tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80866182024-03-12T19:11:44.422-05:00spookycyn (an inactive blog)a source for Gothic fantasy and related conversations, publishing information, writer resources, inspiration, news in children's and teen literature, and author outreachCynthia Leitich Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650058326282279022noreply@blogger.comBlogger1110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8086618.post-4925241488425210882011-05-08T18:03:00.001-05:002011-05-08T18:03:42.638-05:00Spookycyn is an Inactive BlogThanks for surfing by! I'm sorry, but Spookycyn is no longer an active blog.<br /><br />However, I'm letting it remain here for those who might want to peek at the pre-existing posts.<br /><br />For news of children's and YA literature, visit <a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/">Cynsations</a>!<br /><br />To learn more about my spooky books, check out <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/tantalize/tantalize.html">Tantalize</a>, <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/eternal/eternal.html">Eternal</a>, <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blessed</a>, and <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/tantalize-kieren/tantalize-kieren.html">Tantalize: Kieren's Story</a>.<br /><br />And for more reading suggestions, check out <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/lit_resources/favorites/by_genre/horror.html">Gothic Fantasy, Horror, Paranormal Romance, and Urban Fantasy for Tweens and Teens</a>.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pieAazPg_b0" allowfullscreen="" width="540" frameborder="0" height="349"></iframe>Cynthia Leitich Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650058326282279022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8086618.post-19418847245974059052011-05-08T17:54:00.001-05:002011-05-08T17:54:40.837-05:00YALSA's Teens Top Ten Nominees, Including Blessed by Cynthia Leitich Smith<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPMu9cHT-RMvfQJqeo7EKkuXJnYly33n1EQPOB4aaAUzFeEHpIE0mHSADQsksy8kKimV_xtylnnS05OAx8i8Gr9FtIDuxicD2fC7MRlCBfhUbUoqV7Z0_mfrIWsEaZAQJ89dztA/s1600/blessed_CP_hardcover.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPMu9cHT-RMvfQJqeo7EKkuXJnYly33n1EQPOB4aaAUzFeEHpIE0mHSADQsksy8kKimV_xtylnnS05OAx8i8Gr9FtIDuxicD2fC7MRlCBfhUbUoqV7Z0_mfrIWsEaZAQJ89dztA/s320/blessed_CP_hardcover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596728820744197874" border="0" /></a>I'm honored to report that my new novel <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blessed</a> (Candlewick, 2011) is among the 25 titles nominated for <a href="http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/teenreading/teenstopten/teenstopten.cfm">YALSA's Teens' Top Ten</a>! See <a href="http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/teenreading/teenstopten/2011tttnoms.pdf">annotated list</a> (PDF).<br /><br />From YALSA: "<a href="http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/teenreading/teenstopten/teenstopten.cfm">Teens' Top Ten</a> is a 'teen choice' list, where teens nominate and choose their favorite books of the previous year!<br /><br />"Nominators are members of <a href="http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/teenreading/teenstopten/yagalley.cfm">teen book groups</a> in sixteen school and public libraries around the country. Nominations are posted on <a href="http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/supportyalit.cfm">Support Teen Literature Day</a> during <a href="http://www.ala.org/ala/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/natlibraryweek/index.cfm">National Library Week</a>, and teens across the country vote on their favorite titles each year.<br /><br />"Readers ages twelve to eighteen will vote online between Aug. 22 and Sept. 16; the winners will be announced during <a href="http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/teenreading/trw/trw2011/home.cfm">Teen Read Week</a>."<br /><br /><ul type="disc"><li><strong><a href="http://www.pambachorz.com/">Bachorz, Pam</a>.</strong> <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781606840160"><em>Drought</em></a> (Egmont USA)</li><li><strong><a href="http://crisbeam.com/Cris_Beam/Home.html">Beam, Cris</a>.</strong> <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780316053617"><em>I Am J</em></a> (Little, Brown)</li><li><strong><a href="http://www.seanbeaudoin.com/">Beaudoin, Sean</a>.</strong> <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780316077422"><em>You Killed Wesley Payne</em></a> (Little, Brown)</li><li><strong><a href="http://www.blackholly.com/">Black, Holly</a> and <a href="http://justinelarbalestier.com/">Justine Larbalestier</a>.</strong> <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781416989530"><em>Zombies vs. Unicorns</em></a> (McElderry)</li><li><strong><a href="http://www.hatrack.com/">Card, Orson Scott</a>.</strong> <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780765326577"><em>The Lost Gate</em></a> (Tor)</li><li><strong><a href="http://www.cassandraclare.com/">Clare, Cassandra</a>.</strong> <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781416975861/cassandra-clare/clockwork-angel"><em>The Clockwork Angel</em></a> (McElderry) </li><li><strong><a href="http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/">Collins, Suzanne</a>.</strong> <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780439023511"><em>Mockingjay</em></a> (Scholastic) </li><li><strong><a href="http://www.collinsrideout.com/">Collins, Yvonne</a>.</strong> <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781423131151"><em>Love, Inc</em>.</a> (Hyperion)</li><li><strong><a href="http://www.allysoncondie.com/">Condie, Ally</a>.</strong> <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780525423645/ally-condie/matched"><em>Matched</em></a> (Dutton) </li><li><strong><a href="http://www.andreacremer.com/">Cremer, Andrea</a>.</strong> <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780399254826/andrea-cremer/nightshade"><em>Nightshade</em></a> (Philomel)</li><li><strong><a href="http://beccafitzpatrick.com/">Fitzpatrick, Becca</a>.</strong> <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781416989431"><em>Crescendo</em></a> (Simon & Schuster)</li><li><strong><a href="http://www.harperteen.com/authors/33526/Michael_Grant/index.aspx">Grant, Michael</a>.</strong> <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780061449093"><em>Lies</em></a> (HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Books)</li><li><strong><a href="http://www.rachel-hawkins.com/">Hawkins, Rachel</a>.</strong> <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781423121312"><em>Demonglass</em></a> (Hyperion) </li><li><strong><a href="http://www.rachel-hawkins.com/">Hakwins, Rachel</a>.</strong> <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781423121398"><em>Hex Hall</em></a> (Hyperion)</li><li><strong><a href="http://www.juliekagawa.com/">Kagawa, Julie</a>.</strong> <em><a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780373210084">The Iron King</a></em> (Harlequin)</li><li><strong><a href="http://iamnumberfourfans.com/pittacus-lore/">Lore, Pittacus</a>.</strong><em> <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780061969553/pittacus-lore/i-am-number-four">I Am Number Four</a></em> (HarperCollins)</li><li><strong>Moore, Peter.</strong> <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781423116653"><em>Red Moon Rising</em></a> (Hyperion)</li><li><strong><a href="http://www.jandynelson.com/">Nelson, Jandy</a>.</strong> <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780803734951/Jandy-Nelson/Sky-Everywhere"><em>The Sky is Everywhere</em></a> (Dial)</li><li><strong><a href="http://www.laurenoliverbooks.com/">Oliver, Lauren</a>.</strong> <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780061726804/Lauren-Oliver/I-Fall"><em>Before I Fall</em></a> (HarperTeen)</li><li><strong><a href="http://www.eilisoneal.com/">O’Neal, Ellis</a>.</strong> <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781606840795"><em>The False Princess</em></a> (Egmont USA)</li><li><strong><a href="http://www.jamespatterson.com/">Patterson, James</a>.</strong> <em><a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780316036207">Angel: A Maximum Ride Novel</a></em> (Little, Brown)</li><li><strong><a href="http://www.jackson-pearce.com/">Pearce, Jackson</a>.</strong> <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780316068680"><em>Sisters Red</em></a> (Little, Brown)</li><li><strong><a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/">Smith, Cynthia Leitich</a>.</strong> <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780763643263"><em>Blessed</em></a> (Candlewick)</li><li><strong><a href="http://scottwesterfeld.com/">Westerfeld, Scott</a>.</strong> <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781416971757"><em>Behemoth</em></a> (Simon Pulse)</li><li><strong><a href="http://kierstenwhite.com/">White, Kiersten</a>.</strong> <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780061985843/kiersten-white/paranormalcy"><em>Paranormalcy</em></a> (HarperTeen) </li></ul><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Cynsational Notes</span><br /><br />Check out the <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/guide_to_blessed.html">readers guide</a> and book trailer for <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blessed</a>!<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pieAazPg_b0" allowfullscreen="" width="550" frameborder="0" height="339"></iframe>Cynthia Leitich Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650058326282279022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8086618.post-30245810382247568402011-05-06T08:37:00.005-05:002011-05-06T08:48:40.382-05:00Spooky News & The Owl Keeper Giveaway<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohraZ7NOJmalTDvb7NIIC6obE8PgIknP0ykmdXNNc6pDUGX6RmksWOlz17X80eLdJr1qOZsLdwCGSSRzm5U5X3SNn7Tgx0HsEg37LwhZ3sGLjAMRLRYrjn02sstb1BajT4dTIDQ/s1600/lost_hero.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohraZ7NOJmalTDvb7NIIC6obE8PgIknP0ykmdXNNc6pDUGX6RmksWOlz17X80eLdJr1qOZsLdwCGSSRzm5U5X3SNn7Tgx0HsEg37LwhZ3sGLjAMRLRYrjn02sstb1BajT4dTIDQ/s320/lost_hero.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603598854295462226" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.bookweekonline.com/system/files/63/original/CCBA_Winners_Release.final.pdf">Children's Choice Book Awards Announced</a> (PDF) from The Children’s Book Council (CBC) in association with Every Child A Reader, and the CBC Foundation. <a href="http://www.rickriordan.com/home.aspx">Rick Riordan</a> was named author of the year, and <a href="http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/wiesner/">David Wiesner</a> was named illustrator of the year. See the complete <a href="http://www.bookweekonline.com/system/files/63/original/CCBA_Winners_Release.final.pdf">list of winners</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://writersleagueoftexas.wordpress.com/2011/05/04/the-full-speech-an-address-and-a-map-by-author-tim-wynne-jones/">An Address and a Map Discovering Your Genius as a Writer</a> by <a href="http://www.timwynne-jones.com/">Tim Wynne-Jones</a> from The Writers' League of Texas. Peek: "...I’m talking about the genius that each of us possesses to some degree: a natural ability or capacity or quality of mind; the special endowments which fit each of us for our work."<br /><br /><a href="http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2011/04/interminable-agency-clause.html">The Interminable Agency Clause</a> by Victoria Strauss from Writer Beware. Peek: "...language inserted into an author-agency agreement whereby the agency claims the right to remain the agent of record not just for the duration of any contracts it negotiates, but for the life of copyright." See also <a href="http://literaticat.blogspot.com/2011/04/on-agency-agreements.html">On Agency Agreements</a> by <a href="http://www.andreabrownlit.com/agents.php">Jennifer Laughran</a> from Jennifer Represents...<br /><br /><a href="http://bluerosegirls.blogspot.com/2011/05/book-talking-and-preparing-for-focus.html">Book Talking and Preparing for Focus Meeting</a> by Little, Brown editor <a href="http://bloomabilities.blogspot.com/">Alvina Ling</a> from Blue Rose Girls. Peek: "....because I only have between 1 and 2 minutes to present each title, the presentation needs to be really tight. I want to touch on the summary of the book...."<br /><br /><a href="http://willwrite4cake.blogspot.com/2011/02/twitter-tutorial-long-version_08.html">Twitter Tutorial: The Long Version</a> by <a href="http://www.lynnekellybooks.com/Welcome.html">Lynne Kelly</a> from Will Write for Cake. Peek: "It's not okay to pitch your novel or query an agent or editor via Twitter, but following them is a great way to find out what's going on in the publishing industry and with their own work...."<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSKLeiGQafsDALTEdiWSVQztcySehEHvDdG1i1uQSltKLF1ZIRYYEF40LpVuEBzrPHdqZrgvSGvyc_5uvnTWk5iiWS19un9dErbg8GMdsed-72nUxYczIIXXNRVCe57pSls_ufQ/s1600/rose_sees_red.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSKLeiGQafsDALTEdiWSVQztcySehEHvDdG1i1uQSltKLF1ZIRYYEF40LpVuEBzrPHdqZrgvSGvyc_5uvnTWk5iiWS19un9dErbg8GMdsed-72nUxYczIIXXNRVCe57pSls_ufQ/s200/rose_sees_red.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602496819426977682" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/47026-castellucci-joins-los-angeles-review-of-books-as-ya-and-children-s-editor.html">Castellucci Joins 'Los Angeles Review of Books' as YA and Children's Editor</a> by Wendy Werris from Publishers Weekly. Peek: "'So few venues review YA and teen books regularly, and even then it’s usually bestsellers and known authors, so this is an opportunity to assign reviews to the quieter books and older titles,' <a href="http://castellucci.wordpress.com/">Castellucci</a> says."<br /><br />From <a href="http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/">Publishers Marketplace</a>: "<a href="http://nikkiloftin.com/">Nikki Loftin</a>’s debut novel The Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy, pitched as Coraline meets Hansel and Gretel, about a young girl whose seemingly delightful new school hides frightening secrets, to Laura Arnold at Razorbill, in a two-book deal, for publication in Summer 2012, by Suzie Townsend at <a href="http://fineprintlit.com/">Fineprint Literary Management</a> (World)." Congratulations, Nikki!<br /><br />Attention New Yorkers: anticipated budget cuts in NYC would effectively shut down many libraries, reduce hours and staff. Please stop by your local library or click to your local library website to sign a petition to save the libraries. See <a href="http://www.queenslibrary.org/">Queens Library</a>, <a href="http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/">Brooklyn Public Library</a>, and <a href="http://www.nypl.org/">New York Public Library</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://institutechildrenslit.net/Writers-First-Aid-blog/2011/05/02/career-planning-who-me/">Career Planning: Who, Me?</a> by <a href="http://institutechildrenslit.net/Writers-First-Aid-blog/about-kristi-holl/">Kristi Holl</a> from Writer's First Aid. Peek: "...making a writing budget–the nuts and bolts of figuring out how much income you need, where it’s going to come from (all possible sources,) and what to do to get it. You’ll want to study this too." Note: Kristi references Chip MacGregor's excellent post <a href="http://chipmacgregor.typepad.com/main/2008/06/strategic-plann.html">Strategic Planning for Writers</a>, but her pep talk/insights/summary are worth considering, too.<br /><br /><a href="http://mandyhubbard.livejournal.com/249542.html">Author Advances: How Much You'll Get and When</a> by Author/Agent Mandy Hubbard. Peek: "If you sell a book to one of the big six publishers, and it's a single book deal, and it's something deemed more quiet or literary, you may see $7,500-$10,000. if it has a bigger commercial hook, but still seems a little risky, you may get $15,000." Note: keep in mind that authors also make money from royalties, sub rights sales, public speaking, etc.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9RlbS_JdgMmOr_FODXjFscHTSr16cUJsBKHgsVSYja-JhkSDuFC_U6lb0JA7ATD4yT3_3aeO0jcr0KHo0J7QFXntR1EmJHOu-UIZN5S4zgWGXWCqVSbjYbTBoXxvSLx2jD2pVg/s1600/alien_invasions.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9RlbS_JdgMmOr_FODXjFscHTSr16cUJsBKHgsVSYja-JhkSDuFC_U6lb0JA7ATD4yT3_3aeO0jcr0KHo0J7QFXntR1EmJHOu-UIZN5S4zgWGXWCqVSbjYbTBoXxvSLx2jD2pVg/s200/alien_invasions.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603599023391753650" border="0" /></a>From <a href="http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/">Publishers Marketplace</a>: "<a href="http://brianyansky.com/">Brian Yansky</a>'s Fighting Alien Nation, the sequel to <a href="http://brianyansky.com/books.html">Alien Invasion and Other Inconveniences</a>, which continues the story of the survivors of an alien invasion, again to Candlewick, with <a href="http://www.theresabook.com/2011/02/editor-interview-andrea-tompa-and-kaylan-adair-from-candlewick-press/">Kaylan Adair</a> to edit, by <a href="http://www.saracrowe.com/">Sara Crowe</a> at Harvey Klinger (world English). Congratulations, Brian!<br /><br /><a href="http://fictiongroupie.blogspot.com/2011/05/career-insurance-5-ways-to-sell-your.html">Career Insurance: Five Ways to Sell Your Next Book Before Its Written</a> by <a href="http://www.roniloren.com/">Roni Loren</a> from Fiction Groupie. Note: emphasis on series writing. Peek: "Unless you're writing the next blockbuster of the century, one book does not a career make. One book is just the gun going off at the starter gate." Source: <a href="http://querytracker.blogspot.com/">QueryTracker.netBlog</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://whatever.scalzi.com/2009/03/13/mary-anne-mohanraj-gets-you-up-to-speed-part-ii/">For Writers: Race and Science Fiction and Fantasy</a> by <a href="http://www.mamohanraj.com/">Mary Anne Mohanraj</a> from Whatever. Peek: "...it’s easy to be paralyzed by that fear, to retreat back to only writing characters who are just like you, or so vague that they can’t possibly be mistaken for anyone real. But again — that makes for bad fiction. If you’re going to write well, you have to get past those fears." See also <a href="http://www.mitaliblog.com/2011/05/share-your-process-of-creating.html">Your Process of Creating Characters Across Culture or Class</a> from <a href="http://www.mitaliblog.com/p/one-of-lifes-greatest-joys-is-to-create.html">Mitali Perkins</a> from Mitali's Fire Escape.<br /><br /><a href="http://author2author.blogspot.com/2011/05/i-live-in-middle-of-nowhere-how-can-i.html">I Live in the Middle of Nowhere. How Can I Promote My Book?</a> by Kristina Springer from Author2Author. Peek: "...it's hard to get a book faced out at the book store for more than a couple of months. So what can I do?"<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Giveaway Reminder</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__lz52077pfqvHqHkZ_Y-p52AXBGRWdgeTzq-qQoLwyi3Tqh8SxroTOV7r1kxihjFzmyEUZBylfQEdUl1dYSWw7fIywaLdAKx7gHVJJiUEKyG_4tT5uw-mNqGaXWMiJf_1bwLzg/s1600/owl_keeper.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__lz52077pfqvHqHkZ_Y-p52AXBGRWdgeTzq-qQoLwyi3Tqh8SxroTOV7r1kxihjFzmyEUZBylfQEdUl1dYSWw7fIywaLdAKx7gHVJJiUEKyG_4tT5uw-mNqGaXWMiJf_1bwLzg/s200/owl_keeper.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602860004362723954" border="0" /></a>Enter to win a signed copy of <a href="http://www.owlkeeper.com/">The Owl Keeper</a> by <a href="http://www.owlkeeper.com/">Christine Brodien-Jones</a> (Delacorte, 2010). First prize: a hardcover copy. Second and third prize: paperback copies.<br /><br />To enter the giveaway, comment at this <a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/05/guest-post-christine-brodien-jones-on.html">link</a> or <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/site_info/contact.html">email me</a> (scroll and click envelope) and type "Owl Keeper" in the subject line. Deadline: midnight CST May 27. Note: Author sponsored; U.S./Canada entries only.<br /><br />See also Christine on <a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/05/guest-post-christine-brodien-jones-on.html">Writing Scary But Not Too Scary for Tweens</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Hunger Mountain Critique Auction</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTELqZoq8rhhgLVEj3AhesUvQAhB4ksPP9ltM15VByP0jqvSc_7Nsnjvsz2fBVfiFHiZX1IXWhA_x5ETIxylhXtlFuzikUNUgaO9WcOg-qX70NQAzKxxHcyKePY99vKwwbu8z3CA/s1600/vcfa_logo.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTELqZoq8rhhgLVEj3AhesUvQAhB4ksPP9ltM15VByP0jqvSc_7Nsnjvsz2fBVfiFHiZX1IXWhA_x5ETIxylhXtlFuzikUNUgaO9WcOg-qX70NQAzKxxHcyKePY99vKwwbu8z3CA/s200/vcfa_logo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602138863584287730" border="0" /></a><a href="http://bethanyhegedus.blogspot.com/2011/05/bidding-has-begun.html">Hunger Mountain Critique Auction</a>: Bid for a chance to win critiques from authors, illustrators, and agents from picture books to YA and beyond. See details on:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/50-page-YA-Manuscript-Critique-Author-Holly-Cupala-/260776791221?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb7820cb5">50-page YA manuscript critique with author Holly Cupala</a>;</li><li><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Illustrators-Portfolio-Critique-Julian-Hector-/260776799788?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb7822e2c">illustrator's portfolio critique with Julian Hector</a>; </li><li><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Picture-Book-Critique-w-Literary-Agent-Jill-Corcoran-/260776808290?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb7824f62">picture book critique with agent Jill Corcoran</a>;</li><li><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Full-Childrens-YA-Manuscript-Crit-w-Agent-Elena-Mechlin-/260777451136?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb78c1e80">full childrens/YA manuscript critique with agent Elena Mechlin</a>; <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/50-pg-MG-YA-Manuscript-Critique-Author-Sara-Zarr-/260775810639?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb773164f">50-page middle grade/YA manuscript critique with author Sara Zarr</a>;</li><li><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Picture-Book-Poetry-Children-Critique-w-Janet-Wong-/260775848931?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb773abe3">picture book/poetry for children critique with Janet Wong</a>; </li><li><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/30-pg-MG-YA-Critique-Literary-Agent-Joan-Slattery-/260775806296?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb7730558">30-page middle grade/YA critique with agent Joan Slattery</a>; </li><li><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/50-pg-Middle-Grade-Critique-w-Lit-Agent-Erin-Murphy-/260775718438?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb771ae26">newly listed 50-page middle grade critique with agent Erin Murphy</a>; </li><li><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/50-page-MG-YA-Critique-w-Lit-Agent-Ammi-Joan-Paquette-/260775724534?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb771c5f6">50-page middle grade/YA critique with agent Ammi-Joan Paquette</a>; </li><li><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Childrens-MG-YA-Critique-w-Lit-Agent-Emily-Van-Beek-/260775803797?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb772fb95">children's/middle grade/YA critique with agent Emily Van Beek</a>; </li><li><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/YA-Novel-20pg-Poem-Story-Critique-w-Author-G-Neri-/260775740487?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb7720447">YA novel (20-page) or poem/story critique with author G. Neri</a>; </li><li><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/50-pg-Childrens-Lit-Critique-w-Author-Sara-Pennypacker-/260775878907?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb77420fb">50-page children's literature critique with author Sara Pennypacker</a>. </li></ul><br />Note: Hunger Mountain is the Vermont College of Fine Arts Journal of the Arts, featuring an <a href="http://www.hungermtn.org/young-adults-and-childrens-literature/">in-depth focus on children's-YA literature</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Spooky Screening Room</span><br /><br />Edit Letter Fun: Butcher or Coddler? from lynnekelly2000.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/u-nmMNDT6iQ" allowfullscreen="" width="320" frameborder="0" height="265"></iframe><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">More Personally </span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTQ5nwvj1VGGWXDO5FBBNVcHD6X3sk8W01PJXuY5xRr4cm3P-nqOYf-YaDNtzXUA-GwUbjQ_DNEFuEYMwrNBi49gvgHcsdZcZ9dfN2UEHPez4CC4BcAULqNNqcTKvp06SbKnszg/s1600/Image+4.jpeg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTQ5nwvj1VGGWXDO5FBBNVcHD6X3sk8W01PJXuY5xRr4cm3P-nqOYf-YaDNtzXUA-GwUbjQ_DNEFuEYMwrNBi49gvgHcsdZcZ9dfN2UEHPez4CC4BcAULqNNqcTKvp06SbKnszg/s200/Image+4.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603225910627109538" border="0" /></a>This week I turned in<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMk8SxHEFbMbd9yZUQ2rSeqLftujIYCmf1vGRoSUVWHBAaZjhPQTDr5FewqpwGlxyLkCB01yI8n8iOdqKAOcbJ39MbKjF9NWYvcGJCzvXc5PSti8GvneXDMNFACc0B8LjrdvV6Q/s1600/Image+5.jpeg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpMk8SxHEFbMbd9yZUQ2rSeqLftujIYCmf1vGRoSUVWHBAaZjhPQTDr5FewqpwGlxyLkCB01yI8n8iOdqKAOcbJ39MbKjF9NWYvcGJCzvXc5PSti8GvneXDMNFACc0B8LjrdvV6Q/s200/Image+5.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603226324534144434" border="0" /></a> my revision of my upcoming YA Gothic fantasy novel, which will be the next fully prose addition to the Tantalize series.<br /><br />To the left, we see <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/lit_resources/favorites/by_genre/kitlit/CatBios.html">Bashi</a> in the guet room, helping to guard the manuscript as I read through it, tweaking text.<br /><br />To the right, we see <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/lit_resources/favorites/by_genre/kitlit/CatBios.html">Leo</a>, lounging on <a href="http://gregleitichsmith.com/">Greg</a>'s copy of the draft in the parlor. <a href="http://gregleitichsmith.com/">Greg</a>, the kitties, and I read the manuscript out loud to catch typos, missing words, and other minor issues. I'm especially include to skip right over two-letter words like "to," "of," "on," and "so."<br /><br />See also <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/lit_resources/favorites/by_genre/kitlit/CatBios.html">Official Writer Cat Bios</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKiGmwea0RrHulGHLJV1AoRIY4upYI5SODagdthx5NMljoGM3LJdl8-OkgC1hq0ipDpzW0hojZguDMbQPOR23Ul2QqPjuOrAp6XLxK6ORvtggixRosQh_XxmMCfDZoMX1cvC_0w/s1600/kim_mai_guest.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 175px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKiGmwea0RrHulGHLJV1AoRIY4upYI5SODagdthx5NMljoGM3LJdl8-OkgC1hq0ipDpzW0hojZguDMbQPOR23Ul2QqPjuOrAp6XLxK6ORvtggixRosQh_XxmMCfDZoMX1cvC_0w/s200/kim_mai_guest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600382060392217074" border="0" /></a>I'm pleased to announce that actress <a href="http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Kim-Mai-Guest/">Kim Mai Guest</a> will be reading as the character Quincie P. Morris for the audio edition of Blessed for Listening Library/Random House.<br /><br />Kim Mai also performed as Quincie in the audio production of <a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/audio/listeninglibrary/catalog/display.php?isbn=9780739363997">Tantalize</a> (Listening Library, 2008).<br /><br />Reminder: all blurb requests must come from editors or agents. Never authors. No exceptions.<br /><br /><a href="http://troublinglygood.blogspot.com/2011/04/tantalize-by-cynthia-leitich-smith.html">Tantalize Reviewed by Anna</a> from Troublingly Good Teen Lit. Peek: "This book could help teens who find themselves with more responsibility than they can handle, or whose parents/guardians are absent. It could also help teens who feel they may have a drinking problem."<br /><br />Personal Links of the Week:<br /><br /><ul><li><a href="http://bethanyhegedus.blogspot.com/2011/05/beginning-or-as-nike-advertises-just-do.html">The Beginning: Or As Nike Advertises: Just Do It from Bethany Hegedus</a></li><li><a href="http://jenniferziegler.livejournal.com/44774.html">Possibly the Best Thing About My Job from Jennifer Ziegler</a></li><li><a href="http://brianyansky.blogspot.com/2011/05/right-word.html">The Right Word from Brian Yansky</a></li><li><a href="http://www.lindseylane.net/blog/2011/05/looking-for-the-no-to-find-the-yes-part-i/">Look for the "No" to Find the "Yes"</a><a href="http://www.lindseylane.net/blog/2011/05/looking-for-the-no-to-find-the-yes-part-i/"> by Lindsey Lane from The Meandering Lane</a></li><li><a href="http://naomibates.blogspot.com/2011/05/interesting-stats-on-librarians.html">Interesting Stats on Librarians by Naomi Bates from YA Books and More</a></li><li>Look for <a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2006/06/publicist-interview-susan-salzman-raab.html">Susan Salzman Raab</a>'s latest "To Market" column, "Social Media: Time Well Spent - and Time Consuming" in the May/June 2011 <a href="http://www.scbwi.org/">SCBWI Bulletin</a>.</li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynthia_Leitich_Smith">Cynthia Leitich Smith at Wikipedia</a></li></ul><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Spooky Events</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZPAK9VRxISWlFbLUOGKRYpRdcqs5_dEFfxpvnPzq8hyphenhyphen71Pr8N8lPE88wJvOJFWzOgY9L6dPoHl1DFMIchQkCdV6dp95EuI2unwzWKNoFJ4llIAIQkmyVD531Ku0QzWGbs8Mj2A/s1600/sass-kieren.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZPAK9VRxISWlFbLUOGKRYpRdcqs5_dEFfxpvnPzq8hyphenhyphen71Pr8N8lPE88wJvOJFWzOgY9L6dPoHl1DFMIchQkCdV6dp95EuI2unwzWKNoFJ4llIAIQkmyVD531Ku0QzWGbs8Mj2A/s200/sass-kieren.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602498834440433138" border="0" /></a>Authors <a href="http://www.jenniferziegler.net/">Jennifer Ziegler</a> and <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/">Cynthia Leitich Smith</a> will speak to YA readers at 2 p.m. June 18 at <a href="http://pl.beecavetexas.com/">Bee Cave Public Library</a> in Bee Cave, Texas. Mark your calendars for book talk and pizza!