Clint Adams: no time for fear
Coming Soon (Winter 2008/09) : THE SEVEN RITUALS, a psychological thriller

Fear Bytes, a newsletter for middle-graders, teens and all others who BELIEVE they can do anything…or want to.

FEAR BYTES : Fall 2007

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Hey Fear-Fighters,

How’s it going? Are you putting new, unusual and ‘off-the-charts’ things on your TO DO list? Taking any classes at school you thought you never would in a million years? There’s many out there these days. Just recently, I heard that U.C. Berkeley now even posts their videotaped classes on YouTube. Get out!

Life’s ALL about change. But, guess why most of us fight it? If you don’t know the answer, please delete this newsletter from your Inbox immediately. You still with me? Yes, fear…fear of change. In my opinion, ‘fear of dying’ and ‘fear of change’ are running neck-and-neck as the Number #1 most-common fear amongst every person on earth. I don’t know the stats. for folks on other planets.

This summer I began something new, my FEAR BYTES radio show (http://www.qtradio.net/qtradio/clintadamsshow.html) on QT World Radio (http://www.qtradio.net/qtradio/index.html). I enjoy it so much because I get to invite guests on, interview them, and as a listener, get to learn something new and different. Giving someone else the spotlight makes me feel good. Karma, you know.

If you haven’t listened yet, please give it a try. If not my show, there’s plenty others available that’ll make you think. Invite your friends to listen…especially if you know someone that’ll benefit from the advice or resources offered. If you’re thinking about making some sort of change in your life, get inspired by some of the authors and experts crammed into this one link: http://www.qtradio.net/qtradio/index.html.

More change is coming. Read on.

I wish you all a fearless fall (not the kind that requires surgery afterwards, OUCH!…you know what I mean),

Clint

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Commentary : Al Gore wins the Nobel Peace Prize: it’s interesting the changes destiny has in store.

Al’s life as a teen? Gosh, I’m not really sure about that. Let me Google him, and I’ll be right back.

Yo, (still online) ‘Al-Gore-teen’ isn’t getting me what I wanted. But, look what I found, “EVERY British teen to see Gore's An Inconvenient Truth. U.K. Environment Minister David Miliband said the film, AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH, would be sent to every school as part of an educational pack about climate change aimed at British teens.” Good stuff, huh?

Done. (Now offline) I discovered many interesting truths about Al Gore’s younger years. Even early on, Al Gore was extremely passionate. His first major at Harvard was English, but he ended up graduating with a degree in government. In the military, he was a journalist for THE ARMY FLYER in Vietnam, and later spent five years as a reporter for THE TENNESSEAN, a newspaper in Nashville Tennessee. His investigations of possible corruption among members of Nashville's Metro Council resulted in the arrest and prosecution of two councilmen for separate offenses. It frustrated him, however, that a journalist could only expose wrongdoing without being able to correct it. (Oops, we differ greatly on that one, Al. Again, karma/karmic justice. Ex. The Goldman family publishing IT I DID IT…and the IMMEDIATE, subsequent chain of O.J. callamities that followed.) That realization led to a leave of absence from the paper to try law school. Before he could finish, he learned that his local congressman planned to retire in 1976. And so, Al’s destiny begins…

He knew he was born to instigate change. Big change. Maybe early on, he was passionate about becoming President, but instead he got something else, something maybe even greater…overwhelming respect. Three days ago, two of the leading Democratic candidates (Hillary Clinton and John Edwards) whole-heartedly congratulated Vice-President Gore. Senator Edwards said in a statement, "The Nobel Peace Prize rewards three decades of Vice President Al Gore's prescient and compelling -- and often lonely -- advocacy for the future of our Earth. The Nobel Committee's recognition of Vice President Al Gore shines a bright light on the most inconvenient truth of all -- the selection of George Bush as president has endangered the peace and prosperity of the entire planet."

Seven years ago, I felt horribly sad for Al Gore and his loss. It seemed so incredibly unjust. I thought it unlikely that he’d ever recover from it. I thought he might give up, go away, and never be heard from again, night after night watching nothing but E! and TV Land. How stupid was I? Although he wanted one thing seven years ago, I’m glad his passion, his destiny, his true purpose, took him elsewhere.

