See, here's the thing. I keep hearing from people that some are afraid to read my books because they are called "verse novels."
Afraid?
Seriously?
Okay, okay, I understand when something is different, it's easy to think the worst. To assume it's going to be too weird or too hard to read or a hundred other things. But it's kinda like being afraid to try a new flavor of a cupcake. It's still a CUPCAKE!!!
(this is a chai spice flavored cupcake. Different, yes? But come on - wouldn't you try it if someone handed you one?)I work really hard to make my books accessible, suspenseful, and emotional. And on my birthday, I just wanted to tell you that - so thank you for indulging me on my birthday.
To enter, all you have to do is comment and tell me you are not afraid! Or, if you are afraid, but you've decided to face your fears and read one of my books anyway, tell me that! It will make me SOOOOOO happy!
From the entries, I'll randomly pick one name to win a signed copy of CHASING BROOKLYN. (Contest open to US residents only. You have until midnight EST on Saturday, Feb. 6th to enter)
Try it, you might like it!!
Now go on and comment, please! It's my birthday - make me happy! :)
From the entries, I'll randomly pick one name to win a signed copy of CHASING BROOKLYN. (Contest open to US residents only. You have until midnight EST on Saturday, Feb. 6th to enter)
Try it, you might like it!!
Now go on and comment, please! It's my birthday - make me happy! :)
I think I'd really like verse novel. I love poetic words. And thinks it would help in many ways to help set the mood. I'm not scared. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Lisa! I've been enjoying your blogging, and now I'd love to enjoy your book! Thanks for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteI've always been surprised how afraid people are of books! I think there's a thought leftover from grade school or something that if you pick up a book that you end up not liking and not wanting to finish, that you're somehow failing. So if a book or author isn't a sure bet, many people just don't try it out.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know I would like verse novels, but I started paging through a few and was hooked by the suspense. I'm not afraid, and I would love to win!
Happy Birthday! I'm not afraid. I think we should all try to read outside of our comfort zone, whatever that might be. (But, verse doesn't scare me!) Thanks for giving us a gift, on YOUR birthday!
ReplyDeleteJoyeux anniversaire! I'll admit that when I first heard about a book in verse, I was totally intimidated. I still am! But, like you said, that chai tea cupcake looks pretty damn good!
ReplyDeleteI'm not afraid at all! p.s. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! I was reluctant to read in verse as well. I read You Heart Me, You Haunt Me and I loved it. I'm not scared anymore!!
ReplyDeleteI've read two novels in verse: Because I am Furniture and Home of the Brave. I loved them both and you're next on the list because I keep hearing how wonderful your books are :)
ReplyDeleteSo yes, I was skeptical at first too--but the first few pages of poems I scanned at the bookstore stuck with me so strongly, I bought a day later it on Kindle.
ReplyDeleteYep, I'm now a die hard fan for life.
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday.
ReplyDeleteNo intimidation. I love novels-in-verse and have one on submission right now. My library doesn't have any of your books. Please pick me!
Wow, that cupcake looks good! Happy Birthday, Lisa!
ReplyDeleteI'm not afraid. I read anything -- and I've read novels in verse, before. Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteI Love your novels, and so looking forward to Chasing Brooklyn :)
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed novels in verse before, but still need to stretch my boundaries. I'm not scared. :)
ReplyDeletejpetroroy at gmail dot com
YAY! I'm entering your contest!!!
ReplyDeletePeople afraid of free verse novels. Pshh. They don't know what they're missing.
I'm commenting! Would love to read the book
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! I am fearless! Bring on the verse! (and, apparently, the exclamations)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you.
Happy Biiiirthday, dear Lisa!
Happy Birthday to you!!!
I was unsure of whether or not I'd like verse novels, but people kept recommending your books. So I read an excerpt on B&N.com and fell in love! Then you became one of my favorite authors. I know, how awesome! So, to anyone out there, DO NOT BE AFRAID! Because, seriously, what other authors do in 5 sentences, you do in 5 words. :)
<3,
Lena
I am not afraid to read a verse novel; writing one on the other hand, seems very daunting.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday and congrats again on Brooklyn.
Oh,so sad I cannot enter the contest 'cause I'm from Brazil :-( But still,HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!And I've read "I heart you,you haunt me" and just loved it!!I'm not used to read poems,never liked,but I loved your way of writing this book,it worked perfectly to the story!!And can't wait to read "Chasing Brooklyn"(love ghost stories...),but since I can't participate,I'll have to wait a little longe till I buy one...
ReplyDeleteHAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
ReplyDeleteYou know I have to say I did have second thoughts about the book once I flipped through the pages and realized it was not written like other books. Then the reviews on how good Chasing Brooklyn is kept rolling in and I couldn't ignore the book any longer wanting to know what all the hullabaloo was about. So then I told myself "If I can read Wuthering Hieghts and understand it I can propbably read just about anything." And so I picked it up, stated reading and couldn't put it down. I finished it in one sitting(with lots of tissue!). I actually found myself loving this style of writting. It's so beautiful.
