tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1586661457615394192024-03-15T19:09:31.343-06:00Through The Looking GlassRandom thoughts of a dreamerDawn Iushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01546425873531022196noreply@blogger.comBlogger447125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158666145761539419.post-4573572025235191422015-02-09T06:19:00.001-07:002015-02-09T14:09:15.086-07:00Heartbreak is in the air<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOo7GkZy4hUIc0eKtZYtAYsChu_cJuOOlrWhUXdSbwCG89RCa7lWgQnDisu6Sz0_RfWw1hCo2atpe5N4eXLlKFMtQFrpgMtX0nm1JxKZBr1v1UMsNYEnQ-xACzOHosJhgex4a3vLdbw2A/s1600/Heartbreakers2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOo7GkZy4hUIc0eKtZYtAYsChu_cJuOOlrWhUXdSbwCG89RCa7lWgQnDisu6Sz0_RfWw1hCo2atpe5N4eXLlKFMtQFrpgMtX0nm1JxKZBr1v1UMsNYEnQ-xACzOHosJhgex4a3vLdbw2A/s1600/Heartbreakers2015.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Be still my beating heart!<br />
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Today kicks off the <a href="http://judithteweswrites.blogspot.ca/p/heartbreakers.html"><span class="s1">2015 Heartbreakers Blog Tour</span></a> and I'm thrilled to join 13 contemporary young adult/new adult authors in an event guaranteed to, well, to break your heart.</div>
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From quality self-published and small presses to traditional publishers, debut novels to bestsellers, <a href="http://judithteweswrites.blogspot.ca/"><span class="s1">Judith Tewes'</span></a> Heartbreakers Tour offers access to amazing contemporary young adult and new adult fiction authors and their heart-stopping books. This week, fourteen writers (including me!) will embark on a blog tour that will hook readers up with great reads and cool SWAG.</div>
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But wait—there's more!</b></div>
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One lucky grand prize winner will receive a free Kindle, as well as a $20 Amazon gift card.</div>
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Awesome, right?</div>
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For the full roster of brilliant bloggers and authors taking part in the tour (and for details on that killer giveaway), head to <a href="http://judithteweswrites.blogspot.ca/p/heartbreakers.html"><span class="s1">Heartbreakers central</span></a>.</div>
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As for me, well, here's the schedule of where I'll be swooning over love songs, waxing poetic about heartache, dishing about my favourite Valentine's treats, and of course, talking about my September 2015 Simon Pulse debut, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22453734-anne-henry"><span class="s1">ANNE & HENRY</span></a>.</div>
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February 9, 2015</b></div>
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<a href="http://jennzah.net/">Jennzah</a></div>
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February 10, 2015</b></div>
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<a href="https://wordsofmysteryblog.wordpress.com/">Words of Mystery</a></div>
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February 11, 2015</b></div>
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<a href="http://talesofyesterday.co.uk/">Tales of Yesterday</a></div>
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February 12, 2015</b></div>
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<a href="http://littlelibrarymuse.blogspot.ca/">Little Library Muse</a></div>
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February 13, 2015</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.yayeahyeah.com/">YA Yeah! Yeah!</a></div>
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<a href="http://readingismytreasure.blogspot.ca/">Reading is my Treasure</a></div>
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February 14, 2015</b></div>
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<a href="http://glass-of-wine.blogspot.ca/">A Glass of Wine</a></div>
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<span class="s2"><a href="http://www.thereaderbee.com/">The Reader Bee</a></span><span class="s3"><br />
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Hope to catch you on the hop!</div>
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<i>~ Dawn</i></div>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="beed41e18" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/beed41e18/" id="rcwidget_rh3byi53" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Dawn Iushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01546425873531022196noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158666145761539419.post-85376476750549265012014-11-03T06:59:00.000-07:002014-11-03T07:48:29.068-07:00ANNE & HENRY — Cover Reveal!<div>
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Sometimes I still want to pinch myself.</div>
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It was at this time last year that I auditioned for a unique development writing project imagined by two of the amazing agents at D4EO Literary—<a href="http://mandyhubbard.com/" target="_blank">Mandy Hubbard</a> and <a href="http://www.d4eoliteraryagency.com/p/bree-ogden.html" target="_blank">Bree Ogden</a>. I went into the project blind, but intrigued. Both of these ladies were on my Agent Wish List, and winning this audition meant a chance to work with BOTH of them. How could I not give it shot?</div>
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When I'm having a rough writing day (hey, it happens!), I often go back and read the emails from Mandy and Bree telling me I'd been selected to write ANNE & HENRY. </div>
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Not only did winning the audition give me the opportunity to work with two of the most amazing professionals in publishing (seriously), but I scored Agent Awesome Mandy Hubbard for ALL THE WRITERLY THINGS, and landed an amazing two-book deal with Simon Pulse, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. (Pinch me, please.) My editor is <a href="http://sarasargent.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Sara Sargent</a>, an incredible lady who hand draws hearts and stars on my manuscript, cracks the whip when I need it, makes me smile (or cry) every day, and has truly pushed me to write my best work. </div>
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Talk about a dream team, right?</div>
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I thought it couldn't get much better than this—but then Sara gave ANNE & HENRY to designer Regina Flath, who read the book and came up with a cover that absolutely nails the essence of this story. She is brilliant — and I am blown away.</div>
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So. After a very long few months of mandated cover silence, I am thrilled to reveal the cover for ANNE & HENRY. </div>
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* swoon *</div>
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Yup. I <b>love</b> it.</div>
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And here's the official cover blurb: </div>
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<b>ANNE</b></div>
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Wild, brazen, mischievous, bewitching</div>
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<b>HENRY</b></div>
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Driven, haunted, charming, magnetic</div>
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<b>ANNE & HENRY</b></div>
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Apart they are bound to destroy themselves. Together, they are bound to destroy each other.</div>
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HENRY TUDOR’S LIFE HAS BEEN mapped out since the day he was born: student president, valedictorian, Harvard Law School, and a stunning political career just like his father’s. </div>
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But ever since the death of Henry’s brother—perfect, high-achieving Arthur—his family has been twice as demanding. And now Henry’s trapped: forbidden from pursuing a life as an artist or dating any girl who’s not Tudor-approved.</div>
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Then Anne Boleyn crashes into his life. </div>
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Anne is wild, brash, and outspoken. She is everything Henry is not allowed to be—or to want. But soon Anne is all he can think about. His mother, his friends, and even his girlfriend warn him away, yet his desire for Anne consumes him. Henry is willing to do anything to be with her. But once he has her, their romance could destroy them both. </div>
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Inspired by the true story of Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII, ANNE & HENRY reimagines the intensity, love, and betrayal between one of the most infamous couples of all time.</div>
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Intriqued? The book publishes Fall 2015, but you can add it to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22453734-anne-henry" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>!</div>
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BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!</div>
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The amazing <a href="http://glass-of-wine.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Kathy Coe</a> has lined up a number of awesome bloggers to help spread the word. Visit their blogs and enter for a chance to win an ARC of ANNE & HENRY, available early in the New Year.</div>
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You can check them out here:</div>
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1. Kathy Coe - <a href="http://glass-of-wine.blogspot.ca/">http://glass-of-wine.blogspot.ca/</a></div>
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2. Jess from Read My Breath Away - <a href="http://readmybreathaway.blogspot.ca/">http://readmybreathaway.blogspot.ca/</a></div>
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3. Emilie from Emilie's Book World - <a href="http://www.emiliebookworld.com/">http://www.emiliebookworld.com/</a></div>
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4. Alison from Sleepless Reads - <a href="http://sleeplessreadsreviews.blogspot.ca/">http://sleeplessreadsreviews.blogspot.ca</a></div>
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5. Indigo from Adventures in YA Fiction - <a href="http://adventuresinyafiction.blogspot.ca/">http://adventuresinyafiction.blogspot.ca/</a></div>
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6. Brenna from Ester's Ever After - <a href="http://everafteresther.blogspot.ca/">http://everafteresther.blogspot.ca/</a></div>
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7. Jen from Pop Goes The Reader - <a href="http://www.popgoesthereader.com/">http://www.popgoesthereader.com/</a></div>
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8. Kristie from Lost In Ever After - <a href="http://lostineverafter.blogspot.ca/">http://lostineverafter.blogspot.ca</a></div>
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9. Kelly from Kellyvision - <a href="http://kellyvision.wordpress.com/">http://kellyvision.wordpress.com/</a></div>
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10. Christy from The Reader Bee - <a href="http://www.thereaderbee.com/">http://www.thereaderbee.com/</a></div>
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11. Jess from Gone With the Words - <a href="http://gonewiththewords.com/">http://gonewiththewords.com/</a></div>
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12. Lucy from The Reading Date - <a href="http://thereadingdate.com/">http://thereadingdate.com/</a></div>
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13. Nancy from Tales of the Ravenous Reader - <a href="http://www.lushbudgetproduction.com/">http://www.lushbudgetproduction.com/</a></div>
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14. Kelsey from Kelsey's Cluttered Bookshelf - <a href="http://kelseysclutteredbookshelf.wordpress.com/">http://kelseysclutteredbookshelf.wordpress.com/</a></div>
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15. Meredith from Pandora's Books - <a href="http://www.pandorasbooks.org/">http://www.pandorasbooks.org/</a></div>
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16. Little Library Muse - <a href="http://littlelibrarymuse.blogspot.ca/">http://littlelibrarymuse.blogspot.ca/</a></div>
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17. Darby (author using her own website) - <a href="http://www.darbykarchut.com/">http://www.darbykarchut.com/</a></div>
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18. Christa from More Than Just Magic - <a href="http://morethanjustmagic.org/">http://morethanjustmagic.org/</a></div>
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19. Hazel from Stay Bookish - <a href="http://staybookish.net/">http://staybookish.net/</a></div>
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20. Rabiah from Confessions of a Readaholic - <a href="http://iliveforreading.blogspot.ca/">http://iliveforreading.blogspot.ca/</a></div>
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21. Sabrina from YA Bliss - <a href="http://www.yabliss.net/">http://www.yabliss.net/</a></div>
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22. Jessica Bell - <a href="http://thealliterativeallomorph.blogspot.gr/">http://thealliterativeallomorph.blogspot.gr/</a> </div>
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23. Kyle Kerr - <a href="http://www.kylewkerr.com/index.php/site/journal/">http://www.kylewkerr.com/index.php/site/journal/</a><br />
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24. Louise D. Gorenall - <a href="http://bookishblurb.com/blog/">http://bookishblurb.com/blog/</a></div>
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Forgive me while I sign off and go paste the cover image in ALL THE PLACES! </div>
