Kirstin Cronn-Mills

What is it with outlaws and Chucks? They are friends to outlaws everywhere.

Welcome to a pre-Thanksgiving edition of Outlaw Boots! This month, I’m featuring Crissa-Jean Chappell, a fellow Fluxer, a fellow edgy YAer, and a lyrical, beautiful writer.

Her second book, NARC, will be out in the summer of 2012, and I am itching to read it. Here’s the book summary:
Seventeen-year-old Aaron Foster was offered a choice–go to jail or turn undercover narc to hunt down the dealer trickling drugs into Palm Hammock high school. But Aaron has never been good at getting close to people. He is human wallpaper, a stoner wastecase obsessed with video games and “street magic.” In the end, Aaron lies to everybody: his new friends, the tattooed punk, Skully Torres; and most of all, the wise, but troubled Morgan Baskin. He wants to believe it’s for a good reason. As his attraction to Morgan grows, he finds it hard to tell if she’s falling for the real Aaron… …or the fake one.

Check out this fab cover art–I am partial to Flux covers, because they always do a spectacular job, and this one is no different.

Yes? YES. Triple yes. Crissa’s first book is TOTAL CONSTANT ORDER, which I’m also anxious to read (ha ha, I made a pun, you’ll see why when you check it out), and she’s in the new anthology DEAR BULLY, with a poem that hurt my heart.

This is Crissa.

Want to know why Crissa’s an outlaw?
Here’s the video with the answers. WATCH IT. Crissa makes cool videos–and she’s got a bunch on her site, so watch those, too!

There’s one question not on the video, and because she’s in Florida, she’s got an answer unlike any other Outlaw Boots post.

–favorite outlaw food?

In my backyard, you’ll find unusual trees. The gumbo-limbo sheds its skin like a lizard. The orchids smell like rotten meat. The carambola fruit is shaped like a star. Its five points represent vices (opium-smoking, gambling, etc.) Long ago, Florida pioneers made wine out of it. That’s why it’s my favorite outlaw food.

Here’s a picture of carambola fruit–makes me hungry.

Check her out, friends. You’ll have no regrets. And Crissa, if you read this, I apologize for the layout. : It’s all whacked out and out of balance, and I know you’re an artist. : ( Blogger and I aren’t friends this morning.

There’s a new YA anthology in the world, and I’m in it! Check out all the company I’m in–it’s a serious honor to be included. This anthology was born in the Debs 09 community on LiveJournal (we all debuted our first YA novels in 2009). They’ve been *so* much fun to hang out with–I’ve learned a ton, too.

What’s the story about? A first time, of course. But it’s also an epilogue to SKY–and it was harder to write than I thought. How do you write a stand-alone story with backstory that doesn’t confuse a new reader? I hope it will satisfy those SKY readers who said “hey, that ending isn’t fair! I want to know more!” Now you do.

The basics:
——-

You never forget your first…

In THE FIRST TIME, 25 young adult authors contribute 25 stories all about firsts: first loves, first kisses, first zombie slayings, and more. Featuring New York Times bestselling authors Carrie Ryan and Jessica Verday, plus a host of others. From humor to horror, and everything in between, these stories will make you laugh, cry, cheer, (and maybe even scream) as you experience something brand new from the authors that you love.

Contributing authors include: Cyn Balog, Lauren Bjorkman, Leigh Brescia, Jennifer Brown, Kirstin Cronn-Mills, Janet Gurtler, Teri Hall, Cheryl Renee Herbsman, Stacey Jay, Heidi R. Kling, C. Lee McKenzie, Saundra Mitchell, Jenny Moss, Jackson Pearce, Shani Petroff, Carrie Ryan, Sydney Salter, Kurtis Scaletta, Jon Skovron, Kristina Springer, Rhonda Stapleton, Charity Tahmaseb, Jessica Verday, J. A. Yang, and Lara Zielin

Get it from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-First-Time-ebook/dp/B006151SD6/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid;=1320174664&sr;=8-7

Get it from Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-first-time-jessica-verday/1107030973?ean=2940013227989&itm;=4&usri;=jessica%2bverday

If you don’t have a Kindle, you can still read this eBook on your phone, computer, iPad, e-reader, etc. Just grab the Amazon Kindle app here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=sa_menu_karl3?ie=UTF8&docId;=1000493771

If you prefer the Barnes & Noble Nook app, get it here: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/free-nook-apps/379002321/?cds2Pid=34593

——
See what I’m saying? Look at all that linked goodness up there (whew, that took a while). It’s an honor.

