Hey friends! Welcome to my very first giveway of anything at all. Coincidentally (not coincidentally) I’ll be giving away a copy of my debut YA novel, ALL UNQUIET THINGS, because last Friday I got some beautiful ARCs and I want to share them with you all! Okay, just one of you, I’d like to share one with just one of you because I didn’t get very many and one is the most I can spare right now (hopefully I’ll have more to share in the future). I’ll also be including a couple of little extra things, because I love you all so much.
I spent a lot of time thinking about an appropriate contest that is both easy and interesting. You may have noticed that I’m running the giveaway on this blog, The A-Team, which I write with Joanna, rather than my own blog (I hope this doesn’t blow* up in my face; please don’t let it blow up in my face). That is because J and I need topics to write about here! We are very knowledgeable ladies, but coming up with ideas for blog topics is hard work, and we need some help.
So, here are the rules of the giveaway: comment on this post. In your comment, ask a question (or multiple questions) of Joanna, or me, or both of us. Try to keep it fairly even (like, if you see a lot of Qs for Joanna, maybe ask one of me, and vice versa) and interesting. Best question wins! (I don’t know what happens if J and I disagree on what question is the best; I guess in that case, and maybe in the case of all questions being equally awesome–let’s make this happen!–we’ll just randomize it.)
If you ask a Q that by necessity makes the A a spoiler, we’ll answer it after the book comes out (I know, months away, but it goes very quickly, if the past six months are any indication), under a cut or something. We’ll answer all of them (at our discretion, of course) on the blog eventually, though. Multiple Qs=multiple entries, so keep ’em coming!
I know it behooves you to keep your mouth shut about this contest, because the less people who enter the greater your chances are of winning, but I know you’re all way cool and want to shout about this contest from the rooftops, right? Please tell your friends, if you have a blog I’d love it if you’d post about it, but of course it’s not mandatory, I’ll just love you forever. The contest will last a week, so I’ll be posting the winner next Friday, July 3rd.
So: ask away!
Edited to Add: All comments from a new commenter have to be approved, so don’t worry if yours doesn’t go up right away! We definitely got it, we just aren’t at a computer and can’t approve it at the moment, but we will. All non-spam comments will be approved, I promise.
Edited to Add Further: Shooting Stars Mag, a fabulous YA book blog, is running a YA Book Carnival and I’ve added the AUT ARC contest to the list. I hope it’s okay that my contest ends on July 2nd, which is after the Carnival ends. If not, somebody will surely tell me. Check out the Mr. Linky for more awesome contests!
Edited to add EVEN FURTHER: Joanna is donating one of her ARCs to the giveaway, so now there will be two lucky winners! Keep asking those questions!
*It was only after reading this over in preparation for posting it that I notice I wrote “I hope this doesn’t blog up in my face.” Whoa. Step away from the computer, Jarzab.
The A Team 
When writing “The UnQuiet Things,” where there territories you did not want to go into? I understand that it is about death, but was there a personal experience you drew from and did not want to use in your novel but you ended up using anyway?
With consideration for your attachment to your book and it’s characters, what stage of the editing process is the hardest for you, emotionally, to do?
What was the hardest thing to write so far?
What’s the one thing about the writing process you enjoy?Hate the most?
If you can be anywhere else right now where would it be?
If you can choose to resurrect one dead person famous or not who would it be and why?
If there is one thing you would do to change the world what would be?
What’s your fondest memory (re: books/writing)?
hmmm dang it… I want to keep going but ima stop. Give someone else a chance! YAY AUT!!!
Did you use your own experiences with death to write this novel?
First question, for “both” of you:
I know you try to fool everyone with this but… is Joanna (your “editor”) or are you the same person?
I mean “Anna + Jo = JoAnna”
Jk!
For Anna:
You posted on you Flickr Profile a foto with a board (full of post-its) [this one: http://www.flickr.com/photos/annajarzab/3080360246/%5D
Could you please explain in how does it work? and by doing so, can you explain how much of the book was planned and how did that plan change while writing?
Thanks.
For Joanna,
Could you tell us some inside information about how Anna thinks? She seems to be a really organized person… (looking at the board she made for the characters arc’s you can clearly see that). And she also seems to be a good editor (now i am just tring to win this book really hard). Any way you could tell us how working with her is?
Thanks
For Joanna.
A lot of editors and Agents say they know if the manuscript their reading is good in the very first page. Any tips on how to make an amazing first page that blows my future editors mind?
