General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsMy novel, THE UNWANTEDS, just hit the New York Times bestseller list
Last edited Thu Sep 20, 2012, 11:10 AM - Edit history (3)
It's a dystopian fantasy that Kirkus Reviews called "The Hunger Games meets Harry Potter," and it was inspired by cuts to the arts program at my children's public school six years ago. I remember saying to my kids, "I'm so sorry -- it kind of feels like you're being punished for being creative." And then, as we writers often do, I mused, "What if there really *was* a world where children were punished for being creative?"
My son, who was 12 at the time, said, "Not just punished--sent to their deaths!"
It gave me a chill, so I wrote it.
The second novel in the 7-book series just came out, and I'm absolutely shocked and delighted that this first book hit the NYT list. Some of you heard about it last year when I posted that the LA Times wrote a lovely review of the book.
Thank you so much for your support, DU friends! I can hardly stand to watch these programs get slashed in our schools (not to mention the teachers who are losing jobs in these areas). I'm glad to know the story resonated with so many people.
Raising a glass to people who care about the arts tonight, figuring I'd find the biggest concentration of them right here at DU. Cheers!
Edited to add a link to the series (per request): http://pages.simonandschuster.com/unwanteds/
The first book on Indiebound.org: http://www.indiebound.org/search/apachesolr_search?family_id_filter=2310210
The paperback on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Unwanteds-Lisa-McMann/dp/1442407697/ref=tmm_pap_title_0
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OneGrassRoot
(23,951 posts)
freshwest
(53,661 posts)
MotorCityMan
(1,203 posts)This 48 year old loved the Harry Potter books and the Hunger Games. Will definitely check out your book. You have some great reviews on Amazon, also. Your book sounds fascinating.
Then I can recommend it to my sister (who's not a big reader), who keeps telling me how I HAVE to read 50 Shades of Grey, lol.
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)I made it all the way to chapter 8 in 50 Shades before I couldn't stand it anymore. The premise is compelling, but the writing...oy! I couldn't go on.
So glad to see other 40-somethings enjoying books about children. I have many adult fans, so I've started saying the books are "about" teens rather than "for" teens -- they are definitely for all ages, and I spend most of my reading time enjoying books like these (with the occasional memoir or political book thrown in to mix things up).
Thanks for spreading the word!
skeewee08
(1,983 posts) Guy Whitey Corngood
(26,848 posts)
truedelphi
(32,324 posts)Wheezy -
[h2][font color=red]
CONGRATULATIONS!
[/h2][/font color=red]
Thanks for letting us all know.
Habibi
(3,605 posts) 
Summer Hathaway
(2,770 posts)
monmouth
(21,078 posts)
Sekhmets Daughter
(7,515 posts)Our very own JK Rowling!
kestrel91316
(51,666 posts)I recently got an essay published in a lit mag which made my day. Can't begin to imagine how excited and happy YOU must be!!!!!
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)That's exactly how I started about 10 years ago. Took me four years of writing shorts to give a novel a try, and I wrote two novels that didn't make it before the third one caught on. It's definitely a process with a lot of rejection! Keep going, Kestrel!
Spazito
(55,418 posts)Congrats!
Mother Of Four
(1,722 posts)
Just read the summary, I'm going to pick up one for my youngest girl. She's been wanting a new series to dig her teeth into and this sounds just up her alley.
bklyncowgirl
(7,960 posts)
marasinghe
(1,253 posts)Cheers
Jennicut
(25,415 posts)would love.
She loves The Hunger Games and Harry Potter. We watched both and are starting to read Harry Potter. She is a pretty mature 3rd grader and these sounds like her kind of books. And supporting a fellow Duer? What could be better!
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)Hope she enjoys it. And thank you!
lunasun
(21,646 posts)We still have music too and not many have it I know . It is sad what children are not learning now
calimary
(89,891 posts)EXCELLENT!!! Congratulations!!! Sounds like a most intriguing story!
Freedomofspeech
(4,789 posts)Congratulations...as a retired public school librarian, this makes me very happy!
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)and their jobs are just as vulnerable as the arts instructors. Thank you for changing children's lives. Someone just like you made a huge difference in mine. <3
goclark
(30,404 posts)Hope this is it, I just ordered it from Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/The-Unwanteds-Lisa-McMann/dp/1442407689
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)Enormous amounts of thanks!
Live and Learn
(12,769 posts)Can't wait to read it. Congratulations!
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)Voice for Peace
(13,141 posts)
WillyT
(72,631 posts) 
uppityperson
(116,015 posts)I'll go check it out.