It doesn’t make me proud that most historians regard George W. Bush as the worst president in U.S. history. Instead, I hope we learn from the choices we’ve made. I hope we learn from Al Gore’s example, that we ALL possess the power to instigate change.

Last week, the chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Peace Prize Committee, Ole Danbolt Mjoes, held up a photo of Al Gore during the announcement Friday in Oslo, and said, “Al Gore has fought the environment battle even as vice president. Many did not listen ... but he carried on.”

Al Gore may not be president, but in my opinion, he’s definitely got the power, the whole world listens to him (with respect). On the homepage of my website I say, ‘The perfect feeling, the perfect test, is believing, when no one else does.’ There’s NOTHING more powerful. So, whenever you find yourself beginning to doubt, think a little about Al Gore, someone who ALWAYS believed, someone who kept going. I’m hoping he will inspire you to do the same…to keep changing.

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Author Focus : ALICE WALKER

Are you sick of hearing me talk about her? No? OK then, here I go…

Yes, Alice Walker is my favorite author. Yes, THE COLOR PURPLE is my favorite book. And, yes, THE COLOR PURPLE is my favorite movie.

Have any of you read any of her books? Did you know that when THE COLOR PURPLE first came out it was marketed only to teens? It won the 1983 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award. For novelists, it doesn’t get much better than that.

Alice Walker has written many books, and has told many insightful stories. She made me understand fully that fiction certainly does have the power to change lives. This is why I chose to write novels vs. non-fiction. Plus (tell me if I’m wrong), most teens would almost never pick up a non-fiction (self-help) book if they were offered the choice. Teens read novels. Period.

THE COLOR PURPLE changed my life. Not only did the powerful story inspire me, it made me realize that I could tell stories simply, stories people may read. I fell in love with the uncomplicated voice of Celie, the protagonist, who had been abused in every imaginable way, yet still lived with incredible faith and belief. THE COLOR PURPLE made me realize that stories can be told in a simple, unadorned voice and appeal to teens and adults alike. Modern-day publishing says that if you write in a young voice, then your audience MUST be young as well (Don’t get me started!) Thanks, Alice, for proving them wrong.

Alice Walker isn’t afraid to be political. She tells the truth whenever she can. I admire this so much. One of her newest books is for very young readers (age: 4-8), the illustrated children’s book, WHY WAR IS NEVER A GOOD IDEA.

For any of you that have a favorite author, please visit them. Meet them at book-signings. Go to their events. Ask them a question. You’ll be glad you did. I met Alice Walker in 1994 at my favorite (yes, another ‘favorite’) bookstore, Kepler’s in Menlo Park, California. She was promoting her novel, POSSESSING THE SECRET OF JOY, but she didn’t seem happy to be there…probably not a big fan of book-marketing. When it became my turn for Ms. Walker to sign my book, I told her, “You inspired me to write, thanks.” Before responding, her face lit up with a huge smile, the only time she smiled that entire afternoon. I’ll remember that smile forever.

On October 27th, I’ll be celebrating a landmark birthday, although I’ll still remain a teen (calculated in dog years, or course). A few days prior to that, my mother, Sue, and I will be going to see THE COLOR PURPLE, the musical for the first time. I can’t wait. I’ll get to celebrate my birth with the woman that gave me life. And, we’ll be doing it while experiencing the story that changed my life, my destiny forever.

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Singer Focus : TERRI CLARK (http://www.terriclark.com)

Teens and country music? You bet’cha. Terri Clark is one of my favorite country singers, and here’s what she said to the crowd as she gave a concert in Canada recently http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4E71MesaOQ :

“I see a lot of kids here tonight…I’m going to do this song for all the young people here tonight, because this song was the slogan, actually, for the Canadian Special Olympics back in the year 2000. I wrote it with Mary Chapin Carpenter a few years ago. And all the young people here tonight have their whole lives ahead of them. I’m a big believer in dreams. I left Medicine Hat, Alberta twenty years ago to go off and become a country star. A lot of people told me I was crazy. But, your dreams are the only thing you’ve got that really get you through life every day. And you never, never give up on your dreams and your all your hopes, and what you want to achieve, because it’s your life and not nobody else’s. By all means…go out, and have no fear.”