<br /><br /><a href="http://chillsandthrillsteenbooktour.wordpress.com/">The Chills and Thrills Book Tour</a> will be stopping at 2 p.m. May 15 at BookPeople. Turn out for authors <a href="http://www.bloodcovenvampires.com/">Mari Mancusi</a>, <a href="http://www.teralynnchilds.com/">Tera Lynn Childs</a>, <a href="http://www.sophiejordan.net/">Sophie Jordan</a>, <a href="http://www.jordandane.com/">Jordan Dane</a>, <a href="http://www.larachapman.com/">Lara Chapman</a>, <a href="http://www.jenniferarcher.net/">Jennifer Archer</a>, and <a href="http://www.tracydeebs.com/">Tracy Deebs</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://dallasmuseumofart.org/Events/ArtsLettersLive/BooksmART/index.htm#Booksmart">The First Annual BooksmART Festival</a> will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 11 as part of Arts & Letters Live from the Dallas Museum of Art. Peek: "Come spend the day with authors, illustrators, musicians and actors, and enjoy talks, workshops, gallery tours, and entertainment, designed to appeal to every member of the family and every age group." Featured children's-YA book creators include <a href="http://www.rickriordan.com/home.aspx">Rick Riordan</a>, <a href="http://www.underdown.org/juster.htm">Norton Juster</a>, <a href="http://madwomanintheforest.com/">Laurie Halse Anderson</a>, <a href="http://www.hmhbooks.com/wiesner/">David Wiesner</a>, <a href="http://www.jerrypinkneystudio.com/">Jerry Pinkney</a>, <a href="http://humblecomics.com/">Gene Luen Yang</a>, <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/">Cynthia Leitich Smith</a>, <a href="http://www.duncantonatiuh.com/">Duncan Tonatiuh</a>, <a href="http://www.antoniosacre.com/">Antonio Sacre</a>, <a href="http://www.joemcdermottmusic.com/">Joe McDermott</a>, <a href="http://janbozarth.com/">Jan Bozarth</a>, and <a href="http://www.annmarienewman.com/">Ann Marie Newman</a>.Cynthia Leitich Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650058326282279022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8086618.post-84876676267801436942011-05-05T08:22:00.000-05:002011-05-05T08:23:13.827-05:00Guest Post: Christopher Golden on Shared Vision: Writing with a Co-author & The Secret Journeys of Jack London<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcT9EIrb7h2ipA_CXoA5ZezFgrtsOg0RR01NWGSDYeRVr3jP7HtfN4FS3nxmlI50rVrGlrGcK3sXLk9_dTkmYTQMN9qIPPc1wYVvvbosYZnmPMaPLHFMsCJRKkR2uHGVwZvJdzUw/s1600/secret_journeys_of_jack_london.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcT9EIrb7h2ipA_CXoA5ZezFgrtsOg0RR01NWGSDYeRVr3jP7HtfN4FS3nxmlI50rVrGlrGcK3sXLk9_dTkmYTQMN9qIPPc1wYVvvbosYZnmPMaPLHFMsCJRKkR2uHGVwZvJdzUw/s320/secret_journeys_of_jack_london.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592477941656348146" border="0" /></a>By <a href="http://www.christophergolden.com/">Christopher Golden</a><br /><br />One of the many curious things about being a writer—especially a novelist—is the number of people you encounter who believe they could do your job, that the only thing that separates you from them is that you bothered to sit down and write a book, and though they’ve got that bestseller in them, they just haven’t made the time for it yet.<br /><br />That’s not everyone, of course. Some people look at writers as if we’re strange objects behind glass in some museum display that ought to have a plaque to explain our purpose.<br /><br />This isn’t a complaint, mind you. Both reactions are fascinating and sometimes amusing.<br /><br />But I’ll tell you something that’s even more fascinating to me. When it comes to collaborations—two authors writing a novel together—even the just-haven’t-had-time-to-write-my-bestseller crowd seems to get that curious look on their faces, that what’s-that-odd-animal expression that comes over people who encounter the giant South American rodent at the zoo for the first time, the thing that looks like it should only exist in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Princess_Bride">The Princess Bride</a>. Due, presumably, to the fact that I regularly collaborate with other authors, I get that look—and that question—a lot.<br /><br />“How does that work?” “How do authors write a book together?”<br /><br />People really do seem mystified by the idea that two people can create one voice. Actors create a scene together, musicians perform a song together and write music together…but you don’t often seen painters working on the same canvas.<br /><br />Perhaps that’s where people draw the line. Maybe, even subconsciously, a novel is perceived as a solitary work, much like a painting. And I suspect for a lot of writers, that is absolutely true. I suppose many—even most—writers have difficulty imagining creating a piece of fiction that is a shared vision, but it’s simply never been a problem, or even a question, for me.<br /><br />Writing, I am fond of saying, is a solitary occupation, and I am not a solitary person. In the nineteen years since I quit my job (at the tender age of 25) and became a full-time writer, I have collaborated with more than half a dozen different writers, and those experiences share certain fundamental qualities. In each case, my collaborators were my friends first, and they were all writers whose work I respected and admired.<br /><br />More often than not, such collaborations don’t arise from a conversation that even vaguely resembles what you might imagine. They don’t start with, “hey, we should write something together sometime.”<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7iC1hV6MWHtejlZEKNqvO57hKulRHp8Px26oIuecsWXjUB63cazOMbNMifsnqoCvQVlTRnOUjTRpthL5eDkL25di0ewKyQdtlQlmGc__P6OTehZzW2KHfpRvnSdu9VFNEQeowQ/s1600/odder_jobs.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7iC1hV6MWHtejlZEKNqvO57hKulRHp8Px26oIuecsWXjUB63cazOMbNMifsnqoCvQVlTRnOUjTRpthL5eDkL25di0ewKyQdtlQlmGc__P6OTehZzW2KHfpRvnSdu9VFNEQeowQ/s200/odder_jobs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592483652651275042" border="0" /></a>Nearly always, they begin with conversations about mutual interests, or drinks and dinner, or a stupid joke on an elevator…something that leads to an idea being born, sometimes in jest, and then a moment when you look at each other, both thinking, <span style="font-style: italic;">hey, that’s not a bad idea. We could really make something out of that.</span> And if it’s something both authors are enthusiastic enough about, then you do it.<br /><br />I first met <a href="http://www.timlebbon.net/">Tim Lebbon</a> via e-mail, when I asked him to contribute a short story to an anthology of Hellboy short stories I was editing called <a href="http://www.christophergolden.com/hellboy.html">Odder Jobs</a> (Dark Horse, 2004). That, I believe, was in 2003.<br /><br />It feels like we’ve known each other much longer, but we didn’t meet in person until a <a href="http://worldhorrorconvention.com/">World Horror Convention</a> in New York City in 2005. I’d been cooking up the plot for a novel I wanted to write called <a href="http://www.christophergolden.com/cities.html">Mind the Gap</a> (Spectra, 2008), but because it was set in London and very much a British story, it felt to me like something I wanted to collaborate on with a British author.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUNt4ddBHYZoANHmn3ustURV87fdvASOedfC55hpVAvVEmglzuXBjdGxLlaqAY1zC_dVWpThTyeZNq-5XGFZ7CN42t7I-sjchYITJWg9rcFgiJ6t3uqYSZZMjkmJxvFQPO17nIQ/s1600/map_of_moments.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 126px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUNt4ddBHYZoANHmn3ustURV87fdvASOedfC55hpVAvVEmglzuXBjdGxLlaqAY1zC_dVWpThTyeZNq-5XGFZ7CN42t7I-sjchYITJWg9rcFgiJ6t3uqYSZZMjkmJxvFQPO17nIQ/s200/map_of_moments.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592479547025473186" border="0" /></a>As soon as I met Tim, I felt a kinship with him. We became fast friends and it seemed like serendipity. I told him about the concept for Mind the Gap and he jumped on board immediately. <br /><br />That novel became a series of four loosely connected urban fantasy novels collectively called <a href="http://www.christophergolden.com/cities.html">The Hidden Cities</a>. They are Mind the Gap, The Map of Moments (Spectra, 2009), The Chamber of Ten (Spectra, 2010), and (coming later this year) The Shadow Men.<br /><br />While I’m proud of the work we did on those books, especially The Map of Moments, which I think is one of the finest things either of us has ever written, collaboration or not, those books were born “on purpose,” if that makes sense. We wanted to create ideas, to build stories, all of that.<br /><br />Which brings me around to <a href="http://www.christophergolden.com/jack/">The Secret Journeys of Jack London</a> (Harper, 2011).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfalY5pTFlsNCVhQ2F8PjsJzDyJtViJYLLX2kt-NQ2PERTLL8xKuPoEu7Ickt33-XZZfY9Ll1UOb6iB8-Lfg46SggXPR-qvRNjxHUJyi4bnnaPGETlDhaOxqggKfgOES-jcoyGdQ/s1600/tim_lebbon.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfalY5pTFlsNCVhQ2F8PjsJzDyJtViJYLLX2kt-NQ2PERTLL8xKuPoEu7Ickt33-XZZfY9Ll1UOb6iB8-Lfg46SggXPR-qvRNjxHUJyi4bnnaPGETlDhaOxqggKfgOES-jcoyGdQ/s320/tim_lebbon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592482669283939970" border="0" /></a>World Horror Convention, Toronto, 2007. Tim and I were at dinner with a large group of friends and colleagues. Thai food. Drinks. Tim was talking about his novelization of the movie <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0389722/">"30 Days of Night"</a> and somehow the subject of vampire polar bears came up. [Tim pictured.]<br /><br />Yep. Vampire polar bears. The very thought of it sparked an instant excitement and enthusiasm in me—not necessarily vampire polar bears themselves, but all of the images and ideas that flooded into my brain at that moment.<br /><br />Back up. My father was in the Coast Guard during the Korean War, stationed on Kodiak Island in Alaska. Some of my favorite pictures of him were taken during that time of his life. My parents were divorced when I was eleven, and my father died when I was nineteen. <br /><br />I always wished I could have talked to him more about Alaska. Despite his many flaws, I romanticized Alaska and that part of his life in my mind.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULz8IE_bVZ1ScVqi3vqwN2TSS8StNYwLLuU2RWKa5Gcfd61PA8Mf3e_PfT3nyrIZhgLRa_cmaRQoF8dkGAjs1w5MAF7KEgbmx8u7HpQ_VnN5HQul9aUIbmrTiSLzP3vzAFO4ClA/s1600/call_of_the_wild.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULz8IE_bVZ1ScVqi3vqwN2TSS8StNYwLLuU2RWKa5Gcfd61PA8Mf3e_PfT3nyrIZhgLRa_cmaRQoF8dkGAjs1w5MAF7KEgbmx8u7HpQ_VnN5HQul9aUIbmrTiSLzP3vzAFO4ClA/s200/call_of_the_wild.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592483919660973282" border="0" /></a>Perhaps that’s one of the reasons that <a href="http://london.sonoma.edu/">Jack London</a> has always been my favorite “classical” writer, from the time I first read <a href="http://london.sonoma.edu/Writings/LostFace/fire.html">“To Build a Fire”</a> and <a href="http://london.sonoma.edu/Writings/CallOfTheWild/">The Call of the Wild</a> (1903) in middle school. Jack London inspired me with tales of the frozen north, with darkness and ice and stories told around fires and rough men in rough terrain and the purity and savagery so perfectly melded in the image of a wolf.<br /><br />In the eighth grade, I wrote a paper called “Atavism in the Works of Jack London.” Fairly certain I got an A. It’s still around here somewhere, if I can only track it down.<br /><br />Another aside. Also in middle school, I used to run across advertisements for some liquor or other in magazines, and the ads would have bits of poetry quoted from the works of <a href="http://www.robertwservice.com/">Robert Service</a>—all of them about the same sorts of things that were so central to the works of Jack London. The frozen north. Grim and determined men. The wild. <br /><br />I can remember those snippets even now. “I have clinched and closed with the naked north, I have learned to defy and defend. Shoulder to shoulder we have fought it out, but the wild must win in the end.”<br /><br />The Wild.<br /><br />Robert Service became my favorite poet. I bought collections of his work. I quoted him in my second novel. Then, about ten years ago, my uncle gave me a packet of letters he’d found that my father had written to his Aunt Marguerite during his time stationed on Kodiak Island. He’d been romancing a girl there, and her father had taken a liking to mine. The man had given my father a book that had become my father’s favorite…a collection of poetry by Robert Service.<br /><br />Full circle.<br /><br />It’s all wrapped up in one strange cycle for me. Jack London. Robert Service. My father and me.<br /><br />Back to that Thai restaurant in Toronto and someone says vampire polar bears and all of this goes through my head in a single moment. I look at Tim and say something about how we could <span style="font-style: italic;">do </span>that. Jack London in the Yukon fighting vampire polar bears. Tim says we could do a whole series of them, a trilogy. I say: The Secret Journeys of Jack London.<br /><br />Because, you see, he loves Jack London, too. He has had the same childhood imaginings of adventures in the frozen north and the grim and determined men of the Yukon and the noble wisdom of wolves. And we both love monsters.<br /><br />The story started to grow right then, for both of us. After dinner, we walked back to the convention hotel, plotting Jack’s adventures. I think, in that moment, we were both twelve years old again. As adults, going back and rereading the works of Jack London, we’ve discovered even greater depth than we had seen as kids, though I believe we both recognized the power of Jack London’s themes even then.<br /><br />So we collaborated.<br /><br />I know, I know. We’re the weird things behind the glass museum case. How does it work? We plot together and we talk—a lot. We started with an outline and then one of us starts writing, does the first chapter and sends it to the other. We get on the phone again (well, on Skype) and talk about the chapter, and then what needs to come next, how far the next chapter should take us, how much we should keep to or stray from our outline, and then whoever is next at bat takes the next chapter.<br /><br />And it grows. Like that.<br /><br />It’s The Secret Journeys of Jack London. The first book is The Wild, and that’s out now. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.voya.com/">VOYA</a> and <a href="http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist_publications/booklist/booklist.cfm">Booklist</a> love it, and we love them for loving it, because it’s meant a great deal to us. It’s come from a very personal place that collaborations sometimes don’t come from. <br /><br />The second book is The Sea Wolves. We’re starting the third one soon. White Fangs. And yep…vampire polar bears.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrX46VHoZuVhdMNkgVCQR4PqUchaW3i0sFdoM9fn6gHj8oscOqNCU7EiP1lnhScvd7r8tDD5zNq2OI4ATLh8Q6b2YLZUWan4RDFgJaa2kz-5tUo0f-LO0USOnNEnkKbo41rWq26A/s1600/christopher_golden.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrX46VHoZuVhdMNkgVCQR4PqUchaW3i0sFdoM9fn6gHj8oscOqNCU7EiP1lnhScvd7r8tDD5zNq2OI4ATLh8Q6b2YLZUWan4RDFgJaa2kz-5tUo0f-LO0USOnNEnkKbo41rWq26A/s320/christopher_golden.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592482101917520034" border="0" /></a>See, even though these are Jack’s journeys, they’re our journeys, too. And we’re loving every minute of them. [Christopher pictured.]<br /><br />Maybe some of you still have that curious expression on your faces, wondering how two authors collaborate on a novel together. <br /><br />Maybe for some of you, I haven’t explained it well enough because I haven’t gone into the mechanics of it thoroughly.<br /><br />But, really, it isn’t about mechanics, and when it comes to how two writers can create a shared vision, I think I’ve explained it perfectly.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Cynsational Notes</span><br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Princess_Bride">The Princess Bride</a> by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Goldman">William Goldman</a> (Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1973) was adapted into <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093779/">a film of the same name</a> in 1987.<br /><br />This video features celebrated comic artist Mike Mignola (Hellboy) and award-winning novelist Christopher Golden, talking their illustrated novel, <a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/book/114272/baltimore-by-mike-mignola-and-christopher-golden/9780553804713/">Baltimore</a> (Random House, 2007).<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ClgtRrrhmCU" allowfullscreen="" width="425" frameborder="0" height="349"></iframe>Cynthia Leitich Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650058326282279022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8086618.post-68536740266763776962011-05-04T08:45:00.001-05:002011-05-04T08:45:48.914-05:00Book-spine PoemCheck out this book-spine poem by Christy Cochran, an Austin Independent School District librarian. Copyright 2011, reproduced with permission.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NVF9dAJ0FWqeLnQYNQZHRRGnx0JhWIW7yLdyH-Ax_uU3PVFA-aTfSZEh_AHTKTwt-JRcLoqaCugOBbjbUQcA27fFsLgypexAn0e1ivU0YgjloLrUvJzh9zVpWHPFjSn1Y4mbzw/s1600/SpinePoetry01.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NVF9dAJ0FWqeLnQYNQZHRRGnx0JhWIW7yLdyH-Ax_uU3PVFA-aTfSZEh_AHTKTwt-JRcLoqaCugOBbjbUQcA27fFsLgypexAn0e1ivU0YgjloLrUvJzh9zVpWHPFjSn1Y4mbzw/s320/SpinePoetry01.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599923195741008642" border="0" /></a>It reads:<br /><br /><blockquote><a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780061836831">Cosmic</a><br /><a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780439757812">Notes from the midnight driver</a><br />On the run<br />Magic steps<br />One false note<br /><a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780545102735">Dark fire</a><br /><a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/eternal/eternal.html">Eternal</a></blockquote><br /><br />Isn't that cool? Thanks, Christy! <a href="http://www.txla.org/save-my-library">Support Texas librarians</a>.Cynthia Leitich Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650058326282279022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8086618.post-28206233937088425612011-05-04T08:43:00.001-05:002011-05-04T08:45:29.433-05:00In a Similar Vein: Vampire Books<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIu1hRlzoayv5IIANQCdOpj-IkxKX59gEiwA24ikApcCXsVNrHxWeYRNhqoTB-GSDYpmQrlMRZLyrqr14gDCFXqUoxc-xkSXTaSjlXtHlhJiuN5SUnW7ZFyzKDvlhfqeEKMrq_BQ/s1600/slayer_chronicles_first_kill.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIu1hRlzoayv5IIANQCdOpj-IkxKX59gEiwA24ikApcCXsVNrHxWeYRNhqoTB-GSDYpmQrlMRZLyrqr14gDCFXqUoxc-xkSXTaSjlXtHlhJiuN5SUnW7ZFyzKDvlhfqeEKMrq_BQ/s200/slayer_chronicles_first_kill.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600081777326680210" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-books-site/2011/apr/26/like-books-like-these-vampires">In a Similar Vein: Vampire Books</a> by <a href="http://www.heatherbrewer.com/">Heather Brewer</a> from The Guardian. Peek: "Heather Brewer, author of The Chronicles of Vladimir Todd, explains the allure of writing about vampires and suggests some of her favourites."Cynthia Leitich Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650058326282279022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8086618.post-80401591136914269572011-05-04T08:41:00.001-05:002011-05-04T08:41:44.165-05:00Guest Post: Christine Brodien-Jones on Writing Scary But Not Too Scary for ‘Tweens<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRwNA8v6LY2uKGBo90tvGbdcHEtUiqQ-tgCsaai5KjYpKDaOsM5CCje7xgyF71LLnDpc-Bn69Sd6eMd-KAOc5MqETzx_P989HgH1zE6pPzUFt_762UW5hyphenhyphenl200f0z0_ESyojIfw/s1600/owl_keeper.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 218px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRwNA8v6LY2uKGBo90tvGbdcHEtUiqQ-tgCsaai5KjYpKDaOsM5CCje7xgyF71LLnDpc-Bn69Sd6eMd-KAOc5MqETzx_P989HgH1zE6pPzUFt_762UW5hyphenhyphenl200f0z0_ESyojIfw/s320/owl_keeper.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586961716929798994" border="0" /></a><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">“If you look up before you get the light on, It will be there. </span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"The Thing. </span><span style="font-style: italic;">The terrible Thing waiting at the top of the stairs.” </span><br />--<a href="http://www.raybradbury.com/">Ray Bradbury</a>, <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781877741098">Zen in the Art of Writing: Essays on Creativity</a> (1990)<br /></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>By <a href="http://www.owlkeeper.com/">Christine Brodien-Jones</a><br /><br />Shortly after Cynthia invited me to write a guest post, I was cleaning out a filing cabinet and ran across my old stories from elementary school. They confirmed what I already knew: I’ve always loved writing tales that terrify and scare.<br /><br />I grew up reading myths, fairy tales and fantasy. I was a fan of horror movies. Not surprisingly, these influences—vampires, mummies, ghosts, monsters—followed me into adulthood. They began turning up in my fiction.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_YeP4S-bLrUpj1WmxLZ6bXdPJdf4SljZDv4qieuUffg0qivQcBTDV5TnQGYscgMqvCwYBFZ83rqhqV4zFUdczDykSADHqkmvVYDRLURbNh6HXha1L7OBLUEQWLV046Dckh8pXg/s1600/dreamkeepers.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_YeP4S-bLrUpj1WmxLZ6bXdPJdf4SljZDv4qieuUffg0qivQcBTDV5TnQGYscgMqvCwYBFZ83rqhqV4zFUdczDykSADHqkmvVYDRLURbNh6HXha1L7OBLUEQWLV046Dckh8pXg/s200/dreamkeepers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592214626613459954" border="0" /></a>When writing fantasy for young readers, I find myself revisiting those old frights. Evoking the altered insects in sci-fi films like <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047573/">“Them!”</a> (1954)(ants mutating into man-eating monsters), I created the Usk Beetles in <a href="http://www.owlkeeper.com/_i_the_dreamkeepers__i__76613.htm">The Dreamkeepers</a> (Macmillan, 1992) and giant scorpions in The Scorpions of Zahir (Delacorte, 2012).<br /><br />If I think about readers of my books, I imagine Megan, eleven years, sitting under a tree reading her favorite novel, <a href="http://www.dillonscott.com/the-secrets-of-the-immortal-nicholas-flamel/books/the-magician/">The Magician</a> by <a href="http://www.dillonscott.com/">Michael Scott</a> (Random House, 2008).<br /><br />Megan has a child’s sense of wonder and a teen’s rebellious yearnings—and she adores old-fashioned adventures with heroines who save the world. At eleven, she’s at that magical in-between age of the ‘tween, a marketing concept that wasn’t around a generation ago. Maybe what draws her to fantasy is a wish to be brave: by confronting imaginary monsters she slays her own demons.<br /><br />But Megan, dreamily turning the pages, isn’t concerned about conquering her fears. Her head is filled with incantations, leygates and immortal elixirs. She’s on Chapter Three, lost inside her own adventure, waiting for the magic to take her down a road she’s never traveled, to strange and wondrous lands.<br /><br />And she doesn’t mind getting a little scared along the way.<br /><br />I grew up in a house where the stairs creaked at night and I knew someone—or something—was making its way up. I still shudder at the memory. If you write what scares you, it may just happen—what my husband calls a ‘goosebump’ moment, what some British fuddy-duddies call ‘getting the collywobbles’: that delicious instant when the hairs prickle on your neck, your stomach goes hollow and you feel a catch in your throat.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIH7jvl10sNYgdzx1NKG1oSx3uw6uk-cehxPW8OUiD6REsNk7-NRO6P2-lvQt68L70ecYHZMeKc1ZM2aErunpA2P2oGMPtdA55CXTPbtI_0vKlU5J0AXuC6BVzDQ7BdQpvZK_1w/s1600/wrinkle_in_time.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIH7jvl10sNYgdzx1NKG1oSx3uw6uk-cehxPW8OUiD6REsNk7-NRO6P2-lvQt68L70ecYHZMeKc1ZM2aErunpA2P2oGMPtdA55CXTPbtI_0vKlU5J0AXuC6BVzDQ7BdQpvZK_1w/s200/wrinkle_in_time.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592216289138576450" border="0" /></a>Images from books haunted me as a child, long after I closed the covers: Kay’s heart turning to a lump of ice in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Christian_Andersen">Hans Christian Andersen</a>’s The Snow Queen, Bluebeard’s wife unlocking the forbidden door, Meg Murry’s confrontation with IT in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Wrinkle_in_Time">A Wrinkle in Time</a> by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madeleine_L%27Engle">Madeleine L’Engle</a> (FSG, 1962). “The wolves are running,” says the old man to Kay Harker on the train in <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781590172513">The Box of Delights</a> by <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/browse/authors/m#a582">John Masefield</a> (Heinemann, 1935). I still go shivery, recalling that phrase.<br /><br />‘Goosebump’ moments in my book <a href="http://www.owlkeeper.com/">The Owl Keeper</a> (Delacorte, 2010) occur when Max sees the misshapens (genetic experiments gone wrong) approaching the house where he and Rose are hiding, and also when a plague wolf surprises the two children inside a tower, just when they thought they were safe.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIMiRBP_TMlZYgj2Bkfjh4FVpj4pE9vhmbMt1kdTGsfPsKEOzT5KuAc3jb6l2y5BzKWEae2OYsVPUZVuwHxdzyovjxpPNzhBVpRWI8bd66b3I_akgpV3Zu0zEx48cENEYWNmE-w/s1600/gregor_the_overlander.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIMiRBP_TMlZYgj2Bkfjh4FVpj4pE9vhmbMt1kdTGsfPsKEOzT5KuAc3jb6l2y5BzKWEae2OYsVPUZVuwHxdzyovjxpPNzhBVpRWI8bd66b3I_akgpV3Zu0zEx48cENEYWNmE-w/s200/gregor_the_overlander.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592217735702913490" border="0" /></a>Fantasy storylines are sometimes dark—but not too dark for younger ‘tweens. Many authors use humor to take the edge off the scary parts, as in <a href="http://www.eoincolfer.com/">Eoin Colfer</a>’s <a href="http://www.artemisfowl.com/">Artemis Fowl</a> (Viking, 2001) books, <a href="http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/">Suzanne Collins</a>’ <a href="http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/gregor_the_overlander__book_one_in_the_underland_chronicles_48384.htm">Gregor the Overlander</a> (Scholastic, 2004) series, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Witches_%28book%29">The Witches</a> by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roald_Dahl">Roald Dahl</a> (Cape, 1983)(amusing book, but those witches are fearsome).<br /><br />There’s a fine line between ‘goosebump’ and horrific.<br /><br />My editor <a href="http://faeriality.blogspot.com/2009/02/marvelous-marketer-krista-marino-sr.html">Krista Marino</a> discouraged me from having the scientists in <a href="http://www.owlkeeper.com/">The Owl Keeper</a> extract the eyes of mutant skræks, saying it was too frightening for young readers. I later remembered my ten-year-old son’s nightmares after reading <a href="http://www.bellairsia.com/">John Bellairs</a>’ <a href="http://www.bellairsia.com/the_work/eyeskr/index.html">Eyes of the Killer Robot</a> (1986), where a scientist tries to take out Johnny Dixon’s eyes. Shudder!<br /><br />When describing hopeless situations, things can be bleak but not totally without hope.<br /><br />Certainly there can be loss, tragedy, even death, but for ’tweens fantasy books tend to have upbeat endings. And hope, according to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lloyd_Alexander">Lloyd Alexander</a>, author of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Chronicles_of_Prydain">The Chronicles of Prydain</a> (Henry Holt, 1964-1968), “is an essential thread in the fabric of all fantasies.”<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tFAX4sQECb4Oz21WipqYM6_qg6wzJuhsdRsDHm_PFxvRM7br1eT5Ys6CckzzDIc8H_IZKJPM7zyHM8jrxbA9sNfzQuMEP42_7sZJdhNiAFTZiHnIqfFyE6Ue8nWNoNfDFOo2ig/s1600/chronicles_of_prydain.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 118px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tFAX4sQECb4Oz21WipqYM6_qg6wzJuhsdRsDHm_PFxvRM7br1eT5Ys6CckzzDIc8H_IZKJPM7zyHM8jrxbA9sNfzQuMEP42_7sZJdhNiAFTZiHnIqfFyE6Ue8nWNoNfDFOo2ig/s400/chronicles_of_prydain.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592219407455355202" border="0" /></a>‘Tween reader Megan turns the page, shivering as her heroine flees the Dark Elders. The magic is working, the world needs saving. I watch (from behind my computer screen) as she disappears into Chapter Four.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Cynsational Notes</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXSO3DDdZD8oAPArN23bWf8r2e-UH5lcr_MI2WlqCvHFrzGIu40eFKk1TY8g9XTtCazzhMM1rBbGDJKWC3XjsQahmesPI4ih3rs-OzWgtA34Q9vaTlUPkoOEwwlQfjtc8lrkwyQ/s1600/C_Brodien-Jones.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXSO3DDdZD8oAPArN23bWf8r2e-UH5lcr_MI2WlqCvHFrzGIu40eFKk1TY8g9XTtCazzhMM1rBbGDJKWC3XjsQahmesPI4ih3rs-OzWgtA34Q9vaTlUPkoOEwwlQfjtc8lrkwyQ/s320/C_Brodien-Jones.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586961234622783538" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.owlkeeper.com/bio.htm">Christine Brodien-Jones</a>, a graduate of <a href="http://www.emerson.edu/">Emerson College</a>, Boston, is a former teacher and editor, and lives on the Massachusetts coast with her husband Peter.<br /><br />Her post-apocalyptic children's fantasy, <a href="http://www.owlkeeper.com/">The Owl Keeper</a> (Delacorte, 2010) comes out in paperback (Random House Yearling) in April 2011 and has been licensed to Scholastic Book Club for Fall 2011.<br /><br />The Scorpions of Zahir (Delacorte), an adventure/fantasy set in Morocco, will be published in Summer 2012.<br /><br />She is represented by <a href="http://www.jdlit.com/whoweare.html">Stephen Fraser</a> of The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Cynsational Giveaway</span><br /><br />Enter to win a signed copy of <a href="http://www.owlkeeper.com/">The Owl Keeper</a> by <a href="http://www.owlkeeper.com/">Christine Brodien-Jones</a> (Delacorte, 2010). First prize: a hardcover copy. Second and third prize: paperback copies. To enter the giveaway, comment here or <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/site_info/contact.html">email me</a> (scroll and click envelope) and type "Owl Keeper" in the subject line. Note: if you comment, be sure to include an email address (or link to one) where you can be reached. Deadline: midnight CST May 27. Note: Author sponsored; U.S./Canada entries only.