:57	Nora - EarlyWord:  Well, don't be -- YOU get a tattoo... Wednesday November 13, 2013 3:57 Nora - EarlyWord

3:57	Nora - EarlyWord Get the Tatt... Wednesday November 13, 2013 3:57

3:57	[Comment From MelMel: ]  LOL, Charissa. YAY!!!! Wednesday November 13, 2013 3:57 Mel

3:59	M.D. Waters:  Hi everyone! Wednesday November 13, 2013 3:59 M.D. Waters

4:00	Nora - EarlyWord:  Hi Misty, thanks for joining us. We have an eager group gathering. I’ll let them say hi. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:00 Nora - EarlyWord

4:00	Nora - EarlyWord:  I see you out there -- say hi to Misty. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:00 Nora - EarlyWord

4:01	[Comment From Susan J.%20BickfordSusan J.%20Bickford: ]  Hey there, Misty! Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:01 Susan J.%20Bickford

4:01	[Comment From charissaweakscharissaweaks: ]  Hi, honey :) Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:01 charissaweaks

4:01	Catherine - Penguin:  Hi Misty! thanks so much for joining us! Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:01 Catherine - Penguin

4:01	[Comment From MelMel: ]  Hi Misty! Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:01 Mel

4:01	Nora - EarlyWord:  We received some questions in advance. This one is a good place to begin: Q: I see you went to Comic Con. But your book isn’t a comic! Why did you go? Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:01 Nora - EarlyWord

4:02	Nora - EarlyWord:  Hi Misty, thanks for joining us. We have an eager group gathering. I’ll let them say hi. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:02 Nora - EarlyWord

4:02	Nora - EarlyWord:  Hi Misty, thanks for joining us. We have an eager group gathering. I’ll let them say hi. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:02 Nora - EarlyWord

4:02

M.D. Waters:  From what I gather, Penguin is very excited about Archetype, and decided to highlight the novel at their booth for an hour. Beyond that, I really have no idea. All I know is that I was excited to see everyone there supporting this little book I wrote. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:02 M.D. Waters

4:02	Nora - EarlyWord:  What was it like? Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:02 Nora - EarlyWord

4:03	M.D. Waters:  Unfortunately, I didn't get to go. Just enjoyed all the great pictures after. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:03 M.D. Waters

4:03	M.D. Waters:  I hear the turnout was great. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:03 M.D. Waters

4:04	Nora - EarlyWord:  Got it. I understand the t-shirts and tarts were for Comic Con. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:04 Nora - EarlyWord

4:04	M.D. Waters:  Yes Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:04 M.D. Waters

4:04	Nora - EarlyWord:  They have the symbol of the luckenbooth -- let see if the readers recognize what it's for... Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:04 Nora - EarlyWord

4:05	How is the luckenbooth symbol used in ARCHETYPE? (1 PTS) Symbol of high status To identify forbidden books To "mark" married women Symbol of a secret society Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:05

4:05	Nora - EarlyWord:  The sequel, PROTOTYPE, will be published in July, just five months after the first title. How did you write it so quickly? Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:05 Nora - EarlyWord

4:06

M.D. Waters:  I have a very supportive family of non-readers who put up with me. If I see an opportunity to zone out for hours at a time, I steal and hoard it. But really, writing is like a second job for me. I work my normal 6-8 hours for the day job, then switch computers/rooms and write until my brain shuts down. Some nights and weekends are easier than others, and obviously I have to work around dinner and diapers and the occasional drive-by wink at my husband. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:06 M.D. Waters

4:07	Nora - EarlyWord PROTOTYPE, Sequel to Archetype, 7/24/14 Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:07

4:08	Nora - EarlyWord:  Where do the cover images come from? Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:08 Nora - EarlyWord

4:08	M.D. Waters:  I think the designer, Monica Benalcazar, pulled every single detail of the Archetype cover from the book. From the glass to the indigo lilies to the bubbles in water... Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:08 M.D. Waters

