Top Three Female Authors of Coming-of-Age Fiction

Let's face it: Growing up is hard to do. But where would we be without the aide of some of the greatest coming-of-age fiction writers in history? 

This is a short list of the authors who most inspired and challenged me personally during the adolescent years, as well as who I believe to be some of the greatest female contributors to that genre. 

1. I have to begin with the Contemporary Queen, herself: J.K. Rowling. I grew up WITH the Harry Potter characters. They are friends. They are relatives. And the seven book series is all kinds of inspiring for anyone who deals with anything less fierce than, say, a dragon, in the midst of adolescence. Her artistry for capturing a wide-range of teenage issues and throwing them against a backdrop of wild imagination with mind-bending attention to detail is unparalleled in coming-of-age fiction. Her delineation of Potter’s (and friends) journey to adulthood is both poignant and empowering. 

I love this interview with Rowling from 1998. 

Spoiler alert: Who knew that Hogwarts was in SCOTLAND? 

2. My number two author would have to be Madeleine L’Engle. From my personal reading of the A Wrinkle in Time series to A Ring of Endless Light, I can see that L’Engle does an amazing job of capturing the insecurities and challenges of youth and the events that shape and transform us into adults, no matter what planet we are on. I can't wait to share Meg Murry with my daughters and expand my own reading of her vast repertoire of both prose and poetry.

An excerpt from her poem, "To a Long-Loved Love"

(i)

We, who have seen the new moon grow old together,

Who have seen winter rime the fields and stones

As though it would claim earth and water for­ever

3. The author of The Outsiders, Susan Eloise Hinton, will always hold a special place in my heart. This gut-wrenching story is set in Oklahoma, and was published in 1967. The story was actually inspired by rival gangs in Hinton’s school, Will Rogers High School of Tulsa, Oklahoma. I personally remember being shaken, torn, pierced, and utterly changed by the narrative when I first read it in middle school. The poetry, tenderness, and fraternal love are juxtaposed against the bitter frustration, violence, and depravity of the main characters and the society in which they live. It will have you shouting inside, “They are JUST KIDS!” Being an adolescent is tough, no matter who you are or in what conditions you are raised- or whether you are a "Soc" or a "Greaser". But Hinton’s story will take you to extremes, shape you into a more empathetic soul, and make you thankful for the adolescence you were given.  

Coming-of-age is just one theme that is explored in my newly released ebook, Wolves and Men. We are blessed to be able to offer the ebook at a temporarily, wonderfully low price of $4.99, so take advantage of it now. :) 

You can download your copy here: http://amzn.com/B00MV4UXMS 

You can also sign up for email updates so that you'll be alerted as soon as the novel is released in paperback! Just find the box in the top right hand corner of this blog. :)

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What do you think of Rowling's interview? 

What would you ask these authors if you could ask them anything? 

Which characters did you most identify with during adolescence? 

Wolves and Men Book Cover Revealed!

          It is HERE! This is the front cover for the paperback, as well as what you'll see when you download the e-book for your kindle or nook. 

          A picture is worth a thousand words, but I don't think you'll get the full effect until the paperback is in your hands, either. And since the e-book will be released FIRST, this is just one reason why it would be great to have both the e-book AND paperback once they are released. ;)

           There is SO much detail to this design that I just love. One of the things that I love about Jesse Owen's work (www.10am.org) is that he incorporates detail that you may not even notice the first or second time... But then you'll look again and see yet another surprise in the design!

          He gave us three designs to choose from, and let me just say- It was NOT easy to choose! I think my heart will always break a little when I look at the two designs we couldn't use. :( In fact, I'm thinking of framing them, because my husband printed them off and they are just that good.

          My hope is that not only will this cover strike you as interesting, beautiful, and suspenseful as it does for me, but will be imbued with even MORE meaning once you've finished reading the book! There is so much about the story's tone, plot, and character development that seems to be poured right into the lighting, contours, color scheme, and focus of this design. Jesse was able to design this particular cover option soon after we sat down with him and discussed what the book was about, and I think that (and the grace of God) is why the cover seems SO perfect for the story. I'm in love!

          And now for another never-before-read excerpt:

...