JohnnyLib2
(11,332 posts)Congratulations.
Bernardo de La Paz
(60,320 posts)
Cleita
(75,480 posts)I'm always happy when a writer finds a publisher let alone hit the bestsellers list.
FailureToCommunicate
(14,597 posts)Seriously...congratulations!
I'll have my son check it out. He's just off to college -to study towards a political communication major. BUT, his back up plan is to become wealthy as a fiction writer..."like JK Rowling"
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)That's an awesome back up plan! 
Tikki
(15,127 posts)Congratulations on deserved success.
Tikki
Melissa G
(10,170 posts)What a great accomplishment!
WCGreen
(45,558 posts)Seriously, great stuff. It's good to see people living out their dream...
Telly Savalas
(9,841 posts)emilyg
(22,742 posts)
nolabear
(43,850 posts)slor
(5,504 posts)
ncgrits
(916 posts)magical thyme
(14,881 posts)That is so cool! I totally envy anybody who can manage to write an entire novel! And NYT Best Seller List!!! HOLY MOLY!!!!!!!
fishwax
(29,346 posts) 
graywarrior
(59,440 posts)
wendylaroux
(2,925 posts)That is awesome!! Very happy for you.
Daphne08
(3,058 posts)
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)
greatauntoftriplets
(178,941 posts) 
Greybnk48
(10,717 posts)I hope I can get it on my Nook. I loved Hunger Games and I've read Harry Potter through 3 times so I'm stoked! 
If I have to buy the actual book I'm ok with that--and congratulations to you!! Wow!
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)Great thanks!
tavalon
(27,985 posts)So, very understated.
Greybnk48
(10,717 posts)Again, congratulations.
You just cost me some money.
Wheezy
(1,763 posts) And thank you, wryter!Baitball Blogger
(52,283 posts)avebury
(11,196 posts)Even though it was written for middle grade it works for adults as well.
I will definitely have to check out the sequel.
Will there be a third book?
It is really exciting to learn that the author is a member of DU.
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)Yes, the third book will be out next year. I'm planning seven books in the series. So glad you liked it!
ProfessionalLeftist
(4,982 posts)And that it was inspired by the arts and your son makes it really great. There's some magic in that! Here's to the creativity in all of us:
Wonderful news!
Pithlet
(25,089 posts)I remember seeing your book on a list of recommendations recently. I thought it sounded great and I love the cover, too and added it to the list of future purchases. I didn't know at the time a DUer wrote it. How cool to buy another book and read it knowing the author is a DUer!
tavalon
(27,985 posts)I always buy Will Pitt's books and if Nance ever comes out with one, I will and well, it looks like I will be getting into middle school fantasy fiction!
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)Many thanks for the support -- that means a lot.
Fresh_Start
(11,365 posts)I am in awe of anyone who can write well.
aint_no_life_nowhere
(21,925 posts)
MercutioATC
(28,470 posts)
PatrynXX
(5,668 posts)to a kindle/nook. albeit like nook's fake page flipping better
Indpndnt
(2,391 posts)
I'm going to have to check that out! 
beac
(9,992 posts) Corgigal
(9,298 posts)I remember chatty to you about my daughter read an earlier book on a flight. Now you're a NYT best selling author, so cool. Nice to know I knew you when you were just a young-in. Enjoy
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)Gotta just keep on keeping on, right?
madrchsod
(58,162 posts)a well deserved ....
to you......
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)Thank you.
Go check out some of the reviews, they're amazing!
Cheers, Wheezy!
w8liftinglady
(23,278 posts)Wheezy
(1,763 posts)
FourScore
(9,704 posts)CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
kevinbgoode1
(166 posts)Total congratulations on this incredible accomplishment. And may your efforts bring more people an understanding of exposing children to the beautiful part of creative life!
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)
CherokeeDem
(3,736 posts)So excited for you! What a great accomplishment to have your book on the NYT list! What an excellent premise for a novel...can't wait to read it.
I'm currently editing the first draft of my first novel, a science fiction story, and about to embark on the path to publishing. It's wonderful and encouraging to hear of your success.
Best of luck with the series.
tavalon
(27,985 posts)
mopinko
(73,669 posts)you go.
WinkyDink
(51,311 posts)Here you are on DU and we get to say congratulations! Just awesome!
Third Doctor
(1,574 posts)Starry Messenger
(32,380 posts)I'm a high school art teacher. Nice work and congrats!
