tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77696229050974367562024-03-05T14:48:35.987-06:00Life, Love, and LiteratureCrystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532578221844013610noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769622905097436756.post-25273210053403438312014-05-05T13:45:00.000-05:002014-05-05T13:45:46.063-05:00Getting Back To ItMore often than should be necessary, I find myself typing up a blog post saying "I'M BACK!" only to drop off the face of the blogging planet immediately. <br />
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Why is that?<br />
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I'm not entirely sure why, but I've always seemed to struggle with blogging. Every time I sit down with my laptop to post something new, this little voice starts nagging at me telling me that "Nobody wants to read that" or "Seriously? You're not really saying anything." No matter what I always seem to feel like I need a REASON to blog/email/text/call/etc. and I have been reminding myself lately that "just because" can be reason enough. <br />
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I can't and won't promise that I'll turn into Miss PostingPants, but I can promise that I'm going to try my best to post more frequntly. For once, I don't feel this random obligation to my blog and it's something that I want to do. I'm really hoping that this little corner of the Internet can be a place for me to turn to when I'm stuggling with my writing and maybe, just maybe, meet a new writer friend or two.<br />
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Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532578221844013610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769622905097436756.post-19930444021376977162013-04-23T07:14:00.003-05:002013-04-23T07:14:53.180-05:00Toomer's CornerUnless you a part of a the Auburn family, the few minutes spent reading this will probably mean absolutely nothing to you. You should know that when I'm a fan..I fan hard, whether it be Supernatural or my Auburn family.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>One of the trees before they were poisoned</i></span></div>
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Today is the day that the Live Oaks that adorn Toomer's Corner in Auburn, Alabama will be removed from the earth. These trees have been a part of Auburn's tradition for decades and their landscape even longer.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Earlier this year</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
To you they're probably just pitiful looking trees. Maybe you heard about the *insert choice expletive here* Alabama "fan" who poisoned 133 year old Oaks because that team he hates won the Iron Bowl AND the National Championship over the 2010 season.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kDIk05m_vizJo-HzYIvZjjSbCy3ty-y2FgzlA3LyFhrGSe0mOkHN1N4CeGGTlR17JGR8BbDk_lzDIVovuG9c-tWxlwosbdsSdyj4wzVda_re4BkYaVAn4ZNXrcSj2pdwfTJFgvgejpvb/s1600/toomer's-corner-trees-poisoned.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kDIk05m_vizJo-HzYIvZjjSbCy3ty-y2FgzlA3LyFhrGSe0mOkHN1N4CeGGTlR17JGR8BbDk_lzDIVovuG9c-tWxlwosbdsSdyj4wzVda_re4BkYaVAn4ZNXrcSj2pdwfTJFgvgejpvb/s400/toomer's-corner-trees-poisoned.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>After the 2010 National Championship</i></span></div>
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After every Auburn win I would go with my husband and friends to celebrate by visiting Toomer's Corner. The tradition of rolling the trees began many years ago and quickly became one of my favorite Auburn traditions (second only to our eagles Nova or Spirit flying around the stadium before a game). To see something so beautiful and held so dear to so many taken away from us because ONE person wanted to "get back" at Auburn just breaks my heart.<br />
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Yes, they are just trees to some, but to me, they're a symbol of not just tradition but one of family. From one person's hate comes something even more beautiful and lovely. This act of hatred brought so many members of the Auburn family together this past Saturday for a reunion and a celebration of all things Auburn. It was a bittersweet goodbye to our beloved trees. We were there on that corner to say goodbye to something that meant so much to all of us and will be forever rooted in our memories but it was also a day of joy spent with friends and reveling in the beauty of those toilet papered trees.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>April 20, 2013 for the final roll of Toomer's Corner as well all knew it</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/brazzellvideo/onelastroll" target="_blank">Check out this AUsome video that was posted.</a></div>
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<br />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532578221844013610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769622905097436756.post-51133866841523706352013-01-02T01:11:00.002-06:002013-01-02T01:11:37.857-06:00Happy New Year!!We all know that with each new year, the majority of people will make resolutions and by the second week of January all those people will basically be yelling "JUST KIDDING!"<br />
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So I'm not so much resolving to do anything but setting goals for myself. For some reason, having a goal just sounds more flexible and not all end of the world like. Like a lot of bloggers, I'm going to share my goals for 2013 in the hopes that since they are out there for the world to see, that maybe I'll achieve them.<br />
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1. <b>Write more.</b> This is my main goal for the year. I want 2013 to be the year that I finish a draft and start revisions on it. If I want to be a serious writer (which I do), I need to kick myself in the arse and get in gear. It's not easy and I know my shortcomings but I WILL write at least a little each day. Whether that word count is 20 or 2k, something is better than nothing.<br />
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2. <b>Move</b>. Ok, so this is like the obligatory one. I'm not setting a goal of losing weight because while that is the ultimate goal, I don't want to focus on the numbers. So instead of saying I want to exercise and eat healthy all the time, I just want to move more. I'm going to do the same thing I did with the caffeine thing (BTW - I've officially quit drinking caffeine for a year. WOOP!) and just do it week by week and start slow. This month, I'm going to try to do Yoga or Pilates a couple of times a week and again, I'm not setting a certain amount of days a week or anything. I've found that if I miss a day of something then I'm all "welp, that's a fail" and quit. Not this time.<br />
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3. <b>Go on a writing retreat</b>. My friend Natalie and I have been talking about doing this for a while and I really want it to happen. Now that Kelsey has it on her 30 by 30 list? I'm making sure it happens this year.<br />
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4. <b>Travel</b><i style="font-weight: bold;">. </i>I love to travel and visit friends and nothing makes me happier than visiting new places. It doesn't matter whether it's Kansas City or Paris, I just want to visit a place I've never been before. When the hubs and I first got married, we decided that we'd visit at least one new place a year, whether it was new to one or both of us, and so far we've succeeded in doing that.<br />
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I'm sure there are other things I'll add to my list but for now, these are the main ones.<br />
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Are any of my goals ones you have set for yourself? What's the biggest thing you want to accomplish in 2013?<br />
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I also want to say that the winners have been chosen for my giveaway and the winners were Jill W. and Angel M. Thanks to everyone who entered! Congratulations ladies!<br />
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<br />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532578221844013610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769622905097436756.post-57601603384970117962012-12-21T01:45:00.001-06:002012-12-21T01:45:14.621-06:00It's Christmas Time Again...Since I participated in the superlatives blogfest, I thought I might do something I haven't done in who knows long -- blog for five consecutive days.<br />
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I know, unheard of, right? I'll make this short and sweet.<br />
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First up, the rules.<br />
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This giveaway will run until the ball drops in New York on New Years' Eve and two winners will be announced on New Years' Day. You'll have 48 hours to claim your prize otherwise that whole forfeit thing happens and somebody else will be picked.<br />
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Each winner will receive two signed books. The grand prize winner will receive their choice of 1 of 3 signed books PLUS they can pick one of the titles (unsigned) that I featured during the 2012 YA Superlatives blogfest! The grand prize winner will also receive my current favorite Christmas song (gifted through iTunes) and a small surprise gift. The second winner will receive the two remaining signed books.<br />
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The books you can win are:<br />
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THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER by Michelle Hodkin<br />