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<i>~ Dawn</i></div>
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Dawn Iushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01546425873531022196noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158666145761539419.post-51406398522219354852014-10-08T05:00:00.000-06:002014-10-08T05:00:10.449-06:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">GUESS THE TRUE STATEMENT & WIN JESSICA BELL'S THRILLER, <span style="color: #cc0000;">WHITE LADY</span>! (Statement #67) </span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.jessicabellauthor.com/fiction.html" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdAYgXPr0m9AmEoXtuv2H4SOCx_hoAckqBGw69bnFXtjaSSI1kEJXWNrGxzw9KyrMarSeXogyU08SziajDuIc2Hv6u2Ym7KTPB2azlgli1GBYnslL1LaE_28cqgq658_-CI9mDEtdrfM/s1600/White+Lady_by+Jessica+Bell_cover.jpg" height="320" width="204" /></a></div>
It seems like forever ago when Jessica asked me to read a draft of her first thriller, <a href="http://www.jessicabellauthor.com/fiction.html">WHITE LADY</a>. I knew she was on to something then—but now, in its fully polished and revised state, I'm honestly blown away.<br />
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There's something very special about this novel, and<br />
that's saying something since I'm a tremendous fan of her work. It's not just that she seems to have mastered character development (and somehow manages to create authentic POV voices for MULTIPLE characters). Every page of this book is compelling and real, showcasing Jessica's command of the craft, and her magic for storytelling. Trust me: <b>YOU WANT THIS BOOK!</b><br />
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To celebrate the release of <a href="http://www.jessicabellauthor.com/fiction.html" target="_blank">WHITE LADY</a>, Jessica is giving away an e-copy (mobi, ePub, or PDF) to the first person to correctly guess the one true statement in the three statements below. To clarify, two statements are lies, and one is true: <br />
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<b>Jessica Bell takes her coffee ...</b><br />
<b>a. </b> with milk and no sugar <br />
<b>b. </b> with milk and two sugars <br />
<b>c. </b> black <br />
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What do you think? Which one is true? Write your guess in the comments, along with your email address. Comments will close in 48 hours. If no-one guesses correctly within in 48 hours, comments will stay open until someone does. <br />
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Want more chances to win? You have until October 31 to visit all the blogs where Jessica will share a different set of true and false statements on each one. Remember, each blog is open to comments for 48 hours only from the time of posting. <br />
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If you win, you will be notified by email with instructions on how to download the book. <br />
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<i>Click <a href="http://www.jessicabellauthor.com/white-lady-blog-tour-participants.html">HERE</a> to see the list of blogs. </i><br />
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<b>ABOUT THE BOOK:</b><br />
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<i><b>*This novel contains coarse language, violence, and sexual themes.</b></i><br />
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Sonia yearns for sharp objects and blood. But now that she's rehabilitating herself as a "normal" mother and mathematics teacher, it's time to stop dreaming about slicing people's throats. <br />
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While being the wife of Melbourne's leading drug lord and simultaneously dating his best mate is not ideal, she's determined to make it work. <br />
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It does work. Until Mia, her lover's daughter, starts exchanging saliva with her son, Mick. They plan to commit a crime behind Sonia's back. It isn't long before she finds out and gets involved to protect them. <br />
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But is protecting the kids really Sonia's motive? <br />
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<b>Click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6GuSQPKBOI">HERE</a> to view the book trailer. </b><br />
<b>Click <a href="http://www.jessicabellauthor.com/fiction.html">HERE</a> for purchase links. </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCELGl1PBMp4AXFr594sgNkEQThD6NtVzQ913RVmlaSAMXIsAp0f3YHO7lCeL3-976jIj1ONI2ZGL3yE2numaGyjN_U5ejvVyasdZEGmZoXsbHPDeJD36meZ8ZTipGVK69k543t9Wq4Ko/s1600/black+and+white_Jessica+Bell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCELGl1PBMp4AXFr594sgNkEQThD6NtVzQ913RVmlaSAMXIsAp0f3YHO7lCeL3-976jIj1ONI2ZGL3yE2numaGyjN_U5ejvVyasdZEGmZoXsbHPDeJD36meZ8ZTipGVK69k543t9Wq4Ko/s1600/black+and+white_Jessica+Bell.jpg" height="200" width="192" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.jessicabellauthor.com/">Jessica Bell</a>, a thirty-something Australian-native contemporary fiction author, poet and singer/songwriter/guitarist, is the Publishing Editor of <a href="http://www.vineleavesliteraryjournal.com/">Vine Leaves Literary Journal</a> and the director of the <a href="http://www.homericwriters.com/">Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop</a> on the Greek island of Ithaca. She makes a living as a writer/editor for English Language Teaching Publishers worldwide, such as Pearson Education, HarperCollins, MacMillan Education, Education First and Cengage Learning. <br />
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<b>Connect with Jessica online: </b></div>
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<a href="http://www.jessicabellauthor.com/">Website</a> | <a href="http://www.homericwriters.com/">Retreat & workshop</a> | <a href="http://thealliterativeallomorph.blogspot.com/">Blog</a> | <a href="http://www.vineleavesliteraryjournal.com/">Vine Leaves Literary Journal</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/author.jessica.bell">F</a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/author.jessica.bell">acebook</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/MsBessieBell">Twitter</a></div>
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Dawn Iushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01546425873531022196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158666145761539419.post-49942401875269251782014-03-31T08:13:00.000-06:002014-03-31T08:13:45.498-06:00COVER REVEAL: MY SOON-TO-BE SEX LIFE by Judith TewesMY SOON-TO-BE SEX LIFE by Judith Tewes is a freaking good book. I've had the pleasure of reading earlier drafts, and can hardly wait to read it again when it launches from Bloomsbury Spark this spring.<br />
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Judith (also writing as<a href="http://www.judithgraves.com/" target="_blank"> Judith Graves)</a> writes kick-ass stories — this one, is no exception. I'm honored and excited to be part of the cover reveal. Whoot!<br />
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PS - Make sure you scroll ALL the way down for a chance to WIN a prize!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAn8m558W-vntlqNcIJTPyoh9qhbXJGJTHoj58M7k9WnefaPONVgsgnTQzc0GZjuhaudNcRdHmE1aljVaBh3SXK_b3PMV1OQ38umJ3AIz8ShW6sRQ1P_J_Wq31J9v6q9Byj2rK62zBQQ/s1600/MSTBSL+Final+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAn8m558W-vntlqNcIJTPyoh9qhbXJGJTHoj58M7k9WnefaPONVgsgnTQzc0GZjuhaudNcRdHmE1aljVaBh3SXK_b3PMV1OQ38umJ3AIz8ShW6sRQ1P_J_Wq31J9v6q9Byj2rK62zBQQ/s1600/MSTBSL+Final+Cover.jpg" height="640" width="418" /></a></div>
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* swoon * </div>
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Isn't it purdy????</div>
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Charlie is down to her absolute. Total. Last. Resort.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Despite a thoroughly comprehensive list of potential cherry
poppers, er…suitors, and careful plotting, Charlie is three weeks into her
devirginzation campaign, still untouched, and getting desperate. In the movie
of her life, this aspiring screenwriter is giving herself a PG,
for please, get some.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Her project goes into freeze frame when her mom checks
herself into rehab and packs Charlie off to live with her estranged, or just
plain strange, grandfather, Monty. How is she supposed to get a date when
she has to go pick up his Depends? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Enter Eric, a hot rehab grad on the road to redemption, and
the only one who can make Charlie rethink her strategy. The more she gets to
know him, the more convinced she becomes that is the one, and not
just another to add to the list of people who will abandon her.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In this hilarious and heartbreaking story of one girl’s
detoured road to womanhood, Charlie’s list develops a life of its own – right
when she realizes there’s so much more to lose.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Find it on Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21462279-my-soon-to-be-sex-life">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21462279-my-soon-to-be-sex-life</a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWeWphlSNIbidiVnkCKIEwePkgpofj16LHgwlDvP8VQvcQlfSJvc5p7-VmI0c25VR-DzDiQwWxJFSABdQT8MlIuDjlBHlvNOS9hqgS2i-0vGJ20Tmby1EtIauIiuA1JhAC-R8ubS8Qvw/s1600/Judith+Tewes+Author+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWeWphlSNIbidiVnkCKIEwePkgpofj16LHgwlDvP8VQvcQlfSJvc5p7-VmI0c25VR-DzDiQwWxJFSABdQT8MlIuDjlBHlvNOS9hqgS2i-0vGJ20Tmby1EtIauIiuA1JhAC-R8ubS8Qvw/s1600/Judith+Tewes+Author+(1).jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: red;"><b>ABOUT JUDITH TEWES</b></span></div>
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Multi-published, award-winning
author, screenwriter, and playwright, Judith Tewes resides in small town
Alberta, where she: writes, sings, plays bass guitar in an all-woman band,
walks her three crazy labs, and suspects she's living the life of a superhero's
alias. A commercial writer writing under several pen names, Judith’s work
includes: paranormal, steampunk, and contemporary young adult fiction, as well
as thriller, horror, and dramatic comedies for the stage and screen. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>FOLLOW JUDITH!</b></span></div>
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WEBSITE: <span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/judithteweswrites\.blogspot\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><a href="http://judithteweswrites.blogspot.com%20/" target="_blank">http://judithteweswrites.blogspot.com </a></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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FACEBOOK (personal and/or Author page): Personal: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/judithteweswritesAuthor">https://www.facebook.com/judithteweswritesAuthor</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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page: <span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022https\:\/\/www\.facebook\.com\/JudithTewesAuthor\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/JudithTewesAuthor">https://www.facebook.com/JudithTewesAuthor</a></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> <o:p></o:p></div>
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TWITTER: <span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022https\:\/\/twitter\.com\/JudithTewes\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><a href="https://twitter.com/JudithTewes">https://twitter.com/JudithTewes</a></span>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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TUMBLR: <a href="http://judithteweswrites.tumblr.com/%C2%A0" target="_blank">http://judithteweswrites.tumblr.com/ </a><o:p></o:p></div>
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PINTEREST: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/judithtewes31/%C2%A0" target="_blank">http://www.pinterest.com/judithtewes31/ </a><o:p></o:p></div>
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GOODREADS: <span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/www\.goodreads\.com\/user\/show\/23456732-judith-tewes\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/23456732-judith-tewes">http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/23456732-judith-tewes</a></span><br />
<span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/www\.goodreads\.com\/user\/show\/23456732-judith-tewes\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/www\.goodreads\.com\/user\/show\/23456732-judith-tewes\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><b><i>To help celebrate the reveal of her new cover, Judith is taking part in this</i></b></span><br />
<b><i><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2572e955/" id="rc-2572e955" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> for a $25 gift card. <span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/www\.goodreads\.com\/user\/show\/23456732-judith-tewes\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";">But hurry! The contest lasts for only 48 hours!</span></i></b></div>
<br />Dawn Iushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01546425873531022196noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158666145761539419.post-25217877679574878242014-02-12T16:04:00.002-07:002014-02-12T16:04:45.727-07:00Killer's Instinct - ALIVE and well (and in my hands)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UyDD9oqMOkh10O2d2WzdWuo42P0psQkhT7-F9sep5E5vI2RFZoC7kb93Ip-LcvFbMAvhIO0QTgzCtfAr_u8CmQh6Lm7cSff9xSPzTaF4NH9bSSQe95QE5ivUZw85qaK1dDoESN9vaek/s1600/1902713_828661367149256_711569433_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UyDD9oqMOkh10O2d2WzdWuo42P0psQkhT7-F9sep5E5vI2RFZoC7kb93Ip-LcvFbMAvhIO0QTgzCtfAr_u8CmQh6Lm7cSff9xSPzTaF4NH9bSSQe95QE5ivUZw85qaK1dDoESN9vaek/s1600/1902713_828661367149256_711569433_n.jpg" height="320" width="274" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
