tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65999450879100735272024-02-07T14:54:49.122-07:00Tess HilmoAuthor. Welcome, friends!Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014195715998913268noreply@blogger.comBlogger302125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6599945087910073527.post-39094066831082658322016-10-18T11:09:00.001-06:002016-10-18T11:35:56.342-06:00Adopt a Chicken!<h3 style="text-align: left;">
To celebrate my new novel, <span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Cinnamon Moon</span></span>, which releases today (woot! chick-a-woot!) we are launching an </h3>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Adopt a Chicken! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">classroom campaign</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnOjoIsvLRlUbzGuyDiV3MYmkfkepYnvOazQ9zWcFzqfyG6KaBv6IChrzhV3K2MRUlnJ9GNvljwD9MGPpJnOlAsIydJXmZneamdxdndL7DlxiTk69UVm84M7ZheUrewogLDlU4zelwPs/s1600/a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnOjoIsvLRlUbzGuyDiV3MYmkfkepYnvOazQ9zWcFzqfyG6KaBv6IChrzhV3K2MRUlnJ9GNvljwD9MGPpJnOlAsIydJXmZneamdxdndL7DlxiTk69UVm84M7ZheUrewogLDlU4zelwPs/s200/a.jpeg" width="166" /></a></div>
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Any teacher who chooses the novel as a class selection or even as a teacher read aloud can email me and I'll send them a free...yep, totally free, author care package that includes:<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #134f5c;">1.a personalized letter to their students</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #134f5c;">2. signed bookmarks for all students in the class</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #134f5c;">3.a discussion guide for the novel</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #134f5c;">4. a 4" resin chicken for the classroom to play a super great game where the students do acts of friendship and service for each other </span></i></div>
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It's an opportunity for students to connect to a novel and the author in a whole new way - and, besides, who doesn't love chickens?!?</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Spread the word! Share the news! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Consider giving a copy of the novel to your teacher or home school group as a holiday gift with a note of the </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Adopt a Chicken!</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"> campaign and all that is included if he/she chooses to share the novel with the class - every teacher would love a gift that connects their students to the children's literature community through an author care package!</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">If you want more details, just email me at: tess(at)tesshilmo.com</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014195715998913268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6599945087910073527.post-84531252524552268142016-09-04T22:30:00.000-06:002016-09-04T22:52:58.548-06:00Cover Reveal and a Review!<h3>
<span style="color: blue;">My new novel </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cinnamon Moon</span><span style="color: blue;"> hits the shelves October 18th. It is a really tender post Chicago Fire story (set in 1871) for readers ages 9-12.</span></h3>
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I keep singing The Pointer Sisters<i> <span style="color: magenta;">I'm So Excited </span></i>song and shimmying around my house - but I'm a lousy singer and my dancing isn't exactly on point...so...mostly I've just been embarrassing my teens.</h3>
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But they'll have to live with it because <span style="color: #38761d;"><u>just look</u></span> at this beautiful cover by Scott McKowen<span style="color: blue;">:</span></h3>
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I've been a huge fan of Scott's work with many revised classics and Neil Gaiman's 1602 series so having him illustrate this cover is kind of surreal for me. The texture technique he uses is super cool. Click<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=scott+mckowen+illustrator&espv=2&biw=1366&bih=643&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwipnJ2ip_fOAhUVzWMKHQNrDK0Q_AUIBigB"> <b>here </b></a>to see more of Scott's stunning covers.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #351c75;">and School Library Journal gave us a great review!</span></i></h2>
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<i><b>Gr 4-7–On October 8, 1871, two great fires roared through Peshtigo, WI, and Chicago, destroying families, homes, and lives. Ailis, 12, and Quinn, 11, lost their parents and their baby sister in Peshtigo. When Mr. Olsen, the powerful former president of the Union Pacific Railroad Company, offers to bring them to his boardinghouse in Chicago, they accept. At the boardinghouse, they meet Nettie, a precocious, hen-loving six-year-old orphan who shares a small closet with Ailis. While Nettie goes to school, Ailis and Quinn are forced to clean the boardinghouse each day by Miss Franny, the caretaker. Miss Franny hates the Irish and takes her anger out on Ailis and Quinn. Determined to escape, Ailis creates a way for her and Quinn to leave during the day and work to save money. Just as they are settling in, though, Nettie suddenly disappears. Desperate to find her, Ailis and Quinn search all over Chicago, but it is only with the support and aid of their friends that they can save her. <span style="color: blue;">As in Hilmo’s previous works (With a Name Like Love and Skies Like These), the relationships between characters subtly highlight themes such as overcoming discrimination, handling grief, and being true to oneself. Hilmo’s setting abounds with historically rich details that give depth to the characters and keep the plot moving quickly. VERDICT A compelling read about two lesser-known historical events and their aftermath; a strong addition to middle grade collections in need of historical fiction</span>.–Rebecca Quinones, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County</b></i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="color: #b45f06;">Isn't that awesome?</span></i></span></h2>
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<b><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm not typically one to ask for many things when it comes to my work - but I'm going to try to have a little more courage and put myself out there with this novel. If you think you might be interested in purchasing a copy, please consider putting a pre-order in now. Did you know that pre-orders </span>(through your local bookstore, online sites like Barnes and Noble or Amazon, etc) <span style="font-size: large;">really help authors? It conveys a message of interest to the publisher and, sometimes, that message translates into more things the publisher may do to support the novel. Who knew, eh?</span></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"> </span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><b>Also, I really hope you'll check back often because I'll be hosting lots of give aways and fun bloger-ly activities as we keep getting closer to the release date (squee!)</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><b>.</b></span>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014195715998913268noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6599945087910073527.post-40215745716370473882016-05-23T00:45:00.001-06:002016-05-23T00:45:42.329-06:00Clean Teen Reads - the short and personal list<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of the most common things I am asked is "Do you have any recommendations for clean reads?" It's a fair question and I'm personally a fan of clean youth literature. There are great novels out there across the spectrum - addressing a variety of important issues. This post is not meant to disparage any type of book - it's simply a list of my favorite clean novels.<br />
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(though these are classic, beautiful novels that any age would appreciate):</div>
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<b>The Hired Girl</b> by Amy Schultz (historical)</div>
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<b>My Louisiana Sky</b> by Kimberly Willis Holt (contemporary</div>
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<b>Getting Near to Baby</b> by Audrey Couloumbis (contemporary)</div>
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<b>Blue Birds</b> by Caroline Rose Starr (historical verse)</div>
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<b>Catherine Called Birdy</b> by Karen Cushman (historical)</div>
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<b>The Book of a Thousand Days</b> by Shannon Hale (historical/fantasy of sorts)</div>
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<b>The Seven Tales of Trinket</b> by Shelley Moore Thomas (magical realism)</div>
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<b>Pictures of Hollis Woods</b> by Patricia Reilly Giff (contemp.)</div>
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<b>Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy</b> by Gary Schmidt (historical)<br />
<b>The Witch of Blackbird Pond</b> by Elizabeth George Speare (the first historical novel I fell in love with as a young teen, and still one of my favorites)</div>
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this list could go on and on because most middle grade (meaning intended for the audience ages 9-13) is clean and so there are a ton of really wonderful books that could easily fall on this list - but these are my tried and true favorites -- at least, the ones that come to mind right now.</div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;"><b>Older Teens</b></span></div>
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(NOTE: please see disclaimer below)</div>
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<b>Queen of Water</b> by Laura Resau (contemporary - set in Ecuador - beautiful, beautiful story)</div>
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<b>Red Glass</b> by Laura Resau (I love her novels and they are most often really clean reads!)</div>
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<b>One Came Home </b>by Amy Timberlake (a great Western/Mystery that won the Edgar Award a bit back)</div>
