Some exciting news: my Wattpad novel, HEARTS & MINDS, is a Watty Award winner in the Literary Fiction category! The announcement was made December 4, so I’m a little late in getting this up on the website, but hey! Better late than really late. Right?

What are the Wattys, you ask? What even is Wattpad? It’s a social storytelling platform where aspiring writers post bits of stories, novels, fan fiction, and more at about 1,500 to 2,000 words per post. My chapters are often broken into two or three posts. It’s made for reading on your phone or tablet, and some Wattpadders even draft directly on the app. I prefer to compose my pieces on a trusty laptop or desktop, using Scrivener or Word (Google docs will also do), then copy/pasting and formatting to Wattpad. Many of the writers are young—some even in middle school—and they add a lot of extras like GIFs, banners, inspo playlists, etc. So far, I have kept my posts pretty distraction free—I simply don’t have the headspace/time for all that, although I find it quite impressive. I would like to get a playlist up, however, and have one saved in my notes. Someday.

The goal of posting creative work on Wattpad is of course exposure for our writing, and to find like-minded, friendly people who love storytelling and reading. A few Wattpad stories (they all seem to be called stories, no matter the length) have been turned into “real” books, films, and streaming series. Have you heard of The Kissing Booth? After? Light as a Feather? They all started as Wattpad stories. (Yes, the Young Adult genre seems to rule!)

Anyway, winning a Watty is such a bright spot in a year that has sucked big time. Can I boast a little? Okay, here goes: I read on the Wattpad Insta that there were nearly 40,000 entries for this year's Watty Awards. The platform serves Padders from all over the world; thus, some awards are for stories in different languages such as French, Spanish, and Russian. In English, there were 60 winners in various categories. In my category, Literary Fiction, there were five winners in all.

The Watty has definitely brought more traffic to my story—more readers are commenting and voting on each post, both of which are essential Wattpad community activities. Because of the win, I am now a Wattpad Star. I’m not entirely sure what that means, to be honest. I have many documents to read regarding what it entails. In my next update, I’ll let you know what I’ve learned.

If you would like to read HEARTS & MINDS (it’s free, for now), you’ll need a Wattpad account, also free. You can be as anonymous as you’d like—pick a username that reflects your interests or aspirations. Does it help that Margaret Atwood is a Wattpadder? Oh, Wattpad is Canadian. So is Margaret! It all comes to together.

If you do check out my book and/or Wattpad, let me know what you think either in the comments here, on Wattpad, or via my contact page. One more thing: my Wattpad username is @OliviaBoler. Thanks!

Dear Internet Void,
I don't post here all that often anymore. The best way to keep in touch with me is via Instagram @OliviaBolerBooks or on my Facebook page. Still, I thought it makes sense to check in.

So...pandemic! It’s been 25 days since the mayor of San Francisco announced the shelter-in-place order of March 17. It’s been nine months since I posted to this blog. All to note that time has passed and things have changed more than the usual. Case in point: there’s Before COVID-19 (BC-19), During COVID-19 (DC-19), and soon, we hope, After COVID-19 (AC-19).

BC-19, I had been working at the bookstore, studying hard for the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSETs), and trying to parent my kids to the best of my ability. Why the CSETs? Back in December 2019, I was accepted into a teaching credential internship program here in San Francisco. It’s been pretty rigorous, and we haven’t even begun the main event: a summer intensive where we observe master teachers and learn pedagogy eight hours a day for two months. At the end of that we, hopefully, have a permanent teaching job and are responsible for our very own students. Yay!

The CSETs themselves are highly specialized—I’m preparing to be an elementary school teacher, so I’ll take the multiple subjects tests—and there’s a chance I won’t pass the first time. I really don’t like standardized tests for several reasons (they’re stressful, I’m not very good at them, I feel not ready), so the past few months—not fun.

Then along came COVID-19!

My personal DC-19 journey is pretty typical. It's family time all the time. My husband works from home in the living room—usually he’s at an office across the city. He claims to possibly be ADHD, but if he is then I definitely am. I’ve always had a problem with BIC (butt in chair) and I thought from his self-description he would too, but man, he can sit for the longest time concentrating on the task at hand. It’s inspiring.

My children are getting used to distance learning and not exercising enough because they usually go to swim practice every day. Since I homeschooled my daughter last year, the current situation isn't a huge shock to our system, but both kids are disappointed not to finish out the school year with their teachers and friends in a traditional way.

