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The Next Best Book Club discussion
Author/Reader Discussions
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8 Bit Christmas Author/Reader Discussion
My sister is turning 30 this year and I've been researching things from 1984 and have been having my own trip down memory lane. This books sounds like just what I need to complete my journey!I live in the US and would prefer a paper copy. I will be available to participate in the book discussion in July.
Thanks for this opportunity!
This book sounds awesome, and I really want to read it! Plus I've always wanted to join in one of the discussions and haven't yet. I prefer paper copy, and I live in the US. I will be able to participate in the discussion.
8-Bit Christmas sounds hilarious. It'd be a really fun read for me - I absolutely love everything 80's! I live in Canada so digital copy for me.Of course I'll participate in the discussion. :)
I would love a copy of this book :). Thank you!
I was a teen in the 80's and love anything that takes me back to that decade. I will participate in the discussion. If an e-book is available, I would prefer that. If not a paper book would be great instead. Thanks!
I would love to get a paper copy and participate in the discussion :)
I am of the 8 bit group!love my Nintendo!would love a print copy of the book and to join discussion!email is [email protected]
This sounds awesome. Would love a print copy, and I am game on for the discussion.
Your enthusiasm for this book inspires me! I'd love to read it in either print or digital format. I'm in San Francisco. Looking forward to the discussion. Thx!
I loved the 80's!! I remember what a big deal it was when Nintendo first came out. I would love a print copy of the book and look forward to participating in the discussion.
Mod
What do you think of it so far?!
I was wondering --- Why the switch back and forth from writing it from the point of view of an adult, to suddenly being back in it, straightforwardly from a kid's perspective?
I'm really enjoying this book. The author's commentary makes me laugh out loud while reading (not an easy task). And I'm finding the tone to be similar to Ralphie's narrative in A Christmas Story.
This book has been really enjoyable and reminds me so much of A Christmas Story - even down to the not wanting to lick the metal tab on his jacket in the middle of winter.
I really enjoyed this book too. My question - was there a reason why the book was set in Batavia instead of another small town somewhere?
Chandni wrote: "I really enjoyed this book too. My question - was there a reason why the book was set in Batavia instead of another small town somewhere?"I saw in the author's bio that he's from Batavia.
Interesting. but even then, was there another reason for having the book take place in Batavia other than the fact it was the author's hometown?
I'm interested in why the plot structure was created the was it was.
Mod
Kevin, so thrilled to be able to host you and your novel here in the group! I really adored the book and loved the retro-ness of it!
Thanks for being here.
Quite a few participants have already posted some questions already, and now here's one from me.....
Do you read the reviews your book gets? As a writer, how do you feel about positive and negative feedback overall?
I haven't finished (really just started) because I don't how to access it from my Nook, only my computer, but I've really enjoyed the beginning. Comparing it to a Christmas Story is spot on!Nostalgia for a different decade.
Definitely a modern version of A Christmas Story. I think I was maybe a little behind this time growing up- we had a SNES, but I still remember Saturday morning cartoons and cabbage patch kids being a huge thing.I really liked the story and the voice and how more of the environment was described (much like A Christmas Story) with cartoons and skating rinks and baseball cards.
Kevin, I have to ask was of the story was taken from real events or memories from your own childhood? I'm guessing that had to be a big inspiration for you. Was there ever a real ban on Nintendo when it came out? (That does not seem that far-fetched- I grew up in the Midwest as well and it sometimes seemed banning things was a hobby of parents)
I was wondering what your writing process is like. Do you have a set writing schedule or do you write when you can or when you're inspired? Also, when you have a writing roadblock (character problems, plot problems, etc.) how do you work through it?
Lori wrote: "I'm sneaking in a little early to welcome Kevin to the group! He joins us tomorrow and hangs out for the entire week, discussing 8-Bit Christmas.Kevin, so thrilled to be able to host you and your..."
Hello Next Best Book Club! I'm thrilled to be here. First, a big thanks to Lori for having me. And also a very big thanks to all those who have read 8-Bit Christmas. I really appreciate you taking the time to check it out. I'm glad that so many of you are enjoying it so far.
