Amelia Xerces Duffy launches tomorrow in Brooks

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 Alberta Canola Producers.

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!

We're launching at the Outstanding In Our Field 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.

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.

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?

Each week, I write a blog in the lead character's voice. Chase also has a Facebook page, an Instagram profile, and a Tumblr page. Plus, Chase writes daily tweets for teachers!

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.

Gotta jet! It's off to Brooks we go...

- Dawn

The Crossroads Blog Tour 2013

The "other me" is taking part in the creeptastic CROSSROADS BLOG TOUR, created by the awesome Judith Graves.

I'm so thrilled to join 20 creeptastic authors of young adult paranormal fiction on a tour that offers Crossroads headquarters.

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

This year I'm stoked to promote KILLER'S INSTINCT, the cool zombie tale I co-wrote with Judith Graves, launching later this month with Leap Books. 

Today, I'm hanging out with Amanda Ashby, Christine Fonseca and "Cricket" at the Little Library Muse Blog. Thanks for hosting, Cricket!

Don't forget to check out ALL of the participating blogger sites for a change to WIN one fangtastic prize - a fully-loaded KINDLE.

This week, I'm thrilled to meet you at the Crossroads.

- Dawn

WHERE YOU CAN FIND THE "OTHER ME" ON THE TOUR THIS WEEK

October 20, 2013 - Little Library Muse

October 21, 2013 - A Simple Love of Reading

October 22, 2013 - Confessions of a Bookaholic

October 24, 2013 - Jenzah Cresswell

October 25, 2013 - A Life Bound By BooksOctober 26, 2013 - Erika Knudsen

Indie antho will inspire you!

I'm super excited to be part of an inspirational anthology written and created by Indie authors, FOR indie authors. 

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? Indiestructible: Inspiring Stories from the Publishing Jungle celebrates the experiences of 29 indie authors—their passions, their insights, their successes—to help you make the leap into indie publishing.

It's been a while since I've written essay style, but in this anthology, I talk about how my contract with the Alberta Canola Producers Commission to write 12 educational, comic-style books on the Chase Duffy 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. 

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.

Not only is this anthology packed full of interesting and unique information, and totally worth the 99 cents (only 99 cents!!!), 100% of proceeds will be donated to BUILDON.org, a movement which breaks the cycle of poverty, illiteracy, and low expectations through service and education.

Pretty amazing, huh?

What are you waiting for?

Buy Indiestructible—support the indie author and an amazing charity—TODAY!

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE INDIESTRUCTIBLE

eBook: $0.99 USD

Publisher: Vine Leaves PressISBN 10: 0987593102 ISBN 13: 9780987593108

Compiled & Edited: Jessica Bell

Contributing authors:

Alex J. Cavanaugh <> Angela Brown <> Anne R. Allen <> Briane Pagel <> C.S. Lakin <> Ciara Knight <> Cindy M. Hogan <> D. Robert Pease <> Dawn Ius <> Emily White <> Greg Metcalf <> Jadie Jones <> Jessica Bell <> Karen Bass <> Karen Walker <> Kristie Cook <> Laura Diamond <> Laura Pauling <> Laurel Garver <> Leigh Talbert Moore <> Lori Robinson <> Melissa Foster <> Michael Offutt <> Michelle Davidson Argyle <> Rick Daley <> Roz Morris <> S.R. Johannes <> Stephen Tremp <> Susan Kaye Quinn

I'm in some pretty cool company, huh?

Happy Monday!

- Dawn

So, this happened.

I can't remember a time I didn't want to be a writer.

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 Alice in Wonderland), she encouraged me to explore all sides of creative writing - like corporate communications and journalism.

Probably a good thing, since making a living writing books isn't easy.

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.

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.

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 Jack of Hearts, 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.

This summer, I gave Ellie a copy of each of the four books in the Chase Duffy series 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.

And then, this happened.

On the last day of my holidays, Ellie came to see me, notebook in hand. She had written two full pages, 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.

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.

This was Ellie's first time writing a story.

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."

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.

Each of those authors has inspired my own journey of story.

I am absolutely honored and thrilled to be a catalyst for young Ellie's journey. Because THAT, my friends, is why I write.

- Dawn

A killer trailer for a killer book

I'm super (super!) excited about Killer's Instinct, a creeptastic Young Adult thriller the "other me" wrote with the awesome Judith Graves.

The book launches October 2013 from Leap Books, the same amazing publisher that published my short story THREAD OF THE PAST in the SPIRITED anthology.

Here's the blurb:

KILLER'S INSTINCT

Where there is no life, there’s HOPE

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.

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.

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.

And here's the trailer:

Awesome, right? The trailer was done by the ever-talented Judith Graves.

But wait, there's more! Here's a link to an advance review from author extraordinaire Sherry Ficklin, who calls Killer's Instinct: A beautifully woven story about courage and trust and what it really means to be a 'monster'. 

Pinch me - I think I'm dreaming.

More news about Killer's Instinct in the coming months here...and at the home of the "other me."

- Dawn

New show, new muse

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 Orphan Black.

Up until about two weeks ago, I knew nothing about Orphan Black - 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.

Orphan Black didn't suck me in with eye candy - though this week's muse Dylan Bruce, 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, lives. It's mind-boggling!

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 Orphan Black is an amusement park ride, I don't ever want to get off.

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.

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 Broadchurch, Being Human, and The Killing. But I am obsessed with Orphan Black.

I've given myself a hard deadline to complete one of my WIPs - July 1 - before I launch into edits for Killer's Instinct, 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.

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 Orphan Black. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.

- Dawn

Please Eric, aMUSE me all summer long

Kind of a no brainer, right?

I mean, I pretty much start waiting for a new season of True Blood 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: Alexander Skarsgard is absolutely muse worthy.

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 Scandal? Watch Scandal. So good.)

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.

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.

Happy Monday!

- Dawn