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)A little behind the scenes story, with drawings by my son (age 17 when he drew them):
http://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2012/09/16/you-dont-have-to-be-a-grownup-by-lisa-mcmann/
NEOhiodemocrat
(912 posts)Congratulations, I am sure you are thrilled.
alfredo
(60,289 posts)
myrna minx
(22,772 posts) 
NBachers
(19,420 posts)msanthrope
(37,549 posts)ErikJ
(6,335 posts)I have observed in my city that wherever artists go urban renewal soon follows. They are literally saving Americas cities. They go where the rent is very cheap in the inner city. They are soon followed by other like-minded spirits. Then very small businesses. Then more modern apts and condos the whole area undergoes urban renewal. Eventually the white collars who work downtown move in. They ride their bikes to work instead of commuting 40 miles from the burbs one way in their SUVS.
Yes, artists are saving cities--and the planet.
garthranzz
(1,330 posts)Not just congratulations - but well deserved, because I know how hard it is to just get something published.
I'm proud of and for you.
valerief
(53,235 posts) 
kimmylavin
(2,298 posts)Just bought it - can't wait to read it.
Been working my way through a lot of YA dystopia/utopia novels recently, so this should fit right in!
Congratulations again!
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)CoffeeCat
(24,411 posts)I just told my 12-year old daughter about this book. She's read seven books in the past two months. She's a voracious reader, and I will have to get this for her.
Congratulations. What an amazing accomplishment. I have a book or two inside of me, and your story is inspirational.
How wonderful for you and your family. It is hard to break into writing and it looks like you have broken through--and then some.
Terrific news!!
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)It's very exciting to be living my dream -- I gave up on it once, and didn't write for ten years. Glad I gave it another go.
I hope your daughter enjoys the book, CoffeeCat!
KoKo
(84,711 posts)Anything we can do to call attention to the cutting of Arts Programs is important.
And...that you got on NYT Best Seller ...well it can't get better than that!
Kudos!
classof56
(5,376 posts)NYT list. LA Times lovely review. Awesome! Let's see now--could Oprah 2.0 be in your future? Let us hope so!
Meanwhile, again, congrats and I look forward to reading your book. Plot sounds intriguing!
nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts)GeorgeGist
(25,570 posts)Cheers 2U.
kentuck
(115,391 posts)That is really cool !
Generic Other
(29,080 posts)I watched the Youtube trailer. Nice work!
Waiting For Everyman
(9,385 posts)As The Biden would say, that's a big effing deal!
rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)HiPointDem
(20,729 posts)hopefully a sign that the winds are changing...
RainDog
(28,784 posts)rurallib
(64,683 posts)Independent bookstores, B&N, Target, and lots of other places including online wherever books are sold.
AnnieBW
(12,701 posts)Sounds good!
outsideworld
(601 posts)WOOOHOOO... I may check it out if I start reading oneday
tavalon
(27,985 posts)I was a voracious reader before nursing school. For years, I claimed that it "ruint me" but of late, I've become voracious again (I read all 5 books of the Game of Thrones in one week - I do not recommend this).
loudsue
(14,087 posts)We have some of the smartest, most talented, and wonderful people on DU! And thank you for writing on this topic!
I can't wait to get your book!
MrMickeysMom
(20,453 posts)
riverbendviewgal
(4,396 posts)I will hunt it up to read If I can't find it before I head for London the end of the month, I will look for it there.
I have two beautiful stepgrandaughters who are very creative and intelligent.
Their mom did an excellent job bringing them up. The girls are encouraged to be creative and expand their imagination.
It really is worrisome when I read that some states are discouraging critical thinking.
Again, Congratulations. Great idea to write on.
Jessy169
(602 posts)I put your book on my reading list. Can't wait!
fearnobush
(3,960 posts)It's been some time since I posted on DU, in fact years. Your story of success, especially in the arts is inspiring. About five months ago I started writing a thriller, at first for a laugh for a group of friends. It's first adaptation was a short screen play and we did a reading, a pseudo play on a camping trip purely for fun. That initial reading inspired me to continue and, through there encouragement and persistent emails for updates, I am 400 pages in and nearing it's completion. I love the story and most of all, love writing it. It's great to hear you have made the best sellers list. if I choose to make a run at publishing I will remember this post and your inspiration whether I succeed or not.
Congrats
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)It's a tough business. I tried once before and gave up -- couldn't take the rejection. Then ten years ago decided I'd lived enough to try again. It takes persistence, and most authors have at least a couple "practice" novels sitting in a drawer somewhere (including me).
The hard part is finishing, and it looks like you are on your way. Congrats.
tavalon
(27,985 posts)but when a success or sadly, a failure happens with one of our "family" we are so supportive? I love that about DU.