<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CklUFAM9u7c" allowfullscreen="" width="320" frameborder="0" height="265"></iframe>Cynthia Leitich Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650058326282279022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8086618.post-57814986130032394182011-04-27T10:01:00.001-05:002011-04-27T10:01:19.225-05:00Cynthia Leitich Smith Signs Three-Book Deal with Candlewick PressFrom today's issue of <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfbmRHipKIEIocINuaWuJ7fnf1ZWXYGPItIFzfhLOiTpYVrp_RFqwtx8huVBSeGVKj06FCbBF2lFtoQ-gauKGQxiFulwys3TKPQe0Sw0T4Rag-_15veWfKHo1QBZkRUHBB5w94g/s1600/curtis_brown.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 149px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfbmRHipKIEIocINuaWuJ7fnf1ZWXYGPItIFzfhLOiTpYVrp_RFqwtx8huVBSeGVKj06FCbBF2lFtoQ-gauKGQxiFulwys3TKPQe0Sw0T4Rag-_15veWfKHo1QBZkRUHBB5w94g/s200/curtis_brown.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599919256276620018" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/">Publishers Marketplace</a>:<br /><br />"New York Times bestselling author of <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/tantalize/tantalize.html">Tantalize</a>, <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/eternal/eternal.html">Eternal</a>, <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blessed</a> <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/">Cynthia Leitich Smith</a>'s YA novel Smolder, to <a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2006/10/author-editor-interview-deborah-noyes.html">Deborah Wayshak</a> at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/CandlewickPressBooks">Candlewick Press</a>, in a three-book deal, for publication in 2013, by <a href="http://www.curtisbrown.com/gknowlton.php">Ginger Knowlton</a> at <a href="http://www.curtisbrown.com/">Curtis Brown Ltd.</a> (world English)."Cynthia Leitich Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650058326282279022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8086618.post-7460927665258794452011-04-21T09:36:00.000-05:002011-04-21T09:38:19.509-05:00Spooky News & Giveaways<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ik_DU-hXrXhIfGdMEQG-9T7CqAJoOC26ou72DXFSfyAeFDm_cPiyO7zjpC5sus-Of6x01hcOlPogtnyECDbTdki_RAUUrc26xssBZ3DP2ZuQlr6mWzgAJoa50r5YTfUg97F89Q/s1600/tantalize_kierens_story.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ik_DU-hXrXhIfGdMEQG-9T7CqAJoOC26ou72DXFSfyAeFDm_cPiyO7zjpC5sus-Of6x01hcOlPogtnyECDbTdki_RAUUrc26xssBZ3DP2ZuQlr6mWzgAJoa50r5YTfUg97F89Q/s200/tantalize_kierens_story.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598033922165284738" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-eG3qCxk0hr9szaDQYoedVX8KWnxWb7Sy3gVZHAyVeGSQH6Oy7WDX33gMVCrdb39-x1Afj1aVbxF3Z5QWsO_IqzNzzDhhr_SMq7BrbLSDiuhAfNgvxvA_7KwgWs56KqN_71ORw/s1600/BLESSED_hardcover_CP.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-eG3qCxk0hr9szaDQYoedVX8KWnxWb7Sy3gVZHAyVeGSQH6Oy7WDX33gMVCrdb39-x1Afj1aVbxF3Z5QWsO_IqzNzzDhhr_SMq7BrbLSDiuhAfNgvxvA_7KwgWs56KqN_71ORw/s200/BLESSED_hardcover_CP.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598031168623688770" border="0" /></a><a href="http://jenbigheart.blogspot.com/2011/04/hoppy-easter-eggstravaganza-blog-hop.html">Enter to win Blessed (Candlewick, 2011), an ARC of Tantalize: Kieren's Story, and more</a> from Jen Bigheart at I Read Banned Books. U.S. only; ages 13-up. Deadline: midnight CST, April 25.<br /><br />Check out the <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/guide_to_blessed.html">Blessed Readers' Guide</a>.<br /><br />Check out the previous books in the series, <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/tantalize/tantalize.html">Tantalize</a> and <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/eternal/eternal.html">Eternal</a>.<br /><br />Shop the <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/sanguinis">Sanguini's Store</a> at Cafe Press; images designed by <a href="http://www.genebrenek.com/">Gene Brenek</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">More News & Giveaways</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYzYtIWlB5ipK-7rqjC9ZVkNF_2v59knkIYhh7kCRowu-8RBlPc5WJVAHqvEU01w_iWipBfCEEeR2gV_Dk9qqLVRL_2syEUVrFxrPAk-qax5eExc8DL8UUWSIYy8QOmachZ0djQ/s1600/theodosia_and_the_last_pharaoh.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 140px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYzYtIWlB5ipK-7rqjC9ZVkNF_2v59knkIYhh7kCRowu-8RBlPc5WJVAHqvEU01w_iWipBfCEEeR2gV_Dk9qqLVRL_2syEUVrFxrPAk-qax5eExc8DL8UUWSIYy8QOmachZ0djQ/s200/theodosia_and_the_last_pharaoh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597683854226104834" border="0" /></a><a href="http://enchantedinkpot.livejournal.com/88684.html">Interview with R.L. La Fevers</a> by <a href="http://jen-wrote-this.livejournal.com/">Jen Wrote This</a> from The Enchanted Inkpot. Peek: "I approach the merging of history and fiction with the idea that my first job is to tell a great story; the history must serve the story, not the other way around."<br /><br /><a href="http://shrinkingvioletpromotions.blogspot.com/2011/04/debut-novel-expectations.html">Debut Novel Expectations</a> by <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/14646274781361864901">R.L. LaFevers</a> from Shrinking Violet Promotions. Peek: "Middle grade novels in particular, rarely come out of the gate with the same big splash potential that YA novels can engender."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog/New+Agent+Alert+Judith+Engracia+Of+Liza+Dawson+Associates.aspx">New Agent Alert: Judith Engracia of Liza Dawson Associates</a> from Chuck Sambuchino at Guide to Literary Agents. Seeking: "literary fiction, urban fantasy, paranormal romance, thrillers, mysteries, YA, and middle grade."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.childrenswritersworkshop.com/">The Whole Novel Retreat</a>, presented by the 9th Pacific Coast Children's Writers Workshop, will take place Oct. 7 to Oct. 9 in Santa Cruz, California. <a href="http://www.childrenswritersworkshop.com/pages/profiles/faculty/interviewsdirectory.html">Faculty</a> include agent <a href="http://www.pippinproperties.com/about/">Joan Slattery</a> of <a href="http://www.pippinproperties.com/">Pippin Properties</a> and <a href="http://cwdesigner.blogspot.com/2009/04/susan-van-metre-was-sitting-in-stacks.html">Susan Van Metre</a>, senior VP and publisher at Abrams/Amulet and an MFA instructor in Writing for Children at The New School in New York. <a href="http://www.childrenswritersworkshop.com/pages/enroll/toapply.html">Application</a> deadline: May 15 (later applications will be accepted until June 25 or until the workshop is filled).<br /><br /><a href="http://cindachima.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-authors-get-paid.html">How Authors Get Paid</a> from Cinda Williams Chima. Peek: "The fun begins when I discuss royalties. Royalties are monies authors get for each book sold. I say to the students, 'Let’s say you buy a hardcover book for $18. How much of that do you think the author gets?'"<br /><br />Congratulations to Tim Crow, winner of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_Lowery_Nixon">Joan Lowery Nixon</a> Award at this spring's <a href="http://www.scbwi-houston.org/calendar/2011-conference-the-art-of-book-craft/">Houston SCBWI conference</a>. Manuscripts are nominated by conference faculty and then a winner is chosen to work on his writing for a year with author <a href="http://www.kathiappelt.com/">Kathi Appelt</a>, in memory of Joan's tradition of mentoring.<span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Spooky Screening Room</span><br /><br />Check out the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mI1WcebLkk">video</a> for <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780385738576">Rotters</a> by <a href="http://www.danielkraus.com/">Daniel Kraus</a> (Delacorte, 2011). See <a href="http://www.randomhouse.biz/booksellers/childrens/files/2011/03/Rotters_Sampler_WEB2.pdf">excerpt</a>.<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1mI1WcebLkk" allowfullscreen="" width="320" frameborder="0" height="265"></iframe><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">More Personally</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyIX-TIW_A503ZuWJQaw-LK3zy3QOoP499XiIF6eHs6PSQTuVFfqogbBkrrytJoneNgd1wX0wpgGlcWmxBfnbCSVODxrug-QNYRv3Ax70O0FLgwQVo6E2zee7ZlaqyQndnSVpcA/s1600/Image+06.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyIX-TIW_A503ZuWJQaw-LK3zy3QOoP499XiIF6eHs6PSQTuVFfqogbBkrrytJoneNgd1wX0wpgGlcWmxBfnbCSVODxrug-QNYRv3Ax70O0FLgwQVo6E2zee7ZlaqyQndnSVpcA/s320/Image+06.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596993087964360338" border="0" /></a>After numerous events, I'm spending the next month deep in the revision cave, working on book 4 in the <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/tantalize/tantalize.html">Tantalize</a> series. Please hold off on any non-critical correspondence until I flash the green light. (By "critical," I mean you're drowning, bleeding or on fire.)<br /><br />I've already posted my <a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/04/texas-library-association-writers.html">photo report</a> from the <a href="http://www.txla.org/annual-conference">Texas Library Association</a> annual conference and the YA A to Z conference, sponsored by the <a href="http://www.writersleague.org/">Writers' League of Texas</a>. But here's a couple more fun pics from the festivities!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nEBkY4B_URKwDOD33YjRKUcf9Lso27CjDxDm98y8UPLBpD6Hv_qn0ydRIxu3ITkYioRFwG1te8Je-QAoZq364DFB26r2lw2tYQ0V6joJ4jDla719Yp7KWRTPI60izJs8ifwckw/s1600/Image+43.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nEBkY4B_URKwDOD33YjRKUcf9Lso27CjDxDm98y8UPLBpD6Hv_qn0ydRIxu3ITkYioRFwG1te8Je-QAoZq364DFB26r2lw2tYQ0V6joJ4jDla719Yp7KWRTPI60izJs8ifwckw/s400/Image+43.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596711501084772562" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.joypreble.com/">Joy Preble</a> at <a href="http://www.moonshinegrill.com/">Moonshine Restaurant Patio Bar & Grill</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX45OWR3vfsBRYGIVG6YnC8KUxRa7f_qVb-tNtVwYc_o_5fR_3QJYIr8qJtannDPPuVrUL4lasp3LZfL0Ud85pO-M5q2Z2JNIZE2WyS-z2EMhjrBOwzXPRbHXfpcOj9yWRwBXDhA/s1600/Image+56.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX45OWR3vfsBRYGIVG6YnC8KUxRa7f_qVb-tNtVwYc_o_5fR_3QJYIr8qJtannDPPuVrUL4lasp3LZfL0Ud85pO-M5q2Z2JNIZE2WyS-z2EMhjrBOwzXPRbHXfpcOj9yWRwBXDhA/s400/Image+56.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596711671983642194" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.margorabb.com/">Margo Rabb</a>, <a href="http://www.varianjohnson.com/">Varian Johnson</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/mandyrtaylor">Mandy Robbins Taylor</a> at the <a href="http://www.austin.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp">Hyatt Regency</a>.<br /><br />Thanks again to everyone involved with both conferences! See also <a href="http://greglsblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/tla-and-wlt.html">Greg's report</a>!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXXxoiEdmhmwyu5X43riWo_kChkSp8_tUBr2vRX-gUPA3GKTVHs_p9u16OLWN4g8cU7hxmGmrpXp9OnHdNfzkt4Ls0c1poi3HRxkSp5-EM8w6ieH-WSuF2c8rIpLC6pwlVp6cOg/s1600/easter_lilies.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXXxoiEdmhmwyu5X43riWo_kChkSp8_tUBr2vRX-gUPA3GKTVHs_p9u16OLWN4g8cU7hxmGmrpXp9OnHdNfzkt4Ls0c1poi3HRxkSp5-EM8w6ieH-WSuF2c8rIpLC6pwlVp6cOg/s320/easter_lilies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597782913886484194" border="0" /></a>Happy Easter and a belated happy Passover to those who celebrate, and many blessings to everyone!Cynthia Leitich Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650058326282279022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8086618.post-15695678894210005632011-04-15T08:49:00.004-05:002011-04-15T08:54:29.762-05:00Spooky News<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjHRyDYVVImm5fND0VY4jPEetmQL1t_V-xOnCgnx59kpbSLEI4eCeUtfX4513OrkQY8n3C-BXn4QeQgR2ZzLAfSMWBgCdMWxGzCSg6UA9UIKhH_q0QJr9ey_1-dzEJ4rxRXALIg/s1600/red_glove.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjHRyDYVVImm5fND0VY4jPEetmQL1t_V-xOnCgnx59kpbSLEI4eCeUtfX4513OrkQY8n3C-BXn4QeQgR2ZzLAfSMWBgCdMWxGzCSg6UA9UIKhH_q0QJr9ey_1-dzEJ4rxRXALIg/s320/red_glove.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595807824769228898" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.diversityinya.com/2011/04/interview-with-holly-black/">Interview with Holly Black</a> by <a href="http://www.diversityinya.com/author/malindalodiya/">Malinda Lo</a> from Diversity in YA Fiction. Peek: "...I think the tricky thing about fantasy is that issues in the magical world should ideally both remind us of issues in our world, but not parallel one thing so closely that it appears to be merely that thing in disguise."<br /><br /><a href="http://shrinkingvioletpromotions.blogspot.com/2011/04/twelve-tips-for-twitterphobes.html">Twelve Tips for Twitterphobes</a> by <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/14646274781361864901">R.L. LaFevers</a> from Shrinking Violet Promotions. Peek: "Today’s post is for those of you out there who haven’t yet tried Twitter or who have given up on it or who are just plain flummoxed by it."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.skypeauthors.com/">Skype Authors</a>: Partnering with schools and book clubs through virtual visits to support education worldwide. Suzanne Williams writes: "The authors on the site have pledged to contribute 25% of their fees for any Skype visits booked through the site to a charity that supports education in the developing world. For 2011-2012, that charity is <a href="http://us.camfed.org/site/PageServer?pagename=home_index">Camfed</a>, and they will be raising money to provide school supplies to elementary students in Malawi. I'm still adding authors to the site and hope to have a group of 20 - 25 participating authors within the next month or two."<br /><br /><a href="http://io9.com/#%215790987">What If Your Characters Don't <span style="font-style: italic;">Want</span> Anything?</a> by <a href="http://io9.com/people/charliejane/">Charlie Jane Anders</a> from io9. Peek: "If the plot happens in spite of your characters' desires, that makes those desires <span style="font-style: italic;">more </span>important." Source: Gwenda Bond at <a href="http://gwendabond.typepad.com/bondgirl/2011/04/monday-hangovers.html">Shaken & Stirred</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thebookseller.com/news/agents-mull-change-aaa-code-practice.html">Agents mull change to AAA code of practice</a> by Charlotte Williams and Benedicte Page from TheBookseller.com. Peek: "Literary agents are privately discussing removing a clause preventing them from acting as publishers in the UK Association of Authors' Agents constitution." Source: <a href="http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/">Rachelle Gardner, Literary Agent</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46SgER32pGMrK4oAiOTt-LNrwRwXMDWyG5TgVqDk3vIqubG0ZlmARMKxiRfklzkDb5HRXIadoBVvIb3UNVTaYgFPMjboi2WCdhWO4yeUjWSw6i5M1xv7NEWZHcNOrOq9DA72K2Q/s1600/grief_girl.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46SgER32pGMrK4oAiOTt-LNrwRwXMDWyG5TgVqDk3vIqubG0ZlmARMKxiRfklzkDb5HRXIadoBVvIb3UNVTaYgFPMjboi2WCdhWO4yeUjWSw6i5M1xv7NEWZHcNOrOq9DA72K2Q/s200/grief_girl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594724666305675922" border="0" /></a><a href="http://acrowesnest.blogspot.com/2011/04/erin-as-nike-says-just-do-it.html">As Nike Says: "Just Do It"</a> by <a href="http://www.griefgirl.com/">Erin Vincent</a> from Crowe's Nest. Peek: "...I understand that you are busy with a million other obligations. But if you want to write – if you want to be published – you have to start. Right now. Don’t put it off any longer, because trust me, it will <i>never</i> be the right time."<br /><br />Congratulations to <a href="http://thewholemegillah.wordpress.com/2010/07/16/agents-notebook-rubin-pfeffer-eastwest-literary-agency/">Rubin Pfeffer</a> of East West Literary for signing Kari Baumbach, and congratulations to Kari for signing with Rubin! Note: link to Rubin includes a substantial video excerpt of his presentation at a <a href="http://www.highlightsfoundation.org/foundationIndex.html">Highlights Foundation</a> workshop; he offers insights on technology-driven changes in publishing as a business.<br /><br /><a href="http://kidlit.com/2011/04/13/you-need-a-complete-manuscript/">You Need a Complete Manuscript</a> by <a href="http://kidlit.com/about/">Mary Kole</a> from Kidlit.com. Peek: "The only exception to this rule is if you’re writing older non-fiction, like something for the middle grade or teen age rage or a reference book/textbook. And picture books from author/illustrators..."<br /><br /><a href="http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2011/04/elusive-advanced-reader-copy-arc.html">The Elusive Advanced Reader Copy</a> by Mary Lindsey from QueryTracker. Peek: "If authors say no to requests, it's not because they don't want you to have an ARC, it's because they are expensive and hard to come by, and in today's market, the buzz from that ARC might be the only publicity that author gets."<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyi_VTbX-kZW8HnNmDJrqSZbvwo6wdXh-Gni9IS4oIobdaD1x1gxH4RS2_It5d6jysnnigyXN1iZbT3HytOg5hs2341TiLgaxlpbAUykp87dh9EfXW17B_DULoBNjw5jH4aITQ5w/s1600/hunger_games.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyi_VTbX-kZW8HnNmDJrqSZbvwo6wdXh-Gni9IS4oIobdaD1x1gxH4RS2_It5d6jysnnigyXN1iZbT3HytOg5hs2341TiLgaxlpbAUykp87dh9EfXW17B_DULoBNjw5jH4aITQ5w/s200/hunger_games.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595808062578685602" border="0" /></a><a href="http://bookendslitagency.blogspot.com/2011/04/social-networking-and-your-picture.html">Social Networking and Your Picture</a> by Jessica from BookEnds, LLC. Peek: "One of the things I’ve been thinking about lately is the use of your book’s cover as your profile picture." Note: your mileage may vary.<br /><br /><a href="http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/04/07/hunger-games-suzanne-collins-gary-ross-exclusive/">Team 'Hunger Games' talks: Author Suzanne Collins and director Gary Ross on their allegiance to each other, and their actors</a> by Karen Valby from Entertainment Weekly.<br /><br /><a href="http://institutechildrenslit.net/Writers-First-Aid-blog/2011/04/15/making-it-through-the-middle/">Making It Through the Middle</a> by Kristi Holl from Writer's First Aid. Peek: "...if you don’t get through middles, you’ll never get to the end–and be published."<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">More Personally</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-U9TK22ghAswiEQmsb616SRLB8h_GWtBqzXqgQdbpxeGmMLLu21PeX3YV0K3oOXegjKdDqQ55mgiY2nUECKYTsMHxuSA7ETmyCiz0qEZ-8m_LE49aQAQbgOHGWCOcVrXD-yFvg/s1600/blessed_CP_hardcover.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-U9TK22ghAswiEQmsb616SRLB8h_GWtBqzXqgQdbpxeGmMLLu21PeX3YV0K3oOXegjKdDqQ55mgiY2nUECKYTsMHxuSA7ETmyCiz0qEZ-8m_LE49aQAQbgOHGWCOcVrXD-yFvg/s200/blessed_CP_hardcover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594737528133535234" border="0" /></a><a href="http://yabookscentral.blogspot.com/2011/04/jill-and-i-recently-got-chance-to.html">Interview with Cynthia Leitich Smith</a> by M.G. Buehrlen from Young Adult Books Central. Peek: "Book four is still untitled, but it will feature characters from all of the previous books. Expect more adventure, humor, chilling suspense, and moments that may well inspire Quinice/Kieren and Zachary/Miranda shippers to swoon."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bookmoot.com/2011/04/lost-souls.html">Lost Souls?</a> from Book Moot ("Smith does not focus on any individual religion or faith here but the story reflects a belief that we all possess a spirit that can be imperiled. For teen readers, that is not a bad thing to ponder.").<br /><br />I'm on a revision deadline and spending the week at the annual <a href="http://www.txla.org/annual-conference">Texas Library Association Annual Conference</a> and the <a href="http://writersleague.org/events/YA-Reg-11.htm">YA A to Z Conference</a>, sponsored by the <a href="http://writersleague.org/">Writers' League of Texas</a> (more on all that to come), but first here's a quick look at my comings and goings around town.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOw0DsXVOPzInyB9zrUBsEljPz3wNjwc6RvZuj9StYflBL8Z4Si1vFyCN48dxGi7xqQOrfLavIck_yKiD-FwbDGYo3DTIFaLZ5SxFo5-ghDnLBlULCelFBM1xHSP86CwjBZ0Vzw/s1600/Image+03.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOw0DsXVOPzInyB9zrUBsEljPz3wNjwc6RvZuj9StYflBL8Z4Si1vFyCN48dxGi7xqQOrfLavIck_yKiD-FwbDGYo3DTIFaLZ5SxFo5-ghDnLBlULCelFBM1xHSP86CwjBZ0Vzw/s320/Image+03.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594769417803659330" border="0" /></a>Highlights of late include lunch at the Shoal Creek Saloon with Austin author-illustrator <a href="http://www.salimaalikhan.net/">Salima Alikhan</a>. Read a Cynsations <a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2010/03/author-illustrator-interview-salima.html">interview with Salima</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgim2K4HbSBGeiJy_-EGNEDdRmCMRCxUfktffWhsGdduvSKSGgvdglZFI4X_3JPMSgNFC_yGGQInvB7QBZxuB4Fr7Yv-96EM_QHd4z-9cv7bzHzpLM2QjX19B4Kw_DmgtjDleUzgw/s1600/Image+07.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgim2K4HbSBGeiJy_-EGNEDdRmCMRCxUfktffWhsGdduvSKSGgvdglZFI4X_3JPMSgNFC_yGGQInvB7QBZxuB4Fr7Yv-96EM_QHd4z-9cv7bzHzpLM2QjX19B4Kw_DmgtjDleUzgw/s320/Image+07.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594770155683812354" border="0" /></a>Last weekend, I had coffee with <a href="http://www.vermontcollege.edu/low-residency-mfa/writing-children-young-adults">Vermont College of Fine Arts</a> MFA student Melanie Crowder at <a href="http://www.bookpeople.com/">BookPeople</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWRxqUahiH9F1roPgVltykUdjPx3SoO8ccKgu5ZebdUfzPIbPF5r-pZdZHgkdv5n3cyDUf3mq8LfI5-jBevB2bXlXgbu4RZjLShjbkVEMzKbl5nveq8WsuonL6-nEjBIPc3uUpQ/s1600/Image+09.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWRxqUahiH9F1roPgVltykUdjPx3SoO8ccKgu5ZebdUfzPIbPF5r-pZdZHgkdv5n3cyDUf3mq8LfI5-jBevB2bXlXgbu4RZjLShjbkVEMzKbl5nveq8WsuonL6-nEjBIPc3uUpQ/s320/Image+09.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594770712238214226" border="0" /></a>Afterward, we continued upstairs to the children's section for <a href="http://www.jowhittemore.com/">Jo Whittemore</a>'s launch party for <a href="http://www.jowhittemore.com/about_the_books.htm">Odd Girl In</a> (Aladdin, 2011).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdVc5YrK-NWBtXFaXlU0ApJ9G8KHUtiPOwIibiEiKIj4IaAym0nk9KoVJnqbjMPZdxygupw3TXcH2lofGSiqGQ_a2axR1RCNNnCpUknuDGRGG-5hnx3EiTY-_5YysyIqAe0n5FQ/s1600/Image+11.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdVc5YrK-NWBtXFaXlU0ApJ9G8KHUtiPOwIibiEiKIj4IaAym0nk9KoVJnqbjMPZdxygupw3TXcH2lofGSiqGQ_a2axR1RCNNnCpUknuDGRGG-5hnx3EiTY-_5YysyIqAe0n5FQ/s320/Image+11.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594771336199232338" border="0" /></a>Jo give a warm, upbeat, funny PowerPoint presentation and then signed books for her many eager fans.<br /><br />More Personal Links of the Week:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://greglsblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/writers-and-dinosaurs-pj-hoover.html">Writers and Dinosaurs: P.J. Hoover</a> from Greg Leitich Smith; </li><li>and <a href="http://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/2011/04/do-you-read-cynsations.html">Do You Read Cynsations?</a> by Debbie Reese from American Indians in Children's Literature.</li></ul>Cynthia Leitich Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650058326282279022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8086618.post-39666211599318440532011-04-08T08:05:00.004-05:002011-04-08T08:10:35.366-05:00Spooky News<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKq7hpVBFJyjebKtOcLr1ALhUz-vifZlesKcDzhDg8VsMhAzlr64UpAHYyi42ukJaxNhYImKbgiByhLself50MhIlUz2Jy2m20ZkoiKuFXSIAuoL6Z4MyMdlyT0lxrUJ-92vATrQ/s1600/sisters_red.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKq7hpVBFJyjebKtOcLr1ALhUz-vifZlesKcDzhDg8VsMhAzlr64UpAHYyi42ukJaxNhYImKbgiByhLself50MhIlUz2Jy2m20ZkoiKuFXSIAuoL6Z4MyMdlyT0lxrUJ-92vATrQ/s320/sisters_red.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593198655343732514" border="0" /></a><a href="http://thespectacleblog.wordpress.com/2011/04/04/folktales-and-fairytales%E2%80%94for-teens/">Folktales and Fairy Tales--for Teens</a> by Chris Eboch from The Spectacle. Peek: "To update a traditional folk or fairytale, she (Natalie M. Rosinsky) suggests setting the story in a new location. You might also change the point of view, for example telling a princess story from the prince’s viewpoint. Humor is another bonus."<br /><br /><a href="http://writerunboxed.com/2011/03/30/7-rs-of-positivity-for-the-unpublished-novelist/">7 Rs of Positivity for the Unpublished Novelist</a> by <a href="http://lydiasharp.blogspot.com/">Lydia Sharp</a> from Writer Unboxed. Peek: "Writing fiction is emotionally taxing work. When you’re feeling especially low, remove yourself from <em>everything</em>." Source: <a href="http://jongibbs.livejournal.com/">An Englishman in New Jersey</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.vermontcollege.edu/">Vermont College of Fine Arts</a> invites published authors with teaching experience to apply for part-time visiting faculty positions in its highly-acclaimed <a href="http://www.vermontcollege.edu/low-residency-mfa/writing-children-young-adults">MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults program</a>. The College seeks a number of prospective faculty members who can be hired in the coming years to meet expected growth. Faculty positions require presence, readings, lectures, and leading workshops on campus for 11-day residencies every six months. Faculty oversee independent study work for the six months between residencies, thus allowing educational work to be interwoven with the activities of home, community, and personal artistic practice. Applications will be reviewed on criteria including publications, teaching experience, literary nominations and awards, and education. An advanced degree is preferred but not required.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog/5+Tips+For+A+Successful+Reading.aspx">5 Tips for a Successful Reading</a> by Marianna Swallow from Chuck Sambuchino at Guide to Literary Agents. Peek: "When presenting, reading from plain paper is easier than reading from a book. And when you do, speak from your gut." Note: with books for young readers (versus adults), I'd say a two-to-three minute reading is long enough--maybe five, if you're theater trained. You can go longer, presenting with illustrations, but it's okay to edit down even a picture book text for length.<br /><br />Check out the <a href="http://www.teensreadtoo.com/Contests.html">new giveaways</a> at TeensReadToo!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTwkXg3mJ-VfxH4xqpApQe6DeE3ewOC5Cznzl0dn9XDzZt8B4tufjzsepoKPV0NXfqXJj_G7vgTSS1D4E9SvqpEKWicKLkb0I0MgToKKTfzyv4RLzYxDEMMkjLYOH8ZKSNJkoww/s1600/Hare+Moon.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTwkXg3mJ-VfxH4xqpApQe6DeE3ewOC5Cznzl0dn9XDzZt8B4tufjzsepoKPV0NXfqXJj_G7vgTSS1D4E9SvqpEKWicKLkb0I0MgToKKTfzyv4RLzYxDEMMkjLYOH8ZKSNJkoww/s200/Hare+Moon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592110934402808034" border="0" /></a><a href="http://writersleagueoftexas.wordpress.com/2011/04/04/q-a-with-author-carrie-ryan/">Q&A with Author Carrie Ryan</a> by Cyndi Hughes from the Writers' League of Texas. Peek: "When I first started writing with the goal of making a career out of it I gave myself ten years in which I’d write, revise and submit and then move on to the next project. After ten years, if I still wasn’t published then I could re-evaluate my plan." See also <a href="http://www.thecompulsivereader.com/2011/04/new-original-carrie-ryan-short-story.html">An Original Carrie Ryan Short Story Available as an E-book from Random House</a> via The Compulsive Reader.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog/Agent+Advice+Holly+McGhee+Of+Pippin+Properties+Inc.aspx">Agent Advice: Holly McGhee of Pippin Properties</a> by <a href="http://www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog/ct.ashx?id=37ea44db-bed9-4db0-b9d6-05c94275f453&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.rickischultz.wordpress.com%2f">Ricki Schultz</a> from Chuck Sambuchino at Guide to Literary Agents. Peek: "As a parent and as a writer, it’s our duty to prepare kids for the world. That means telling and talking the truth."<br /><br /><a href="http://emusdebuts.wordpress.com/2011/04/04/zen-and-the-art-of-manuscript-submission/">Zen and the Art of Manuscript Submissions</a> by <a href="http://emusdebuts.wordpress.com/jeannie-mobley/">Jeannie Mobley</a> from EMU's Debuts. Peek: "Submission is the part of the process that completely and utterly exposes us all to the most brutal noise and clutter in the world– the voices of self doubt and criticism that come shrieking in like Valkyries onto the bloodied battlefield of our creative minds (because what fruit salad is complete without some Old Norse Paganism?). But here is my point..." Source: <a href="http://www.lizgartonscanlon.com/">Liz Garton Scanlon</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/article/elements-of-a-successful-fiction-platform?et_mid=270113&rid=3043112">Elements of a Successful Fiction Platform</a> by Christina Katz from Writer's Digest. Peek: "What does a successful platform really look like for a fiction writer?"<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mwAaMhnXyLWlDmiFI9ZMn3lqYrkSTZM9owpGIp5t6i4w1dLWyzyPgBtEjRiLNMiwzLhyqFGFAe0LXsQUcorGUxSSY9dwKazMMTAi44BZIq2ydlpJZMDHIVjOrVoP_V2hB1VArg/s1600/dead_rules.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mwAaMhnXyLWlDmiFI9ZMn3lqYrkSTZM9owpGIp5t6i4w1dLWyzyPgBtEjRiLNMiwzLhyqFGFAe0LXsQUcorGUxSSY9dwKazMMTAi44BZIq2ydlpJZMDHIVjOrVoP_V2hB1VArg/s200/dead_rules.