Lauren , Posted in Blog, At September 30, 2017,

An Interview With J.D. Morrison

J.D. Morrison has been with City Lights Press since 2017 and his first book, The Way It Really Is, will be out October 11th. After 25 years in his career, Morrison decided to follow his passion and begin writing. He acknowledges the late start to his professional writing career, chalking it up to life experiences that demanded to be endured for proper telling of his stories. Morrison is married to his muse and editor, Jena. Together they have five children and two grandchildren.

City Lights Press: How did you go from a career in engineering to writing?

J.D. Morrison: I met my muse. I’ve had ideas kicking around in my head for years. Jena encouraged me to write them down.

CLP: How did your wife, Jena, become your editor? Is it ever difficult to separate your marriage and working relationship?

JDM: Jena is a former publisher and a current freelance book editor. She is my ideal reader, helping me with content and pace. I’m lucky to have found her. After 14 years of flying solo, I truthfully never thought I would marry again. She’s strong, independent and driven. Perfect for me. We met, got engaged and married in the same year. As a writer, my head is constantly spinning with narrative, dialog and plot twists. She reigns me in and helps me slow down and focus. Jena is the one, most often, to push aside the entanglement of our author-editor relationship when I become obsessed. She says many times, “Right now I don’t want to be your editor. I just want to be your wife.”

CLP: I know you have been through a lot of tragedy in your life and use those experiences in your writing; do you think those tragedies were necessary in order to become the writer you are today?

JDM: Absolutely. We all have a journey. Mine’s been laced with a fair share of loss, depression and suffering. This does not make me unique. Something I’ve always done though, from the time I was a little kid, was absorb the experiences and grow through them. They become part of me. I believe we are each the sum product of our experiences.

CLP: How do you write? Do you start from page one and continue, do you jump around a lot, does it start with an outline?

JDM: I’ve written five books. Each started with a concept, but the writing experience with each of them has been different. One thing I find myself consistently doing is following threads of character development. I have to get to know my characters before I can articulate how they act and what they say. I find character discovery to be a great joy. Sometimes, I don’t even know a character’s name, until they tell me. They each have a back story and occasionally a hidden talent, which may or may not manifest in the story. It just helps me get to know them better. My story telling is at its best when I’m simply channeling the voices already in my head. It’s surreal, and maybe a little weird.

CLP: What do you enjoy doing besides writing? How do you spend your free time?

JDM: I play guitar and I sing, just well enough for late nights at the beach. I walk, hike, run and take spinning classes. Jena is a triathlete, so I’m trying to be an active and healthy partner. I read fiction, non-fiction and the newspaper (whether the latter is fiction or not is suspect). I like games and puzzles. We used to have an ongoing jigsaw puzzle in the living room until we got two kittens. They try to help and they run off with the pieces. Jena and I both like wineries and live music.

CLP: What would you tell your 15-year-old self? What is sacred now that wasn’t then? What is insignificant today that always used to be a priority? What should be released and what should be held?

JDM: My inclination is to respond with something profound, but honestly, if I could go back and tell my 15-year-old self something, I would probably rattle off a short list of stocks to buy at their IPO. My time is more sacred now and I no longer have hair. It used to concern me when my bowl hair cut was too short cover my big ears. Needless to say, middle age has realigned my priorities. What should be released? Guilt. Guilt should be released. Let it go or crush it with a stone. Mercy should be held. Mercy for others and especially mercy for ourselves.

CLP: Do any of your five children read your books? If so, what is their reaction?

JDM: My oldest daughter, my sister and my sister-in-law are beta readers. They’ve been able to watch the quality of my writing craft improve with practice. Their reaction has been overwhelmingly supportive, which I appreciate.

CLP: Your oldest daughter inspired The Way It Really Is, did you run the idea past her before you began writing the novel?