I'm still trembling a bit from what could be described as one of the coolest experiences of my writing career so far — if not my entire life.<span class="s1"></span></div>
<div class="p3">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
A box of <i>Killer's Instinct</i>, the creeptastic zombie tale the "<a href="http://www.dawnmdalton.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">other me</a>" co-wrote with <a href="http://www.judithgraves.com/"><span class="s2">Judith Graves</span></a> arrived at my house Monday, and it was with much excitement and shell-shock that I tore open the box and held the first copy in my hand.</div>
<div class="p3">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
The past few months have been a blur of cool creative career news, and while I'm looking at 2014 to be THE year for it all to come together, there is something special about holding your first published novel in your hand.</div>
<div class="p3">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
But this book is special for a few reasons. Not only did I have the opportunity to co-write with Judith Graves, who writes arguably some of the best YA I've ever read (seriously, check out her SKINNED series), and work with Leap Books' talented (and tough!) super editor Kat O'Shea, but my talented (and humble) husband drew some of the artwork for <i>Killer's Instinct</i>, and along with my adoration, he received published credit.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhKCH0zLq4WHKLTrTqF6lRfDktcUVC3eX7uPnjTVogDq_6VME9g4ghvT2DdNR3i4pxTF1OnlmKAVJ2jGEAJ4ddkmTvauDzc7Do29MsEavzrDWLiNGZ_bz9RNiAcwLdD4kRiKtB7c8aCss/s1600/1499572_828864360462290_1311383388_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhKCH0zLq4WHKLTrTqF6lRfDktcUVC3eX7uPnjTVogDq_6VME9g4ghvT2DdNR3i4pxTF1OnlmKAVJ2jGEAJ4ddkmTvauDzc7Do29MsEavzrDWLiNGZ_bz9RNiAcwLdD4kRiKtB7c8aCss/s1600/1499572_828864360462290_1311383388_n.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
Cool, right?</div>
<div class="p3">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
I thought so—so I made him sign my copy of the book.</div>
<div class="p3">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
Then, I bounced around the house, wrote status updates, posted pictures. Finally, hubs and I celebrated with a bottle of Italian champagne.</div>
<div class="p3">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
It's back to the grind, with many personal and professional deadlines looming. But I'm still riding the high of this week's career first — opening the first box of my very first novel. Not an experience I can ever recreate, and nor would I want to.</div>
<div class="p3">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2">
To learn more about <i>Killer's Instinct</i>, you can check out this <a href="http://www.mwmnovels.blogspot.ca/"><span class="s2">blog</span></a>, and to get your hands on a copy, you can buy it <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Killers-Instinct-Dawn-Dalton/dp/1616030240/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1392245130&sr=1-3&keywords=killer%27s+instinct"><span class="s2">here</span></a>. To my friends, family and (new) fans, thank you so much for your love and support and for making THIS such an amazing experience.<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="p2">
<i>- Dawn</i></div>
Dawn Iushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01546425873531022196noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158666145761539419.post-57741172578304554892014-01-05T10:50:00.002-07:002014-01-05T10:50:12.089-07:002013 recap; 2014 resolutions aplenty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEz1xepG8ymt0LsuVhoAAaZIWMLlhpiF1yn15KiSbYQo9TWVEobXeCawIxqSFNHJ41c5LZGAxmhsyhaXnZKnEar6Cpok9LMjnm10xtkvEfcVPP9zPuYRPyAbALl_JLVo2MK9dql7nw4hM/s1600/th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEz1xepG8ymt0LsuVhoAAaZIWMLlhpiF1yn15KiSbYQo9TWVEobXeCawIxqSFNHJ41c5LZGAxmhsyhaXnZKnEar6Cpok9LMjnm10xtkvEfcVPP9zPuYRPyAbALl_JLVo2MK9dql7nw4hM/s1600/th.jpg" /></a></div>
2013 was a bad year for blogging, friends.<br />
<br />
After two years of posting about smoking hot guys every Monday, I abandoned the Muse Avatar feature. How many times can I put up pictures of <a href="http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_ylt=AwrTcXXqmMlSaBsA_SOJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTIzY3VpajQxBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDaW1nBG9pZAMxZTQwMmMxYzI1NjkzMmExN2E3ZDllZGY3MDU2MTQ1MARncG9zAzMxBGl0A2Jpbmc-?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3F_adv_prop%3Dimage%26va%3Djax%2Bteller%26fr%3Dspigot-chr-gcmac%26tab%3Dorganic%26ri%3D31&w=500&h=603&imgurl=vampirediaries.alloyentertainment.com%2Ffiles%2F2012%2F09%2Fjax-teller-shirtless-promo.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fvampirediaries.alloyentertainment.com%2Fvampire-bait-of-the-week-jax-teller%2F&size=94.5KB&name=%3Cb%3EJax+Teller%3C%2Fb%3E%3A+Sons+of+Anarchy+Bad+Boy+%7C+Vampire+Diaries+Bait+of+The+Week&p=jax+teller&oid=1e402c1c256932a17a7d9edf70561450&fr2=&fr=spigot-chr-gcmac&tt=%3Cb%3EJax+Teller%3C%2Fb%3E%3A+Sons+of+Anarchy+Bad+Boy+%7C+Vampire+Diaries+Bait+of+The+Week&b=0&ni=128&no=31&ts=&tab=organic&sigr=12hincl6b&sigb=13gmhk6ge&sigi=12iqr59lc&.crumb=MfEndDIGQdk&fr=spigot-chr-gcmac" target="_blank">Charlie Hunnam</a> and <a href="http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_ylt=AwrTcXIPmclSojwAwcKJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTIzMDRiZGpsBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDaW1nBG9pZAM4ZjVkNmQ3Zjk4NjA3N2ZkYjY5MGQ5MjJjZjBkOGMzMgRncG9zAzQ5BGl0A2Jpbmc-?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3Dkiefer%2Bsutherland%26fr%3Dspigot-chr-gcmac%26fr2%3Dpiv-web%26tab%3Dorganic%26ri%3D49&w=439&h=500&imgurl=www.talknerdytomelover.com%2Fstorage%2Fkiefersutherland.jpeg%3F__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION%3D1362369870485&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.talknerdytomelover.com%2Fhome%2F2013%2F3%2F4%2Fthatawkwardmomentwhen-youre-at-a-karaoke-bar-in-koreatown-an.html&size=46.6KB&name=...+and+%3Cb%3EKiefer+Sutherland+%3C%2Fb%3Ewalks+in+...+-+Home+-+Talk+Nerdy+To+Me+Lover&p=kiefer+sutherland&oid=8f5d6d7f986077fdb690d922cf0d8c32&fr2=piv-web&fr=spigot-chr-gcmac&tt=...+and+%3Cb%3EKiefer+Sutherland+%3C%2Fb%3Ewalks+in+...+-+Home+-+Talk+Nerdy+To+Me+Lover&b=0&ni=128&no=49&ts=&tab=organic&sigr=13hu9t02q&sigb=13ijgb72q&sigi=131kovj44&.crumb=MfEndDIGQdk&fr=spigot-chr-gcmac" target="_blank">Kiefer Sutherland</a>, anyway? I cobbled through the rest of the year with random posts about resolution goals, books I'd read, cool stuff going on in my career and then—<br />
<br />
Nothing.<br />
<br />
My last post was back in October. Which is odd, since November and December were pretty damn exciting. More on that, but first—<br />
<br />
2013 was a year of ups and downs, triumphs and defeats, tears and laughs—well, you get the gist. I lost 25 pounds, only to gain back 30. I completed two <a href="http://www.fieldsofhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Chase Duffy</a> books for the <a href="http://www.learncanola.com/" target="_blank">Alberta Canola Producers</a>, and launched them with thousands of kids. <i><a href="http://mwmnovels.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Killer's Instinct</a></i>—the creeptastic zombie tale I co-wrote with <a href="http://www.judithgraves.com/" target="_blank">Judith Graves</a>—went through extensive edits, and is *this close* to launching from <a href="http://leapbks.net/" target="_blank">Leap Books</a> for realz. <a href="http://www.jessicabellauthor.com/" target="_blank">Jessica Bell</a> and I launched two new blogs as part of <a href="http://www.vineleavesliteraryjournal.com/" target="_blank"><i>Vine Leaves Literary Journal</i></a>—one of which I kinda dropped the <a href="http://www.vineleavesliteraryjournal.com/sowing-the-seeds.html" target="_blank">ball on</a>. The <a href="http://www.vineleavesliteraryjournal.com/sampling-the-wine.html" target="_blank">other one</a> is pretty awesome. I "resolved" to write 500,000 words (ended up with 325,675 which isn't horrible), read 50 books (erm, not even close) and watch 50 movies. I didn't meet that resolution, either.<br />
<br />
But.<br />
<br />
Other cool stuff happened. Major cool stuff.<br />
<br />
Like scoring literary Agent Awesome <a href="http://www.mandyhubbard.com/" target="_blank">Mandy Hubbard</a> at D4EO.<br />
<br />
* waits for reality to set in *<br />
<br />
Okay, this is not you normal "how I got my agent" story—and anyone who knows me won't be surprised. Because I don't do anything "normal."<br />
<br />
But here's the fast version, because if I linger on it too long, I begin questioning whether it really happened at all. In November, Mandy put out a call for submissions. Tired of waiting for someone to query her with one of the books on her <a href="http://www.d4eoliteraryagency.com/p/mandy-hubbard.html" target="_blank">manuscript wishlist</a>, Mandy concocted a plan—audition authors to write the book she wanted, and turn it into an in-house development project. for D4E0. Brilliant!<br />
<br />
I auditioned with 10 pages from my YA psychological thriller and was (gasp!) shortlisted, and tasked with writing two scenes of pretty much the coolest project ever. The plot was developed by Mandy and <a href="http://www.d4eoliteraryagency.com/p/bree-ogden.html" target="_blank">Bree Ogden</a>, another super cool agent. To work with them both? An impossible dream.<br />
<br />
But they liked my submission. They really, really liked it. And I was asked to write one more scene.<br />
<br />
Somehow—and I'm still not sure how— they gave me the job, and though I can't tell you the topic of the book, I can tell you this: It's BRILLIANT.<br />
<br />
But even better, Mandy is now MY agent — for all kinds of writerly things. She'll sort through what I've written, what I wish I'd finished writing, and more than 300 loglines of projects I wish to write. I'll write stuff. I'm so excited to just...write.<br />
<br />
I love Mandy. No, really. (Even though she wavers on her opinion of Charlie Hunnam. Um...that's weird.)<br />
<br />
So.<br />
<br />
* deep breath *<br />
<br />
It's now 2014 and I'm ready to set some goals for the year. I suppose they'd be considered resolutions, but I'm reluctant to label them as such.<br />
<br />
1. My friend Karen has challenged me to read <b>50 books</b> this year. On it.<br />
2. I will finish this amazing and cool development project for Mandy and Bree.<br />
3. I will focus on my health.<br />
4. I will watch 25 movies in the theatre.<br />
5. I will blog more. Here, and <a href="http://www.dawnmdalton.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
And I'll write. More than last year, even. I'll aim for 500,000 words, but yeah, that's ambitious.<br />
<br />
Lots of cool stuff on the horizon—but maybe it's best I end this post now. I've already completed the first book of the year and I'm due a review.<br />
<br />
Happy New Year—and wishing you SO MUCH success on YOUR resolutions, and all the best for an exciting, successful and healthy 2014.<br />
<br />
<i>- Dawn</i>Dawn Iushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01546425873531022196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158666145761539419.post-62631172620163724542013-10-29T12:02:00.001-06:002013-10-29T12:02:28.879-06:00Amelia Xerces Duffy launches tomorrow in Brooks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6gxV1Ep1JoZ34_Z1C9DynAHw-OZaS6wgZxFzmmoQjd_LMt_NwybW5goLPdJsqZ2ddtIw7j7MJraOdjVfmgV7_wVBL_S6yDD5zVHFqOH_PrGb4BnEMAZSj_e2DF6H_KsGcpHOw-OJ8yY/s1600/1187126_10151562681216601_1090633259_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6gxV1Ep1JoZ34_Z1C9DynAHw-OZaS6wgZxFzmmoQjd_LMt_NwybW5goLPdJsqZ2ddtIw7j7MJraOdjVfmgV7_wVBL_S6yDD5zVHFqOH_PrGb4BnEMAZSj_e2DF6H_KsGcpHOw-OJ8yY/s400/1187126_10151562681216601_1090633259_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Illustrator extraordinaire James Grasdal and I are heading to Brooks, Alberta tomorrow to launch the fifth book in the Chase Duffy education-adventure series published by the <a href="http://www.learncanola.com/" target="_blank">Alberta Canola Producers</a>.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yeah, maybe I say this about each book, but this story - and the amazing accompanying artwork - is my "new" favorite. I mean, take a look at the awesome cover!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We're launching at the <i>Outstanding In Our Field</i> event in Brooks, with more than 400 young readers in attendance. At every launch, I grow more proud of the creativity, collaboration and support that makes these books so special.<br />
<br />
James and I are lucky to have a contract for 10 books thanks to the generous support from the Alberta Canola Commission Board of Directors and the Alberta Crop Industry Development Fund.<br />
<br />
So far, I've traveled to Saskatchewan to see the roots of Canadian canola, become friends with the inventor of the only Jet Fuel Funny Car to run on 100% canola biodiesel, hung out with Canadian astronaut Robert Thirsk (who took 250,000 canola seeds into space!), created a mystery around some delicious canola-inspired recipes, and interviewed an entomologist that single-handedly curbed my fear of spiders. Pretty awesome gig, right?<br />
<br />
Each week, I write a <a href="http://www.fieldsofhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> in the lead character's voice. Chase also has a Facebook page, an Instagram profile, and a Tumblr page. Plus, Chase writes daily <a href="https://twitter.com/SupermanDuffy" target="_blank">tweets</a> for teachers!<br />
<br />
The Chase Duffy books are free for Alberta educators. For more information, or to purchase copies, please contact the Alberta Canola Producers Commission at 1-800-551-6652 or reception@canola.ab.ca.<br />
<br />
Gotta jet! It's off to Brooks we go...<br />
<br />
<i>- Dawn</i><br />
