Relaunch and Redesign

Since we have all these new ladies as part of Tangled and it's officially summer, we're starting fresh on July 1 with a brand new look, some new faces, and some surprises.

We're all very excited and we hope that you are too!!

See you then.

This Message is Brought to You by: Newbie, Asja!

Hi All! It's exciting to join Tangled with so many amazing women. I can't wait to add my voice to the awesome that is already cooking here!

Below you'll find some strangeness about me and a candid photo at the end (sometimes I wear glasses and jump on couches. No biggie).




If you could be any item on Mexican restaurant menu, what would you be and why? 

A quesadilla. Because you can put anything in it and as long as it has cheese, it’s awesome. Mmm…cheese…

If you were an item of clothing what would you be and why? 

Well, I’m Asja-skirt, so there’s that. But that’s an inside joke. So really, I’d probably be a crazy vintage headband. Because I’m not for everyone, but I’m really awesome.

When's your birthday? 

January 26^th

What quote inspires you most? 

There are a ton of quotes out there that speak to me, but I’ll just choose this writerly one:

Life’s not a paragraph And death i think is no parenthesis –e e cummings

What's a pet peeve you have? 

People who refuse to learn how to pronounce my name and yet interact with me on a daily basis. I’m really approachable and would rather you ask me a million times how to say it than have you call me, “Asia”. I’m not a continent and I will embarrass you and call you out on it. It also kills me when people ask me if I’m sure that’s how I spell/pronounce my own name.

*On that note, a short lesson on the pronunciation of my four-letter name: Asja, phonetically looks like US-YA. "Us", as in you and me. "Ya", like how Germans say "yes". Two syllables :)

Something about you that no one would know just by looking at you? 

I’m left-handed.

And she wears a tutu

Who's your favorite princess and why? 

The Swan Princess, Odette. Not the movie princess, but rather the princess in the ballet Swan Lake. It’s my absolute favorite ballet. I know the story (and most of its variations) very well, love the music, love the choreography, and I tear up at the end, every single time I get the opportunity to see the ballet. I’ve been lucky enough to dance in the ballet too, so it has a special place in my heart.

Why do you want to write within the YA genre? 

Because who wants to grow up?

Which YA book character are you most like? Explain. 

Tally Youngblood from the Uglies series. She’s extremely intelligent, totally flawed, and a really strong female character.

Plotter or Pantser? 

I wish I were a plotter. I imagine that there’s so much comfort in knowing what in the world is going on whilst writing. Generally, I create characters and then put them in a strange situation. Then I imagine what I want them to do and they invariably do something completely different. When I try to control my writing environment, it lashes out at me. My creativity craves a certain amount of freedom.

What do you like to do when you get stuck while writing to help work through it? 

Dance. It’s my first love and going to a class, being silent, and just listening with my body helps to clear out that annoying voice that tends to be what gets in the way of my writing. A lot of my writing has a cadence that comes from movement, so letting the writing come out through my body helps whenever I get stuck. That and eavesdropping on the subway (people say the weirdest things out loud and in public).

I may have multiples running around Central Park.
Photo by Ernesto Mancebo

Was there a specific book you read that inspired you to start writing? 

Really it’s an author that started my writing: Christopher Pike. When everyone was reading Goosebumps and Animorphs, I was reading Pike books (because my older sister had shelves full of them). I wrote a little before I started reading him, but I remember starting a mini-series in elementary school called “The Killer” based entirely off Christopher Pike’s book The Starlight Crystal. I had an amazing teacher (Mr. Smith) who would set aside time in class and let me read my latest installment of “The Killer” to my classmates. That’s what started it all.

What is your single most favorite thing (feel free to be as vague as you like) about your current WIP? 

Now that I’m out of graduate school: there is no pressure to write a certain way/form. It’s quite freeing.

What book from childhood do you most wish you had written? What book from the past year? 

From my childhood: I wish I had written Ella Enchanted. Before it became a lackluster movie, it was the best Cinderella story and all sorts of magic in it. Ella was a strong female character who learned how to say “no” in the best way. I love it. From the past year? That’s a harder question. I’ve been devouring books left and right, especially since I recently lugged over 30 books home from BEA. Right now, I had the privilege of reading an ARC of fellow left-handed author, V.E. Schwab’s Vicious and I envy-love her ability to give me a protagonist that’s a villain in his own right.

