Upcoming Video Chat–Let’s Talk!

March 5, 2013

 

Writing Contemporary Humor For Young Adult & Middle Grade

Lately we’ve been hearing agents and editors ask for contemporary young adult (romantic comedies in particular) as well as funny books for middle grade. I have a six-book contract with Disney-Hyperion to write all contemporary humor. I have lots of thoughts about this subject, so…let’s chat about it!

I’m holding a free online video chat on Monday, March 18th from 5:30-6:30 PST. It’s an interactive discussion on writing contemporary humor. I’ll share my insights on how I approach my teen comedies compared to my humorous middle grade series. And I’d love to hear what you like (and don’t like) in humorous books for kids.

This won’t be Skype—it’s a new video chat technology I’m using thanks to my lovely agent, Jill Corcoran. She is using it for her online workshops with editors and agents over at A Path To Publishing. (She has an AMAZING lineup of speakers…go check it out!)

Jill likes to refer to it as “Skype on Steroids!” (I love that description.) It’s also true—I will be able to toggle between talking to you WITH MY FACE, to my computer screen where I can share Powerpoint slides, videos, anything! And everyone will get the chance to ask questions all along the way.

So…details! —->

The first twenty people who sign up will receive an email 30-60 minutes before the start time. Just a couple of clicks and you’re IN—it’s amazingly easy. If I get more than twenty, that’s ok, go ahead and put your name in since some people may have to drop out.

In the comments section, leave me your name and email address and any questions you have.

LET’S CHAT!!!

Twitt
  • Carlywrites

    Carly Hilios
    carlywrites@gmail.com

    • R Mellom

      Thanks, Carly!

  • Michael Gettel-Gilmartin

    Michael Gettel-Gilmartin
    gilmartin_michael@yahoo.com

    • R Mellom

      Thanks, Michael!

  • Selena

    Hi Robin – Great idea! I just came across Jill’s classes last night via Twitter, which also look great! I’m working on a contemporary MG humor manuscript so this feels like such a find. Thanks!
    Selena Spain, selena_spain@yahoo.com

    • R Mellom

      Thanks, Selena. Excited to hear you’re working on MG!

  • Andrea Mack

    This sounds great!
    Andrea Mack
    Mack.andreaL@gmail.com

    • R Mellom

      Thanks, Andrea!

  • Katie Carroll

    Sounds like a great chat.
    Katie Carroll
    ktlc1113(at)aol(dot)com

    • R Mellom

      Awesome. Thanks, Katie!

  • http://twitter.com/LawrenceTabak L.J. Tabak

    Lawrence Tabak
    LTMadison-at-aol-dot com

    Funniest YA ever? MG? (not counting Ditched et al)

    How risque can you go with upper MG humor?

    • R Mellom

      Thanks, Lawrence! Let’s definitely talk about upper MG.

  • Dave

    Dave Wright
    dbikmar at bell dot net

    How well does absurdity work in MG?

    • R Mellom

      Thanks, Dave! Good question–let’s talk about absurdity, for sure!

  • Jenmalone1

    Jennifer Malone
    jenmalone1@comcast.net

    Can’t wait for this!

    • R Mellom

      Great! Thanks, Jennifer

  • Marianne

    Marianne Knowles
    mpknowles85 gmail com
    I might be a few minutes late logging in, will be coming from a meeting.

    • R Mellom

      No problem, Marianne. Thanks!

  • Katie Carroll

    Okay, adding in my question.

    How do you feel about potty humor, especially in MG?

    • R Mellom

      We’ll definitely chat about potty humor! (Fun!)

  • Cathi Otyson

    Cathi O’Tyson
    cathi.otyson@earthlink.net

    There’s only 17 comments ahead of me so I think I’m in! Thanks, Robin, for doing this!

    • R Mellom

      Yes, you’re in. Thanks, Cathi!

  • http://marshasmusing.blogspot.com/ Marsha Sigman

    Count me in!
    Marsha Sigman
    marshasigman@msn.com

    • R Mellom

      Great. Thanks, Marsha!!

  • Deanna Romito

    This sounds great!