4:08

M.D. Waters:  When asked for my thoughts on the Prototype cover, I really wanted to see Emma breaking through the glass, because she breaks through everything standing her way to take back her life. Monica outdid herself with both covers. I think they’re absolutely stunning. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:08 M.D. Waters

4:09	Nora - EarlyWord:  One of your characters is named Declan -- that is unusual – your other characters are more common – Emma, Noah, Sonya, Charles – it made me suspicious of him from the beginning. Was that your intent? Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:09 Nora - EarlyWord

4:09

M.D. Waters:  LOL, not at all. Actually, I read the name in another series, then heard it again on the show Revenge. So the name went on this list I keep on my phone for future character names. I always saw the name connected to a strong character, and Declan (for me, at least) is that in spades. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:09 M.D. Waters

4:10	Nora - EarlyWord:  The book’s themes revolve around how we discover truth. What draws you to that idea? Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:10 Nora - EarlyWord

4:10

M.D. Waters:  I only write what I know and/or love, and I absolutely love stories involving some sort of quest for the truth and has me guessing until the end. The best laid stories have me guessing totally wrong and make me literally gasp in surprise. I just hope I’ve managed to do this in Archetype. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:10 M.D. Waters

4:11	Nora - EarlyWord:  The title ARCHETYPE sounds Jungian – any relationship? Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:11 Nora - EarlyWord

4:11	M.D. Waters:  Other than my using archetypes to develop secondary characters (and a few main), none. This title option came up while looking for synonyms to the original title, which was too leading and gave away the big reveal. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:11 M.D. Waters

4:12

Nora - EarlyWord:  Congrats on the great review from Publishers Weekly -- “absorbing gothic thriller in science fiction trappings.” You are also racking up great reviews on GoodReads (love this quote, “Dystopian science fiction meets BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP”). Which are more meaningful to you? Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:12 Nora - EarlyWord

4:12	M.D. Waters:  Every single word said about Archetype, good and bad, means a lot to me. I may stalk Goodreads like it’s my job, though… I’m incredibly humbled by how many amazing reviews are shared on an almost weekly basis. I do a lot of chair dancing. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:12 M.D. Waters

4:13	Nora - EarlyWord:  I see some more participants have joined us -- feel free to ask a question at any time. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:13 Nora - EarlyWord

4:13	Nora - EarlyWord:  Who is your favorite character in the book (other than Emma)? Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:13 Nora - EarlyWord

4:14

M.D. Waters:  Oh, that’s easy. Arthur Travista. Definitely. I’m always partial to the bad guy—in books, television, or movies. I want to know what makes them tick, because behind those motives we consider evil are a truckload of good intensions. He’s a man with a very mysterious and sad past, who really does believe he’s doing the world a favor. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:14 M.D. Waters

4:15	[Comment From AnneAnne: ]  I really had my thinking cap on while reading as I too wanted the truth - very good tone and keeping the tension/suspense high. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:15 Anne

4:16	M.D. Waters:  @Anne thanks! It was a struggle, so I'm glad it worked out the way it did. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:16 M.D. Waters

4:16	Nora - EarlyWord:  You got some great blurbs (including one from Richelle Mead) – what’s the process for getting blurbs? Does the publisher do it all? Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:16 Nora - EarlyWord

4:17	M.D. Waters:  The awesome team at Dutton gets them for me, and I can almost feel the 30-second dance parties they must have every time a new one comes in. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:17 M.D. Waters

4:17

Nora - EarlyWord:  Any hints about what to look forward to in PROTOTYPE? (you say on your blog, “Emma wrote ARCHETYPE, and I wrote PROTOTYPE. She had a real-life story to tell, and I just made some stuff up that could have happened after.” What does that mean?) Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:17 Nora - EarlyWord