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592887859979608050" border="0" /></a>Attention Teachers, Librarians, Book Clubs! <a href="http://www.ghostfolk.com/author.asp">Randy Russell</a>, author of <a href="http://www.ghostfolk.com/reviews.asp">Dead Rules</a> (HarperTeen, June 2011) have teamed with independent bookstores across North America to giveaway $2,000 in free books to Support Teen Reading. You can participate <a href="http://www.ghostfolk.com/free.asp">here</a> to receive a free pinback button for early participation (while supplies last) and be eligible for new books from your nearest indie bookstore (not to mention the iPod nanos and $200 in iTunes credit).<br /><br /><a href="http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2011/04/once-upon-backstory.html">Once Upon a Backstory</a> by <span class="post-info"><a href="http://www.stinalindenblatt.com/">Stina Lindenblatt</a> from Query Tracker.</span> Peek: "...figure out what past events made them who they are today or shaped their behavior. Only then will your characters have depth, and their actions will be realistic to who they are."<br /><br /><a href="http://readergirlz.blogspot.com/2011/04/rock-drop-download-banners-and.html">Readergirlz and Figment will Rock the Drop in honor of Support Teen Lit Day</a>, next Thursday, April 14th. Find out how you can join in <a href="http://readergirlz.blogspot.com/2011/04/rock-drop-download-banners-and.html">here</a>!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Kidlit for Japan Auction</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWP0IZomnoYSwNXxmYcAa4ANWNGNQ2HS9aXLDPDwV2QKHPxwZnToh_h_wIo8WnILJxvWjBKROEoxsfZDTdBSyHKl521cpbgDdqEZfzQ5XViAMy7rVS8nRS-nDLLkvLf7NjEELvKA/s1600/kidlit_for_japan.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWP0IZomnoYSwNXxmYcAa4ANWNGNQ2HS9aXLDPDwV2QKHPxwZnToh_h_wIo8WnILJxvWjBKROEoxsfZDTdBSyHKl521cpbgDdqEZfzQ5XViAMy7rVS8nRS-nDLLkvLf7NjEELvKA/s200/kidlit_for_japan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592933964084824962" border="0" /></a><a href="http://kidlit4japan.wordpress.com/">Kidlit4Japan</a> is hosting a children’s-YA literature auction to benefit victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. A daily auction preview appears weekdays at 8 a.m. EDT. New items appear hourly from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Items include signed books, advance reader copies, artwork, critiquing services, book-related swag, author visits, the chance to name a character in an upcoming book, etc." Currently available items include:<br /><br /><ul><li><a href="http://kidlit4japan.wordpress.com/2011/04/06/kidlit4japan-auction-100-from-erin-murphy/">critique, partial middle-grade novel from literary agent Erin Murphy</a>;</li><li><a href="http://kidlit4japan.wordpress.com/2011/04/07/kidlit4japan-auction-108-from-esther-hershenhorn/">novel synopsis critique from author-teacher Esther Hershenhorn</a>;</li><li><a href="http://kidlit4japan.wordpress.com/2011/04/06/kidlit4japan-auction-101-from-holly-cupala/">signed copy of Tell Me a Secret by Holly Cupala (HarperCollins, 2010)</a>;</li><li><a href="http://kidlit4japan.wordpress.com/2011/04/06/kidlit4japan-auction-99-from-marlene-perez/">critique query letter/pitch from author Marlene Perez</a>;</li><li><a href="http://kidlit4japan.wordpress.com/2011/04/06/kidlit4japan-auction-97-from-stacy-whitman/">an ARC from the Tu Books' debut list from Stacy Whitman</a>.</li></ul><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Spooky Screening Room</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.diversityinya.com/2011/04/concubines-eunuchs-and-fury/">Concubines, Eunuchs, and Fury</a> by <a href="http://www.cindypon.com/">Cindy Pon</a> from Diversity in YA Fiction. Peek: "Much of Fury of the Phoenix (HarperTeen, 2011) takes place in the inner court of the Palace of Fragrant Dreams, where the concubines reside, inspired by the actual concubine quarters of ancient China. When I was revising the novel with my editor, she actually crossed out 'thousands' once and wrote 'hundreds?' above it."<br /><br /><object width="320" height="265"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yXpAqQcY9oY&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yXpAqQcY9oY&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="320" height="265"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">More Personally</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_51McvZw17k-MLo93UA6M6q8AeR2sm-nkavK2kmqskubYgxEsWOSBpxlnYKDTnQ6EdC-44uzH3xPFEeo_hzFg_xCCGBR6Tywg-oDwLROPZWcgMN3zEQKlKyV1aSab2re9yJ51Q/s1600/urbana_free_library.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_51McvZw17k-MLo93UA6M6q8AeR2sm-nkavK2kmqskubYgxEsWOSBpxlnYKDTnQ6EdC-44uzH3xPFEeo_hzFg_xCCGBR6Tywg-oDwLROPZWcgMN3zEQKlKyV1aSab2re9yJ51Q/s320/urbana_free_library.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592934925897285394" border="0" /></a>Thank you to <a href="http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/people/faculty/wrenn_estesb/wrenn_estesb.php">Elizabeth Wrenn-Estes</a> and her Library and Information Science class at <a href="http://www.sjsu.edu/">San Jos<em>é</em> State University</a> for your hospitality during our online visit on Tuesday night! Special thanks to <span class="PreviewPopup">Mardi Veiluva for tech training and assistance!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.salimaalikhan.net/blog/2011/04/07/so-whats-it-like-to-live-with-a-writer">So What's It Like to Live with a Writer?</a> from <a href="http://www.salimaalikhan.net/">Salima Alikhan</a>. Note: my husband (and sometimes co-author) Greg Leitich Smith and I chime in.<br /><br /><a href="http://getlostinastory.blogspot.com/2011/04/welcome-cynthia-leitich-smith.html">Interview with Cynthia Leitich Smith</a> by Maureen McGowan from Get Lost in a Story. Peek: "My series includes not only werewolves, but also werecats, wereopossums, werebears, weredeer, and werearmadillos. If you could shift to any animal form, which would you choose and why?" Discuss at the <a href="http://getlostinastory.blogspot.com/2011/04/welcome-cynthia-leitich-smith.html">link</a>.<br /><br />Thanks to Debbie Reese for this shelf shot of <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blessed</a> (Candlewick, 2011) at the Urbana (Illinois) Free Library! Debbie blogs at <a href="http://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/">American Indians in Children's Literature</a>.<br /><br />Link of the week: <a href="http://naomibates.blogspot.com/2011/03/ya-books-to-movies-list.html">YA Books to Movies List</a> compiled by Naomi Bates from YA Books and More.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Spooky Events</span><br /><br />The annual <a href="http://www.txla.org/annual-conference">Texas Library Association Annual Conference</a> will be April 12 to April 15 at the convention center in Austin. Check out the list of <a href="http://www.austinscbwi.com/2011/03/28/tla-in-austin-april-12-to-15/">Austin author signings</a>. Notes: (a) Take a Chance on Art and enter a raffle to win the illustration "Space Age" by Melanie Hope Greenberg to benefit the TLA Disaster Relief Fund; see more <a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/03/author-illustrator-interview-melanie.html">information</a>; (b) <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/">Cynthia Leitich Smith</a> will be signing <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blessed</a> and other titles at 11 a.m. April 13 in the Author Signing Area.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yy2aBLXeoWFsvt8ud9c2xU1ukFHQGlE2kAbPSg5ZGOLwTLbqzM6ppjQ3dt1Qs5kYYRn9qrg7mHHSv15Dq07z-wVePd2vR1VKc80u4JvwJzgOq9WWgLCmt0P9VSua3Imv7omN0w/s1600/YA_A_to_Z_Logo.gif"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 106px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yy2aBLXeoWFsvt8ud9c2xU1ukFHQGlE2kAbPSg5ZGOLwTLbqzM6ppjQ3dt1Qs5kYYRn9qrg7mHHSv15Dq07z-wVePd2vR1VKc80u4JvwJzgOq9WWgLCmt0P9VSua3Imv7omN0w/s200/YA_A_to_Z_Logo.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593197526165352450" border="0" /></a><a href="http://bookpeople.indiebound.com/event/erin-murphy-literary-agency-wine-social">Erin Murphy Literary Agency Wine Social</a> will be at 3 p.m. April 16 at <a href="http://www.bookpeople.com/">BookPeople</a> in Austin. Peek: "Come meet <a href="http://emliterary.com/">Erin Murphy</a> as well as some of the authors she represents."<br /><br /><a href="http://writersleague.org/events/YA-Reg-11.htm">YA A to Z Conference</a>, sponsored by the <a href="http://writersleague.org/">Writers' League of Texas</a>, will be April 15 and April 16 at the Hyatt Regency Austin (208 Barton Springs Road). Cost: $279 WLT Members, $349 Nonmembers (through March 15). See more information. Note: conference faculty includes Cynthia and <a href="http://gregleitichsmith.com/">Greg Leitich Smith</a>. Cynthia will serve as the interviewer at "Meet the Author: <a href="http://www.gailgiles.com/Welcome.html">Gail Giles</a>" and as a panelist on "Going Graphic: Writing Graphic Novels" with <a href="http://hopelarson.com/">Hope Larson</a>, moderated by <a href="http://www.kaholt.com/">K.A. Holt</a>. Last call! <a href="http://store.writersleague.org/yaa-zconference.aspx">Register</a> today!Cynthia Leitich Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650058326282279022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8086618.post-74701530657700120172011-04-01T08:36:00.000-05:002011-04-01T08:36:26.217-05:00Spooky News & Giveaways<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfXZB1sKoBjnDpQPOFj44C3Nv6XobWzlsIKOsS15XzwXxFX0crHBIjwrPImPpRh_JRKO79dukloSvO3Cf_G8VB7N0vHDxCG9umskcAsGyFC4RTx6l2oHXx-mGTMgmjbVRbyK38g/s1600/greg_spinosaurus.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbfXZB1sKoBjnDpQPOFj44C3Nv6XobWzlsIKOsS15XzwXxFX0crHBIjwrPImPpRh_JRKO79dukloSvO3Cf_G8VB7N0vHDxCG9umskcAsGyFC4RTx6l2oHXx-mGTMgmjbVRbyK38g/s320/greg_spinosaurus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589196741513402994" border="0" /></a>Attention Writers! Send a photo of yourself with a dinosaur (a museum skeleton, recreation, gas-station logo, made from Legos, whatever) to <a href="http://greglsblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/writers-and-dinosaurs.html">Greg Leitich Smith</a> for inclusion in his upcoming blog series, Writers and Dinosaurs. You don't have to be published to participate! See <a href="http://greglsblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/writers-and-dinosaurs.html">link</a> for details. See also <a href="http://greglsblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/um-exhibit-museum-of-natural-history.html">Greg on The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History</a>.<br /><br />Spooky Blogger Tip: Respect authors' copyright. Keep quotes to under 5o words or ask permission to post a longer excerpt.<br /><br />Reminder: Teen writers/English teachers! Teen writers are encouraged to enter the <a href="http://www.hungermtn.org/hunger-mountain-prize-for-young-writers/">Hunger Mountain Young Writers Contest</a>. Three first place winners will receive $250 and publication! Three runners-up will receive $100 each. Note: I'm honored to be this year's judge. See link for more information. Hunger Mountain is the <a href="http://www.vermontcollege.edu/">Vermont College of Fine Arts</a> journal of the arts.<br /><br /><a href="http://kidlit.com/2011/03/28/creative-confidence/">Creative Confidence</a> by <a href="http://kidlit.com/about/">Mary Kole</a> from Kidlit.com. Peek: "You are the only person on this planet who is going to care the most about your creative output and your career. Sure, you will get people in your corner, like your agent, your editor, your mentors, your friends and family, you cat, and your fans, who will care about your books or whatever else you do, but nobody will care about it half as much as you."<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTeGYZTyn0lp39sulMZ6krxwl-TONjuCldBTqdKiZ4C0bkC067xvSO1XAhq0B7w5HdD1sHv18Nkrp-eQDBr9q8To_U8KtUMgNsAzsasgE2b3EfaTw3pKuuvGd9Na0cUi1ibUONQ/s1600/sass_and_serendipity.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTeGYZTyn0lp39sulMZ6krxwl-TONjuCldBTqdKiZ4C0bkC067xvSO1XAhq0B7w5HdD1sHv18Nkrp-eQDBr9q8To_U8KtUMgNsAzsasgE2b3EfaTw3pKuuvGd9Na0cUi1ibUONQ/s200/sass_and_serendipity.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590606509564399794" border="0" /></a><a href="http://jenniferziegler.livejournal.com/44493.html">Making the Most of Writer's Conference Critiques</a> by <a href="http://www.jenniferziegler.net/">Jennifer Ziegler</a> from Chasing Tales. Includes insights from agent <a href="http://emliterary.com/">Erin Murphy</a>, editor Stephanie Elliott (formerly with Random House/Delacorte Press, now with Sparknotes), former Austin SCBWI regional advisor <a href="http://www.austinscbwi.com/members/meredithdavis/">Meredith Davis</a>, author <a href="http://dorothylovebooks.com/">Dorothy Love</a>, and <a href="http://writersleague.org/index.html">Writers' League of Texas</a> executive director <a href="http://writersleague.org/about/staff.html">Cyndi Hughes</a>. Peek from Erin: "<span style="font-size:100%;">It’s perfectly fine to talk it out with the critiquer to solidify your ideas, or to ask if you can have a moment to make a clear note to yourself so you don’t lose the train of thought and can go on to make use of all the time in your session."</span><br /><br /><a href="http://throughthetollbooth.com/2011/03/30/interview-with-laura-watkinson-translator/">Interview with Translator Laura Watkinson</a> by <a href="http://sarahblakejohnson.blogspot.com/">Sarah Blake Johnson</a> from Through the Tollbooth. Peek: "...if a foreign-language publisher is trying to sell something like a YA novel, it makes little financial sense for them to have the whole book translated and time is also an issue, so they’ll usually have just an excerpt translated to take along to the book fair. An excerpt is typically around twenty pages...may be packaged with extra information about the author, such as a bibliography and perhaps an interview."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thehappyaccident.net/your-platform-equals-opportunity/">Your Platform Equals Opportunity</a> by <a href="http://www.thehappyaccident.net/about/">Greg Pincus</a> from The Happy Accident. Peek: "Every time you create content, every time someone visits your blog while you’re asleep, every time you have an interaction…opportunity is created. You form a relationship, sometimes very brief and sometimes one that builds and builds."<br /><br /><a href="http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2011/03/why-love-matters.html">Why Love Matters</a> by <a href="http://myth-takes.blogspot.com/">Danyelle Leafty</a> from QueryTracker. Peek: "...do you want just any old agent? Someone who might enjoy your story without ever having loved it?"<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglV_LmxUY7ySHJOECEzWJK10EvdAYx7-JA0elTKH7dhavNjJGPyzzNbzAWTwqYo5SAhH04w8vYuDVa85c2Cbeh1gns2qUxLipF3FYxSHCkdfdLWqMBoKNGXLDM7YqVI2G-2Kckg/s1600/can_I_see_your_ID.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglV_LmxUY7ySHJOECEzWJK10EvdAYx7-JA0elTKH7dhavNjJGPyzzNbzAWTwqYo5SAhH04w8vYuDVa85c2Cbeh1gns2qUxLipF3FYxSHCkdfdLWqMBoKNGXLDM7YqVI2G-2Kckg/s200/can_I_see_your_ID.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590607670937766450" border="0" /></a><a href="http://chrisbarton.info/blog/2011/03/a-comprehensive-list-of-u-s-college-and-university-sponsored-or-hosted-childrens-and-young-adult-literature-conferences-festivals-and-symposia.html">A comprehensive list of U.S. college- and university-sponsored or -hosted children’s and young adult literature conferences, festivals, and symposia</a> compiled by <a href="http://www.chrisbarton.info/">Chris Barton</a> from Bartography.<br /><br /><a href="http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2011/03/31/publishing-industry-news-3/">Publishing Industry News</a> compiled by Kathy Temean from Writing and Illustrating. Peek: "Abrams will launch its third imprint Appleseed Books, a new imprint geared towards babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, in Spring 2012." Round-up includes recent job appointments/promotions, a new interactive online book club for tweens from Simon & Schuster, and more.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Spooky Giveaways</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FK_Zbp8bWjXD2L7lC4Q8rDt1UVW30i18HnM51r27mmgQFQEyo_nt6hevfAolJGQ-lb8UyytJniTfNT-MkmnCFq_cUfcbjomfhbLjrYJ-tw499wjzAYlO3oDvpHEqpJRkRtzlfQ/s1600/throat.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FK_Zbp8bWjXD2L7lC4Q8rDt1UVW30i18HnM51r27mmgQFQEyo_nt6hevfAolJGQ-lb8UyytJniTfNT-MkmnCFq_cUfcbjomfhbLjrYJ-tw499wjzAYlO3oDvpHEqpJRkRtzlfQ/s200/throat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589137219809835474" border="0" /></a>Last Call: Enter to win a signed copy of <a href="http://www.ranelsonbooks.com/work1.htm">Throat</a> by <a href="http://www.ranelsonbooks.com/">R.A. Nelson</a> (Knopf, 2011). To enter the giveaway, comment here or <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/site_info/contact.html">email me</a> (scroll and click envelope) and type "Throat" in the subject line.<br /><br />Deadline: midnight CST April 1. Note: Author sponsored; U.S. entries only.<br /><br /><a href="http://bookaholicsbkcl.blogspot.com/2011/03/25-days-of-giveaways-day-20.html">25 Days of Giveaways: Day 20: Tantalize Series by Cynthia Leitich Smith</a> from Bookaholics Book Club. Giveaway includes:<br /><br />-plush bat toy;<br /><br />-chubby bat stickers;<br /><br />-author-autographed postcard for Tantalize: Kieren's Story (featuring not-yet-public cover art for the graphic novel, illustrated by <a href="http://www.mingdoyle.com/">Ming Doyle</a>);<br /><br />-Sanguini's button;<br /><br />-Sanguini's magnetic menu wipe board.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYnU1xSci3HLvqeKJHUE4xd8SBrb95RN9Mh01NhpYolCDizWnC4sDXAi_r78wGsqzcl3xos08k5UCLLV0-iz2dUtccGo3zZOEK1HIN2ByxNUtJdV8ThFkQdiaMYDefFLAJGokSA/s1600/Image+2.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYnU1xSci3HLvqeKJHUE4xd8SBrb95RN9Mh01NhpYolCDizWnC4sDXAi_r78wGsqzcl3xos08k5UCLLV0-iz2dUtccGo3zZOEK1HIN2ByxNUtJdV8ThFkQdiaMYDefFLAJGokSA/s320/Image+2.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590604698590266098" border="0" /></a>Eligibility: U.S. only. Deadline: 7:17 p.m. Friday, April 1. See <a href="http://bookaholicsbkcl.blogspot.com/2011/03/25-days-of-giveaways-day-20.html">link</a> for entry form and more information. Note: Sanguini's is the fictional vampire-themed restaurant that appears in <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/tantalize/tantalize.html">Tantalize</a>, <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blessed</a>, and Tantalize: Kieren's Story.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Spooky Screening Room</span><br /><br />Check out this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ywsqtOOofo">author video interview</a> with <a href="http://www.jenniferlynnbarnes.com/">Jennifer Lynn Barnes</a> from RT Book Reviews. I had the pleasure of meeting Jennifer and hearing her speak at the <a href="http://www.readfest.org/">Southwest Florida Reading Festival</a>. Learn more about her novel, <a href="http://www.jenniferlynnbarnes.com/wolves.html">Raised by Wolves</a> (Egmont USA, 2010).<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_ywsqtOOofo" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="265" width="320"></iframe><br /><br />At the <a href="http://www.scbwi-wi.com/">SCBWI-Wisconsin</a> novel retreat in Madison last weekend (details below), I had the pleasure of connecting with one of my favorite YA authors, <a href="http://www.deborahlynnjacobs.com/">Deborah Lynn Jacobs</a>. Check out her <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAziSqIjfiI">trailer</a> for <a href="http://www.deborahlynnjacobs.com/Books.html">Choices</a> (Roaring Brook, 2007).<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lAziSqIjfiI" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="265" width="320"></iframe><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">More Personally</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV833VUDGzSizxS5mvzOXLcvSIb8u0vvsZ4b-gJyDpMDsQ_-YtJFH8yu1Mx9r6X1EHrtqzWdlGAR-Y6e9yybtpFAkjett1n-uEeyWVgmJqrzwTNxHSYvGxwgp9NgbazjaeJJZu6Q/s1600/airplane_delta.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV833VUDGzSizxS5mvzOXLcvSIb8u0vvsZ4b-gJyDpMDsQ_-YtJFH8yu1Mx9r6X1EHrtqzWdlGAR-Y6e9yybtpFAkjett1n-uEeyWVgmJqrzwTNxHSYvGxwgp9NgbazjaeJJZu6Q/s320/airplane_delta.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590281267427086626" border="0" /></a>I've had a few questions of late about traveling to writing/books events with only a backpack for trips under four days.<br /><br />Here's the scoop: Traveling by air, I've had to deal with missing luggage for up to five days.<br /><br />If I'm on the road, that leaves me with only the outfit I've got on. (Even if shopping sounds appealing, author-speaker schedules are such that I may not have an opportunity to do so.)<br /><br />Plus, most airlines are charging fees for checked bags. I'd rather not deduct that from my earnings, and, I'm reluctant to pass that cost onto my hosts.<br /><br />So, I pack my toiletries in a Ziploc bag (making sure to squeeze the air out), roll up mostly travel-knit garments, and plan to wear no more than two pairs of shoes on the trip. I also tend to take outfits that can be hand-washed and hanger-dried overnight.<br /><br />From there, I slip in whatever is necessary--printed speeches, schedules, giveaways, manuscript, etc. The pack still fits beneath the seat in front of me, which is key with regional jets. Beyond that, I recommend using both shoulder straps. The pack will be heavy, and you're less likely to pull a muscle.<br /><br />What else? After a fair number of such long-distance treks, I'm returning to writing (and more events) here in Central Texas for the next few months. Check out the schedule below.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw60zbBwvPzDexUmTCjQd3DjD0vNf6hnvgI4PZi4klAEzxa6-ZvawLFD9R4UTqhsp_YT9wHlT_xbal4XR9pAjo2Z1tsZYKFFfwJWNH7dTn2m0QMwE6KvgumQiFcxqiTfU55YIjJg/s1600/Image+5.jpeg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw60zbBwvPzDexUmTCjQd3DjD0vNf6hnvgI4PZi4klAEzxa6-ZvawLFD9R4UTqhsp_YT9wHlT_xbal4XR9pAjo2Z1tsZYKFFfwJWNH7dTn2m0QMwE6KvgumQiFcxqiTfU55YIjJg/s320/Image+5.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590282005962228562" border="0" /></a>But first, I'd like to offer a huge thanks to everyone at <a href="http://library.lee-county.com/Pages/default.aspx">Lee County Library System</a> in Fort Myers, Florida for your hospitality at the <a href="http://www.readfest.org/">Southwest Florida Reading Festival</a>! Thanks also to those folks who turned out for my presentation and/or signing!<br /><br />Personal highlights included meeting <a href="http://www.alicehoffman.com/">Alice Hoffman</a>, <a href="http://www.ericlitwin.com/noflashhtml">Eric Litwin</a>, and <a href="http://www.jenniferlynnbarnes.com/">Jennifer Lynn Barnes</a> (see video above) as well as reconnecting with <a href="http://philbildner.com/">Phil Bildner</a>. I also had the opportunity to catch <a href="http://www.prettylittleliars.com/author/">Sara Shepard</a> and <a href="http://www.rosemarywells.com/">Rosemary Well</a>'s talks.<br /><br />I had such a terrific time at An Evening with the Authors at the <a href="http://www.royal-palm-yacht-club.org/">Royal Palm Yacht Club</a>, an affiliated event, and staying the <a href="http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/in/1/en/home">Hotel Indigo</a>--lovely with excellent service. Beyond that, Fort Myers is one of the friendliest towns I've ever visited!<br /><br />Another mega thank you goes out to the coordinators and participants at last weekend's <a href="http://www.scbwi-wi.com/">SCBWI-Wisconsin</a> novel retreat at the Bishop O'Connor Center in Madison!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXH0HNu3_zLp0ptQB2T_ikiArf11IDO-KjqDo128PKVgbAnMoFkDoOwShYQhOT0Cm96ExEO0FKrNOHRLMWYyMg72FOZz-A02p11cTEKojuEAzcxGty7msuLxe0dj5SO05jdtrEJA/s1600/janis_joplin.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 157px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXH0HNu3_zLp0ptQB2T_ikiArf11IDO-KjqDo128PKVgbAnMoFkDoOwShYQhOT0Cm96ExEO0FKrNOHRLMWYyMg72FOZz-A02p11cTEKojuEAzcxGty7msuLxe0dj5SO05jdtrEJA/s200/janis_joplin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590608340154373186" border="0" /></a>Special thanks to RA <a href="http://www.facebook.com/people/Pam-Beres/1016940670">Pam Beres</a>, ARA <a href="http://judybryan.livejournal.com/">Judy Bryan</a> and <a href="http://www.annangelwriter.com/">Ann Angel</a> for bringing me in to teach the workshop. I'm still wowed by the writers I met, consider myself their forever cheerleader, and came home with warm memories.<br /><br /><span><a href="http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/">School Library Journal</a> says of </span><span><a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blessed</a> </span><span> (Candlewick, 2010): "Off-handed humor, clever wordplay, and a host of supernatural beings will delight fans of Smith’s <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/tantalize/tantalize.html">Tantalize</a> (2007) and <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/eternal/eternal.html">Eternal</a> (2009, both Candlewick), the two novels that precede this one, though <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blessed</a> can certainly be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel.</span>"<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pieAazPg_b0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="265" width="320"></iframe><br /><br />Links of the Week: <a href="http://lindsey-leavitt.livejournal.com/141431.html">Fight Multiple Sclerosis with author Lindsey Leavitt</a>, <a href="http://aprilhenry.livejournal.com/907893.html">Don't You Need a Gown Made of Golden Books?</a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Cynsational Events</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5F_QYLE2lnccl6Dr3dHV-8AESfx5gybktzzXo13acLhPRoZNOFV3h3SpeLloVi_lUZhydEPwSxij43GRHxFnaD_aZ7J6DoQw26d1gEBBNKO_Nq2sxf6Nf1iB07JWwTC7LKAwQ3g/s1600/2011_TLA_conference_logo.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 139px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5F_QYLE2lnccl6Dr3dHV-8AESfx5gybktzzXo13acLhPRoZNOFV3h3SpeLloVi_lUZhydEPwSxij43GRHxFnaD_aZ7J6DoQw26d1gEBBNKO_Nq2sxf6Nf1iB07JWwTC7LKAwQ3g/s200/2011_TLA_conference_logo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589616316679580434" border="0" /></a><a href="http://bookpeople.indiebound.com/event/erin-murphy-literary-agency-wine-social">Erin Murphy Literary Agency Wine Social</a> will be at 3 p.m. April 16 at <a href="http://www.bookpeople.com/">BookPeople</a> in Austin. Peek: "Come meet <a href="http://emliterary.com/">Erin Murphy</a> as well as some of the authors she represents."<br /><br />The annual <a href="http://www.txla.org/annual-conference">Texas Library Association Annual Conference</a> will be April 12 to April 15 at the convention center in Austin. Check out the list of <a href="http://www.austinscbwi.com/2011/03/28/tla-in-austin-april-12-to-15/">Austin author signings</a>. Notes: (a) Take a Chance on Art and enter a raffle to win the illustration "Space Age" by Melanie Hope Greenberg to benefit the TLA Disaster Relief Fund; see more <a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/03/author-illustrator-interview-melanie.html">information</a>; (b) <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/">Cynthia Leitich Smith</a> will be signing <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blessed</a> and other titles at 11 a.m. April 13 in the Author Signing Area.<br /><br /><a href="http://writersleague.org/events/YA-Reg-11.htm">YA A to Z Conference</a>, sponsored by the <a href="http://writersleague.org/">Writers' League of Texas</a>, will be April 15 and April 16 at the Hyatt Regency Austin (208 Barton Springs Road). Cost: $279 WLT Members, $349 Nonmembers (through March 15). See more information. Note: conference faculty includes Cynthia and <a href="http://gregleitichsmith.com/">Greg Leitich Smith</a>. Cynthia will serve as the interviewer at "Meet the Author: <a href="http://www.gailgiles.com/Welcome.html">Gail Giles</a>" and as a panelist on "Going Graphic: Writing Graphic Novels" with <a href="http://hopelarson.com/">Hope Larson</a>, moderated by <a href="http://www.kaholt.com/">K.A. Holt</a>. Spaces are still available! <a href="http://store.writersleague.org/yaa-zconference.aspx">Register</a> today!Cynthia Leitich Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650058326282279022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8086618.post-2267250863254834752011-03-24T09:00:00.003-05:002011-03-24T09:07:35.681-05:00Spooky News & Throat Giveaway<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2Kjpc4WNp-9RJy6daGHY19JP3c5K1ALwU1ZcPgNdmFdkS70vQueLq_9qicN1Q71MdDpA0Jz_ROqIhGjvZgWr4nEsH6bMfXoHB3epTcYp4W9moyFP7GEwEhm4CfB0zhwVzw4geQ/s1600/throat.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2Kjpc4WNp-9RJy6daGHY19JP3c5K1ALwU1ZcPgNdmFdkS70vQueLq_9qicN1Q71MdDpA0Jz_ROqIhGjvZgWr4nEsH6bMfXoHB3epTcYp4W9moyFP7GEwEhm4CfB0zhwVzw4geQ/s320/throat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586567116844769362" border="0" /></a>Enter to win a signed copy of <a href="http://www.ranelsonbooks.com/work1.htm">Throat</a> by <a href="http://www.ranelsonbooks.com/">R.A. Nelson</a> (Knopf, 2011). From the promotional copy:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">She's superhuman. There's just one catch.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Seventeen-year-old Emma Cooper has always been a risk taker at heart, smart and adventurous. But ever since her first grand mal seizure at the age of 13, her epilepsy has felt like a curse, wrecking her social life, derailing her dreams, even driving her boyfriend away. </span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />Her doctors think they know best. Her mom worries her to distraction. </span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />Tired of being held back, Emma fantasizes about running away, but she can't even legally drive. At least she can channel her frustrations into soccer, where she’s a star — the most aggressive player in the league — until a violent collision ends her playing days.<br /><br />Heartbroken, Emma steals a car and races into the night, no idea where she is going. Losing control on a steep mountain road, she crashes into a ditch beside a sinister forest. An old cabin beckons through the trees. Emma goes to look for help — and her life is changed forever.