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<b>A Northern Light</b> by Jennifer Donnelly (historical/one edgy scene - but one of my all time favorite books. So worth the read!)</div>
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<b>Charlotte's Rose</b> by AE Cannon (historical)</div>
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<b>Ink and Ashes</b> by Valynne Maetani (mystery/suspense)</div>
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<b>The Book Thief</b> by Marcus Zusak (who hasn't read this? If it's you - get on it..and have tissues handy)</div>
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<b>Wishing Moon</b> by Michael O. Tunnell</div>
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<b>The Invention of Wings</b> by Sue Monk Kidd (okay, this is technically an adult novel but it is SO good -- any teen seeking a great read would love it)</div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>And some boy-centric novels: </b></span></div>
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(though girls would like these just as much):</div>
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<b>Prizefighter in Mi Casa</b> by E.E. Charlton-Trujillo (so, so good!)</div>
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<b>Alabama Moon</b> by Watt Key</div>
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<b>Ghetto Cowboy</b> by G. Neri</div>
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<b>Icefall</b> by Mathew Kirby<br />
<b>Levithan</b> by Scott Westerfield<br />
<b>The False Prince</b> (series) by Jennifer A Nielsen<br />
<b>Variant</b> by Robison Wells</div>
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Any graphic novel....there are a lot of great ones out there</div>
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younger boys: the Oragami Yoda series was super fun and is great for young boy readers</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Young Adult Series:</span></b></div>
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I have a daughter who loves to read YA series and I've had to make an effort to find some that fit my personal "clean-comfort" level as her mom (especially when she was a younger teen). A few of the clean series that she really enjoyed include (I'm just naming the first book in each series but all are good): <b>Matched</b> by Ally Condie, <b>Everlost</b> by Neal Shusterman, <b>My Fair Godmother</b> by Janette Rallison, <b>Girl of Fire and Thorns</b> by Rae Carson, <b>Heist Society</b> by Ally Carter, <b>Mistwood</b> by Leah Cypess</div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: large;"><b>Additional note</b></span>: An available resource for families is CommonSenseMedia.com - you can search and find a break down of what is in the book (sensitive topic to have anything that resembles book ratings, I know, but I personally think there's nothing wrong with being able to make an informed decision. It's not a judgement - it's just information). The site isn't all inclusive, but it's been a good resource for our family. </div>
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<i><u><span style="font-size: large;">Disclaimer:</span></u></i> My definition of 'clean' and your definition of 'clean' may not be the same thing. That's okay! But please keep that in mind. My definition of a 'clean' teen read has mild-if-any swearing, mild-if-any sexual situations (simple kiss, etc) and not-over-the-top violence (though many dystopian series seem to lean toward some violence so be advised).</div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Tell me</i></b></span>...<b><span style="font-size: large;">what are some of your favorite clean reads? I'd really love to add to my list!</span></b></div>
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Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014195715998913268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6599945087910073527.post-24144015763743073592016-05-04T21:17:00.001-06:002016-05-05T11:17:05.041-06:00Tension In Your Novel: Engaging Your Reader<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>We become better writers when we understand the </b></span><b style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">distinction</span></i> between writing<span style="color: red;"> a <i>dramatic situation</i></span> and instilling <span style="color: magenta;"><i>actual tension</i></span>.</b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A dramatic situation</span> is just that - a problem or set of circumstances that the character encounters.</b></h3>
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<b>However, <span style="color: magenta;">tension</span> is more about how the world within our novel reacts to the dramatic situation - or what happens in relation to it.</b></h3>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Example: In my upcoming novel, <i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Cinnamon Moon</span>,</i> there is a six year old girl who disappears. That is the dramatic situation. It's good to have, but it doesn't compel the reader forward because there is no real emotional problem or relational strain, other than people being worried. I mean, if she goes missing on page 68, I can't really whine about it for the next 150 pages without annoying my reader. It's important to introduce the dramatic situation - but it's not enough.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><i>What makes for actual tension?</i></span> When the girl, Nettie, is found and chooses not to leave the very dangerous circumstance she is in. <span style="font-size: large;">That</span> creates tension. Our reader knows she is in real trouble, and that she is too young to protect herself - but that she is unwilling or unable to get away. Hopefully, knowing that is enough to keep the reader engaged. How can you save someone who needs help but doesn't realize it? Will she ever realize it? What will happen to her in the meantime -she's just a little girl, after all.</b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Another example: </span>Let's say you're writing about a murder. We will put our character in a rose garden - dead sometime before 10:00 am. That's the dramatic situation. There's a dead body for heaven's sake! It doesn't get more dramatic than that. Still, it's not enough. You can write all the details of the situation and it would take you a whopping two pages - at best. You need to introduce some sort of tension to compel your reader forward. </b></div>
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<b>In this case, let's say the neighbor saw the gardener show up at 1:00pm. And then we notice how the grass is perfectly mowed, except where her legs were sprawled out from the rose bed...that area was just "mowed around". Cue tension. It is an unexpected response that the reader feels an emotional need to resolve. </b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">And another example:</span> Maybe we're writing an angsty YA novel where - at one point - our main character finds himself standing on a bridge at midnight, contemplating suicide. That's our dramatic situation. It's important, but it's finite. He jumps or he doesn't - either way, the situation will be essentially over in a couple of pages. So, we build tension into the story by having our character standing on the edge of the bridge, toes inching off, when he suddenly hears a soft voice singing his favorite gospel song out of the darkness. He can't see the person singing - doesn't recognize the voice -and no one answers when he calls out. Still, it saves his life that night. See how that unexpected turn creates tension? The reader must know who the singer was...how she knew his favorite gospel song...how she knew he was on the bridge at that moment...why she didn't respond or show her face. Who is it!? And how will she play into our story?</b></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">For many years I thought having a dramatic situation was enough. When I teach writing, I see students make the same mistake. We insert a tragic situation and assume it is enough to keep our reader turning pages. Sadly, we are mistaken. We must ask ourselves: what now? What can we interject that feels unnerving to the reader and keeps them up long past bedtime, seeking a resolution?</span></h3>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><u>I guess it can be summed up like this:</u></i></span> A dramatic situation may make our reader worried or sad - but instilling tension makes them feel an unsettling curiosity that is far more powerful. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><i>What do you think? What ways have you found to create this type of emotional tension that compels your readers forward? What books do you know that use this technique well? Sharing helps us all learn :)</i></span></b><br />
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Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014195715998913268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6599945087910073527.post-47985236381988222362016-04-22T07:37:00.001-06:002016-04-22T07:48:30.493-06:00Every Writer Wants One Thing...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJn9HVIK2YJ6vYnXv4ZZdX4Cdhw6N3Drv5jp3egaAppNVpzFNwsCk9v6eZhBQLE9pJE6qv5AhZINorFtJQ0CdIHMaP4CT-sTgR7GYQUqIV8Tdjepuawrz14HLcjFSn9RmC9mBQgeQKFaw/s1600/believe1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJn9HVIK2YJ6vYnXv4ZZdX4Cdhw6N3Drv5jp3egaAppNVpzFNwsCk9v6eZhBQLE9pJE6qv5AhZINorFtJQ0CdIHMaP4CT-sTgR7GYQUqIV8Tdjepuawrz14HLcjFSn9RmC9mBQgeQKFaw/s400/believe1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>At some level, every writer wants one thing. Oh sure, we may be afraid to admit it - might not have the courage to say it out loud. We discount the thought when it wriggles into our consciousness. </b><br />
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.</div>
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<b>But still, it remains.</b></div>
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<b>.</b></div>
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<b>and that thing we want is...</b></h2>
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<b>.</b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">to write</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> something that lingers.</span></i></span></b></div>