Me? I continue studying for the CSETs. My first of three subtests was scheduled in late March and was of course canceled. The second one is supposed to be later this month, but it will probably also be canceled. The last one—the hardest for me, math and science—is in early May, so it might still go forward. We’ll see if the SIP is lifted after May 3.

I’m also doing some freelance writing and editing, and my bookstore job hasn’t gone away entirely. The owner actually made the call to close the shop a few days before the SIP order—her intuition about this whole situation has been really on point—and we employees do a few things from home. I help with social media, marketing, (non-) events, so there are emails to send and such. Oh, and if you want to support an independent bookstore with purchases during the SIP, go to Folio's Bookshop.org site.

The whole situation has been surreal. Now it’s just real. Alarming for so many reasons big (the rapid, widespread death and sickness; hate crimes against Asians; the highjacked presidential election) and smaller (fewer and fewer places to go, long lines at the grocery stores, suspended city bus lines, running out of supplies like TP or contact lenses, worrying about my aged parents and relatives). San Francisco is quieter. On the positive side, skies are clearer. Water is clearer. Air is clearer. I enjoy having my family at home—the kids have been hanging out more together—but I do wonder what sort of culture shock we’ll go through once the curve has been flattened. We’ve got a routine going—work, walks, reading, TV. It’s rather nice if we weren’t so worried about our finances, the health of the global community, the future in general.

Another bright spot, sort of: I’m posting regularly to Wattpad, and will be done with the novel Hearts & Minds soon. I haven’t had many interested readers. I see how they read the first two postings then lose interest, which is probably a sign I need to rewrite the beginning. But I’ve come to terms with being a journeyman writer, not a superstar. That’s okay for my one life.

Being a superstar isn’t important. Being useful is. Which is why I’m training to be a public-school teacher. If you can, be useful.

I hope you are doing all right wherever you are. As I sign off on my emails these days, stay safe, healthy, and sane.

Earlier this week, I went to my first Meetup. If you don’t know, Meetup is a website/app that’s part community-building, part networking. I learned about it at an orientation for jobs in Tech. But that's another story.
This Meetup was for local children's book writers. It seems like most members are aspiring and/or self-publishing. They meet monthly at Charlie's Corner, a very sweet San Francisco children’s bookshop.
​The store is amazing for littles. There are hidey-holes for cozying up with a book or for imaginary play, toadstools seats, a reading tree. They do story times every day three to four times a day, plus special French and Spanish story times, and even a musical story time. If you're going browse or buy, you might want to avoid story time, since the shop is jam-packed with strollers, caregivers, and toddlers. Anyway it's a really enchanting place that carries books just for kids, from picture books to YA.
This particular meeting was for those interested in self-publishing children's books. The two guest speakers were Catherine Starr, the children's librarian at the Noe Valley branch library; and Katharine and Charlotte of Charlie’s Corner. Charlotte is the owner (the “Charlie”) and Katharine is the shop’s seasoned book buyer. All three gave us the scoop on what it takes to get self-published books into libraries and bookstores. They limited their advice to San Francisco Public Library (“a big, urban library system,” Starr said) and Charlie’s Corner, a specialty indie bookstore.

​So, what does it take for indie authors to get into libraries and bookshops? Here’s what the experts had to say. 

• This might come as a surprise but it’s really difficult to get self-published books into SFPL! 
• Why? Most self-published books seem like they “haven’t done baking yet.” That is to say they aren't finished, and they've been rushed to completion.
• 90 percent of self-published books are not up to the standards for stores and libraries.
• Flaws in self-published books seen over and over include lots of typos; quick, undeveloped resolutions to stories; and ideas that either aren’t original or that don’t offer a fresh, unique, or unusual approach to an old idea. (Because, really, how many new ideas are there?) In other words, these books aren’t very good, and they don’t stand out for the right reasons.

Okay, you might be saying. My self-published children's book doesn’t have any of these problems. It’s in the 10 percent of awesomeness. What can I do?

• SFPL only works with a set of approved book distributors/middlemen/vendors. These include Baker & Taylor, Children's Plus, Ingram, and Brodart. If you want to try to get your book into the system, best to have it distributed through one of these guys.
• You can send your book to the SFPL children’s collection coordinator, Carla Kozak (if you want her contact info, message me), but her standards are super-duper high. Like, diamonds and rubies high.
• At Charlie's Corner, self-published authors are more likely to have their books accepted because of our old friend Guilt. In fact, they prefer to be mailed a book and not meet you in person, the better to reject you. It’s the meeting-you-in-person that will induce them to carry your book, because you are a nice person (right?), and they are sensitive, kindly souls. Ruthlessly exploit this to your advantage, Game-of-Thrones style! 
• Charlie’s Corner uses Ingram. They also buy books directly from the author. They don't work on consignment. If you like that route, the bookstore down the street, Folio Books, sometimes takes books on consignment from local authors.