4:18

M.D. Waters:  I found Prototype insanely difficult to write in comparison to Archetype. We writers have voices in our heads, and yes, I know how crazy that sounds. And I say Emma wrote Archetype because I didn’t have to think about a single word of it. The story flew out of me in five weeks and barely changed after seeing my agent and editor. For five solid weeks, Emma was a real person in my head who had a story to tell and used me as a conduit... Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:18 M.D. Waters

4:18

M.D. Waters:  By the time I sat down to write Prototype (almost a year later), it was like Emma stood against a wall, crossed her ankles and folded her arms…then shrugged at me. It was a scary moment because I knew the basic story points, but didn’t quite feel it the same way. So, for me, it was MY story to tell instead of hers. I had three months full of false starts and character issues and must have deleted roughly 50K words before turning over the final draft to my editor. And I was scared, because what I had in Prototype was The Terminator versus A Beautiful Mind in Archetype. Probably just my perception, but that’s how it felt to me... Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:18 M.D. Waters

4:19

M.D. Waters:  Prototype begins a year and a half after Archetype ends, and starts with a fast, intense pace that doesn’t end until…The End. The action in Archetype was a lazy ride in the Mad Hatter Tea Cups compared to the battle Emma faces throughout. I also introduce a whole new cast of characters on top of the old ones, and boy do they have some personality. I have so many favorite characters in Prototype that I can’t possibly choose just one. Two of them make me literally laugh out loud, and I can’t wait to see reader reaction to these guys. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:19 M.D. Waters

4:20	Nora - EarlyWord:  It's hard to imagine that the pace is even faster in PROTOTYPE! It seems to race along in ARCHETYPE! Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:20 Nora - EarlyWord

4:21	M.D. Waters:  I never thought Archetype was fast paced, so it's interesting to me to see everyone say that. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:21 M.D. Waters

4:22	Nora - EarlyWord:  Was PROTOTYPE already in your head when you wrote ARCHETYPE, or did you decide to do a sequel later? Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:22 Nora - EarlyWord

4:23	M.D. Waters:  I had a particular version I considered starting before Archetype was picked up, but the epilogue changed, which completely changed the plans I had. So my agent, Jennifer, suggested one thing and I went with it. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:23 M.D. Waters

4:24	[Comment From AnneAnne: ]  I also saw this as a story about how precious memory is and how we do not necessarily "appreciate" it until we need it. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:24 Anne

4:25	M.D. Waters:  @Anne I never thought of that, but you're absolutely right. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:25 M.D. Waters

4:26	[Comment From SarahSarah: ]  I really loved this book. One of my favs of the year. What made you pursue the fertility or infertility theme? Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:26 Sarah

4:27	M.D. Waters:  @Sarah Actually, it came from a topic my dad brought up while I was still in high school. He talked about China limiting the # of children. I put that together with other possible situations that could arise and that was that. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:27 M.D. Waters

4:28	M.D. Waters:  @Sarah And thanks:) Glad you liked it. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:28 M.D. Waters

4:29	[Comment From Sue D.Sue D.: ]  This may be a naïve question but did you know you always had a novel inside of your head? Did you always know you wanted to write? Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:29 Sue D.

4:30	M.D. Waters:  @Sue Heck no. I loved reading, but I always listened to my dad who said how hard it was to succeed doing something like writing or being an artist. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:30 M.D. Waters

4:30	M.D. Waters:  @Sue I had stories I wanted to tell, but no guts to tell them Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:30 M.D. Waters

4:30	Nora - EarlyWord:  When did you decide to stop listening to his advice? Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:30 Nora - EarlyWord

4:31	M.D. Waters:  @Nora When Twilight came out along with hundreds, if not millions, of others. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:31 M.D. Waters

4:31	M.D. Waters:  Meyer's story to publication was inspiring to me. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:31 M.D. Waters

4:32	Nora - EarlyWord:  Ha! Good answer! Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:32 Nora - EarlyWord

4:32	[Comment From SarahSarah: ]  Is there anything planned after Prototype? Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:32 Sarah