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<b>.</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">words that </span></b></div>
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<b>.</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">stay in the heart of our reader </span></b></div>
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<b>.</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>incite emotion </b></span></div>
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<b>.</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">make even a small difference</span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">then have someone believe in that </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">something</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> enough to publish it.</span></i></b></div>
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<b>.</b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><i>And what is our greatest fear?</i></span></b></div>
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<b>.</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">that it won't happen.</span></b></div>
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<b>.</b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">through our own ineptness </span>or <span style="color: #45818e;">unfortunate circumstance</span>. </b></div>
<b>.</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">And that thought is terrifying to us.</span></b></div>
<b>.</b><br />
<b>I believe it's a large part of what we call <span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">writer's block</span>.</span> A tenuous whisper in the back of our subconscious that says <i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">you're a hack. she's better, he has the contacts to make it happen, you're behind the curve, whisper...whisper...whisper.</span></i></b><br />
<b>.</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">So we stop writing.</span> </b></div>
<b>.</b><br />
<b>Because maybe it's easier to quit <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">on our own terms</span>, you know? Make up a good excuse...<i>my life is too busy, I don't have the support of my spouse, my children are too young, and on and on</i></b><br />
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<b>.</b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Which is sincerely tragic. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">And yet so real. Trust me, I've been there many times.</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><b>It doesn't go away after publication...it's insidious.</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><i>However, we must push through those fears</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><i>because here is my question:</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If we don't believe in ourselves...</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">how can anyone else?</span></b></div>
<b>.</b>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014195715998913268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6599945087910073527.post-63114162680515184992014-08-28T17:36:00.005-06:002014-08-28T17:50:42.060-06:00Launch Party Pictures!<span style="font-size: large;">I can't say </span><i style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #45818e;">thank you</span></i><span style="font-size: large;"> enough to everyone who took the time to come to my launch party for my latest novel, <span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Skies Like These</span><span style="color: #073763;">. </span></b><span style="color: #073763;">It w</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">as </span><b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;">so fun</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> to meet new readers and connect with old friends. If you are far away or were unable to attend, here is a summary of the fun:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9o_ePBVbYuAYT6-VApoByt3yrGT4zAmetCui91fm98hm-LVSzCw0B8Fqvm-pf9s4OHD_SDcOjb60q96v5KF2dBqVLJ4UplYhdPazGbckYgq6oND9iWDCco0aShk48umlLOAju90hMg9s/s1600/2014-08-22+04.58.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9o_ePBVbYuAYT6-VApoByt3yrGT4zAmetCui91fm98hm-LVSzCw0B8Fqvm-pf9s4OHD_SDcOjb60q96v5KF2dBqVLJ4UplYhdPazGbckYgq6oND9iWDCco0aShk48umlLOAju90hMg9s/s1600/2014-08-22+04.58.11.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>candy station! with Butterfingers in honor of Roy, the main boy character in the novel - you got to choose candy sticks and a super fun doggy bookmark as well.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XRVs78lWS5TCu5wpvm9zUXH0Gvq21WqDolVgtcK11qIGMq9w7gP7zGn0W9sPRMVfs6tvvrob-mCOuH2NI-6qguvRgOo0HvsLrc2hOkoeQkSrOCEGAqa95sO2rcG0t3rc_Xa9ZDxQ020/s1600/2014-08-22+04.58.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XRVs78lWS5TCu5wpvm9zUXH0Gvq21WqDolVgtcK11qIGMq9w7gP7zGn0W9sPRMVfs6tvvrob-mCOuH2NI-6qguvRgOo0HvsLrc2hOkoeQkSrOCEGAqa95sO2rcG0t3rc_Xa9ZDxQ020/s1600/2014-08-22+04.58.20.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Prize Wheel! My lovely and lively pal Paige ran this station - you could spin the wheel and get all sorts of swag including little dogs and horses (which go along with the novel, of course) </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi98GQ10Z_GX65HI9VGkfLdBwuSEwF1ZNeUXEHxHOHXUrLxCVu-GJIg5SPtITaT9JrbChZFB1J3_CwpcXFLI8SKNpKyjCkOKZN5axKwNUjqjbprWoKyReE6Wx3CjyWuZj_P3f3xnRHMe2k/s1600/2014-08-22+05.56.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi98GQ10Z_GX65HI9VGkfLdBwuSEwF1ZNeUXEHxHOHXUrLxCVu-GJIg5SPtITaT9JrbChZFB1J3_CwpcXFLI8SKNpKyjCkOKZN5axKwNUjqjbprWoKyReE6Wx3CjyWuZj_P3f3xnRHMe2k/s1600/2014-08-22+05.56.04.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Here is a peek at the prize wheel loot!</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9RsvTZcbgdli6Og8HM-N03vaxBOGVPdjFi7LyBC4pxt-An4QHAn-0-Cv521hegQn1q0WAHDMpdaZ8Oyz_IAC2UGInSOVAByQsYASVJP405OPct7b47yAozKCHGQnbh6LgVYK0_3-OwU/s1600/2014-08-22+04.29.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9RsvTZcbgdli6Og8HM-N03vaxBOGVPdjFi7LyBC4pxt-An4QHAn-0-Cv521hegQn1q0WAHDMpdaZ8Oyz_IAC2UGInSOVAByQsYASVJP405OPct7b47yAozKCHGQnbh6LgVYK0_3-OwU/s1600/2014-08-22+04.29.56.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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<b><span id="goog_1381406437"></span><span id="goog_1381406438"></span>We also had a western tattoo station - here is my darling daughter Meagan playing the part - she did a great job running this station :)</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBI1SuutQ8pkOkc5DgefP6bOgf2DJc_TINmVH3YIq8uawo4D0Ur3FB4W0m_mjlBxeOc29CTLVPvqjvBaebc_HwvHHrOIXMeruu9vlbHUmHBlpSgQy5Bp-Kv03KiBn68lkalHu0Vo9CNc/s1600/2014-08-22+05.04.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBI1SuutQ8pkOkc5DgefP6bOgf2DJc_TINmVH3YIq8uawo4D0Ur3FB4W0m_mjlBxeOc29CTLVPvqjvBaebc_HwvHHrOIXMeruu9vlbHUmHBlpSgQy5Bp-Kv03KiBn68lkalHu0Vo9CNc/s1600/2014-08-22+05.04.41.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>There was a fantastic turn out - and everyone seemed to be having a great time. I can't express how it feels to see people hold your book like this. Amazing.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB92IbiTRaGF8rVjE2dNoIe-oK5EV89lZg6jdI6LJ4tFdOxQZL56VaD97b7GkTwNNEQRjWeSMVdAX4MeyD-wcMffp8r7A4qGkO88SUlWO8LMV5bXIKaWERmqeAmBscHY2ijH44wJn0cqM/s1600/2014-08-22+04.49.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB92IbiTRaGF8rVjE2dNoIe-oK5EV89lZg6jdI6LJ4tFdOxQZL56VaD97b7GkTwNNEQRjWeSMVdAX4MeyD-wcMffp8r7A4qGkO88SUlWO8LMV5bXIKaWERmqeAmBscHY2ijH44wJn0cqM/s1600/2014-08-22+04.49.40.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<b>Of course, I did my little spiel. Here I'm showing my edit stack -- it's a lot of work to publish a novel, but it's more fun than I ever imagined and totally worth it. I get excited when edits show up in the mail!</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Dw2d23uZo03Q2bEQUiwyzC_0KkkgmgYpTutZ25t4CVw928On4mtGWhOhrniyJ7t2YGy9g4h4ng5qFO3vKsXr2sW3puArhEbpFhgp31AVBUI8vYYUlunZK0RZPa2itrf6wNJQeZaY1EU/s1600/2014-08-22+04.58.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Dw2d23uZo03Q2bEQUiwyzC_0KkkgmgYpTutZ25t4CVw928On4mtGWhOhrniyJ7t2YGy9g4h4ng5qFO3vKsXr2sW3puArhEbpFhgp31AVBUI8vYYUlunZK0RZPa2itrf6wNJQeZaY1EU/s1600/2014-08-22+04.58.59.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>I signed books!</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EJRF3OUw2HtFtwn2s-tcxJZl25KgxsteHS4RdVhnkYkBOWwwEgaA2xCkdGmynCgHJZ0Bt77buw00drZ26Mo6Ehgrw3h44-hSMtdWRxLbulj3475-Dh429KP5gCgb9NHnPfqWyCRdvMo/s1600/2014-08-23+14.54.06-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EJRF3OUw2HtFtwn2s-tcxJZl25KgxsteHS4RdVhnkYkBOWwwEgaA2xCkdGmynCgHJZ0Bt77buw00drZ26Mo6Ehgrw3h44-hSMtdWRxLbulj3475-Dh429KP5gCgb9NHnPfqWyCRdvMo/s1600/2014-08-23+14.54.06-2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>We had a Western Photo Booth! That was the big hit of the day, for sure. Here I am with my hubby, kids and mom hamming it up. Props to <u>Picture It Photo Booths</u> for their amazing service.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT40Bmp5GjIt-fBNMO7xn1_yrD-uvvXf_88Tiq8cvhf0uyjyktC9EZ5S0Zty0nYD8dWf8KPOdX3y4QAzDsloGtxvoKiwoAFH2ur0lzPnNuLoN418Vo6DEOUX72LbP79-LB_vPHg1BgXw8/s1600/2014-08-22+04.26.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT40Bmp5GjIt-fBNMO7xn1_yrD-uvvXf_88Tiq8cvhf0uyjyktC9EZ5S0Zty0nYD8dWf8KPOdX3y4QAzDsloGtxvoKiwoAFH2ur0lzPnNuLoN418Vo6DEOUX72LbP79-LB_vPHg1BgXw8/s1600/2014-08-22+04.26.40.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Noble from <u>The Kings English Bookshop</u> came down from Salt Lake as our bookseller. The frog and foam hats you see in the background were give aways too. He was such a good sport, especially when I dragged him into the photo booth for a 'matching moustache' pic....</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b>voila! </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>*</b><br />
<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>All in all a great event - and none of it could have happened without the support of friends, family, fellow writers and readers. That continually amazes and surprises me. Thanks all!</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>*</i></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>pictures taken by our long time friend James Samson - thanks James!</b></span><br />
