A Writer Writes

Cover reveal for MAIL-ORDER MONSTERS!

May 20, 2025/in A Writer Writes, In The News, Presenting the Prose, Uncategorized /by Silvia

I am so excited for this cover reveal of my latest book, MAIL-ORDER MONSTERS: CRASH COURSE. This book has been a long time in the making, and I’m thrilled that it’s gotten its first pre-release editorial review–and it was FIVE STARS! OMG, the relief, let me tell you.

But first, here’s the cover, in all its glory:

Cover of Mail-Order Monsters: Crash Course by Silvia Acevedo showing a monster and a robot, each riding their own remote control truck through a junkyard with children cheering in the background

Mail-Order Monsters: Crash Course by Silvia Acevedo. Cover art by Jeff Miracola

Isn’t that just super? What third-, fourth-, fifth-, sixth-grader wouldn’t be enticed to pick that up? haha The artist is my husband, pro illustrator Jeff Miracola, who of course did a fabulous job. My early and beta readers will see some symbolism in the cover’s elements.

Now, what’s the story about? Here’s what’ll go on the back cover:

What does a 10-year-old boy desperate for new friends do when he sees an ad for mail-order
monsters in the back of an old comic book? He orders them, of course.

Ten-year-old Marco Torres needs a new bestie. Or a few. He’s on the outs with his EX-best friend and needs someone to talk to, confide in. So he takes a chance on an ad in the back of an old comic book promising something big: MAIL-ORDER MONSTERS. Marco hopes they’ll make amazing new besties and scare off his bully, who in a mean twist of fate happens to be the twin of his crush. When the monsters arrive, Marco unleashes their magic and draws the reaction he’d hoped for from his classmates until the monsters’ hilarious, uncontrolled escape through the school’s ceilings makes it nearly impossible to hide them from adults. And when Marco’s ex- bestie challenges him to a grudge match to finally settle their score, it’s Marco’s monsters against an enemy robot in a race on remote control trucks through the neighborhood junk yard. But through it all, Marco begins to wonder who should really be fighting his battles? And what exactly is he fighting for?

And that amazing FIVE STAR review? Here it is:

Mail-Order Monsters: Crash Course by Silvia Acevedo is a whimsical story about 10-year-old Marco Torres, who, feeling lonely after a fight with his best friend Tinker, impulsively orders monsters from an advertisement in an old comic book. To his surprise, the monsters arrive and come to life, turning out to be friendly and eager for adventure. As Marco explores his new friendships, faces school challenges, and tries to keep his monsters hidden from adults, he learns important lessons about trust, friendship, and being true to oneself. The story leads to a daring schoolyard race between Marco’s monsters and Tinker’s robot, testing their skills and friendship, revealing that genuine connection matters more than competition.

Silvia Acevedo’s storytelling is energetic and engaging, and I enjoyed how the blend of humor, emotion, and vivid imagery brings Marco’s world to life. The characters are relatable, especially Marco, whose feelings of loneliness, jealousy, and hope mirror those of many children. The monsters are imaginative and expressive, providing the escape that Marco needs from his dull existence. The narrative shifts between Marco’s internal thoughts, captivating dialogue, and descriptive scenes, and kept me utterly hooked. The use of colorful language, sensory details— like the smell of bubbles and the feel of soil-and humor makes the story entertaining. Mail-Order Monsters features well-developed themes of friendship, bravery, and honesty, and invites children to think about these realities. This is a well-plotted story that will entice young readers with its lovable characters and exciting adventures.
–Readers’ Favorite FIVE STAR review

Earlier I mentioned what a relief that review was. This book was nearly published 16 years ago, but the deal fell through. I didn’t give up on it, though because I knew there was something there. Instead, I reworked it. And reworked it. Haha, this book has seen sooooo many iterations. But it’s better now for it. I love this story so much, and clearly others do too. I’ll share more reviews as they come in.

For now, though, if this post has interested you into pre-ordering the book, THANK YOU! And you can do so HERE. Right now that link only shows eBook, but a softcover option is on its way.