WINTER WONDERS Anthology signed by Me and maybe a few other people<br />
ENTHRALLED: Paranormal Diversions Anthology - signed by Carrie Ryan, Sarah Rees Brennan, Jackson Pearce, Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl, and Kimberly Derting<br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/83a48d1/" id="rc-83a48d1" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
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Have a great weekend everyone!<br />
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<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532578221844013610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769622905097436756.post-91873202441262742662012-12-20T05:00:00.000-06:002012-12-20T05:00:04.620-06:00Class of 2012: Best in ShowIt is the final day of the YA Superlatives blogfest hosted by <a href="http://www.jessica-love.net/">Jessica Love</a>, <a href="http://katyupperman.com/">Katy Upperman</a>, <a href="http://alisonmiller20.blogspot.com/">Alison Miller</a>, and <a href="http://thewordsonpaper.blogspot.com/">Tracey Neithercott</a>.<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b>Favorite Cover:</b></div>
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If I were to list all my favorite covers, we'd be here all day long so I picked my top three for the year. First up is <i>Spell Bound</i> by Rachel Hawkins. I really do think she gets the best covers and I'm excited to see that her spin-off series is going to be following the same look. </div>
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The cover for <i>The Disenchantments</i> totally threw me because I didn't know anything going into it and it was a major surprise (a good one though) to find out Colby was the narrator. I like this cover because it just reminds me of summer and fun.</div>
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<i>Until I Die</i> is just plain pretty. I love everything about it from the purples to the swirls around the title.</div>
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<b>Cutest Couple:</b></div>
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Hazel and Augustus win this category hands down. Their relationship was just beautiful overall and they were just like two puzzle pieces that were made for each other. </div>
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<b>Most Likely to Succeed (Or, pick a Printz Winner):</b></div>
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I really don't think I have to say anything here.</div>
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<b>Most Likely to Make You Miss Your Bedtime (The book you just couldn't put down!):</b></div>
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<i>The Raven Boys</i> did make me stay up to read until my eyes wouldn't stay open any longer. As soon as I was finished reading I wanted to open it back up to page one and start all over again. Just call me Veruca Salt because I want book two and I want it NOW!</div>
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<b>Best Repeat Performance (Your favorite sequel or follow-up):</b></div>
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What I like about Jackson Pearce's re-tellings is that they're dark and they all somehow tie together. I almost didn't pick this one for this category but then I remembered how she tied this together with <i>Sisters Red</i> and <i>Sweetly</i> and that right there clenched it for me. </div>
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<b>Favorite Finale or End of Series Novel:</b></div>
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A LOT of stuff happened in <i>The Savage Grace</i> and the first thing I remember thinking when I finished reading it was, "now <i>that's</i> how you finish a series!"</div>
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<b>Romance Most Worthy of an Ice Bath:</b></div>
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Whitley and Nathan FOR SURE. I mean, damn, the tension between those two leapt off the page *fans self*</div>
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<b>Breakout Novel (Your favorite book by a debut author):</b></div>
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This was a no-brainer for me. This was one of my favorite stories of the year and I loved that it wasn't just a re-telling of Hades/Persephone but a loose re-imagining. </div>
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<b>Best Old-Timer (Your favorite read of the year, published BEFORE 2012):</b></div>
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OH, PERKS! How I love thee. I first read this book back in 2004 when a co-worker gave me her extra copy and I have loved it ever since. Very few books have stayed with me like <i>The Perks of Being a Wallflower</i> has and for a while there, I read this book at least once a year. I can't tell you how THRILLED I was when the movie finally came out in my city and to see that it was absolute perfection. That my friends, is how a movie adaptation is done.</div>
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<b>Most Likely To Make a Grown Man Cry:</b></div>
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If you read this book and DON'T cry your name must be Chandler Bing. Seriously, you robot. </div>
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<b>Most Pleasant Surprise (The book you didn't think you'd like, but totally did):</b></div>
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Initially, the only reason I bought this book (and the first one) is because I was at Amy Plum's book signing* and after hearing her talk and see how she interacted with her fans, I knew I had to buy both. Plus, the cover is gorgeous. It was a few weeks before I actually started reading the series but I was surprised with just how much I loved it. </div>
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<b>Most Creative Use of a Love Triangle:</b></div>
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All I'm going to say about this one, in case someone hasn't read it, this is how a love triangle should be done. *bows to Maggie*</div>
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<b>Sleeper Hit (Book you found so awesome you wish it had been hyped more):</b></div>
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I picked both of these books because not only did I love them but very few of my book nerd friends had heard of them/read them. I really enjoyed both books for different reasons and I can only hope that one person who hasn't read these will see this and decide to give them a try.</div>
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<b>Favorite Outlier (Your favorite MG or adult 2012 book):</b></div>
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I mentioned it the other day but it's worth repeating: I am a complete sucker for the Percy Jackson books. I love everything about all books relating to Percy and friends and this is one reason I look forward to October rolling around. </div>
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I also picked <i>The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories, Volume 1</i> because it is just SO DARN cute and you can't help but smile when flipping through it. It may only take five minutes to read, but the idea behind it is just so cool. Plus, Joseph Gordon-Levitt is involved so it can't be bad, right?</div>
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I don't typically read Romance but my friend Macy Beckett's debut novel, <i>Sultry with a Twist</i> was released earlier this year and even if she weren't my friend, I'd still love it. It's playful, funny, and hot and I know this girl is going to have an awesome writing career!</div>
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<b>Pick your own superlative category! - Most Likely to End up in the Freezer:</b></div>
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If you know anything about the TV show <i>FRIENDS</i>, you know why a book would end up in the freezer. I even mentioned as much to my husband and he looked at me like I was crazy. </div>
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Welp, that's it for the Class of 2012. I had a blast compiling my picks and seeing everything that other people chose. Happy reading!!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Even though I had never heard of her before, Birmingham doesn't get very YA Authors for signings in town so when they come, I have to show my support. </span></div>
Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532578221844013610noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769622905097436756.post-8512282928102502282012-12-19T10:48:00.001-06:002012-12-19T10:48:28.385-06:00Class of 2012: Elements of Fiction<br />
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Welcome back for day three of the YA Superlatives blogfest hosted by <a href="http://www.jessica-love.net/">Jessica Love</a>, <a href="http://katyupperman.com/">Katy Upperman</a>, <a href="http://alisonmiller20.blogspot.com/">Alison Miller</a>, and <a href="http://thewordsonpaper.blogspot.com/">Tracey Neithercott</a>.</div>
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<b>Most Envy-Inducting Plot (Or, the plot you wish you'd thought of yourself):</b></div>
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Yep. If you've seen my blog the past few days, you're probably not surprised to see <i>The Raven Boys</i> in this spot. Maggie is a freaking genius and everything about this book just makes shake my head in awe. She has a way with words and builds such complex, beautiful, fun, and mysterious works of art and all I can do is just sit back and let her take me on a ride that I know will not disappoint.</div>