*</div>
Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014195715998913268noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6599945087910073527.post-22445348211562446092014-07-24T10:57:00.002-06:002014-07-24T10:58:23.977-06:00Winner!<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Our winner for a signed copy of Skies Like These was chosen using random.org</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div>
<span id="true-random-integer-generator-title" style="background: rgb(204, 204, 255); border: 0px; display: block; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 12px; margin: -6px -6px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">True Random Number Generator</span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-min-span" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #777777; display: block; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><label for="true-random-integer-generator-min" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Min:</label> <input id="true-random-integer-generator-min" maxlength="9" name="true-random-integer-generator-min" style="margin-left: 10px; width: 77px;" type="text" value="1" /></span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-max-span" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #777777; display: block; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><label for="true-random-integer-generator-max" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Max:</label> <input id="true-random-integer-generator-max" maxlength="9" name="true-random-integer-generator-max" style="margin-left: 6px; width: 77px;" type="text" value="100" /></span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-max-button-span" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><input id="true-random-integer-generator-button" name="true-random-integer-generator-button" style="display: block;" type="button" value="Generate" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 12px;"></span><label for="true-random-integer-generator-result" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Result:</label><span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 12px;"></span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-result" style="background: rgb(204, 204, 255); border: 0px; display: block; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px; vertical-align: baseline;">7</span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-credits" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #777777; display: block; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 6pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 1px; text-align: right; vertical-align: baseline;">Powered by <a href="http://www.random.org/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #777777; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">RANDOM.ORG</a></span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-credits" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #777777; display: block; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 6pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 1px; text-align: right; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-credits" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #777777; display: block; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 6pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 1px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-credits" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #777777; display: block; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 6pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 1px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-credits" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #777777; display: block; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 6pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 1px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">.</span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-credits" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #777777; display: block; font-family: verdana, sans; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 1px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: large;">and is Dellgirl!</span></span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-credits" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #777777; display: block; font-family: verdana, sans; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 1px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-credits" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #777777; display: block; font-family: verdana, sans; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 1px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: large;">Congrats, Dellgirl! email me at tess(at)tesshilmo(dot)com with your address and I'll get your copy out pronto.</span></span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-credits" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #777777; display: block; font-family: verdana, sans; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 1px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-credits" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #777777; display: block; font-family: verdana, sans; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 1px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy almost weekend all!</span></span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-credits" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #777777; display: block; font-family: verdana, sans; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 1px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014195715998913268noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6599945087910073527.post-57298331095966987392014-07-16T09:25:00.002-06:002014-07-16T09:25:53.211-06:00Release Day! Give Away! Party Info!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">Skies Like These</span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"> is here - woot! woot!</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYggh0zBIAUX9K3yk_THVpKqMWZBjgdtqf_MxqmXlP0uYgEA9gEFg_Qi_achiph_vCtS02qHIc6oaJztN5HmeQhnDJgApRanO0VIAzgdf8d6fcbyFcw44xhUKTiT_AFTl7u8MVQJKUxU/s1600/skies+cover+final.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="My new novel - coming July 15!" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYggh0zBIAUX9K3yk_THVpKqMWZBjgdtqf_MxqmXlP0uYgEA9gEFg_Qi_achiph_vCtS02qHIc6oaJztN5HmeQhnDJgApRanO0VIAzgdf8d6fcbyFcw44xhUKTiT_AFTl7u8MVQJKUxU/s1600/skies+cover+final.jpg" /></a></div>
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Copies available just about anywhere -- <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/skies-like-these-tess-hilmo/1116890968?ean=9780374369989">Barnes and Noble</a>, <a href="http://www.kingsenglish.com/book/9780374369989">The Kings English</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Skies-Like-These-Tess-Hilmo/dp/0374369984/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405523657&sr=8-1&keywords=tess+hilmo">Amazon</a></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b>Leave a comment below and be entered to win a signed copy of the novel. Give Away will run until Wednesday, July 23, 2014.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b>there is also another giveaway of the book going on at the blog <a href="http://wordspelunking.blogspot.com/">Word Spelunking</a> run by the amazing lit lover Aeicha. Link over for another chance to win!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;"><i>and save the date for the launch party :D</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">July is full of family reunions, scout camps, vacations ... so I'm hosting a <b>Wild West Zinger-of-a-Party </b>in August when things settle down and people start thinking about school again. Here's the details - would love any and all to come!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Saturday August 23</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">American Fork Library - Community Room - 64 South 100 East, American Fork UT</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3:00pm</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><i>be prepared to cowboy up! - there will be a real western photo booth, prize wheel with lots of fun swag, old fashioned candy counter, bookmark craft station, Kings English book sales table and of course a signing.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><i>Free and open to the public!</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b>Tell Me (entry question)</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"> <b>what's your favorite part of summer so far?</b></span></i></div>
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Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014195715998913268noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6599945087910073527.post-58287665604043064212014-07-02T10:12:00.000-06:002014-07-02T11:02:40.329-06:00My Favorite Part About This Author-Thing<span style="font-size: large;">I am often asked what my favorite thing about being an author is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And it's an easy answer...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large;"><b>the people</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Other readers</span><span style="font-size: large;"> and writers -- those that step out of nowhere and cheer you on or champion your work. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">I had a moment with this late last night</span></b>. I was working on a new historical novel, deep in research on child labor laws, when I took a break and checked my email. </span><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">What was there? </span><span style="font-size: large;"> A tweet notice from fellow author </span><a href="http://www.coreyrosenschwartz.com/Books.html" style="font-size: x-large;">Corey Rosen Schwartz</a> link (picture book author extraordinaire - <u>Three Ninja Pig</u>s, <u>Goldi Rocks and the Three Bears</u> and her new release <u>Ninja Red Riding Hood</u> )<span style="font-size: large;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Corey noticed some good news about my new novel, <span style="color: blue;">Skies Like These</span>, and gave it a shout out. Apparently it was chosen by Amazon as one of their </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=s9_dnav_bw_BOKT4_s?node=6129870011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-3&pf_rd_r=0X12311P8Y934GQHAV6K&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1840255982&pf_rd_i=6129451011" style="font-size: x-large;">"Best Books of the Month - Editors Pick"</a><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had no idea and likely wouldn't have known if it weren't for Corey.