Stacey R. Campbell's Blog

Well the last of the Lakeview novels is written. Finishing is bittersweet.
 An end of a YA era. 
Breathe will be the first in the series told from Halle and North’s point of view and takes place entirely in Tamura right before Blakely and Max’s wedding. 
Writing in  first person has been both exciting and challenging. It has been great practice for what’s coming next and I can’t wait to give fans of the Lakeview Series a story that allows an in depth picture of what these two characters are thinking.
That being said, and as I hinted above, I am thrilled to announce that my next project is already in the works. A new middle grade book about a TV talent competition seen through the eyes of an emotionless Alien race trying to take over the planet.  
It feels  incredible to be writing again. It is like a piece of my soul has been put back into place.
Look for Breathe later this summer. Updates on release dates to come.
Happy Reading- S

Wow, I cant believe it is time to start blogging again.

As you may have guessed, due to my lack of communication, I have taken some much needed time off.

We moved, had a couple of kids come back home then leave again and basically started a whole new life adventure in the far off distant land called “The City.”

Sounds silly. I know. But when you’ve been living in a small town for the last twenty plus years, as we have, being around so many new things is somewhat overwhelming.

People are everywhere. I know no one when I walk into the grocery store. The local post office has no idea what my name is when I venture in to buy stamps. Traffic lights dont start blinking at 6:00pm. And there is a little thing called “take out” that absolutely ROCKs. Seriously, how did I live the last twenty years without it.

Needless to say, I am glad to report that city life is suiting us well and I am FINALY back at my desk.

Insert a ridiculous picture of me doing an absurd happy dance.

Getting back to story telling has been a bit of a struggle, but for Christmas I gave myself a Masterclass. The course is taught by James Patterson, who is great, and it has brought me back into my chair. I highly recommend this online class to anyone who is thinking about putting pen to paper.

Can’t wait to show you what’s next!

Stay tuned.

Happy Reading – S

 

Some people gain knowledge when they open a book.

Others absorb information by observation.

Yet everyone can learn through play.

Here in Seattle at the University of Washington, we have a top ranked College of Education.

I am a new board member. I still can’t believe it. The honor thrills me because I get to be involved in how our teachers are taught to teach and how these amazing individuals can inspire our children, get communities involved and make sure that everyone who goes to school has an equal chance at success.

It is thrilling to see, especially as a dyslexic adult, author and passionate literacy advocate who struggled in school.

On November 3rd from 3-5 pm at the Pacific Science Center’s Boeing Imax Theater there will be several 5 minute / 1 image talks on “Play” from the faculty, scientists and community members.

Instead of TED talks we call them EDU Talks.

The best part? There will be wine and great people to discuss it all with afterwards. Please join me!

Happy Reading –S

 

Packing a lunch.

I haven’t done this for three years and now I finally get to again.

 

Researching quotes for lunch bag love notes.

Occasionally, I even make up a few, which is always good for a laugh.

 

Finding my jellybean jar empty.

This is much better for my waistline. I’ve already lost 5 pounds.

 

School events.

I swear everywhere you look you can find some sort of plot line.

 

Multiple sets of shoes by the front door.

Granted we have two puppies, so the number of shoes left out is dwindling.

 

Hearing “Mom, where are you? School got out 5 minutes ago. Were you writing again? Do I need to set an alarm?”

 

Extra laundry.

I know this one sounds like I’m sick in the head, but I actually love folding more then just my husbands big shirts.

 

Setting more then two spots at the dining room table.

 

Good night kisses.

 

Hugs in the morning from arms that look just like mine.

 

Do you have a list?

 

Happy Reading- S

Warning:

This is a self-edited post by a dyslexic author who believes that anything is possible… except spelling and proper punctuation without an editor.

 

 

Halle has come home! (Think Scream, a Lakeview Novel, book 3)

Some parents cheer when their children finally head off to school.

We did not.

Our daughters left home too soon.

Living in a small town we could not compete with what boarding school could give them, the opportunities, the education, the travel.

So off they went, black flats and knee high socks in hand, at the tender age of 13.

The school they attended inspired my first book series.

Our eldest two girls now attend the universities they’ve dreamed about since grade school.

They are happy independent young women who make us proud each and everyday.

But recently our lives changed a bit.