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<b>Most Formidable World (Or, the setting you most definitely would NOT want to travel to):</b></div>
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The reason I picked This is not a Test over any of the other books is that you have people surrounding you and you can fight for something --whether it's overthrowing the villain or quests to save friends --but in this world? It's basically hopeless. You're constantly on the run and always scavenging for food and safety, and if The Walking Dead has taught us anything, it's you can't even trust your closest friend.<br />
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Wanderlust-Inducting (Or, the setting you'd happily travel to):</div>
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Paris is on my must-see list of places to visit before I die and I love stories that take place there. I actually don't know why Amy Plum's books haven't made my list until now because I've really enjoyed them.</div>
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Loveliest Prose:</div>
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John Green is a master of words and I was going to put a quote or two from The Fault in our Stars here but how can you only pick one? I mean, just reading <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/16827462-the-fault-in-our-stars" target="_blank">this</a> makes me feel all the feels.<br />
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I can't leave out Maggie Stiefvater and Laini Taylor because writing beautiful is just in them. </div>
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Most Dynamic Main Character:</div>
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Karou hands down. Had I participated last year, she would be the reigning champ.<br />
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Most Jaw-Dropping Ending:</div>
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All I will say about this is that there were some things I expected to happen but the ending was not one of them. </div>
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<b>Best Performance in a Supporting Role:</b><br />
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I kept flip-flopping on whether to pick <i>The Raven Boys</i> for this one but I decided that since their voice is heard, I would go with Cole in <i>Everneath</i>. Cole is such a complex character and there are times where you don't know whether to root for him or hate him. In my opinion, he's the ultimate bad boy because of the way he can make you believe him and while you know he might be deceiving you, you still want to believe in him. </div>
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<b>Best use of Theme:</b></div>
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I picked <i>This is not a Test</i> earlier because that world just seems completely and utterly hopeless but in Laini Taylor's series, there's nothing but hope. Even though there is war and death, you need some kind of hope to be able to want to move forward.<br />
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Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532578221844013610noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769622905097436756.post-54495942534195341232012-12-18T10:57:00.002-06:002012-12-19T01:44:56.226-06:00Class of 2012: Popularity Contest<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Welcome to day two of the 2012 YA Superlatives blogfest hosted by <a href="http://www.jessica-love.net/">Jessica Love</a>, <a href="http://katyupperman.com/">Katy Upperman</a>, <a href="http://alisonmiller20.blogspot.com/">Alison Miller</a>, and <a href="http://thewordsonpaper.blogspot.com/">Tracey Neithercott</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Today we'll be delving into some of my favorite characters.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Class Clown:</span></b></div>
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Yes, The Fault in our Stars may be about cancer, but Gus and Hazel are just so dang funny! They're real and they don't let their cancer define who they are are people and when you can joke about a friend going blind and it not be mean? That's a win in my book.</div>
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<b>Most Likely to Become a Rock Star:</b></div>
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I knew only picking one book per category would only last so long. I picked Bev from The Disenchantments because while she may not be the best, she has the attitude and drive to be successful. Fake it til you make it should be her motto. I also picked Emme from Elizabeth Eulberg's Take a Bow. Unlike Bev, Emme is dripping with talent on the singer/songwriter scale and the only thing that can stop her is a lack of confidence in herself.</div>
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<b>Mostly Likely to Start a Riot:</b></div>
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Ronan wins this category for sure. He doesn't put up with things he doesn't like and you'll know it. He's also pretty loyal to friends and isn't afraid to be heard.</div>
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<b>Biggest Flirt:</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Picking Whitley was a no-brainer for this category. The things that go down with her love interest is proof and Whitley isn't above making people uncomfortable for the sake of flirting.</span></div>
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<b>Fashion King and/or Queen:</b></div>
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Evie has great fashion sense and is always looking pretty spiffy inside the book, but even the cover for Endlessly is gorgeous. </div>
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<b>Girl You’d Most Want For Your BFF:</b></div>
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Zuzana! I've wanted to be BFF's with Zuzana since I first read Daughter of Smoke and Bone and that was solidified when in the first chapter of Days of Blood and Starlight she forms a plan on what she wants to do to Kaz.</div>
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<b>Boy You Wish You’d Dated in High School:</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Four is basically a given. I mean, come on, it's Four. I love all the Raven Boys for different reasons and I also picked Colby from The Disenchantments because he's loyal and sweet and just an all around good guy.</span></div>
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<b>Most Likely to Become President:</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There's just something about Gansey that screams President to me. He has the upbringing for it and is pretty much the glue that is holding his group together. I also decided to add Elder as a Vice President because while he's not exactly cut out for leading, he desperately wants to do the right thing and I think he would be a great right hand man to Gansey.</span></div>
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<b>Villain You Love to Hate:</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There were two villains that I wasn't sure whether to like them or hate them because both the Darkling from Shadow and Bone and Cole from Everneath had these different layers to them and you just wanted to see what made them tick. Both of these guys are worthy of having a book that focuses solely on them.</span></div>
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<b>Favorite Parental Figure:</b></div>
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Blue Sargent's whole psychic family. I really hope book two includes more of them because I like seeing parental figures involved in what's going on with their teenager.</div>
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<b>Coolest Nerd:</b></div>
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I obviously have a lot of love for Gansey and I don't know if I would exactly classify him as a nerd but he does get total nerdgasms over his research and finding Glendower.<br />
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Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532578221844013610noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769622905097436756.post-38681404977751204812012-12-17T11:46:00.003-06:002012-12-18T10:45:07.710-06:00Class of 2012: Head of the ClassThis week I am going to be partaking in the YA Superlatives 2012 Blogfest that is hosted by <a href="http://www.jessica-love.net/">Jessica Love</a>, <a href="http://katyupperman.com/">Katy Upperman</a>, <a href="http://alisonmiller20.blogspot.com/">Alison Miller</a>, and <a href="http://thewordsonpaper.blogspot.com/">Tracey Neithercott</a>.<br />
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Compiling this list was a lot more fun than getting the yearly ballots in high school (in case you were wondering, had there been a "Most Invisible" category, I probably would have swept that). Please keep in mind that I've only read 48 books this year and not all of them were 2012 releases. So be prepared to see repeats but know that I really do love the books I'm posting.<br />
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Let's get this started!</div>
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<span style="line-height: 23px;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Favorite Dystopian</span></b></span></div>