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">But that's the world of Children's Literature.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> People are sincerely kind and supportive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Was I happy to hear the good news? Absolutely! Here's the link if you want to see it... <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=s9_dnav_bw_BOKT4_s?node=6129870011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-3&pf_rd_r=0X12311P8Y934GQHAV6K&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1840255982&pf_rd_i=6129451011">Best Middle Grade Books - July</a> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><i>But the reason I went to bed smiling wasn't because of Amazon's pick. It was because I felt part of a community that thrives on lifting and helping one another.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: x-large;">It's an amazing thing. Thanks, Corey!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">check Corey's work out on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/689272.Corey_Rosen_Schwartz">Goodreads</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Corey-Rosen-Schwartz/e/B001JS8IQA/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1404317221&sr=8-1">Amazon</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><b>Tell me: </b></span><span style="font-size: large;"> <i>When was the last time you were surprised by a good deed or kind word?</i></span></div>
Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014195715998913268noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6599945087910073527.post-40318236824741562912014-05-12T18:45:00.000-06:002014-05-12T18:49:55.370-06:00Publishers Weekly Weighs In<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;"><b>Here's another review - I can't believe the release is just around the corner :)</b></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Publishers Weekly - Skies Like These</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tess Hilmo. FSG/Ferguson, $16.99 (240p) ISBN 978-0-374-36998-9</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>In Hilmo’s warm second novel, after With a Name Like Love, 12-year-old Jade Landers is unhappily shipped from Philadelphia to Wellington, Wyo., to spend the summer with her Aunt Elise, who runs the best (and only) “dog ranch” in town. Aunt Elise is quirky, enthusiastic about life in the great outdoors, and (despite her best efforts) a terrible cook; with her help, Jade slowly gets used to her new surroundings. Also helping is 12-year-old Roy Parker, a self-styled cowboy who believes he’s related to Butch Cassidy, and who will do anything to help his family now that his father’s hardware store has closed after the arrival of a big-box competitor. Jade whips up other schemes in hopes of distracting Roy from getting himself into serious trouble—like, say, trying to rob a bank.<span style="color: magenta;"> Writing with humor and heart, Hilmo gently reminds readers of the benefits of being shaken out of one’s routine, especially the sense of perspective gained by traveling to new places and trying new things</span>.</b> Ages 9–12. Agent: Steven Chudney, the Chudney Agency. (July)</span></div>
Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014195715998913268noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6599945087910073527.post-33836883640146737092014-05-01T08:56:00.001-06:002014-05-01T08:56:37.225-06:00Reviews for SKIES LIKE THESE!<b><span style="font-size: large;">When I wrote <i><u><span style="color: #38761d;">With a Name Like Love</span></u></i>, I was clueless about the review process for a novel. I remember getting an email from my editor saying the reviews were coming in and thinking, <span style="color: magenta;">"Wow, someone actually read my book!" </span></span><span style="color: magenta;"> </span></b><br />
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<b><i>Happily - and luckily - the reviews were good.</i></b></h2>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">But while knowledge is power, it is also sometimes a source of stress. Knowing the process has been more difficult this time around because I realize that reviews <i>do</i> matter. That a librarian in Maine or Florida or Arizona has to use something objective to inform his/her buying decisions -- and reviews are most often that informational source. Do negative reviews kill a book? I don't think it's that simple. But a good review certainly helps it along its little journey.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">So, naturally, I've been nervous.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">But the reviews are coming in and I am so happy to know they are great. :D I can take a deep breath and celebrate - It's good news!!</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Here's what they're saying so far...</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">Kirkus Reviews:</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When Jade arrives in Wyoming for her summer vacation, she is in for a life-changing experience.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jade is used to quiet summer vacations in Philadelphia. But this year, her parents pack her off to Wyoming to have an adventure with eccentric Aunt Elise. That’s where Jade meets Joshua Parker, a boy who thinks he’s descended from Butch Cassidy (whose real name was Roy Parker, so the boy insists on being called Roy). Roy wants to replicate Butch Cassidy’s Robin Hood ways by robbing a bank to help his parents regain their business. Jade is willing to help but prefers more law-abiding methods, such as hosting stargazing parties on Aunt Elise’s roof.</span><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Drawing on rich Western lore and creating characters as gritty as the earth itself, Hilmo paints a picture of a town where everyone is connected. Folks old and young prove themselves able to weather the storms—both literal thunderheads and the hardships of life—while maintaining hopeful hearts as expansive as the sky. Most refreshing: Parents, caregivers and other adults in the neighborhood only appear to be leaving the children to their own devices. In reality, they keep a loose rein, respectfully giving Jade and Roy some independence in recognition that the real adventure in life is the process of becoming.</span></b><b><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A heartening, comforting story with enough tension to keep readers hooked and a subtle message that will sneak up on them<i>.</i></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><em style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">(Fiction. 8-12)</em></b></div>
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<b>and...</b></div>
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<b><span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">School Library Journal:</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="AuthName"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">HILMO, Tess. </span></span><span class="AuthName"><span style="color: red; font-size: 10pt;">Skies Like These</span></span><span class="AuthName"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">. 240p. ebook available. Farrar. Jul. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780374369989. LC 2013033675.</span></span></span></b></div>
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<span class="AuthName"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gr 4-7–Twelve-year-old Jade is less than thrilled to be spending the summer in Wyoming with her quirky aunt Elise, away from all of the comforts of her Philadelphia home. As soon as she arrives, though, she meets Joshua Park, who insists on being called Roy and is convinced he’s related to Butch Cassidy. Roy considers himself the Robin Hood of Wellington, Wyoming, and he hatches plan after plan to steal from the rich—the owner of the new big box store—and give to the poor by rounding up enough cash for his parents to reopen their out-of-business mom-and-pop hardware store. Jade becomes his reluctant sidekick, often providing a voice of reason as Roy shares his plans, including bank robbery. She comes up with some (legal) moneymaking schemes of her own to help the cause.</span> </span><span style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif;"><i>A robust cast of well-developed characters and a delightful, swiftly moving plot will leave readers wishing for Jade to extend her stay in Wyoming</i>.<span style="font-size: x-small;">–</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Amanda Struckmeyer, Middleton Public Library, Madison, WI</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Century Gothic, sans-serif;"><b>I always want to thank the reviewers, too - it takes time to read and write something so thoughtful and thorough.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">This book was a labor of love -- and three years in the making. I wanted to write something that would make young readers laugh and feel as if they went on a fun adventure. I think it accomplishes that goal and I'm so excited to have it hit the shelves this July!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Now to start planning the launch party :D ...</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Cowboy Up!</b></i></span></div>