Two truths and one lie about yourself.

-I'm a vegan.

I was trying to get away from something...
Top of the couch was the obvious answer.

-When I was in elementary school I frequently wore neon colored/floral printed biker shorts

-I have an obsessive-compulsive tick that compels me to eat in evens.



And that's my nerdy self. I look forward to regaling you all with just the right amount of snark and sarcasm :)










                                                                               

Get to know Brianna!

Hey!  I'm Bri!  I'm pretty excited to join the team here at Tangled!

If you could be any item on Mexican restaurant menu, what would you be and why? 

I’m not too familiar with Mexican restaurant menus, thanks to a husband with non-exotic taste buds, but I’m going to say fajitas...because we both get a kick out of pronouncing the ‘j’ when we shouldn't.

If you were an item of clothing what would you be and why? 

Yoga pants. Enough said.  

When's your birthday? 

January 2nd.

What quote inspires you most? 

I actually have a whole Pinterest board full of quotes that inspire me, each in different situations. Looking back at it now, I’m not sure I could pick just one.

What's a pet peeve you have? 

I have a really hard time with mismatched utensils at a dinner table.

Something about you that no one would know just by looking at you? 

I’m a quiet observer. Most people immediately take that as being shy or just plain rude ;)  

Who's your favorite princess and why?  

Princess Leia because she’s snarky, stands up for what she believes in, and she’s a revolutionary leader.

Why do you want to write within the YA genre? 

I like writing within the YA genre for the same reason I like reading it- because of all the new experiences that seem so much more powerful and emotional at that age when you’re still figuring out who you are. Plus, I like the throwback of remembering how I felt at that age, especially falling in love.

Which YA book character are you most like? Explain. 

Hm. The first character who popped into my head was Hermione Granger. I feed on factual information and reading in general, have quite the attitude, and our hair matches (think poofy hair from the first movie). Oh, and we share a thing for redheads.

Plotter or Pantser? 

I’m a bit of both. My first manuscript took me almost two years to write and was started on a whim with no idea whatsoever of conflict, goals, or potential direction. It wasn't until I loosely outlined things that I really had a good writing streak. Now I try to start with a very rough outline, just so I have a basic idea of where things are going, but also have the freedom to fly by the seat of my pants. Some days I just try to outline what I want to write that day. Rarely turns out the way I thought it would on paper, but that outlining gets the gears well oiled and working properly.

What do you like to do when you get stuck while writing to help work through it? 

The dishes. For whatever silly reason, my mind is able to wander freely while handwashing dishes and that missing piece just clicks into place. It gets a little messy when I drop dishes into the soapy water during my epiphany and I get a bit irritated when my husband recommends doing the dishes, but hey, it works.  

Was there a specific book you read that inspired you to start writing? 

I've always loved writing, even when I was very young. As an adult, though, there were three big series that really pushed me to want to write: Twilight, Harry Potter, and The Mortal Instruments.

What is your single most favorite thing (feel free to be as vague as you like) about your current WIP? 

For my contemporary WIP, my favorite thing is probably the fact that the two characters are standing up against something most teens just idly let happen- bullying.

What book from childhood do you most wish you had written? What book from the past year? 

I wish I had written Two Crazy Pigs, which was the book I learned to read from. Being that reading is such a big part of my life, it has sentimental value to me. A book from the past year that I wish I had written is Prodigy by Marie Lu. She did such a fantastic job with alternating POV between two characters that I’m completely envious of her skills!

Two truths and one lie about yourself.

I’m obsessed with post-it notes. I have an irrational fear of aliens. My hair is black.

Hi! I'm Lisa

Hey there. I'm super excited to be joining the girls on this blog :O)  I've answered some interview questions below. Feel free to guess which is my lie at the bottom.

If you could be any item on Mexican restaurant menu, what would you be and why? 

Cheese dip. Because I’m pretty sure even the lactose intolerant would love that if they could eat it.

If you were an item of clothing what would you be and why? 

