The Dark Unwinding Tour: 10 Pieces of Advice that Worked for Sharon Cameron

First off, thank you to Hannah for allowing me to participate in the blog tour for The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron.  I would also like to thank the amazing people at Scholastic for giving me the chance to read this unique young adult novel, and you can check out my review here.  Now, please welcome Sharon Cameron!

What are the top ten pieces of advice you can offer to aspiring writers?

Every writer is different, Amy, so much so that I always hesitate to say “go do this!” or “do that!” Writing is not a “one size fits all” business, you know? So instead of advice to aspiring writers, I think I’ll call this “The Top Ten Things That Worked for Sharon When She Was an Aspiring Writer.” (And yes, since I totally cheated, it’s really more like twelve things.)

So without further ado, here are the top ten (or twelve) pieces of advice that worked for me:

1. Read books, tons of books, in and out of your genre, new and not so newly published. And when you really, really love a book, read it again, this time with the eye of a writer.

2. Discover what is about that favorite book that truly moves you. Is it word choices, character development, setting, theme, or a certain issue? Delve deep, and know what lights your own inner fire. (For me, it was grim, gloomy houses and secret passages. Who knew?)

3. Experiment. Find your own unique way to incorporate that “inner fire” and write about things that make you passionate. If you are moved by what you’re writing, then there’s a good chance someone else will be, too.

4. Finish your project, especially when you’re uninspired, tired of it, hate it, and wonder why you ever started the thing in the first place!

5. When it’s complete, read your story start to finish, this time with the eye of a reader. (Yuck. Painful!) Revise.

6. Find a committed, professional, and honest critique group of writers working in your genre. A wonderful critique group (like mine!) is pure, unadulterated gold.

7. Give constructive critique on the work of others (and note the emphasis on “constructive!”). Critiquing constructively was hands down the best writing education I ever got.

8. Consider each and every criticism without taking offence, weigh it in the balance, and then learn to filter out the advice that doesn’t resonate.

9. Revise. Set your story aside and help others revise. Then revise your story again. (Yuck again. Painful!)

10. Treat yourself as a professional long before you make any money. Join organizations like Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, go to conferences and workshops and network, network, network! There’s nothing like the love and support of your book tribe.

Thank you, Sharon!  As you said, while there is no set way for a writer to become an author, it's always fascinating to see what works for each individual writer.  I'm sure your advice is a great boon to some aspiring writers.  (I know it is for me!)

About the Author:

Sharon Cameron was awarded the 2009 Sue Alexander Most Promising New Work Award by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators for her debut novel, The Dark Unwinding. When not writing, Sharon can be found thumbing dusty tomes, shooting her longbow, or indulging in her lifelong search for secret passages.

Find Sharon On:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
{Photo credit to Rusty Russell 2011}

About the Book:

The Dark Unwinding begins when seventeen year old Katharine Tulman is sent to her uncle's remote and bizarre estate to have him committed to an asylum. But instead of a lunatic, she finds a child-like, genius inventor with his own set of rules, employing a village of nine hundred people rescued from the workhouses of London. Katharine is torn between protecting her own inheritance and preserving her uncle's peculiar world that she has come to care for deeply, a choice made complicated by a gray-eyed apprentice, and the strange visions and nightmares that have her secretly fearing for her own sanity. 

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Visit other Tour stops!

 August 26 Hannah @ The Book Vortex
Guest Post - Introduction

August 27 Marielle @ Book Thoughts by Marielle
Interview with Sharon

August 28 Marla @ Starting the Next Chapter
Guest Post: Favorite Real Life Mystery

August 29 Amy @ Denim Jacket Librarian
List: 10 Pieces of Advice

August 30 Lauren @ The Housework Can Wait
Interview with Sharon

August 31 Tirzah @ The Compulsive Reader
Character Interview: Mary

September 1: RELEASE DAY!

September 2 Alli @ Magnet 4 Books' Reviews
Guest Post

September 3 Emily @ The Ninja Librarian
Interview with Sharon

September 4 Christina @ A Reader of Fictions
Character Interview: TBA

September 5 Jessica @ Wastepaper Prose
Guest Post

September 6 Sara @ Through the Looking Glass
Interview with Sharon

September 7 Katie @ Katie's Book Blog
Character Interview: Lane

September 8 Jessica K @ The Cozy Reader
Guest Post: A Discussion on the Novel's Setting

September 9 Linda @ Mission to Read
Interview with Sharon

ARC Review: The Dark Unwinding

Title:  The Dark Unwinding
Author:  Sharon Cameron
Pages:  318
Genre:  YA Steampunk Mystery
Publisher:  Scholastic
Obtained:  Publisher at TLA
Summary:  When Katharine Tulman's inheritance is called into question by the rumor that her eccentric uncle is squandering away the family fortune, she is sent to his estate to have him committed to an asylum. But instead of a lunatic, Katharine discovers a genius inventor with his own set of rules, who employs a village of nine hundred people rescued from the workhouses of London.

Katharine is now torn between protecting her own inheritance and preserving the peculiar community she grows to care for deeply. And her choices are made even more complicated by a handsome apprentice, a secretive student, and fears for her own sanity.

As the mysteries of the estate begin to unravel, it is clear that not only is her uncle's world at stake, but also the state of England as Katharine knows it. With twists and turns at every corner, this heart-racing adventure will captivate readers with its intrigue, thrills, and romance.