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Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014195715998913268noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6599945087910073527.post-37255423871429108612014-04-26T18:03:00.000-06:002014-04-26T18:03:13.661-06:00Winner!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And the winner of the super fun, super fast adventure read<span style="background-color: white;"><u><i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b> Ice Dogs</b></span></i></u> is</span>......</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b>Madison M</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Congrats, Madison. Email me at tess(at)tesshilmo(dot)com with your mailing address and I'll get it out to you right away. <span style="color: #cc0000;">You're going to love it </span>-- <b><span style="color: #93c47d;">guaranteed!</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014195715998913268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6599945087910073527.post-17099452059377353032014-03-14T17:14:00.003-06:002014-03-14T17:14:52.410-06:00Give Away of a Great Read - ICE DOGS!<span style="font-size: large;">My writing buddy Terry Lynn Johnson released her second novel, <b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">ICE DOGS</span></i></b>, recently and it is <span style="color: #e69138;">fabulous</span>. <b>Fab - u - lous</b>!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMJ7mm75ovMZu-2TRdeT7yaMN0AhC9LVAMTEeK-GF6jhBXsCJK_MU95-DWQLkdJG0L0l9cmHgk4McvFT8Fz7Vfm1kH17x-_4tgQ-9-Z91qb5Vtj48jWw2mXzSuGhkm6rjn_jGkGYHVHY/s1600/ice+dogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMJ7mm75ovMZu-2TRdeT7yaMN0AhC9LVAMTEeK-GF6jhBXsCJK_MU95-DWQLkdJG0L0l9cmHgk4McvFT8Fz7Vfm1kH17x-_4tgQ-9-Z91qb5Vtj48jWw2mXzSuGhkm6rjn_jGkGYHVHY/s1600/ice+dogs.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Terry lives the life of a dog sled master </span>(just made up that terminology because master sounds cool)<span style="font-size: large;"> and so the writing in this action packed read is spot on. </span><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">As luck would have it, I happen to own</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">two copies so I'm giving one away here on my blog.</span> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> This is open to anyone and everyone -- to enter, just leave a comment telling me about a recent adventure you've had.</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b>Congrats Terry!</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b>.</b></span></div>
Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014195715998913268noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6599945087910073527.post-26694287464181956052014-02-12T16:29:00.000-07:002014-02-12T16:41:21.798-07:00Cover Reveal - Skies Like These!<span style="font-size: large;">I can finally share the cover for my upcoming middle grade novel, </span><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;">Skies Like These </span>(coming July 15)</i></b><span style="font-size: large;">. It is my nod to the Great Brain series I loved so much growing up </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">(plenty of hi-jinx and schemes - perfect fun for young readers) </span><span style="font-size: large;">and also my affinity for this amazing Western landscape I have the privilege of living within. <span style="color: #351c75;"><b><i> It's a modern day Western summer adventure set in Wyoming.</i></b></span> It's <span style="color: orange;">light</span> and <span style="color: #a64d79;">funny</span> and I wish you could see my huge smile every time I look at this cover - <i><span style="color: #cc0000;">I love it!</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The art work is by the talented Gilbert Ford </span>(think Peter Nimble, Three Times Lucky, Rules for Ghosting) <a href="http://www.gilbertford.com/">www.gilbertford.com</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's the cover...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzZ3DmF1wrEBI3Ed6HRmdm2M_AurmssBHzFAIph1sQMiziZt0GNNLedphmoJdiJCQWBJ3Y8jnSQ3P0n9X_NmHCCCn4m0N4Si66mx1dI2pK7k90f6_goGcPCssDqemE5VHas4LkzbCVRM/s1600/skies+cover+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzZ3DmF1wrEBI3Ed6HRmdm2M_AurmssBHzFAIph1sQMiziZt0GNNLedphmoJdiJCQWBJ3Y8jnSQ3P0n9X_NmHCCCn4m0N4Si66mx1dI2pK7k90f6_goGcPCssDqemE5VHas4LkzbCVRM/s1600/skies+cover+final.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b>and here is what the back excerpt reads...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i> "So what's your big plan," Jade said.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i> "We're going pull a Butch Cassidy." Roy kept his voice low and steady, but Jade could hear the excitement pulsing right below the surface.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i> "We? Who's we?"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i> "You and me. Just like Butch and Sundance."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i> "What brilliant plan will get us the kind of money you need?"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i> A smile played on Roy's lips. His eyes danced. His left boot started tapping on the asphalt.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i> "Come on, Roy, spit it out."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i> Roy nodded, hooked is gaze on Jade and said, "You and me are gonna rob a bank."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>.</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b>I'm celebrating by helping my kiddos with homework, doing the dishes and chunking the ice off our front walkway. Ahhhh...the life of an author ;). I did steal some of their pre-Valentines chocolate, though, if that counts.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b>.</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">Tell me:</span><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">What do you think?</span></b></div>
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Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014195715998913268noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6599945087910073527.post-66167745668622675332014-02-12T16:03:00.000-07:002014-02-12T16:03:00.027-07:00Winner!<span style="font-size: large;">Sorry to be late here - life has taken over these past days. Anyway - the winner of Kate DiCamillo's Newbery Medal winning <b><span style="color: blue;"><i>Flora and Ulysses</i> </span></b>is......</span><div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: x-large;">Barbara Watson! </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Congrats, Barbara!!! </span> Email me at tess(at)tesshilmo(dot)com with your address and I'll get that in the mail pronto. You're gonna love it !<br /><div>
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results determined using random.org</div>
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<span id="true-random-integer-generator-title" style="background-color: #ccccff; border: 0px; display: block; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 12px; margin: -6px -6px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">True Random Number Generator</span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-min-span" style="border: 0px; color: #777777; display: block; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><label for="true-random-integer-generator-min" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Min:</label> <input id="true-random-integer-generator-min" maxlength="9" name="true-random-integer-generator-min" style="margin-left: 10px; width: 77px;" type="text" value="1" /></span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-max-span" style="border: 0px; color: #777777; display: block; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><label for="true-random-integer-generator-max" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Max:</label> <input id="true-random-integer-generator-max" maxlength="9" name="true-random-integer-generator-max" style="margin-left: 6px; width: 77px;" type="text" value="100" /></span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-max-button-span" style="border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><input id="true-random-integer-generator-button" name="true-random-integer-generator-button" style="display: block;" type="button" value="Generate" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 12px;"></span><label for="true-random-integer-generator-result" style="border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Result:</label><span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 12px;"></span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-result" style="background-color: #ccccff; border: 0px; display: block; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px; vertical-align: baseline;">2</span></div>
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Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014195715998913268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6599945087910073527.post-47190553259357705762014-01-27T08:34:00.000-07:002014-01-27T08:35:11.886-07:00Announcing the Newbery and a Give Away!<b><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">This morning</span> <span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">the American Library Association announced their awards, including the Newbery.</span></b> The John Newbery Medal is given to the book that is considered the most outstanding in children's literature for the previous year. It goes to a novel - the Caldecott is for Picture Books. <span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;"><i>And this year the Newbery Medal goes to.......</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTdJSps9jEX9K5oKcIumeQzqZMTc7Xipyuu1vgTNrMCUbm3nVkwMg837K5HNt8pXUdTWDu_LDS8qJaiUA8JDpk9rpC6WrX_wYqFK_hPbgQ6ZTIAZOZcd2j_d3vk6yNpAM-sBMcWBsp4Q/s1600/Flora-223x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTdJSps9jEX9K5oKcIumeQzqZMTc7Xipyuu1vgTNrMCUbm3nVkwMg837K5HNt8pXUdTWDu_LDS8qJaiUA8JDpk9rpC6WrX_wYqFK_hPbgQ6ZTIAZOZcd2j_d3vk6yNpAM-sBMcWBsp4Q/s1600/Flora-223x300.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;"><b><i>Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Congrats to Miss DiCamillo who was also named a national Ambassador of Young People's Literature recently due to her significant contributions to the field. Flora & Ulysses is a fun, witty read. It is not my favorite of her novels - but it is really great in its own right.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As it happens, I somehow ended up with two copies of this great novel </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><b>so I am going to give away one here on my blog</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>. </b> Just enter a comment saying if you're a DiCamillo fan and which of her books you like </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">(there are lots ... think The Tale of Despereaux, The Tiger Rising, Because of Winn-Dixie, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, The Magician's Elephant and others including the early reader Mercy Watson series)</span><span style="font-size: large;">. It's okay to enter and say you haven't read any of her books too. This can be your first! Oh, and you must be a follower of this blog. </span>Give away limited to US and Canada.<br />