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />R. A. Nelson takes us on a supernatural thrill ride, a modern-day vampire story set on a NASA base and filled with romance and space-and-science intrigue.</span><br /><br />To enter the giveaway, comment here or <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/site_info/contact.html">email me</a> (scroll and click envelope) and type "Throat" in the subject line.<br /><br />Deadline: midnight CST April 1. Note: Author sponsored; U.S. entries only.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">More News</span><br /><br /><a href="http://writersleagueoftexas.wordpress.com/2011/03/21/q-and-a-with-agent-elena-mechlin/">Q & A with Agent Elena Mechlin of Pippin Properties</a> from the Writers' League of Texas. Peek: "I’ve been supremely lucky to be working directly with the incredible list of clients that Holly McGhee has amassed over the years, but in terms of my very own client, I haven’t signed anybody yet, but getting close with a couple of prospects!"<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisu6h4TsZNV7oYOfOUf_Og4kpPtxFw9nU-W-KwGhORyHhxwsE8bFtPf3OHkBRCPw2zm0sUMXB5NapEyfAzfPrIRCJMP2yP5OzV0lOQNfdF49cSVN8PuEi4se_fU_xXBoOLMYxKqA/s1600/Lily%2527sGhostsFN.jpeg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisu6h4TsZNV7oYOfOUf_Og4kpPtxFw9nU-W-KwGhORyHhxwsE8bFtPf3OHkBRCPw2zm0sUMXB5NapEyfAzfPrIRCJMP2yP5OzV0lOQNfdF49cSVN8PuEi4se_fU_xXBoOLMYxKqA/s200/Lily%2527sGhostsFN.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587647630577526866" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.eisforbook.com/2011/03/written-in-stone-editing-op-books-for.html">Written in Stone: Editing OP Books for Reissue in E-books</a> by <a href="http://www.lauraruby.com/">Laura Ruby</a> from e is for book. Peek: "There is one secondary ghost character...that died at his/her own hand. At the time I wrote the book, I felt it suited the story. But after looking at it again, I wondered about it."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theassociates.org/">The Associates of the Boston Public Library</a> is currently accepting applications from emerging picture book writers/illustrators for the 2011-2012 Writer-in-Residence Program. The fellowship provides a children’s writer/ illustrator with the support needed to complete one literary work, including a $20,000 stipend and office space for nine-months within the Boston Public Library’s Central Branch. Applications are due April 1. Learn <a href="http://www.bpl.org/general/associates/2011ApplicationCWIR.pdf">more about the program guidelines and the application process</a> (PDF). Learn <a href="http://www.theassociates.org/">more about the organization and prior fellowship winners</a>. No calls please.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.frannybillingsley.com/">Franny Billingsley</a>: a newly redesigned author site. Site design by Lisa Firke of <a href="http://www.hitthosekeys.com/">Hit Those Keys</a>, who is also the webmaster for <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/">The Official Author Site of Cynthia Leitich Smith and Home of Children's & YA Literature Resources</a>. Note: Franny's latest release is <a href="http://www.frannybillingsley.com/chime.html">Chime</a> (Dial, 2011)(<a href="http://www.frannybillingsley.com/chime.html">excerpt</a>), which has received six starred reviews. See also <a href="http://community.livejournal.com/enchantedinkpot/85871.html">A Conversation with Chime Author Franny Billingsley</a> by <a href="http://lenacoakley.com/">Lena Coakley</a> from The Enchanted Inkpot.<br /><br /><a href="http://thespectacleblog.wordpress.com/2011/03/23/a-glimpse-of-the-e-future-or-not/">A Glimpse of the E-Future of Not</a> by Joni from The Spectacle. Note: sharing insights from Kristen McLean, CEO of <a href="http://www.bookigee.com/" target="_blank">Bookigee</a> and former executive director of the Association of Booksellers for Children (which recently merged into ABA). Peek: "...teens at least say they’re more influenced to make a purchase based on the jacket blurb than either the cover or the title (though those are moderately important, too). But the single greatest factor is if it’s an author or series they know."<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARKX-NcVI3A290U8JUdUGcwiF3cOigA29YVKw5-E26JalsmxXEtYHDUOEFnUVVB5UXBaMgzRsbRO2zAqTvpTSUHBo1nsiiKvyT7b7oveNS1mvteWsxacPHhxqjXtutquNn_Uzhw/s1600/HenandInk_LOGO.gif"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 91px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARKX-NcVI3A290U8JUdUGcwiF3cOigA29YVKw5-E26JalsmxXEtYHDUOEFnUVVB5UXBaMgzRsbRO2zAqTvpTSUHBo1nsiiKvyT7b7oveNS1mvteWsxacPHhxqjXtutquNn_Uzhw/s200/HenandInk_LOGO.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587637261016277602" border="0" /></a>Congratulations to Rae Ann Parker for signing with Erzsi Deak of the new literary agency <a href="http://www.henandink.com/">Hen & Ink</a>, and congratulations to Erzsi on signing Rae Ann.<br /><br /><a href="http://acrowesnest.blogspot.com/2011/03/kim-conference-expectations.html">Conference Expectations</a> by <a href="http://www.kimberlycbaker.com/KCB/Home.html">Kim Baker</a> from Crowe's Nest. Peek: "So, what is your primary reason for shelling out the registration fee and signing up for a conference? Is it a book deal? Save your scratch and stay home. If it’s inspiration, community, or honing your craft that you are after, you are on the right track."<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">A New Independent Bookstore</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbberteKYSBr6W07NszKuOIxyr8B8ViixYWpFwcmgxWaxxlr4dtEmjI_cJ8G8GjUXF7P6EjKwVX0FIoXjTL_gzGj4PcKQGgVCTlNX2zWgWGDXnicKk3PD5W5uO57dBQ6GTv7UPg/s1600/storyville.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbberteKYSBr6W07NszKuOIxyr8B8ViixYWpFwcmgxWaxxlr4dtEmjI_cJ8G8GjUXF7P6EjKwVX0FIoXjTL_gzGj4PcKQGgVCTlNX2zWgWGDXnicKk3PD5W5uO57dBQ6GTv7UPg/s320/storyville.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587317632148319730" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.juliesbookspot.com/">The Book Spot</a>, a new family-owned independent bookstore, has opened in Round Rock, Texas (1205 Round Rock Ave. #119 78681), just outside Austin. Mark your calendars for the <a href="http://www.juliesbookspot.com/p/grand-opening.html">official grand opening celebration</a> April 8 and April 9.<br /><br />Looking for a little more indie bookstore love? Virtually join <a href="http://devast.blogspot.com/2011/03/hanging-out-at-bookpeople.html">Don Tate, hanging out at BookPeople</a> in downtown Austin.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />More Personally</span><br /><br />I'm a traveling author-speaker-teacher of late, leaving again tomorrow (this time for a <a href="http://www.scbwi-wi.com/">Wisconsin SCBWI</a> novel workshop). I've got one more PowerPoint presentation to prepare, so I'll have to update you on all that in more detail in a future post.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTy_c_WzgPILIEiKVoMAUITn4Sc9O0l8OrQD94YdUupOsj5GHdQ8OLh4_GjKTYEXa3DP-UBVDV65FS26ARkr9WUMlilmYmZ3dtnH96FI1RSWUiHkZOGRbUmufDMU9SfgzYMXX9JQ/s1600/blessed_CP_hardcover.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTy_c_WzgPILIEiKVoMAUITn4Sc9O0l8OrQD94YdUupOsj5GHdQ8OLh4_GjKTYEXa3DP-UBVDV65FS26ARkr9WUMlilmYmZ3dtnH96FI1RSWUiHkZOGRbUmufDMU9SfgzYMXX9JQ/s200/blessed_CP_hardcover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586993001748977170" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.whatchareadingnow.com/issue-10-interview.html">Interview with Cynthia Leitich Smith</a> by Michelle Delisle from Whatcha Reading Now? Peek: "New Schwarzwald (home of the Wolf pack in <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blessed</a> (Candlewick, 2010)) is inspired by small German towns in Michigan, where I went to law school, and here in central Texas. It's not the first time I've set a story in a historically German town; there's also Hannesburg, Kansas, the setting in my debut tween novel <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forkids/rain/rainisnotmyindianname.html">Rain Is Not My Indian Name</a> (HarperCollins, 2001)."<br /><br />You can <a href="http://librarybuyitnow.net/675071AD-5AF7-4CDF-A1FE-A6E617E4E3B0/10/131/en/ContentDetails.htm?id=%7B1DE9F35E-C998-48D2-BCF7-BF645659E9FC%7D">download a free copy of "Cat Calls"</a>--one of my short stories set in the <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/tantalize/tantalize.html">Tantalize</a> series universe (Candlewick Press) from Library Bin. Then shop the site! "When you purchase eBooks & digital audiobooks, the funds are credited to the participating public library of your choice!" Nifty, eh?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bookreviewsandmore.ca/2011/03/cat-calls-cynthia-leitich-smith.html">Steven R. McEvoy at Book Reviews and More</a> says of "Cat Calls," "If you have not read any of her books, get the free download and sample her writings; if you have, you will love this new short story."<br /><br />Links of the Week: <a href="http://kidlit4japan.wordpress.com/">Kidlit for Japan</a>, <a href="http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/home/889791-312/librarian_helps_students_author_create.html.csp">Librarian Helps Students, Author Create Book Trailers</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Spooky Events</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GYHuZue1uq2tKgVXpVdgQJO4ygDxnWW67NqwEmyGRckeOd-NYbBKfK59opq-BNj8NxWb92HgZ579fnRiqcHV5qo7fPQ4kQMVGCmLcAH5H02MKaheKv72StIkN8gXWA2X7mzeiQ/s1600/YA_A_to_Z_Logo.gif"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 106px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GYHuZue1uq2tKgVXpVdgQJO4ygDxnWW67NqwEmyGRckeOd-NYbBKfK59opq-BNj8NxWb92HgZ579fnRiqcHV5qo7fPQ4kQMVGCmLcAH5H02MKaheKv72StIkN8gXWA2X7mzeiQ/s320/YA_A_to_Z_Logo.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586569922351100322" border="0" /></a><a href="http://writersleague.org/events/YA-Reg-11.htm">YA A to Z Conference</a>, sponsored by the <a href="http://writersleague.org/">Writers' League of Texas</a>, will be April 15 and April 16 at the Hyatt Regency Austin (208 Barton Springs Road). Cost: $279 WLT Members, $349 Nonmembers (through March 15). See more information. Note: conference faculty includes Cynthia and <a href="http://gregleitichsmith.com/">Greg Leitich Smith</a>. The early bird registration deadline is today!Cynthia Leitich Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650058326282279022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8086618.post-72191422164559946642011-03-17T10:07:00.001-05:002011-03-17T10:09:05.486-05:00Spooky News & Giveaways<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPBYx4bvgSW4ibcHVVzVr3wmslXQsR20StMY8DuopX4hXfwy83frccXbgd9Czj6uK1kqvmBx137eFp4qPIquXV3QVjRCL9yv_5sc1A84KXq4XZJedTlDZ6O-AVF7AVGj-GclM9w/s1600/covens_daughter.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 128px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPBYx4bvgSW4ibcHVVzVr3wmslXQsR20StMY8DuopX4hXfwy83frccXbgd9Czj6uK1kqvmBx137eFp4qPIquXV3QVjRCL9yv_5sc1A84KXq4XZJedTlDZ6O-AVF7AVGj-GclM9w/s200/covens_daughter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584686406665505826" border="0" /></a><a href="http://pjhoover.blogspot.com/2011/03/covens-daughter-by-lucy-jago-arc.html">Enter to Win an ARC of The Coven's Daughter by Lucy Jago (Hyperion, April 19, 2011)</a> from <a href="http://www.pjhoover.com/">P.J. Hoover</a> at Roots In Myth. P.J. is also giving away <a href="http://pjhoover.blogspot.com/2011/03/wither-by-lauren-destefano-review-and.html">five finished copies of Wither (The Chemical Garden Trilogy) by Lauren DeStefano (Simon & Schuster, March 22, 2011)</a> and <a href="http://pjhoover.blogspot.com/2011/03/lucky-leprauchan-giveaway-vampires-and.html">three vampire/werewolf-mythology themed books</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.katehart.net/2011/03/two-for-tuesday-genre-grudge-match.html">YA Deals by Genre & Six-Figure Deals by Genre March 2010 to March 2010</a> from Kate Hart. Peek: "Hang out with YA authors for awhile, and you'll probably hear us bemoaning the death of contemporary novels. But don't despair. I counted up all the YA deals from the past twelve months and was surprised to find that contemporary is alive and well." Note: includes nifty, color-coded pie charts.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">More Personally</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cpsgkjcHOosSmP6poxqc4yw7htR_1bzHb4PIANGIEdi5WueXKKcYqrwocwB76J2upez9ILV9HJ2xL1wjmCF8Zf1jg7ujbH2CxdOM5Ba5RKTx2ZEj0vhSx1gaD26tDNxVrQL0qg/s1600/tantalize_eternal_blessed.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cpsgkjcHOosSmP6poxqc4yw7htR_1bzHb4PIANGIEdi5WueXKKcYqrwocwB76J2upez9ILV9HJ2xL1wjmCF8Zf1jg7ujbH2CxdOM5Ba5RKTx2ZEj0vhSx1gaD26tDNxVrQL0qg/s320/tantalize_eternal_blessed.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585066070399910594" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/tantalize/tantalize.html">Tantalize</a> Series Clarification: a few folks have posted that <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blessed</a> is the last novel in the series. It's <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span>. It does conclude Quincie's major arc, but Zachary, Miranda and Kieren's are ongoing and will pick up in book 4, which I'm writing now. (Quincie will appear in that novel, too, but as a more secondary character.) Thanks!<br /><br />Links of the Week: <a href="http://heatherbrewer.com/blog/2011/03/16/the-dark-place/">The Dark Place</a> by Heather Brewer.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Spooky Events</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.readfest.org/">12th Annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival</a> will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 19 in Fort Myers, Florida. Note: <a href="http://www.readfest.org/Authors.aspx">speakers</a> include Cynthia Leitich Smith.<br /><br /><a href="http://writersleague.org/events/YA-Reg-11.htm">YA A to Z Conference</a>, sponsored by the <a href="http://writersleague.org/">Writers' League of Texas</a>, will be April 15 and April 16 at the Hyatt Regency Austin (208 Barton Springs Road). Cost: $279 WLT Members, $349 Nonmembers (through March 15). See more information. Note: conference faculty includes Cynthia and <a href="http://gregleitichsmith.com/">Greg Leitich Smith</a>.Cynthia Leitich Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650058326282279022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8086618.post-6631350918932988242011-02-23T08:41:00.000-06:002011-02-23T08:42:01.892-06:00New Voice: Chelsea M. Campbell on The Rise of Renegade X<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwOZTHRSV4_cwxXmD2AARYg4VkKdgtFk7sl0YeX5iObt3013te112VRDmjIzDYsa1dqMz_xhxtOhEo9_VSQxKjyp_UODxm2eplUDJRnzr3dhlQo3yiEkOWPWZ_dDtNrk_uC6c/s1600/rise_of_renegade_x.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwOZTHRSV4_cwxXmD2AARYg4VkKdgtFk7sl0YeX5iObt3013te112VRDmjIzDYsa1dqMz_xhxtOhEo9_VSQxKjyp_UODxm2eplUDJRnzr3dhlQo3yiEkOWPWZ_dDtNrk_uC6c/s320/rise_of_renegade_x.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537231096586430082" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.chelseamcampbell.com/">Chelsea M. Campbell</a> is the first time author of <a href="http://www.chelseamcampbell.com/?page_id=2">The Rise of Renegade X</a> (Egmont, 2010). From the promotional copy:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Damien Locke knows his destiny–attending the university for supervillains and becoming Golden City’s next professional evil genius. But when Damien discovers he’s the product of his supervillain mother’s one-night stand with–of all people–a superhero, his best-laid plans are ruined as he’s forced to live with his superhero family.<br /><br />Going to extreme lengths (and heights), The Rise of Renegade X chronicles one boy’s struggles with the villainous and heroic pitfalls of growing up.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What was the one craft resource book that helped you most during your apprenticeship? Why? How would you book-talk it to another beginning writer in need of help?</span><br /><br />The book that really helped me and that significantly helped me on my publication journey (in fact, I don't know if I'd be published if it wasn't for what I learned in this book) is Donald Maass' <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781582971827">Writing the Breakout Novel</a> (Writer's Digest, 2002) and <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781582972633">Writing The Breakout Novel Workbook</a> (Writer's Digest, 2004)).<br /><br />I'm not big on books about writing, especially since most of them are written by people I've never heard of who just love writing how-to books. I think it's fair to say that most writing how-to books piss me off.<br /><br />Writing the Breakout Novel, however, is <span style="font-style: italic;">awesome</span>. It's about challenging yourself to improve your writing and take it to the next level. It doesn't tell you how to write, but instead asks you questions to help you improve your story, like, "What's the worst thing that could happen to your main character? When would be the worst time for that to happen?" Things like that.<br /><br />It's all about sharpening the conflict in your novel and upping the stakes, both physically and emotionally, and it's hard not to get excited about working on a story while reading this book.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9beY0jUBWbvq32pJdJx2ulzUSfcRZNI3-RFo3nPqlE7GglkCtDqQJzRGR5HjenFLm1C1vyua_wGkil4thV1e0iKktfdZ5LIhNF828SBCDU75NVK956qg_cRaWzKpE-F6XRH7-/s1600/writing_the_breakout_novel.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9beY0jUBWbvq32pJdJx2ulzUSfcRZNI3-RFo3nPqlE7GglkCtDqQJzRGR5HjenFLm1C1vyua_wGkil4thV1e0iKktfdZ5LIhNF828SBCDU75NVK956qg_cRaWzKpE-F6XRH7-/s200/writing_the_breakout_novel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537232549958575298" border="0" /></a>Another thing I love about it is that it's useful at any level. A lot of writing books are only focused on beginners, and there's not a lot aimed at the intermediate writer who knows the basics but can't quite get over the last couple hurdles keeping them from getting published.<br /><br />Writing the Breakout Novel is great for anyone who wants to improve their storytelling, whether they've got a few novels under their belt but "aren't quite there yet" or have been published for years. <br /><br />I know the quality of my books jumped up quite a bit after I read this and went through all the exercises in the workbook, and the info I've gotten from it has been invaluable.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">As a comedic writer, how do you decide what's funny? What advice do you have for those interested in either writing comedies or books with a substantial amount of humor in them?</span><br /><br />Comedy is tough. There's nothing worse than someone who thinks they're funny when they're really not. I think we've all had at least one class with "that guy" who thinks he's hilarious, but everyone in the room is silently willing him to shut the hell up. Obviously, you don't want to be that guy. But the fact that you're even thinking about not wanting to be that guy probably means you aren't.<br /><br />I think an important element of writing comedy is to write what makes <span style="font-style: italic;">you</span> laugh. You've got to do it for yourself, because if the humor isn't honest, that'll come through and it won't be funny. Plus, if it makes you laugh, it's likely to resonate with other people, too.<br /><br />I tend to write humorous stories, mostly because that's what comes out and because I enjoy making myself laugh, and The Rise of Renegade X is no exception.<br /><br />Damien, the protagonist, has a pretty snarky inner commentary running through the whole novel. He says a lot of things I might think to myself but would never actually <span style="font-style: italic;">say</span>.<br /><br />When I was writing him, I'd just sit down and show what was going on through his eyes, getting his opinions of everything in there, which were usually pretty funny.<br /><br />Other than funny plot elements, like a supervillain kid having to live with his superhero father, I didn't pre-plan the jokes, I just wrote them as I experienced the story through the character's point of view.<br /><br />I think it's difficult, but important, to trust yourself. You have to trust that when you sit down to write, something funny is going to come out. Sometimes I don't realize what I've written is funny until I read it over the next day, so don't toss anything you think is boring until some time has passed or someone else has looked over it for you.<br /><br />Use humor as a tool to show a character's personality--like everything in writing, it should move the story forward and enrich the audience's experience with and knowledge of the characters.<br /><br />As you write, put in all the jokes you can make work, and worry about weeding out the not-that-great ones that nobody gets but you later on. <br /><br />Mostly, trust yourself, relax, and have fun.<br /><br />How <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118276/">"Buffy: the Vampire Slayer"</a> (1997-2003) has influenced my writing:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvV8ROBlCX49YJRCseKWVfXd6Vghjaa8NYJjGDA9DzYCRKVqLUPB94Ltb90Fdhyyq7OIKKA-8IV1i4LsXRNHQ7tvUs_oeJBtYMhjUtKM4eCf4PkMtSipTnt0ln8mWUB4plm2qK/s1600/buffy_season_one.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvV8ROBlCX49YJRCseKWVfXd6Vghjaa8NYJjGDA9DzYCRKVqLUPB94Ltb90Fdhyyq7OIKKA-8IV1i4LsXRNHQ7tvUs_oeJBtYMhjUtKM4eCf4PkMtSipTnt0ln8mWUB4plm2qK/s320/buffy_season_one.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537233921062398562" border="0" /></a>I have a confession to make: I actually didn't start watching "Buffy" until sixth season. I couldn't imagine that a show based on that movie could be any good, and it didn't help that anyone I knew who watched it acted ashamed and called it a "guilty pleasure."<br /><br />But now I know better, and no one should <span style="font-style: italic;">ever </span>feel ashamed to watch something as awesome as "Buffy." I have since then seen way more episodes and become a big "Buffy" fan. It's fun, and it's got a girl with superpowers who kicks serious ass while dealing with the same problems as everyone else.<br /><br />One of the other things I love about it is that Buffy can't do it alone, and even the shy nerdy girl is super useful and eventually finds her strength (I was so that girl).<br /><br />Even though I tend to write about guys, every time I sit down to write a new book, my mind turns to "Buffy." How can I make something that awesome? How can I have characters that kick ass and who have the ability to be both serious and funny at the same time? How can I create relationships that complex?<br /><br />Whenever I think about blending real life and fantasy elements in my novels, my go-to inspiration is "Buffy." Is it a coincidence that I love writing about teens who live in a world that's part reality, part magic? I always wanted to write fantasy, but it took me a long time to realize I wanted to write about it in the real world, and that the characters I really loved writing about were teens.<br /><br />It's a pretty safe bet to say that that seed started with "Buffy," and I don't know where I'd be without it. It changed how I thought about fantasy and about YA. <br /><br />If you've never seen the show, I highly recommend it. You may start out snickering at all the 90s-isms, but don't wig too much--it won't take long for you to get hooked.<br /><br /><object width="320" height="265"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6aANcrlKB5s?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6aANcrlKB5s?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="265"></embed></object>Cynthia Leitich Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650058326282279022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8086618.post-43440854399167978342011-02-18T09:09:00.004-06:002011-02-18T09:17:17.180-06:00Spooky News & NE Tour Report<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSiKV1LzYWtoRkbApYH9_3tQULBLCN-lmEJmqMl8TXc2qbHahRl9vpIHkL44FfCJLW-nthpRTQ4E6TLpzDY9yku1N8JLqP7GY2FIbRlA0LaTOWWHwpOYza8z2Raeg61jr7_NaaA/s1600/redwall_1.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSiKV1LzYWtoRkbApYH9_3tQULBLCN-lmEJmqMl8TXc2qbHahRl9vpIHkL44FfCJLW-nthpRTQ4E6TLpzDY9yku1N8JLqP7GY2FIbRlA0LaTOWWHwpOYza8z2Raeg61jr7_NaaA/s320/redwall_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575047644452241522" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">In Memorium<br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/09/AR2011020906359.html">Redwall Author Brian Jacques Dead at 71</a> from The Washington Post. Peek: "Jacques wrote the first book in his famous Redwall series for the children at the Royal School for the Blind in Liverpool, England. The book's hero was a timid mouse named Matthias who found the courage to protect his home, Redwall Abbey. " See also <a href="http://www.bookmoot.com/2011/02/extreme-sadness-brian-jacques.html">Extreme Sadness: Brian Jacques</a> from Book Moot.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.locusmag.com/News/2011/02/margaret-k-mcelderry-1912-2011/">Margaret K. McElderry (1912-2011)</a> from Locus Online. Peek: "Children’s editor and publisher Margaret K. McElderry, 98, died February 14, 2011. She is best known as founder of her eponymous children’s imprint, Margaret K. McElderry Books."<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">More News</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/05/books/05ebooks.html?_r=1">E-Book Sales Rise in Children's and Young Adult Categories</a> by Julie Bosman from The New York Times. Peek: "In 2010 young-adult e-books made up about 6 percent of the total digital sales for titles published by St. Martin’s Press, but so far in 2011, the number is up to 20 percent, a spokeswoman for the publisher said." Source: <a href="http://www.varianjohnson.com/">Varian Johnson</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/46101-former-abc-director-kristen-mclean-to-discuss-new-venture-bookigee.html">At Tools of Change, Former ABC Director Kristen McLean to Discuss New Venture, Bookigee</a> by Andrew Albanese from Publishers Weekly. Peek: "Created with input from a 'team of innovators' in fields ranging from specialty design to retail, editorial, Silicon Valley tech, engineering, bookselling and book marketing, Bookigee has an admittedly ambitious goal—in essence, to begin reshaping a consumer process that has become entrenched over decades, but also somewhat inefficient."<br /><br /><a href="http://donnabowmanbratton.blogspot.com/2011/02/dos-donts-and-stuff-of-attending.html">The Do's, Don't's and "Stuff" of Writer Conferences</a> by Donna Bowman Bratton from Writing Down the Kidlit Page. Peek: "When you find yourself in the room with revered editors, agents, and award-winning authors, there are certain rules of etiquette you should abide by."<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpAix9p0MIvE8zMkBVPCbcprY1TW4BRrix48rkDEtY0mdgrV8hE4BMr4Tm47Yt-JzymWnQH4VOigLqoasM5mnpW-HfYHi48oW59dhMKA_ZIfgz_JlZxWGsge9fh6Vsou_kRALuw/s1600/theodosia_eyes_of_horus.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpAix9p0MIvE8zMkBVPCbcprY1TW4BRrix48rkDEtY0mdgrV8hE4BMr4Tm47Yt-JzymWnQH4VOigLqoasM5mnpW-HfYHi48oW59dhMKA_ZIfgz_JlZxWGsge9fh6Vsou_kRALuw/s200/theodosia_eyes_of_horus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575047977201438658" border="0" /></a><a href="http://shrinkingvioletpromotions.blogspot.com/2011/02/managing-information-overload.html">Managing Information Overload</a> by <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/14646274781361864901">R.L. LaFevers</a> from Shrinking Violet Promotions. Peek: "I have no trouble producing pages, it’s the blocking out unnecessary ‘information’ that lurks everywhere, promising to inform and enlighten me to within an inch of my life."<br /><br /><a href="http://authorskypetour.livejournal.com/">Author Skype Tour Blog</a>: "a place where authors, teachers, and librarians can connect to help readers discover great new titles and learn more about writing. There are already great Skype-author resources like the <a href="http://skypeanauthor.wetpaint.com/">Skype-an-Author Network</a> and <a href="http://kmessner.livejournal.com/106020.html">Kate Messner's list of authors who do free, 20-minute chats with classes & book clubs that have read their books</a>. But sometimes, teachers & librarians may want to connect with an author whose books students haven't read yet...and sometimes, authors may want to talk with groups that haven't read a book yet, to help get the word out about a new title. That's what this site is for."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thehappyaccident.net/librarians-and-teachers-love-book-trailers-a-guest-post-by-darcy-pattison/">Teachers and Librarians Love Book Trailers</a> by <a href="http://www.darcypattison.com/">Darcy Pattison</a> from <a href="http://www.thehappyaccident.net/about/">Greg Pincus</a> at The Happy Accident. Peek: "That is 99% of librarians surveyed who think trailers are effective. Wow!" See also <a href="http://www.darcypattison.com/characters/5-ways-a-characters-job-affects-your-story/">Five Ways Your Characters' Job Affects Your Novel</a> by Darcy from Fiction Notes.<br /><br /><a href="http://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2011/02/15/9210/">Two Literary Agents</a> by Kathy Temean from Writing and Illustrating. Learn what Molly Jaffa of Folio and Christina Hogrebe of Jane Rotrosen Agency are seeking in manuscripts/clients. Note: in New Jersey, all of the buzz was about the upcoming <a href="http://www.newjerseyscbwi.com/events/110604%20conference.shtml">NJ SCBWI Annual Conference</a> June 3 to June 5 in Princeton. We're talking a mega list of editors, agents, and authors--well worth the trip! Early bird rate deadline: March 1.<br /><br /><a href="http://albertwhitman.wordpress.com/2011/02/15/promoting-your-own-books-who-is-your-publisher/">Promoting Your Own Books: Who Is Your Publisher?</a> by Michelle in Marketing at Boxcars, Books & A Blog AKA Albert Whitman & Company. Peek: "Aside from the first time author (read: lack of brand name) issues inherent in those possibilities, your publisher just might be more concerned with Baker & Taylor and the American Library Association."