The Dish:  Katharine Tulman has a hard task set for her by her miserly Aunt Alice who is only concerned for the financial well-being of her young son, Robert.  She must go to visit her Uncle Tulman's estate and decide whether or not he is of a sound mind all because he has been using the family's finances in "frivolous ventures."  Now, given Katharine's own financial situation rests on being able to maintain the bookkeeping of her aunt so she won't be tossed out onto the street, her frame of mind when she first arrives at Stranwyne Estate is understandable.  While she first believes she must save herself, after meeting her uncle and the people who are part of his "ventures," Katharine comes to a crossroads where she must decide whether her own fate is worth that of hundreds.

When I first received The Dark Unwinding, I was very curious about Katharine and particularly what her uncle could be doing that would force her aunt to question his state of mind.  It was a little difficult getting to know Katharine simply because she was in this constant state of "me, myself, and I."  However, learning more about her past and family, I could see why she was rather self-focused.  It was fascinating to watch her expand her focus as she ventured around her uncle's estate, meeting more of the people behind the so-called "frivolous ventures."

I enjoyed seeing Katharine's relationship develop between the people on the estate, especially with Lane Moreau, her uncle's apprentice.  Since readers are hearing the story from Katharine's point of view, it was a bit difficult to understand Lane's feelings regarding our heroine, but I think more of his emotion shone through the pages despite her ignorance.  It was surprising to see how quickly the relationship between Katharine and her Uncle Tulman developed, but readers will see why once they hear more about the "guardian" outside Katharine's room.

The story overall was very enjoyable and Cameron did create a mystery that was, at first, confusing to where even I was questioning Katharine's state of mind after she came to Stranwyne.  As the pieces to the puzzle began to fall into place through the developing story, it was a matter of narrowing down the list of suspects.  During Katharine's earlier "episodes" it felt as though the story was... stilted as if it were an entirely separate piece that didn't quite fit with the rest of the story.  However, in hindsight, this was probably to help set the stage for the mystery.  I think readers who enjoy steampunk young adult literature and a good mystery will favor reading The Dark Unwinding.

Stacking the Shelves (8)

We are all book lovers and the need to share our enthusiasm is sometimes overwhelming. Stacking the Shelves, created and hosted at Tynga's Reviews, is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in stores or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts, and of course ebooks!

Underworld by Meg Cabot (Bought thanks to B&N coupon)
Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins (Bought at HPB)
A Game of Thones Vol. One by George R.R. Martin, Daniel Abraham, & Tommy Patterson (From Library)

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater (Thanks to Netgalley and Scholastic!)
Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff (Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press!)

Game of Thrones Season 1 (Borrowed, and I cannot wait to watch it finally!)


That's all I stacked on my shelves this week. What did you get? ^_^

ARC Review: Underworld by Meg Cabot

Title:  Underworld (Abandon Trilogy #2)
Author:  Meg Cabot
Pages:  320
Genre:  Young Adult Fantasy, Mythology
Publisher:  Point
Obtained:  ARC provided by publisher
Summary:  Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera isn't dead.

Not this time.

But she is being held against her will in the dim, twilit world between heaven and hell, where the spirits of the deceased wait before embarking upon their final journey.

Her captor, John Hayden, claims it's for her own safety.  Because not all the departed are dear.  Some are so unhappy with where they ended up after leaving the Underworld, they've come back as Furies, intent on vengeance... on the one who sent them there and on the one whom he loves.

But while Pierce might be safe from the Furies in the Underworld, far worse dangers could be lurking for her there... and they might have more to do with its ruler than with his enemies.

And unless Pierce is careful, this time there'll be no escape.

The Dish:  Reading Underworld has made me want to go back in time and lower my rating of Abandon to 4 Snowflakes.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed Abandon, but I didn't read it with the fervor that I read Underworld.  This is one case where I felt the sequel outdid its predecessor. 

The story picks right back up from where we last left Pierce and John after he swept her away to the Underworld for her own safety.  While Pierce is still hesitant about being in the realm of the dead for eternity, being with John makes it appear more enticing.  Speaking of John, although he is still a bit on the brooding side (though what death deity wouldn't be?), there were changes in his character that made him even more likable.  Readers get to see this more sensitive side of John through how he has made changes in running the Underworld and how he behaves with his former crew who serve and assist him.  I do wish that John had been more honest and upfront about several big factors with Pierce, but if she's willing to overlook that, I suppose I can as well.

Let me just say that I enjoyed getting to meet John's crew members, Frank, Mr. Graves, Mr. Liu, and Henry.  They're the first "denizens" of the Underworld that Pierce meets, and while she doesn't feel as though she made the best of impressions, they do warm up to her throughout the time that all are on Isla Huesos.  It's amazing at how much occurs within the single day or rather night, and Cabot seems to be a master at making a short time feel much longer.  This is due to the major plot seeming rather simple, but when factoring in the obstacles placed in Pierce and John's path, it makes the simplest task much more difficult.  The Furies involved were no less fierce in their onslaught against Pierce, and I'm eager to see what the resolution will be for these angered spirits present on Isla Huesos.

Once again, Cabot has left this reader wanting more, and 2013 cannot get here soon enough when the final installment of the trilogy, Awaken, will be available.

Book 4