Then, she sang, what else? NO FEAR, from her CD, FEARLESS. As you recall your own dreams in your head, please watch and listen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4E71MesaOQ.)

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Fear : FACT or FICTION Quiz (answers at bottom)

1. Eisoptrophobia is the fear of glass shattering. : FACT or FICTION?
2. The most commonly-used acronym for the word ‘fear’ is False Emotions Appearing Real. : FACT or FICTION?
3. George W. Bush originated the quote, “When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.” : FACT or FICTION?
4. Fear of flowers is called "anthophobia.” : FACT or FICTION?
5. “The thing you fear most has no power. Your fear of it is what has the power. Facing the truth really will set you free,” is a quote from Carrot Top. : FACT OR FICTION?

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What’s up now? What’s up next? : LUCKY NUMBER FIVE

A year ago I was so excited and enthusiastic about my latest book about to come out, MY WATCH DOESN’T TELL TIME…until I met with a friend of mine who created the book cover. We were having lunch in some museum café in Stockholm when he said, “How many books have you published?” “This will be my fourth,” I answered with pride.

“Oh, that’s too bad,” was his response. I was shocked. John seemed forever positive and optimistic about everything, always supportive of what I was doing. We got along great. John Barker is British, lives in Sweden, and has worked at numerous big-name publishing houses in the U.K. and throughout the world. “The FIFTH book is ALWAYS the one that takes off. I’m not sure why,” he went on to say.

Guess what? I now believe this. The book I feel the most passionate about is my current one, THE SEVEN RITUALS (a novel for adults), my fifth published book. You know why? Not only am I passionate about it, I’m doing everything differently, making many changes. My mission is still to help people, but now I’d like to help adults with the words I write. This means, I’ll be taking a substantial break from my objectives with teens.

For the next few months, I’ll continue doing my FEAR BYTES radio show for teens (http://www.qtradio.net/qtradio/clintadamsshow.html), writing my blog on amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/gp/blog/AHSHBLSKCM7I5/ref=cm_blog_pdp_blog/002-9323919-2559230), and send out one or two more of these FEAR BYTES newsletters.

Changes, changes and more changes. I usually do about fifteen drafts of edits and revisions before I work with an editor, so I’ve got a long way to go. But, I’m so eager. I hope you’ll be patient with me. I just know THE SEVEN RITUALS will be able to reach more people, and be able to help them in more ways than I’ve been able to before.

I’ve worked very hard all these years, (for the most part) always believing in my vision, my dreams. But, now something’s changed. I truly feel I deserve the rewards that come with my efforts. Maybe Alice Walker also came to this same realization. After all, THE COLOR PURPLE was her fifth published novel.

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Hey again fearless-readers,

Thank you for reading this edition of FEAR BYTES newsletter. Again, if the links contained herein didn’t translate into html by techno-magic, please cut and paste them into your address bar.

As usual, when in doubt, please remember:

1. Fear isn’t natural; it's ALL learned.
2. Keep your TO DO list full.
3. Always BELIEVE…no matter what!!!

Thanks also, to those of you who’ve read any of my books.

Do your best to be fearless. Keep going. And most of all, KEEP CHANGING!

Until next time,

Clint

info@ClintAdams.com (please write anytime)
www.NoTimeForFear.com (please visit many times)

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Fear : FACT or FICTION Quiz (ANSWERS)

1. Eisoptrophobia is the fear of glass shattering. : FICTION (It’s the fear of mirrors or seeing oneself in the mirror).
2. The most-commonly used acronym for the word ‘fear’ is False Emotions Appearing Real. : FACT (followed by: False Evidence Appearing Real, False Expectations Appearing Real).
3. George W. Bush originated the quote, “When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.” : FICTION (Thomas Jefferson did).
4. Fear of flowers is called "anthophobia." : FACT (anthophobia is a word derived from the Greek "anthos" (flower) and "phobos" (fear).
5. “The thing you fear most has no power. Your fear of it is what has the power. Facing the truth really will set you free” is a quote from Carrot Top. : FICTION (Hardly…it’s Oprah Winfrey).