We moved, twice, switched jobs and now live in a city.

Best of all, however, our youngest daughter came back home to finish her last two years of high school.

It was a hard decision for her to make. She loved where she was at school, but an unbelievable educational opportunity opened up for her at our new home.

Being the new kid, at new school, in a new town is never fun. I may have to start writing a YA series now about kids who attend a day school. – gasp

If you are an author, there is nothing better than visiting and working with the children that you write for.

Their energy is contagious, a better “pick-me-up” than coffee.

Even with my broken shoulder.

Although, I think the sling made me look kind of cool.

And isn’t that one of the rules of engaging students?

Look like you have a story to tell.

The answers I received to the questions I asked were truly inspiring.

There is no end to the imagination of children.

We should all stop and listen to them more often.

Since we were discussing writing and Sock Monster, I asked them what monster they would choose for a new story. Book Monster, Class Room Monster and even the dreaded Lunchbox Monster where three of the most popular.

I might have to write one or two of them.

 Keep on Reading – S

Have you ever tried using your less dominate arm for everyday things?

I personally try to avoid it.

Typing is slow, hair brushing impossible, and eating, well… really not that pretty.

Unfortunately, I have been forced to give this a go.

I got into a bit of a ski accident.

But, like everything else in my life… I’m going to use it as plot line.

Firstly though, I need to thank the Whistler ski patrol.

If you are going to get hurt, there is no better place.

You see, I fell in a rather precarious spot, six turns after dropping into a shoot on a double black diamond run called West Cirque.

According to my friends, I rolled about 100 meters and my humorous was torn from its socket and bulged out my back.

Gross. Right?  I’m glad I couldn’t really see it.

Once I stopped rolling we got my arm slung and tied to my body, my skis back on, and by the time we made it to the side of the run the ski patrol was waiting.

Three minutes later an emergency room doctor joined us carrying a tank of laughing gas.

Ten minutes after falling, my arm was popped back in and my shoulder, although sore and a bit worse for wear, was working.

All and all I’m feeling a bit blessed that my injuries where minor.

Can you see the story line forming now?

I always tell the kids in the classrooms I visit that the best stories come from real events.

I can’t wait to start typing with both hands again.

Happy Reading – S

Have you seen the new covers for Scream and Whisper?

They are incredible! I love that my publisher includes me in the process of creating covers for the books I write. We even rewrote several passages in both books taking out most of the swearing and cleaning up a couple of copy edits that went unnoticed in the first editions.

Here are a couple of images from the photo shoot I thought I’d share.

    

The models are sisters from LA. The one on the Whisper cover just got into MIT and will attend next fall, while the one on the Hush cover is a star athlete about to enter her 11th grade year.

What great roll models for the books!

Happy Reading- S

When I picked up my mail last week I received a large envelope. Inside was a copy of the Kirkus Reviews magazine, The Best Books of 2015 and The Best 100 Indie Books of the Year, Special Issue.

With anticipation, I turned the pages reading what they had to say about the year’s most promising reads. When I reached page 194 I smiled.  Sock Monster had made the cut.

I still haven’t received the coveted star review from Kirkus, but someday I will. It’s all about time at the keyboard. With hard work and determination anything is possible.

Happy Reading- S

 

P.S. – Here is last years copy in which Arrgh was mentioned!

 

Change seems to be my theme over these last several months.

I am sorry for not blogging sooner.

My family, husband and kids, have been through a lot recently.

Amongst other things, we sold our house. A place we built sixteen years ago. We’ve moved away from the small town we loved and where we raised our kids.

My husband sold his company.

We lost three beloved pets.

One to wanderlust (our turtle Todd went walkabout. I’m thinking he found a girl turtle and is raising a family somewhere in our old hedge. I might have to write a children’s book about him.)

Another to old age, peacefully passing at home.

And one to a tragic accident when we were out of town.

In a crazy effort to fill the void, we adopted two puppies. Their energy and razor sharp teeth are keeping us on our toes at all times.

Sadly, with everything going on, I haven’t been writing, but I’m going to change as well.

I have three new ideas. Two have been outlined. I might even stray from my usual kid friendly genre.

Writing is about life. Stephen King once said -98% of fiction is just non-fiction with a twist. It’s true. I am excited to see what comes from my keyboard next.

Happy Reading – S