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)
tavalon
(27,985 posts)fearnobush
(3,960 posts)Funny that you mention practice novels. I have one of those too.
Ilsa
(64,320 posts)
yellerpup
(12,263 posts)It sounds wonderful!
klook
(13,587 posts)If my very average public school education in the Deep South included arts, why on earth can't we afford arts education today?
abelenkpe
(9,933 posts)I'm going to buy it now. Sounds fantastic!
spanone
(141,470 posts)
ohheckyeah
(9,314 posts)ohheckyeah
(9,314 posts)I just sent a sample to my Kindle.
DFW
(60,130 posts)That's about all I have to say! One more pat on the back from Dallas and Düsseldorf!
cecilfirefox
(784 posts)
TuxedoKat
(3,843 posts)Congratulations! I'm going to buy both of them for my kids, and I will read them too. They sound really interesting.
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)
chill_wind
(13,514 posts)emsimon33
(3,128 posts)You make us proud!!!!!
renate
(13,776 posts)My daughter asked me to get the first one for her a few weeks ago and I had no idea it was by YOU!
I feel like I'm on that bit David Letterman used to do when he'd interview people who've met celebrities--"Brushes With Greatness."
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)is so encouraging! Thank you!
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)by everyone's support. I don't start very many threads -- I am one of those observers who has been here for years, commenting occasionally and just learning, learning, learning from many of the amazing posters who are now commenting in this thread.
Holy recs, Batman. This feels totally weird. I wish there was a like button so I could like every post here. Your support is making me tear up just a little (a lot). Thank you.
Let's bring back the arts in a big way.
tavalon
(27,985 posts)but from what I've read in the reviews (I do read so terribly fast, it's scary), you don't suck. You're really, really good. Yay!!! And yay for perseverance, otherwise we might never have gotten the chance to read your stuff!
qanda
(10,436 posts)Congratulations!
Panasonic
(2,921 posts)And a discount? (can't hurt to try!)
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)In fact, I just remembered you can read the first 100 pages free here: http://pages.simonandschuster.com/unwanteds/
And the kindle version is $5.99. http://www.amazon.com/The-Unwanteds-ebook/dp/B004INH9VI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1348152962&sr=1-1&keywords=the+unwanteds
AsahinaKimi
(20,776 posts)Congratulations!!
silvershadow
(10,336 posts)
life long demo
(1,113 posts)wishing you much success.
tavalon
(27,985 posts)So is the Unwanteds the second book in the seven book series? Just making sure I parse it correctly, since that way I'll know whether to buy one or two books. If it's the second book, what was the name of the first one?
Congratulations!
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)It hit the paperback NYT list.
Book 2, in hardcover, is called The Unwanteds: Island of Silence.
Thank you!
Vidar
(18,335 posts)Heidi
(58,846 posts) 
juajen
(8,515 posts)Music and Art were my favorite classes throughout grade school and high school. They bring obout wonderful dreams and wonderful friendships. Perhaps they should start cutting football and other sports. That makes more sense,
NightOwwl
(5,453 posts)Congratulations!
Raksha
(7,167 posts)
mfcorey1
(11,134 posts)
Kablooie
(19,103 posts)Iwillnevergiveup
(9,298 posts)I work with middle school age kids who aren't always the best readers. So will grab a few copies to inspire them as you've been inspired by dire school circumstances. You have a gift, and we all benefit - THANK YOU!
grahamhgreen
(15,741 posts)I'll buy one!
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)Here's the paperback of the first book on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Unwanteds-Lisa-McMann/dp/1442407697/ref=tmm_pap_title_0
secondwind
(16,903 posts)
Festivito
(13,878 posts)Yikes, and congratulations.
malaise
(295,699 posts)Congrats
Bigredhunk
(1,587 posts)Can't wait to read it, Lisa!
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)HappyMe
(20,277 posts)That's so exciting. Sounds like a really good story.
Again, congrats and continued success.
JNelson6563
(28,151 posts)*wild applause*
blm
(114,637 posts)Looking forward to meeting you when you get to this part of NC.
Waltons_Mtn
(345 posts)The Unwanteds, 5.99 on kindle. Island of Silence 9.99. I just finished the Hunger Games trilogy and was looking for my next book. Look forward to reading them both.
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)
LWolf
(46,179 posts)I've got some people who are looking forward to reading it.
mother earth
(6,002 posts)eaglesfanintn
(82 posts)I just bought it for my Kindle!
Blue_Tires
(57,596 posts)Wheezy
(1,763 posts)For me, the finishing is the easy part. It's the middle that is difficult.