Fear Bytes, a newsletter for middle-graders, teens and all others who BELIEVE they can do anything...or want to.

FEAR BYTES : Summer 2007

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Hey Fear-Fighters,

What’s up? How’s your summer? I hope you’re all doing well…living life the way it was meant to be lived (without fear, naturally). I promise I won’t mention the s-word* (revealed below for those brave enough), but what are some of your goals for the coming year? Whether they’re big or small, make ‘em BIG anyway. Life’s WAY too short to EVER settle.

Do you still believe in yourself, and what you’re doing, 100% of the time? And NEVER doubt? Well, if you answered ‘YES’ to either of these questions, you should be writing this newsletter, not me; you’re my hero and I salute you. I say this because I now admit that I stopped believing for a while. It’s easy to want to quit the book business, because, after all, it’s crazier than a day in the life of Britney Spears (even with her dog “Lucky”). Now…THAT’S crazy! (Well, at least I never shaved my head just because I got bored).

So, still with a full head of hair, I’m happy to be on track again. And, for those of you “lucky” enough to know what your purpose in life is, KEEP GOING! Only YOU know what it is, so be cautious when listening to the advice of others. They’re not you, and perhaps they’re too afraid to be doing what you’re doing yourself. Take the time to recognize these as THEIR fears, not yours. I hope none of you EVER stop…believing.

I also hope, in some way, this newsletter motivates you to keep going, to always believe, to NEVER have a ‘Plan B,’ and NEVER give in to fear. Because, after all, duh, fear bites.

Fearlessly (well, at least once in a while),

Clint

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Commentary : From Welfare to England’s Richest Woman: J.K. Rowling ALWAYS Believed.

Even as I read the headlines of today’s news, guess who remains on the front page? It’s J.K. Rowling, of course.

It put a smile on my face to discover that Ms. Rowling has continued writing…a detective novel. Apparently, she’s recently been spotted in the cafés of Edinburgh working on her latest manuscript, just as she did much earlier when she wrote HARRY POTTER. I like that. What makes me snicker though is that journalists, still today, regularly reference her past. “(Years ago) she’d write there just to save on her heating bill at home.”

“On welfare,” “Homeless,” “Extremely poor,” “Poverty-stricken,” are a few of the ways J.K. Rowling’s past has been described…at the very same time she was creating the 7-book success story she always knew would happen. She always knew there would be seven books and she always believed people would read them.

Maybe she never imagined she’d be earning $250 a minute, or sell over 350 million books, or that she’d be wealthier than the Queen of England.

To me, what will stand out most about J.K. Rowling (when it would have been so easy for her to doubt) is that her seven HARRY POTTER books were published and that people read them. In my opinion, her story is beyond inspirational; J.K. Rowling, without question, has demonstrated perfectly the ultimate power of belief.

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Artist Focus : MARTINA McBRIDE (www.MartinaMcBride.com)

Any country music fans out there? I know my friends in Europe wouldn’t have a clue what I’m talking about. So, to them in particular, “No, I don’t mean yodeling.” I guess country music is maybe an American thing. Either way, I seem to like it most, because it always seems inspirational to me…and I can understand the words.

Remember when I’d admitted earlier that I’d (temporarily) stopped believing? Well, I feel certain that we receive “in-your-face” signs all the time. Some of them you flat-out (country-talk) can’t even ignore or misinterpret…they’re just too obvious. One of the biggest signs I’ve gotten recently came from one of my favorite singers, Martina McBride.

In an amphitheatre at my favorite place on earth, Lake Tahoe, Martina came out to the full moon above and opened her show with a song I had never heard that she wrote, ANYWAY. I won’t divulge the lyrics, but I’m hoping you’ll want to watch the video of this song:

ANYWAY (Live version) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdpquFkydPY)

The way I interpret this song: “What if you write a book and no one reads it…write it anyway.”