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Dawn Iushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01546425873531022196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158666145761539419.post-78801242791830665982013-10-20T09:56:00.003-06:002013-10-20T09:56:30.305-06:00The Crossroads Blog Tour 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-kaasXaMB2cR04o3eaiu7XDoLAs-SGd4dnULONplNxgdAzPxivNAapjasT8OI1KGS0F3Um_2_p5WgxySwHc7O7G_gDryJZgbWpINn9rB7zyKTSN34qetbftXrDFozpeawVKc4Za56G0/s1600/Crossroads_DawnDalton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-kaasXaMB2cR04o3eaiu7XDoLAs-SGd4dnULONplNxgdAzPxivNAapjasT8OI1KGS0F3Um_2_p5WgxySwHc7O7G_gDryJZgbWpINn9rB7zyKTSN34qetbftXrDFozpeawVKc4Za56G0/s400/Crossroads_DawnDalton.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The "<a href="http://www.dawnmdalton.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">other me</a>" is taking part in the creeptastic <a href="http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2013/"><span class="s2">CROSSROADS BLOG TOUR</span></a>, created by the awesome <a href="http://www.judithgraves.com/"><span class="s2">Judith Graves</span></a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLi-mG8SZpFrfqsU1IRoWZ122jAUBFF9U-Il4Q19axksTkdCkdz12yLk_f1XSVWzOuPupvFaTYP8KFOSgXAHNQB-fQfmM2VMT6ZKKj2hJIkFmuQU5Ke6_O94xLEoL7n_onqdq2ntC7N6g/s1600/crossroads2013sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLi-mG8SZpFrfqsU1IRoWZ122jAUBFF9U-Il4Q19axksTkdCkdz12yLk_f1XSVWzOuPupvFaTYP8KFOSgXAHNQB-fQfmM2VMT6ZKKj2hJIkFmuQU5Ke6_O94xLEoL7n_onqdq2ntC7N6g/s1600/crossroads2013sm.jpg" /></a>I'm so thrilled to join 20 creeptastic authors of young adult paranormal fiction on a tour that offers <a href="http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2013/"><span class="s2">Crossroads headquarters.</span></a></div>
amazing opportunities for readers. Not only can you learn about some pretty cool writers, you can WIN a Kindle, fully-loaded with more than twenty spooktacular reads. For full details and how to win, go to <br />
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This year I'm stoked to promote <a href="http://www.mostwantedmonsters.blogspot.ca/p/killers-instinct.html"><span class="s2">KILLER'S INSTINCT</span></a>, the cool zombie tale I co-wrote with Judith Graves, launching later this month with <a href="http://www.leapbks.com/"><span class="s2">Leap Books</span></a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0r8dLPqnfOLCw9xETsU6EGlGEA4vE49SLVbB6dKI5ISOJa7kAKekyjWUQ66nLbUC-ixCZEMZKxX_ElG-CWMh0xc92nvyN3bgrKHR0uRmzqsxAXf5VDbDTAP912VLeBLNEDAUtjiYrbbo/s1600/th.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0r8dLPqnfOLCw9xETsU6EGlGEA4vE49SLVbB6dKI5ISOJa7kAKekyjWUQ66nLbUC-ixCZEMZKxX_ElG-CWMh0xc92nvyN3bgrKHR0uRmzqsxAXf5VDbDTAP912VLeBLNEDAUtjiYrbbo/s1600/th.jpeg" /></a></div>
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Today, I'm hanging out with Amanda Ashby, Christine Fonseca and "Cricket" at the <a href="http://littlelibrarymuse.blogspot.ca/"><span class="s2">Little Library Muse Blog</span></a>. Thanks for hosting, Cricket!</div>
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Don't forget to check out ALL of the <a href="http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2013/"><span class="s2">participating blogger sites</span></a> for a change to WIN one fangtastic prize - <span class="s1"><b>a fully-loaded KINDLE.</b></span></div>
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This week, I'm thrilled to meet you at the<a href="http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2013/"><span class="s2"> Crossroads</span></a>.</div>
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<i>- Dawn</i></div>
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<span class="s1"><b>WHERE YOU CAN FIND THE "OTHER ME" ON THE TOUR THIS WEEK</b></span></div>
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October 20, 2013 - <a href="http://littlelibrarymuse.blogspot.ca/"><span class="s2">Little Library Muse</span></a></div>
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<span class="s3">October 21, 2013 -<a href="http://www.simpleloveofreading.blogspot.com/"><span class="s1"> A Simple Love of Reading</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="s3">October 22, 2013 - <a href="http://www.totalbookaholic.blogspot.com/"><span class="s1">Confessions of a Bookaholic</span></a></span></div>
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October 24, 2013 - <a href="http://jennzah.net/"><span class="s2">Jenzah Cresswell</span></a></div>
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<span class="s3">October 25, 2013 - <span class="s1"><a href="http://alifeboundbybooks.blogspot.ca/">A Life Bound By Books</a></span></span>October 26, 2013 - <a href="http://erispublishing.com/blog/"><span class="s2">Erika Knudsen</span></a></div>
Dawn Iushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01546425873531022196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158666145761539419.post-56273412897309289522013-08-26T08:57:00.001-06:002013-08-26T08:59:22.612-06:00Indie antho will inspire you!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsCSspnuNeQAxCHzhKfbhj8USZ0siWAwJTXm9WvBiN1qlARycTZNfYDjNu-fRnWTYdUt-n8OShgbq24nhtCzaEPpj_Th5m-7V4ykJPLaA_l5IVUXDzcmugNkAFPST6HwZqro4yRV6kt8/s1600/4586978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsCSspnuNeQAxCHzhKfbhj8USZ0siWAwJTXm9WvBiN1qlARycTZNfYDjNu-fRnWTYdUt-n8OShgbq24nhtCzaEPpj_Th5m-7V4ykJPLaA_l5IVUXDzcmugNkAFPST6HwZqro4yRV6kt8/s320/4586978.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p>I'm super excited to be part of an inspirational anthology written and created by Indie authors, FOR indie authors. </o:p></span></strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Do you need motivation and inspiration to self-publish or sign that contract with an interested smaller press? Have you done all the research you can, but still feel ambivalent about the idea? </span><em style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Indiestructible: Inspiring Stories from the Publishing Jungle</em><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> celebrates the experiences of 29 indie authors—their passions, their insights, their successes—to help you make the leap into indie publishing.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">It's been a while since I've written essay style, but in this anthology, I talk about how my contract with the <a href="http://learncanola.com/default.aspx" target="_blank">Alberta Canola Producers Commission</a> to write 12 educational, comic-style books on the <a href="http://www.fieldsofhome.blogspot.ca/p/fields-of-home.html" target="_blank">Chase Duffy</a> character was, in some ways, the catalyst for a whole host of other opportunities including publishing a short story and novel with Leap Books, pending contracts with other publishers (announcement(s) coming soon), and even an option for development of a TV show based on one of my characters. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
<span style="background: white;">Of course, this is not a how-to guide. This is the best of
the indie tradition of experienced authors paying forward what they’ve learned,
giving you information to help you on your journey. The personal essays in this
book will leave you itching to get your work into the hands of readers and
experience, first-hand, all the rewards indie publishing has to offer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Not only is this anthology packed full of
interesting and unique information, and totally worth the 99 cents (only 99 cents!!!), </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">100% of proceeds will be donated to </span></b><a href="http://www.buildon.org/"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">BUILDON.org</span></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, a movement which breaks the cycle of poverty,
illiteracy, and low expectations through service and education.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Pretty amazing, huh?<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">What are you waiting for?<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Buy <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Indiestructible</i>—</span></strong><strong><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">support the indie author <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and</i> an amazing charity—TODAY!</span></strong><strong><span style="background: white; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<a href="http://goo.gl/aS0ri"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">CLICK HERE
TO PURCHASE INDIESTRUCTIBLE</span></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">eBook</span></strong><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">: $0.99 USD</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white;">Publisher</span></b><span style="background: white;">: </span></span><a href="http://www.vineleavesliteraryjournal.com/vine-leaves-press.html"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Vine
Leaves Press</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white;">ISBN 10</span></b><span style="background: white;">: 0987593102 <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ISBN
13</b>: 9780987593108<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Compiled &
Edited:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
</span><a href="http://www.jessicabellauthor.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jessica Bell</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Contributing
authors:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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color: #cc0000; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">S.R. Johannes</span></span></span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <> </span><span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/authorstephentremp\.blogspot\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="background: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Stephen Tremp</span></span></span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <> </span><span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/www\.susankayequinn\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="background: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Susan Kaye Quinn</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-field-code: " HYPERLINK \0022http\:\/\/www\.susankayequinn\.com\/\0022 \\t \0022_blank\0022 ";"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="background: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">I'm in some pretty cool company, huh?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Happy Monday!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">- Dawn</span></div>
Dawn Iushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01546425873531022196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158666145761539419.post-44708429694098931292013-08-19T10:25:00.001-06:002013-08-19T10:25:02.042-06:00So, this happened.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEFcL43vwTRZgRXxK5quLPwHt5wu-HBaWIYhOYHT6jcspuUkP5rUECfXD7031c5qXcXy2r7UPM9l9dZ3SFNgqGgiiW-eyufi-_noI1f3L-VOTQHXltv9BRjhORSOHZKGMMLWzVt55a6E/s1600/550979_4480602184007_1673006922_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEFcL43vwTRZgRXxK5quLPwHt5wu-HBaWIYhOYHT6jcspuUkP5rUECfXD7031c5qXcXy2r7UPM9l9dZ3SFNgqGgiiW-eyufi-_noI1f3L-VOTQHXltv9BRjhORSOHZKGMMLWzVt55a6E/s400/550979_4480602184007_1673006922_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I can't remember a time I didn't want to be a writer.<br />
<br />
It wasn't always the most popular decision with my more practical parents. Pretty sure my Dad wanted me to be an electrician, or some kind of tradeswoman. And my mom, well, despite her "Alice" nickname (a nod to <i>Alice in Wonderland</i>), she encouraged me to explore all sides of creative writing - like corporate communications and journalism.<br />
<br />
Probably a good thing, since making a living writing books isn't easy.<br />
<br />
The thing is, financial reward is only one part of the equation. My reasons for writing are varied, complex, confusing for some, I'm sure. (Hubs has a hard time understanding the voices in my head...) But something happened this summer that offered a much-needed reminder of the most important reason I write.<br />
<br />
The cutie in the picture above is my cousin Brooke's daughter, Ellie. Much like her mother, she's beautiful, smart - and loves ice cream. It's kind of a IUS tradition.<br />
<br />
When I was younger, Ellie's mom used to read over my shoulder while I tapped away on a primitive word processor. Brooke was the first to read <i>Jack of Hearts</i>, the first real book I ever wrote at the tender age of 14. It's crap - well, the actual writing is, but the story is still pretty solid. Anyway, I might say Brooke was one of my first "fans" - I actually cherished those moments at the lake because she was always so EAGER to read more. Talk about fanning a writer's ego.<br />
<br />
This summer, I gave Ellie a copy of each of the four books in the <a href="http://www.dawn-ius.blogspot.ca/p/chase-superman-duffy.html" target="_blank">Chase Duffy series</a> I write for the Alberta Canola Producers Commission. Ellie read them all - several times, noting that her favourite was the most recent mystery/cookboook, TASTING MY STORY. Clearly, Ellie is following in her mother's footsteps of boosting my writerly confidence.<br />
<br />
And then, this happened.<br />
<br />
On the last day of my holidays, Ellie came to see me, notebook in hand. She had written <b>two full pages</b>, single spaced, of a complex mystery/adventure story. The protagonist was at the lake with her friends when they stumbled upon a bottle - and inside that bottle were the clues to a grand adventure.<br />
<br />
Although the story wasn't finished, I could already tell it would be great. The characters were varied. The description spot on. She even had correct usage of dialogue tags. In fact, Ellie had set the stage for a wonderful mystery adventure - and in what she'd written so far, she had only one or two minor typos.<br /><br />
This was Ellie's first time writing a story.<br />
<br />
