J A N E T I L I T Y

Members of the publishing community have stepped up in support of the families of Sandy Hook, CT by donating their services to an online auction at Publishing Hearts Connecticut (http://pubheartsconn.blogspot.com). Since the agency where Caitlen works has recently opened submissions to young adult and middle grade fiction, Caitlen will be offering a full manuscript critique for a YA or MG novel, with a minimum of two pages of notes. To bid on this, or any of the other wonderful publishing industry services, go to the Publishing Hearts Connecticut site.

Caitlen’s auction ends today, 12/21 at midnight!

Caitlen (Rubino-Bradway) will be signing copies of ORDINARY MAGIC  (and distributing her stash of Charms Lollipops) on Saturday, Oct 27th from noon to 5 PM at Level Up Entertainment in the Hamilton Mall, Mays Landing, NJ.

The NY Comic Con is here, and despite me living in NYC for some time now, this is the first year that I’ve actually attended.  Which, now that I’ve gone, makes me rather regretful.  This thing is so much fun.

It’s also long and exhausting and hungry, so bring snacks and don’t think that the shoes you wore to your friend’s wedding last month that held up really well are going to stand the test of Comic Con because they are not.  Trail mix and comfortable shoes — write it down.  Also a sweater or jacket, cause the Javits Center is a bit drafty in some areas.

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Author and literary agent, Caitlen Rubino-Bradway will be signing copies of  her middle grade fantasy novel,”Ordinary Magic” at Bogart’s Books and Cafe on Friday, August 17 from 6-8 PM. Synopsis from Amazon:

 ”In Abby’s world, magic isn’t anything special: it’s a part of everyday life. So when Abby learns that she has zero magical abilities, she’s branded an “Ord”—ordinary, bad luck, and quite possibly a danger to society. The outlook for kids like Abby isn’t bright. Many are cast out by their families, while others are sold to treasure hunters (ordinary kids are impervious to spells and enchantments). Luckily for Abby, her family enrolls her in a school that teaches ordinary kids how to get around in a magical world. But with treasure-hunting kidnappers and carnivorous goblins lurking around every corner, Abby’s biggest problem may not be learning how to be ordinary—it’s whether or not she’s going to survive the school year!”

Bring your questions about the inner workings of a literary agency, changes in the publishing industry and what NOT to do if you want to get published.

Bogart’s Books and Cafe

210 N. High Street

Millville, NJ

(856) 327-3714

Caitlen has been able to squeeze three more local dates into her Ordinary Magic tour.

When: Friday, July 27 @ 4 PM

What:  Caitlen will discuss her middle grade fantasy, Ordinary Magic, and writing for publication.

Where: Ocean City Free Public Library,  17^th Street and Simpson Avenue, Ocean City, NJ

When:  Saturday, August 4^th  11 AM – 1 PM

What:   Caitlen will be signing copies of Ordinary Magic.

Where: Sun Rose Words and Music, 756 Asbury Avenue, Ocean City, NJ

When:   Friday, August 17^th @ 7 PM

What:    Discussion and book signing for Ordinary Magic

Where:  Bogart’s Book Store and Café, 210 N. High Street, Millville, NJ

The Avalon Free Public Library, Avalon (“Cooler By A Mile!”) NJ will be our host on June 28th, for a lecture and book signing. We will be giving a talk on converting Jane Austen’s Lady Susan to Lady Vernon and Her Daughter, and on writing for publication. There will be plenty of time for Q&A, and as an added benefit, Caitlen will be bringing a small stock of her newly-released middle grade fantasy Ordinary Magic to the signing.

The event is free and open to the public.

Where and When: Avalon Free Public Library, 235  32nd Street, Avalon, NJ  08202  -  Thursday June, 28 @ 7 PM

And check the library’s web site for their roster of summer events, workshops and classes http://www.avalonfreelibrary.org/

This past Tuesday — it doesn’t have an official name, does it?  Like ‘Memorial Day Tuesday’? — I braved the 90+ degree weather with my friend, Claire, to speak to her freshman English classes at Towson High School about my book, Ordinary Magic, and the writing process.  Have I mentioned that I get gut-churningly nervous speaking in public?