A really great hat. Like maybe one of those crazy ones the Royals wear, because 1) no one would sweat or step on you and 2) you’d get to do some serious people watching.

Seriously. Who wouldn't want to be this?

When's your birthday? 

September 1^st. I’m a Virgo! I love lists!

What quote inspires you most? 

“All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence you know.”

--Ernest Hemmingway

Because it’s true. You don’t have to write a book. You just have to write one sentence. And then, when you can, you write one more.

What's a pet peeve you have? 

I hate when people drive slowly in the speed lane. (I’m looking at you Ohio.) I mean, I might have a itty-bitty little problem with liking to drive a wee bit over the speed limit, but the speed limit is more of a recommendation, isn’t it?.

This was the first car I bought myself. It was my baby before I had babies. Did I mention I like to drive fast?  

Something about you that no one would know just by looking at you? 

I LOVE rock. Punk, metal, anything driving with screaming guitars. My favorite feeling ever is that thrumming feel from the sheer volume of the bass at a concert.

Who's your favorite princess and why? 

I love Rapunzel. I think it’s the frying pan. Maybe it’s the little lizard.

Maybe it's Flynn

Why do you want to write within the YA genre? 

I originally started writing by trying adult romance, but those stories tended to bore me after a while. There’s something about the teen years that really intrigues me. Teens feel so totally grown up. They know they’re adults. They can see that independent person they’re about to become just there, right out of reach. And there are these roadblocks called parents in the way. There’s something about that age—all the possibilities and the limitations—that I find really interesting and compelling.

It’s not at all because I was terrible at being a teenager and want a do over. Really. It’s not. Promise.

Which YA book character are you most like? Explain. 

I don’t think I’m really like any YA characters that I’ve read. I don’t think I’d want to read a book about me—that would be too familiar and…boring. (Fuzzy-haired girl is awkward at band practice… total snooze fest.) What I love about reading is that you get to experience someone else’s life.

Yeah. I know it’s a copout. Sue me :O)

Plotter or Pantser? 

Plotter. Virgo, remember?

What do you like to do when you get stuck while writing to help work through it? 

I keep writing. Usually I open up a new file and just start typing. Usually, it’s a bunch of word vomit, but something about the physicality of composing usually will rattle an idea or two lose. If that doesn’t work, I take a shower. Something about having no way to write something down usually inspires great ideas.

Was there a specific book you read that inspired you to start writing? 

There wasn’t really any specific book. It was more the situation I was in.

I’d only ever really written stuffy academic stuff. I liked it and was pretty good at it (three articles! No one will ever read them!). But then I moved to Alabama and didn’t know a soul and didn’t have a teaching career (like I’d expected to have) and I needed something to fill my days.

I’d never thought about writing fiction, because when you spend your days reading Great Literature, you feel a little inferior. (Or maybe that’s just me.) Plus, so much of that is almost poetry, and I am no poet. But toward the end of my PhD program, I had some extra time on my hands and I started reading YA and Romance, and I realized that there are amazing books built around wonderful characters and page-turning plots. Compelling books that made you feel all satisfied and happy, instead of unbearably depressed.

That’s the kind of writing I wanted to try…So I did. And apparently it worked! *throws confetti*

What is your single most favorite thing (feel free to be as vague as you like) about your current WIP? 

My single favorite thing about my current WIP is the main character that I’m playing with right now. She’s starting to come into focus, and the more I see, the harder it looks like she’s going to be to capture in a way that won’t turn readers off. But I do love me a challenge.

What book from childhood do you most wish you had written? What book from the past year? 

I don’t have one from my childhood, but I’d have to say the book from the last year that I wish I’d thought of is ANOTHER LITTLE PIECE by Kate Kayrus Quinn. It has this really fantastic twist and is amazingly creepy. I loved it.

Two truths and one lie about yourself.

I lived in Italy for a while.

I love dogs.

I am not a nature girl.

So there you have it! 

Hi from Emma! :)

Hi everyone! I'm Emma, and I'm thrilled to be part of the Tangled team! Like Kimberly and Crystal, I've answered the interview questions below! :)


If you could be any item on Mexican restaurant menu, what would you be and why? 

A burrito, because they have so much awesomeness in them!