As for your question Lori, here goes... I read every review I come across. Both good and bad. 8-Bit Christmas is my first book, but I've had experience reading reviews of my work before (film and TV). I've learned that you can't take any of it seriously. If you do, you'll go crazy. I spent a good three months depressed after a movie I co-wrote came out and half the critics loved it and half hated it. As a writer I really do aim to please so getting negative feedback is tough to swallow. It took awhile but I learned that as a writer if you start second guessing yourself, you're dead. I genuinely appreciate any review or comment I get but I try very hard not to let it get to me. I force myself to only read them once and move on. And if I need a pick-me-up I can always call my mom and ask her if she liked the book.
Sara wrote: "I was wondering --- Why the switch back and forth from writing it from the point of view of an adult, to suddenly being back in it, straightforwardly from a kid's perspective?"Hi Sara. Great question. Maybe it can be chalked up to sloppy writing. I definitely tried to tell the book from an adult perspective, but I can see that there are times when Jake expresses his thoughts as a kid-- I tried to keep most of that in the dialogue though, rather than the narration. Ultimately my goal was to be as funny and entertaining as possible and perhaps sometimes that goal trumped consistent narration. Hopefully it wasn't confusing.
Chandni wrote: "Interesting. but even then, was there another reason for having the book take place in Batavia other than the fact it was the author's hometown?"Hi Chandi. I'm glad you enjoyed the book. Thanks for taking the time to give it a read. Initially Jake's town was a fictitious one, but that was only to mask the fact that I was really writing about my own hometown, Batavia, Illinois. As the book progressed it just seemed silly to write about a fake town when the real one was already there. Because the story is so steeped in pop-culture, which is very real-world-specific, I felt that the town should be real-world-specific too. I'm a firm believer that the more specific you are, the more universal you become. Mary Todd Lincoln really did go crazy in Batavia, Illinois. Why not use that real piece of history for a few good jokes? That was the line of thinking that pushed me to set the story in Batavia. And, I'm not gonna lie, it helps me sell books in my hometown.
Andrea wrote: "Definitely a modern version of A Christmas Story. I think I was maybe a little behind this time growing up- we had a SNES, but I still remember Saturday morning cartoons and cabbage patch kids bein..."Hi Andrea. Thanks for taking the time to read the book. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Yes, the book was definitely inspired by my own childhood growing up in the Midwest, watching cartoons, playing sports, obsessing over Nintendo and baseball cards. I wanted to capture that time and place in a way that other children of the 80s and 90s could relate to. As far as specific plot points in the story, most of that is completely made up. My town didn't ever ban Nintendo for Christmas, but it didn't seem like it was out of the realm of possibility. Overall I'd say 20% of the book was based on real experience and real people from my childhood, the other 80% was made up. For example, I was an altar boy as a kid but I never accidentally set fire to the church during Mass. Thank God.
Carolyn wrote: "I'm interested in why the plot structure was created the was it was."Hi Carolyn. Great question. Because I'm primarily a screenwriter, I thought of the book in very specific three act structure. Most movies and TV shows are set up that way. So that set-up really helped me write the book. Act one identify Jake's problem: He wants a Nintendo. Act two, escalate the problem: His town bans Nintendo. Act three, fix the problem: He comes up with a plan to get the Nintendo anyway. It's not a very imaginative way of writing a novel, but it definitely helped. So I'd say the reason the plot structure was laid out the way it was is because... One: it felt right. And... Two: I'm a lazy screenwriter at heart.
HeatherIlene wrote: "I was wondering what your writing process is like. Do you have a set writing schedule or do you write when you can or when you're inspired? Also, when you have a writing roadblock (character prob..."
