This week YA author Pamela N. Harris took over our Twitter as a part of our weekly Thursday Twitter Takeover. She is the author of the new YA novel When You Look Like Us. Check out YEM’s interview with Pamela N. Harris here. See highlights from her takeover below.
Hi everyone! I’m Pamela N. Harris (@pamharriswrites ), author of the new YA novel, WHEN YOU LOOK LIKE US. I get to hang out with you cool people for the next two hours, so feel free to ask me questions. Or just tell me how awesome I am. Either is cool 😜. #YAauthorTakeover
— WATCH 📺 LISTEN 🎧 READ 📚 (@YoungEntmag) January 21, 2021
So let me take a moment to talk WHEN YOU LOOK LIKE US. First, let me brag about the cover. It’s absolute 🔥. Major shout out to @ItsTheRealLogic for his artwork. #YAauthorTakeover pic.twitter.com/lT2GT12TO8
— WATCH 📺 LISTEN 🎧 READ 📚 (@YoungEntmag) January 21, 2021
So what’s WHEN YOU LIKE US ABOUT? It’s a modern-day noir set in my former ‘hood. Jay Murphy’s sister goes missing in a community where missing Black girls are a dime a dozen. If he wants to find her, he has to rely on himself—and the nerdy girl from church. #YAauthorTakeover
— WATCH 📺 LISTEN 🎧 READ 📚 (@YoungEntmag) January 21, 2021
If you’ll humor me, I’d love to share a bit about my “firsts” in this here business we call writing. #YAauthorTakeover
— WATCH 📺 LISTEN 🎧 READ 📚 (@YoungEntmag) January 21, 2021
One of the first times I realized: “hey, I want do this!” was when I picked up and devoured ALLEGEDLY by @WriteinBK in almost one sitting. Queen of suspense & pacing! #YAauthorTakeover
— WATCH 📺 LISTEN 🎧 READ 📚 (@YoungEntmag) January 21, 2021
One of my first favorite authors as a child was @judyblume . SUPERFUDGE and BLUBBER were my jam! #YAauthorTakeover
— WATCH 📺 LISTEN 🎧 READ 📚 (@YoungEntmag) January 21, 2021
I’ll always sing the praises of @jodipicoult. She was one of the first authors to show me you can write in both adult & YA voices and it’s OK to do that! #YAauthorTakeover
— WATCH 📺 LISTEN 🎧 READ 📚 (@YoungEntmag) January 21, 2021
One of the first (and only so far) times I’ve been close to tears when meeting an author was when I spoke with @courtney_s at YALLFest. She’s one of my MAJOR writing influences. #YAauthorTakeover
— WATCH 📺 LISTEN 🎧 READ 📚 (@YoungEntmag) January 21, 2021
One of the first times I got to read my work to an audience was when I wrote a story called THE TROLL PRINCESS in 3rd grade. I read it to kindergartners. They did NOT boo, so I thought I was a rock star after that, of course. #YAauthorTakeover
— WATCH 📺 LISTEN 🎧 READ 📚 (@YoungEntmag) January 21, 2021
One of the first times I’ve received harsh criticism about my writing was when a classmate said my story reminded him of a Freddie Prinze, Jr movie. Joke’s on that classmate—SHE’S ALL THAT is a classic. #YAauthorTakeover
— WATCH 📺 LISTEN 🎧 READ 📚 (@YoungEntmag) January 21, 2021
Music is also a huge influence for my creativity. One of the first shows I attended was a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle concert. Don’t hate… “Count On Us” was a bop: https://t.co/Z78Gzupy6m #YAauthorTakeover
— WATCH 📺 LISTEN 🎧 READ 📚 (@YoungEntmag) January 21, 2021
I’d love to share some writing tips this hour! First things first, write. No seriously. Write. I’m glad you’re hanging with me on Twitter, but AFTER I leave, sit down and get some words on the page. Doesn’t matter if it’s 5 or 5000. #YAauthorTakeover
— WATCH 📺 LISTEN 🎧 READ 📚 (@YoungEntmag) January 21, 2021
“But @pamharriswrites,” you say, “that’s easier said than done.” I get it! I’m juggling a newborn, toddler, and full time job all while sneaking in time to write… #YAauthorTakeover
— WATCH 📺 LISTEN 🎧 READ 📚 (@YoungEntmag) January 21, 2021
The key to getting writing done is breaking it into chunks. Don’t think you’re going to write the next bestseller in one sitting. Got 5 minutes? Write a character sketch! Got 10 minutes? Think of your ending! #YAauthorTakeover
— WATCH 📺 LISTEN 🎧 READ 📚 (@YoungEntmag) January 21, 2021
Basically, anything you do to propel your story is writing—whether it’s creating a list of character names or writing the opening paragraph of a chapter. #YAauthorTakeover
— WATCH 📺 LISTEN 🎧 READ 📚 (@YoungEntmag) January 21, 2021
Do you know how long it took to complete WHEN YOU LOOK LIKE US? Over 2 years, give or take. I went through two pregnancies while writing and revising it. If I can get it done, so can you! 👍🏾 #YAauthorTakeover
— WATCH 📺 LISTEN 🎧 READ 📚 (@YoungEntmag) January 21, 2021
I also recommend studying the craft. My cousin @KeeKeeHockaday and I are currently reading SAVE THE CAT WRITES A NOVEL by @JessicaBrody. I wish I had this YEARS ago! #YAauthorTakeover
— WATCH 📺 LISTEN 🎧 READ 📚 (@YoungEntmag) January 21, 2021
Podcasts are also great! Some of my fave writing ones are @FirstDraftPod @bookhookpodcast and THE WRITE MINDSET by @RacquelHenry #YAauthorTakeover
— WATCH 📺 LISTEN 🎧 READ 📚 (@YoungEntmag) January 21, 2021
So how do you know where to start your story? I follow this advice I once heard from the amazing @judyblume : Start your story on the day your protagonist’s life changes. #YAauthorTakeover
— WATCH 📺 LISTEN 🎧 READ 📚 (@YoungEntmag) January 21, 2021
I may be in the minority, but revision is my fave part of the writing process—especially while writing WHEN YOU LOOK LIKE US. Tip: when reading your draft over, “see” it differently. I printed out WYLLU to make notes. I have friends that like to change fonts. #YAauthorTakeover
— WATCH 📺 LISTEN 🎧 READ 📚 (@YoungEntmag) January 21, 2021
Thanks for hanging with me! If you’re looking for me on the interwebz, I’m @pamharriswrites on both Twitter & IG. You can also stop by my website: https://t.co/GIFVVB8R5l #YAauthorTakeover
— WATCH 📺 LISTEN 🎧 READ 📚 (@YoungEntmag) January 21, 2021
Last but not least, if you want to buy WHEN YOU LOOK LIKE US, be sure to head here: https://t.co/c5emO7oKpu #YAauthorTakeover
— WATCH 📺 LISTEN 🎧 READ 📚 (@YoungEntmag) January 21, 2021
