Renaissance Magazine

Hi everybody! Legacy was just reviewed by Renaissance Magazine (the review will be printed in their January edition), and I thought I'd share an excerpt. (FYI, Renaissance Magazine is an awesome publication for anyone interested in the time period. They do book and movie reviews and have some really awesome articles. To visit their site, click the link above.) Also, if you're looking for the prologue, here's the link again: Allegiance Prologue.

And here's the (excerpted) review...

"Legacy by Cayla Kluver revolves around a privileged princess in an imaginary medieval kingdom, but this debut novel .... addresses many real-life adolescent issues within a fictional context. With likeable characters and vivid details, this is an engrossing story for young adults.

".... Alera’s efforts to fulfill others’ expectations and create her own happiness mirror the choices that many teens face. This relativity makes her understandable to young adults, especially young women, dealing with similar issues. Kluver successfully portrays Alera’s inner turmoil while maintaining the plot’s momentum. The author also demonstrates a vibrant imagination with meticulously detailed descriptions of locations, clothing and events. ....Kluver’s grasp of language, dialogue and character development shows that she is as talented and promising as her heroine."
-- Rose Rankin, Renaissance Magazine

I'll be back in a few days to post my spring schedule, and remember, if you're interested in having me visit and/or speak at your library, school, bookstore, or other organization, just send me an email and we can figure something out!

Thanks for stopping by! And MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Cayla

A Whole Bunch of Stuff

Hi everybody!

Happy belated Thanksgiving -- I spent it with my family, just chilling out and having a good time, as I hope all of you did. First order of business, I've posted the prologue of Allegiance for you all!

To read, go here: Allegiance Prologue

Sorry for the somewhat troubling formatting -- I couldn't get the computer to cooperate.

I also have poll results for this month: Who should Alera end up with in the end?

62% Narian
13% Steldor
20% Plot twist -- London
3% Other

Thanks so much to everyone who voted, and next months poll (Can London be trusted?) is up!

Also, my schedule for spring is filling up, so if you own or know of a library or bookstore interested in having me come speak or do a book signing, please send me an email asap! I love going out and visiting places, so don't be shy. And, of course, anyone who has a simple question or comment is encouraged to send me an email as well. My address is cayla[at]forsoothpublishing.com.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cayla

Allegiance: Prologue

Because of recent developments with the books, I have decided to remove the prologue of Allegiance from the site. I apologize for any disappointment or confusion, but I promise it won't be too much longer before I'm back with more enlightening updates. Thank you!

Cayla

Back Again!

Hello all! Great news -- Legacy is officially a bronze medalist in the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards (for young adult fiction), and I'll be attending the awards ceremony in Denver in January. Yay! Also, in response to Cherie's comment on my latest Allegiance-related post, the official publication date for Allegiance is May 28, 2009, and the book's prologue will be posted here on my blog and on Forsooth Publishing's website in the next few weeks.

Sorry, sorry, sorry for the shortness of this post... I'm trying to think of something else to say (on that note, if anyone has any suggestions as to things they'd like me to write about, send me an email, by all means). Allegiance is in the final critiquing stage, and I've started laying out my next book and writing the first bit (sorry I can't say more about it, but I'm kind of paranoid about putting my ideas out on the web before I've slapped a copyright on them). Oh, obvious topic, we have a new President here in the US (or President-Elect as I suppose he is 'til his inauguration). I won't say who I was supporting for diplomacy's sake (can't vote yet, anyway), but I can certainly see the next few years bringing major changes to the nation.

That's about all I can think of to write about, so... until next time! And thanks for stopping by!

Cayla

News and Poll Results

Hey, everybody!

First off, I've got some exciting news -- Legacy was awarded a finalist in the USA Book News National "Best Books 2008" Awards in two categories (Fiction & Literature: Romance; and Fiction & Literature: Young Adult Fiction)! It's also as of now a bronze-medalist in the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards in Young Adult fiction, but the silver and gold still have to be chosen from the finalists, so we'll see. I'm pretty thrilled with a bronze, though!

Now, onto poll results for Does Steldor have the potential to become a good man like his father?

35% Yes, his father used to be just like him
15% No -- have you met him?
50% Maybe, but I wouldn't take the chance

I'd probably have to side with that 50% myself, hehe. Anyway, next month's poll (Who should Alera end up with in the end?) is up!

Thanks a bunch for visiting -- come back soon.

Cayla

Allegiance Again...