          We headed back to my cabin in agitated silence. From the passenger seat, I heard the growing thump-thumps of helicopter blades as a chopper flew overhead. We watched it disappear in the distance. As Danny drove back the way we’d come, I noticed that the scenery looked pointedly different than it had before. Perhaps we just hadn’t noticed earlier, but the woods around us seemed to emanate a certain...eeriness. You might say that it was too peaceful, maybe like a cemetery. The natural rhythm, like breathing, which had enveloped me on my walks just days ago, was gone. Where was everyone? There were a few birds and a squirrel along our route, but even they seemed hushed and still in a way I’d never seen wild animals behave before. 

          There was a flash of color in front of us before the truck slammed into something heavy. My seatbelt caught me as I lurched forward in my seat. Danny and I were both silent as we waited to see a deer raise its head up over the hood of the truck. But it wasn’t a deer. And it didn't get back up. 

          I felt the hum of the engine cease and heard the sonorous beeping as Danny pulled out the keys. Then there was silence. Danny slowly unbuckled and pushed his creaking door open before getting out of the truck. I watched his reaction as he rounded the hood of the truck. He covered his mouth, stifling a horrified yell, and reeled backward away from the vehicle. My stomach lurched. 

          “Danny, what is it?” I couldn’t move. I knew then that the brave thing to do was to get out of the vehicle and help him cope with...whatever was out there. Instead, I remained petrified beneath my seatbelt, feeling the color drain out of my face as I waited. 

          Danny ran his hand dramatically through his gold-brown hair and turned his head away. 

          “Charlotte, stay in the car.” His voice sounded all wrong. 

...

What are your impressions of the book cover? 

Where would you like to attend a Book Signing Event of Wolves and Men? 

The Wolves and Men Playlist III

          Five more songs from the playlist that inspired the writing of my novel, Wolves and Men are below. Be sure and check out the previous posts on this subject as well to discover some new sounds and get some insight into the book. 

You can find them here:

http://steepandsavor.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-wolves-and-men-playlist.html

http://steepandsavor.blogspot.com/2014/07/wolves-and-men-playlist-ii_27.html

* Look for the book update at the bottom of this post! *

Ghosts by Laura Marling

          I was drawn to this song for its interesting lyrics and wandering melody. It seems like the right song for taking long walks in the woods. It comes across as a little wounded and cynical, but heartfelt and honest, as well. As ghosts are a major theme throughout Wolves and Men, this song fit right in during my “mulling” moments between writing sessions. 

          I’m also a little fascinated by Marling’s vocals, as they sound so raw and delicate. I’d first heard her in a duet with Johnny Flynn, a favorite of my husband. Going back and listening to that song- The Water- I have to recommend it! Those two musicians have a unique British-folk sound that rings equally pure and artistic. 

Dog Days Are Over by Florence+ The Machine

          This song is powerful with emotion and energy. I’ve always connected deeply with it for reasons I can’t begin to understand. It is another “running” song, though it not only influenced scenes where running was actually occurring in the story, but also the general urgency of the characters’ situation. Listening to this song always makes me feel stronger and braver, and I like to think it had the same effect on my story’s main character, Charlotte, as well. 

Was It You by Joy Kills Sorrow

          This is perhaps the band that I associate most closely with everything that makes me happy about Oklahoma, the changing weather, and various bittersweet memories in my personal life. It is unpretentious and soothing and I HIGHLY recommend checking them out. When I listen to this song, I can’t help but picture Autumn leaves falling, storms brewing, and a sudden cool front blowing in. It makes me crave chili and reach for a comfy sweatshirt before I realize that...it’s only August! Whoops! Listen with caution. ;)

Rainy Day Blues by Willie Nelson

          Willie Nelson simply HAD to make an appearance on this playlist because you see, one of my favorite characters from Wolves and Men, Danny, was a fan of his and could even imitate him quite well. So it makes me think of Danny, and of course, the many rainy days that occur throughout the story. It is a man’s song, but I think that makes it all the more interesting. 