Hi Heather. Good question. I'm a very slow writer and I get distracted easily. I find that the only way I can combat those two problems is to basically write all day long, five days a week. I get up early and do my best writing in the morning. I have a pretty strict schedule, which I think helps. I feel very lucky that I get to write for a living so I treat it like a job. I clock in at seven and quit at five. I take lots of breaks and go for walks and generally pace around my apartment non stop. I find that the best way to get around a writing roadblock is to set the material down for awhile and come back to it days later. Unfortunately, I'm terrible at doing that. I obsess over stuff and pick at it and never put it down. This leads to over writing stuff and making things worse. But for the most part I think adhering to my schedule helps create a good writing environment. I'm still learning. That's what I love about it.
HeatherIlene wrote: "I'm really enjoying this book. The author's commentary makes me laugh out loud while reading (not an easy task). And I'm finding the tone to be similar to Ralphie's narrative in A Christmas Story."Thanks Heather! Really glad you're enjoying it.
Kevin wrote: "Ultimately my goal was to be as funny and entertaining as possible and perhaps sometimes that goal trumped consistent narration. Hopefully it wasn't confusing. "No, it wasn't confusing, but now I guess you know what worked and what didn't if/when you write another novel.
(If I had to make a suggestion -- not that you asked for it -- it should have stuck with the kid perspective. The voice was much better and more consistent then.)
I have to say this was a fun book to read. I loved all the pop culture references. I have 2 questions. Are any of the characters based on people you know?
Do you have any plans to write another book?
I was also wondering about characters being based on real people. Particularly Timmy Kleen? As an adult, I still remember some obnoxiously naughty kids from my childhood. I think that's what makes his character so realistic. His father too. I think everyone knows some parents whos children can do no wrong, and when they do, someone or something else must be to blame.
Hey Kevin. I must say that one of the most striking parts of your book is the level of minutia you include in the realm of pop culture references. Being a product of the same generation, it does bring back a lot of memories. I mean, I like to think that I can throw down with the best of them when it comes to trivial details, but you pull out things that I have not thought of in years. (Masters of the Universe, Lady Jane, Andre the Giant...just to name a few.) It has made me think that so often when you see nostalgia about "The 80's", that is often from an adult point of view, but being a kid at that time, a lot of pop music, grown-up movies, or politics were not on my radar. You have tapped into the things I DO remember...those slices of life from a kids perspective. Did you do any research to jar your memories, or when you started writing, did it all just start coming back to you?
This book was so much fun to read and was so well put together. I really enjoyed all the pop culture references and then remember what I put my parents through in order to get a Cabbage Patch doll (brown hair, blue eyes!). Did you find it easier to write a novel rather than a screenplay?
I was curious about writing screenplays too. What do you prefer about that vs. novel writing? Did you find writing screenplays helped you to write a novel?
Hi Kevin,Thanks for letting us read your novel. I'm really enjoying the trip down memory lane (yes, I was a kid in the 80s too). Any plans to turn the book into a movie?
Mod
I'm dying to know. What were your MUST HAVES back in the 80's? What were the things you thought you would die without?
Jennifer wrote: "I have to say this was a fun book to read. I loved all the pop culture references. I have 2 questions. Are any of the characters based on people you know?
Do you have any plans to write anoth..."
Hi Jennifer, glad you enjoyed the book. Thanks for taking the time to read it. I think most of the characters I write are somehow based on people I know. Whenever I'm imagining a character it usually helps to have a starting point, something that I can use as a seed to grow into a character. Let's say I need a character who is a great baseball player. I'll think back to all the kids I knew growing up who were great at baseball. I'll pick one who feels the most interesting, use a trait or two of his as a foundation and then move on from there. Many of the characters in 8-Bit Christmas were therefore based on real people I know, or knew during my childhood. They may not even remotely resemble them by the time I'm finished with the character, but they did start from a real life frame of reference.
Second question. Yes, I have plans to write another book. I'm working on the next one right now and really enjoying it. It may take another year to write, it may take five, but I've found that I really enjoy writing in the novel form. It's a lot of fun.