I hope the monster-lovers in your life have a blast reading it. Rawr!!!

TEN YEARS OF GODAWFULNESS!!!!

May 1, 2025/in A Writer Writes, In The News, Uncategorized /by Silvia

Today I am celebrating! On this day ten years ago, I launched the GOD AWFUL book series into the world and, people, let me tell you, it has changed my life.

When I started writing fiction in the mid-aughts, I knew it was a good change from what I’d been doing. Journalism is noble and worthy, and I’m grateful for my 25+ years in it. But I did want to spread my wings and just have FUN. I’d almost forgotten what a BLAST writing could be until I sat down to write a little story that will finally see the light of day later this year. More on that in a minute.

As I say, I wrote that story and then another and another, etc, until I got around to writing a funny, cinematic, and redemptive mythological tale called GOD AWFUL LOSER. It’s the story of a egotistical Cupid who is challenged for his celestial throne, loses spectacularly, is exiled with other fallen celestials who hate him for various offenses, and must convince them to join him in his fight back into Olympus. On the way, he fights his way into our hearts.

I knew the story has legs. I knew it could do well. You can’t write your whole life and not recognize a good story when you see it. By then, I’d let go of my literary agent for REASONS and decided to take control of my creative destiny. Self-publishing this story was a fantastic move that got it into bookstores across the country and launched my literary career. Soon came the book’s sequels: GOD AWFUL THIEF, in which Cupid is tasked to steal a powerful relic from an angry god; and GOD AWFUL REBEL, in which three snake-haired sisters lay siege to Olympus and Cupid must decide whether to do what’s right or what’s demanded. I’m especially happy with REBEL, as it features Medusa, who’ve I’ve always felt was terribly maligned and earned her rage, and because the book won the Spark Award for excellence, given by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. That’s a big deal in the kidlit world, and I’m ecstatic that this series got such recognition.

Next came a traditionally published book, THE HAUNTED STATES OF AMERICA. Many writers have it as a life goal to be traditionally published, so this work affirmed my career shift and feels as like a feather boa around my shoulders. So glamorous. haha

As today is the ten year anniversary of LOSER, I’ll be offering ten GOD AWFUL trilogies for just $10. That’s ALL THREE hardcover books in my series for $10, as opposed to the regular retail price of $18.99 per book, plus shipping. Find the deal here. If you miss it and are not one of the first ten, you can still get a good deal by ordering the set versus individual books. I hope you love them.

In further celebration of this big anniversary, later this year I’ll publish the GOD AWFUL series as a box set in paperback for the first time. The hardcovers are beautiful, with spot varnish, embossing, interior art, etc. The paperbacks will offer lighter, more bendable reads.

Now, back to that initial story I wrote. It was just a signature away from being traditionally published. Alas, it was not to be. BUT! The good news is that the years have enriched the story. I’m now so happy to share that MAIL-ORDER MONSTERS: CRASH COURSE has a planned release date of August 26, 2025. I’ll share more of the journey in further posts and as we get closer to its release.

So, as we start a new month with new memories to make, I hope you’ll join me in celebrating this big day. Ten years of GODAWFULness is a very big thing indeed!

THE HAUNTED STATES OF AMERICA — Chills on the Yellow Couch

July 10, 2024/in A Writer Writes, In The News, Media / TV / Radio, Personal, Presenting the Prose, Uncategorized /by Silvia

Release day for THE HAUNTED STATES OF AMERICA was absolutely wonderful. I’m truly grateful for a sublime day.

The book-birthday celebrations started by chatting about the book with the lovely ladies of The Morning Blend TV talk show on WTMJ, Milwaukee’s NBC affiliate. Hosts Molly Fay and Tiffany Ogle expertly talk through any topic. Here’s how we looked on the yellow couch:

And here’s how the segment turned out! Click below and enjoy.