Let’s Forget All the Things That We Say by Julia Stone

         Here is Julia Stone again, but this time by herself. I really enjoyed her By The Horns album, which was all solo. The album is almost frustratingly cryptic, melancholy, and oh-so mysterious. Her voice is almost childlike and, perhaps partially for that reason, it is incredibly moving. This song speaks on the frustrations of relationship and the challenges of communicating hard things with another soul. It voices a measure of disappointment in the breakdown of communication, or perhaps just the general difficulties of any relationship, and yet  there is a measure of contentment to let it all go. I think it influenced a lot of the scenes between two of the main characters in the story. I would tell you who, but...you’ll have to wait and read for yourself! 

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In other news: You can expect an official ebook release date to be announced in the NEXT WEEK! This is not a drill! The ebook is expected to come out even sooner than I had realized, praise God! I cannot WAIT for you to get your download and join me on Charlotte’s journey. :) 

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What music do you listen to in order to get ready for Fall weather? 

What music do you listen to while running or going for walks? 

Which is better:  Kindle or Nook? 

The Ultimate Spy Classic- A Review

A man who lives a part, not to others but alone, is exposed to obvious psychological dangers. In itself, the practice of deception is not particularly exacting; it is a matter of experience, of professional expertise, it is a facility most of us can acquire. But while a confidence trickster, a play-actor or a gambler can return from his performance to the ranks of his admirers, the secret agent enjoys no such relief. For him, deception is first a matter of self-defense.

     The Spy Who Came In From The Cold, John Le Carre. 

          I don’t often read a book twice. Life is too short and there are just too many books out there. Even my list of CLASSIC must-reads is kind of mind-boggling at the moment. 

Ersatz- A coffee substitute mentioned in the book. "Coffee
he drinks--nothing else--just coffee all the time."

          Having read The Spy Who Came In From The Cold by John Le Carre for the second time, I must propose that it is the quintessential classic spy novel. There is something about it that makes the reading experience feel so...authentic. It’s almost as if the book isn’t even fiction at all. Everything about it is so subtle, so underplayed, it feels like the straight-forward account of what one man working for the British Secret Service lived through. Period. No extra drama, elaborate costumes, or back handsprings necessary. This is merely real life. And yet, it is mere espionage, which makes it perhaps the coolest thing you’ll ever read in fiction. 

The Berlin Wall

          Le Carre paints a stark picture of reality through the telling of Station Head Alec Leamas’s story, a man who has suffered a great professional loss with the death of his last and best double agent in East Berlin during the Cold War. It is sometimes difficult to keep up with the turn of events, the abrupt twists, and life-or-death decisions made by Leamas and his adversaries. It’s scope is grand, touching on philosophy, politics, and religion, crossing international borders at airports and heavily guarded bridges, while highlighting the minute actions of a man reaching for a packet of matches. The carefully-spun web of duplicity and mind games is a sobering take on the way countries, political movements, counter-intelligence, and humanity in general operate. It speaks on the sanctity of life and the philosophy of making necessary sacrifices for the greater good. 

The DKW, or Dampf-Kraft-Wagen mentioned in the book

          As I cannot help but view everything through the gospel lens, (for, “by it I see everything else” to throw in a random C.S. Lewis reference) I have to stop and wonder at the utter depravity of the “real world” that Le Carre paints, as well as the one in which we currently live. I don’t think Le Carre was being negative. I think he was being honest. I think the world is worse off than we could possibly imagine. Just as the ending of Le Carre’s novel shocked me with its profound sadness, I think the world today is probably sadder than I can even realize. And I think it is necessary that we see it as so. If we blind ourselves to this fact, how can we accept the reality that we were created for something more, for something lasting and good and far beyond what we deserve? No, I need to be made to stop and think about these sad truths, because they compel me to search for something more, something beyond myself and beyond this present darkness. 

Steinhager- a German gin mentioned in the novel

          Le Carre’s fiction merely speaks the truth, ultimately. It is only part of the truth- the first part. But it is a necessary one to digest so that we can “let it steep”- the very weight of sadness. And I’m thankful that Le Carre makes me take pause, for only THEN am I free to savor the reality of my utterly desperate need for someone to rescue me out of this darkness, and rescue me even out of my OWN darkness. For the darkness lurks not only behind shady pubs and ominous DKWs, but within the heart of every human. 