Chelsea wrote: "I was also wondering about characters being based on real people. Particularly Timmy Kleen? As an adult, I still remember some obnoxiously naughty kids from my childhood. I think that's what makes ..."Hi Chelsea, yeah, every neighborhood had a snotty kid didn't it? I mentioned it a bit in the last comment, but yes, many of the characters in 8-Bit Christmas were loosely based on real people. Timmy Kleen in particular came from two kids I knew growing up. One was the first kid in town to get Nintendo. He was kind of a spaz, but a good guy. The second kid was a rich kid who lived in this amazing house with a pool and every single toy you could imagine. He was a good guy too, just super rich. I took these two kids, sort of melded them into one rich kid, gave him a serious case of ADD and a few other terrible qualities and he became Timmy Kleen. I really didn't have a book until I came up with Timmy. A great villain is absolutely necessary I think. It helps when he's so fun to write as well.
John wrote: "Hey Kevin. I must say that one of the most striking parts of your book is the level of minutia you include in the realm of pop culture references. Being a product of the same generation, it does ..."Hey John. I'm glad the book brought back some memories. Capturing that nostalgia was a big reason I wrote it. I wanted to tap into all the stuff that we kids were interested in back in the 80s and 90s. You're right, all those "I Love The 80s" pop culture shows only focus on the adult aspect of it. I wanted to write about the kid stuff. It felt like an interesting angle on a story. I found that the more I wrote the more I remembered about being a kid in that era. I have a ridiculous memory for the insignificant. I couldn't tell you who my health care provider is but I can easily tell you what Jose Canseco's rookie card looked like and how much it was worth and how weak his mustache was. So really, most of my research was done after I finished the first draft, sort of in a fact checking manner. I was happy to find that the stuff I'd written was usually pretty spot on. One complication I do remember though was trying to come up with the name for those gloves that changed colors in the cold. Remember those? For some reason I was certain they were called Frosty Freezies, when in fact, they were called Freezy Freakies. I was a little disappointed in my memory that day. I asked my editor to double check that one a few times.
I wanted to start by saying thank you so much for answering my questions. The sentiment you expressed about writing on a schedule is something I've heard from many other writers (it's how I treat my schoolwork).I also wanted to say that there was a quick one or two lines about Christmas with the narrator's family. One of the characters was named Heather and she tells the narrator that her family bought him the full set of The Boxcar Children. I'm pretty sure you were writing about me! (kidding!)
Another thing I am curious about with the book having such a Nintendo focus... Growing up, I always kind of viewed Nintendo vs Sega as being just as deeply rooted as your family being of a particular religion, or a particular political leaning. I was definitely a Nintendo kid. I still have my 8-bit NES, 16 bit SNES, and Nintendo 64 all hooked up and ready to go. My elementary school aged daughter has grown up playing the classics and only realized recently that newer games exist. Do you still play Nintendo as an adult...and if so, what is your go-to game and system?
Kevin,I am from Chicago, and from the Atari 2600 era. I remember all the drama of having an arcade at home! I do remember the hubbub about Nintendo ruining kids lives, but was it really banned in Batavia?
I laughed out loud at almost all of your insights into the minds of Chicagoland kids of eighties and nineties. I even was agreeing that these things really happened.
I still have every generation Nintendo and Sega in working order, (so is the Atari 2600). Do you still have yours, and if so, do you still play any of the old school games? Double Dragon is one of my all time favorites LOL!
Deanna
This question is for Kevin as well as all the readers who grew up in the 80's. We have a Wii at home but I just never got into it. I still love to play the old school games and the modern game systems just don't seem as cool to me. I bought my kids a SNES from the "vintage" section of our used game store because I felt like they were missing out by not trying the classics. Do all you kids of the 80's feel the same way? Am I stuck in the past or are the old school games really just more fun to play?
Rebecca NJ wrote: "This book was so much fun to read and was so well put together. I really enjoyed all the pop culture references and then remember what I put my parents through in order to get a Cabbage Patch doll..."Hi Rebecca. Thanks for reading the book. I'm glad you enjoyed it! I think I found writing a novel a little easier than writing a screenplay. But that's probably because this is my first novel and I've had a healthy dose of beginner's luck. Once I got the voice down for the book it was a blast to write. It took very little effort. It was a subject I knew so well that all I had to do was sit down and let it come out. Screenplays or TV pilots on the other hand, they seem to give me more trouble. I get stuck a lot. There's such a particular format that needs to be followed. Every page counts and there's little room for error. With a novel, as long as it's interesting you can go off on tangents and move around in time-- the sky's the limit. I find when, say, I'm writing a TV pilot, I rarely have the time I need in those thirty or sixty pages to cram in all the character stuff I want. Both novels and screenplays are hard, but I found writing my first novel to be less of a grind. It was fun to write.