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I've been following C.J Redwine on Twitter for quite some time and it feels like this book should have been out before this year. I got a signed copy of this while at the Decatur Book Festival earlier this year and after meeting C.J, I knew I had to go home and read <i>Defiance </i>immediately. I loved this more than I expected and really enjoyed having another strong and determined female lead with Rachel.</div>
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<span style="line-height: 23px;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Favorite Science Fiction</span></b></span><br />
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Sci-Fi is <b>not</b> something I enjoy on a regular basis. I don't know what it is but there are very few things in this genre as a whole that hold my attention and <i>A Million Suns</i> by Beth Revis is high on that list and I'm looking forward to see what happens next.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Favorite Fantasy</b></span></div>
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Oh, Laini Taylor. I haven't quite finished reading this book but I knew from page one that I was going to love it. Her writing is beautiful and so is the cover. I really can't wait to see where this story goes.</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Favorite Contemporary</span></b></div>
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Was there any doubt that this would make the list as my favorite contemporary? Spoiler Alert! <i>The Fault in our Stars</i> is hands-down the best book I've read this year and is officially one of my newer all-time favorite books. John Green owns me and I think that this book is one that only he could do. It's gut-wrenching, sweet, and just plain beautiful and if you read any book on my list, please let it be this one. It has been almost a year since this book has come out and it is one of the few that I still think about ALL the time.</div>
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Veronica Roth's debut novel, <i>Divergent</i> was one of my favorite reads in 2011, so it was only natural for me to be itching to read book two in the series, <i>Insurgent</i>. I really enjoyed getting more backstory on some of the secondary characters and plus, more Four is always welcome. I'm looking forward to see how she wraps up this series.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Favorite Romance</b></span><br />
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I loved everything about this book from the traveling to the relationship between Bria and Rowan. The settings leap off the page and the emotions are very real. </div>
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I combined two categories because I couldn't decide which one to put Maggie Steivfater's <i>The Raven Boys</i> in. This was my second favorite book of the year and I was lucky enough to win an ARC of it. As soon as I was finished reading I probably would have started re-reading it immediately if I had not promised some of my friends I'd send it on a mini book tour. It has a little bit of everything and if I had any questions regarding Maggie's creativity (I didn't), this book would have put those to rest. Once again, Maggie has awed me with her world-building and her ability to create a complex story like no other. The writing is amazing and I love how well she does alternating POVs. Raven Cycle #2 is probably my most anticipated 2013 release and I'm glad there will be four to the series. </div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Favorite Family Drama / Favorite Comedy</span></b></div>
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Another combination of two categories. I don't know what it is about Kody Keplinger but I just love her books and was not disappointed when reading <i>A Midsummer's Nightmare</i>. This book screams "family drama" to me and it was just a fun read that I couldn't put down. I love how her characters are always flawed and they just feel like real people to me. </div>
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Honestly, <i>Everneath</i> by Brodi Ashton was a HUGE surprise to me. After I ordered it, it sat on my shelf for a while and I had an "OMG WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG TO READ THIS?!" moment once I started it. For some reason I didn't read what it was about and had I done that sooner, I probably would have read it right away. I LOVED this book because it had the romance and the paranormal that I love so but it was a re-imagining of the Persephone myth and I absolutely adore Greek mythology --remember my love for all things Percy Jackson? So this was right up my alley and became one of those books that I love to recommend and was ecstatic when my friends Jennie and Joyce read it and loved it. I am bouncing up and down with anticipation for the accompanying novella and book two that are both out soon!<br />
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Would any of my picks make your list? What are some of your favorite books of 2012?<br />
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Check back tomorrow for my Popularity Contest picks!<br />
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Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532578221844013610noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769622905097436756.post-72613885911484106202012-12-05T14:14:00.002-06:002012-12-05T14:20:30.324-06:00SipSwap 2012About a month and a half ago two of my dear friends, <a href="http://www.jessica-love.net/" target="_blank">Jessica Love</a> and <a href="http://www.kelseyiswriting.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kelsey Macke</a>, announced that they were going to be hosting SipSwap, a way to network with other writers and get a fun mug to help fuel your caffeinated writing sessions.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bp6PvHTjcT8/UL-oVglf6iI/AAAAAAAAAjE/m6JE1OEThkM/s1600/hugmug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bp6PvHTjcT8/UL-oVglf6iI/AAAAAAAAAjE/m6JE1OEThkM/s200/hugmug.jpg" width="200" /></a>As you may or may not know, I quit drinking caffeine and have <i>never</i> liked the taste of coffee or tea (which that right there makes me feel like a walking writer fail) but I do LOVE hot chocolate this time of year and I just had to support my friends, so I signed up.<br />
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So, a few weeks ago I came home and my husband had already checked the mail and told me I had a package. I am such a sucker for fun mail so of course I ripped that bad boy open.<br />
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There was a lovely card and a Hug Mug from the awesome <a href="http://www.ghenetmyrthil.com/" target="_blank">Ghenet</a>! I had never heard of a Hug Mug but as soon as I realized what it was, I knew just how perfect it was for me because there's nothing I love more on a cold day, than warming my hands by wrapping them around a steaming cup of hot chocolate.<br />
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I haven't had a chance to use it yet because temperatures in Alabama have been hovering around the 70 degree mark, but I can't wait to use it, hopefully later this week!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The husband thought I should go all Twilight-y with my photo so I had to oblige.</td></tr>
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Thanks Jess and Kels, for hosting SipSwap. I had a blast searching for the perfect mug for <a href="http://allenstephaniea.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">my draw</a> and I absolutely adore the mug I received. <br />
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<br />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532578221844013610noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769622905097436756.post-39299566168719671072012-12-01T10:33:00.002-06:002012-12-01T10:34:05.111-06:00It's a REAL BOOK!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The day has come and <i>Winter Wonders</i> is a real book! While all I did was write and submit a short story, I can't help but feel a little like Geppetto. Emotions. I have them.<br />
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The whole process was such a great learning experience and it all seems so surreal. I mean, I knew what the end product was going to be but it didn't sink in until I saw the image to the left pop up on Amazon last night.<br />
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I really want to say thanks to everyone who read and critiqued <i>As You Are</i> to help me make it stronger and supported me when I doubted myself. You guys don't know how much it means to me to have you in my corner. You know who you all are.<br />
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Saying the words "I am published" is a bit panic inducing but I couldn't be more excited to share Nicole's story with all of you. I only hope that this is just the beginning for me and if you pick up a copy of <i>Winter Wonders</i>, I'd love to hear what you think, whether it's about my story, <i>As You Are</i>, or not. The other contributors are pretty awesome and if you'd like to check out their blogs and such, you can click on the Winter Wonders tab at the top of this page.<br />
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Happy Anthology day and cookies for all!<br />
