Comeback video

I Tweeted a link to this yesterday, but wanted to post it here too!

Happy Friday! :)

A note to Team Canterwood from Editor K

Read the original message here.

(Hi, guys. I'm writing this for Kate. )

To all Jess's superawesome Canterwood fans,

I just want to thank all of you for being such amazing and devoted fans of the series and of Jessica. Jess has been by my side for every doctor's appointment and every single night spent in the hospital. For those of you who have ever spent even one day in a hospital, you know how lonely it can feel and how much you miss the people you love.

I've been lucky enough to have my best friend and partner in crime beside me keeping me supplied with the best magazines, DVDs (and a tiny portable DVD player), and keeping me glossed and looking sparkly in makeup that she applied for me.

Not only have I had an incredible friend and companion in Jess, but I feel like I've had all of you with me in spirit as well. I can't thank you enough for your e-mails, letters, prayers, and kind words of encouragement. I want you all to know that none of them have gone unnoticed and most of all I want to thank you for your patience while I heal and get back to the computer to co-write the first e-novella in Wellington Prep--dominate.

I promise we are going to make this book worth the wait!

Thank you, all, for helping me get better. Every single one of you. Keep on reading and writing and before you know it, you'll have something new to read.

Hugs and sparkles,

Editor K

New merch at the Canterwood Store!

The Canterwood Crest store has a TON of new items that are all about Lauren! And, of course, love for Canterwood. :)

Check out the new line of hoodies, tees, and posters!

June is Adopt a Cat Month!

June is a special month! It's Adopt-a-Cat Month!

Many wonderful organizations that support cats, dogs, and other different animals are offering discounts, free spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and other incentives to adopt a kitty during June.

A few of the big supporters are the American Humane Associate, the Humane Society of the United States, and the ASPCA.

In mid-June (likely around the 16th--when my book deadline is over!), I will be auctioning off a few items on e-Bay. One hundred percent of the money raised will be donated to the AHA in July.

I'll post when auction items are up! I'd love your help in supporting the beautiful, loving cats. <3

Ideas, ideas, and more ideas

The past two days have been CRAZY in the creativity department.

I'm furiously working on Canterwood #16 (MASQUERADE) and it's my main focus. I'm about to write a chapter that, well, is going to shake Lauren's world. Canterwood won't be the same after this night. That, of course, makes me super eager to start the next book, JEALOUSY, to start writing this new dynamic into Canterwood.

But . . .

I e-mailed Finn Fan a while ago about this idea for a new series that I had after talking to Kate. I've written down a 1-2 line synopsis for--and here's where it's wrong, LOL--EIGHT books. They would be chapter books, so much shorter than CC. But geeze, it's Writer Rule #1 that I learned--don't write about a sequel if the first isn't already sold. So, what does that look like if I have loose plot ideas for eight? Eeep. At least I didn't write eight unsold books. Then it would be time to send me off to Author Rehab.

On the YA front, I've got two ideas that are at the top of my list. I'd love to keep them in the family, so to speak, and I've got a full summary for Project #1. I just need sample chapters then I can send it off.

Project #2 came in one of those rare, organic moments today. Kate and I were talking and got on a very random topic that sparked something in my brain. I told Kate the plot idea, half-cringing that I'd actually said it aloud because I NEVER talk about an idea that fast. I usually take my time to mull it over, really think if it's a good idea or if *I'm* the only one who would think so. I almost fell off the bed when K said, "Write it down."

And I did. I mean, it's just a half page that gives the basic idea. But there's something about this YA that excites me SO much. Obviously, since I blurted it out the second I had the idea. :)

What's everyone else working on?

xo

Wow, there's a PETITON for my covers!

I am so proud of Team Canterwood for voicing their opinions. No matter what the outcome, it means so much that you all took YOUR time to do this.

Much love!!

View the petition here: http://www.change.org/petitions/simon-schuster-allow-jessica-burkhart-on-the-cover-shoots-of-her-books-canterwood-crest#

For teachers and librarians

Hi, all!

I am in the process of turning my usual Skype lecture into a DVD. It will run about an hour long and will include some of the following:

Talking about how to form an idea
A brief discussion of the correct way to format a manuscript
What revision REALLY mean
The argument that one is never too you to begin writing
Debate over whether or not to outline
Common FAQ

and details that are a work in progress.

I've had several librarians, teachers, book clubs, and even students who want to learn all they can about writing.

I intend for there to be several DVDs so viewers are not overwhelmed. I've used much of this material during classroom Skype visits, but the DVDs will go into much greater detail, show actual edited pages from my manuscripts.

As for the intended audience, both boys and girls, likely ages 7-16. Every writer has a different skill level, maturity, and I will not be talking down to older viewers nor covering super simple topics for a younger audience.

If you, or someone you know is interested in the first DVD in my collection as well to inquire about price, please contact me at jess _ burkhart AT gmail DOT com.

I'd love it if you'd repost this blog and alert others of a project that I'm incredibly passionate about that will help young writers.

:)

xo