Andrea wrote: "I was curious about writing screenplays too. What do you prefer about that vs. novel writing? Did you find writing screenplays helped you to write a novel?"Hi Andrea. I think what I love most about writing for film or television is dialogue. That's my sweet spot. The best part is, if you're lucky, that dialogue eventually gets interpreted and brought to life by actors. To me, there's nothing more rewarding than writing a cool piece of dialogue and watching an actor totally nail it or bring it to a level I hadn't even envisioned. I find great satisfaction in that. Being a screenwriter absolutely helped me to write 8-Bit Christmas. Oddly enough, the story started as a screenplay. So that whole structure was already in place and gave me some parameters to work with. That was very, very helpful.
Olivia wrote: "Hi Kevin,Thanks for letting us read your novel. I'm really enjoying the trip down memory lane (yes, I was a kid in the 80s too). Any plans to turn the book into a movie?"
Hi Olivia. I'm glad you're enjoying the book! I definitely have plans to turn the book into a movie. By hook or by crook I plan on making it happen. Even if I have to shoot the thing on VHS in my parents back yard. It is goal numero uno as far as my passion projects go. So if you like the book, please spread the word. Every little bit of buzz helps!
Lori wrote: "Kevin, I'm dying to know. What were your MUST HAVES back in the 80's? What were the things you thought you would die without?"
Hey Lori. Great question! As a little kid I remember absolutely needing my Star Wars action figures at all times. I was an Ewok man. I was also big on my shoes. I had a sweet pair of Walter Payton Kangaroos and some pretty cool Converse All Star knee highs in like third grade. Do you remember those? They were Chuck Taylors that like folded upwards? You could roll them down too. I also loved my Trapper Keepers. I was that kid that actually enjoyed back to school shopping. All those multi-colored pens! I also had this great Chicago Bears stocking cap. I would seriously pay a few hundred dollars to have that thing back. It was sweet. As an adult I'd say the things from the 80s I can't live without now are the old shows on VHS. My mom used to tape them off TV and we still have them. Every year I watch the old Christmas specials with my sister, with the commercials and everything. Anyone remember Garfield's Christmas? The best! Lori, what were your must haves?
The Next Best Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
Can You Survive the Zombie Apocalypse? (other topics)8-Bit Christmas (other topics)
Next month, we'll be discussing 8-Bit Christmas with author Kevin Jakubowski... and he has given us a total of 15 copies to give away (a mix of print - limited to US resident, and digital - open internationally).
I'm excited to be sharing this book with you. I fell so hard for it when I first read it and I know you will too!
In order to be considered, you must comment here or on the blog for a shot at winning one and secure a spot in the discussion that kicks off July 21st:
http://thenextbestbookblog.blogspot.c...
This giveaway will run through June 8th.
Winners will be announced here and via email (if you provide one) on June 9th.
Here's how to enter:
1 - Leave a comment here or in the giveaway thread over at TNBBC on goodreads, stating why you'd like to receive a copy of the book, what format you prefer, and where you reside (remember, only US residents can win a paper copy!).
ONLY COMMENT ONCE. MULTIPLE COMMENTS DO NOT GAIN YOU ADDITIONAL CHANCES TO WIN.
2 - State that you agree to participate in the group read book discussion that will run from July 21st through July 27st. Kevin Jakubowski has agreed to participate in the discussion and will be available to answer any questions you may have for him.
*If you are chosen as a winner, by accepting the copy you are agreeing to read the book and join the group discussion right here in this thread next month.
3 - If your goodreads profile is blocked (set on private), please leave me another way to contact you.