<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNF3lpqB9dfYwSALVH14cWFX5RyqGwesujSNoyAhspDUJIqG5zhtzbdUh15N3Gq7kjCpZSzReplsh_x7DvuXklSpRbd05lHuuvWmXHLDXBOw26gngGQUMsZKb6atSF0jF5RYF2LA/s1600/searching_for_oliver_k_woodman.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNF3lpqB9dfYwSALVH14cWFX5RyqGwesujSNoyAhspDUJIqG5zhtzbdUh15N3Gq7kjCpZSzReplsh_x7DvuXklSpRbd05lHuuvWmXHLDXBOw26gngGQUMsZKb6atSF0jF5RYF2LA/s200/searching_for_oliver_k_woodman.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575048613791060578" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.darcypattison.com/characters/call-for-characters/">Call for Characters</a> by <a href="http://www.darcypattison.com/">Darcy Pattison</a> from Fiction Notes. Peek: "I’m looking for contrasts in names, height, weight, ethnic background, style of clothing and personality factors. If X loves cats, Y should love lizards. No, not dogs, silly."<br /><br /><a href="http://s.wsj.net/public/resources/documents/st_borders0216_20110216.html">Borders Stores Closing</a> from The Wall Street Journal: about 30% of stores; a complete list. See also <a href="http://bordersreorganization.com/vendorinfo.php">FAQ for Vendors about Borders Reorganization</a> from Borders Group Inc. Note: please support brick-and-mortar bookstores.<br /><br /><a href="http://bluerosegirls.blogspot.com/2011/02/seven-tips-to-grow-your-mailing-list.html">Seven Tips to Grow Your Mailing List</a> by <a href="http://www.katiedavis.com/">Katie Davis</a> from Blue Rose Girls. Peek: "Let’s get you a mailing list. You are going to grow your audience and then stay connected."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.fromthemixedupfiles.com/2011/02/from-editor-to-agent-a-chat-with-alyssa-eisner-henkin/">From Editor to Agent: a chat with Alyssa Eisner Henkin</a> by Bobbie Pyron from From The Mixed-Up Files...of Middle-Grade Authors. Peek: "...I know both editors and kid readers are very ken on the plot-driven-pull-you-in-and-don’t-let-go books that are popular these days. So I’d say plot is a huge factor in my decision in whether or not to represent a book. However, a great voice is certainly of paramount importance."<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Spooky Screening Room</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qrcNksj5DE">Canadian Writers Speak Out On Copyright</a> from Marketwire News Studio.<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1qrcNksj5DE" allowfullscreen="" width="320" frameborder="0" height="265"></iframe><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">More Personally</span><br /><br />Thank you to <a href="http://www.candlewick.com/">Candlewick Press</a>, the event planners, and everyone who turned out, cheered, and helped promote last week's official <a href="http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Title&mode=book&isbn=0763643262&pix=n">Blessed</a> tour in NYC, New Jersey, and the Philly area.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekDjCTtCi0KwqS-OVa2Gd3opboKEJ4MxKzo1SNxzSNlwbPZKHNysqt8pCG7QWwxbSSIHyhlmi1jdAIsZrrWlVaWPWK1gzYpDPX6m0sTBHb5eUkh_y9L0CAKQRWvyK34uwqvC7/s1600/Image+02.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekDjCTtCi0KwqS-OVa2Gd3opboKEJ4MxKzo1SNxzSNlwbPZKHNysqt8pCG7QWwxbSSIHyhlmi1jdAIsZrrWlVaWPWK1gzYpDPX6m0sTBHb5eUkh_y9L0CAKQRWvyK34uwqvC7/s320/Image+02.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573665269805038914" border="0" /></a>(The view out my window at <a href="http://www.standardhotels.com/new-york-city/">The Standard Hotel</a> in Manhattan/the meat-packing district.)<br /><br />Cheers to fellow authors <span><a href="http://www.jennadolbooks.com/">Jen Nadol</a>, <a href="http://www.sarahbethdurst.com/">Sarah Beth Durst</a>, <a href="http://www.shannondelany.com/">Shannon Delany</a></span>, and especially <a href="http://www.danielanddina.com/site/authors/">Daniel Nayeri</a> (with whom I did two events), who joined me at stops along the way.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4_abz9bPdCKo3NlwLZ0Ev4jVPDKuoz5NhhKWGgNKHvBJPF5f6uIIw-lmBWtI9hgqgs4zDE2J3243RrcB7GzLiYCFbC6sawxd9jiq55PVb22Gw2-3csj2m8m8MaPMF9aciUko/s1600/Image+11.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4_abz9bPdCKo3NlwLZ0Ev4jVPDKuoz5NhhKWGgNKHvBJPF5f6uIIw-lmBWtI9hgqgs4zDE2J3243RrcB7GzLiYCFbC6sawxd9jiq55PVb22Gw2-3csj2m8m8MaPMF9aciUko/s320/Image+11.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573670232552216690" border="0" /></a>(<a href="http://www.ritawg.com/">Rita Williams-Garcia</a>--to whom the novel is dedicated--models Blessed at <a href="http://www.booksofwonder.com/">Books of Wonder</a>.)<br /><br />Mega thanks to <a href="http://www.booksofwonder.com/">Books of Wonder</a>, <a href="http://www.francislewishs.org/">Francis Lewis High School</a>, <a href="http://www.teenreads.com/">Teenreads.com</a>, <a href="http://www.borders.com/online/store/Home">Borders Columbus Circle</a>, <a href="http://www.btol.com/">Baker & Taylor</a>, <a href="http://www.nbfpl.org/">New Brunswick Free Public Library</a>, <a href="http://www.rutgers.edu/">Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey</a>, <a href="http://www.nypl.org/locations/mulberry-street">NYPL Mulberry Branch</a>, <a href="http://www.rtbookreviews.com/">Romantic Times Book Reviews</a>, <a href="http://www.newschool.edu/">The New School</a>, <a href="http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/">Brooklyn Public Library</a>, <a href="http://www.lrei.org/">Little Red School House & Elisabeth Irwin High School</a>, <a href="http://www.thevoraciousreader.com/">The Voracious Reader</a>, <a href="http://webserver.mcl.org/">Mercer County Library</a>, and <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/">Barnes & Noble</a>, Cherry Hill, N.J.!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwu4Px3IxNwZy-Bn3WxyrhT5-HXVCXxe2jNGZH5NY2dOxTaEScs8r01797u5J0N4AhtpLsFK9V4Tl1UoOgfkfOgSznztdNDuz36Um9t6OWYk_DUGrmxIX2FrmlM3FPpgXPMDHG/s1600/Image+13.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwu4Px3IxNwZy-Bn3WxyrhT5-HXVCXxe2jNGZH5NY2dOxTaEScs8r01797u5J0N4AhtpLsFK9V4Tl1UoOgfkfOgSznztdNDuz36Um9t6OWYk_DUGrmxIX2FrmlM3FPpgXPMDHG/s320/Image+13.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573670704921463410" border="0" /></a>(Literary agent <a href="http://kidlit.com/about/">Mary Kole</a> and Daniel at <a href="http://www.brassmonkeynyc.com/">The Brass Monkey</a>! <a href="http://www.jillsantopolo.com/">Jill Santopolo</a> was kind enough to organize this get-together of <a href="http://www.vermontcollege.edu/">Vermont College of Fine Arts</a> faculty, alumni & friends.)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9q8S3ThkRrmkuXP7goOCdkML0LOSWMyucGQO1c_MS-ZA4XfhABCQVi0L8eCy8mXN0vKxFrFDwRh9pUsYjd0yn2MJ323l0iCjn_R-W-aKHQOGiBzhCT6q2a3HCUsxm9-jZIK3/s1600/Image+24.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9q8S3ThkRrmkuXP7goOCdkML0LOSWMyucGQO1c_MS-ZA4XfhABCQVi0L8eCy8mXN0vKxFrFDwRh9pUsYjd0yn2MJ323l0iCjn_R-W-aKHQOGiBzhCT6q2a3HCUsxm9-jZIK3/s320/Image+24.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573671527513219314" border="0" /></a>(Susan Van Metre's MFA class at The New School.)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVXU5Csbwhyphenhyphendxo4hbuLo8NRfBUTwv6jqHc1YX8Jy_fVBMmXCYmO4hI1JAOKTcRVwbjcEShjCFZDXVMe1uAQAAgPRmk4DrZ14NzT_VtBKd54fbYHnEyr_mY4X39VbJqvvwi0pe/s1600/Image+25.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVXU5Csbwhyphenhyphendxo4hbuLo8NRfBUTwv6jqHc1YX8Jy_fVBMmXCYmO4hI1JAOKTcRVwbjcEShjCFZDXVMe1uAQAAgPRmk4DrZ14NzT_VtBKd54fbYHnEyr_mY4X39VbJqvvwi0pe/s320/Image+25.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573672111300317698" border="0" /></a>(The Brooklyn Public Library.)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwRRhrmYq4ZAPDaqul9NZQqyJ32EifdGwWEQTfdN7vknUj8gCvMcbfjDj27s3ZYcrCTbo1qTl-mwh643eLIjSDs7LGzyIpkjV5ctmzda1V21tjWtaYJbbTOHf_MSLUrAN2YHa/s1600/Image+36.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwRRhrmYq4ZAPDaqul9NZQqyJ32EifdGwWEQTfdN7vknUj8gCvMcbfjDj27s3ZYcrCTbo1qTl-mwh643eLIjSDs7LGzyIpkjV5ctmzda1V21tjWtaYJbbTOHf_MSLUrAN2YHa/s320/Image+36.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573672333843146962" border="0" /></a>(Authors <a href="http://www.libbabray.com/">Libba Bray</a>, <a href="http://www.mariannabaer.com/">Marianna Baer</a> and <a href="http://www.melissacwalker.com/blog/">Melissa Walker</a> at the Brooklyn Public Library.)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48B0mzvoJCQzcYxva1a_w-0J0qnCshuiKF1HOvxlwUC2JZIgQwo4vJ0BPK2Nt6mBzNLQgVssxDy4qiIeziDVtvEk4Fq8iEmwYFLEH7Q_a8hKZKxn8JhTIVAmvOySgWOe2E-SE/s1600/Image+40.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48B0mzvoJCQzcYxva1a_w-0J0qnCshuiKF1HOvxlwUC2JZIgQwo4vJ0BPK2Nt6mBzNLQgVssxDy4qiIeziDVtvEk4Fq8iEmwYFLEH7Q_a8hKZKxn8JhTIVAmvOySgWOe2E-SE/s320/Image+40.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573672490185311346" border="0" /></a>(<span><a href="http://www.shannondelany.com/">Shannon Delany</a>,</span> <span><a href="http://www.jennadolbooks.com/">Jen Nadol</a></span> and <span><a href="http://www.shannondelany.com/">Shannon Delany</a> at The Voracious Reader.)</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmxzC75CfKGjXWe_ipB78DSZbFMSqmoUGxyLBSGzNwYnB4GDXpEOSvccR95wt8HviQOvWzNu4fMEgm24MkwJ36-7fcSHQwaairZhcVHbJbst-L6zZ7xJ0G5gCz0t7Pki1i-HF/s1600/BLESSED_hardcover_CP.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmxzC75CfKGjXWe_ipB78DSZbFMSqmoUGxyLBSGzNwYnB4GDXpEOSvccR95wt8HviQOvWzNu4fMEgm24MkwJ36-7fcSHQwaairZhcVHbJbst-L6zZ7xJ0G5gCz0t7Pki1i-HF/s200/BLESSED_hardcover_CP.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573675157912498178" border="0" /></a><a href="http://loonachicklit.wordpress.com/2011/02/04/a-qa-with-cynthia-leitich-smith/">Q&A with Cynthia Leitich Smith</a> by Jessica from Chick Lit Cafe. Peek: "Quincie is smart enough to realize that her soul is who she is. If she gives herself up, there’s nothing left. Not her evolving patchwork family or the business she inherited from her mama or her amazing connection to Kieren. He loves her, the real her, not some monster walking around in body. She fights for herself because she has value intrinsically and to those who truly care about her."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sithereandread.com/2011/02/book-review-tantalize-by-cynthia.html">Book Review: Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith</a> by Jessica from I Just Want to Sit Here and Read. Peek: "I love Kieren, Quincie's best friend and the only hybrid werewolf. I actually found myself jealous of their friendship. There of course is the slight sexual tension because they haven't pronounced any real feelings for each other, even though you want to scream at them!"<br /><br />Links of the Week: <a href="http://dearteenme.com/2011/02/11/dear-teen-me-from-author-bethany-hegedus-truth-with-a-capital-t/">Dear Teen Me by Bethany Hegedus</a> and <a href="http://greglsblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/won-ton-cat-tale-told-in-haiku.html">Won Ton: A Cat Tale in Haiku</a> recommended by <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/lit_resources/favorites/by_genre/kitlit/CatBios.html">Mercury Boo Leitich Smith</a> (don't miss the comments).<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Even More Personally </span><br /><br />I'm <a href="http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2011/02/15/food-wines-the-peoples-best-new-chef-southwest/">voting</a> for Chef Drew (Andrew Curren at <a href="http://twitter.com/24dineratx">24 Diner in Austin</a>) for best new chef in the southwest (and you should, too!).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcPPIE9ZkTXPgP7OcM2ltfevDvJXi7m91FYX-qI9tXhfCVh07Lez-Ewig_Pw5ZwLweL-sfgh5DVN-yQFttpR5Dnr_4s6e2ojy8ZEkhDISUcMMt5JCUOgqa93wLcCuVYFA2fR7/s1600/Image+43.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcPPIE9ZkTXPgP7OcM2ltfevDvJXi7m91FYX-qI9tXhfCVh07Lez-Ewig_Pw5ZwLweL-sfgh5DVN-yQFttpR5Dnr_4s6e2ojy8ZEkhDISUcMMt5JCUOgqa93wLcCuVYFA2fR7/s320/Image+43.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573672617895515618" border="0" /></a>(My Valentine's Day flowers from my very cute husband and sometimes co-author, <a href="http://gregleitichsmith.com/">Greg Leitich Smith</a>.)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJIEVBLITdpdZLNti9LnwU86l544oi4fmIhV12RiQODMNIpjaetSI9fd5UPAhVJXwQRVLk1ElkKJAlst2UkT_FNijdz8XcF8pwjdIdQKy4ouBdXwCm3UyEKqLsBKNNcheRG09nQ/s1600/broken-spoke.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJIEVBLITdpdZLNti9LnwU86l544oi4fmIhV12RiQODMNIpjaetSI9fd5UPAhVJXwQRVLk1ElkKJAlst2UkT_FNijdz8XcF8pwjdIdQKy4ouBdXwCm3UyEKqLsBKNNcheRG09nQ/s320/broken-spoke.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575044675724433682" border="0" /></a>Last night, we joined <a href="http://www.annebustard.com/">Anne Bustard</a> and my former <a href="http://www.vermontcollege.edu/low-residency-mfa/writing-children-young-adults">Vermont College of Fine Arts</a> MFA student (now alum) Janice Scully (in town from New York state) at the <a href="http://www.brokenspokeaustintx.com/">Broken Spoke</a> for some country music by <a href="http://tonyharrisonmusic.com/fr_home.cfm">Tony Harrison and Hot Texas</a> and then continued on to <a href="http://www.countyline.com/index-2.html">County Line on the Hill</a> for barbeque.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Spooky Events</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.readfest.org/">12th Annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival</a> will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 19 in Fort Myers, Florida. Note: <a href="http://www.readfest.org/Authors.aspx">speakers</a> include Cynthia Leitich Smith.Cynthia Leitich Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650058326282279022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8086618.post-6951483606076024962011-02-05T08:51:00.001-06:002011-02-05T08:51:30.737-06:00Blessed In-Person Author Tour in NY, NJ, Philly Area<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNnVbKWj9qu_RVaLZ7Y5eifDvBRRgbnatKkfSBI6tczQrz1snlIxf5yNM1iw2EFZ6O-ZoujUdbUTldZnvc-YDtcqQ_hS_3cDEkoGl_jH6cXGGK5Oa4_pv1oaAx08SL56Fw_gxF/s1600/blessed_CP_hardcover.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNnVbKWj9qu_RVaLZ7Y5eifDvBRRgbnatKkfSBI6tczQrz1snlIxf5yNM1iw2EFZ6O-ZoujUdbUTldZnvc-YDtcqQ_hS_3cDEkoGl_jH6cXGGK5Oa4_pv1oaAx08SL56Fw_gxF/s320/blessed_CP_hardcover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558775613541993298" border="0" /></a>Please join me on a stop of the <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blessed</a> (Candlewick, 2011) tour!<br /><br />Events that are open to the public are indicated as such on the schedule below!<br /><br />Authors <a href="http://www.danielanddina.com/site/authors/">Daniel Nayeri</a>, <span><a href="http://www.jennadolbooks.com/">Jen Nadol</a>, <a href="http://www.sarahbethdurst.com/">Sarah Beth Durst</a>, and <a href="http://www.shannondelany.com/">Shannon Delany</a></span> will be joining me here and there along the way!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday, 2/6/11</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">1 p.m. to 3 p.m. - Books of Wonder - reading/Q&A/signing to public with <a href="http://www.danielanddina.com/site/books/">Another Pan</a> author <a href="http://www.danielanddina.com/site/authors/">Daniel Nayeri</a></span> (PUBLIC EVENT)<br /><br />18 W. 18th St., New York, N.Y.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday, 2/7/11 </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">10 a.m. to 11:34 a.m. Francis Lewis High School</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">6 p.m. Borders Bookstore - reading/signing</span> (PUBLIC EVENT)<br /><br />Borders Columbus Circle<br />10 Columbus Circle, New York, N.Y.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, 2/8/11 </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">4 p.m. to 5 p.m. New Brunswick Free Public Library - reading/Q&A/signing</span> (PUBLIC EVENT)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">6:20 p.m. to 9 p.m. Rutgers University -- guest lecture, "Materials for Young Adults" -- room 203</span><br /><br />School of Communication and Information -- 4 Huntington St., New Brunswick, N.J.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, 2/9/11</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">10 a.m. NYPL Mulberry Branch - visit with schools</span><br /><br />10 Jersey Street (Between Lafayette & Mulberry Streets) New York, N.Y.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. New School Creative Writing Graduate Class - guest lecture</span><br /><br />66 West 12th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday, 2/10/11</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. Brooklyn Public Library - Professional Development Day</span><br /><br />Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Brooklyn Public Library - Will You Be My Paranormal Valentine Party (with teens)</span>(PUBLIC EVENT)<br /><br />Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday, 2/11/11 </span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1blb7D-8Uo7tJER_6fDBYNx4IRFFvYRsO6lZHGQ7qJZzUJ75zcdPyD-4zxV4HxEywCy8aSRLeNGsIqP6BfaYSZN2bR2KsUGn7pouAtT9nya0FwvA7gn5LHyrMR7xSiOJgmC7/s1600/another_pan.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 154px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1blb7D-8Uo7tJER_6fDBYNx4IRFFvYRsO6lZHGQ7qJZzUJ75zcdPyD-4zxV4HxEywCy8aSRLeNGsIqP6BfaYSZN2bR2KsUGn7pouAtT9nya0FwvA7gn5LHyrMR7xSiOJgmC7/s200/another_pan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558777443126547234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m. </span><span><span style="font-style: italic;">Little Red School House &</span> </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Elisabeth Irwin High School Visit</span><br /><br />Little Red School House & Elisabeth Irwin HS, LREI<br /><br />272 Sixth Avenue, New York, N.Y.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">7 p.m. The Voracious Reader</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> - "Will You Be My Paranormal Valentine?" event with <a href="http://www.danielanddina.com/site/authors/">Daniel Nayeri</a>, <a href="http://www.jennadolbooks.com/">Jen Nadol</a>, <a href="http://www.sarahbethdurst.com/">Sarah Beth Durst</a>, and <a href="http://www.shannondelany.com/">Shannon Delany</a> (PUBLIC EVENT)<br /><br />1997 Palmer Avenue, Larchmont, N.Y.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday, 2/12/11 </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mercer County Library Event -- West Windsor Branch</span> (PUBLIC EVENT)<br /><br />333 North Post Road, Princeton Junction, N.J.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">6:30 p.m. Barnes & Noble, Cherry Hill, N.J. (Greater Philly area)</span>(PUBLIC EVENT)<br /><br />911 Haddonfield Road, Cherry Hill, N.J.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="420"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pieAazPg_b0&rel=0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pieAazPg_b0&rel=0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="344" width="420"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Not on the Tour? Attention Event Planners!</span><br /><br />It's two YA authors for the price of one! Book now for the 2011-2012 school year and beyond!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwApHqy9FO07-kV4mfuV09dBtIa83Pg_-bJFX6o4twVPNjZ_pNQj-zuh63cJd2oUWRs1nccUSkh55DK6xp7IyKEiIS4gtc-iYJP0Eawt_vjTn4GHdvtX3cdmfmnD-M1VxPKJl/s1600/sass_and_serendipity.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwApHqy9FO07-kV4mfuV09dBtIa83Pg_-bJFX6o4twVPNjZ_pNQj-zuh63cJd2oUWRs1nccUSkh55DK6xp7IyKEiIS4gtc-iYJP0Eawt_vjTn4GHdvtX3cdmfmnD-M1VxPKJl/s200/sass_and_serendipity.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562431353064862802" border="0" /></a>"From Classics to Contemporary:" a joint presentation offered by <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/">Cynthia Leitich Smith</a>, author of the Tantalize series (inspired by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracula">Dracula</a> by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bram_Stoker">Bram Stoker</a> (1897)) and <a href="http://www.jenniferziegler.net/">Jennifer Ziegler</a>, author of <a href="http://www.jenniferziegler.net/sassandserendipity.html">Sass & Serendipity</a> (inspired by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sense_and_Sensibility">Sense and Sensibility</a> by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Austen">Jane Austen</a> (1811)).<br /><br />The authors will discuss how they were inspired by these classics, why Stoker and Austen's themes are still relevant to teens/YAs today, the ongoing conversation of books over the generations, and much more.<br /><br />Contact <a href="http://daytonbookings.com/">Dayton Bookings</a> for more information and to schedule.</span>Cynthia Leitich Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650058326282279022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8086618.post-23647926545722493712011-02-05T08:49:00.000-06:002011-02-05T08:50:39.437-06:00Spooky Screening Room & Tantalize Series UpdateCheck out the book trailer for <a href="http://www.alexflinn.com/html/cloaked.html">Cloaked</a> by <a href="http://www.alexflinn.com/">Alex Flinn</a> (HarperCollins, 2011).<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fnyUzdDLpYQ" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="265" width="320"></iframe><br /><br />Check out this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjcujWVKkb4&feature=player_embedded">book trailer</a> for <a href="http://www.andreabeaty.com/">Attack of the Fluffy Bunnies</a> by <a href="http://www.andreabeaty.com/index_files/Page2681.htm">Andrea Beaty</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.dantat.com/DANTAT.COM/Welcome_to_the_website_of_DAN_SANTAT.html">Dan Santat</a> (Amulet, 2010).<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LjcujWVKkb4" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="265" width="320"></iframe><br /><br />In the following <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjXVWPH1vLw&feature=player_embedded#">video</a>, <a href="http://www.brenthartinger.com/">Brent Hartinger</a> offers Seven Reasons You Should Read <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780738723648">Shadow Walkers</a> (Flux, 2011)(<a href="http://www.brenthartinger.com/firstchapswalkers.html">excerpt</a>)(<a href="http://www.brenthartinger.com/dicussionswalkers.html">discussion guide</a>):<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QjXVWPH1vLw" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="265" width="320"></iframe><br /><br />"<a href="http://www.thebookanistas.com/">The Bookanistas</a> are dancing because we’re so excited that <a href="http://www.bethrevis.com/">Beth Revis</a> hit the NY Times Bestseller List for <a href="http://www.bethrevis.com/books/">Across the Universe</a> (Razorbill, 2011)." - <a href="http://shanasilver.livejournal.com/56522.html">Shana Silver</a><br /><br /><object height="265" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/F582kMjGpbI&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/F582kMjGpbI&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="265" width="320"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">More Personally</span><br /><br />Snow is on the ground, the rolling brownouts are over (we lost power <span style="font-style: italic;">nine</span> times), my work in progress is resting, and I'm packing to leave town.<br /><br />So, Cynsations is going on hiatus as I take off for my <a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/01/blessed-by-cynthia-leitich-smith.html">N.E. U.S. Blessed Tour</a>! Those of you in New York, New Jersey, Philly & surrounding areas, I hope to see you on the road Feb. 6 to Feb. 12. I'll resume posting on Feb. 14!<br /><br />Blessed is now available from <a href="http://www.walkerbooks.com.au/Books/Blessed-9780763655129">Walker Books Australia and New Zealand</a>! See <a href="http://www.walkerbooks.com.au/Books/Blessed-9780763655129">details</a>!<br /><br /><a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2010/12/cat-calls-e-book-by-cynthia-leitich.html">Cat Calls</a> (Candlewick, 2010), an e-book offering a short story set in the <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/tantalize/tantalize.html">Tantalize</a> series universe, is #15 of the Free Books on the Kindle bestseller list!<br /><br />The winner of the <a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/01/blessed-grand-prize-giveaway-truth-be.html">Blessed Grand Prize Giveaway</a> is Melissa in Washington! Congratulations! Thanks to everyone who entered. Cynsations giveaways will resume once I'm back in town.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizv25og32N3nnA91i_bSz3B1eDX4R7fKSg0x1hdaisG_Lys_fC4e3gMjwnDPWMvQPC6pQsGe4Z4n4ekrZ-fUHjW1Z9oGsqDG2Y1jXydRc_6CnZLuenrcZTmI8xrmgR8jH65I04/s1600/Image+12.jpeg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizv25og32N3nnA91i_bSz3B1eDX4R7fKSg0x1hdaisG_Lys_fC4e3gMjwnDPWMvQPC6pQsGe4Z4n4ekrZ-fUHjW1Z9oGsqDG2Y1jXydRc_6CnZLuenrcZTmI8xrmgR8jH65I04/s320/Image+12.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568828786460652530" border="0" /></a>Thanks again to everyone who attended or raised awareness of the <a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/01/event-report-blessed-night-school.html">Blessed and (Mari Mancusi) Night School Launch Party</a> last weekend at <a href="http://www.bookpeople.com/">BookPeople</a> in Austin.<br /><br />See the <a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/01/event-report-blessed-night-school.html">party pics and event report</a>! You can order/pick up signed stock from <a href="http://www.bookpeople.com/">BookPeople</a>! Budget a little thin? Look for the Tantalize series at your local public library. If it's not there, request it on loan.<br /><br />Is the series not yet available in your country? International releases are still forthcoming (and I'll keep you posted), but you can order the books from Book Despository, which ships free to anywhere in the world? Click to order <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/book/9780763640590/Tantalize">Tantalize</a>, <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/book/9780763635732/Eternal">Eternal</a>, and <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/book/9780763643263/Blessed">Blessed</a>. Note: my Native American powwow picture book, <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/book/9780688162429/Jingle-Dancer">Jingle Dancer</a>, is also available.<br /><br />On a related note, see information from Mari on <a href="http://marimancusi.blogspot.com/2011/02/finding-night-school.html">Finding Night School</a>.<br /><br />See also congratulations flowers from my mom (side) and a dear pal (below).<br /><br /><a href="http://piratepenguinreads.blogspot.com/2011/01/blessed-blog-tour-interview-with.html">Blessed Blog Tour: Interview with Bradley and Giveaway</a> from Pirate Penguin Reads. Peek: "Cursed Internet. Deception was such a readily available snack in the early-to-mid twentieth century." Giveaway deadline: Feb. 6.<br /><br /><a href="http://badassbookie.blogspot.com/2011/01/blessed-tour-giveaway.html">Blessed Blog Tour: Secondary Characters & Giveaway</a> by Cynthia Leitich Smith from Badass Bookie. Peek: "Secondary characters mirror individual qualities of the hero. Illuminate them. Secondary characters challenge the hero. Fuel their growth. Secondary characters comment on the main characters. They help tell the readers what we need to know." Giveaway deadline: Feb. 4.<br /><br /><a href="http://agoodaddiction.blogspot.com/2011/01/author-top-ten-contest-cynthia-leitich.html">Blessed Blog Tour: Top Ten YA Recommendation</a><a href="http://agoodaddiction.blogspot.com/2011/01/author-top-ten-contest-cynthia-leitich.html">s & Giveaway</a> by Cynthia Leitich Smith from A Good Addiction. Giveaway deadline: Feb. 6.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipWEFvRbrY-mjrcQnJKz04f5yKygE0gMvx57iFg1eLf15OUeZT2I_JFVVek2Q5QeQg_CQ3jZi4luCbu3TmB27sfAFxJD-7kf4rWBDQk9xcEY_xEAk3zgHriz03JgqM-e2HQo-/s1600/Image+14.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipWEFvRbrY-mjrcQnJKz04f5yKygE0gMvx57iFg1eLf15OUeZT2I_JFVVek2Q5QeQg_CQ3jZi4luCbu3TmB27sfAFxJD-7kf4rWBDQk9xcEY_xEAk3zgHriz03JgqM-e2HQo-/s320/Image+14.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568829171762216594" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Spooky Events</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKajzfezoOdEQV5-rsscM48kX0hLcJxXmmkvQYQYFbaJqGX6cf2vAcNrpWx1sgKoH-3H8PAEzMlOJ80uce2duAeLUQC4R82AQmS6QO4QtM8asFz4MdrOS8wPAhRaJswcBw84GT/s1600/BLESSED_hardcover_CP.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKajzfezoOdEQV5-rsscM48kX0hLcJxXmmkvQYQYFbaJqGX6cf2vAcNrpWx1sgKoH-3H8PAEzMlOJ80uce2duAeLUQC4R82AQmS6QO4QtM8asFz4MdrOS8wPAhRaJswcBw84GT/s200/BLESSED_hardcover_CP.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568398632787148610" border="0" /></a><a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/01/blessed-by-cynthia-leitich-smith.html">Blessed In-Person Author Tour Schedule in Central Texas and the Northeastern U.S.</a>: sponsored by Candlewick Press. Are you in Austin, New York, New Jersey, or the Philly area? Come join me along the way!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.readfest.org/">12th Annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival</a> will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 19 in Fort Myers, Florida. Note: <a href="http://www.readfest.org/Authors.aspx">speakers</a> include Cynthia Leitich Smith.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.scbwi-wi.com/upcoming_events.html">SCBWI-Wisconsin Novel Revision Workshop with author Cynthia Leitich Smith</a> from March 25 to March 27. Note: "Registration is limited to 25 persons."<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipWEFvRbrY-mjrcQnJKz04f5yKygE0gMvx57iFg1eLf15OUeZT2I_JFVVek2Q5QeQg_CQ3jZi4luCbu3TmB27sfAFxJD-7kf4rWBDQk9xcEY_xEAk3zgHriz03JgqM-e2HQo-/s1600/Image+14.jpeg"><br /></a>Cynthia Leitich Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650058326282279022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8086618.post-79836287046278559722011-01-31T10:32:00.001-06:002011-01-31T11:06:26.230-06:00Event Report: Blessed & Night School Launch Party<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-TxP8Pk5aTOumGAo3RGnaMvykRkdzy65eHnK20wXxCQz9NxB5MUAgYiK2X4tXByqxPmqpt35GfdxjUf3_0_0tphO2LGxgt655qvpaDU-s-pzdDvmu6LbwxbRuDR_MAUZXX1p/s1600/Image+01.