So what’s the big prize? Read Morgan’s story and be the first person to comment here about the landmark she’s looking for. If you’re first, you win a signed copy of SKY *and* a signed copy of BEAUTIFUL MUSIC FOR UGLY CHILDREN when it releases next year. Yes, I’ll remember to send it to you–I promise!

I’m excited about this one. It was nice to return to Morgan, Rob, and Tessa–though the story didn’t happen the way I assumed it would. And yes, for those of you who are curious about the real-life details in the story, I did do what Morgan does, just without the landmark.

Check it out!

YUUUUUUUUUUU GIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZE.

(Yes, hello and welcome to another pair of Outlaw Boots, but you guys! You need to know this person!)

This is Steve Brezenoff, fellow YA writer and good man all around. I like this picture, because you can see him. Usually he hides under a baseball cap. He wrote a book whose concept is so simple and so complex it blows me away.

That book is BROOKLYN, BURNING, and it’s gotten rave reviews. The short synopsis is this: Sixteen-year-old Kid, who lives on the streets of Brooklyn, loves Felix, a guitarist and junkie who disappears, leaving Kid the prime suspect in an arson investigation, but a year later Scout arrives, giving Kid a second chance to be in a band and find true love.

That synopsis might be true, but the book is waaaaaay more incredible than that. And even though I’d rather let the book reveal it for you, the premise is too cool not to share: Kid and Scout don’t have pronouns. Isn’t that GREAT? You spend the entire book not knowing if Kid and Scout are hes or shes or zhes or hirs or another kind of human entirely. PHENOMENAL. And imagine trying to write it. Yeah. Not knowing a character’s gender spins a narrative (especially a love story) in so many new directions I don’t know where to begin. Basically, I’m jealous of the idea, and his lovely writing makes the idea even more profound–and profoundly beautiful.

All of this is to say Steve Brezenoff wears Outlaw Boots. Here’s why:

–Who’s your most outlaw character (in any book)–why?
I think every one of my characters has broken plenty of laws. But Kid’s the biggest outlaw, despite not being guilty of the central crime.

–Are you an outlaw too? How do you know?
In the general sense, I hope my fiction is iconoclastic enough to pull me along with it into some respectable level of outlawness.

–What kind of shoes does your outlaw wear (you or your character)?
Checkered Vans, just like cowgirl boots canada, Scout, and Scout’s an outlaw as much as Kid is.

–Pirate, ninja, nerd, other outlaw title for you/your character:
Ninja, because my book of the moment is AS King’s Everybody Sees the Ants, and it’s got outlaw kindness ninjas and they rule.

–Best thing about being an outlaw:
The hours.

–Favorite outlaw/badass food:
I bet a purely outlaw character would be vegan. Hail seitan.

–Favorite outlaw/badass role model/why:
Butch Cassidy. You thought I’d say Holden Caulfield, didn’t you?

You need to pick this book up, friends, but start your Steve Brezenoff reading extravaganza with THE ABSOLUTE POWER OF -1, Steve’s first book. Now go!

As writers, we think about audience, especially if we’re kidlit writers. To me, a YA audience seems complicated: does one F bomb make a book inappropriate for 12-year-olds? What about two? Is a trans guy appropriate for 13-year-olds? The answer, of course, depends on the audience members. One dad might be OK with his 12-year-old reading an F bomb. One mom might not be. A writer can’t worry about that stuff, at least not right away. It is life-threatening to your story.

How this picture relates: I have wanted purple hair for a long time–a LONG time–and now I have some, and I love it. Kid likes it, husband is neutral. Friends? Nobody will care. The question is my work audience. My boss’s boss will assume I’m a bad influence (he already does), my boss won’t care, and my students will laugh or make fun of me. Any/all of that is fine. It’s my hair and I like it (it’s slightly Rainbow Brite, for those of you who remember her, but that’s OK). Don’t trust my abilities anymore because of my hair? Your loss.

If you grew up in a house like mine, audience awareness was key–you learned it before you learn to read, because the grown-ups were unpredictable and you had to be on guard. As a grown-up, that ability to read the room is very useful, but it’s also dangerous when there’s no threat. Being on guard all the time is harmful.

Same with writing. If I’m thinking audience all the time, my book becomes someone else’s book, because I’m writing for their expectations. I don’t want that. If I write the book I love, an F bomb in the wrong place won’t jinx things. And if it does, that person isn’t my audience. I’ll find my peeps somewhere.

Same with purple hair.