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Interested in purchasing <i>Winter Wonders? </i>You can find it on Amazon (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AG20AHA/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk" target="_blank">Kindle</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Winter-Wonders-Heather-McCorkle/dp/1939469007/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1354337551&sr=8-16&keywords=winter+wonders" target="_blank">Paperback</a>), Barnes & Noble (<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/winter-wonders-anne-riley/1113876417?ean=2940015823271" target="_blank">Nook</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/winter-wonders-heather-mccorkle/1113879931?ean=9781939469007" target="_blank">Paperback</a>), and <a href="http://www.thecompasspress.com/" target="_blank">Compass Press</a>. You can also check us out on <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14047983-winter-wonders" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>.<br />
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<br />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532578221844013610noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769622905097436756.post-77962639187338588422012-11-14T10:40:00.000-06:002012-11-14T10:40:47.296-06:00NaNoWriMo Declaration: Take TwoI know last month I was all gung-ho about NaNo and once again, I failed before I even started. The past few days I've been seriously thinking about why I never make much progress and why it seems like this daunting task instead of being fun.<br />
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Here's what I've come up with:<br />
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NaNo is just not for me.<br />
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Yep, that's right. To successfully NaNo is just not in the cards for me. I cannot write without abandon and ignore the little things that I shouldn't in order to reach that lofty goal of 50k in 30 days. Some people are able to write through it but I am pretty much physically incapable of doing so. If there's something I'm not sure about I would much rather sit there and ruminate on it before moving on. If I don't, I can't stop thinking about it and it really bothers me. I wish I weren't that way, but I am. I guess the first step is admitting you have a problem so there you go.<br />
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As I sat at my kitchen table last week I found myself completely tree-d (stumped for you normal people), and realized that while I have some sort of outline going on in my head, I don't have all the details I need to just sit and bang out all the words. I like to discover the world and the little parts of it while I write and that takes time that I don't necessarily have while doing NaNo.<br />
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While I was teetering on the edge of "should I or shouldn't I?" I saw that my friend, Jessica Love, <a href="http://www.jessica-love.net/2012/11/secretly-starting-then-publicly.html" target="_blank">blogged</a> about her NaNo experience and I can't tell you guys how creepy it is that she's always able to say what I'm thinking but just haven't vocalized it yet. <br />
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Much like Jess, I have this incredible need to be included in what everyone else is doing and that's why I've attempted NaNo since 2009 but also, I too, am a slow writer. I would much rather take my time and produce something not completely craptastic and that's not going to be painful to edit versus meeting a word goal that may have things I can't use and that's going to cause me a major headache later on.<br />
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So thanks Jess. You helped me realize that I'm not alone and that there is absolutely nothing wrong with being a slower writer when it seems like everyone around me seems to be producing quality work at a much faster pace. It may not be easy at times, but I'll take it and like it.<br />
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I may have quit NaNo but that doesn't mean I'm not writing. I'm (slowly) working on two different manuscripts and so far I'm happy with what I've got.<br />
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To those of you who are still working on your NaNo projects, how are you doing? Are you meeting your goals? Are you finding that NaNo may not be right for you?<br />
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<br />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532578221844013610noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769622905097436756.post-68354549057189580272012-11-13T23:13:00.000-06:002012-11-13T23:13:09.945-06:00Winter WondersAHHHH!! You guys! WINTER WONDERS is officially <a href="http://www.thecompasspress.com/" target="_blank">available for preorder</a>!<br />
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I'm all jittery with anticipation and nerves and I fear they will only get worse as the release date nears. I can only imagine how people who have full length novels that are about to be released feel because this is INSANE.<br />
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Not only is there a little voice in my head going 'oh god, oh god, oh god..." but I am 100% absolutely terrified that my story is going to be the worst one.<br />
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Logically, I know that I've gotten good feedback on it and that thrills me but there's still that little voice that won't shut up and is all self-doubty. The funny thing? I'm not at all scared for strangers to read my story, nope, it's the people I know (close friends and family) reading it that scares the bejesus out of me.<br />
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Is that normal?<br />
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Whether it is or not, I can only hope that it's only the beginning for me and that it allows me to grow even more as a writer. I've put my heart and soul into this story and while it may not seem like it based on this blog post, I HAVE come away from this experience just a little more confident in my abilities.<br />
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I honestly cannot wait for you all to read it and share your thoughts about it and I really hope you'll check the anthology out because there are a bunch of amazing writers involved and all the proceeds go to help fight illiteracy in America.<br />
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<br />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532578221844013610noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769622905097436756.post-86417758895314392402012-10-08T22:57:00.004-05:002012-10-08T22:57:51.658-05:00NaNoWriMo declarationI'm making it official and saying that I will be participating in NaNoWriMo 2012. Not only am I going to participate but I am going to try my darndest to hit 50k.<br />
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NaNo and I have had a pretty lackluster relationship in the past. I first flirted with the idea in 2009 but it was mainly because I felt like everyone I knew was doing it and I wanted to do it to (score one for peer pressure without peers doing any pressuring). Then in 2010 the fabulous Irene Latham told me that everyone has a story to tell, so that's when I decided that I would try and tell my stories. Life happened and November got away from me.<br />
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NaNo 2011 was a lot better. I actually felt prepared after doing some outlining and thinking about my idea. I got off to a strong start and got about 10k in and hit some sort of wall. I hadn't outlined as well as I had thought and I was so lost as to where my story was going to go. I had a beginning and an end but the middle just wasn't working out for me so I gave up.<br />
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I know I should've kept going but that's why I'm determined to punch NaNo 2012 in the face. I have a LOT of work to do in the remaining weeks before November 1st but I'm willing because I really want this to be my year. I've got my trusty composition notebook and my pen ready to spill its ink in preparation.<br />
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Are you doing NaNoWriMo this year? What are you doing to prepare?<br />
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<br />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532578221844013610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769622905097436756.post-58601331175612075452012-10-02T00:33:00.002-05:002012-10-02T00:51:01.146-05:00I'd like my Sultry with a TwistHappy October!<br />
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I can't believe I'm saying that. This year has gone by so unbelievably fast but I'm not complaining because it just means that the day has come where I can <i>finally </i>say congratulations to my friend Macy Beckett (AKA Melissa Landers in the YA world) on the official birthday of her debut book baby, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sultry-Twist-Springs-Macy-Beckett/dp/1402270364/ref=tmm_mmp_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1349156928&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Sultry with a Twist</a></i>!<br />
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If you know me, AT ALL, you know that YA is the genre I primarily read but when someone in your writing group gets a book deal, genre doesn't matter. You support them because you know exactly what they went through and just how hard they worked to get to that point and you know they deserve to do well.<br />
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YOU GUYS.<br />
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Macy/Melissa is a sugary ROCKSTAR. I read this book two months ago thanks to NetGalley and I absolutely adored it. It's sweet, fun, witty, sexy, and the writing is fantastic. I may not have picked this book up if I didn't know her (I don't find myself wandering the romance section. ever.) but I can say that I would be missing out. I do know that even if I <i>didn't</i> know Melissa, I would be recommending this book to people and already have a list of people I want to gift this book to.<br />