 "Good-bye, Liz," he said. "Good-bye," and then: "Don't follow me. Not again."

    Liz nodded and muttered, "Like we said." She was thankful for the biting cold of the street and for the dark which hid her tears. 

          The darkness of men’s hearts is something I explore in Wolves and Men, a book that has recently had its cover DESIGNED! We will probably be working out a few details before showing anything off, so bear with me. But I can’t tell you how excited I am to see Jesse Owen’s stunning work! You will see it soon, dear friends, SOON! :) 

 ...


Are there any other spy novels that you've read and loved? G.K. Chesterton's The Man Who Was Thursday kept springing to mind during my reading. :)

Have you ever picked out a book at the library or bookstore JUST because of the cover design?

What things do you love and hate in a book cover?

The Wolves and Men Playlist II

Henry Nearly Killed Me (It’s a Shame) by Ray LaMontagne

This song really kicks things into gear, and I can’t help but fall in love with it. It is energetic, compelling, and makes me want to RUN FOR MY LIFE! The vocals by Ray LaMontagne are just consistent with anything he sings. Ever. His voice is so interesting, gritty, and full of surprises. This song reminds me of scenes I’ve read from Absalom, Absalom! by William Faulkner, and the film version of Cormac McCarthy’s No Country For Old Men. 

Stay With Me by New Found Land

To abruptly switch things up, we move on to this slow, somber ballad by New Found Land. It is pleading. It is sweet. It might move you to tears. I love it for its emotionally evocative melody and heartfelt lyrics. It probably influenced a lot of scenes all over the book, as the protagonist is characterized by a lot of emotional baggage. 

Meet Me By the Water by Rachael Yamagata

This lovesick and contemplative ballad by Yamagata is rich and heavy. It aches with yearning and loneliness. And it makes me want to go fishing. All of these qualities make it a perfect inspiration for the setting of Wolves and Men: Willow’s Bend, a wildlife refuge teeming with life and mystery. 

Keep Breathing by Ingrid Michaelson

Have you ever felt like you had the breath knocked right out of you? Like the bottom just fell out of your entire world? This song is for you. It communicates the way you feel when dealing with the aftermath of the thing you never saw coming. It is for the blindsided. The stunned. When this world is too much, this song reminds you to...well, keep breathing. As tragedy is a central theme in Wolves and Men, the protagonist experienced the dazed/stunned/collapsed concept that I think is portrayed in this song. 

Into The Wild- Live by LP

This is perhaps one of the most dynamic songs I’ve ever heard, and was such a treasure during the final stages of writing my novel. I don’t even think I can summon words to describe it...it is just too much. It evokes so much energy, so many emotions and images... You simply must go find it and listen for yourself!

...

What songs inspire you artistically?

What do you think of the songs/artists I mentioned above? 

Sneak Peek at Chapter Two

Below you’ll find a never-before-read excerpt from Chapter Two of Wolves and Men. Enjoy! 

(Pictures are not part of the book, but merely added for your enjoyment.)

...

It was five o’clock in the morning when I put on a cup of coffee. The sun wouldn’t be rising for at least two more hours, but here I was listening to the percolator and the light rain that hit the dining room windows. I laid the blank journal out on the table and turned to the first page. The blue ink painted the page in what I intended to be a bold, confident scrawl. I dated the entry at the top and then began writing below.

Had another one of those dreams. The face underwater with the light shining through and lighting it up in fractured lines and glowing prisms. It was a boy, maybe. Probably. A face I’ve never seen before. Not sure why he's following me or what this means. It wasn’t Gavin, at least not Gavin when I met him. Could it have been Gavin as a little boy? Today I intend to be better, to go places, to do things, and leave these dreams behind. 

I signed my name at the bottom and closed the journal with a sense of accomplishment. I poured my cup of coffee and ate my breakfast. Then I just sat there staring out the window and listening to the soft melody of rain pat-patting against the windows ahead of me. I took in that sound and the beauty of the rich reds, browns, and evergreens that stood before me like a very large, very elaborate painting created just for my enjoyment. And I suddenly had a good feeling about this whole refuge thing. I had a good feeling about Willow’s Bend. 