While I certainly can't take credit for her exemplary reading and writing skills, I can claim a little bit of credit for her inspiration to start writing her own story. She told her Mom, "Now that I know there's an author in the family, I want to try it."<br />
<br />
When I was Ellie's age, I was inspired by the likes of Roald Dahl and Dr. Seuss. I went on adventures with Lewis Carroll, and later found a love of horror through Stephen King. As a teen, I discovered romance with Nora Roberts, and explored fantasy with Tolkien.<br />
<br />
Each of those authors has inspired my own journey of story.<br />
<br />
I am absolutely honored and thrilled to be a catalyst for young Ellie's journey. Because THAT, my friends, is why I write.<br />
<br />
<i>- Dawn</i>Dawn Iushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01546425873531022196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158666145761539419.post-42659380682362482462013-08-17T14:23:00.000-06:002013-08-17T14:23:06.986-06:00A killer trailer for a killer book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-d6Lbyy-lLoiGkrS_26jvs0UUzCigZwUufDe_pcaVu5dUv3NAL2HBfjiQ3TZsA_u2JThYYRKeoQnxSVNQ_1L51sCZPtek4BceoxpKygGfKPOrFKuQPONoBLsJy-zUHT7_yd_AINXAwc/s1600/15731897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-d6Lbyy-lLoiGkrS_26jvs0UUzCigZwUufDe_pcaVu5dUv3NAL2HBfjiQ3TZsA_u2JThYYRKeoQnxSVNQ_1L51sCZPtek4BceoxpKygGfKPOrFKuQPONoBLsJy-zUHT7_yd_AINXAwc/s320/15731897.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
I'm super (super!) excited about <i>Killer's Instinct</i>, a creeptastic Young Adult thriller the "<a href="http://www.dawnmdalton.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">other me</a>" wrote with the awesome <a href="http://www.judithgraves.com/" target="_blank">Judith Graves</a>.<br />
<br />
The book launches October 2013 from <a href="http://leapbks.net/" target="_blank">Leap Books</a>, the same amazing publisher that published my short story THREAD OF THE PAST in the <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12971789-spirited" target="_blank">SPIRITED anthology</a>.<br />
<br />
Here's the blurb:<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><b>KILLER'S INSTINCT</b></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Where there is no life, there’s HOPE</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Hope has always been a bit of a freak. She sees beyond the veil to where the dead walk amongst the living, their semi-corporeal forms appearing like creepy flashes from a never-ending macabre dream. But when her mother crawls from the grave and her zombified corpse goes MIA, Hope's last thread of normal snaps.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Enrolling in a militia-style school for monster hunters seems her best bet for tracking down Mommy-dearest and putting what’s left of her to rest. But the stakes are raised when she’s partnered with three unique male recruits – each with their own personal demons to slay if they want to survive basic training.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">But does Hope have a true killer's instinct? If she finds her mother, will she have the guts to do what must be done to save her soul? In a place like Le Manoir, all bets are off.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">And here's the trailer:</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/cUK-AsvPv6o" width="560"></iframe>
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<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Awesome, right? The trailer was done by the ever-talented Judith Graves.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">But wait, there's more! Here's a link to <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/683200658" target="_blank">an advance review</a> from author extraordinaire <a href="http://sherryficklin.com/" target="_blank">Sherry Ficklin</a>, who calls <b><i>Killer's Instinct</i></b>: </span><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">A beautifully woven story about courage and trust and what it really means to be a 'monster'.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> </span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Pinch me - I think I'm dreaming.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">More news about Killer's Instinct in the coming months here...and at the home of the "<a href="http://www.dawnmdalton.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">other me</a>."</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><i>- Dawn</i></span></span>Dawn Iushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01546425873531022196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158666145761539419.post-52818890692610488832013-06-24T21:49:00.002-06:002013-06-24T21:49:35.519-06:00New show, new muse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIydKHyE42kKSOkLCIgn7haPYloEHDgObgLpASeXXBzuHLIfcdpyz3_qn28cdOYVkkniubaaWQ70ffFYPdqfKqP9aebS6TWuU-LzP2_90tY8omrIF9T0haUDn4YXQziA-7TmojovbvruA/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIydKHyE42kKSOkLCIgn7haPYloEHDgObgLpASeXXBzuHLIfcdpyz3_qn28cdOYVkkniubaaWQ70ffFYPdqfKqP9aebS6TWuU-LzP2_90tY8omrIF9T0haUDn4YXQziA-7TmojovbvruA/s320/images-1.jpeg" width="201" /></a></div>
From Lisa Kudrow to Sarah Michelle Gellar, an actor playing different roles on one show isn't new - but perhaps no one has done it with such brilliance as Tatiana Marsley, the star of the BBC series <i>Orphan Black</i>.<br />
<br />
Up until about two weeks ago, I knew nothing about <i>Orphan Black</i> - but hearing a steadily increasing buzz about the series, I opted to check it out. By episode three, it had quickly become one of my favorite shows of the season - maybe one of my favorite shows of all time. I know, high praise indeed.<br />
<br />
<i>Orphan Black</i> didn't suck me in with eye candy - though this week's muse <b>Dylan Bruce</b>, certainly has my attention. It isn't even a series I thought I might like: cloning is generally a bit too sci-fi for my tastes. But the science fiction element is subtle, believable even, and anchored by stunning performances from one of the most ingenious actors I've seen in a long time. It's more than just being in several places at once - Tatiana gives each of her clones distinct personalities, accents, <i>lives.</i> It's mind-boggling!<br />
<br />
The first season - only 10 episodes, gah! - centers around Sarah, a con artist and criminal who discovers that she is one of 9 clones. As if that isn't cool enough already, the storyline is full of awesome twists and turns, and moves at a breakneck pace, somehow without spiralling out of control. It's almost as though you've just started the episode before it suddenly stops, leaving you at the top of a giant cliff, where you, and the characters, are hanging on for dear life. If <i>Orphan Black</i> is an amusement park ride, I don't ever want to get off.<br />
<br />
Except that I had to - because yeah, only 10 episodes. I whipped through those in two days, and now have to wait over a year (gack!) for season 2.<br />
<br />
I've been latching on to a few BBC shows as of late, mesmerized by the quality, the gorgeous cinematography and the blunt storytelling style. I loved <i>Broadchurch</i>, <i>Being Human</i>, and <i>The Killing</i>. But I am obsessed with <i>Orphan Black</i>.<br />
<br />
I've given myself a hard deadline to complete one of my WIPs - July 1 - before I launch into edits for <i>Killer's Instinct,</i> the creeptastic novel I am co-writing with Judith Graves. I've a lot of work ahead of me, but it isn't impossible. Especially not with Dylan Bruce in the role of muse avatar.<br />
<br />
For the next week, I'm halting all TV binge watching, but when the ban is lifted, I'll be re-watching the first season of <i>Orphan Black</i>. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.<br />
<br />
<i>- Dawn</i><br />
<br />
<br />Dawn Iushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01546425873531022196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158666145761539419.post-33014077243840231772013-06-17T07:00:00.000-06:002013-06-17T07:00:00.725-06:00Please Eric, aMUSE me all summer long<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcz8E52h0zt5bXaVcbDAd0unh2KjQ0svxbeNrLafebOEGbK2G4MhzFIsVFK-ryjaQ1mL7quVu0pA4IBwg48dhxRaRpzkTz8WzdgkY_cy7mB69DFs18cvZxEQg8_u1HTF86byECEf-18o/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcz8E52h0zt5bXaVcbDAd0unh2KjQ0svxbeNrLafebOEGbK2G4MhzFIsVFK-ryjaQ1mL7quVu0pA4IBwg48dhxRaRpzkTz8WzdgkY_cy7mB69DFs18cvZxEQg8_u1HTF86byECEf-18o/s400/images.jpeg" width="311" /></a></div>
Kind of a no brainer, right?<br />
<br />
I mean, I pretty much start waiting for a new season of <i>True Blood</i> as soon as the previous one ends - even when it gets a little off the charts with that whole "Billith" storyline. I'm still not sure how I feel about that - or a few other side stories (4 babies, Andy? Weird.) - but I do know this: <b>Alexander Skarsgard</b> is absolutely muse worthy.<br />
<br />
This next week is the return of many things I'd abandoned for a month - the gym, everyday writing, date nights with handsome hubs. I've bogged myself down with the day job, fixing up the yard at the new place, and power watching a bunch of TV shows. (Have you seen <i>Scandal</i>? Watch <i>Scandal</i>. So good.)<br />
<br />
But this week, that's all gotta change. My pants are fitting a bit tighter, and the voices in my head are shouting at me to get back to a couple of WIPs - not to mention the couple of new shinies I've pushed to the back of the TBW pile.<br />
<br />
Yep, my 2013 New Year's Resolution goals are slightly off course. The return of Eric Northman to Sunday night must-watch TV seems like a good omen that things are heading back on track. Welcome back, Eric. You've been gone far too long.<br />
<br />
Happy Monday!<br />
<br />
<i>- Dawn</i><br />
<br />Dawn Iushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01546425873531022196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158666145761539419.post-15853826280863686692013-06-03T08:44:00.000-06:002013-06-03T08:44:13.171-06:00An adrenalized muse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2z4nS7Fpj6PQzRo6gnOdcf8w7npu20iAADip97P7az05W7iuVD9c9z4xTH1xf7BcqXAouvbCRxDpyfMhK5szFKRxMAqbStNqTXU4nErTv1dKIjY0bODbcd92hisMT0HvEEkqjWqwKQY/s1600/vin_diesel_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2z4nS7Fpj6PQzRo6gnOdcf8w7npu20iAADip97P7az05W7iuVD9c9z4xTH1xf7BcqXAouvbCRxDpyfMhK5szFKRxMAqbStNqTXU4nErTv1dKIjY0bODbcd92hisMT0HvEEkqjWqwKQY/s400/vin_diesel_16.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
I want to write a movie that includes a <u>long</u> car chase.<br />
<br />
Yeah, I know it's been done before. For sure six times in the <i>Fast and the Furious</i> franchise, which, by the way, is my guilty pleasure. I love Vin Diesel. I love Paul Walker.<br />
<br />
I love fast cars.<br />
<br />
Ever seen <i>Gone in 60 Seconds</i> with Nic Cage? <a href="https://www.google.ca/search?q=eleanor+from+gone+in+60+seconds&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=-yCsUb2oIvXd4AO-pIGICA&ved=0CC0QsAQ&biw=771&bih=503#facrc=_&imgrc=GxKCiAewwQ9eJM%3A%3BcanHm5XV-VfbsM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.allfordmustangs.com%252Farticlemanager%252Fuploads%252F1%252Feleanor01_rs.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.allfordmustangs.com%252Farticles%252Feleanor-the-star-of-gone-in-60-seconds-is-up-for-g-692.shtml%3B600%3B391" target="_blank">Eleanor</a> is my dream car (1967 Shelby GT 500) - I even have a model of her on my desk. Call her my daily dose of inspiration.<br />
<br />
Back when I was a starving journalist, my dream car was a Toyota Celica. I had a picture of one taped up in my cubicle, and promised myself that when I met my first professional career milestone, I'd buy it. When I left journalism for a slightly more lucrative career in communications, I made it happen. She was blue, souped up (though that's a different story), and very, <i>very </i>fast. She shifted like a dream, and cornered like she was on rails... *sigh*<br />
<br />
But, she was the crappiest car in the world for Alberta, where nine months of winter wreaks serious havoc on a low profile, adrenalized sports car. (Important note: I never hurt her, though she was broken into and my stereo stolen...) I sold her about six years ago, trading in speed for the "responsible" Alberta vehicle. An SUV.<br />
<br />
Thus making my father - and my poor dog (who crammed herself into the front seat for road trips) - extremely happy. But even though I opted for the sportiest SUV I could find, I still think about my Celica.<br />
<br />
Every day.<br />
<br />
Especially in the summer when the hot rods hit the streets.<br />
<br />
These days, I fuel that adrenaline rush hole through movies with cars. Preferably hot cars. Going fast.<br />
<br />
Yeah, I get that Vin Diesel is not the best actor, and that if not for Paul's pretty boy looks, <i>The Fast and the Furious</i> franchise would appeal mostly to men. I know the plot is thin, and the dialogue is cliched (especially in this last movie!). But there's action.<br />
<br />
Lots and lots of action.<br />
<br />
And I likes that.<br />
<br />
So someday - not today, not tomorrow, maybe not for a few years - I'm going to write a screenplay with a long, long, LONG car chase. And if Vin Diesel is still racing cars on screen, then heck, he can hop in the driver's seat and take me for a ride. (Please?)<br />
<br />
Unless of course Ryan Gosling wants the role. Because even though I *think* I want to write something fun and frivolous like <i>The Fast and the Furious,</i> I probably really want to write something a little more like <i>Drive</i>.<br />
<br />
I'd just give Ryan a much better looking car.<br />
<br />
This week - and for the past two weeks - I've been revising an old project that my script agent requested, and getting ready for some ultra cool upcoming meetings - which means fresh word count is WAY down.<br />
<br />
I've leaned on Kiefer for a couple weeks to kick my revisions butt into gear. After treating myself to a movie break this weekend, I think I'll hand the muse avatar torch over to Mr. Diesel. He doesn't have to spout encouraging dialogue (I can do without the cliches) - all he has to do is look pretty and drive me across the finish line.<br />