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Not only did I love the inside of this book, I loved the outside. Sourcebooks did an amazing job on this beautiful cover and what I like most about it is that they actually let readers vote on the cover. The three options they originally had weren't that great and now that I've read the book, they didn't match at all. I think it takes a pretty fantastic publisher to redesign the cover based on what readers suggested.<br />
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So, Congratulations Melissa! Your baby is officially out in the wild and I can't wait for my copy to arrive. I know it's going to be one of many with your name on it to live on my bookshelves.<br />
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Want a little taste of Melissa's sense of humor? Check out this awesome anti-trailer she made.<br />
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<br />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532578221844013610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769622905097436756.post-38381020389480892982012-07-25T08:00:00.000-05:002012-07-25T08:00:02.915-05:00Shadows of the Hidden*pops out from under rock* HI!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiG6nmmYLtskqcpmPo-El0CWURD4DiGg5i671EKEFSw-6hgKHiR6OW_yaytjCUgqd_pBGm2k4MN7suB02C0EcPHk0f84W5zecFdqVODYVJy5XjcSGVj7rEjvtRjbSuNshfkTt11Xq8qiw/s1600/anne-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiG6nmmYLtskqcpmPo-El0CWURD4DiGg5i671EKEFSw-6hgKHiR6OW_yaytjCUgqd_pBGm2k4MN7suB02C0EcPHk0f84W5zecFdqVODYVJy5XjcSGVj7rEjvtRjbSuNshfkTt11Xq8qiw/s200/anne-20.jpg" width="132" /></a>I know it's been a while since I last blogged but I am THISCLOSE to being free from Statistics and the computer class from hell. I'm breaking my unintentional silence to bring you lovelies some news.<br />
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See that happy looking person to the right? That is my friend Anne Riley and she has MANY reasons to be smiling but I'm here to share one in particular with you. Are you ready?<br />
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I'll start by saying that she had this novel called <i>The Clearing</i> which she self-published. She sold books and she stopped selling it for reasons she shared on her blog and now we're getting <i>The Clearing 2.0</i>.<br />
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Ok, so it's not really called <i>The Clearing 2.0</i> but the idea remains the same. The book has been picked up by Compass Press and will be released in December of this year under the new and shiny name <i>Shadows of the Hidden. </i>Check out the new outfit she's got (the book, not Anne).<br />
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<i><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Natalie
Watson doesn't believe her parents are dead, even though they
disappeared five years ago. Discovering the truth about their fate is
one of the only things that gets her out of bed in the morning. But
after moving from her home in Georgia to her aunt's boarding school in
Maine, solving the mystery of her parents' whereabouts is just one of
several challenges she must face. When she's not fending off attacks
from the popular kids, she puzzles over the rumors about a strange boy
in her math class--one with fiery red hair who rarely speaks.</span><br style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;" /><br style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;" /><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Despite
suspicions that he murdered his sister a year earlier, Natalie finds it
impossible to stay away from Liam Abernathy--especially when he
confesses to knowing something about her parents. Soon she's following
him into the forest, where things happen she doesn't understand...things
that shouldn't be possible. </span></i>
<i><br style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;" /><br style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;" /><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Natalie
soon realizes her connection to Liam is deeper than she ever imagined,
and not everyone she counts as a friend can be trusted. When she finds
herself at the center of a centuries-old quest for immortality, she must
work with Liam to stay alive--even if it means facing a truth about
herself and her family that will not only shake her perception of
herself, but of the entire world around her.</span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Anne
has worked REALLY hard editing and making changes to this novel to make
it better and to better reflect the writer she has become. I'm really
proud of her because this is a book that she really believed in and look
where it has gotten her. I'm so excited for her and I can't wait to get my own copy. </span><br />
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<span multilinks-noscroll="true" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Want to know more about Anne Riley and <i>Shadows of the Hidden</i>? Check it out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheClearingBook" multilinks-noscroll="true" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14287740-shadows-of-the-hidden" multilinks-noscroll="true" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>, and of course, on Anne's <a href="http://www.annerileybooks.com/" multilinks-noscroll="true" target="_blank">Website</a>.</span></div>
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<span multilinks-noscroll="true" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532578221844013610noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769622905097436756.post-9036364588696789782012-05-15T14:34:00.000-05:002012-05-15T14:34:02.718-05:00Psst...guess whatHello lovelies!<br />
<br />
Do any of you know my dear friend, <a href="http://annerileybooks.com/2012/05/big-announcements-1-and-2/" target="_blank">Anne</a>? Well a few weeks ago I got this email from her asking if I'd be interested in participating in a short story anthology she was putting together. After thinking about it for a few days and getting more details, I said yes.<br />
<br />
The title of the book will be <i>Winter Wonder</i> and the last time I saw Anne, she showed me a cover that was being worked on, and let me tell you, it pretty much rocks. The fabulous <a href="http://www.thecompasspress.com/" target="_blank">Compass Press</a> will be the publisher and sales of this book will be benefiting <a href="http://www.literacyinc.com/" target="_blank">Literary, Inc</a>!<br />
<br />
Words cannot express how excited I am to be a part of this endeavor and also the amount of sheer terror I'm feeling. I mean, I am going to be PUBLISHED and OMG WHAT IF MY STORY IS TERRIBLE? Dreams of showing up to school naked have nothing on this.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aSpTZ86qGGQ/T7Kn9VWTX9I/AAAAAAAAAf4/KTv9OkqTpug/s1600/paperbag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aSpTZ86qGGQ/T7Kn9VWTX9I/AAAAAAAAAf4/KTv9OkqTpug/s1600/paperbag.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BREATHE</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I've already begun working on my short story, because let's face it, if I don't start now I'll be stalled at Procrastination Station and I want to get my first draft done before my summer semester begins. <br />
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Check out the fabulous company I'll be in come December!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://heathermccorkle.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Heather McCorkle</a>, <a href="http://alexandrashostak.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Alexandra Shostak</a>, <a href="http://www.christinefonseca.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Christine Fonseca</a>, <a href="http://screwinguptime.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Connie Keller</a>, <a href="http://ellestraussbooks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Elle Strauss</a>, <a href="http://harleymay.com/" target="_blank">Harley May</a>, <a href="http://jameystegmaier.com/" target="_blank">Jamey Stegmaier</a>, <a href="http://jenstayrook.com/" target="_blank">Jen Stayrook</a>, <a href="http://jessicanaccari.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jessica Naccari</a>, <a href="http://www.thedrunch.com/" target="_blank">Jodi Burrus</a>, <a href="http://judithgraves.com/" target="_blank">Judith Graves</a>, <a href="http://karenamandahooper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Karen Amanda Hooper</a>, <a href="http://krissidallas.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Krissi Dallas</a>, <a href="http://abrokenlaptop.com/" target="_blank">Mercedes Yardley</a>, <a href="http://literaryjamandtoast.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mia Hayson</a>, <a href="http://nataliecone.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Natalie Cone</a>, <a href="http://www.reganleigh.com/" target="_blank">Regan Leigh</a>, <a href="http://www.susankayequinn.com/" target="_blank">Susan Kaye Quinn</a>, <a href="http://www.tinamoss.com/" target="_blank">Tina Moss</a>, <a href="http://tstate.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">TS Tate</a>, <a href="http://yelenacasale.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Yelena Casale</a> and, of course, the Brain to our Pinky's, <a href="http://annerileybooks.com/" target="_blank">Anne Riley</a>.<br />