I have nothing to say, but I want to post two videos. One is a YA novel I wish I’d written. One is how I feel about writing YA, though the percentages are wrong for me (there’s way more pleasure in writing/publishing than these guys think).

First video: Lupe Fiasco, “Kick Push,” 2006. Seriously, it’s a YA novel in 4:45. Love it to death.

Second video: Fort Minor, “Remember the Name,” 2005. Like I said, the percentages are wrong, but the feelings are the same.

All-day editing session? No problem. I’m inspired.

This week I went to visit a book club here in my town–I love book clubs–and one member told me my local library didn’t have my book. Then she apologized for getting my book from the library, which was sweet. I told her I understood.

Here are some facts about my local library:

1) if I could throw a rock half a block, I could hit them. They’re down the alley from me.

2) I’ve been there twice (3 times?) in the last two years, asking if I could do something with them related to SKY.

3) I know the librarian by name. We worked together a long time ago on a committee. She might not remember me, but that’s OK, BECAUSE I SHOVED BOOKMARKS AND CONTACT INFORMATION IN HER FACE. TWICE. (sorry)

4) We have tons of fantastic local authors, and librarians are good at supporting them, as far as I know.

5) They’re a really great library–new and clean and well-stocked.

6) Money is tight, and you have to pick and choose. This is reality.

7) This kind of thing happens all the time to writers–so what?

I always wonder if it boils down to girls-kissing-girls-we-don’t-like-it-go-away, though it does say “I hate being a secret sex fiend” on the back of the book, so that may have freaked them out. BUT, if THEY’D READ THE BOOK, they’d get it. Or maybe it’s not the content. Maybe they forgot.

I’ve been pondering prejudice and discrimination for another project (applying those critical thinking skeelz), and there is really no logical reason for prejudice to exist. Humans are just afraid of silly stuff.

Maybe the librarian is afraid people will start shouting things on the library patio, like Morgan shouts, or girls will hold a kiss-in. Those moves could be a big mistake–the library is across the parking lot from the police station, and someone could come out and give you a ticket. Though I do like the idea of getting a ticket related to a book. That’s badass.

This is the second time I have been politely dismissed by a library I’ve approached, and librarians are people you want on your side. And it’s OK–truly–there are other libraries out there who like me, and I am mucho appreciative.

My book isn’t for everyone. But please, kind librarian, let patrons decide. I live on your street, and I want to be there for someone who wants to find me.

Dear Old Flame:

I saw you not too long ago, and I’m not sure if you saw me. Maybe you were pretending not to see me. But then you were gone, and I was sad, because I need to tell you stuff.

First–how are you?

This is awkward.

Okay.

I could say a million things, but they’d boil down to “I’m sorry I broke up with you by ignoring you. I was young and dumb.” We had a long history together, and you deserved better. I’ve thought about you often, even though breaking up with you was the right thing for me. I know you have a son (two sons?), and I know you’re divorced. I’ve been married for eons, and I have a son, too. Are you still funny? You were a hilarious, goofy guy, and you were so good for me. I’ve heard that now you’re angry and sad. I hope that’s not true.

Mostly I need to thank you and send you royalties. Remembering you allows me to write that gooshy, smooshy part of YA that is lust, longing, and sadness, all in a big lumpy ball. Without our up-and-down, crazy stupid love I could never have written Morgan and Rob and Derek, or Callie and Ray. In payment for this very handy repository of boyfriend drama, I’ll send a check once a year for $1.398. That’s 15% of what I make.

I really did love you. It was just young love that doesn’t know anything.

I hope you can get happy again. I hope you have a long life. Every year on your birthday, I wish you a happy one. And you were a great kisser.

With much appreciation,

Kirstin

(drawing by Banksy. I love you too, Banksy.)

For the one-year anniversary of Outlaw Boots, I decided to invite one of my favorite outlaws over, the infamous Amy Tipton, of Signature Literary Agency. Amy is my agent, and I am incredibly glad. Why? She doesn’t think my ideas are cracked, but she reminds me to keep it simple. She is honest and straightforward, no bullshit. She has mad editing skills, and she makes my books 105% better. Besides all this, she survived a stroke, and came back stronger than ever. And—of course—she is Just. Plain. Cool. It is an honor to be her client.

Those are Amy’s boots, with Amy in them (photo by her husband Ed, an amazing professional photographer). Before Amy was my agent, I saw those boots on another blog post, and I thought, “wow, who is funky enough to wear Evil Knievel boots, especially to work?” Now I know.