(maybe if i write a book about how wonderful editors are…)
Thanks!
For Anna (and also Jo+Anna)
A lot of authors have a very define opinion about the way YA novels are perceived by adults.
How much does the genre defines the audience of the book, it seem a stupid question but as i grow up i am still reading YA novels (maybe it has something to do with the fact that i am a grown-up child…) and more and more i see Adults reading YA.
What is your take on this?
Thanks.
For Joanne.
Lately we have seen author publishing books under the Creative commons license (Cory Doctorow, for example). What is your opinion about the way playwright works for the publishing industry?
Also…
With the Amazon kindle out, How does the payment structure works for author, publishers and Agents? With prices as low as they are getting for the digital version is it possible to keep with the print industry? (i sure hope so, i love the smell of paper in the morning)
Again, Thanks!
-Do you listen to music when you write?
-What is a question no one ever asks you, but you wish they would?
-If you could have literary babies with another author, who would it be?
-If you were a super hero, who would you make your sidekick?
-What is the main source of your literary inspiration?
-Do you believe in life after death?
I would love to keep going, but I fear my questions may grow even more ridiculous! 😉
Also… and this is not a question… but anne, have you seend how funny your book gets if we put it under the “in your pants” game?
God!
For both of you:
What question would you hate to be asked and why?
What was the last book that you read? What was your opinion or reaction to it?
If you had to change one thing about yourself as a writer, what would it be?
If you had to save the world, what would it be from and how would you do it?
Anna:
Did All Unquiet Things turn out to be the book you thought it would be when you first set pen to paper?
Since you are a debut novelist, what would you most like for potential readers, especially those unfamiliar with your blog, to know about you?
Joanna:
What was your first thought after finishing Anna’s manuscript?
So far, what do you most love about being an agent?
Thanks for the great contest guys!
For Anna:
Are you more of a series writer or do you prefer writing one novel?
Do you plan on writing novels that are similar in genre or will you branch out and write something completely different next time around?
For both of you:
What’s your favorite quote from the book?
Can you share it?
First, I just have to say OMG, I love your cover! I’d pick this up in a heartbeat at my local brick and mortar just for the cover.
Now, a question for both of you:
How long did the MC for AUT roam around in your head before you started the story and how many other characters are currently talking to you?
Also:
If the apocalypse hit and the zombie virus infected all recently deceased barnyard animals (especially the cows), how would your heroine defeat the shambling Bovine Army of Doom?
For Joanna:
What made you decide to have a career in publishing?
What tips would you have for someone (me) who would want to have a career in publishing?
For Anna:
What character(s) have grown closest to your heart while writing the book?
What message/theme do you hope readers will interpret while reading your book?
For Anna:
Where did you get the idea for All Unquiet Things?
Both:
1. If there is one thing that symbolizes the way you write, what would it be and why?
2. Picture a blank page, what do you feel?
3. If your novel where a fruit, what would it be, and why?
4. What sense is the one you most associate with writing (reading: Joanna)?
5. If you could travel anywhere in the world to make a difference with your book, where would you go and how could your book make a difference there?
6. How did you come up with such a fabulous title?
7. As a writer (agent) what is your greatest gift?
8. As a writer (agent) how do you want to be remembered?
9. What is your legacy to your readers (writers/client: Joanna)?
10. Riddle me this, who would like AUT more, Batman or Wonderwoman (why)?
Aaaanna:
1) What are you most looking forward to about your book being released?
2) What do you think you will do when you first see your book in a store?
Joanna:
1) What do you think Anna will do when she first sees her book in a store? What will YOU do? xD
For both:
1.Based off of the title, right before you fall asleep what sound can you best remember? Crickets? Snoring? Gentle padding in the hallways? What about when you first wake up? The blaring of the clock alarms?
2. Who do you think is the best fictional/nonfictional detective?
3. What is the best way to hide a body (should I ever need this advice ;P)
I have some generalistic questions for both of you 🙂
If you could meet any of the characters from ALL UNQUIET THINGS, who would you want to meet, and why?
If you could bring any literary character to life (e.g. book, movie, tv shows, etc), who would you bring to life? What would you guys do for a day?
And for Anna, how did you feel, the first time you actually held an ARC copy of your book in your hands?
lucidconspiracy at gmail dot com
Thanks for posting about the carnival and YES, it’s just fine if your contest ends after the carnival. Most of them are or will. It’s just easiest, unless you posted it in the beginning of the carnival and only want it to last a week. 🙂
I’m going to think of some questions and enter…love this contest. I REALLY want to read this book.