JDM: My daughter and I ruminated over the story arc of The Way It Really Is for years. She introduced me to the music of Lisa Loeb, which spoke to feelings otherwise difficult to express. So yes, Susan has been involved from the earliest drafts. In her own words, “I’m proud of my dad. The Way It Really Is couldn’t have been an easy book to write. I believe he’s captured the essence of the struggle.”

CLP: What do you hope readers take away from The Way It Really Is?

JDM: I envision two kinds of readers: those who are struggling and those who know someone who is struggling. What I hope they take away from the story is validation and the knowledge that they are not alone.

CLP: What can we expect next from you?

JDM: I’ve written a novel, Spirit Animal, based loosely upon the impact my oldest brother’s murder at age 17 had on my family. It’s just a story, pure fiction, but the emotions are there because I lived them. It’s edited and ready for representation. Beyond that, next we’re going to delve into the suspense-horror genre. I’m currently working on a book titled Gary (my own little spin on Stephen King’s Carrie).

City Lights Press , Posted in Blog, At September 22, 2017,

The Five Types of Characters We Hate in Young Adult Fiction

The YA Characters We Hate

We all have a character or type of character we love to hate. They have certain qualities and characteristics that just rub us the wrong way. Sometimes the author intends to make the audience hate a certain character and other times a character just bugs us. We, at City Lights Press, have put together a list of the five types of characters in young adult fiction that we hate the most.

Lack of emotion:

When a character shows little to no emotion, it is very hard for readers to connect with him or her. Detached characters are usually men, because for some reason men have a reputation of being emotionally unavailable. It is rare for a female character to have lack of emotion, but it happens. An author might try to portray a strong female character without emotions, but lacking emotions doesn’t necessarily make a for a strong character.

“The Chosen One”:

This type of character can be hit or miss because of how often it is used. Most readers know how the storyline will go with this character. This character is destined for greatness and is the only one who can stop the destruction of the world. Unless you plan on changing the usual plot of this kind of story, it might be best to not use this kind of character.

Falls in love too fast:

How often have you accidentally bumped into someone on the street and fallen head over heels in love. It doesn’t happen. We can all agree it is beyond annoying when characters fall in love instantly. Sometimes it makes the reader view the character in a negative light for the rest of the book.

Stereotypical characters:

We’ve all heard of the stereotypical dumb jock or the antisocial nerd. These characters have been so overdone, readers get annoyed when another one is introduced. If you are going to include a jock or nerdy character, maybe switch it up and give the nerd some charisma.

Perfect characters:

Perfect people don’t exist and neither should a perfect fictional character. Even if the character is a superhero, they need to have quirks and flaws. Otherwise readers can’t find something they can relate to.

If you are a writer, try to avoid including these types of characters unless you have an idea that is truly different. If you are a reader, we understand why you get annoyed when you encounter one of these characters.

Lauren , Posted in Blog, At June 21, 2017,

8 YA Books You Have to Read This Summer

Happy first day of Summer! Now is the PERFECT time to lounge around and read any and everything you can get your hands on. Here are a few of our recommendations for YA books that you can’t miss out on this Summer!

My Summer Job by Maragret Cioffi

My Summer Job is a YA Mystery that any Nancy Drew fan will love. The novel follows average teenager, Siobhan Murphy, through her adventures of landing her first job and everything that follows. Siobhan lands an assistant job for stylish Natasha Romanoff, everything seems to be going great until she uncovers the secrets behind Natasha’s business. Siobhan and her BFF Marcy put on their detective gear and find out the truth.

Release Date: Out Now

Once and For All by Sarah Dessen

Sarah Dessen does it again with Once and For All, which fans everywhere have long been waiting for. The bestselling author gives us humor, entertainment, romance and of course, a happily-ever-after in this YA novel based around wedding planning. Louna, daughter of famed wedding planner Natalie Barrett, gets a summer job helping brides plan their perfect day. Louna has been cynical about “happily-ever-afters” since her own first love ended tragically…that is until she meets Ambrose. Maybe this will be the second chance Louna has been waiting for. Readers won’t be disappointed with Sarah Dessen’s 13^th YA novel.