If you were an item of clothing what would you be and why? 

I always struggle with this question…I tend to wear clothes that are quite dark and unobtrusive, which says a lot about my personality! But I guess black is also kinda cool? A black trench coat, then. :)

When's your birthday? 

10th September

What quote inspires you most? 

Hmm…I like inspirational quotes, but I’m terrible at remembering them!

What's a pet peeve you have? 

Love triangles. I’ve just read far too many books where a love triangle is put in as an unnecessary plot device.

Something about you that no one would know just by looking at you? 

That I've been skydiving. It was amazing!

Who's your favorite princess and why? 

Belle, because she gets to live in a castle with a HUGE library! :D

Why do you want to write within the YA genre? 

I love the YA voice. It’s fresh, emotional, and not jaded by experience. Young adult fiction captures those pivotal moments in your life, when you’re discovering who you are. Mostly, I want to read and write books that excite me, because I want to be excited by life, and not approach it as a cynical adult!

Which YA book character are you most like? Explain. 

Uh…I used to be a lot like Hermione from Harry Potter when I was in school – a workaholic and grade-obsessed! (Funny, I wrote this before I saw that Kimberly had also put Hermione! I guess she’s a popular choice!)

Plotter or Pantser? 

A bit of both. I planned my first novel in intense detail, which all went out the window as soon as I started writing it. I tend to write an outline with key moments, break it into chapters, then adapt it as I go along and the characters take over.

What do you like to do when you get stuck while writing to help work through it? 

I go for a long walk and think about what’s bothering me (generally plot issues).This usually works!

Was there a specific book you read that inspired you to start writing? 

Not that I remember – I’ve just always written, and I’ve always been an avid reader, too.

What is your single most favorite thing (feel free to be as vague as you like) about your current WIP? 

The demons (*evil laugh*).

What book from childhood do you most wish you had written? What book from the past year? 

I’m going to have to be obvious and say the Harry Potter series!

Recently, The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. It was like she took everything I loved in a book and made something perfect out of it!

Two truths and one lie about yourself.

I have a cat

I’m a vegetarian

I have a younger brother

Hola! I'm Kimberly

Hola, everyone. My name is Kimberly and (like Chrystal) I'm super excited to be joining the Tangled girls. Below you'll find the answers to my interview questions, complete with a mortifying photo of me from 1997 (Pay attention not to the blue cast on my dislocated wrist, but to my fabulous orange kicks -- wish I still had those). Disfruta! (Enjoy)

If you could be any item on a Mexican restaurant menu, what would you be and why?   

Guacamole. I'm not an outstanding cook, but if there's one thing I make that rocks, it's Guac. (Oh, that nearly rhymed). The key is garlic. People rave about my guacamole. It's an ego boost.

If you were an item of clothing what would you be and why?  

I would be my pair of orange Vans sneakers from high school. They were loud and vinyl and memorable. 

When's your birthday?   

April 14th

What quote inspires you most? 

“The first draft of anything is sh&t.” -Ernest Hemingway

What's a pet peeve you have?  

My writing pet peeve is when the models on book covers look nothing like the character described in the book. In one book I read, the main character was described as having long, wavy auburn hair and the model on the book cover was clearly a blonde. This drove me nuts for the entire story.

A non-writing pet peeve I have is when people talking during concerts. I went to a Tori Amos concert and the guy behind me was talking during Tori's performances. I couldn't concentrate on her songs. Instead, I was listening to this annoying man's commentary. So, I turned around and yelled at him. (And I'm not confrontational by nature). I mean, who talks when Tori's playing? Who does that?

Something about you that no one would know just by looking at you? 

I went to bartending school when I was in college. I spent two weeks learning how to mix drinks and the only one I can remember now is a vodka and club.

Who's your favorite princess and why?  

Ariel from The Little Mermaid. I love the songs from the movie. Plus, Prince Eric is a total hottie.

Why do you want to write within the YA genre?  

I love YA. I only read YA and I only want to read YA. I mean, I'll read an adult book but not very often. There's something gutsy about YA literature and the authors who write it. I want to be a part of it -- of all of it.

Which YA book character are you most like? Explain.  