Okay, just a quick thing -- if you go to Barnesandnoble.com and do a search, Allegiance will come up, and it says the publication date is January 28, 2009. I'm here to officially say that is NOT correct. I don't know where they got that information, but until it is corrected, I would discourage you guys from placing preorders there (since come Jan 28th, they'll have no books to send you). I'll be back sometime this upcoming week with a real post, and I swear I'll start answering my emails soon! I'm just swamped right now -- so sorry!

Cayla

Allegiance

Well, editing has officially begun on Allegiance. I've finished the first draft and have it printed out in this huge binder through which I'm steadily plowing and marking everything I want to change/revise/cut. I'm actually cutting a lot more from Allegiance than I did from Legacy -- I guess my first draft of Legacy was so bare bones to the plot that I ended up adding more than I ever cut! Anyway, cover art is also in the works, and this is probably the first place (no definite promises, of course) that it'll be revealed. Hope you're as excited as I am!!

I'm trying to think if there are any other updates I should share, but I'm drawing a blank... I've been a little slow in answering emails this past week, so if you sent me one and haven't heard back yet, don't worry -- I'm on the way to catching up. So... yeah. Thanks for visiting!

Cayla

Poll Results

Hey, everybody, the real update is the post below, but here are the results from this past month's poll: Where does Narian's true allegiance lie?

62% Hytanica, of course
0% Cokyri
37% Whichever gives him the better advantage

Thanks to everyone who voted, and next months poll (Does Steldor have the potential to become a good man like his father?) is up!

My Playlist

Hi everybody! I was asked this question a while back, and I thought it was interesting, so I decided to write a post about it -- do I listen to music when I write, and if so, what kind?

First off, I actually don't typically listen to music while I write. I guess I'm not much of a multi-tasker in that respect; I always end up singing along and watching music videos instead of getting anything done. :D That's not to say, however, that I don't absolutely love music, or that there aren't exceptions to the rule. Sometimes I pick a song to play that really sets the mood for a section I'm about to write (I played Holly Conlan's You Are Goodbye over and over during a particularly sad part of Allegiance, and now I totally cry everytime I listen to it).

Anyway, I opted to list the top ten songs I listen to most (in order according to my iTunes account), so here they are!

1. Better in Time - Leona Lewis
2. Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis
3. Always Be My Baby - David Cook (his version from American Idol)
4. No Air - Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown Duet
5. Timeless - Justin Guarini & Kelly Clarkson Duet
6. You Are Goodbye - Holly Conlan
7. My Immortal - Evanescence
8. Five Minutes to Midnight - Boys Like Girls
9. Billie Jean - David Cook
10. Iris - Goo Goo Dolls

I'm also a huge fan of the Beatles, the Eagles, Kelly Clarkson, and I love listening to movie/musical soundtracks like Wicked, Children of Eden, Les Miserables (yay!), Hairspray, Newsies (who didn't love that movie?), and let's see... Oh! I love Aerosmith, some Daughtry stuff, some Carrie Underwood stuff, Simon and Garfunkel, a bunch of Lennon and McCartney's solo stuff, Michael Buble, and I can't believe I almost forgot Queen! And I really enjoy those powerhouse songs from the likes of Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and Jennifer Hudson.

So that about sums up my musical taste, I think. It's kind of sporadic and varied, but I like to keep an open mind about new stuff. If anyone has any song suggestions for me, feel free to drop them, and I'll be sure to check them out!

Thanks for stopping by,

Cayla

(Oh, and poll results will be up very shortly.)

American Idols Live!!! (Among Other Things)

So, this is going to be a somewhat random post because a lot of random un-book-related things have been happening in my life lately, including... going to the American Idols Live concert in Minneapolis on August 31st!

The concert was fantastic, of course, featuring the top 10 contestants. Syesha in particular blew me away with her rendition of Listen, Michael Johns was a standout, David Archuleta was adorable and fantastic, Carly rocked, and David Cook was David Cook (which is, in my opinion, the highest form of praise that can be given :D).

But the real treat was when we showed up early to the Target Center (the venue) and caught a bunch of the Idols getting off the buses. I met and got autographs from and pictures of David Cook, David Archuleta, Jason Castro, and Kristy Lee Cook. It was ridiculously fun and amazing (they were all so nice and sweet), and, contrary to what my good friend John predicted, I didn't even faint! If I can figure out how, I'll post the picture of me and my sister with David Cook at the bottom of this entry.

So, that's about it for my life at the moment... still working on Allegiance (I'm almost done!), and I seem to have developed an addiction to the new Doctor Who series starring David Tennant (what is it with Davids, I wonder?). Anyway, it's a great tv show, so if you're looking for something to check out, I'd recommend it.