4:33	M.D. Waters:  @Sarah LOADS OF THINGS! :) I'm playing with a spinoff and have tossed around other possible character stories to tell. The world is so interesting, and I can't imagine letting it go just yet. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:33 M.D. Waters

4:33	M.D. Waters:  No more Emma, though. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:33 M.D. Waters

4:33	[Comment From KellyKelly: ]  It sounds like your dad was a big influence on you. How did he like the book? Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:33 Kelly

4:34	M.D. Waters:  @Kelly My dad is so so so so proud. He carries a copy around everywhere to show me off. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:34 M.D. Waters

4:34	Nora - EarlyWord:  This question comes from Kelly -- not sure that it came through before: It sounds like your dad was a big influence on you. How did he like the book? Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:34 Nora - EarlyWord

4:34	Nora - EarlyWord:  Scratch that -- looks like some things overlapped! Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:34 Nora - EarlyWord

4:35	[Comment From LucyLucy: ]  Just curious, you mentioned that Archetype is Emma's story. Is that why you wrote from her POV, inside her head? Did it start out that way or change over time? Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:35 Lucy

4:36	M.D. Waters:  @Lucy I've always written in first person. I dabbled in several stories prior to this one. Emma's voice was by far the most different. The most alive. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:36 M.D. Waters

4:38	Nora - EarlyWord:  Is PROTOTYPE also in the first person? Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:38 Nora - EarlyWord

4:38	M.D. Waters:  @Nora Yes! Emma all the way:) Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:38 M.D. Waters

4:39	Nora - EarlyWord:  We ran this poll earlier -- want to tell the folks the correct answer? How is the luckenbooth symbol used in ARCHETYPE? Symbol of high status To identify forbidden books To "mark" married women Symbol of a secret society Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:39 Nora - EarlyWord

4:40	M.D. Waters:  The "mark" of a married woman:) Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:40 M.D. Waters

4:40	[Comment From LucyLucy: ]  Oh, Yes, Emma is very much ALIVE from the very beginning, which is why I really liked her and how she gradually figured things out. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:40 Lucy

4:41	M.D. Waters:  @Lucy LOL, it was both a good and bad thing for me being so deep in her head... Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:41 M.D. Waters

4:41	M.D. Waters:  @Lucy When things got emotional and hard towards the end, I actually went into a funk for a good day or so. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:41 M.D. Waters

4:41	M.D. Waters:  Hard to bounce back from those sad scenes. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:41 M.D. Waters

4:42	Nora - EarlyWord:  "Marking" a married woman is an interesting idea -- we also "mark" married people, but with rings. Why did you want to come up with something different? Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:42 Nora - EarlyWord

4:43	M.D. Waters:  @Nora I wanted a way for these men to CLAIM their wives w/out fear of losing them to other men. With the shortage, I can only imagine the lengths some men will go to. Rings come off. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:43 M.D. Waters

4:44	Nora - EarlyWord:  How did you come up with the symbol of the luckenbooth? Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:44 Nora - EarlyWord

4:45	M.D. Waters:  @Nora I was writing the scene with Emma painting her first picture and needed a symbol that represented marriage. A quick google search later... Luckenbooth. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:45 M.D. Waters

4:45	M.D. Waters:  Totally spur of the moment. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:45 M.D. Waters

4:46	Nora - EarlyWord:  Did you do any other research for the book? Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:46 Nora - EarlyWord

4:46	M.D. Waters:  @Nora Hmmm.... Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:46 M.D. Waters

4:47	[Comment From LucyLucy: ]  I've heard other authors mention that with a second (or later) book their main character wouldn't cooperate ("Emma stood against a wall with crossed legs and folder arms."). Has that happened with other characters? Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:47 Lucy

4:47	M.D. Waters:  @Nora Oh, right... SEAGULLS. I now hate seagulls. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:47 M.D. Waters

4:48	[Comment From LucyLucy: ]  Sorry, should have been 'folded arms" Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:48 Lucy