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-TxP8Pk5aTOumGAo3RGnaMvykRkdzy65eHnK20wXxCQz9NxB5MUAgYiK2X4tXByqxPmqpt35GfdxjUf3_0_0tphO2LGxgt655qvpaDU-s-pzdDvmu6LbwxbRuDR_MAUZXX1p/s320/Image+01.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568367389689193714" border="0" /></a>Thanks so much to everyone who celebrated the release of my latest novel, <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blessed</a> (<a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/tantalize/tantalize.html">Tantalize</a> series), and <a href="http://www.bloodcovenvampires.com/author.html">Mari Mancusi</a>'s latest novel, <a href="http://www.bloodcovenvampires.com/books_nightschool.html">Night School</a> (<a href="http://www.bloodcovenvampires.com/">Blood Coven</a> series), last Saturday at <a href="http://www.bookpeople.com/">BookPeople</a> in Austin. Thanks also to everyone who tweeted, blogged, facebooked, talked up, or otherwise made noise about the event!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TZL-W1jaZwoOOnJcX-G-HfdtjraIS42vvAldN9SINEE8mQm2WPwaxPmoBsIiOOlBIiK2yh3DMjCm3FOcSmxBTHQV2nLJ5MUr8OsUIUq266_DiY0-blMYP8cQWZbppQEXPLuM/s1600/Image+23.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TZL-W1jaZwoOOnJcX-G-HfdtjraIS42vvAldN9SINEE8mQm2WPwaxPmoBsIiOOlBIiK2yh3DMjCm3FOcSmxBTHQV2nLJ5MUr8OsUIUq266_DiY0-blMYP8cQWZbppQEXPLuM/s320/Image+23.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568368432450493666" border="0" /></a><br />It's vampire (me) versus slayer (Mari) as we leap into action, mugging for the cameras.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEvabSiEmXbZ26xW6P8702NloIhXLim3tQCrU2o_UoGB_rFONSI8eijaAG_faWyGm6tx06PhSwutfdq59l3u4jNGfQdGSc_tWVrTllDtq-duoW2LP7_TRfKn8uqbEapXc5RAK/s1600/Image+02.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEvabSiEmXbZ26xW6P8702NloIhXLim3tQCrU2o_UoGB_rFONSI8eijaAG_faWyGm6tx06PhSwutfdq59l3u4jNGfQdGSc_tWVrTllDtq-duoW2LP7_TRfKn8uqbEapXc5RAK/s320/Image+02.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568368631690329026" border="0" /></a><br />Vampire bartender <a href="http://www.bethanyhegedus.com/">Bethany Hegedus</a> greets guests with a toothy smile. Note: <a href="http://www.genebrenek.com/">Gene Brenek</a> also helped with bartending/refreshment duties/set up.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gVO0FyxMyAgjrTITEg7knbkwenZd0SZE15SszegvAhqQl6PBcLsqF9G9c7m7eXFDgtDSROKpXWwLVGZpkaOFlGoSCRdtsP0DrBVO9tMxE3oPJj75aHHKzGy3TtqU0wX4WcCk/s1600/Image+04.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gVO0FyxMyAgjrTITEg7knbkwenZd0SZE15SszegvAhqQl6PBcLsqF9G9c7m7eXFDgtDSROKpXWwLVGZpkaOFlGoSCRdtsP0DrBVO9tMxE3oPJj75aHHKzGy3TtqU0wX4WcCk/s320/Image+04.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568367755308373426" border="0" /></a><br />The menu included cover art cake, raspberry lemon bars (courtesy of <a href="http://twitter.com/AnotherAmyRose">Amy Rose Capetta</a>) as well as bat sugar cookies and heart sugar cookies (courtesy of <a href="http://annebustard.com/">Anne Bustard</a>).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxjZ6EUtTcqdRBJANFj319O0jz_gMuOg0ayPw5CyD45k9K0HQbW4YCTJhoajT_v37oesdztWtQNV7Vn3AHyr6gbkag8q2yUP3Gf9gOFwxSAjhSzpx8Sl_44wtUHFwEfTYTAgl/s1600/Image+21.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYxjZ6EUtTcqdRBJANFj319O0jz_gMuOg0ayPw5CyD45k9K0HQbW4YCTJhoajT_v37oesdztWtQNV7Vn3AHyr6gbkag8q2yUP3Gf9gOFwxSAjhSzpx8Sl_44wtUHFwEfTYTAgl/s320/Image+21.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568367923859042754" border="0" /></a><br />We offered "fairy blood," "synthetic blood," and "real blood" at the vampire bar! (Special thanks & kudos to Mandy at BookPeople--very creative!)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHzHhaAS3a2WE4HXSET3yXP0ZXeWlnXfHR3HMkIslf5J7BwtvXUiKTWeneePVF2CcCuRaFn2UNqTheKE0pMkcpVKVfhKUxlHB6tl4o46SfujHikbpWcSZaj2m0cmt6WwOSGSU/s1600/Image+17.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHzHhaAS3a2WE4HXSET3yXP0ZXeWlnXfHR3HMkIslf5J7BwtvXUiKTWeneePVF2CcCuRaFn2UNqTheKE0pMkcpVKVfhKUxlHB6tl4o46SfujHikbpWcSZaj2m0cmt6WwOSGSU/s320/Image+17.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568368068959822050" border="0" /></a>Here a closer look at the cover-cake, which Mari coordinated with <a href="http://www.heb.com/home/home.jsp">H-E-B supermarket</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxU231LrXI3vnw5ff0KhMG82gnGcR-GZjbsZTWfq8KetrMGEdw1uGI1zIVrDYyLwdez0BJYhKdw0IVo3SmywyhUxebu6460JvdmqJJuR5279gnfabyV2rDcWtNqzm4G1LzAmhe/s1600/Image+25.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxU231LrXI3vnw5ff0KhMG82gnGcR-GZjbsZTWfq8KetrMGEdw1uGI1zIVrDYyLwdez0BJYhKdw0IVo3SmywyhUxebu6460JvdmqJJuR5279gnfabyV2rDcWtNqzm4G1LzAmhe/s320/Image+25.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568368229750158434" border="0" /></a><br />Check out these chocolate chip cookies (courtesy of Gene). A' la <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/sanguinis">Sanguini's</a>, the "predator" ones have bacon in them and the "prey" ones don't.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Jn3oN0JTK-s_oPWMJ0N8Cm_HHVL7BJ3nTAun1KPg737_-omvumbtSKiEI461wea7raygMeQ4A-hVKJSI2-3vXiXpzRAq4Dgql4e5FiGcD6S-MTJzgwUv6GkhR77KBmJ3SUpB/s1600/Image+27.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Jn3oN0JTK-s_oPWMJ0N8Cm_HHVL7BJ3nTAun1KPg737_-omvumbtSKiEI461wea7raygMeQ4A-hVKJSI2-3vXiXpzRAq4Dgql4e5FiGcD6S-MTJzgwUv6GkhR77KBmJ3SUpB/s320/Image+27.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568369847504223362" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.annebustard.com/">Anne Bustard</a> is famous for her sugar cookies! Aren't these bats adorable?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15bqM_7h3OQPhItrl10dag4jbEImhyeGvbKwJj9W60ydnSQNT31rrXwLSA0ezx1rZGVsZsX0b7AuKR0DT71bgL_HsR3IfB3TeXyq2yuRgehnkHgBVUxV6QAxNZfng_erd9AhR/s1600/Image+24.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15bqM_7h3OQPhItrl10dag4jbEImhyeGvbKwJj9W60ydnSQNT31rrXwLSA0ezx1rZGVsZsX0b7AuKR0DT71bgL_HsR3IfB3TeXyq2yuRgehnkHgBVUxV6QAxNZfng_erd9AhR/s320/Image+24.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568368846025933810" border="0" /></a><br />College Station author <a href="http://www.kathiappelt.com/">Kathi Appelt</a> chats with Mari.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPw8ve5IDTMkmRMAZUFIepJTjgBQw8ssnJvbfoM3pJ0azZByioiwt7ZBl5ZU7m4TWQxyA1Z6oaZpcYw_8eH8CnvgfVyL1T-Ro0Hq0BIo0l4fGPFAb16nkpWmyxV-RcOF0Lwzg/s1600/Image+32.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPw8ve5IDTMkmRMAZUFIepJTjgBQw8ssnJvbfoM3pJ0azZByioiwt7ZBl5ZU7m4TWQxyA1Z6oaZpcYw_8eH8CnvgfVyL1T-Ro0Hq0BIo0l4fGPFAb16nkpWmyxV-RcOF0Lwzg/s320/Image+32.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568370266787681794" border="0" /></a><br />San Antonio author <a href="http://users.idworld.net/griffin/0writing.htm">Peni Griffin</a> models the new books!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHEB6Zxiv9NmDqMn_4B0OWn6Rx9mrm6Ae_QhKHf1tjtQ0MH2umLiK4Qbe0XfoKW_mQw4MRX3ags2aU6F4tPSrUO2Femc8rgQAWkBtmQpVhxqRGO4sVdxOQUIUg8eEdN5bQr8m/s1600/Image+03.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHEB6Zxiv9NmDqMn_4B0OWn6Rx9mrm6Ae_QhKHf1tjtQ0MH2umLiK4Qbe0XfoKW_mQw4MRX3ags2aU6F4tPSrUO2Femc8rgQAWkBtmQpVhxqRGO4sVdxOQUIUg8eEdN5bQr8m/s320/Image+03.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568369024247746610" border="0" /></a>Austin authors <a href="http://www.lizgartonscanlon.com/">Liz Garton Scanlon</a>, <a href="http://www.jenniferziegler.net/">Jennifer Ziegler</a> (and <a href="http://www.chrisbarton.info/">Chris Barton</a> in the background).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hZ6hyzyXLKzfIGuMZxnU13CxnZtgKpBXTu5gaMXwcXh1jXUx50qIZ4vQb1IvZqLulriuUzWsyVl0-G6RtPUc_puTLz7-c969fAhdG-N1itssdv0pwIX64q29W_sli-wF6ITN/s1600/Image+05.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hZ6hyzyXLKzfIGuMZxnU13CxnZtgKpBXTu5gaMXwcXh1jXUx50qIZ4vQb1IvZqLulriuUzWsyVl0-G6RtPUc_puTLz7-c969fAhdG-N1itssdv0pwIX64q29W_sli-wF6ITN/s320/Image+05.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568369173813027698" border="0" /></a><br />Kathi with Austin author <a href="http://www.jessicaleeanderson.com/">Jessica Lee Anderson</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_MWMWks97Isdf-IA0U-nhoMnOYeY-Dr5tlLF-mTe299vKPgQu4o2XQQtIHldyKecnDywt0PgXbEAUww97EynLoSWwsiYMd-HfQi8tS6lv4qp431_FR1f-QXBZ2g1kJv9P5rj/s1600/Image+07.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_MWMWks97Isdf-IA0U-nhoMnOYeY-Dr5tlLF-mTe299vKPgQu4o2XQQtIHldyKecnDywt0PgXbEAUww97EynLoSWwsiYMd-HfQi8tS6lv4qp431_FR1f-QXBZ2g1kJv9P5rj/s320/Image+07.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568369325453754754" border="0" /></a><br />Jessica with author-illustrator <a href="http://www.francesyansky.com/">Frances Yansky</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxnRFIjlYqmG10CjYPityRKKLiufna7bD-0b44ImNCIX_EV2SVL0THbTvElszwIsPDjL_9yTIzuDc-G7TXJnCOgVzQ_3C5AftfjwKvFcxm-J4l0ykmHuRDTypU4fZ4SkztXr3/s1600/Image+08.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoxnRFIjlYqmG10CjYPityRKKLiufna7bD-0b44ImNCIX_EV2SVL0THbTvElszwIsPDjL_9yTIzuDc-G7TXJnCOgVzQ_3C5AftfjwKvFcxm-J4l0ykmHuRDTypU4fZ4SkztXr3/s320/Image+08.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568369448769197746" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.austinscbwi.com/">Austin SCBWI</a> RA and author <a href="http://www.debbiegonzales.com/">Debbie Gonzales</a> with Austin author-illustrator <a href="http://www.texasbookfestival.org/Author_Page.php?aid=449">Emma Virjan</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Uw_nF700ojBwitJsA5y04uddmzD5Fdd5hjSu-YNzHuFs5nmRs3M6Qx_t6zQqHDcPGgUZA5_t13l8RxSyulhg_ujXtuIYRzA13BZiv_GJeWJ0kqiRc5Ep5e6mwzAoLdTDuB5f/s1600/Image+20.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Uw_nF700ojBwitJsA5y04uddmzD5Fdd5hjSu-YNzHuFs5nmRs3M6Qx_t6zQqHDcPGgUZA5_t13l8RxSyulhg_ujXtuIYRzA13BZiv_GJeWJ0kqiRc5Ep5e6mwzAoLdTDuB5f/s320/Image+20.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568369665231914658" border="0" /></a>Here's a peek at some of the giveaways, courtesy of <a href="http://www.candlewick.com/">Candlewick</a> (Blessed) and <a href="http://us.penguingroup.com/static/pages/youngreaders/index.html">Penguin</a> (Night School). We awarded them to folks in the audience who asked a question.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKxSCOB9iFz8WL6WMHZtHyr0Q3a8BMal8taTHpcM8gW6p7kYhnRX2n9vEeeIhDEfNUsvFPUbIni4jvwDmqDTY4RS7xVC3IpatO6hV6uE25GjtBBWXHYugSrdWjNFZYEZ9UBvC/s1600/Image+22.jpeg"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYNTRcWmQXQ7SMrXHzsn4naQtpUMKGdjZ0Vj_AOWUKRO6SWx39rvBXrMnopzzeOW2iPav2sZhmXhKM3D6Rux3Ki9ZhmxVz82PXcyg8dRlfiqy5RR7xCkjSehhebDllpbbmfet/s1600/Image+09.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYNTRcWmQXQ7SMrXHzsn4naQtpUMKGdjZ0Vj_AOWUKRO6SWx39rvBXrMnopzzeOW2iPav2sZhmXhKM3D6Rux3Ki9ZhmxVz82PXcyg8dRlfiqy5RR7xCkjSehhebDllpbbmfet/s320/Image+09.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568370502470726962" border="0" /></a>Suddenly, the crowd poured in, and it was time to set down the camera.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZ_jKRZS0zILN1RFbO_Z0bTOsCkX1mJeEox-IGw_zV9Su9V1CWTMmNNgi3UrK-wujgfH04q_DRPzNRcrODq53JJVj9uIkDB3biEfEM_4n0igT923WmMpqjeEOkDyaguBbUR3C/s1600/Image+30.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZ_jKRZS0zILN1RFbO_Z0bTOsCkX1mJeEox-IGw_zV9Su9V1CWTMmNNgi3UrK-wujgfH04q_DRPzNRcrODq53JJVj9uIkDB3biEfEM_4n0igT923WmMpqjeEOkDyaguBbUR3C/s320/Image+30.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568367531707134978" border="0" /></a>Another crowd shot, before everyone settled in for the standing-room-only presentation.<br /><br />The program consisted of our book trailers, followed by Mari and I interviewing each other and then taking questions from the audience. Note: a number of folks commented that they enjoyed this interactive format.<br /><br />Finally, we signed books for about an hour and then visited with the readers kind enough to join us. It was an upbeat, jovial, spooky-fun time!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKxSCOB9iFz8WL6WMHZtHyr0Q3a8BMal8taTHpcM8gW6p7kYhnRX2n9vEeeIhDEfNUsvFPUbIni4jvwDmqDTY4RS7xVC3IpatO6hV6uE25GjtBBWXHYugSrdWjNFZYEZ9UBvC/s1600/Image+22.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKxSCOB9iFz8WL6WMHZtHyr0Q3a8BMal8taTHpcM8gW6p7kYhnRX2n9vEeeIhDEfNUsvFPUbIni4jvwDmqDTY4RS7xVC3IpatO6hV6uE25GjtBBWXHYugSrdWjNFZYEZ9UBvC/s320/Image+22.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568370044277373762" border="0" /></a>One last shot of author-slayer Mari! What a treat to share the stage with her!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Cynsational Notes</span><br /><br />Miss the party? No worries! <a href="http://www.bookpeople.com/">BookPeople</a> has signed stock of both Blessed and Night School! Swing by the store or call 512.472.5050 to order.<br /><br />Thank you to <a href="http://www.bookpeople.com/">BookPeople</a>, Candlewick Press and Penguin Young Readers for your support!<br /><br />Thank you to <a href="http://jenbigheart.blogspot.com/">Jen Bigheart</a>, the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Literary-Lonestars/183001338381005">Literary Lonestars</a> & the whole Texas book blogger community! Note: I don't dare try to list everyone for fear of accidentally leaving someone out, but please do know that you are hugely appreciated!<br /><br />Blessed will be available from <a href="http://www.walkerbooks.com.au/Books/Blessed-9780763655129">Walker Books Australia and New Zealand</a> tomorrow! See <a href="http://www.walkerbooks.com.au/Books/Blessed-9780763655129">details</a>!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tZa9enXxxvPQAixtvSF1TxDwiML8R-8YGSjg9jGfZ94jvUQlRh7ExtZWH7VvzTGRs5mIPFzXPbjFbWwxp-sHGUqcB5fbMtsXUxrYMWHhzo9kCmy-opsTZY_4ipZxjF2OAMJ9/s1600/Blessed_grand_prize.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tZa9enXxxvPQAixtvSF1TxDwiML8R-8YGSjg9jGfZ94jvUQlRh7ExtZWH7VvzTGRs5mIPFzXPbjFbWwxp-sHGUqcB5fbMtsXUxrYMWHhzo9kCmy-opsTZY_4ipZxjF2OAMJ9/s320/Blessed_grand_prize.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568386904172714594" border="0" /></a>LAST CALL: enter to win the <a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/01/blessed-grand-prize-giveaway-truth-be.html">Blessed Grand Prize Giveaway</a> from Cynsations. Deadline: Jan. 31.<br /><br /><a href="http://piratepenguinreads.blogspot.com/2011/01/blessed-blog-tour-interview-with.html">Blessed Blog Tour: Interview with Bradley and Giveaway</a> from Pirate Penguin Reads. Peek: "Cursed Internet. Deception was such a readily available snack in the early-to-mid twentieth century." Giveaway deadline: Feb. 6.<br /><br /><a href="http://badassbookie.blogspot.com/2011/01/blessed-tour-giveaway.html">Blessed Blog Tour: Secondary Characters & Giveaway</a> by Cynthia Leitich Smith from Badass Bookie. Peek: "Secondary characters mirror individual qualities of the hero. Illuminate them. Secondary characters challenge the hero. Fuel their growth. Secondary characters comment on the main characters. They help tell the readers what we need to know." Giveaway deadline: Feb. 4.<br /><br /><a href="http://agoodaddiction.blogspot.com/2011/01/author-top-ten-contest-cynthia-leitich.html">Blessed Blog Tour: Top Ten YA Recommendation</a><a href="http://agoodaddiction.blogspot.com/2011/01/author-top-ten-contest-cynthia-leitich.html">s & Giveaway</a> by Cynthia Leitich Smith from A Good Addiction. Giveaway deadline: Feb. 6.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Cynsational Events</span><br /><br /><a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/01/blessed-by-cynthia-leitich-smith.html">Blessed In-Person Author Tour Schedule in Central Texas and the Northeastern U.S.</a>: sponsored by Candlewick Press. Are you in New York, New Jersey, or the Philly area? Come join me along the way!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Finally</span><br /><br />Here are the book trailers for Night School:<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/uC5ygtqCaCI" allowfullscreen="" width="425" frameborder="0" height="349"></iframe><br /><br />and Blessed:<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pieAazPg_b0" allowfullscreen="" width="425" frameborder="0" height="349"></iframe>Cynthia Leitich Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650058326282279022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8086618.post-50856085079176885382011-01-28T08:51:00.001-06:002011-01-28T08:52:50.153-06:00Spooky News & Giveaways<a href="http://www.picturebookmarathon.org/"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-uWEvopHK4tFwfm9GjuG6vEFHPMjCfmzzALzMUWLGyEdinJxCoj7qqSzKtD2jrk_RE4J3uFxpL3xeDZ_Tnohh2kKNhdQR6ZpMYz6mOOuJz-ySFAWWK3xoy-xAXQ0qNc1VI0q/s1600/theodosia_eyes_of_horus.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-uWEvopHK4tFwfm9GjuG6vEFHPMjCfmzzALzMUWLGyEdinJxCoj7qqSzKtD2jrk_RE4J3uFxpL3xeDZ_Tnohh2kKNhdQR6ZpMYz6mOOuJz-ySFAWWK3xoy-xAXQ0qNc1VI0q/s200/theodosia_eyes_of_horus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566524939713325218" border="0" /></a><a href="http://shrinkingvioletpromotions.blogspot.com/2011/01/taming-that-to-do-list.html">Taming That To-Do List</a> by <a href="http://www.rllafevers.com/">R.L. LaFevers</a> from Shrinking Violet Promotions. Peek: "If you are a published writer, a lot of those To Dos probably pertain to the business side of things. But here’s the kicker: <span style="font-style: italic;">you</span> get to decide precisely which business things those entail."<br /><br /><a href="http://skateorbate.blogspot.com/2011/01/five-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-i.html">Five Things I Wish I Knew Before I Queried</a> by K.M. Walton from Some Things I Think. Peek: "I wish I didn't compare my query journey to other writers. Yes, I know it's human nature, but it's also extremely unhealthy and seriously gets in the way of success."<br /><br /><a href="http://scbwi.blogspot.com/2011/01/scbwi-team-blog-pre-conference_24.html">SCBWI Team Blog Pre-Conference Interview: Editors & Agents on Interacting with Them</a> by Alice Pope from Alice Pope's SCBWI Blog. Insights from editors Krista Marino (Delacorte), Francesco Sedita (Penguin), and Kate Sullivan (Little, Brown); and agents <a href="http://www.levinegreenberg.com/kerry-sparks/">Kerry Sparks </a>(Levine/Greenberg) and <a href="http://kidlit.com/about/">Mary Kole</a> (Andrea Brown). From Krista: "Aggressive, abrasive behavior will turn me away from even the most promising manuscript."<br /><br /><a href="http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2011/01/querying-cliche.html">Querying the Cliche</a> by Jane Lebak from Query Tracker. Peek: "Remember that a cliché is a shortcut. And when you use one to describe your own work, you're giving only a surface rendering of a story with depth. Work harder. Give it that depth."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.wernickpratt.com/">Wernick & Pratt</a>: new literary agency founded by <a href="http://www.wernickpratt.com/agents.html">Marcia Wernick and Linda Pratt</a>, both formerly of the <a href="http://www.sheldonfogelmanagency.com/">Sheldon Fogelman Agency</a>. Source: <a href="http://bvscratchpad.blogspot.com/2011/01/weekly-scratch_25.html">SCBWI Brazos Valley</a> via Publishers Weekly. Peek: "...represent established and emerging authors and illustrators, whose work ranges from fiction to non-fiction, from very young picture books and novelty books, through early readers, middle grade and young adult novels."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.booksandsuch.biz/blog/stuff-you-need-to-know-for-2011-every-authors-two-audiences/">Every Author's Two Audiences</a> by Janet Kobobel Grant from Books & Such. Peek: "Authors often don’t know when they should communicate with their publisher. They don’t want to be pests, but this reluctance to communicate can cause serious repercussions." Source: <a href="http://www.kristiholl.com/About%20Writers%20First%20Aid.htm">Kristi Holl</a> from <a href="http://institutechildrenslit.net/Writers-First-Aid-blog/">Writer's First Aid</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Harold at Highlights</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.underdown.org/">Harold Underdown</a> will be working with the Highlights Foundation this year in two different workshops. From March 10 to March 13, at the Highlights Founders Workshop site near Honesdale, Pennsylvania, he will introduce <a href="http://www.highlightsfoundation.org/pages/current/FWsched_howToRevise_11.html">proven techniques for self-editing and for revising</a>. The goal is not so much to revise a manuscript (though participants will) but to increase their ability to revise on their own or by working with other writers! Harold will be joined by children's book editor Eileen Robinson, who runs <a href="http://www.f1rstpages.com/">F1rst Pages</a>. Harold and Eileen will be drawing on their experience working in-house as editors and running their Kid's Book Revisions workshop to help writers to think like editors.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.highlightsfoundation.org/pages/current/FWsched_howToRevise_11.html">workshop</a> is limited to twelve writers: information and an application form can be found at the Highlights Foundation website. Or you may phone Jo Lloyd at 570.253.1192, or e-mail jo.lloyd@highlightsfoundation.org, to request an application.<br /><br />Harold will also be teaching this summer at the <a href="http://www.highlightsfoundation.org/pages/current/chautauqua_top.html">Highlights Foundation's 2011 Writer's Workshop at Chautauqua</a>, from July 16th to July 23. <a href="http://www.highlightsfoundation.org/pages/scholarships_top.html">Scholarship applications</a> are due Feb. 11.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Teen Read Week and Teen Tech Week: Tips and Resources for YALSA’s Initiatives </span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWewMqWJofklAIFXxyIa9e-5lVlsqJwOtsnp0nXFcY59U36kAMbgaib6qhPl6_J8IMpdWTn2TNAKgaP5lhDYsg7haT3M2Z4nd7FUavheBXJkWFNMGyroAWRxFCRyu6SR3xYvPx/s1600/teen_read_week_and_teen_tech_week.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWewMqWJofklAIFXxyIa9e-5lVlsqJwOtsnp0nXFcY59U36kAMbgaib6qhPl6_J8IMpdWTn2TNAKgaP5lhDYsg7haT3M2Z4nd7FUavheBXJkWFNMGyroAWRxFCRyu6SR3xYvPx/s320/teen_read_week_and_teen_tech_week.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567051155100690162" border="0" /></a>Congratulations to Megan Fink on the release of <a href="http://www.alastore.ala.org/detail.aspx?ID=3255">Teen Read Week and Teen Tech Week: Tips and Resources for YALSA’s Initiatives</a> (YALSA, 2010). From the promotional copy:<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />Each year, the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) sponsors two national literacy initiatives: Teen Read Week™, which encourages teens to read for fun and become regular library users, and Teen Tech Week™, which encourages teens to take advantage of the free technology available at libraries. Since 2003, YALSA’s award-winning quarterly journal, Young Adult Library Services has offered guidance for librarians planning Teen Read Week and Teen Tech Week events.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />For the first time, YALSA has compiled the best YALS articles on teen reading and teen information literacy into one volume, Teen Read Week and Teen Tech Week: Tips and Resources for YALSA’s Initiatives, launching its new Best of YALS series. Editor Megan Fink, middle school librarian at the Charlotte Country Day School and a former Teen Read Week chair, selected articles to form a manual that will offer guidance to librarians planning their annual events, with advice on best practices, collection development, outreach and marketing, program ideas and more.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />In addition, YA authors </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.walterdeanmyers.net/">Walter Dean Myers</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/">Cynthia Leitich Smith</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> and Best Teen Read Week contest winners Elizabeth Kahn and Jennifer Velásquez contributed original content about the importance of these initiatives and how they support teens’ information needs, along with an introduction by YALSA past president Judy Nelson.</span><br />See <a href="http://www.alastore.ala.org/detail.aspx?ID=3255">more information</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">More Personally</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hNpZhRwkJEP0mAtaztQywjsr7TIKZ5MugyBV_h9o32IdqlgL1lOjl9Z9yCEt2aQFBrgqXjr7ju4Crm51puj18xAlsz55zXGTpjBQ1BdZao16cOxPWYg_dQUCzCmBsuNx-aTV/s1600/writers_league_jan_2011.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hNpZhRwkJEP0mAtaztQywjsr7TIKZ5MugyBV_h9o32IdqlgL1lOjl9Z9yCEt2aQFBrgqXjr7ju4Crm51puj18xAlsz55zXGTpjBQ1BdZao16cOxPWYg_dQUCzCmBsuNx-aTV/s320/writers_league_jan_2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565786730888612434" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blessed</a> is now available from Candlewick! Thanks to everyone who's read, blogged, tweeted, facebooked or otherwise made noise about the novel! It means a <span style="font-style: italic;">lot</span> to me.<br /><br />Meanwhile, I continue to work on book four in the <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/tantalize/tantalize.html">Tantalize</a> series, which picks up several plot threads from <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/eternal/eternal.html">Eternal</a> and one from Blessed.<br /><br />It's terrific to be wholly immersed in new novel as the previous one is coming out. I only have so much time to indulge release jitters. As great as it is, being an author, it's being a writer that keeps me grounded and happy.<br /><br />I also received the exciting news from my editor that the graphic novel Eternal: Zachary's Story is green-lighted to be sent onto illustrator <a href="http://www.mingdoyle.com/">Ming Doyle</a>.<br /><br />Highlights of the past week include a <a href="http://www.writersleague.org/">Writers' League of Texas</a> author event on "Inspiration: The First Glimmer of a Book Idea" at BookPeople in Austin. Here, <a href="http://www.bethanyhegedus.com/">Bethany Hegedus</a> moderates a panel, featuring <a href="http://www.jenniferziegler.net/">Jennifer Ziegler</a>, <a href="http://www.brianyansky.com/">Brian Yansky</a> and <a href="http://www.stephenharrigan.com/">Stephen Harrigan</a>. The program was a kickoff to the <a href="http://www.writersleague.org/programs/mp.html">2011 Third Thursday series: Building a Book</a>. See also the League's <a href="http://www.writersleague.org/events/YA-conf-2011.htm">YA A to Z Conference</a> April 15 and April 16 in Austin.<br /><br /><a href="http://libba-bray.livejournal.com/59519.html">Guest Post: Cynthia Leitich Smith</a> from Libba Bray. Peek: "I fault <a href="http://www.stephenking.com/index.html">Stephen King</a> for my coulrophobia and treasure my tattered copy of <a href="http://www.completevca.com/">V.C. Andrews</a>’ Incest in the Attic series. I was a <a href="http://whedonesque.com/">Whedonesque</a> slayer in a former life."<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwEpP-NaN7sAFVvbfttubvjUiWvx4YUTh0o_HzyKd-AsYQLEgm_nCh_MdTflDN7d5eN5BRQHcQf1ZVhOGEqRboIqSvfcaWvRWeqEJCVt50QEELQxvSs_vDF4ODiORZngTMrVB/s1600/blessed_CP_hardcover.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwEpP-NaN7sAFVvbfttubvjUiWvx4YUTh0o_HzyKd-AsYQLEgm_nCh_MdTflDN7d5eN5BRQHcQf1ZVhOGEqRboIqSvfcaWvRWeqEJCVt50QEELQxvSs_vDF4ODiORZngTMrVB/s320/blessed_CP_hardcover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566515173923878898" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.teachingauthors.com/2011/01/book-giveaway-and-guest-teachingauthor.html">Book Giveaway and Teaching Author Interview with Cynthia Leitich Smith</a> by <a href="http://www.carmelamartino.com/">Carmela Martino</a> from Teaching Authors: Six Children's Authors Who Also Teach Writing. Peek: " What I typically suggest to my students is to physically act out a scene. Literally step into the moment and movement(s). Or to perhaps sketch out a map of the town or bedroom, so that it's easier for them to mentally move their cast around and describe that on the page." Giveaway deadline: Feb. 2.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.lindseylane.net/blog/2011/01/quotable-tuesday-cynthia-leitich-smith/">Quotable -- Cynthia Leitich Smith</a> by <a href="http://www.lindseylane.net/about.html">Lindsey Lane</a> from The Meandering Lane. Peek: "...today is about Cyn’s favorite quote, the one that stokes her writer engine."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.truthbetoldblog.com/2011/01/interviewing-brad-and-quincie-from.html">Character Interviews with Quincie and Brad</a> by Valorie from Truth Be Told.<br /><br /><ul><li>Peek: Peek from Brad (on what he looks forward to in the future): "Flying cars! I've been promised flying cars for decades, and where are they? Beyond that, I look forward to the day when Quincie accepts the inevitable and agrees to join me in our eternal life together." </li><li>Peek from Quincie: "f some smooth-talking, older guy starts plying you with liquor, flattering you, and trying to impress you when you're most vulnerable because of, say, your parents divorce or a death in the family or a falling out with your best friend, run the hell away from the jerk. Now, fast, go!"</li></ul><a href="http://girlsinthestacks.com/interviews/2011/01/blessed-character-interview-w-zachary-giveaway/">Blessed Character Interview with Zachary & Giveaway</a> from Girls in the Stacks. Peek: "I missed the amazing, self-proclaimed quirky weirdness of Austin."<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Blessed Reviews</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQ5vVr9gg6O-e_Rusk7lf3m_aG9_NjVsp45zzjcImP0xWzLwFD-iKgTHFdaqHyxBRP6b3zEphclpKi5vKJcrGVJ_P8MXSk8uPOINtOQJhyphenhyphen6mzMLJP_HeSTTQjuk0z7xV1hAlP/s1600/Image+09.jpeg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLQ5vVr9gg6O-e_Rusk7lf3m_aG9_NjVsp45zzjcImP0xWzLwFD-iKgTHFdaqHyxBRP6b3zEphclpKi5vKJcrGVJ_P8MXSk8uPOINtOQJhyphenhyphen6mzMLJP_HeSTTQjuk0z7xV1hAlP/s200/Image+09.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567049121646867778" border="0" /></a><a href="http://gregleitichsmith.com/">Greg</a> and I celebrated release day at <a href="http://www.amysicecreams.com/2.0/">Amy's Ice Creams</a> in Austin; see photo of our server.