    Dee Romito
    deanna(at)teachersidea(dot)com

    • R Mellom

      Thanks, Dee. See you then!!

  • Jbeemills

    Did I make it in time? I can’t tell.

    Julia Miller
    jbeemills@hotmail.com
    @jbeemills on Twitter

    • R Mellom

      Yes, you’re in! Thanks, Julia!!

  • http://twitter.com/Froze8 K8 케이트

    Kate
    kate_reads(at)yahoo.com

    Sounds like a blast!

    • R Mellom

      Thanks, Kate! See you then!

      • http://twitter.com/Froze8 K8 케이트

        Yay! So glad I made it!

  • Marilee Haynes

    In case there’s still room for me – yes, please!!
    Marilee
    marileehaynes(at)hotmail.com

    • R Mellom

      Yep, still room. See you then. Thanks, Marilee!

  • Kristen Evey

    Oh my gosh, yes yes yes! Am I too late?

    kristen[at]kristenevey[dot]com

    Question: do I need to have video capabilities too?

    • R Mellom

      Still room for YOU. Woohoo! Thanks, Kristen!

    • R Mellom

      Just saw your question! Yes, you’ll need a computer that has a camera. A laptop or iPad will work, too.

      • Kristen Evey

        Okay, thank you! I will borrow one if I have to. :) Woo! So excited!

  • Laurie Young

    Laurie Young
    lolielynn@gmail.com

    • Laurie Young

      This sounds awesome and relates directly to what I am writing. Hope I made the cut! LY

      • R Mellom

        Yes, Laurie, you’re in! See you then!!

  • http://twitter.com/TonettedelaLuna Tonette dela Luna

    I’m probably too late. Read this email at 0206 PST and it was an email sent via JILL CORCORAN BOOKS mailing list at 0130. I actually thought I’d have a shot and I see that I’m hours behind. :(

    Throwing it out there in case a spot opens.

    Tonette dela Luna
    tdelaluna@gmail.com

    I hope to learn from this opportunity to help my MG Adventure and YA Thriller. I love comic relief, when used well.

    Thank you!

    Cheers,

    Tonette

    • R Mellom

      You’re not too late–you’re in!! Thanks, Tonette.

  • Jel43

    OMGosh… how exciting! I just saw this opportunity on Jill Corcoran’s email at 8:30 CST. Let me know if you have any openings… even last minute if a spot opens. I am adding your blog to my favorite’s list and will check you each day. Now, I’m off to Amazon to buy Ditched.

    Joni Possin
    jel43@new.rr.com

    • R Mellom

      There’s still an opening! See you then, Joni!!

  • Angela Padron

    Angela Padron, angela@angelapadron.com
    Thanks for this opportunity! I’d like to know just his far to take romance in a middle grade novel, words as well as kissing/sex scenes for that age group.

    • Angela Padron

      I hope there’s still room – if not please put me on the waiting list. (And I thought you were asking for questions to be answered during the chat so I posted one)

    • R Mellom

      You’re in, Angela! And, yes, let’s definitely chat about romance in middle grade.

  • Jmcsween

    Judy McSweeney
    jmcsween@san.org
    Yes! Thank you for this forum! MG Boy humor is my sweet spot. Congrats on the mega-contract!

    • R Mellom

      Thanks, Judy! And MG humor for boys is a favorite of mine as well!!

  • R Mellom

    I now have room for ONE MORE PERSON!!!

  • Cynthia Hawthorne

    Cynthia Hawthorne
    chawthor@san.org
    May I have the last spot please? :)

    • R Mellom

      Yes, Cynthia–you get the last spot! Woohoo!

      • Cynthia Hawthorne

        Thank you. I’m looking forward to it. :)

  • Alwayslisa

    Lisa Schroeder
    alwayslisa@gmail.com

    Looks like someone else got the last spot, and that’s fine. Put me on the waiting list. :)

    • R Mellom

      Awesome, Lisa! I plan on sending an email out the day before to see if anyone can’t make it. So you’ll be #1 on the waiting list. Yay!! :)

  • R Mellom

    The chat is now FULL. But add your name to be on the waiting list. I plan to send an email out the day before to see if anyone is unable to attend. If so, I’ll contact you to join us!