It went really, well, though.  The kids were bright and enthusiastic and asked a lot of questions, especially after their teacher reminded them that Participation was a large part of their grade.  The questions were a lot of fun, too, ranging from “When did you start writing?” “What’s your favorite/least favorite book?” to “Do you play Call of Duty?” and “How do you get to Greenpoint on the NYC subways?”

Artist's representation of me at Towson High School

I will say it was unexpectedly exhausting to talk to four classes in six-ish hours, and I am now so completely impressed with professional high school teachers, and have no idea how they do this every day for most of the year.  I feel rather like the first time I went ice skating, and then watched the Winter Olympics, because holy cow I had no idea how slippery and ‘ahhh! *crash*’-ing that ice stuff was.  Teaching classes is like that.  It’s like ice skating with your brain.

So I just want to say a big Thank You to my friend Claire and the Towson High School, as well as all the kids who were so awesome that day.  And, kid in the pink Texas shirt — since you asked, if I ever sell the movie rights, you will be the first to know.

But I will, anyway. On May 8th, Ordinary Magic, by Caitlen Rubino-Bradway will be released. From Amazon’s book description: “In Abby’s world, magic isn’t anything special: it’s a part of everyday life. So when Abby learns that she has zero magical abilities, she’s branded an “Ord”—ordinary, bad luck, and quite possibly a danger to society. The outlook for kids like Abby isn’t bright. Many are cast out by their families, while others are sold to treasure hunters (ordinary kids are impervious to spells and enchantments). Luckily for Abby, her family enrolls her in a school that teaches ordinary kids how to get around in a magical world. But with treasure-hunting kidnappers and carnivorous goblins lurking around every corner, Abby’s biggest problem may not be learning how to be ordinary—it’s whether or not she’s going to survive the school year!”

And what is the book blogiverse saying?

“I definitely recommend this must read book for those who love magical adventures and stories with a twist.”  Ms. Book Queen

“… the author has crafted an allegory that successfully lampoons mindless prejudices...” Kirkus

“…a very frank look at bigotry for a middle grade level…Ordinary Magic was a fun, engaging read.”  The Book Evangelist

“This is a fantastic book and I was totally enchanted by it.”  Books Your Kids Will Love

“Abby, as a truly “normal” heroine is easy to identify with. Unfinished business suggests a sequel in store.” Publishers Weekly

“Caitlen weaves the issue of Ord inequality to be parallels of racism, class systems and ableism.”   Write the Word

“Not only does [Ordinary Magic] twist many of the genre’s convents, but it is filled with well-developed characters and relationships.”  Page in Training

I love, love, love how Caitlen Rubino handled her story. Harry Potter had a very magical sense in the story. Ordinary Magic does to, but also attacks issues, such as prejudice…” Hippies, Beauty and Books, Oh My!

“I LOVE THIS BOOK!”  Yearning To Read

[Ordinary Magic] is just plain fun to read in every way, and that includes fabulous magical action scenes, intense excitement – and simple charm, which it has in spades…This is my very favorite MG fantasy discovery in a very long time.” Stephanie Burgis, Author

Caitlen’s book has finally been given a title! Ordinary Magic, to be released by Bloomsbury Kids in May 2012. Bloomsbury calls Caitlen “a delightful new voice in middle grade fiction.” Ordinary Magic is the tale of Abby, born into a world where everyone has magical abilities, and where those who possess none – like Abby – “are bad luck, and quite possibly a danger to society. The outlook for an ‘Ord’ (an Ordinary) isn’t bright. Many are cast out by their families, while others are sold to treasure hunters (ords are impervious to spells and enchantments).” Abby is one of the more fortunate ones who are sent to a special school to negotiate a magical world with their particular unmagical “disability” – and to avoid being prey of the kidnappers, carnivores and goblins ready to prey upon the Ords.