4:48

M.D. Waters:  @Lucy Sonya and I are no longer friends. LOL. She's the only one I had issues with. Her role in Prototype is pretty huge and I was constantly emailing/calling my agent, Jennifer, for help. For some reason, Jennifer GETS Sonya better than me. It's crazy. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:48 M.D. Waters

4:49	Nora - EarlyWord:  You mentioned that Stephenie Meyer’s publication story inspired you. Any advice for first-time writers? Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:49 Nora - EarlyWord

4:49

M.D. Waters:  Learn and have patience. I spent an entire year taking five workshops a month to learn what it takes to write a novel—not that I follow all these rules off a bridge. I take liberties when the style calls for it. And once “THE” novel is written, breathe through the process and let the universe take it from there. If it’s meant to be, it’ll happen. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:49 M.D. Waters

4:50	Nora - EarlyWord:  I promised Melinda and Charissa in the beginning that we would give them t-shirts and tattoos. Can we make good on that? Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:50 Nora - EarlyWord

4:50	M.D. Waters:  Absolutely! Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:50 M.D. Waters

4:51	M.D. Waters:  Mailing addresses to mistydawnwaters@gmail.com Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:51 M.D. Waters

4:51	Nora - EarlyWord:  Thanks for making me look good! Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:51 Nora - EarlyWord

4:51	M.D. Waters:  LOL Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:51 M.D. Waters

4:52	Nora - EarlyWord:  We are getting close to the end of this chat, so time to send in your last questions! Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:52 Nora - EarlyWord

4:53	Nora - EarlyWord:  Misty; Are you open to library appearances or Skyping with reading groups? How libraries contact you? Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:53 Nora - EarlyWord

4:53	M.D. Waters:  Absolutely. Just contact my publicist and she’ll handle it from there. Liza Cassity: liza.cassity@us.penguingroup.com Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:53 M.D. Waters

4:54	[Comment From LucyLucy: ]  Haven't read Prototype of course, but you mentioned the possibility of a spinoff to continue in this world. Can you tell us which character you might spin off or will that give too much away from Prototype? Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:54 Lucy

4:55	M.D. Waters:  @Lucy Sure! Not that you'll know her. I introduce Leigh in Prototype. She was a character I hadn't planned on, who showed me some interesting battle scars. She's a great character and fun to work with. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:55 M.D. Waters

4:56	[Comment From KellyKelly: ]  Thank you for sharing with us! Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:56 Kelly

4:56	M.D. Waters:  @Kelly My pleasure! Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:56 M.D. Waters

4:57

Nora - EarlyWord:  Yes; thanks so much, Misty. We're about to end this chat, it's been fun. This chat will be archived on the Penguin First Flights page on EarlyWord -- tell your friends: http://penguindebutauthors.earlyword.com/ ARCHETYPE is coming out on Feb. 6 Digital readers copies are currently available on Edelweiss and NetGalley Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:57 Nora - EarlyWord

4:57	[Comment From LucyLucy: ]  Ohhhh, Thanks. Something to speculate about when I get to read Prototype! :-) Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:57 Lucy

4:57	[Comment From LucyLucy: ]  Thank You for chatting with us! Thanks to Nora for hosting and to Penguin for First Flights!! Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:57 Lucy

4:58	M.D. Waters:  @Lucy Thanks for the great questions! Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:58 M.D. Waters

4:58	Nora - EarlyWord:  We look forward to toasting ARCHETYPE and Emma when the book arrives in February. Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:58 Nora - EarlyWord

4:59	M.D. Waters:  :) Wednesday November 13, 2013 4:59 M.D. Waters

5:00	Leaderboard (Top 20 Players) LurchzPrincess 1 Melinda S. Collins 1 charissaweaks 1 CatHayden88 1 Beverly Jackson 0 LibraryNew 0 Susan J. Bickford 0 bajackson 0 Early Word -1 Wednesday November 13, 2013 5:00