<br />
Fast.<br />
<br />
Happy Monday!<br />
<br />
<i>- Dawn</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<b>RESOLUTION STATS</b></div>
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<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
Total words last week: 0 (at least NEW words...)</div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
Total words to date for 2013: 81,662</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
Total pounds lost for week: 0</div>
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Total pounds lost to date for 2013: 27 </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
Books read last week: 1</div>
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Total books read to date for 2013: 9</div>
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<br /></div>
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Movies watched last week: 1</div>
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Movies watched to date in 2013: 8</div>
Dawn Iushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01546425873531022196noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158666145761539419.post-89681488256599537462013-05-13T15:05:00.000-06:002013-05-13T15:05:03.130-06:00The muse came back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZYVcGdiN3EV7IXHGx22SekRcK85-OGHsvu7qkCOcst5taJoH0hL_ikl5-lQCCXudkdGWtmgmmn8ljko_6M82PBRM9_PgJireaOfp7hyphenhyphenH6ICKVhTF-KG-Hpeh0UWV-uoaODd2aJiZbnY/s1600/Kiefer-Sutherland-24-15335074-513-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZYVcGdiN3EV7IXHGx22SekRcK85-OGHsvu7qkCOcst5taJoH0hL_ikl5-lQCCXudkdGWtmgmmn8ljko_6M82PBRM9_PgJireaOfp7hyphenhyphenH6ICKVhTF-KG-Hpeh0UWV-uoaODd2aJiZbnY/s320/Kiefer-Sutherland-24-15335074-513-600.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
This!<br />
<br />
This is the most awesome news since --<br />
<br />
Well, since ever.<br />
<br />
After a way-too-long hiatus, Jack Bauer is returning to the small screen. And this, my dear bloggy friends, is BIG news. At least to me.<br />
<br />
You see, I am a huge - and I do mean HUGE - Kiefer Sutherland/<i>24</i>/Jack Bauer fan. Kiefer has owned my heart since <i>Lost Boys</i>, a movie that pretty much defines my youth since I watched it every. single. weekend. I'm not kidding.<br />
<br />
But then came Jack Bauer. Rugged. Kick ass. Take no crap Jack Bauer. Oh yeah, and he's hot.<br />
<br />
Cue: world change.<br />
<br />
Not only did I see a different, even more awesome side of Kiefer, but my writing...advanced. It was after watching the first season of <i>24</i> that I finally understood the twists and turns that make a great thriller. I could identify with the "ticking time clock" so necessary in thriller fiction, the rationale of killing off main characters, even when it hurts. <i>24</i> took TV risks, pushed boundaries. Sure there were some cheesy moments, but <i>24</i> fueled my creative well.<br />
<br />
When the show was cancelled in 2010 after admittedly a weak season 8, it left a Monday-night void that not even <i>The Voice</i> and <i>The Following</i> could fill - and I luvs me some Adam Levine and Kevin Bacon. I tried to watch <i>Touch</i>, but Kiefer seemed awkward in the role of loving, caring Dad (I kept waiting for him to yell or threaten torture or something crazy) and as I suspected, the show was cancelled after just two seasons.<br />
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I've been filling my TV dance card with some fairly amazing shows lately - <i>Homeland, Sons of Anarchy, Revenge, Hannibal, The Killing, Broadchurch, Mad Men </i>and <i>Game of Thrones. </i>Not to mention<i> Dexter </i>and<i> True Blood</i> return to TV next month.<i> </i>I have no trouble admitting that I'd drop them ALL for a new season of <i>24</i>.<br />
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Thankfully, having a PVR means I don't have to.<br />
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I can't wait for the new season of <i>24</i>! Welcome back, Jack, even if it is a limited run. And of course, thanks for being this week's Muse Avatar. Though you never really went away, I'm looking forward to kicking some serious ass with you in the very near future.<br />
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<b><i>Anyone else anxiously awaiting the return of Jack Bauer?</i></b><br />
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<i>- Dawn</i><br />
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<b>RESOLUTION 2013 STATS</b></div>
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Total words last week: 5,858</div>
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Total words to date for 2013: 81,662</div>
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Total pounds lost for week: 1</div>
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Total pounds lost to date for 2013: 27 </div>
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Books read last week: 1</div>
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Total books read to date for 2013: 8</div>
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Movies watched last week: 1</div>
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Movies watched to date in 2013: 7</div>
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Dawn Iushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01546425873531022196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158666145761539419.post-43515177964951593222013-05-06T23:23:00.001-06:002013-05-06T23:23:28.423-06:00I choose Usher!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRerTjUT9uMEE5RPdONRc2beb5ywBRKz7QAC5CXBYFxRI01HR8mWjp5o4EoCT73tKNaHRu89LmZkEABpX4vyCr84AXB8BvubynwlrfyMMz0If5wx1h2xSooudFbE_RVzpqh_nwafxdLfs/s1600/Usher-usher-23999372-230-257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRerTjUT9uMEE5RPdONRc2beb5ywBRKz7QAC5CXBYFxRI01HR8mWjp5o4EoCT73tKNaHRu89LmZkEABpX4vyCr84AXB8BvubynwlrfyMMz0If5wx1h2xSooudFbE_RVzpqh_nwafxdLfs/s320/Usher-usher-23999372-230-257.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
If only Usher was a writing coach!<br />
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Okay, I admit, before this season of <i>The Voice</i>, I pretty much watched the show for Adam Levine. Sure, I liked the singing and the fun coach banter, but there was something a little creepy about Cee Lo Green, and it didn't take me long to get tired of X-Tina's ample bosom.<br />
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Enter Shakira - whom I have loved since <i>Hips Don't Lie.</i><br />
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And Usher.<br />
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Aside from being some serious eye candy competition for Adam, Usher is my dream coach. No, seriously. Just watching his mentoring style makes me want to drop everything and be a singer - just for the chance to work with him. (Don't worry, I won't be gracing <i>The</i> <i>Voice</i> stage any time soon - I kind of suck at singing.)<br />
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Up until this season, the mentoring on <i>The Voice</i> has consisted primarily of some minor vocal corrections. Don't get me wrong, those tips have helped further the careers of some awesome talent. But Usher goes beyond the minor and strives for excellence. He's taken his team into the boxing ring for breath training and performance endurance, held a mirror up to force one girl to see her own inner beauty, and waltzed with one contestant to help her voice dance. He's laughed, complimented, and chastized. He's tough. Damn tough.<br />
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As he should be.<br />
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One of my writing mentors, Steve Berry, once said to me, "Nobody ever got to be a better writer by being told how good they are."<br />
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Wise words that are applicable to pretty much any vocation.<br />
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Practice your craft.<br />
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Strive for your personal best.<br />
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And never settle for anything less.<br />
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Yeah, Usher you can be MY coach any time. This week, please be my muse avatar. As the statistics show, I'm in need of a little push. And if I'm slacking, I honestly don't mind if you want to take a few rounds out of me in the boxing ring. No really. I even have my own gloves.<br />
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Happy Monday! Go be great.<br />
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<i>- Dawn</i><br />
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<b>RESOLUTION 2013 STATS</b></div>
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Total words last week: 3,000</div>
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Total words to date for 2013: 75,804</div>
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Total pounds lost for week: +1</div>
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Total pounds lost to date for 2013: 26 (Back to the gym this week!)</div>
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Books read last week: 0</div>
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Total books read to date for 2013: 7</div>
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Movies watched last week: 1</div>
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Movies watched to date in 2013: 6</div>
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Dawn Iushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01546425873531022196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158666145761539419.post-3119685071665677992013-05-01T02:00:00.000-06:002013-05-01T02:00:17.061-06:00Guest Post: Jessica Bell talks about adverbs and cliches<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CEZJRUS" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4Cdx_JVoyK_RhKXaE2f31F9iXYjdgvdA4mZnP7SkhYY38KqnpJI1WtcPCwwuhWE1SKamPqrj1gdV8k9nGTwE9aQF6WiKoRcxWdlsEnHiji7N9DuH9Gl0bmjoHfGp8bbbhI2hFov2R_g/s400/Adverbs-&-cliches_cover_for+Internet.jpg" width="267" /></a>I'm pleased to kick off the month with a guest post from the amazing <a href="http://www.jessicabellauthor.com/" target="_blank">Jessica Bell</a>.<br />
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In addition to writing beautiful poetry, mesmerizing fiction, and stunning song lyrics (for songs she actually <i>sings</i> and has recorded<i>)</i>, Jessica has created a new series of help aides for writers - the "in a Nutshell" pocket guides. The first in the series, <i>Show and Tell in a Nutshell</i> tackled the difficult balance of showing vs telling - a common issue for amateur and seasoned writers alike. Jessica's easy-to-understand examples are supported with beautiful prose that clearly demonstrates the benefit of <i>showing - </i>her words almost leap off the page.<br />
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Now, in the second book of the series, Jessica looks at two other common areas of difficulty for writers - adverbs and cliches. Whether you write fantasy or romance, thriller or erotica, this pocket guide should be on your bookshelf - right next to your dictionary and thesaurus. It's that vital. Please welcome the talented Jessica Bell to talk about her latest non-fiction work, <i>Adverbs and Cliches In a Nutshell.</i><br />
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<b>Too many adverbs and clichés in your writing? I've got just the fix for you.</b></h3>
by Jessica Bell<br />
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Writers constantly have rules thrown at them left, right, and center. <i>Show, don’t tell! Stop using so many dialogue tags! More sensory detail! More tension! Speed up the pace!</i> Yada yada yada ... it can become overwhelming, yes? I used to feel overwhelmed by it all too. In fact, I still do sometimes. It’s hard enough to get the words on the page, let alone consider <i>how </i>to put them there.<br />
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In Anne Lamott’s <i>Bird by Bird</i>, she says that in order not to be overwhelmed, a writer needs to focus on short assignments. She refers to the one-inch picture frame on her desk and how that little picture frame reminds her to focus on bite-sized pieces of the whole story. Basically, if you focus on one small thing at a time, the story will eventually come together to create a whole. I believe the same applies to learning the craft of writing. If writers focus on one aspect of the craft at a time, the process will seem less daunting and piece by piece it will come together.</div>
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My name’s Jessica Bell, and my own struggles with feeling overwhelmed inspired me to write the <i>Writing in a Nutshell Series</i> of pocket-sized writing guides. So you can learn to hone your craft in bite-sized, manageable pieces. In the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A38L986">first book of the series</a>, I focused on demonstrating how to transition “telling” into “showing.” In <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CEZJRUS"><i>Adverbs & Clichés in a Nutshell: Demonstrated Subversions of Adverbs & Clichés into Gourmet Imagery</i></a>, I deal with another of the most common criticisms aspiring writers face: to <b>absolutely avoid</b> adverbs and clichés <b>like the plague</b>. But see, right now, I just used one of each. I also used a couple in the first two paragraphs of this post because they come naturally, and we utilize them frequently in everyday speech. But in fiction, too many adverbs and clichés weaken your prose. It’s considered “lazy writing,” because it means we don’t have to show what’s happening. <br />