Oh, and I heard that Stephenie Meyer has decided not to finish Midnight Sun. She has good reason, I suppose, but it's still a sad day for Twilight fans across the globe. Anyway, thanks for visiting!

Cayla

(And here's the pic... I'm on the left, with my hair in my face.)

Very Belated Post...

Well, I have been insanely busy lately, so I apologize for taking so long to update. But there are some things coming up, so here goes!

First, book signing and discussion at Borders in Eau Claire -- August 19th, 7pm to whenever (the store closes at 10, so that's the longest it might run). I would LOVE to see anyone there who wants/is able to come. I'll be answering questions and (obviously) signing books, all in a very personal set up -- no scary tables for me! So, if you're free, you should definitely stop over.

Second order of business, I want to thank Spectrum West, in particular Kathy Stahl, for having me on the show this past Thursday. It was my first radio experience, and I can say it was a very good one! In addition, the Dunn County News put together a wonderful article to advertise the upcoming book signing, and my appreciation is inexpressible -- thanks so much!!! The Eau Claire Leader Telegram also wrote a nice blurb for the same purpose this past week, so here's to them! Thanks, everybody.

Now, poll results are in: Who is your favorite female character from Legacy?

75% Alera
0% Miranna
0% Queen Elissia
25% The High Priestess
0% Other

Thanks to everybody who voted this time around. Next month's poll (Where does Narian's true allegiance lie?) is up!

Visit again soon,

Cayla

Volume One, Book Signing, and New Review!

Hello from Colorado!

First of all, I want to say for the benefit of anyone who read the Volume One article that came out yesterday -- the Borders book signing in Eau Claire is on August 19th at 7pm, NOT the 17th. That was merely an error in the article, so I don't want there to be any confusion.

Other than that, I think the story is wonderful, and I want to heartily thank everyone who put time into it.

On a different note, I just received another professional review of Legacy -- five stars! If you're interested in reading it, here's the link: http://www.curledupkids.com/legacyya.html. I'm super excited!

Okay, moving on -- here's an idea I had. If you've read Legacy and want a say in the quote of the week, send me an email at cayla[at]forsoothpublishing.com containing your favorite quote from the book, who said it, and on what page. Put "Quote of the Week" in the subject line and your suggestion will be considered for future use! Please don't be shy about contacting me; I really love emails and this would actually help me out a bit since I've been a little pressed for time lately!

Thanks much for stopping by!

Cayla

Updates and Poll Results!

Hey everybody, sorry I'm a little late with this post! I have some exciting news...

First of all, I'm going to be featured in the upcoming issue (July 31) of Volume One, a Chippewa Valley publication. Second, I'm going to be interviewed by Spectrum West (part of Wisconsin Public Radio), which will air on August 14, I believe (I'll be double-checking on that and posting more definitely when the date nears).

ALSO, I literally just found out that something I wrote was published on Teen Ink RAW, which is an online imprint of Teen Ink Magazine. The piece is also up for consideration for their print magazine, but I'll be happy either way! If you want to read it and/or rate it (the higher the rating the more prominently featured the article), here's the link: http://teenink.com/raw/Fiction/article/20422/Jack. Hope you can check it out!

Moving on, the results are in from last months poll: Who is your favorite male character from Legacy? We've got...

25% Narian
12% Steldor
50% London
12% Cannan
0% Other

Thanks to everybody who voted! Next month's poll (Who is your favorite female character from Legacy?) is already up.

And here's for newcomers... welcome, and scroll down to the July 8 post for my schedule of appearances.

I think that's all for now, so thanks again for visiting!

Cayla

Favorite Books

I've been getting this question often of late: what are your favorite books? So I decided to make a list of the top ten reads I recommend and share it with you. Here goes:

1. The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
2. The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory
3. The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory (yes, I'm a fan)
4. A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
5. Rebel Angels by Libba Bray (sequel - AMAZING)
6. The Body of Christopher Creed by Carol Plum-Ucci
7. My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
8. Harry Potter (all seven) by J. K. Rowling
9. Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
10. Artemis Fowl (all of them) by Eoin Colfer

These are just in the order in which I thought of them, since I really can't recommend one more than any other! At any rate, those are my favs, the ones I read over and over.

In terms of actual updates, there isn't much. I've done a few interviews, I have a photo shoot coming up, and I'm still writing, writing, writing! On that note, I want to thank everyone who's read/reading Legacy and has been so supportive of me. It means a lot!