Next I went to my local, independent bookstore, Boswell Book Company, to sign their book stock. Then–and I have to pinch myself here–by midday, Amazon had splashed a pretty little orange banner on the book’s page! Writers know a banner means the book achieved some sort of bestseller ranking, and yes, it had! THE HAUNTED STATES OF AMERICA rocketed up the rankings to become (drumroll, please) the #1 New Release in Children’s Short Story Collections! Whoo HOO!

The love and support of friends across social media and in my inbox were absolutely heartwarming as well. Thank you to all of you who’ve cheered me on and supported me and the other 51 authors of this spooky anthology. Its publication was a journey, and we appreciate your high-fives.

If you’re wondering what all the excitement is about, please click on THIS LINK to check out the book and consider picking up a copy for a little chill-inducing fun. Thanks!

Spooky Season arrives tomorrow!

July 8, 2024/in A Writer Writes, In The News, News, Presenting the Prose, Uncategorized /by Silvia

Wow wow woweee wow!

THE HAUNTED STATES OF AMERICA releases tomorrow, July 9, 2024! That means Spooky Season officially starts tomorrow and you can pick up this title for all the shiver-loving readers in your life! Whoo HOOO!

I love Spooky Season. Halloween. Terror Time. Whatever you like to call it, when autumn’s cold creeps in, when the world is a little grayer and grimmer, when people’s thoughts turn to the dead–and dread–of October. Bwaaahahaa.

I am sooo excited about the release of THE HAUNTED STATES OF AMERICA. It’s the culmination of the long-held dream for 52 authors from around the U.S. and D.C. and Puerto Rico. I’m proud to represent Wisconsin and my hometown’s beautiful but supposedly haunted Seven Bridges. This collection of spooky stories from around the country is already getting great reviews, like this one from Kirkus. I know it will be a favorite for readers like me, who, as a child, would have absolutely EATEN THIS UP.

The promo copy tells you to “strap in for this spooky cross country tour.” I really hope geography teachers will offer this book to readers who like a little spine-tingling (but not too scary) thrill. And it’s great for emergent or reluctant readers, as each bite-size story spans only four to six pages.

So, my lovely reader, PLEASE ORDER THE BOOK HERE, right away, even if you think you or your young person won’t get to it just yet. First-week sales greatly affect a book’s trajectory. If you want to support your local library, please ask them to carry it! Many libraries have a link where you can request titles.

A million thanks go to the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and Godwin Books/Macmillan for spearheading this project. And just as many thanks to go you, dear reader, as you dig in to these shadowy tales. I hope they bring a trickle of fear for the dark, stormy nights ahead…

What I’ve read and what I’m reading

June 17, 2024/in A Writer Writes, Personal /by Silvia

A few blog posts back, I told y’all I was joining a book club put on by my local independent bookstore, Boswell Book Company. They run a handful of clubs, each focusing on a different genre. Tonight was their last one for my group, which focused on general book club fiction and held at a local pub/restaurant, as the bookseller who led it is moving away. A few of the participants are carrying on.

So how my experience? I really enjoyed it, actually. It encouraged me to read books I might not have otherwise and see how others view and rate books, the organizer typically asking people around the table to informally rate the book 1-5 stars. I’ve discovered a rate books higher than most, as I tend to rate it on whether it delivered on its promise, whereas most others tended to rate it on whether they enjoyed it.

What have I read lately?

THE GOLEM OF BROOKLYN by Adam Mansbach, which I enjoyed. It was funny, very New York, and brought up some serious questions about anti-Semitism and white supremacy.

THE HACIENDA by Isabel Cañas, which wasn’t as scary as I’d hoped, but I loved the setting of post-colonial Mexico. Her ability to “put us there” was top notch.

ASSISTANT TO THE VILLAIN by Hannah Nicole Maehrer, which was hysterical. I’m looking forward to its sequel, APPRENTICE TO THE VILLAIN.

The above three were part of the book club. Here are some personal reads:

THE RUNNER by Kristin Oakley, which I beta-read and is part of THE DEVIL PARTICLE series. Fascinating concept to this series, and well executed.