I'd like to think I'm similar to Hermione from Harry Potter. She's smart, and she secretly craves adventure. Sounds about right.

Plotter or Pantser?  

I am a plotter. I have two small kids. They want my attention all the time for things like eating and surviving and stuff. I have a small window in which to work so I have to outline, otherwise I waste time. Turns out, when I plan accordingly, I write quicker and finish sooner.

What do you like to do when you get stuck while writing to help work through it?  

I solve a lot of my writing problems when I'm driving. Something about being away from my computer and just focusing on the road helps clear my mind and fix those plot bunnies.

Was there a specific book you read that inspired you to start writing?  

I've been writing my whole life, so I can't name one particular book that inspired me to write. But authors like Holly Black and Maggie Stiefvater inspire my writing because they are such talented women.

What is your single most favorite thing (feel free to be as vague as you like) about your current WIP? 

My setting. The story takes place in Key West, Florida. Two years ago, I went there on vacation and writing my novel is the only way I can get back there without actually having to fly there.

What book from childhood do you most wish you had written? What book from the past year?  

My favorite childhood books are The Moffats series by Eleanor Estes. I actually didn't start reading them until I was in my early teens and my mom brought them home from the library because she had read them as a kid. I love the sweet, old-timey Americana to them. I wish I had written them. Currently, I wish I had written The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater. I'd do anything to be so clever.

Two truths and one lie about yourself.

I have a two-year-old sister-in-law.

I've been to Spain four times.

My favorite band is The Afghan Whigs.

Hello from Chrystal

 

I suppose I'll jump right in and say Hi! I'm Chrystal.

I'm so excited to be joining the girls here at Tangled! I've even filled out an interview for you to get to know me a little. So, feel free to read it and try to guess which one is the lie in my last question!

If you could be any item on Mexican restaurant menu, what would you be and why? Does Taco Bell count as Mexican? If so, a doritos locos taco because they are amazing and the reason I will go to Taco Bell.

 

If you were an item of clothing what would you be and why? A scarf, I think, because I love cold weather and only want to venture out of my house in the winter/fall.

 

When's your birthday?  February 11th

 

What quote inspires you most? It’s not so much inspirational, but I love the quote, "She is too fond of books and it has turned her brain," because…well, I’m a bit crazy/odd.

 

What's a pet peeve you have? It has nothing to do with writing, but I can’t stand it when people ask when you’re going to have a baby (or have another or aren’t you done yet, etc…). I don't think people realize the weight that can be behind those questions.

 

Something about you that no one would know just by looking at you? I love tattoos. I have two that are hidden most of the time, but I’d love more. I really want one on my wrist if I ever get another!

 

Who's your favorite princess and why? Belle because it wasn’t love at first sight for her. No, he's hot! BAM. I love him.

 

Why do you want to write within the YA genre? I am a sucker for romance and my favorite is that first love the characters go through in the YA genre.

 

Which YA book character are you most like? Explain. This might sound weird because I’m picking a guy, but probably Peeta because I’m not really a fighter and I love baking.

 

Plotter or Pantser? Pantser. I don't really plan anything...in writing or life.

 

What do you like to do when you get stuck while writing to help work through it? Take a break. Maybe work on something else. Look through Pinterest for pictures that have the vibe of my wip. Listen to music.

 

Was there a specific book you read that inspired you to start writing? No. I’ve always loved reading, but my twin sister is the one who inspired me to get serious about writing.

 

What is your single most favorite thing (feel free to be as vague as you like) about your current WIP? My main character is adopted.

 

What book from childhood do you most wish you had written? What book from the past year? From my childhood, The Giver. It's one of my favorite books ever. From the past year…maybe, Shatter Me. I loved Tahereh Mafi’s style of writing.

 

Two truths and one lie about yourself.

-I’ve tried octopus.

-My parent’s didn’t know I was going to be born until I was.

-I have an outie belly button.

 

And there you have it! That's me summed up in a few questions. I look forward to posting and sharing with everyone. For now, I'll stick with the Dr. Who theme and leave you with a gif of the Doctor dancing to show my excitement. Plus, it's a pretty accurate depiction of me if I ever tried to dance.

And now you know why I don't dance!