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<br />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532578221844013610noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769622905097436756.post-56485546803775330132012-04-27T10:20:00.000-05:002012-04-27T10:20:01.486-05:00ReflectionI know many of you are far removed from what happened on April 27th, 2011 but even so, we shouldn't forget. All day yesterday and since the second I woke up this morning, the outbreak of tornadoes has been on my mind along with everyone who lost a home, their business, and even worse, a loved one.<br />
<br />
I'll never forget my vacation because while I had a great time seeing old friends and finally meeting friends I've known online for years, it was also the vacation that was plagued with worry about my friends and family. My husband and I were glued to the news, Facebook, Twitter, and the live streaming coming from my local ABC affiliate app.<br />
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Luckily, everyone we loved was safe but things would never be the same again in the state of Alabama. I did my part to help those that lost everything and along with my new friend, <a href="http://princesscourtneysbarr.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Courtney</a>, we got <a href="http://all4alabamarelief.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">All 4 Alabama</a> off the ground and running. For two girls that are relatively unknown in the grand scheme of things, we were able to raise over $8,000 through our auctions and I know I've said it before but I think it needs repeating: We couldn't have done it without any of you and I am so thankful for every single person who donated their time, items, and money and for every single bidder. You were all amazing.<br />
<br />
Now a year has gone by and the state once again is faced with the events of that day. Everywhere you look there's some sort of reminder and not far behind that is a feeling of hope. We still have a long way to go before things are anywhere near normal, but with the help from strangers and our neighbors, we WILL get there. It still kills me each and every time I drive past an area that was hit because there's still so much destruction. Homes and businesses are finally getting a chance to rebuild but there are others that have just been left behind.<br />
<br />
In closing, be thankful for everything and everyone you have right now. It could be so much worse. Don't forget about us down here in the South, we may be strong but that doesn't mean we couldn't use the support.<br />
<br />
Also, please check out <a href="http://www.bobikesbama.com/" target="_blank">Bo Bikes Bama</a>. Bo Jackson will finish his 300 mile bike ride tomorrow in Tuscaloosa to help raise money for the Governor's Emergency Relief Fund.<br />
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<br />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532578221844013610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769622905097436756.post-19163373020557122162012-04-20T10:37:00.000-05:002012-04-20T10:37:43.000-05:00Rock the DropI totally forgot to blog about this earlier but better late than never, right?<br />
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So last Thursday was Teen Lit Day and in honor of it was Rock the Drop! Now, the last few years I've had books and really wanted to participate. The day would come and I'd have nowhere to go and no earthly idea where to leave it in my neighborhood.<br />
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I'll just say it's not really fun trying to find a place in the Wal-Mart parking lot hoping someone picks up the book verses running it over with their truck that's decked out in camo.<br />
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However, THIS year I've moved and just in time too! I went shopping with my mom and re-discovered this book store in my new area and got two new books to leave. Not only that, but the cashier asked why I was getting two copies of one of the books and I was able to tell her about Rock the Drop and Teen Lit Day. WOOT.<br />
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I got my books together, wrote little notes and went off to drop my books. The first one was <i>The Secret Year</i> by Jennifer Hubbard and I propped it up against the window of my local Yogurt Mountain.<br />
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The second book was the anthology <i>Corsets and Clockwork </i>and I left that on a bench in an outdoor mall in front of Journeys/Aeropostale/Body Central.<br />
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While I wasn't exactly able to get my Ninja stealth on, it was so much fun to go back and see the books had been taken. While I wish I could've seen who got them, I just really hope they enjoy their new book.<br />
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I can't wait til next year!<br />
<br />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532578221844013610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769622905097436756.post-41791307952910400792012-04-12T10:30:00.001-05:002012-04-12T10:37:10.537-05:00I'm IT!Last week my lovely friend Anne tagged me in this writing thing that is going around the interwebz like syphilis in an old west whore house.<br />
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The rules are, there are no rules.<br />
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Oh wait, this isn't Grease and I don't have a bitchin' car to race. Dang.<br />
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There actually are some guidelines and they are:<br />
<ol>
<li>Go to page 7 or 77 in your current manuscript</li>
<li>Go to line 7</li>
<li>Copy down the next seven lines/sentences as they are–no cheating</li>
<li>Tag 7 other authors</li>
</ol>
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I will tell you that while I'm giving you a snippet from page 7, it is not my current WIP. I have recently set this one aside to work on a contemporary YA that had been sticking its hand in my face like so<br />
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I gave up the proverbial chair cushions and I've begun writing Tristan's story. I will return to Graham and Emery but until I do so, you can get a sneak peak at their story.<br />
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From page 7 of <b>Reaper's Revenge</b>:<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
“Whoa, whoa, back up
there. A Grim Reaper? You’re kidding right? Those things don’t exist.” I
replied in disbelief.<br />
<br />
“If we don’t exist, how do you explain him
disappearing so fast? Us getting here? You not getting injured when I pushed
you off the roof? And <i>don't</i> say it was a dream.”<br />
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“How should I know?” I huffed. I knew <i>something </i>strange was going on here, but Grim Reapers? <i>Seriously</i>? Wait a second…<br />
<br />
“<i>We</i>?! You’re one too? How can I see you if you’re
supposed to be death?” The realization that he was death hit me like a paint
can to the face. “Oh my god. I’m dead?” I sunk to the ground as if in slow
motion, my breath coming out shaky.<br />
<br />
He stopped pacing, “Yes and no,” he said as he ran
his fingers through his hair. Sighing, he sat down in the grass in front of me
and continued.<br />
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***</div>
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There you have it. My unpolished first draft snippet from page 7. </div>
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So guess what <a href="http://lifeisshortreadfast.com/">Jennie</a>, <a href="http://www.lovelylittleshelf.com/">Jacki</a>, <a href="http://www.ourfictionaddiction.com/">Eli</a>, <a href="http://www.booknerdbecca.com/">Becca</a>, <a href="http://jessicanaccari.blogspot.com/">Jess N.</a>, <a href="http://www.kelseyiswriting.blogspot.com/">Kelsey</a>, and <a href="http://www.imperfectionisthenewpink.com/">Tameka</a>. You're it! *runs away*</div>
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</div>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532578221844013610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769622905097436756.post-15762891654409340972012-02-17T10:42:00.000-06:002012-02-17T10:42:05.434-06:00Friday Five (12)I've decided to make the theme of this Friday Five "girls from my online book club" because they have seriously filled my week with joy and excitement!<br />
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1. Julie, Andrea, and I are currently in Savannah for the Savannah Book Festival, Mardi Gras (WOOOO! Book Nerds gone crazy!), and the beach. Julie's uncle owns a resort down here and is letting us stay in a 3 bedroom condo dirt cheap. This place is AMAZING so I've included a few photos. Another thing worth mentioning is on the drive in, we saw Barbie Beach!<br />
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<i>Yes, someone made a Barbie diorama in their front yard somewhere in Georgia</i></div>
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2. I've known Andrea online for a few years and I'm SO happy we finally got to meet. She is so cool and she knits! I don't think I've talked about it much on here, but I've been desperately wanting to knit or crochet and have been trying to teach myself via YouTube videos but it's so much better having a real live person to instruct you and she's a fantastic teacher. Look what I learned how to do last night!<br />
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3. Some of my friends did a Valentine's gift exchange and my good friend Jennie drew my name. She sent me The Hunger Games illustrated movie companion and my mom told me there's ANOTHER box from her waiting at home. I'm excited to be in Savannah this weekend, but I'm a bit anxious to get home because I LOVE fun mail!<br />