DEAR COMMITTEE MEMBERS by Julie Schumacher, book 1 of the trilogy of the same name, and which I’d read before. This book won a bunch of awards for humorous writing, and they were all well deserved. I’m looking forward to meeting Ms. Schumacher at the upcoming Washington Island Literary Festival in September.

I’m currently reading STILL TRUE by Maggie Ginsberg, who’ll also be speaking at that festival and is a force within Wisconsin authorship. Her writing is lyrical and rich.

In between all those books, I’ve also been writing, submitting my work, and enjoying the start of summer.

Hope you’re enjoying it too!

An odd find

April 6, 2024/in A Writer Writes, Images /by Silvia

Sometimes people ask me, as a writer, if I discover weird things while researching for a book.

Um, YES. Yes, oh yes. So much yes.

Writers often joke that if “the authorities” were to look at our browser history, they’d put us on a watch list. But really, how can a murder-mystery writer not read up on the many ways to murder a spouse? How can a writer of speculative fiction, like me, not look up otherworldly stuff? How dare you think we’re just a bit off?! (*inserts nervous laughter here*)

Okay, so what did I find? My current work-in-progress required I find an animal that growls, and of course I didn’t want to go with the obvious, like a dog. So a Google search finds this: a fish that growls. Say what? Yes. It’s called a red gurnard, as no doubt some of you will know, but I don’t fish, okay?!, so how would I know this? Gentlefolk, I present the big-headed fish that growls. It’s red and large and kinda turns my stomach, but it works for my story, so huzzah!

I’ve joined a book club–and I love it!

December 13, 2023/in A Writer Writes, Personal, Uncategorized /by Silvia

I know, I know. It’s shouldn’t be big news if an author is part of a book club. But can I confess something here? **looks around sheepishly** I’ve never taken part in a regular book club.

As a kid, I read the books suggested by my school or library, but I didn’t join group discussions about them. I guess I didn’t want to hear people potentially criticize a book I enjoyed. What can I say? I was fragile. Then, as I got older and talked endlessly about books, I joined short-term clubs led by publishers or literary agencies or even clubs with the focus of having the creators attend. So I’d get to meet the authors or illustrators or editors, etc. That’s amazing, right?

But a club with readers who aren’t publishing-adjacent? Not until November 2023 when I joined one of the many monthly book clubs offered by Boswell Books, my local independent bookstore. I’ll post reviews of those books soon, but for now, I just want to say how fun it is to read books outside of what I may have chosen and then talk with fellow readers about them. Further, it’s fascinating to hear from readers who speak freely about a story (because the creator isn’t right there to hear what they have to say) and expound on other elements of a book (because they may not have thought about industry reasons for certain publishing choices). PLUS, a couple of fellow authors whom I’ve invited to join have, so it’s an overall lovely time.

Do you want to make more friends in the new year? Join a book club. Or another club focused on a hobby or passion you enjoy. I hope joining adds fun and friendship to your life. As for my new enterprise, so far so good.

NaNoWriMo #2

December 4, 2023/in A Writer Writes /by Silvia

The more you do something, the more you learn, right? And what I learned this November is that I need to be on solid footing with my story before NaNoWriMo if I expect the month to work for me.

NaNoWriMo is National Novel Writing Month. I explained the idea and methods for it in last year’s post, found here, so I won’t repeat myself. But let me just say, NaNoWriMo 2022 was a success for me because I knew where I was going with the story before the start. This year? Oof, no.

See, I plot my stories. Other writers don’t. Whichever method works for you is great, but I’ve found I do better if I’ve thoroughly thought through my story, all the way through to the end. So I had planned to think deeply about my story ahead of time. I had planned to outline so I wasn’t wasting time writing drivel. Alas, time is a runaway freight train. It was suddenly November! I had to get my first day’s word count in! No time to lose!

Well, I kinda think I lost half the month, if you want me to be honest. My final word count was well below what I’d hoped–primarily because I was adrift, going back and forth and rethinking parts and blah blah blah.