Thanks again for visiting,

Cayla

Fourth of July

So as we all know, this past week marked July 4, 2008. However, when a friend sent me an email on the third asking if my family had plans for "tomorrow", I didn't know what she was talking about! A little glimpse into how astute I am. At any rate, my mom and my sisters and I ran to Target the morning of our Independence Day to buy fireworks so we could set them off in our driveway after going to the park to watch the city's show. Traffic turned out to be so heavy at the park that we had to leave our car several blocks away, and in the confusion of everyone's departure after the fireworks, we couldn't find it again. So we ended up wandering around downtown Eau Claire in the dead of night for an hour or so.

Obviously, I survived to write another day, and over all it was a fun fourth.

On a different note, I need to add to my schedule! Here's how it looks for now:

August 7th: Reading and Q&A at the Fall Creek Public Library in Fall Creek, Wisconsin; 3pm
August 14th: I announce the winners of the teen writing contest at the FCPL again; 3pm
August 19th: Signing and discussion at the Borders store in Eau Claire, Wisconsin; 7pm

I'll be in Colorado from the 29th of July to the 5th of August, but I'm free any other time to do events. Contact me (cayla[at]forsoothpublishing.com), or send an email to editor[at]forsoothpublishing.com to arrange something, or, if you'd just like me to come to your hometown, maybe drop a word to your local library or bookstore!

Thanks so much for visiting, and I'll be back in a few days.

Cayla

Feelin' Groovy

Hi everybody! Just an update -- I'll be at the Public Library in Fall Creek, Wisconsin on August 7th to do a reading and a Q&A session as part of their summer reading program, then again on the 14th to announce the winners of the teen writing contest, which I'll be helping to judge. If anyone wants to make an appearance on either of those dates, you're of course more than welcome! Both events begin at 3pm.

I'll be posting more events as my calendar fills up for the summer. If anyone's interested in coordinating something, hurry and send an email to editor[at]forsoothpublishing.com to make arrangements!

Another reminder -- with purchases of the first 3000 copies of Legacy, an exclusive offer for an author-autographed poster of the cover art (with either blue, brown, or indigo eyes) is included. Representative photos of the posters are available on my publisher's website, to which I've provided a link at the bottom of the page. I finally got a chance to see the posters for myself a few weeks ago when I was signing them, and they look amazing, so don't feel shy about ordering!!!

I can't think of much else new that's happened in the past week. I've been writing Allegiance like a mad woman, I had the chance to go to a renaissance faire and chill for a while (I even got a bit of a tan), and I've been getting some wonderful emails from exceedingly awesome people (to whom I owe a shout out -- and here it is!).

Thanks a bunch for visiting. (And yes, the title of this post was inspired by the Simon and Garfunkel song, to which I am listening at this very moment.)

Cayla

Well, Here We Go...

This is my first official blog post. So, I'll start this off by saying a few things about myself, and about my book, Legacy.

Basics: My name is Cayla Kluver, and I love to write, hence my career choice. I live in Wisconsin, where there is indeed as much cheese as you've probably heard. I have two sisters, a mom who is the master of multi-tasking, a dad whose attempts to teach me to play guitar have thus far been in vain, and a best friend whose crazy coolness cannot be summed up in one sentence. I'm also terrible at writing about myself, so if there's anything you really want to know, send me an email (cayla[at]forsoothpublishing.com), and I'll get on it!

Anyway, I started writing my debut novel, Legacy, about two years ago. It took me nine months to complete, then six (maybe seven) months to do the necessary revisions and editing. It was a lot of hard work, but a great experience, one that really got me grounded and showed me once and for all that being an author is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

As for the book itself, the plot is three-fold. A medieval fantasy-romance, it centers around a Princess being pressured into an arranged marriage to a man she detests; a war between two powerful Kingdoms; and a mystery surrounding a boy who disappeared long ago under very strange circumstances. For a complete description, customer and editorial reviews, or to purchase the book, please visit Legacy's Amazon or Barnes & Noble page (or ask for it at your favorite bookstore). The second (and final) installment of the tale is currently in the works.

I'm still trying to decide how everything will work here on this blog, but for now I tentatively plan to post at least once a week, to keep it all up to date. Feel free to comment, ask questions, and email me anytime -- I guarantee everything will be read, and as for responses, I will do my very best to get back to each person. I really believe in showing a certain level of respect for everybody, and I don't think it's an awful lot to ask that I take two minutes out of my day to write back to someone who was nice enough to take two minutes out of their day to write to me. So. That's my philosophy on that.

Thanks very much for visiting this blog, and I hope you stop by again!

Cayla