It helps if you know how things are going to end. I always try to know that before I start writing, so I have something to aim for. But every writer does it differently. I wish you lots of luck!
Bluenorthwest
(45,319 posts)I'll read it for sure...my kind of story!
sinkingfeeling
(57,773 posts)WilliamPitt
(58,179 posts) PADemD
(4,482 posts)closeupready
(29,503 posts)K&R
mmonk
(52,589 posts)
DocMac
(1,628 posts)KansDem
(28,498 posts)I'll let you know how many copies we purchase!
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)allan01
(1,950 posts)huzza. huzza. good success the arts and sciences are the first to usualy suffer before sports in schools.
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)Sorry I didn't think to post this before! I wasn't expecting you all would want to check it out. 
http://pages.simonandschuster.com/unwanteds/
LoisB
(12,952 posts)
Lint Head
(15,064 posts)
harmonicon
(12,008 posts)It was public school arts programs that started my involvement with and love for music which I've followed ever since.
Liberalynn
(7,549 posts)Wow!
geardaddy
(25,392 posts) BeeBee
(1,079 posts)bread_and_roses
(6,335 posts)Odin2005
(53,521 posts) Suji to Seoul
(2,035 posts)Chinese trials of the Japanese that committed the Rape of Nanking.
And about 75% on the way of selling a second screenplay called "Into Loud Silence" about the 1871 Camp Grant Massacre in Arizona.
I know all about the work it goes into getting something successful and written. No one helps you, no one cares and alot of people try to convince you how much you suck and how much your work sucks.
You get 100 "no's" before you get a tepid "maybe" and then there's the bullshit of navigating with people who don't have the talent you have, but more power than you'll ever have (namely the executives).
Good job. I hope to join you soon on the writing success wagon. I feel it will be done by my birthday.
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)before I wrote the book that became my first published novel (WAKE, 2008). Sometimes I imagine what I'd be doing if I had given up at rejection 20 or 50 or 99. It's very hard, but tenacity and luck are important parts of the journey. Selling a screenplay is quite a bit more difficult than a novel. Fingers crossed for you -- I wish you the best birthday present ever!
sarcasmo
(23,968 posts)
pepperbear
(5,693 posts) tavalon
(27,985 posts)We've got a few more hours before this falls off the greatest page. Let's put it over 500 recs, just for fun.
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)I can't believe it's at 420 already!! Insanely awesome.
Still Blue in PDX
(1,999 posts)
librechik
(30,957 posts) 
TeeYiYi
(8,028 posts)
TYY
City Lights
(25,779 posts) Very cool!
qb
(5,924 posts)I'm buying the hardcover at Eye of Horus in Minneapolis.
I've never been there but I love independent bookstores.
rtassi
(629 posts)Jankyn
(253 posts)Wheezy
(1,763 posts)Hope you like it.
wryter2000
(47,940 posts)Your book sounds fabulous.
Vincardog
(20,234 posts)
JCMach1
(29,195 posts)NEWYORKDEM
(24 posts)Congrats! I am going to check it out.
Laelth
(32,017 posts)-Laelth
Johonny
(26,100 posts)It's fun to write, but nice to know other people liked what you did
Bozita
(26,955 posts)
Ishoutandscream2
(6,783 posts)Just looked up the card catalog on line from my local socialist public library, and the good folks have your book (I love my freakin' library!). When I leave work, I will stop by and check it out for my 12 year old to read. When he finishes it, I will take a read!
Excellent!! So awesome, and I'm so proud of you!!
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)Hope you both enjoy!
MountainLaurel
(10,271 posts)And try to check it out from my public library.
highplainsdem
(61,892 posts)TheUnspeakable
(1,005 posts)Manifestor_of_Light
(21,046 posts)Northern Sun once had a t shirt that said:
CREATIVE PEOPLE MUST BE STOPPED
Made me shudder, as an artist & musician, but it's true.
I have a t shirt that says:
QUIT WORK PLAY MUSIC
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)Texas Lawyer
(350 posts)Can't wait to read them (which will be after my son and wife read them).
felix_numinous
(5,198 posts)I may just have to order me a copy Congratulations Wheezy--what a great idea for a book (or series???!!)
Arugula Latte
(50,566 posts)Congrats!
Wheezy
(1,763 posts)Arugula Latte
(50,566 posts) Wheezy
(1,763 posts)In honor of all of you, I just donated a classroom set (25 copies) of the books to a high poverty inner city 5th grade class at a school in LA -- I met a teacher from the school last week at one of my signings and we got to chatting about Donors Choose, a great non-profit that helps teachers/schools get necessary stuff for their classrooms. Thank you again.