Not only am I not afraid, I'm looking forward to reading it, since I enjoyed the other two so much! Folks, rest assured: a verse novel is not the same as a novel written in rhyme!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read a verse novel yet, but I'm dying to! I always give people weird looks when they say they're afraid to read verse novels.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! I love verse! And cupcakes! Sign me up -- and thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Lisa! I AM NOT AFRAID! :)
ReplyDeleteAmy
Happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteI'm not afraid to try new books; in fact, a verse novel would fit right into a resolution I made last fall to try books that are different from the kind I already know I like. Reading should always be fearless!
whatinabox at gmail dot com
Well Happy Birthday, from one Lisa to another!!
ReplyDeleteI've never read a verse novel. It sounds complex to write and definitely different to read. I'm interested in checking it out though. Hope your birthday finds you surrounded by those you care about most.
Happy Birthday! I've never read a verse novel, but I LOVE LOVE trying new things!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteI'm not afraid! A verse novel sounds like a very interesting thing (I've never read one before), and I love poetic and lyrical writing. Thanks for the contest! :)
Happy Birthday Lisa! I'm from Canada but I'm going to comment anyway.I will admit that when I came across your book I Heart You, You Haunt Me, I put it back. Then just recently I came across you again and this time I tried the chai cupcake. I cried the whole time! Your style of writing really got to me. I couldn't stop thinking about it. I'm an aspiring author myself and I do love to write poetry. So yesterday I picked up a notebook and right now while I'm reading your blog started writing dare I say - erotic love stories. I can't stop! The words are pouring out like sinful chocolate. Happy Birthday again and thanks for the chai cupcake!
ReplyDeleteJust want to say (and you already know it)... I am already a huge fan of your work...and my addition of Chasing Brooklyn makes 3 Lisa Shroeder books in my collection! (I'm getting it for Valentine's Day)
ReplyDeleteOnce you start reading (and writing) in verse, it's hard to go back to prose.
Can't wait for the cupcake book!
Have a great birthday!!!!
Happy BDay Lisa, how young? I didn't realize that verse novels scared people off, hmmm. They appealed to me and of course our teens @ the library! Where can I get a chai cupcake - I love chai tea, yum!
ReplyDeleteHAPPY BIRTHDAY! :D
ReplyDeleteI've heard only AMAZING things about your book and would like to experience it for myself! I know I'll love them.
-Dani
I didn't even know that people were afraid of novels-in-verse. I suppose I can see why someone would be afraid of The Canterbury Tales but not of Lisa's wonderfully heartfelt books!
ReplyDeleteMore happy birthday wishes coming your way, Lisa! And yes, I would definitely try the cupcake. I mean, it's covered in sugary looking snowflakes!
It's raining cupcakes
ReplyDeleteand spice
and verses are nice
Happy Birthday, I hope it is fabulous!
Happy Birthday, Lisa!
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely not 'afraid' of verse novels. Actually quite the opposite; since I tend to really love them. Especially ones by you. :)
I'm not afraid! I'm intrigued! I would have bought it the day it came out if my budget had allowed. I'm excited to read it! :)
ReplyDeleteSo SO NOT afraid!! LOVED CB! You know that already though. I'd love to win one! :D
ReplyDeleteOH MY!! And I forgot to say:
ReplyDelete:)*** HaPpY BiRtHdAy!***(:
YOU ROCK!! :D :D
I am a little scared. I have only listened to one book written in prose.. so hopefully i face that fear soon!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSorry bout that. Wasn't til after I posted comment that I realized just how many typos my glitchy keyboard had caused.
ReplyDeleteA VERY Happy Birthday to you hun! I hope it has been a great one.
I'm not in the least bit afraid to read one of your books because A) I love novels in verse and B) I already read and enjoyed your book Far From You! :D I'm extremely excited about Chasing Brooklyn and hope I manage to win it.
~Briana
I'm not afraid! Karen Hesse's OUT OF THE DUST was so painfully beautiful, and I loved Alma Fullerton's WALKING ON GLASS. I'm looking forward to reading all three of your books, Lisa! Happy, Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteHAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
ReplyDeleteI'm one of the people afraid of a book in verse. BUT I did face my fears and bought one. I haven't read it yet but I will!
Happy Birthday, Lisa!
ReplyDeleteI was timid at first, but I read I HEART YOU, and it was so beautiful in its simplicity. It conveyed so much emotion in such an unflashy way. I loved it! Bring on more verse!
wastepaperprose(at)gmail(dot)com
HI Lisa, My students love your novels in verse and I am so happy you have a new novel out, putting on my booklist order---Chasing Brooklyn, I can't wait.
ReplyDelete