What are librarians and booksellers looking for? Where are the holes in children's literature? 
See, even if you are self-published, you might have a way in if you’ve written a book they want. American kid lit needs more diverse characters, and stories about underrepresented cultures and holidays. If you’ve penned a STEM book, especially nonfiction for younger elementary level readers, then you’re at an advantage.
Here’s another note: Charlie’s Corner says they don't receive many self-publish middle grade books, so that might be an opening. As a side note, Katharine laments that there are some great standalone middle grade reads, but so many publishers are pushing for series. If you have a terrific standalone MG novel, you just might rise to the top of the heap.
If all this seems discouraging, I’ll leave you with this recent J.K. Rowling Tweet: “Do not ever quit out of fear of rejection.”
Don't give up. Keep creating. Just because someone rejects your book doesn't mean you shouldn't be doing what you love. The more you write the better you’ll get. Those 10,000 hours are only going to make you a better writer. Don’t listen to the naysayers. Keep going.

Today's post is a stop on a blog tour for a new picture book, Giant the Lion: The Lion Who Could Swim (Giant Lion Publishing, May 2016), by Artemisa Gutierrez Laurence, illustrated by Izzy Bean. Thanks to Artemisa for visiting my website! I'll be giving away a copy of the book—see the Rafflecopter below.

Give us your elevator pitch—briefly, what is your book about?
It's a touching tale of a lion cub named Giant who wants nothing more than to swim. With light-hearted dialogue and colorful illustrations, Giant the Lion is gentle inspiration for every child with dreams of greatness. Giant is going to learn to swim, and he is a little nervous. Good thing he has good friends to cheer him on. Giant becomes the fastest swimmer, good enough to compete in an upcoming swim competition on the lake. Whether water-shy or raring to go, young readers will find much to relate to as Giant experiences a childhood first, and what it means to never give up.
 
What makes this book amazing?
This book is amazing because of its message of learning to always try your best and not to give up. The book is beautifully illustrated and shows how a lion cub learns how to swim with the help of his friends. He soon discovers his love of swimming and will enter a swim competition on the lake.
 
Why did you want to write this book?
I wrote this book because I felt that children needed to learn that we all get intimidated to try something new, but with help from a parent, teacher, or friend we can learn to overcome our fears.
 
What’s your area of expertise?
I feel that one of my callings and expertise is to teach children how to swim. After teaching children how to swim for over 25 years, I discovered that was one of my purposes and gifts to share with others.
 
Who will want to read your book?
Children, who like to swim or want to learn how to swim, will want to read my book. The book features animals that are all loveable characters and will help inspire children.
  
If you ‘re self-published, what made you decide to take that path?
I decided to go the self-publishing path because I wanted to find an illustrator that would bring my book and vision to life.
 
What’s the best thing about publishing?
The best thing about publishing is experiencing your vision of your book come to life, and having great response from your audience is a rewarding feeling.
 
What’s the hardest thing about publishing?
The hardest thing about publishing is making sure that your book conveys the message that you want to share to your audience.  Every detail is important and it is up to you to include it all in your vision and book.
 
What are you working on now and when will readers be able to get their hands on it?
I am currently working on another book in the Giant the Lion series and hope to have it available next year.
 
Any secrets of success you’d like to share with our reading audience?
The secret of success is to always try your best, never give up, and have perseverance for what you want to achieve in life.
 
Anything else you’d like to add—promotions, upcoming events, words of wisdom, etc.?
Never give up on a dream. Find a way to make your dreams happen, even if it takes a while to achieve.  We all have a purpose and talents to share with the world. You never know whom you will inspire.

You can find Artemisa on Twitter @LionGiant. Her website is under construction, but the book is available for purchase at Amazon. In the meantime, I'm giving away a copy to one lucky reader via Rafflecopter!

In my last post, I wrote about the writing retreat/momcation I took at the end of March at Costanoa Lodge, an eco adventure resort in Pescadero, CA. Following is the second half of that post. Ta da!