As most of you know, the ONLY characters I like to read or write about are those that have struggled or live with immeasurable obstacles, especially children. At this same Lake Tahoe concert, Martina sang this next song while showing the video on an over-sized screen. I’d never seen this before. While watching it, my heart sank. Definitely worth watching:

CONCRETE ANGEL (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDm03Foq2T0)

I found out later that this song/this video was used extensively to promote Child Abuse Awareness. Rightly so.

Not only was I seeing my favorite singer under a full moon at my favorite place, Lake Tahoe, but this same night also happened to be Martina McBride’s birthday. The last song she sang before her encore was the song I came to hear. I’ve listened to it over and over again. It’s THE anthem for anyone who longs to be free:

INDEPENDENCE DAY (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYENO6r5vVo)

As if I wasn’t inspired enough, Martina returned to the stage to sing a few more songs. The very last song she sang that evening was Journey’s DON’T STOP BELIEVING. Need I say more?

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Fear : FACT or FICTION Quiz (answers at bottom)

1. Most fears eventually disappear on their own : FACT or FICTION?
2. Arachibutyrophobia is the fear of long words : FACT or FICTION?
3. More women experience imaginary fears than men do : FACT or FICTION?
4. Only a small percentage of Americans live with anxiety disorders : FACT or FICTION?
5. Euphobia is the fear of the Eurythmics (for those of you old enough to remember them) : FACT OR FICTION?

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What’s up now? What’s up next? : RADIO & WRITING

There’s a great new radio network out there, Quiet Time Radio: Empowering Radio from
Bestselling & Award-Winning Authors (www.QTRadio.net) …and I’m glad and grateful to be a part of it. They offer a wide range of authors and experts, aiming to provide inspiring and interesting content for their listeners.

My show is called, what else…FEAR BYTES (http://quiettimeradio.net/qtradio/clintadamsshow.html), and is intended for both teens and adults. Its regular airtime is Thursdays at 8PM(PDT), with an encore broadcast at NOON(PDT) on Saturdays (with additional airtimes during the month of August). The mission of this show remains consistent with this newsletter, along with my books and workshops, to help teens create futures without fear. In addition to QTRadio.net, FEAR BYTES, also airs on Live365.com.

I’m also on the lookout for teens that would like to be interviewed for this show. If you are a teen who has overcome some sort of fear or obstacle (hopefully because you inevitably BELIEVED you could), please let me know: info@ClintAdams.com. Thanks, I’d love to hear from you.

I’m also working on a project that very much interests me. It’s a mystery novel with a variety of psychological overtones, and is titled, THE SEVEN RITUALS. It’s also written for adults, not teens. I’m now working on the second draft, and it’s somehow spelling out so clearly (to me) that the patterns we manifest in adult-life absolutely do begin in childhood.

I’m not sure when this will be published, but I’ll make sure to let you know.

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Hey to y’all (again…country-talk),

Thanks again for reading this edition of FEAR BYTES. I’m no techno-whiz, so if my links contained in this newsletter didn’t translate into html upon delivery, just pretend you’re in kindergarten and ‘cut and paste.’

As usual, please remember:

1. Fear isn’t natural; it's ALL learned.
2. Keep your TO DO list full.
3. Always BELIEVE…no matter what!!!


Thanks also, to those of you who’ve read any of my books.

Do your best to be fearless…and KEEP GOING!

Until next time,

Clint

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• The unmentionable s-word: “school.”

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Fear : FACT or FICTION Quiz (ANSWERS)

1. Most fears eventually disappear by themselves : FICTION (Only about 20% of specific phobias disappear on their own for an adult).
2. Arachibutyrophobia is the fear of long words : FICTION (it’s the fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth; Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia is the fear of long words).
3. More women experience imaginary fears than men do : FACT (Females are more prone to irrational fears than males. Phobia statistics suggest that roughly twice as many women as men suffer from panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and specific phobia).
4. Only a small percentage of Americans live with anxiety disorders : FICTION (Approximately 40 million American adults ages 18 and older, or about 18.1 percent of people in this age group in a given year, have an anxiety disorder).
5. Euphobia is the fear of the Eurythmics (for those of you old enough to remember them): FICTION (it’s the fear of hearing good news).