...

In the next week, the book’s cover will be designed by the talented Jesse Owen at www.10am.org. You can check out his website to see the kind of work he does and get a glimpse as to why we are so blessed to have this artist on board! He just arrived from a mission trip in Africa where he was busy pushing back darkness. Praise God! 

Also, we are looking forward to an early Fall release date, TBA soon! Things are really gathering up speed around here and we couldn’t be more excited. My husband and I are so blessed to be working with our indie publisher, Bee Creative, Inc., and look forward to so many exciting things in the near future! 

Did you know that you can follow   http://www.pinterest.com/natashawittman/pins-inspired-by-wolves-and-men-the-novel/  where there is a Wolves and Men board of pins? Yes! I often add to this board, pinning as inspired by the novel. Go check it out- I know you'll love it. :)

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What do you think of the excerpt? 

Have you ever had a recurring dream and wondered why? 

The Wolves and Men Playlist

Songs that Inspired the Writing Process of Wolves and Men, the Novel

(This is the first in a series of five.)

          I’ve decided to let you in on a little secret about my novel writing process. You should know up front that I probably broke a LOT of rules, not only in my writing process for this book, but in my journey to becoming a writer as well. I suppose this comes down to the fact that I don’t view writing as a science, but an art. And a lot in art, I think, is instinctive rather than something that should be broken down into a numerated series of steps in a “correct” method. With that said, I know I have a lot to learn about writing! But there is my philosophy. 

          And so I give you the songs that accompanied me through oh-so many drafts of this novel. 

          Not only did I occasionally write while listening to these songs, but I often cleaned house, drove around town, worked out, cooked, painted on canvas, and did a myriad of other things while listening to my “Wolves and Men” music. That is, a large part of my writing process involved copious amounts of time...mulling. And this music drove my mulling, keeping me in the scenes and in the heads of the characters.

          Here are the first five from my list:

Be Brave by The Strange Boys. 

• This song is the heartbeat of the Prologue, which was one of the first scenes written in the book, and is present in what is very nearly its first draft! Considering how much every other chapter and scene morphed throughout the editing and rewriting processes, I think I’ll always be amazed by that. It echoes the “strangeness” that are my personal childhood memories, and kind of lends a lightheartedness to the gravity of that scene. 

And Then You by Greg Laswell

• His entire album, Three Flights to Alto Nido, I think, is just generally incredible. It speaks on heartache, love, and introspection. These are themes that contribute a lot to the early chapters of Charlotte’s story. I only kept this one song on my trimmed-down playlist of 26 songs, though the original had somewhere around 40 songs, and I'm sure there were days when I listened to the Alto Nido album straight through more than once. It is a great album to play on overcast and rainy days, when you just feel like pondering. 

Are You Here by Corinne Bailey Rae

• Again, there is much to be said about her entire album, The Sea. The album came out shortly after the tragic death of Rae’s husband, and certainly reflects a great deal of nostalgia and loss. Considering the mysterious grieving aspect and elusive haunting of my main character in the early chapters, I think it is appropriate. After all, the song accurately reflects the longing and lostness of a woman in grief. 

 So Cold by The Dodos

• I love the sheer energy of this song. It inspired both the early jogging scenes (and again, that sense of emotional...lostness) as well as the later more intense running scenes in the book. Just listening to it makes me want to both weep and get moving! 

Paper Aeroplane by Angus and Julia Stone

• This song influenced the walking scenes and Corner Store scene on the refuge. To me, it is also reminiscent of Oklahoma ghost towns and people you might meet in Dollar Stores in dusty Oklahoma corners. It reflects a sort of “drabness” and mediocrity, but is also uplifting in its lyrics, with a call to connecting and a longing to reach out to others. 

           Be on the watch for the rest of the posts on this series. I can't help but listen to these songs and be transported back to the setting of Wolves and Men. I hope you enjoy the songs, and the novel (COMING SOON), as much as I have. 

Do you play music while you read or write? If so, what do you recommend? 

Are there any artists that particularly remind you of your home state or your childhood?

What do you think of the artists/songs I've mentioned?