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If your manuscript has too many adverbs and clichés, it most likely means that the emotion you felt while writing it is not going to translate to the reader in the same way. So how exactly can we approach the subversion of adverbs and clichés? For starters, play around with simile and metaphor when you’re trying to convey emotion, and for action, use strong verbs to show it happening in real time. <br />
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<b>The key? Think smaller details rather than the bigger picture. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Need some help and inspiration?</b><br />
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In <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CEZJRUS"><i>Adverbs & Clichés in a Nutshell: Demonstrated Subversions of Adverbs & Clichés into Gourmet Imagery</i></a>, you will find thirty-four examples of prose which clearly demonstrate how to turn those pesky adverbs and clichés into vivid and unique imagery. Dispersed throughout are blank pages to craft your own unique examples. Extra writing prompts are also provided at the back of the book.<br />
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“Jessica Bell's latest pocket guide, <i>Adverbs & Clichés in a Nutshell</i>, will inspire you to leave bland behind and pursue your creative best. With force and clarity, she demonstrates how adverbs and clichés hobble vibrant writing. She then marks a course toward unique expression and provides workouts that will help writers at every level develop a distinctive voice.” ~Laurel Garver, freelance editor, author of <i>Never Gone </i>and <i>Muddy-Fingered Midnights </i></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Purchase links:</b><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CEZJRUS">Amazon US</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00CEZJRUS">Amazon UK</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00CEZJRUS">Amazon Ca</a> | <a href="http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Adverbs-Clich%C3%A9s-Nutshell-Demonstrated-Subversions/book-q7oqbCnmeUKbcDJ-WbT4_w/page1.html">Kobo</a></span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbwtIBJ2QklGFKn3Rq-mjUPulM6MRwZCuTgqcwDFNAGvHu-AuzcF16lcZrgfH-c-mJyAF840r2FXduNPCSDCUryF8mE8IUJPKwN1mBe43fRZIAiLYbwEfkhX-pZB8JykwYap2d0TI_v0/s1600/jessica+headshot+-+Copy.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbwtIBJ2QklGFKn3Rq-mjUPulM6MRwZCuTgqcwDFNAGvHu-AuzcF16lcZrgfH-c-mJyAF840r2FXduNPCSDCUryF8mE8IUJPKwN1mBe43fRZIAiLYbwEfkhX-pZB8JykwYap2d0TI_v0/s1600/jessica+headshot+-+Copy.jpg" /></a><b>Bio</b>: The Australian-native contemporary fiction author and poet, Jessica Bell, also makes a living as an editor and writer for global ELT publishers (English Language Teaching), such as Pearson Education, HarperCollins, Macmillan Education, Education First and Cengage Learning.<br />
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She is the co-publishing editor of <a href="http://www.vineleavesliteraryjournal.com/">Vine Leaves Literary Journal</a>, and the director of the <a href="http://www.hwrw.blogspot.com/">Homeric Writers’ Retreat & Workshop</a> on the Greek island of Ithaca.<br />
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<b>For more information about Jessica please visit:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.jessicabellauthor.com/">Website</a> | <a href="http://www.thealliterativeallomorph.blogspot.com/">Blog</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/MsBessieBell">Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/author.jessica.bell">Facebook</a><br />
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Dawn Iushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01546425873531022196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158666145761539419.post-33375407592126930772013-04-30T11:01:00.005-06:002013-04-30T11:01:47.663-06:00Z is for Zombies<br />
Last year was my first crack at the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">A-Z Blogging Challenge</a>, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing <a href="http://tossingitout.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Arlee Bird</a>. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge (if you want), to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?<br />
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It's the final day of the A to Z Challenge and I am grateful for all of the new blogs I've discovered throughout April - but also relieved it has come to an end. I actually maintained three blogs for the challenge - it started as four, but I can only stretch so far. I blogged here, of course, and over at the "<a href="http://www.dawnmdalton.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">other me</a>" website I talked about movies I loved as a child, and then I wrote in character as <a href="http://www.fieldsofhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Chase Duffy</a> talking about things/people that inspire him.<br />
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All three of my blog posts today have a zombie connection. The "other me" is talking about Zombieland, a great horror comedy. And Chase is chatting about his love of Zombie fiction. Chase is way out of my target audience range, but I'm glad he's a fan of Zombie fiction, because the thriller book I'm currently working on. The book is called <i>Madonna of the Bones</i> - and aside from the title and the general theme, that's about all I'm going to say right now.<br />
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I love this book. It's been percolating for almost a year, and I've been plucking away at research, jotting down scenes, and outlining the plot. It might be the most well thought-out of all of my projects. Which is why, now that the A to Z is done, I'll be back to my weekly blog schedule - and spending the rest of that valuable time writing <i>Madonna of the Bones.</i> Well, that and a few other things I've got on tap.<br />
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Zombies. They're pretty cool, no?<br />
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<b><i>How are you ending off the A to Z Challenge? Zombie apocalypse? </i></b><br />
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<i>- Dawn</i><br />
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<br />Dawn Iushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01546425873531022196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158666145761539419.post-81499664196683693532013-04-29T12:27:00.004-06:002013-04-29T12:27:51.536-06:00Y is for Yikes!<br />
Last year was my first crack at the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">A-Z Blogging Challenge</a>, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing <a href="http://tossingitout.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Arlee Bird</a>. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge (if you want), to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?<br />
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Yikes! That's my favorite exclamation when I read or watch something that creeps me out. Well, unless it scares the crap out of me - then I scream, loudly. Just ask my friends. I'm kind of a chicken sometimes.</div>
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I like a little "yikes!" factor in my thriller reads, though. That moment when the protagonist faces one of their fears, or is wounded, or gets into a predicament *I* can't see his/her way out of - until the end of the book.</div>
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When I write, I'm always looking for some "yikes!" moments, usually at the end of each chapter. Cliffhangers are not always easy, but they're worth it if your reader turns the page.</div>
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<b><i>What are some of your favorite "Yikes!" moments in fiction or theatre?</i></b></div>
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- <i>Dawn</i></div>
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P.S. - It's Muse Avatar Monday and honestly, I scrolled through "hot male celebrity" lists for almost an hour looking for Mr. "Y" in honor of the A to Z Challenge. (I know, tough job, but someone had to do it.) The best I could come up with is <b>Ryan Gosling</b>. Hey, there's a Y in his name!</div>
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<b style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The Book In My Bag Today: </b><i style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The Fault In Our Stars, </i><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">John Green</span><br style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /></div>
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<b>RESOLUTION 2013 STATS</b></div>
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Total words last week: 0</div>
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Total words to date for 2013: 72,804</div>
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Total pounds lost for week: 0</div>
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Total pounds lost to date for 2013: 27</div>
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Books read last week: 0</div>
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Total books read to date for 2013: 7</div>
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Movies watched last week: 1</div>
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Movies watched to date in 2013: 6</div>
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Dawn Iushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01546425873531022196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158666145761539419.post-89868510381545422382013-04-27T12:22:00.003-06:002013-04-27T12:22:32.324-06:00X is for X-Men<br />
Last year was my first crack at the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">A-Z Blogging Challenge</a>, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing <a href="http://tossingitout.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Arlee Bird</a>. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge (if you want), to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tMzlZoDEWxyiO-Fu3BwnNP4wLyy3I-VM9geE9iEOYqYhiYjXlBzte5sM8tzhU61avRv3X80w26yUHeifOAXNx4UIeVcR8UUVzXskYnQ3m32TyoRk6c3a_wv1Reh-PeA52Jsa1eM0YHU/s1600/xmen_origins_wolverine_5-normal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tMzlZoDEWxyiO-Fu3BwnNP4wLyy3I-VM9geE9iEOYqYhiYjXlBzte5sM8tzhU61avRv3X80w26yUHeifOAXNx4UIeVcR8UUVzXskYnQ3m32TyoRk6c3a_wv1Reh-PeA52Jsa1eM0YHU/s320/xmen_origins_wolverine_5-normal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yeah, I know, X-Men is a BIG cheat. But I'm positive I'm not the only one from the A to Z Blogging Challenge hopping on the X-Men bandwagon today. Not a lot of X words to choose from. And yeah, I'm aware, it's not a <i>thriller</i> per se.<br />
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BUT, in this case, X-Men is a metaphor for <i>action</i> which IS something required for thriller writing. (Ha! See what I did there?)<br />
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There's actually a whole sub genre of thriller for action-adventure. Some of the writers in this sub-genre include Clive Cussler, Steve Berry, James Rollins, Lee Child and of course, the author that revitalized the sub-genre with <i>The Davinci Code</i>, Dan Brown.<br />
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I'm a fan of <i>all</i> thriller - but this is the sub genre I grew up with, and the sub-genre I buy for my father, my father-in-law, my mother, and well, it's the sub-genre I buy the most. Action! It's a good thing. Particularly if you write thriller - which I do.<br />
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And yeah, I know there are better action flicks. But do they start with X? No.<br />
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<b><i>What's your favorite thriller sub-genre?</i></b><br />
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<i>- Dawn</i>Dawn Iushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01546425873531022196noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158666145761539419.post-57074299319503241652013-04-26T10:57:00.001-06:002013-04-26T10:57:59.349-06:00W is for Write<br />
Last year was my first crack at the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">A-Z Blogging Challenge</a>, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing <a href="http://tossingitout.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Arlee Bird</a>. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge (if you want), to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?<br />
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I suppose it's a bit of a cop-out on an A to Z of thriller terms to use the "W" post for <i>writing.</i> But let's face it, if you're working on a thriller novel, it's not going to get done if you aren't writing. </div>
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Have you ever read Stephen King's book, <i>On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft</i>? It's brilliant, actually. Filled with tips and tricks to hone your craft and get inspired. I read it once a year, kind of like my annual kick in the ass to remember some of the skills that can be lost when you're engrossed in the first draft of a new project. It's my editing bible. Have I used dialogue tags other than said? Have I filled the book with cliches? Stephen is good at (bluntly) reminding me why those things are "bad", particularly after I've read something that has been published - and yet, doesn't conform to those rules.</div>
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Perhaps one of the strongest messages in Stephen's book, however, is the reminder to write every day. Yeah, he writes 10 pages a day, which is somewhat easier when writing IS your day job. But being busy shouldn't be an excuse. One of my mentors, Steve Berry, was a full time lawyer while he was writing a bestselling novel a year. Amid the paperwork, court appearances, and full slate of meetings, he made time for writing. His dedication paid off.</div>