My tent bungalow had real glass windows and a lock on the flimsy door, but anyone who really wants to could tear right through the white tarp walls. Because this is glamping, I trusted in my fellow campers being people of high moral values. I was not disappointed—but I was also lucky.
A week later, some friends stayed at Costanoa, and their car was burgled. It didn't happen on the property but at one of the nearby beaches. Lesson learned: Always be careful. Maybe it’s the city gal in me, but I’m obsessive about hiding any objects a burglar might consider fair game, even if it’s an empty lunch bag.
When I’d leave the bungalow, even just to use the comfort station (aka bathroom, which was pretty nice with a dry sauna—no I didn't try it), I’d lock my door. After all, my precious laptop and electric kettle were in there! And if I went out for a few hours, I'd first shut all the curtains.
I went to Costanoa with a goal in mind: to finish another round of edits on a novel manuscript, which involved a lot of new writing for the ending. And I did it! With that task accomplished, I had the time, energy, and inspiration to work on another project that’s been back burnered—the second installment of a chapter book series.
It’s kind of astonishing, actually, how much writing I got done—a bit in the morning, some in the afternoon, and into the evening. That would not have happened at home. Maybe an hour a day if I was lucky, even without my family around, just because of life's pesky distractions.
Slave to a schedule? No way. I took plenty of breaks, including a couple of hikes, one in the dunes to a nearby beach, and the other around Whitehouse Canyon and Ohlone Ridge, which are on the resort's property. I even encountered a young mountain lion, a true “holy shite!” moment I’ll never forget. Sadly, I did not snap a picture—I was too focused on not getting eaten by it. I did turn on my Alabama Shakes, wave my arms, and hoot and holler to "scare" it off.
For food, I brought a cooler with breakfast fixings and bought a few things from the General Store (more gift shop than grocery) and the market in town. I drove to my favorite Pescadero restaurant, Duarte’s Tavern, for their signature mix of Cream of Artichoke and Green Chile Soup. I also tried out Costanoa's restaurant, the Cascade Bar & Grill, treating myself to a cheeseburger and champagne. This was post–mountain lion, so I really deserved it.
Did I do any reading? You bet I did. And yes, I also binge-watched season one of Jane the Virgin (so good!), staying up into the wee hours. It’s okay though because I could sleep in!
Whenever I started to tire of whatever it was I was doing, I’d ask myself, what do I want right now? To eat? Read? Write? Go for a walk? And then I’d answer honestly and do that thing without putting something before it—some chore or errand or excuse.
Now I’m like Soul II Soul—back to life, back to reality, with all of its priorities and distractions. Yet I got a lot out of my three nights away—more focused on my writing goals. More present for my family. And definitely all around rejuvenated. 

In San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area, you'll find pop-ups everywhere. Pop-up art galleries, pop-up restaurants, pop-up book clubs. You'll also find community exchanges, part of the sharing movement. One of my favorites is a couple of newspaper dispensers near the local Whole Foods that have been converted into book swaps or little free libraries. Leave a book, take a book. One box is for children's literature, the other for adults. I've found a gem now and then, and have dropped off some donations myself on occasion.
A couple of days ago, my friend Jeremy sent me a photo of a box—not sure where it was, but he lives in the East Bay, so maybe there. Guess what was inside?
Yup.
Part of me is proud and another part is slightly...miffed. Like, seriously, You? You, whoever you are who had a copy of my book, didn't want to keep it? Needed to make room for something different, something better? Seeing my book in a giveaway/discard pile is not the same as discovering someone reading it on the bus (I have yet to experience that fizzy little moment of jelly).
It's true, I've cleared out books myself, à la the life-changing magic of tidying up. A lot of books. Books that friends gave me, with the philosophy that they needed to be shared, that those books weren't living their lives, so to speak, gathering dust on my shelves. So, I know it's OK, and even excellent that someone chose to share my book rather than chuck it in a recycling bin. But it's also slightly, mortifyingly disappointing, in the way it is when a friend will say, "Oh, I gave my copy of your book to so-and-so." I always want to say, "Great! Thanks for getting it into the hands of more readers. But how about buy so-and-so a copy of my book instead?" But that would be ungrateful and bitchy. Because that's not the sharing movement 'tude. Every now and then, though, there is someone who is a follower of the support-Olivia-so-she-can-up-her-sales-figures-and-become-a-bestseller-and-make-a-real-living-as-an-author-and-put-food-on-the-table-through-her-creative-writing movement. I get that that is not a movement with legs. I've come to terms with that.
Mostly. Not entirely. Clearly, or I wouldn't be writing this, would I?