    Thanks, everyone, for your amazing response. I LOVE talking about this topic so it’ll be a blast. :)

  • Ronald Fischman

    You had no idea you were this popular! I’m following you on Twitter and I’m looking for a “follow” button here.

    Ron Fischman
    cantorron@aol.com

  • Wendy Kitts

    Wendy Kitts info@wendykitts.ca
    would like to be on the chat if a spot opens, thanks!

    • R Mellom

      I’ll put your name on the waiting list and email you if a spot opens up. Thanks, Wendy!!

  • http://twitter.com/Ghenet Ghenet Myrthil

    I’d like to add my name to the waiting list. :) Thanks!
    ghenetwrites (at) gmail (dot) com

    • R Mellom

      Absolutely! I’ll email you if a spot opens up. Thanks, Ghenet!!

  • http://bookechoes.com/ Connie B. Dowell

    I’d like to be on the waiting list as well, though it looks like you’ll have more than enough folks to fill the seats even if some drop.

    cgbdowell (at) gmail (dot) com

    • R Mellom

      I’ll put you on the waiting list. Thanks, Connie!!

  • Jennifer Jabaley

    I’d love to be added to the waiting list :)
    jabaleyjennifer at yahoo dot com

    • R Mellom

      Hi, Jennifer!! I’ll certainly put you on the waiting list. Thanks!!!

  • Kevin Springer

    With the retweet last night, is there a chance for a second date for this? It appears to be full already and it looks like a great topic.

    Either way, let me know if a spot becomes available.
    ekspringer (at) yahoo (dot) com

    Thank you!

    P.S. Jill is great, met her at Southern Breeze SpringMingle a couple weeks ago

    • R Mellom

      Thanks, Kevin! I’ll put you on the waiting list. There has been such a great response I may have to consider doing another one! Follow me (or Jill) on twitter/FB and you’ll see any announcement.

  • Marti Johnson

    Please add me to the list incase you set a second date. martijohnson@comcast.net

  • Guest

    Hi, please add me to the waiting list. Also, what is the name of the webinar company?
    Thanks!

  • http://ramonasiddoway.com/ Ramona

    Please add me to your waiting list as well. Thanks! rbsiddoway@yahoo.com

  • shelley

    I’ve finished up my current romantic/comedy YA. I’d love to hear you before I send it out.
    Thanks,
    Shelley
    existing47@aol.com
    425-350-0635
    34-28-34
    (okay, the last is a slight exaggeration>)

  • http://www.facebook.com/claudiaharrington1 Claudia Harrington

    Please add me too, Robin!

    Claudia

    Claudiascbwi@verizon.net

  • http://www.facebook.com/jill.corcoran Jill Corcoran

    Here’s what I am thinking, gang. We can schedule a bunch of these but for the future ones, and maybe even for this first one, the ‘cost’ of the chat will be that you must purchase DITCHED and THE CLASSROOM. I can give you a link to purchase it from THE FLYING PIG indie for 20% off list… double bonus since you would be supporting a fab indie bookstore. What’cha all think?

    • jonipossin

      I think that’s a great idea! I bought both after I signed up, but haven’t read them yet. I’m going to make an end table out of all my unread books.

  • Shelley

    ME, me, me!
    Shelley
    existing47@aol.com

  • http://twitter.com/13Boomers Kevin Springer

    Kevin Springer ekspringer@yahoo.com. I missed the first one and hope to be a part of this one. Fingers crossed…

  • http://twitter.com/janaya75 Jeanmarie Anaya

    Please add me to the waiting list!

    Jeanmarie Anaya
    janaya75@hotmail.com

    Thank you so much!

  • About Robin

    The first book in my middle grade series, THE CLASSROOM: The Epic Documentary of a Not-Yet Epic Kid, is now available from Disney-Hyperion. It's a mockumentary of life in seventh grade...oh, the awkwardness.

    And my teen novel, DITCHED: A Love Story, is about a 16-year old girl who has one of those nights she'll always remember (and a prom she wants to forget). Check out the Teen Books section for an excerpt!

    ~
    Find me on Instagram!

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