I guess my first questiong though…
1. If you didn’t know what your own book was about, what do you think the cover would convey?
-Lauren
I’m not sure a fellow Tenner is allowed to enter this contest, but I have some questions for you anyway, Anna: Did you have to do any particularly gruesome research while writing AUT? How did you go about making the murder really feel real?
Joanna – what was it about Anna’s original query that got your excited?
Anna – Neily and Audrey are such unusual names (to me anyway) were the characters always called these names and why did you choose them?
Both of you – you’ve both said how much you love the character of Neily, so who would you cast in a film of AUT?
If you had to own a cow, what color cow would you choose? (of the naturally-occurring shades of cowhides, of course)
celialarsen(at)gmail(dot)com
For both:
If you could be the writer of any existing book out there (other than your own), which book would it be?
1. This has nothing to do with books, but as Michael Jackson just passed away, what was your favorite song of his?
2. Do you think that bad reviews really hurt a book or it’s simply part of the process?
3. What are your thoughts on leading titles, the ones that get pusehd by the publisher, even if they might not be that great? (no need to name any books…just in general!)
-Lauren
For Anna:
How did you choose the title “All Unquiet Things” for AUT?
1. How has the writing process afeccted you?
2. Do you ever wish you had gone with another idea for the book?
3. Are the characters based off anyone.
4. How long did it take to write your book and when did you come up with idea?
Megan
bookworm8675309@yahoo.com
~ Was ALL UNQUIET THINGS originally the title? Or was it something else to begin with?
~ What is your favorite book and why?
~ Did you have authors who inspired you to break into publishing?
Hello,
I have a question for both of you.
What is the most difficult passage that you had to write and why?
Your book looks so great! I can’t wait to read it!
Here’s my Q: During the publishing process, what were you most nervous to find the results for? (getting an agent, a publisher, editing, your cover?) And was there any results overall that you were unsatisfied with (title changes, cuts you had to make?)
Thanks! 🙂
Anna:
– Now that your debut novel is coming out, do you feel some pressure to top that book, or even make the theme as dark?
– Are you afraid of falling into a specific niche?
– When you started to write, did you imagine yourself being a YA writer?
Joanna:
– How long does it take you to know if a book is going to be a hit? The first page, the first chapter, etc…?
– What is your biggest faux-pas in manuscripts?
Both:
– If you could be a superhero, what would your powers be and why?
Thanks and best of luck to the both of you!
~ Popin
Anna:
1. Where did your MCs come from? Are they inspired by people you know, or met, or heard of?
2. What came first – the plot or the characters?
3. What is the hardest thing about writing a mystery novel?
Joanna:
1. What was the first thing that struck you about All Unquiet Things?
2. If you could assign one song to Anna’s book, what would it be?
Both:
What’s the one thing that you hate most about each other?
What’s the one thing that you LOVE most about each other?
=D
I might have more, but that’s what I came up with until now!
❤
What are your favorite snacks when you’re writing?
[…] It’s up to you. Best 2 questions win. But here’s the catch: you have to reply to Anna’s original contest post from Thursday July 2nd, so that we can keep all the comments straight. We’ll answer the […]
For Anna… While i write i find that i repeat a word many many times (this word changes from time to time) what words are you addicted to?
The question also extends to dots semicolons etc…
For anna:
i know you are a mac person. i am a big fan of apple and i am also a Mac. Is there any aplication you can’t live without while writing? (someone told me about scrivner…) From a technology point of view how do you use this technologies to help you on your writing process?
For Anna,
The question every writer hates.
Where do you think your ideas come from?
(i allow you to give me a really weird (maureen johnson like) answer. haahaha)
Pick 4 random characters from AUT – what word first comes to mind for each character?
[…] this one–and speaking of covers, check out hers because it’s one of my favourites). Go here and see how you can enter to win. Anna has also posted an excerpt of the book here–check it […]
What are your thoughs on zombies? Do you have any plans for the upcoming zombie apocalypse?
If unicorns take over the world instead will you be, happy, sad, or relieved?