So. Hear me, writers. I highly suggest you keep following your tried-and-true, nice-and-toasty, satisfying method ahead of NaNo. If you typically plot your stories, do it again before you start. NaNo is no time to charge across uncharted lands while also expecting to double or even triple your daily word count and yet expect magic. You know yourself, so believe in your trusty process. My two cents. I wish you luck.

THE HAUNTED STATES OF AMERICA is available for PREORDER!

October 26, 2023/in A Writer Writes, In The News, Presenting the Prose /by Silvia

In February, I told you I’m representing Wisconsin in the upcoming spooky anthology THE HAUNTED STATES OF AMERICA. I’m thrilled to tell you that the book is now AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER! Here’s a look at the cover, illustrated by by Solomon Hughes.

Cover image of the book THE HAUNTED STATES OF AMERICA

Releasing from Macmillan Publishers on July 9, 2024
ISBN 9781250819413

Friends, there is simply no better way to support an author and their work than to preorder their books. Even if you think you won’t read the book for months or years, preorders count in the crucial first week of publication and can determine a book’s entire trajectory. So please do order a copy, either here or through your favorite bookstore. And trust me, by the time you get the book in July, you’ll be facing spooky season again and you’ll be ready to embrace some spine-tingling tales.

To remind you, this creepy collection features 52 twisted short stories, one from each state plus D.C. and Puerto Rico. My Wisconsin tale is personal and oh-sooooo-haunting. I spent countless hours at the Seven Bridges in my youth, so when I learned about this upcoming anthology, I knew I had to set a story there. My terrifying tale includes scenes from the archway, bridge, and trail shown below.

It reads, “Enter this wild wood and view the haunts of nature.”

The Seven Bridges opening bridge, overlooking a deep gorge

A trail dappled in light.

Thank you so much for your preorder and overall support. May Halloween 2024 be frightening fun,

Positive Feedback

March 18, 2023/in A Writer Writes /by Silvia

Oh, how wonderful it is to get positive feedback! How reassuring that you’re hitting the right notes, piquing reader interest, and traveling the right path. I’m sooo happy to have gotten positive feedback today at an agent roundtable, and I’m genuinely hopeful for the future of this piece.

You may have noticed that I have been quiet on this blog lately, and that’s because I’ve been hard at work on my current manuscript. I signed up for SCBWI‘s annual New York City conference and spent a good part of January completing homework for the revision workshop. The timing was perfect, which doesn’t always happen when you attend a conference. But here I was with a manuscript ready to revise, and I was eager to hear from great authors on how they do it. I took the homework seriously, and thus it proved very useful.

The workshop had me silently shouting Eureka! in my head and prompted me to write a whole new first chapter which garnered the positive feedback mentioned above. And the entire event was a joy. I got to see former publishing colleagues and friends old and new, from around the world. It was a fun return to NYC, and warmish for early February. I even got to see my first Broadway play. Here are a few pics for you to enjoy.

Expect me to remain, at least for a few weeks, on cloud nine from the agent’s feedback. And I’ll keep working on this piece. It’s almost ready. Nearly there.

Bryant Park in the Garment District, Manhattan, New York City

Door plaque for book publisher Macmillan

Door plaque for Writers House Literary Agency

My Writers House fellow Catherine Bai

My Writers House mentor, Michael Mejias, who’s kind of a big deal.

Looking up from the archway of The Alwyn Court at 7th Ave & 58th Street in Midtown Manhattan, designed by Harde & Short in the French Renaissance style.

Holding the playbill for the Broadway play “Pictures from Home” staring Nathan Lane, Danny Burstein, and Zöe Wanamaker

So many creators!

The pro panel talks publishing at SCBWI’s annual New York City conference

Eliot Schrefer and Elana Arnold put on a great workshop. Note the bunny ears!

Narrative Art Award winner Druscilla Santiago, SCBWI-Hawaii leader Akiko White, and I enjoy a laugh at the Saturday Social.

TeMika Grooms, me, and Jolie Stekly, fellow authors in the upcoming Macmillan anthology “The Haunted States of America,” coming July 9, 2024. If you have a young person in your life who loves spooky short stories, please look for this title. It’s friiiiighteningly good!