Fear Bytes,
a newsletter for middle-grade and teen-readers.

FEAR BYTES : October 2006

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Hey,

Thanks for signing up to read FEAR BYTES (and, you know what, it DOES!). I hope you find this newsletter interesting. In this issue, I’ve tried to include a bit of everything that I feel may appeal to you. I hope you’re all reading great books, fiction and non, to keep you thinking about life. Or not.

Tanti saluti,

Clint

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Commentary : REMEMBERING DANIEL SMITH

Daniel Smith is someone who should not be forgotten. Amid baby custody battles, marriage vows aboard yachts in the Bahamas, Larry King appearances, and private pathologists transported from Los Angeles, Daniel Smith went to heaven.

I didn’t know him, but I bet he was a nice kid. It’s too bad he never made it to twenty-one.

Like many Americans during 2002-03, I was just as drawn into THE ANNA NICOLE SHOW on E! as anyone. It was crazy!

I remember Daniel from that show. He seemed so normal in an environment that seemed like it wasn’t. Who knows? To me Daniel appeared like the boy next door, one that likes going to Lakers games, skateboarding and leaving homework undone ‘til the last minute. You go, Daniel.

When I read the news that he was gone, I IMMEDIATELY felt it was no coincidence. Daniel left because he was finished. He didn’t commit suicide, but he chose to be done with life. Daniel went onto someplace better.

I believe Daniel left us with two important questions: Why do we obsess so much on HOW a person dies? What does it matter? Personally, I’m so grateful Daniel reminded me of this. We don’t spend the same effort trying to figure out how we’re BORN, we just accept that we are.

I hope heaven’s treating you well, Daniel. I hear it’s a cool place.

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Author Focus : MARKUS ZUSAK (The Book Thief, I Am the Messenger)

Anyone who makes DEATH the narrator in the book they’ve authored deserves applause from me. Completely original. Bravo!

If you haven’t yet read THE BOOK THIEF, please do. It’s a young adult novel that merits attention from both teen AND adult readers. Not about the Holocaust or being Jewish in World War II Germany, THE BOOK THIEF is about the endurance of the human spirit (in any setting, any conditions).

Like many of you in the Munich area, I’m looking forward to meeting Markus at the upcoming Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators ‘Writer’s Day’ (9:00-17:00, Saturday, November 18 at the Seidlvilla in Nikolaiplatz 1 b). If you’re interested in attending, whether you’re a SCBWI member or not, please write to Jim Martin at: jd.SCBWI@yahoo.com . I hope to see you there.

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Fear : FACT or FICTION Quiz (answers at bottom)

1. The most common fear in America is Social Fear : FACT or FICTION?
2. Melophobia is the fear of melons : FACT or FICTION?
3. Ten percent of women and fifty percent of men suffer from Arachnophobia (fear of spiders) : FACT or FICTION?
4. Prescription medications are the only way to remedy fear, anxieties and panic attacks : FACT or FICTION?
5. Cliniophobia is the fear of Clint Adams : FACT OR FICTION?

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What’s up next? DEVIL WORSHIP

Writing teen fiction has been fun. It’s been a way for me to be a kid again, writing in the voice of Miguel and seeing the world through such innocent eyes. A once in a lifetime opportunity, è vero? Nope. I chose to do it again.

Since completing the Miguel series, I’ve decided to write something completely different, EXTREMELY different. Although it’s adult fiction (a thriller), NOT teen or middle-grade, I will still have a young-voiced protagonist in one of the two plots. It’s always been my belief that babies and animals (pets) communicate mostly with their instincts anyway (they seem to know EVERYTHING)…so I just provided young “Pauly,” and his instinct, with a vocabulary.

The other plot involves thirty-four year old “Paul” who knows nothing. It’s up to him to discover. On a whim, in early-November 1991, he visits a psychic in Greenwich Village that tells him, “You must find out the cause of your unhappiness by the end of THIS year…or you will die before the next.” Well, if that doesn’t motivate him, nothing will.

The two plots are ongoing but combine at the end. Again, this is for adult readers. So, maybe when you’re older.