*thoughts 🙂
Have you ever had a writing partner when you wrote? Like someone who would write at the same time as you, look over your work, etc? I know when I write, it’s easier to write with someone else so they can keep you on track and make sure you ARE writing! lol
-Lauren
If (when?) attacked by vampire-zombies how will you use your novel (both physical and electronic copies) to save the life of the last known pregnant man (and whether he be a man by biology or self-identity makes no difference) in the northern hemisphere (the southern half has already blown up)? It is imperative!
For both of you.
1. Do the character name choices have any special meaning to you or were they chosen at random?
2. Is there a particular time of day that you like to write?
3. Do you keep a journal near your bed to record any dreams? (as an added question)… have you ever used any of your dreams in a piece of your writing?
For Anna:
What was the most difficult issue, for you, that you faced during the revision process (either with your agent or your editor)?
For Joanna:
How was your list changed since taking on Anna and AUT? Are you representing more YA and MG now?
Thanks!
Mary
[…] In the meantime, if you’re crazed to enter more contests, author of ALL UNQUIET THINGS, which pubs January 2010 from Delacorte, Anna Jarzab, is giving away an ARC on the blog her and her agent have together: click here to enter that contest. […]
Do you have a special plotting or outlining process, or do you just come up with an idea and start to write?
for anna:
1. i feel like i read somewhere on your blog that you are catholic. obviously i don’t know how strictly religious you are, but are there any ways that you feel your religious beliefs influence your writing? (this is kind of a personal question, so feel free not to answer. personal questions are kind of my forte. in fact, i’m pretty sure i was the first person to ask john green when he and the yeti are going to have kids, even though it is obvs. none of my business. hey, hank wrote a song about how many kids he wants! he talks all the time about how much he likes them! it seemed like a valid question! besides, the parents green need some grandkids!)
2. do you work with a critique partner or group, or do you self-revise? or, perhaps, do you have friends/relatives edit for you?
3. it says on your website that you originally wrote all unquiet things for your masters thesis. did the book change very much when it transferred from thesis to the book we are going to be reading in january?
4. in the same vain, i imagine that your writing process was a bit different for aut than for your next book. if so, in what ways? and has writing your third book been different from the other two? have there been any core elements that have remained the same (besides the oft-repeated butt in chair aspect)? did this stream of consciousness question make any sense whatsoever?
5. do you agree that typewriters are awesome? i have two and think they are fab, but my fam makes fun of me. also, i really record players. this isn’t really a question you should count (unless, of course, you want to); i just really wanted to end this particular comment on a nice rounded number.
for joanna:
1. john green has brought a lot of attention to advances vs. royalties lately on his blog. i haven’t seen any agent comments there, so i’m wondering what your thoughts are.
2. do you have any particular query letter pet peeves?
3. do you consider yourself an editorial agent, or do you primarily accept clients with their manuscripts “as-is”? what do you think are the benefits and detriments to each method?
4. if someone queried you with a story you thought had the potential to make a high profit but which you didn’t personally care for or connect with (much like many people dislike twilight or harry potter), would you accept the author as a client, or would you pass? similarly, have you ever passed on a manuscript and later regretted it (no matter what the reason was for the rejection)?
5. what is your favorite kind of pizza? (again, i ran out of questions, but wanted a fifth. for the record, my favorite is sausage and green olive from dominos.)
for both:
1. how did you become so awesome?
2. what grammatical error irritates you the most? (i personally hate seeing “xxx and i” when it should be “xxx and me”. for example, “this is a picture of xxx and i.” no, it isn’t. you’d never say, “this is a picture of i,” so why does the “xxx and…” make it ok??)
3. what books would you consider your favorites of all time (try to keep the list to five or under. clearly, i am big on the number five tonight)?
What were your first reactions when you first saw the amazing cover of “All Unquiet Things?” Thanks for the contest!
countrystars95@yahoo.com
How do you expect to spend the release day of AUT?
Will you eat a cupcake for me on your release day?
What is your dream cupcake?
In what ways has the internet helped you?
How have the tenners helped you?
How did you know that the names you picked for you’re characters names were _them_?
Why YA?
Zombies or Unicorns?
Bunnies or Zombies or Unicorns?
I’m creating Team Penguin. Which do you prefer: Penguins, Bunnies, Zombies or Unicorns?
Dogs or Cats?
How do you continue your writing on one story and finish it?
If you could have a movie star BFF, who would it be? Why?
If you could have a fictional BFF who would it be? Why?
I suppose I should stop there. That was actually a lot of fun!
Congrats on you’re ARC! (belatedly.)