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4. The same friends set up a Secret Sister thing through Elfster and over the next few months we'll be sending out draw random little things like notes, candy, or whatever else tickles our fancy just to let them know somebody is thinking of them. I love this idea because sometimes all you need is an unexpected surprise in the mail to make your day a little brighter.<br />
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5. The lovely and uber talented Smash is presenting at an awards show in her town and Chita Rivera will be in attendance. To be honest, I'm not up on my Broadway stars but I was informed by various people this is BIG and I'm so excited for her and I've seen her dress. You guys, this girl is going to look absolutely fantastic. Which, if you know her, is not unusual.<br />
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I hope you all have a great weekend!<br />
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<br />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532578221844013610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769622905097436756.post-39442403400910149612012-02-10T19:19:00.000-06:002012-02-10T19:19:42.043-06:00Friday Five (11)1. It's looking like a very good possibility that we WILL be moving in next month! The insulation goes in on Monday and Tuesday they'll begin putting up the drywall. Once the drywall is up they said it should be 45 days until completed. I can't begin to explain how excited this all makes me!<br />
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2. I got a "C" on my Accounting test! I know that's nothing to some of you but the homework for this test killed me AND my husband so I was pretty damn happy to know I passed.<br />
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3. I'm almost done with my re-read of <i>The Hunger Games</i> and it's killing me just as much as it did the first time. I got a co-worker to read it and finished sometime last weekend so I'm excited to see him today at work and see what he thought. I DID hear that he already went out and bought <i>Catching Fire</i>.<br />
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4. I've been sent the first 5 chapters of a friend's manuscript to beta and when I started to read it the other night, I had to stop after only a few pages because HOLY CREEPY BATMAN! I try to avoid reading stuff like that before bed (which is when I started looking at it) because I will have crazy/scary dreams. I'm fragile like that.<br />
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5. Last week I posted the poster for the movie I worked on, <i>The Blue of the Sky.</i> Well this week I bring you the FINISHED teaser trailer. I really hope you enjoy it and let me know what you think!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/36572668?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/36572668">Blue of the Sky - Teaser/Trailer</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user2933312">Stephen DeVries</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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Have a great weekend everyone!<br />
<br />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532578221844013610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769622905097436756.post-21643850212412342842012-02-07T11:25:00.001-06:002012-02-07T11:29:08.325-06:00I can't wait to be ALIENATED!I am SO happy to say that a girl in my online writing group, Melissa Landers, has signed a SECOND mulit-book deal (her first was a Romance trilogy as Macy Beckett), this time with Disney-Hyperion!!<br />
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<i>Melissa Landers's ALIENATED, in
which a high school valedictorian takes in an extraterrestrial exchange
student in order to receive a college scholarship, prompting a national
controversy that spins out of control, only to find herself falling for
her mysterious alien friend, to Laura Schreiber at Disney-Hyperion, in a
very nice deal, in a pre-empt, in a two-book deal, by Nicole Resciniti
at The Seymour Agency (World).</i></div>
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Melissa has worked relentlessly on <i>Alienated, </i>formerly <i>Outworlders, </i>and I think the coolest part about all this (besides having Disney-Hyperion backing you) is that this was her 2009 NaNoWriMo project! </div>
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Congratulations Melissa! This totally gives me something to look forward to in 2013 and I know this is just the beginning of your long, fabulous career!</div>
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You can meet Melissa <a href="http://www.melissa-landers.com/index.html" multilinks-noscroll="true">here</a>, <a href="http://www.honestlyya.blogspot.com/" multilinks-noscroll="true">here</a>, and <a href="http://www.melissalanders.blogspot.com/" multilinks-noscroll="true">here</a> and follow her <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/Melissa_Landers" multilinks-noscroll="true">here</a>.<br />
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</div>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532578221844013610noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769622905097436756.post-30013527653246029092012-02-03T10:04:00.001-06:002012-02-03T13:14:56.661-06:00Friday Five (10)<div multilinks-noscroll="true">1. Remember that short film I got to help with back in August? Well it's getting SO CLOSE to being a finished product and it is beyond exciting. Yes, this is going to be a little bit of a plug, but that's ok because I really do think it's awesome. You should follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/BoTSmovie" multilinks-noscroll="true">Twitter</a> or feel free to check out my friend Stephen's <a href="http://www.stephendevrieschronicles.com/blue-of-the-sky-movie-poster-and-update/" multilinks-noscroll="true">blog update</a> about the current status. I also get to FINALLY share the final one-sheet for it. Ready?</div><br />
Here you are!<br />
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I feel like Geppetto because all I can think is "it's a real movie!"<br />
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2. Tonight is my monthly Magic City Lit Night and I'm looking forward to hanging out with such wonderful people. What I like about this dinner is that it's the perfect balance of writing talk and life talk. Feel free to check out the blogs of my dinner pals: <a href="http://annerileybooks.com/blog/">Anne</a>, <a href="http://nataliecone.wordpress.com/">Natalie</a>, <a href="http://harleymay.com/">Harley</a>, and <a href="http://www.thedrunch.com/">Jodi</a>.<br />
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3. Our house is REALLY moving along and I can't help but be amazed at how far the progress gets every couple of days. As of yesterday we have shingles, windows, piles of brick, and the house is wrapped.With the warm weather we've been having, I would be surprised if we were able to move in next month!<br />
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4. Blogger is starting to irk me. I really want to have in-line comments on my blog but it's not giving it to me as an option. I've looked through my settings and whatnot, but can't seem to find a place to "turn it on." Any ideas? Was it just a Beta test?<br />
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5. I'm going to Savannah in a few weeks and I'm so excited! It's a beautiful place and I can't wait to experience it WITHOUT my face melting off!<br />
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Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532578221844013610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769622905097436756.post-77564380090877581332012-02-01T00:30:00.000-06:002012-02-01T00:30:59.928-06:00Small VictoriesI MADE IT! You probably had no idea that I was trying to cut out soda for the month of January, but I was. January has come and gone now and I can officially say that I succeeded.<br />
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It was NOT easy at first. The first week was pretty much hell if you want to know the truth. I had bad caffeine headaches, cravings for Sonic's Cherry Coke (with actual cherries!) like you would not believe, and my surliness may have shown a bit.<br />
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I'm SO happy I did it. The decision was a spur of the moment one and it made it easier to go along with when a friend said he was going soda-free for January. I figured I had quit once before, why not try again?<br />
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Now it's February 1st and after doing the math at one soda a day (approximately 180 cals) for 31 days, I have saved myself from around 5,580 unnecessary calories and my skin looks better. I'm taking it a step further and am going to try for a second month.<br />
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Happy February everyone!<br />
<br />Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532578221844013610noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7769622905097436756.post-47168768660115783622012-01-26T21:03:00.000-06:002012-01-26T21:03:03.580-06:00It's me again!My friend <a href="http://www.bookhookedblog.com/2012/01/another-vlog-about-books.html">Julie</a> wanted to do a vlog about book stuff so here's a chance for you to get to know me AND my books!
<iframe width="460" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fhRt3XncDMw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Crystalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08532578221844013610noreply@blogger.com1