If you’re interested in Amy’s likes and dislikes as an agent, check her out here. If you’re interested in the cool books her boot is resting on (clients/former clients), look for Ed Glazar, Marci Blackman, and Michael Greene (BIKE NYC), Amy Reed (BEAUTIFUL and CLEAN), Courtney Summers (CRACKED UP TO BE, SOME GIRLS ARE, FALL FOR ANYTHING), and Victoria Schwab (THE NEAR WITCH).

It will become quite clear why Amy is an outlaw, so let’s get to it.

Who’s your most outlaw character (in any book)–why?
First question and I’m already thrown for a loop! Addie Pray (in the book Addie Pray, also from the movie Paper Moon) because she really is the ultimate outlaw–conning suckers out of their money during the Depression. Heartless! But she makes up for it because she’s funny and has a unique worldview, she’s a child so she’s kind of sweet and innocent; Addie was once described as a female Huck Finn and that’s very fitting.
Scout Finch (from the book To Kill a Mockingbird) also has a unique perspective on life; like Addie she is wise but also still just a kid.
Ramona Quimby, OMG I want my child to be just like her!

Are you an outlaw too? How do you know?
I am a social outlaw–a rebel, a total nonconformist.

What kind of shoes does your outlaw wear (you or your character–maybe outlaw boots?)?
I always picture a teenage punk rock girl with ripped tights in 20 eye Doc Marten boots.

Pirate, ninja, nerd, other outlaw title for you/your character:
Ninja, for sure. Because I just read Paper Towns by John Green on a road trip and the saying “I’m a ninja” was used right when the car ran out of gas on a Cincinnati highway–about 10 miles from the hotel. My husband was driving and singing along to music, I was reading, and neither of us were paying much attention. (We’ve been on tons of road trips and this has never happened.) Of course, I left my phone at home (which I don’t do) and am in a wheelchair. Traffic is speeding by. Ed, my husband, doesn’t want to leave me–no phone, can’t walk, cars zooming past–so he grabs my wheelchair, abandons the car, and pushes me on the side of the road, under an overpass, to an exit. (My chair is rattling–it’s not really made for that.) I am gripping the wheelchair arms and tasting dirt as cars speed by and the whole time I’m thinking, “I am a ninja” over and over.

Best thing about being an outlaw:
Living the life you want, the way you want; being happy and not caring what others may think.

Favorite outlaw/badass food:
I love burritos, spicy salsa, guacamole, and chips … But I’d totally have my outlaw character eat sweets and carnival-type food like corn dogs.

Favorite outlaw/badass role model/why:
Badass role models have to be my BFF and my mom. They are two fearless, strong women and I admire them both very much. I also have to give my husband credit. I like to think I’m a badass but he’s the real deal–I’m badass by association though. But in books … Nancy Drew. A role model? Definitely. A genius? Uh, yeah! An outlaw? Well, technically she works for justice and the law but being a teen girl sleuth makes her one tough chick and I would consider her fearless, I admire her tons.

I know clients are supposed to love their agents, but I’d want to be her friend outside of the publishing world, because I admire her outlaw spirit. She’s my role model! If you’re in the market for an agent and you’re an outlaw too, check her out. You won’t be sorry.

I have to go to school today–not bad in and of itself, but I want to make friends with my new book. WAAAAAAAH! So, I thought I’d let TMBG express my feelings (from their album NO (2002), best kids album *ever*). First song: how I feel about school. Second song: how I feel about writing.

I found this story of mine in my dad’s things after he died. It’s hand-written on notebook paper, a school assignment, and why he saved it, I have no idea. I wasn’t intending to be a writer when I was in 4th grade. If you’d told me I was going to write novels, I would have looked at you like you’d said I was going to grow wings.

It’s rather Hemingway-esque in its simplicity, and I present it to you as written, complete with ellipses, time shifts, and crazy exclamation points.

Hopeless

A man. A half dead man. The man was on an island. he hadn’t intended this. He was on a boat, a big boat. It had wrecked here, here on this island, killing everyone but him. How he hated this place!

There was a small piece of the boat left. He was someday, someday, he was going [to] use it to leave, and he felt the time was now!

(later)

He was out on the ocean, waves tossing and turning. Sharks were all around him. He felt so hopeless.

Suddenly all was still. The waves stopped. The sharks left. It was like someone had turned it all off. He was gone. Gone to a world with no pain . . . no hurt . . . . . . . . . . gone . . . gone . . . . . . . . .

by Kirstin Cronn

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

(What drama! What exposition! He felt the time was now!)
(Seriously, it’s OK to laugh. I was a hyperbolic child. And sharks? In Nebraska?)
(Thank heavens for revision.)