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;"><b><i>Ahhh... I love when these awards are announced each year. It's exciting! Hop over to their website at <a href="http://ala.org/">ala.org</a> for a list of all the categories and winners. Congrats to all!</i></b></span>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014195715998913268noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6599945087910073527.post-15023360972279232212013-10-17T11:53:00.001-06:002013-10-17T11:53:11.450-06:00Winners!<span style="font-size: large;">The two winners of my book for the LDS Authors Blog Hop were determined using random.org and are....</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Rebecca Lamoreaux </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">and</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Rhonda1111</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Rebecaa and Rhonda: Please email me your address at tess(at)tesshilmo(dot)com and I'll get those copies out pronto -- congrats and thanks to all who played along!</span>Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014195715998913268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6599945087910073527.post-83873684496686698332013-10-07T13:12:00.000-06:002013-10-07T13:16:00.308-06:00Free Books! LDS Authors Blog Hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQAMosOutkWt6_jjEaVMqnLDIXD5BzHqyaQE30XLWKjKLhMjsXWftKDxIbj4cdbg8NgMViywVyBH_ioz8tnUL0PvXEc9ROgEyznTpqAsO2-IHh4EabeSgNW-mZ1kitbfl7nufSRr0E1g/s1600/LDS-Updated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQAMosOutkWt6_jjEaVMqnLDIXD5BzHqyaQE30XLWKjKLhMjsXWftKDxIbj4cdbg8NgMViywVyBH_ioz8tnUL0PvXEc9ROgEyznTpqAsO2-IHh4EabeSgNW-mZ1kitbfl7nufSRr0E1g/s320/LDS-Updated.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The ever-thoughtful Kathy over at <a href="http://www.iamareader.com/">I'm a Reader, not a Writer</a> is hosting a huge blog hop Each of the <b><span style="color: #45818e;">50 plus</span></b> bloggers are giving away at least one book written by a LDS author. </span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #351c75;">fun!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm joining in, offering a signed paperback copy of </span><i style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">With a Name Like Love </span></i><span style="font-size: large;">to<u> </u></span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><u>two separate winners</u></span><span style="font-size: large;">. Just leave a comment telling me what your favorite thing about fall is. The only stipulation is that you must be a follower of this blog. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">so, here's the linky: hop around and celebrate fall by winning some free books!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=211278">http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=211278</a><br />
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<br />Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014195715998913268noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6599945087910073527.post-7659296429597954112013-10-01T07:49:00.002-06:002013-10-01T08:18:29.030-06:00Win a signed copy of With a Name Like Love...<span style="font-size: large;">The hilarious and relate-able Aeicha over at<span style="color: magenta;"><i> <a href="http://www.wordspelunking.blogspot.com/">Word Spelunking</a></i></span> is hosting a review and give away of a signed copy of <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><u>With a Name Like Love</u></span>. It's a blog you'd love anyway so why not pop over and enter? It makes a great gift for any teacher or library .... I'm just sayin' ;)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for taking the time and for the great review, Aeisha!!</span><br />
.Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014195715998913268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6599945087910073527.post-48941675830459975392013-09-08T17:15:00.001-06:002013-09-08T17:15:39.546-06:00Holy Lizards! My upcoming release....<br />
<b>Holy Lizards! is not the name of my new novel -- as the title of this post may make it appear. The title is<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><i>Skies Like These</i></span></span> and I just went on Goodreads to update my personal reading list and noticed it was listed.<span style="color: #a64d79;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Holy Lizards!</span></span> It seems suddenly real to have it be listed. And not even by me!</b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;"><i>It's so cute sitting there on its new page with its little ISBN number all official-like.</i></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">No picture for the cover</span> - I don't think I'm supposed to share that yet but I can tell you it is freaking awesome.</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">No description is given on Goodreads either</span> - but it's a modern day western adventure with a bank robbing scheme and star gazing and horse riding and lots of references to Butch Cassidy, the Robin Hood of the West. I think it's a romp of a read! </b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">No one has marked it <i>to read</i></span> or noted any comments (I'd love it if you did - <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18465535-skies-like-these">here is the page link</a>)</b><br />
<b>.</b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The release date is July 15, 2014</span> which seems forever and a day away but I know it will come eventually.</b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><i>Ah..... that little find made my whole day. Thank you to whoever at FSG took the time to put it up :)</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></b>
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<br />Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014195715998913268noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6599945087910073527.post-22570742353530805772013-09-02T22:41:00.000-06:002013-09-02T22:41:47.788-06:00Chicago! A Picture Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">So I went to Chicago this past week to research a new novel I plan to write this fall. It's set at the time of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 - but it is really about a girl who has lost everything and a boy who believes he can help her and a Chinese immigrant who plays the violin and another fire that took place in Wisconsin at the same time - oh yeah - and a chicken named Kristina. </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">True.</span></div>
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<i><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">I took a ton of pictures but they are all loading sideways and that's just annoying so I am only sharing a few.</span></i></div>
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This is where it all started - the site of the O'Leary's barn. Now the city's fire training academy and this beautiful monument.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPEw_S1JQQ6WMjRUFFOFpNXjbQKGQW-EdY2ED5F2InJyuVf21PR_kTvjeDjgoQBmOt9E7BJ-hSPXYyMn1wZEr6sYAOrgFJ2Tv6xbYa9trqZYFsgev-Zj9MEd24NJAqUlz-wsG1YdP_X0/s1600/photo+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPEw_S1JQQ6WMjRUFFOFpNXjbQKGQW-EdY2ED5F2InJyuVf21PR_kTvjeDjgoQBmOt9E7BJ-hSPXYyMn1wZEr6sYAOrgFJ2Tv6xbYa9trqZYFsgev-Zj9MEd24NJAqUlz-wsG1YdP_X0/s1600/photo+(7).JPG" /></a></div>
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Here is one of the steam powered water pumps they used during the actual fire. Can I just say how amazingly kind the Chicago Fire Dept. was leading me around and answering all my questions? Thanks again Instructor Jose Garcia ... woot!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjO5lskUBoD0trHbUPU9UmGLfsvd9QxA7R4VG0AJhcX5F-xuAe2XVvlLvADdOhFzgRlEgSURJsUCv88qADgOV6qnoMhRNeFFJErZqKSmj3dVyVDn_a8UdcxZIIKpjs3RbbWFMrb0zFf-c/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjO5lskUBoD0trHbUPU9UmGLfsvd9QxA7R4VG0AJhcX5F-xuAe2XVvlLvADdOhFzgRlEgSURJsUCv88qADgOV6qnoMhRNeFFJErZqKSmj3dVyVDn_a8UdcxZIIKpjs3RbbWFMrb0zFf-c/s320/photo+(5).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This gorgeous new truck has nothing to do with my story but when Instructor Garcia asked if I wanted to climb inside and check it out, I said YES</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-U0_rNPeEuqAZkb-9alnpzqCQQ_W2_qXFqJOcpowsP60aR8uuVBPrvLdzL3U32Fhj4k9JW_g6VsdZhq4kp_FzcFPf5crUkfuQs64PiE24Kg9phCg2WS795DeNHCx63y-ldNRmfbZzzkI/s1600/photo+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-U0_rNPeEuqAZkb-9alnpzqCQQ_W2_qXFqJOcpowsP60aR8uuVBPrvLdzL3U32Fhj4k9JW_g6VsdZhq4kp_FzcFPf5crUkfuQs64PiE24Kg9phCg2WS795DeNHCx63y-ldNRmfbZzzkI/s320/photo+(6).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Chicago deep dish -- all 17,500 calories of it. A girl's gotta eat :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9q6i9AdIDzp9z4aZFHusGL1QKoIiF0n7Mf8kKPnKXMqEhBWm4jL3C9V9zNhFGUaHnZB3Eln2-swQTe9Fev9IX6J0tWhg-L3vvvBXQOqUEoZKn3BkMBANtZ3JM1xJZNw5ayxgcE4R8tc/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9q6i9AdIDzp9z4aZFHusGL1QKoIiF0n7Mf8kKPnKXMqEhBWm4jL3C9V9zNhFGUaHnZB3Eln2-swQTe9Fev9IX6J0tWhg-L3vvvBXQOqUEoZKn3BkMBANtZ3JM1xJZNw5ayxgcE4R8tc/s320/photo+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was surprised at how beautiful Chicago is -- really a gorgeous city!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljKVl2vCWJ0iPepCOyQTOnai4ZxdCeKgCG-8Qx2KCJkpvjW4uCXhyphenhyphen9iOMzqDZtcESTGpFnwytv1j3n6Pa8RmOK7sYXX5syWsyz8Dq1RgS6UHrOecILJMnklpgts6PwX5doGQv9HABVEs/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljKVl2vCWJ0iPepCOyQTOnai4ZxdCeKgCG-8Qx2KCJkpvjW4uCXhyphenhyphen9iOMzqDZtcESTGpFnwytv1j3n6Pa8RmOK7sYXX5syWsyz8Dq1RgS6UHrOecILJMnklpgts6PwX5doGQv9HABVEs/s320/photo+(8).JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;"><b>Tell Me: Have you ever been to Chicago??</b></span></i></div>
