What’s Your Dream?
I once asked my students what their dreams were for their futures. We were contemplating how the American Dream crosses through different works in American Literature (Gatsby: the green light, Of Mice and Men: rabbits/a farm, Streetcar Named Desire: safety/desire, Frederick Douglass: freedoms), and we realized how central dreaming was to us as individuals, quite aside from specific desires for nice cars, independence from parents, or saving the world. Dreaming lights us up inside and give us something to go for. It helps us feel… Continue reading
A Couple Early Reviews
I don’t normally read reviews of my books because I’m sensitive, but recently my editor sent me one from Publishers Weekly, and another came directly from my niece. You can probably tell which is which. Spoilers redacted.
Review #1
The Vault of Dreamers
Caragh M. O’Brien. Roaring Brook, $17.99 (432p) ISBN 978-1-59643-938-2
Rosie Sinclair’s one shot at becoming a film director is attending the Forge School, so she’s willing to put up with certain oddities. The school broadcasts students’ daily lives as the popular reality program The Forge… Continue reading
Not Your Typical Author Photo Shoot
Photo Shoot
Readers are often curious to see what an author looks like. I know I am. I like to look at an author’s photo to see what it might convey about his or her character or personal style. I look for hints of the writer’s background and age, and I think about how the author chose to present himself or herself. Chances are good that the photo wasn’t taken by accident. What I really want to determine from a photo, especially if I like the writer’s novels, is impossible… Continue reading
Chapters 1-5 of The Vault of Dreamers Are Up for Free
The first five chapters of The Vault of Dreamers are up for free for e-readers via Barnes & Nobles, Amazon, Kobo, etc. starting today!
The novel itself is coming out in September, on the 16th to be precise, unless you live in Storrs, CT, where you’ll be able to find it at the UConn Coop Bookstore on Sunday, September 14th at the launch.
What’s it about? Dreams, art, creativity, cameras, trusting your mind, courage, privacy, loyalty, awakenings, curiosity, fame, power, and evil. Mmuah-ha-ha-ha.
Summer for Real
Go, Twins!
I went to a Twins game last week (we lost) and I’ve had a reunion with my family at the lake (complete with s’mores), so it officially feels like summer. I’m home again with mosquito bites, photos, and memories galore. Taking a little time away from my writing work to reconnect with people I love was a real pleasure, and I want to savor it.
The Eye Behind the Cover
Elizabeth Clark, Caragh O’Brien, and Kate Jacobs in Beth’s office, July 8, 2014
Covers matter, obviously. A good one catches people’s attention, intrigues them enough to take a closer look, and then lures them inside. Getting it right takes knowing the novel, of course, but it also involves a bit of mind reading. Who are the likely readers for this book? Maybe they’re drawn to covers featuring a girl in a flowing dress, or a simple, iconic image. Maybe they want something familiar, or they’re ready for a change. Certainly… Continue reading
Ari & Milo, my serial novel, is now up on Wattpad! I drew illustrations to go with each chapter, and best of all, it’s free! Because of problematic themes, this novel is for mature readers age 17+.
Book Trailer for Promised