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I made a New Year's resolution on January 1 to write 500,000 words in 2013. Ambitious, yes, and likely not going to happen. Because even though I started out strong, putting in 1370 words a day for the first two months of the year, I tapered off when life got busy, or stressful.</div>
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Not to mention, I forgot that sometimes you need to take a break and re-read what you've written, plot the next few chapters, spend time researching, or yeah, catching up on the day job, family, or even just reading a good book.</div>
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I'm not beating myself up. I've written 80,000 words in 2013 so far, which has meant the completion of three books I'd started in 2012, a finished elementary school project, three quarters of a script, and the start of the second book in a series. Not bad.</div>
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And, there's still time! I won't make 500,000 words this year - it will be a miracle if I do. But I will write more this year than last year...putting me one step closer to achieving my writing dreams.</div>
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<b><i>So, how much time do you spend honing your craft - even if your craft isn't creative?</i></b></div>
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<i>- Dawn</i></div>
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Dawn Iushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01546425873531022196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158666145761539419.post-6258412265165884412013-04-26T10:31:00.002-06:002013-04-26T10:31:54.630-06:00V is for Vengeance<br />
Last year was my first crack at the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">A-Z Blogging Challenge</a>, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing <a href="http://tossingitout.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Arlee Bird</a>. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge (if you want), to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbq42_Xmk_O49UZ-A0Yf4cv5T98G4dvtfzpBjiIO_ygJmGykPtj1L1DNH_NpNFhyphenhyphenAVgWIi31FzY0HcI4uyH96xqVIUuj8sr7CYjYOmLwO3jjR1y7PrQj-UeCaM5oGZGNlIcJ8VnpxsbH0/s1600/valentine-s-day-according-to-jack-bauer_259593-432x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbq42_Xmk_O49UZ-A0Yf4cv5T98G4dvtfzpBjiIO_ygJmGykPtj1L1DNH_NpNFhyphenhyphenAVgWIi31FzY0HcI4uyH96xqVIUuj8sr7CYjYOmLwO3jjR1y7PrQj-UeCaM5oGZGNlIcJ8VnpxsbH0/s400/valentine-s-day-according-to-jack-bauer_259593-432x.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
As a firm believer in Karma, the concept of vengeance - at least in real life - is both compelling and disturbing. But as a literary tool, particularly with thriller fiction, I understand its role. In fact, I'm often drawn to stories about it.<br />
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One of the surprise TV show discoveries of the last year for me was <i>Revenge. </i>If you haven't seen it, the title pretty much sums it up - but it's well done in that it demonstrates some of the consequences of <i>revenge.</i><br />
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Of course, the vengeance theme has been around for billions of years, and even when the story is not centralized around it, there are often elements of vengeance and revenge throughout. Consider these great books, movies and TV shows: <i>Romeo and Juliet (</i>or pretty much any Shakespearean tale)<i>, The Count of Monte Cristo, V is for Vendetta, 24, Game of Thrones, </i>and <i>True Blood. </i><br />
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Vengeance<i> </i>was actually a central theme of my first thriller, <i>Absolution - </i>though some of that has been edited out in the re-work.<br />
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<b><i>Got a favorite book, TV show or movie about vengeance? Share!</i></b><br />
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<i>- Dawn</i><br />
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PS - Blogging about vengeance was just another excuse for me to share a picture of Jack Bauer, one of my favorite TV characters, played by one of my favorite actors - Kiefer Sutherland. Kiefer has been a muse avatar countless times.</div>
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Dawn Iushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01546425873531022196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158666145761539419.post-66302570348869478712013-04-24T09:33:00.001-06:002013-04-24T09:33:57.691-06:00U is for Underworld<br />
Last year was my first crack at the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">A-Z Blogging Challenge</a>, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing <a href="http://tossingitout.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Arlee Bird</a>. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge (if you want), to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVoFXCBx-fbFSOntkY0-__18PqtdLJMbGRFjmqfcW-YQY8mo3exWXv4uduAATiRhKgR1GKiGdcRq9L0Mcsz4KY5Z9fORLFHDZRULRxn8BFQrCs4w7UOaR0F5TJ_h4tvBqbLKFjsM5brXA/s1600/hell-bound.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVoFXCBx-fbFSOntkY0-__18PqtdLJMbGRFjmqfcW-YQY8mo3exWXv4uduAATiRhKgR1GKiGdcRq9L0Mcsz4KY5Z9fORLFHDZRULRxn8BFQrCs4w7UOaR0F5TJ_h4tvBqbLKFjsM5brXA/s400/hell-bound.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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When I started dabbling in storytelling, I had a weird fascination with the Underworld. Maybe I'd read too many horror books as a teenager. My earlier (unfinished) works starred lead characters such as Mephistopheles, Leviathan and Lucifer. (Charming, I know.)<br />
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Of course, Satan is the most well-known leader of the common underworld, but further research (and I loves me some research) exposes pretty interesting lesser known, and way cooler underworld rulers from different religions and mythologies.<br />
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I've since veered off the "underworld craze" favoring themes slightly less dark (for now), but I'm still fascinated with other "worlds" and mysterious unexplored places, like caves, black holes, and sunken ships. When I was a kid, I was desperate to go to space camp, determined to be the "first woman in space" (hey, I was naive back then...) and up until a few years ago, I kind of wanted to be a deep sea diver. But um, I went scuba diving in Hawaii, saw a really large shark RIGHT UNDER MY FEET and that was the end of my ocean exploration dreams.<br />
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Except in fiction.<br />
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These days, I'm addicted to podcasts. *cue nerdy music* Like one of my favorite magazine, <i>Mental Floss</i>, there are some fabulous things you can learn listening to podcasts like <a href="http://www.stufftoblowyourmind.com/blog/tag/health/" target="_blank"><i>Stuff to Blow Your Mind</i> </a>and <i><a href="http://www.howstuffworks.com/stuff-you-missed-in-history-class-podcast.htm" target="_blank">Stuff You Missed in History Class</a>. </i>Literally HUNDREDS of story idea buried within the gems of these two podcasts alone.<br />
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Now to polish off these other projects so I can work on one of them!<br />
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<b><i>What underworld - or hidden world - most fascinates you?</i></b><br />
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<i>- Dawn</i>Dawn Iushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01546425873531022196noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158666145761539419.post-52808163200873571162013-04-23T09:23:00.000-06:002013-04-23T09:23:06.268-06:00T is for Thrillerfest<br />
Last year was my first crack at the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">A-Z Blogging Challenge</a>, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing <a href="http://tossingitout.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Arlee Bird</a>. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge (if you want), to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDm1RW2kmeWttllnk06CPGC9T-kEp55grJoyK3ojU5x0STO0rDJwuHzw7dBh4g5mIvg5c1vqZQ0484pUrCWLfyuJepn_TX1AsMkigbwhueJxAI7xIfldsgj0KBscBKuobXNEGDb06aLg/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDm1RW2kmeWttllnk06CPGC9T-kEp55grJoyK3ojU5x0STO0rDJwuHzw7dBh4g5mIvg5c1vqZQ0484pUrCWLfyuJepn_TX1AsMkigbwhueJxAI7xIfldsgj0KBscBKuobXNEGDb06aLg/s400/images.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you write - or read - thriller fiction, there's no better place to hone your writing chops, or let out your inner fangirl/boy than in New York July 10-13 for <i><a href="http://www.thrillerfest.com/" target="_blank">Thrillerfest</a></i>, the spectacular annual conference held by the International Thriller Writers.<br />
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Never heard of it? *Gasp* You won't believe the line-up of amazing - and bestselling - thriller writers. Steve Berry, R.L. Stine, Michael Palmer, <i>Anne freaking Rice</i>! Seriously, there's no better chance to see all of your favourite thriller authors in one place.<br />
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Whether you're an aspiring author, a fan or an industry professional, there's something for everyone at Thrillerfest, including:<br />
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<b>Craftfest</b> - workshops and panel discussions featuring bestselling authors, ideal for aspiring and seasoned writers.<br />
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<b>Agentfest</b> - one of the best pitch opportunities for writers keen to secure an agent.<br />
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<b>Thrillerfest</b> - more workshops! Panel discussions! Lectures!<br />
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<b>Banquet</b> - the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the greatest names in the thriller genre, eat some fabulous food, and take part in the awards ceremony.<br />
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Does it sound like I'm hard selling this conference? Good! Because truly, this is one event lovers of the thriller genre should NOT miss. Get thee to New York this summer!<br />
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<i>- Dawn</i>Dawn Iushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01546425873531022196noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158666145761539419.post-1443197355816001812013-04-22T21:49:00.000-06:002013-04-22T21:49:41.663-06:00S is for Suspense<br />
Last year was my first crack at the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">A-Z Blogging Challenge</a>, a blogging phenomenon created by the amazing <a href="http://tossingitout.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Arlee Bird</a>. The object is to blog every day of the month of April (except Sundays), and to increase the challenge (if you want), to blog thematically from A to Z. No sweat, right? Last year, I blogged about music with Jessica Bell. This year, I'm heading back to my roots and blogging about all things thriller. Join me?<br />
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My stomach can handle a fairly decent amount of gore - I don't run scared from images of blood (though put REAL blood around me and I'm a wimp), and serial killers running around with chainsaws don't terrify me - on screen.<br />
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Unless of course those same serial killers are lurking in a dark shadow, waiting for me to round the corner so they can POUNCE on me, and THEN cut me up with a chainsaw. Because, I admit, I am much more frightened by suspense than an all-out gore fest.<br />
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I love books and movies that make me jump. <i>Saw</i> did that for me, as did <i>The Exorcist</i> back in the day, and more recently <i>The Lady in Black</i> - which, wasn't necessarily a <i>great</i> movie, but it gave me more "jump out of my skin" moments than I've had in a while.<br />
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After Jack Kilborn's thriller <i>Afraid, </i>I actually slept with the lights on the next day, much to my husband's dismay.<br />
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<b><i>Suspense. It's the key ingredient for a good chill in my opinion. Would you rather suspense - or gore? And, what's the most suspenseful movie you have ever seen?</i></b><br />
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<i>- Dawn</i><br />
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PS - It's muse avatar Monday and my "S" muse of choice is Blake Shelton. While I'm not REALLY a fan of country music (save a few songs here and there), I AM a fan of <i>The Voice</i> - and watching Blake on it has inspired me to download a few of his songs. He's not half bad. And he's very easy on the eyes. Bet he'd even protect me during a suspenseful movie...<br />
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<b>The Book In My Bag Today: </b><i>The Fault In Our Stars, </i>John Green<br />
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<b>RESOLUTION 2013 STATS</b></div>
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Total words last week: 4565</div>
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Total words to date for 2013: 72,804</div>
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Total pounds lost for week: 0</div>
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Total pounds lost to date for 2013: 27</div>
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Books read last week: 0</div>
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Total books read to date for 2013: 7</div>
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Movies watched last week: 1</div>
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Movies watched to date in 2013: 5</div>
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Dawn Iushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01546425873531022196noreply@blogger.com0