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Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014195715998913268noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6599945087910073527.post-53779823694293729912013-07-23T17:01:00.004-06:002013-07-23T17:05:16.930-06:00Paperback!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>There was a time when I thought every book would eventually go to paperback. You know, it starts in hardback and then a year later you see it in paperback. </b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">I was wrong. </span> </b></div>
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<b>Not every book goes to paperback...a book has to sell enough copies and, in essence, earn that opportunity. When I learned this publishing fact, I was heartbroken.</b></div>
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<b>Even if every person I know bought a copy of LOVE</b></div>
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<b>Even if everyone at my church or at my kiddos school bought a copy</b></div>
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<b>Even if I convinced the grocery store clerk or my mail lady to pick one up</b></div>
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<b>Even if my mother bought boxes herself (which I'm pretty sure she did)</b></div>
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<b>It would still only add up to a few hundred.</b></div>
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<b>Not nearly enough to warrant a paperback release (which requires several thousand sales).</b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">But here is something wonderful....</span></i></b></div>
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<b>Others bought a copy.</b></div>
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<b>Strangers.</b></div>
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<b>Librarians.</b></div>
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<b>Teachers.</b></div>
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<b>Families.</b></div>
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<b>People all over the country.</b></div>
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<b>And now look what landed on my doorstep:</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2roZ_BmADadHR5aVNv1dEu04c3z-OtdzbcWNY5i76TcPpQti0SNll5VHnTApSgR4XOBUsV0l9Is75nKxST-WMApfzRfFZ9Wwu44AdvrXiJFZFk3PX451cGWyyMNNakIXo86J5NcrYBr0/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2roZ_BmADadHR5aVNv1dEu04c3z-OtdzbcWNY5i76TcPpQti0SNll5VHnTApSgR4XOBUsV0l9Is75nKxST-WMApfzRfFZ9Wwu44AdvrXiJFZFk3PX451cGWyyMNNakIXo86J5NcrYBr0/s320/photo+(2).JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><i>Paperback!!!</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><i>.</i></span></div>
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Why does it matter so much to me, you might ask?</div>
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Easy - paperback is affordable and light and somehow more accessible. With this new paperback release, more young readers will have access to the novel and it will ultimately have a longer life. Plus, there are fun "extras" included like book club questions, an author interview section and even a teaser chapter from my new, upcoming novel <i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Skies Like These</b></span></i> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(coming Spring 2014!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am so excited!</span> </div>
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<br />Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014195715998913268noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6599945087910073527.post-20447035479721454892013-06-24T16:37:00.000-06:002013-06-24T16:39:26.143-06:00A Precarious Position or an Opportunity for Adventure?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswAZ71ANtdXv3PYW5RSgzoMJk6OjU2wNC7WDSkuONi31mn0jJaRkccBghwCxGvO2k5ypRBnBWPq-nm55LSaLstaY3s4eHx6mfzpBOjHeRx8jisAgrZG8u5sREj8IcF8ZNYqmC6EA0AM8/s1600/just-hang-in-there.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswAZ71ANtdXv3PYW5RSgzoMJk6OjU2wNC7WDSkuONi31mn0jJaRkccBghwCxGvO2k5ypRBnBWPq-nm55LSaLstaY3s4eHx6mfzpBOjHeRx8jisAgrZG8u5sREj8IcF8ZNYqmC6EA0AM8/s320/just-hang-in-there.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Sometimes following a dream may feel precarious. We might feel overwhelmed by the scope of it. Scared, even. Is it worth years and years of pursuit? Is there any guaranteed payoff in the end?</b><br />
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<b><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Fair questions.</span> <span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Reasonable feelings.</span></b></div>
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<b>But I've been having this thought lately ...</b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">The time will pass anyway.</span></b></div>
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<b>It took me nine years of really working - nearly every day - to reach publication. This next book will come out three years after the first. </b></div>
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<b>But the truth is - that time was going to pass anyway. I was going to have the same 45th (yes, it's true..yikes!) birthday this summer regardless if I spent the past twelve years organizing my tupperware cupboard, focusing on my day job or pursuing my dream of being a published author.</b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">So - here's my thought for those of you </span><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: x-small;">(including myself at times)</span><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;"> out there wondering if it is worth the personal investment...the time will pass all the same - why not go for it? Why not be 60 or 70 or 80 and think "I finally did it" instead of "I wish I would have..." ???</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">.</span></i></b></div>
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Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014195715998913268noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6599945087910073527.post-2015649856162787582013-04-25T07:45:00.000-06:002013-04-25T07:45:07.727-06:00Too Easy and Good to be True Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxb-m1xBr7zJXKXP-gHMYKswZJqqoQCyRxs5hfWBhwmSHaolnQwv3ngRr5cYkKtZMxJox9OsXgh3f70kWgG_nUn07Vb3KW80A8ndJ2Es8IOvUnXFV1JG5zVZtQPDPCUEf4CtZp7yDBoNI/s1600/bread.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxb-m1xBr7zJXKXP-gHMYKswZJqqoQCyRxs5hfWBhwmSHaolnQwv3ngRr5cYkKtZMxJox9OsXgh3f70kWgG_nUn07Vb3KW80A8ndJ2Es8IOvUnXFV1JG5zVZtQPDPCUEf4CtZp7yDBoNI/s320/bread.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My dear friend Paige took me to a cooking class at Thanksgiving Point recently and we learned this amazingly easy recipe for breadsticks. I tried them last night with my homemade chicken noodle soup and <em>MAN</em> they were soooooo delicious! </span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><em>The best part is how easy they were.</em></span> <br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><strong>Here's what you need:</strong></span><br />
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Rhodes frozen rolls (buy in freezer aisle of any grocery)<br />
1/4 cup butter, melted<br />
garlic salt<br />
other seasonings as preferred (I used Trader Joe's 21 Season Salute)<br />
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1. take as many rolls (each will be one breadstick) as you want and place them on a cookie sheet that has been sprayed with PAM - top with plastic wrap that has also been sprayed with PAM<br />
2. let thaw and rise ... I left mine all afternoon and they were fine but you need at least a couple hours<br />
3. melt butter and put in bottom of 9x13 glass pan<br />
4. sprinkle seasonings liberally on top of butter<br />
5. using your hands, roll out each Rhodes roll into a long, skinny strip and place in the glass 9x13 pan<br />
6. bake at 350 for 15-17 minutes<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;">Enjoy!</span></strong><br />
.Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014195715998913268noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6599945087910073527.post-75248237691334647032013-04-15T09:37:00.000-06:002013-04-15T09:37:15.697-06:00A Bewitching Summer Read<strong>.</strong><br />
<strong>You know those people you meet who are so generous of heart? Who seem to always be supporting, helping, befriending others? Teri Harman is one of those people. I met her originally when she wrote a review on my novel for The Deseret News - then she reached out and invited me to her personal book club (such fun ladies!) - and I soon realized that she was one of those folks whose nature it was to be supportive and helpful. And, she was writing a novel of her own!</strong><br />
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<strong>Fast forward a year and Teri now has a smashing three-book deal for a witch based, Young Adult trilogy - with the first book to be released by Jolly Fish Press June 22. And I got an ARC! <span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><em>Here's my review:</em></span></strong><br />
<strong>.</strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Willa's life as a waitress and small town museum volunteer in Twelve Acres is turned upside down when she meets Simon. Both carry gifts -- sensing thoughts, dreaming, healing -- but neither realizes that they are a witch. As the two come together, they are thrust into a captivating adventure that will change their lives forever. BLOOD MOON is a novel with a fantastic plot, intriguing characters and tons of witchy delight. And just in time for summer reading season ... it would be great to bring along on any vacation or just to enjoy poolside.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Check out more at </span></strong><a href="http://www.teriharman.com/"><strong><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">www.teriharman.com</span></strong></a><br />
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<strong>Congrats, Teri! Can't wait for book two...</strong><br />
.Tesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10014195715998913268noreply@blogger.com4