Release Date: Out Now

In a Perfect World by Trish Doller

Readers are already calling In a Perfect World Trish Doller’s best book yet! Let’s just say, summer vacation, Egypt and romance, what more could we ask for? Caroline Kelly was looking forward to spending her summer vacation with her best friend, exploring Ohio with her boyfriend, and attending soccer camp in hopes of making team captain her senior year. But Caroline’s mom is given the chance to open an eye clinic in Cairo, Egypt, ruining all of Caroline’s summer plans. Follow Caroline through her summer in Egypt while she explores the culture and meets a charming love interest.

Release Date: Out Now

The Impossible Vastness of Us by Samantha Young

The Impossible Vastness of Us by Samantha Young

“I know how to watch my back. I’m the only one that ever has.” India Maxwell’s whole life changed when she moved to one of Boston’s wealthiest neighborhoods with her mom’s fiancée and his daughter, Eloise. India finds herself back on the bottom of the social ladder…a place she never thought she’d see again. Slowly, India befriends Eloise and grows closer to Eloise’s boyfriend, Finn. It is then she learns that everyone’s life is more complex than it first appears. The Impossible Vastness of Us is a great YA book that reminds readers that everyone has their own struggles and secrets you know nothing about. Young does a great job at showing us you never really know someone until you find out their deepest secrets.

Release Date: June 27^th, 2017

Not Alone by A.L. Flagg

Not Alone is the debut novel from New England author, A.L. Flagg. Flagg thrives on making characters that readers will love and hate, she wants to make realities that you can get lost in. She wants to make you laugh and cry, and above all else she wants to be memorable. Memorable is exactly what her new YA novel is. Eden L’Embrance is moved to a small town after she is brutally attacked and lost her family in a home invasion. She does a great job at staying isolated in her new home…that is until she meets Caleb Saint. Eden forms a friendship with Caleb and can’t help but fall for him. But then Eden learns terrible information about the invasion and her world starts to crumble around her. Follow Eden on her journey and see if she is strong enough to face the truth or if she surrenders to the darkness that has been haunting her.

Release Date: July 12th, 2017

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzie Lee

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

Fans of My Lady Jane, this one is for you! Full of humor, wit, friendship and romance, The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue is intriguing at every turn! This is a Historical Fiction YA novel that takes us on a Grand Tour of Europe in the 18^th-Century. With his father expecting him to take over the family’s estate, Monty embarks on a Grand Tour of Europe with his best friend Percy. Monty vows to make this yearlong escapade his one last selfish hurrah before his quests for pleasure and vice come to an end. Suddenly, one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt (cue the pirates!) and Monty crushing on his travel companion, Percy. This book encompasses everything you could ask for with historical tropes, diversity, queer representation and feminism.

Release Date: June 27^th, 2017

Girl Out of Water by Laura Silverman

Debut novelist Laura Silverman gives us a realistic summer novel that anyone who likes contemporary YA is sure to enjoy. Anise can’t wait to spend the summer before her senior year doing what she loves, surfing and hanging out on the Santa Cruz beach with her friends. But Anise must say goodbye to beautiful California and all her summer plans when her aunt is in a serious car accident. Anise heads to Nebraska where she soon meets Lincoln, a charismatic one-armed skater. Fans of Jenny Han, Morgan Matson and Sarah Dessen will fall in love with this summer novel about finding yourself and finding love in unexpected places.

Release Date: Out Now

What To Say Next by Julie Buxbaum

Sometimes a new perspective is all that is needed to make sense of the world. Everyone is surprised when a friendship is sparked between popular Kit Lowell and socially isolated David Drucker. When Kit asks for David’s help in figuring out the details of her dad’s tragic car accident he’s all in. But can their friendship survive the truth that they’ll discover? Where to start with this one?! Although it sounds like the cliché high school story, the characters are so raw and realistic. What To Say Next is heartwarming and heartbreaking all at the same time.

Release Date: Out Now

Tag: YA Fiction