Appearances

Quick reminder: I've started an author Facebook page; feel free to friend me. See the post before this one for more details.

Anyway... hello everyone! I just got done with a very exciting and new experience -- I spent this past Thursday and Friday at Fall Creek Middle School here in Wisconsin, talking to seventh and eighth grade English classes about writing and publishing (with an emphasis on revisions -- for teachers who might like me to come speak to their students, I'll include in a little greater detail the things I covered at the end of this post). I had so much fun, the groups were great, and they asked some excellent questions. So I just want to give a shout-out to them, and their teachers, who made me feel so welcome and made this an experience I definitely want to repeat. Thanks a bunch, you guys!

Some more news: Legacy was reviewed by Bobbi Carducci, the director of the Young Voices Foundation, for About Families. Please check out both of the links! Here's the review:

"Legacy is the story of conflict surrounding the life and destiny of seventeen year old Princess Alera of Hytanica. Alera is a young woman of independent nature, struggling to live in a world where women exist to serve men. As princess, it is her duty to marry the young man her father has chosen for her; a man who suits the King but not his accomplished daughter.

"Just as Alera is about to give in to her father, she meets Narian, a teenage Cokyrian boy, who tells her of a land where women are respected leaders who choose their own mates. Alera wants to know more about this new way of thinking and about the boy who challenges her to think for herself. Unfortunately an alliance between them could spell doom for Alera and all of Hytanica.

"Ultimately, Alera must decide where her true destiny lies.

" 'At some point, the choice you will face is whether to carry out your duties or live your life.' "

"Legacy is the first novel written by a talented young writer I believe will have a long writing career. At the age of fifteen, Cayla Kluver has created a fantasy adventure story that will appeal to readers of all ages. I recommend that you Buy the Book!"

I was really heartened by this review, and so thankful toward Ms. Carducci once again.

Now for teachers: basically what I do at these kinds of workshops is read an excerpt from the book (Legacy), hand out a packet with some supplementary materials for what I plan to cover, then go through a timeline of the writing and publishing process, including a bunch of physical examples such as industry standard rejection letters from literary agents, uncorrected proof/galley copies of the book (bound manuscripts for review services), book covers before they're bound, and an amusing example of what can go wrong in the printing process. Once I've completed the timeline, I go back and elaborate on the importance of editing and revising, including major changes that were made between the first and final drafts of Legacy, and some general tips that apply to any form of writing. Then I take questions with however much time remains. If this is something you would be interested in for your own students, please send an email to editor[at]forsoothpublishing.com to make arrangements.

Thank you so much for visiting!

Cayla

Facebook

Hi everybody, just a quick little update. I've started an official author Facebook page, so if you have an account there feel free to add me as a friend. Just search 'Cayla Kluver' -- my profile picture is the book cover of Legacy. It's a really easy way to contact me, and I'm always happy to answer questions about my writing or about writing in general (I've recently started doing some writing workshops in schools and have found that I really enjoy it).

Aside from that, I'm about ten thousand words into my next writing project, about which I can't at this point say too much. I've had a really good couple of weeks that have inspired me to write, write, write -- so thanks to everyone who's responsible (you know who you are)!

Another random thing -- if you've never heard of Boyce Avenue, you should check out their music on YouTube. I just discovered them this week, and I think they're absolutely awesome.

Thanks for visiting!

Cayla

Young Voices Foundation

Hi everybody!

A few little announcements -- Legacy was recently named Book of the Month by the Young Voices Foundation! In their own words: "Young Voices Foundation is a 501 (C) (3) educational non profit dedicated to creating a life long love of the written word in young people. Each month the foundation selects one book to present to a young reader. Book selections are made based on the quality of the writing, message, and the ability to inspire, mentor and educate readers. Your book meets all the criteria."

I found this to be such a great honor and opportunity that I had to share! They're really a wonderful organization, and they host writing contests for young people if anyone out there would like to check them out. To visit their website, just use the link above!

Also, I've got results for last month's poll (Can London be trusted?).

53% Yes, he clearly cares about Hytanica
3% No, he's too mysterious
43% I'm not sure, but I like him anyway

Thanks to everyone who voted, and next month's poll (Are London and Cannan secretly good friends?) is up!

Come back and visit soon!

Cayla