I’ll be done with Draft #1 on November 21 (Remember what I always say in workshops to would-be writers? “Always write your first draft as fast as you can.”), and DEVIL WORSHIP: COUNTDOWN TO THE FINISH, will be released in late-spring of next year.

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Hey again,

As usual, please remember:

1. Fear isn’t natural; it's ALL learned.
2. Keep your TO DO list full.
3. Always BELIEVE…no matter what!!!

Thanks again for reading this edition of FEAR BYTES.

Thanks to those of you who’ve read any of my books.

And, thanks in particular, to those of you I’ve met in workshops who’ve taken the time to write reviews of my novels (and submit them to online retailers). They really are helpful to teen book-buyers choosing between “chick lit” and what I have to offer. I believe there’s room on the bookshelves for ALL.

Until next time / Alla prossima / Bis später,

Clint

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Fear : FACT or FICTION Quiz (ANSWERS)

1. The most common fear in America is Social Fear : FACT (Approximately 5.3 million Americans suffer from Social Phobia; something that usually begins in childhood or adolescence).
2. Melophobia is the fear of melons : FICTION (it’s the fear of hatred or music).
3. Ten percent of women and fifty percent of men suffer from Arachnophobia (fear of spiders) : FICTION (the statistics are reversed; fact: 50% women, 10% men).
4. Prescription medications are the only way to remedy fear, anxieties and panic attacks : Big-time FICTION (as Miguel would say in any of my books, “Get real!”).
5. Cliniophobia is the fear of Clint Adams : FICTION (it’s the fear of going to bed).

SEPTEMBER 2006

A reminder included in this and EVERY issue, these 3 important fear-eliminating tips:

1. Fear isn’t natural; it's ALL learned.
2. Keep your To Do list full.
3. Always BELIEVE…no matter what!!!

"I'm 15, NOT a juvenile!": Getting Your Genre Straight by Clint Adams

"What's in a keyword?" you ask. Everything! Oops, let's backtrack for a second..."What's 'genre,' again?" AND, more important, maybe, "What's a sub-genre?"

For most young adult book-buyers, on-line or off-, it's the most common way you find the books you're looking for. BUT, sometimes the bookstores/book retailers get it wrong. It’s not their fault though. They get most of the descriptive information about the books they sell from other sources (wholesalers and distributors).

After having my first book (JUST SAY MIKEY; Teen: Visionary Fiction) categorized under 'Adult: Action & Adventure,' it was up to me, the author, to get it straight. That was 2002, and since then I've seen my books categorized by every imaginable genre possible: 'Contemporary Western,' 'Under 12,' 'Historical Romance,' '5-10 years: Illustrated' (when there’s NO pictures in it), as well as many others.

For the most part, I've just learned to accept it. What I don't accept though, is to have my TEEN novels listed under 'Juvenile.' Many privileges come with age, and as a teen, one of them is...you're no longer a LITTLE kid. Agree?

For several years, TEEN/YOUNG ADULT was good enough. No more needed to be said when asking where to find your next favorite book. Today, the buzzword heard amongst most booksellers is 'sub-genre.' A staff person may ask, "So, you're looking for a teen novel...but, what kind?" Be prepared to answer. Or, if fumbling for a response, make something up.

So many excellent books are unintentionally hidden because they were mis-categorized (ex. THE GOLDEN COMPASS; Travel: Directional Devices). The best way to learn where they can be found is to familiarize yourself with all the many sub-genres that exist. All the online booksellers display these lists, and they keep growing day by day.

Also, when using keywords, it REALLY helps to add a second, third, fourth or even fifth word after the all-important, 'Teen.' An example would be, 'Teen Metaphysical Cooking Equestrian Fiction.' OK, this one's WAAAY out there (if you ever do find a book like this that really exists, please let me know).

All that’s left to say is, “Good luck on your search.” I hope you discover an unexpected, tucked-away treasure en route to your next great read.

Copyright © 2008 Clint Adams
All rights reserved. All material is copyrighted by Clint Adams and may not be reproduced without prior written permission from Clint Adams.