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bookpage.com/books-10014143-Blessed?utm_source=Reading%2BCorner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Reading%2BCorner%3A%2B11%2F01%2F26">Blessed: A Delicious and Deadly Treat</a> by Norah Piehl from BookPage. Peek: "...smart, sexy...her homage to Stoker’s classic novel is most apparent, as she uses the book’s characters for inspiration, its plot for structure and its themes for a rich background that will lead many readers to (re)discover the original <i>Dracula</i> even as they enjoy this darkly humorous send-up."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bookworminginthe21stcentury.com/2011/01/review-blessed.html">Blessed Review</a> by Kristen from Bookworming in the 21rst Century. Peek: "<span id="freeText2302802085078330992" style="" class="reviewText">For a book nearing 500 pages long, the story flew by fast, filled with action and emotional turmoil. I absolutely loved this book and hope there will be more.</span>"<br /><br /><a href="http://bookchicclub.blogspot.com/2011/01/blessed-by-cynthia-leitich-smith.html">Blessed Review</a> from BookChic. Peek: "I love this trilogy of books and how, in this one, Smith merged the casts from the previous two books, <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/tantalize/tantalize.html">Tantalize</a> and <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/eternal/eternal.html">Eternal</a>. She did a wonderful job doing it and it felt right. I really enjoyed revisiting these characters and I fell into a rhythm even though it's been a long time since reading both (though less time from <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/eternal/eternal.html">Eternal</a> but Blessed is mostly from Quincie's perspective from <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/tantalize/tantalize.html">Tantalize</a>)."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.yabookscentral.com/cfusion/index.cfm?fuseAction=books.review&review_id=22205">Blessed Review</a> by Jillian Van Leer from Young Adult Book Central. Peek: "I really enjoyed all the action, the love, the betrayal, everything! If you have read the first two books in this series (and even if you haven't!) go out and get this book!"<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Blessed Giveaways</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHUG0uKd0L3sQQThU3ZL1rjIzCNaP4krbMbtJ8jG3UMbwbn4i22E4xJ0QuoqncPRHYwR-MJKG9GP6OuRTJIHdalHiWAqvDODiR9rlC2W3m99xggs2aZG9TW5rQe8vmyze-33G/s1600/Blessed_grand_prize.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHUG0uKd0L3sQQThU3ZL1rjIzCNaP4krbMbtJ8jG3UMbwbn4i22E4xJ0QuoqncPRHYwR-MJKG9GP6OuRTJIHdalHiWAqvDODiR9rlC2W3m99xggs2aZG9TW5rQe8vmyze-33G/s200/Blessed_grand_prize.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567246898392027042" border="0" /></a>Enter to win the <a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/01/blessed-grand-prize-giveaway-truth-be.html">Blessed Grand Prize Giveaway</a> from Cynsations. Deadline: Jan. 31.<br /><br /><a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/01/teen-book-scene-blog-tour-blessed-by.html">Blessed Blog Tour & ARC/Prize Package Giveaways</a> by Kari from The Teen {Book} Scene. See individual sites on this online tour for specific prize entry information.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.truthbetoldblog.com/2011/01/kick-off-to-countdown-to-blessed-event.html">Blessed Online Countdown Event</a> by Valorie from Truth Be Told. Valorie is posting reviews, book trailers, teaser excerpts, giveaways, and author-and-character interviews. Giveaway deadline: 11 p.m. PST Jan. 24. See <a href="http://www.truthbetoldblog.com/2011/01/kick-off-to-countdown-to-blessed-event.html">details</a>.<br /><br />See also the <a href="http://www.teachingauthors.com/2011/01/book-giveaway-and-guest-teachingauthor.html">Teaching Authors Giveaway</a>. Deadline: Feb. 2.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Blessed Launch Party</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4oaYcgJeDlyqdqrr9WynRSullurRRJjApKt69qg06Fw-i7CH9FmdD_TBBtFgKuXmIpOGhdvXQ_5Fr-mvdXmmX2UE5KqnrV3lpYxFGuF1hEfT2hF7ArE8Xbd6md6CPE5VLnR-/s1600/night_school.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4oaYcgJeDlyqdqrr9WynRSullurRRJjApKt69qg06Fw-i7CH9FmdD_TBBtFgKuXmIpOGhdvXQ_5Fr-mvdXmmX2UE5KqnrV3lpYxFGuF1hEfT2hF7ArE8Xbd6md6CPE5VLnR-/s200/night_school.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562441674572830354" border="0" /></a>Joint Launch Party: <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blessed</a> by <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/">Cynthia Leitich Smith</a> (Candlewick) and <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780425240427">Night School</a> by <a href="http://www.marimancusi.com/">Mari Mancusi</a> (Berkley) book party and signing at 2 p.m. Jan. 29 at <a href="http://www.bookpeople.com/">BookPeople</a> in Austin. Event will include author talks, Q&A, refreshments and signing. Wear red and black if you're on the side of Evil or blue and black if you're on the side of Good. Bonus points (and possible prize) to anyone who dresses up as a vampire, shape shifter, vampire slayer, angel or faerie!<br /><br />The winner of an autographed copy of Night School was Kaya in Oregon.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">More Events</span><br /><br /><a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/01/blessed-by-cynthia-leitich-smith.html">Blessed In-Person Author Tour Schedule in Central Texas and the Northeastern U.S.</a>: sponsored by Candlewick Press. Are you in Austin, New York, New Jersey, or the Philly area? Come join me along the way!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.readfest.org/">12th Annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival</a> will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 19 in Fort Myers, Florida. Note: <a href="http://www.readfest.org/Authors.aspx">speakers</a> include Cynthia Leitich Smith.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.scbwi-wi.com/upcoming_events.html">SCBWI-Wisconsin Novel Revision Workshop with author Cynthia Leitich Smith</a> from March 25 to March 27. Note: "Registration is limited to 25 persons."<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Finally</span><br /><br />Blessed celebratory ice cream--Darth chocolate with hot chocolate sauce and pecans.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSdm7CQ3gEg4smAcAq8oxULEzSIGPe4bFvh90M1wUaXFWeS2SgaQqviEQM77mnkyYnql47rTQg0kiMzEhWuBQkWVulb7cl28qDsbNR-BX58H7Wcczdps7BMQjwyoBqk3oulqc/s1600/Image+10.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSdm7CQ3gEg4smAcAq8oxULEzSIGPe4bFvh90M1wUaXFWeS2SgaQqviEQM77mnkyYnql47rTQg0kiMzEhWuBQkWVulb7cl28qDsbNR-BX58H7Wcczdps7BMQjwyoBqk3oulqc/s400/Image+10.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567051718842407906" border="0" /></a>Cynthia Leitich Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650058326282279022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8086618.post-48234656484151674352011-01-25T09:22:00.001-06:002011-01-25T09:22:47.018-06:00Blessed by Cynthia Leitich Smith is Now Available<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PpFe9HIoylmHHoUbE-HMYAEEy3imJ5boTaSHZA6OeOZFKu_FrYdzMuFtHS2lu8I-OXEg6Dg3BZu5j0-IgNely8mkWLcCgzjEBIZEtJzVAPc18Xun30aVo-CqIyzrvG1AshW1/s1600/BLESSED_hardcover_CP.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4PpFe9HIoylmHHoUbE-HMYAEEy3imJ5boTaSHZA6OeOZFKu_FrYdzMuFtHS2lu8I-OXEg6Dg3BZu5j0-IgNely8mkWLcCgzjEBIZEtJzVAPc18Xun30aVo-CqIyzrvG1AshW1/s320/BLESSED_hardcover_CP.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565388182874147874" border="0" /></a>I'm thrilled to announce that <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blessed</a> is now available from Candlewick Press!<br /><br />Check out the latest coverage:<br /><br /><a href="http://joysnovelidea.blogspot.com/2011/01/blessed-in-which-i-interview-cynthia.html">Blessed: In Which I Interview Cynthia Leitich Smith</a> by <a href="http://www.joypreble.com/">Joy Preble</a> from Joy's Novel Idea. Peek: "I’ve created a vampire society with its own history, political structure, and system of laws as well as, say, architectural predispositions. The undead, for example, are big fans of the Arts and Crafts movement."<br /><br /><a href="http://childrenspublishing.blogspot.com/2011/01/in-stores-this-week-with-interviews_24.html?">In Stores this Week (With Interviews and Giveaways)</a> from Adventures in Children's Publishing. Peek: "I wrote the proposal for my editor in March 2008...at the <a href="http://www.arizonabiltmore.com/">Arizona Biltmore</a>. The place opened in 1929. It's swanky, designed in the Craftsman tradition (think: <a href="http://www.franklloydwright.org/fllwf_web_091104/Home.html">Frank Lloyd Wright</a>). <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irving_Berlin">Irving Berlin</a> penned <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Christmas_%28song%29">'White Christmas'</a> by the pool. <a href="http://www.marilynmonroe.com/">Marilyn Monroe</a> referred to that same pool as her favorite. ...I grabbed a chair around that pool, then, later, another around the fire pit, and brainstormed."<br /><br />Read an <a href="http://www.teenreads.com/reviews/9780763643263-excerpt.asp">excerpt of Blessed</a> from Teenreads.com.<br /><br />Look for the Blessed ads <a href="http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/home/index.html">today in Publishers Weekly online</a> and in the <a href="http://www.btol.com/pub_details.cfm?id=432">Baker & Taylor's CATS Meow: Library Newsletter for Children's and Teen Services</a> for January 2011!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Latest Buzz</span><br /><br />"Quincie is a capable, independent and appealing heroine who has matured considerably since her debut in <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/tantalize/tantalize.html">'Tantalize.'</a> Smith plans one more book in the series; <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">'Blessed'</a> raises expectations for a complex (and thrilling) conclusion." <em><br /></em><div style="text-align: right;"><em>—</em><a href="http://www.statesman.com/life/books/in-blessed-neophyte-vampire-battles-forces-of-the-1204910.html?cxtype=rss_ece_frontpage">In 'Blessed,' Neophyte Vampire Battles the Forces of the Undead</a><br />by Sharyn Vane from <span style="font-style: italic;">The Austin American-Statesman</span>.<br /></div><br />"I found this book intriguing and fun. The characters are well developed, and the plot is a definite attention keeper. This book is more for teens and up, and I'd rate it a 9.5 on a 10 scale."<br /><div style="text-align: right;"><em>—</em>Brianna, age 15, from <a href="http://genrefluentteentalk.blogspot.com/2011/01/blessed-by-cynthia-leitich-smith.html">Genrefluent's Bistro Book Club: Teens Talk About Books</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">"I give Blessed an overall rating of 5 stars [out of 5]. If you love this series, you will be floored at how good this book turned out." <em><br /></em><div style="text-align: right;"><em>—</em>Valorie from <a href="http://www.truthbetoldblog.com/2011/01/blessed-by-cynthia-leitich-smith-review.html">Truth Be Told <em></em></a><br /><em></em></div></div></div><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Mega Giveaways</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8tsmlXXFo18lzIN6jLTiWfa1jILOk7HcJlaDMTXe7JL5f_Dmt46BGz7yiDxx3FZw_ypTfYyZm5nXMRBzWlpSuKuKq_YDwk0StQplvBsGbxNZQpLC0v3Z10nx0rvmpShKQ6Cw/s1600/Blessed_grand_prize.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8tsmlXXFo18lzIN6jLTiWfa1jILOk7HcJlaDMTXe7JL5f_Dmt46BGz7yiDxx3FZw_ypTfYyZm5nXMRBzWlpSuKuKq_YDwk0StQplvBsGbxNZQpLC0v3Z10nx0rvmpShKQ6Cw/s200/Blessed_grand_prize.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565445391544548306" border="0" /></a>Enter to win the <a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/01/blessed-grand-prize-giveaway-truth-be.html">Blessed Grand Prize Giveaway</a> from Cynsations. Deadline: Jan. 31.<br /><br /><a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/01/teen-book-scene-blog-tour-blessed-by.html">Blessed Blog Tour & ARC/Prize Package Giveaways</a> by Kari from The Teen {Book} Scene. See individual sites on this online tour for specific prize entry information.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.truthbetoldblog.com/2011/01/kick-off-to-countdown-to-blessed-event.html">Blessed Online Countdown Event</a> by Valorie from Truth Be Told. Valorie is posting reviews, book trailers, teaser excerpts, giveaways, and author-and-character interviews. Giveaway deadline: 11 p.m. PST Jan. 24. See <a href="http://www.truthbetoldblog.com/2011/01/kick-off-to-countdown-to-blessed-event.html">details</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Blessed Tour</span><br /><br /><a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/01/blessed-by-cynthia-leitich-smith.html">Blessed Central Texas and Northeast U.S. Tour</a> from Candlewick Press. Note: YA authors <a href="http://www.bloodcovenvampires.com/author.html">Mari Mancusi</a> and <a href="http://www.danielanddina.com/site/authors/">Daniel Nayeri</a> will be joining Cynthia here and there along the way!<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pieAazPg_b0" allowfullscreen="" width="425" frameborder="0" height="344"></iframe><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Cynsational Notes</span><br /><br />This post features a sampling of the latest buzz surrounding <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blessed</a>. I'll highlight more links as part of my weekly round-ups. Thanks to everyone who's reading and discussing the novel!<br /><br />I greatly appreciate y'all indulging today's celebration. I'll return to highlighting other authors, their books, and news of the publishing world, starting again tomorrow!Cynthia Leitich Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650058326282279022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8086618.post-18019682441712380662011-01-21T11:47:00.002-06:002011-01-21T11:50:15.066-06:00Spooky News, Night School Giveaway & Blessed Countdown<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZSynOwLXNIp9pbgjnaWKLITZ3obiBPvVFcUyn6Y8_3aE7-7U7Y_MmJNGOLmDRgBQsIAyGFPPG0GW4fz8g9tN3HyFzlw5SmsSGyUeGVpkzpXsTqS_oZC7o2cmLjo9R6wC-eOs/s1600/mermaids_mirror.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZSynOwLXNIp9pbgjnaWKLITZ3obiBPvVFcUyn6Y8_3aE7-7U7Y_MmJNGOLmDRgBQsIAyGFPPG0GW4fz8g9tN3HyFzlw5SmsSGyUeGVpkzpXsTqS_oZC7o2cmLjo9R6wC-eOs/s320/mermaids_mirror.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563209544313074898" border="0" /></a><a href="http://community.livejournal.com/debut2009/1059044.html">L.K. Madigan's Feast of Awesome Giveaway</a> by <a href="http://cindy-pon.livejournal.com/">Cindy Pon</a> from the 2009 Debutantes. Peek: "How can we best express our love and support for Lisa during this time? Through the celebration of her books. only a fellow writer can know the angst and turmoil associated with creating stories--because we put so much of ourselves in them. Won't you help us in spreading <a href="http://www.flashburnout.com/">L.K. Madigan</a> Book Love?"<br /><br /><a href="http://blogs.publishersweekly.com/blogs/shelftalker/?p=3938&utm_source=Publishers+Weekly%27s+PW+Daily&utm_campaign=03af862390-UA-15906914-1&utm_medium=email">ALA Youth Media Awards: Which Publishers Are Celebrating?</a> by <a href="http://www.elizabethbluemle.com/">Elizabeth Bluemle</a> from Publishers Weekly. Peek: "I’ll start with a summary, and then post the full list below...."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.digitalbookworld.com/2011/the-agents-role-in-todays-digital-book-world/">The Agent’s Role in Today’s Digital Book World</a> by <a href="http://kidlit.com/about/">Mary Kole</a>, Literary Agent, Andrea Brown Literary Agency from Digital Book World. Peek: "as publishers embrace different content delivery systems and processes, agents will take on more packaging responsibilities: editorial work, marketing consultation, design, etc. Whether we’re presenting a book to editors or an app proposal to a digital publisher, we will have had a more active hand in its reaching 'market ready' status."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thecreativepenn.com/2011/01/15/how-to-create-a-podcast/">How to Create a Podcast: Ready to Step Out of Your Blogging Comfort Zone?</a> by Joanna Penn from The Creative Pen. Peek: "You can use <a title="blog talk radio" href="http://blogtalkradio.com/" target="_blank">BlogTalkRadio</a> or other free hosted solutions but I don’t think the quality is very good and iTunes is a great stand-alone market so it’s worth having your own feed."<br /><br /><a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/jacketcopy/2011/01/whats-going-on-with-borders.html">What's Going on With Borders?</a> by Carolyn Kellogg from Jacket Copy from the L.A. Times. Peek: "Barnes & Noble, if buffeted by Amazon's success, has remained afloat; Borders has been taking on water." Note: a clear, succinct update on the status of the Borders chain.<br /><br /><a href="http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2011/01/should-i-mention-my-blog-in-my-query.html">Should I Mention My Blog in My Query?</a> by <span class="post-info"><a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/psychology-writers">Carolyn Kaufman</a> from QueryTracker.net.</span> Peek: "...if you have a huge blog on, say, mountain climbing, but your book has nothing to do with mountain climbing, you don’t have the built-in audience an agent or editor is looking for, and mentioning your blog will look like a <i>non sequitur</i>."<br /><br /><a href="http://throughthetollbooth.com/?p=2173">Authors on the Internet: Facing Up To Facebook</a> by <a href="http://www.tamilewisbrown.com/">Tami Lewis Brown</a> from Through the Tollbooth. Peek: "This week in the Tollbooth we’ll look at Facebook and authors. We’ll see who’s doing what, check out some innovative sites for readers and writers, and look out for pitfalls."<br /><br /><a href="http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2011/01/celebrating-rejection.html">Celebrating Rejection</a> by Danyelle from QueryTracker.net. Peek: "...why celebrate something that can be so painful? Something that we sometimes even come to believe for a time? Because rejection is proof that you're not just existing--you're living."<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2l6zuSaIrt5-GKKPbjwIhY9Ttd0Bs81fXNenU-R20Rw9qY7ZVNavDrVqZBZY_7oNxeGWHflV3DF2R5rmj3Mpa0szCQcXyznXnEXeBjigbDBDtHZ2rjSgb32951W2lxtxpGlUC/s1600/enter_the_zombie.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2l6zuSaIrt5-GKKPbjwIhY9Ttd0Bs81fXNenU-R20Rw9qY7ZVNavDrVqZBZY_7oNxeGWHflV3DF2R5rmj3Mpa0szCQcXyznXnEXeBjigbDBDtHZ2rjSgb32951W2lxtxpGlUC/s200/enter_the_zombie.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563931322936781410" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.davidlubar.com/snow2011.html">David Lubar's Travel Challenge</a>: "I have nine school visits scheduled during January, February, and March. I also have a frightening ability to attract terrible weather. (Some schools in rural areas book me in the spring because they need the rain.)" Root for David, and/or commit to donate (be it 10 cents or a dollar) to the charity of your choice each time he foils his bad travel karma! Go, David!<br /><br /><a href="http://institutechildrenslit.net/Writers-First-Aid-blog/2011/01/19/hardiness/">Hardiness</a> by <a href="http://institutechildrenslit.net/Writers-First-Aid-blog/about-kristi-holl/">Kristi Holl</a> from Writer's First Aid: A Medicine Chest of Hope. Peek: "I know for a fact that when I focus on the finish line–the day I can say the book is done–that it feels overwhelming."<br /><br /><a href="http://kidlit.com/2011/01/19/a-crisis-of-self-confidence/">A Crisis of Self-Confidence</a> by <a href="http://kidlit.com/about/">Mary Kole</a> from Kidlit.com. Peek: "Sometimes frustration is a good thing — it spurns you on when you might otherwise quit — but I find that the specific frustration of not being published yet has one common cure: stop submitting and start nursing the writing."<br /><br /><a href="http://acrowesnest.blogspot.com/2011/01/erik-writing-young-narrator.html">Writing a Young Narrator</a> by Erik Raschke from Crowe's Nest. Peek: "I really focused on the framework in which teens communicated with one another and less on what was actually being said. Once I had written the situation, i.e. boys getting ready to fight, boys talking about sexy movie stars, I could cut out the modern language and replace it with how I used to speak when I was a budding teen (which was roughly the same time <a href="http://thebookofsamuel.com/">The Book of Samuel</a> (St. Martin's, 2009) takes place)."<br /><br /><a href="http://noveljourney.blogspot.com/2011/01/taming-time-by-guest-blogger-sarah.html">Taming Time: Practical Tips to Increase Writing Productivity</a> by Sarah Sundin from Novel Journey. Peek: "'I am a professional. I am a professional.' Repeat this until you believe it. Now, act like it. Keep office hours. Even if you only have one hour a day to write, use it well."<br /><br /><a href="http://scbwi.blogspot.com/2011/01/scbwi-team-blog-pre-conference_17.html">SCBWI Team Blog Pre-Conference Interview: Advice on Critiques from Editors and Agents</a> by Alice Pope from Alice Pope's SCBWI Children's Market Blog. Q&A with editors Krista Marino (Delacorte), Franceso Sedita (Penguin) and Jennifer Rees (Scholastic) and agents <a href="http://www.levinegreenberg.com/kerry-sparks/">Kerry Sparks</a> (Levine/Greenberg) and <a href="http://www.andreabrownlit.com/agents.php">Mary Kole</a> (Andrea Brown). Peek from Krista: "Always keep in mind that editors and agents want to work with writers who are open to suggestions, not writers who think their work is already done. Act appropriately."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.leewind.org/2011/01/jennifer-besser-exclusive-scbwi-team.html">SCBWI Team Blog Pre-Conference Interview: Jennifer Besser, Publisher of G.P. Putnam’s Sons, an imprint of the Penguin Young Readers Group,</a> by Lee Wind from I'm Here. I'm Queer. What the Hell Do I Read? Peek: "Having an agent is very important, and has been for some time now. Of the deals I made in 2010, at least 95% of them were agented, and most years it’s 100%."<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">CBAY</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGePpFMu01V0LCxfzfWd8xDUpw1jLj1jHGE9SQGMWRNSbBzeB8wZovejXNQj_pI4Ntn-YrUxyTG1NaYUlcAJOnDdr90IcjJlqlBGFGU9mJ2aCY9FlBp2BnNmNbjV-PcmhBMkxb/s1600/Image+1.jpeg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGePpFMu01V0LCxfzfWd8xDUpw1jLj1jHGE9SQGMWRNSbBzeB8wZovejXNQj_pI4Ntn-YrUxyTG1NaYUlcAJOnDdr90IcjJlqlBGFGU9mJ2aCY9FlBp2BnNmNbjV-PcmhBMkxb/s200/Image+1.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563182731916781810" border="0" /></a>From <a href="http://www.cbaybooks.com/resources/writers/pbsubs">Madeline at CBAY</a>: Until Jan. 31, "we will accept unsolicited manuscript submissions for only fantasy and science fiction picture books. These will be for traditional 32-page picture books for ages 2-5.<br /><br />"...the picture book must either be a fantasy (fairy tales, dragons, fairies, etc.) or a sciene-fiction (time travel, space, under the ocean, steampunk, etc.) tale. We will not consider any other type of picture book. However, we will look at number or alphabet books with a fantasy or science fiction theme. Finally, we will not consider manuscripts written for older children at this time. This is a call for fantasy and science fiction picture books, exclusively." See <a href="http://www.cbaybooks.com/resources/writers/pbsubs">more information</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">More Personally</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrTGXUzfdah6eNPJxVmM7o_NjNxS2uH3NfrcPh2o-t-t53zs6uetyBtyQDShj09jkXMXBKw0DfBeEPukobASgWF-hsryw79RiNt6awseuJxeL1Hvol50bQigrAqs-i5RytdeR/s1600/cyn_portrait_square.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 48px; height: 48px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrTGXUzfdah6eNPJxVmM7o_NjNxS2uH3NfrcPh2o-t-t53zs6uetyBtyQDShj09jkXMXBKw0DfBeEPukobASgWF-hsryw79RiNt6awseuJxeL1Hvol50bQigrAqs-i5RytdeR/s200/cyn_portrait_square.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564662576164770114" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blessed</a> will be released on Tuesday, and so this post is bursting with countdown interviews, guest posts, upcoming events, and giveaways! Thank you so much to the bloggers and event planners! I'm honored by your interest, enthusiasm, and efforts. Most appreciated!<br /><br />I'm also still on deadline for book four in the Tantalize series, which will continue to feature characters from the previous books but is more of a sequel to events in <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/eternal/eternal.html">Eternal</a>.<br /><br />However, I did manage to peek out of the house for a couple of writing community events this week! So, here's my full report!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2oFTu_J2Z-Wiy4b87z48zvICddfjQ9fBkFJwg14m2PSFpX4MGtc8b_Av-hrhybwcfEIM0K1jDXcBnE2-IFUBFaKV4cGz3JMMKcQgesFIpFs-e0SiyAXiVD4EuW0oY2d4Y8d0r/s1600/tantalize_paperback.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2oFTu_J2Z-Wiy4b87z48zvICddfjQ9fBkFJwg14m2PSFpX4MGtc8b_Av-hrhybwcfEIM0K1jDXcBnE2-IFUBFaKV4cGz3JMMKcQgesFIpFs-e0SiyAXiVD4EuW0oY2d4Y8d0r/s200/tantalize_paperback.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563581531889875490" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/tantalize/tantalize.html">Tantalize</a> was named a <a href="http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/booklistsawards/popularpaperback/11ppya.cfm#cooking">Top Ten pick on the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) list of 2011 Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults</a> in the "What's Cooking?" category ("tasty reads to fill your belly and warm your soul.").<br /><br />Previous honors for Tantalize include:<br /><ul><li>Borders Original Voices Nominee, March 2007</li><li><a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2007/10/2007-national-book-festival-impressions.html">Featured title, 2007 National Book Festival</a></li><li>2007-2008 Tayshas List </li><li>Chapters (Canada) Junior Advisory Board (JAB) pick</li><li>Featured title, 2007 Texas Book Festival</li><li>Featured title, 2007 Kansas Book Festival</li></ul><a href="http://mundiemoms.blogspot.com/2011/01/book-review-eternal.html">Mundie Moms</a> says of <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/eternal/eternal.html">Eternal</a>: "...it's a story about deception, redemption, love, danger, and hope. It's a story that both fans of Dracula and paranormal characters will enjoy reading." Read <a href="http://mundiemoms.blogspot.com/2011/01/book-review-eternal.html">the whole review</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3UQ-y1UKuTJxk_NEK9x30p_0vcQwkcmdtLZHaNvLeXkHjFHLlgh8vNP3IlG2X1qElvDGOyPH2ek1lZz09wch0LKYcjS2MAiJJ1rq7yeMzKDO3jpV_r6FTdajg-cTbrI4nE51/s1600/Image+3.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3UQ-y1UKuTJxk_NEK9x30p_0vcQwkcmdtLZHaNvLeXkHjFHLlgh8vNP3IlG2X1qElvDGOyPH2ek1lZz09wch0LKYcjS2MAiJJ1rq7yeMzKDO3jpV_r6FTdajg-cTbrI4nE51/s320/Image+3.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562803213030653650" border="0" /></a>This week, <a href="http://www.bookpeople.com/">BookPeople</a> in Austin is celebrating the ALA award winners.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoTEE1mvM_jji4q4MhZmR9iPRtisl8NNiboV6lrBYnkaQh7_ARStKrKwf7jPeY8Vd0-5zH3VsPozXFiJqUFkfnPMh6GqFrH9TXVQDEY9Yu_kNBPp3OTEm9I0Nr05QimfcYlC4/s1600/Image+2.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoTEE1mvM_jji4q4MhZmR9iPRtisl8NNiboV6lrBYnkaQh7_ARStKrKwf7jPeY8Vd0-5zH3VsPozXFiJqUFkfnPMh6GqFrH9TXVQDEY9Yu_kNBPp3OTEm9I0Nr05QimfcYlC4/s320/Image+2.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562803592340478306" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.jessicaleeanderson.com/">Jessica Lee Anderson</a> gave an inspiring, musical, insightful presentation at the first Austin SCBWI meeting of the year. Here she is with fellow author <a href="http://bettyxdavis.com/">Betty X Davis</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXmMCJq6Iw3lLTebGJnaxXS-zG0GnE80LqvgaFCcoYzeyJHAIPshCO8a3k2_EiO1eclkipveepyVne9u0f5uEJkx9J5s5kN5eQxwa5LDj6P37m3A7pG4uaAlth7tHQiOyFJXL/s1600/Image+4.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXmMCJq6Iw3lLTebGJnaxXS-zG0GnE80LqvgaFCcoYzeyJHAIPshCO8a3k2_EiO1eclkipveepyVne9u0f5uEJkx9J5s5kN5eQxwa5LDj6P37m3A7pG4uaAlth7tHQiOyFJXL/s320/Image+4.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562803734439006402" border="0" /></a>ARA <a href="http://www.carmenoliver.com/">Carmen Oliver</a>, author-illustrator <a href="http://www.texasbookfestival.org/Author_Page.php?aid=449">Emma Virjan</a> and authors <a href="http://www.shanaburg.com/">Shana Burg</a> and <a href="http://www.jenniferziegler.net/">Jennifer Ziegler</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMOrI9jdWEQfUAzNPS37nQA2zd-WBbms_fTZ9Vv1H9PrBqSvu6GhcKKHz8Y1asWTCW_BGojg0742HUVygzgrdvR_fr7aa8abzVuAqL9bE4hDUS2F7f8E5pzG0aqhRK7sS1_zK/s1600/Image+5.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMOrI9jdWEQfUAzNPS37nQA2zd-WBbms_fTZ9Vv1H9PrBqSvu6GhcKKHz8Y1asWTCW_BGojg0742HUVygzgrdvR_fr7aa8abzVuAqL9bE4hDUS2F7f8E5pzG0aqhRK7sS1_zK/s320/Image+5.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562804625297024194" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.kaholt.com/Site/Welcome.html">K.A. Holt</a>, author of <a href="http://us.macmillan.com/brainsforlunch">Brains for Lunch: A Zombie Novel in Haiku?!</a> (Roaring Brook, 2010), models her latest zombie accessory.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHElt6kUidEE82QrRP2eAOmNH92yiPT8HSwLAG19TaFGnVlKc91K414nIX0R4qZHByxUc7lKRWPBU9MrnqmD8WpGeghQuXL6pf-_35B0fvE5HNO9tKQWznvPUQubWEF5-8iErp/s1600/Image+9.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHElt6kUidEE82QrRP2eAOmNH92yiPT8HSwLAG19TaFGnVlKc91K414nIX0R4qZHByxUc7lKRWPBU9MrnqmD8WpGeghQuXL6pf-_35B0fvE5HNO9tKQWznvPUQubWEF5-8iErp/s320/Image+9.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562804800526966626" border="0" /></a>Afterward, about 20 of us ended up next door at the <a href="http://www.shoalcreeksaloon.com/">Shoal Creek Saloon</a>. Here's Greg, next to newcomer <a href="http://www.sarapennypacker.com/">Sara Pennypacker</a>, across from <a href="http://www.bethanyhegedus.com/">Bethany Hegedus</a>, Sara Kocek (the newest face at the <a href="http://www.writersleague.org/">Writers' League of Texas</a>), and <a href="http://www.margorabb.com/">Margo Rabb</a>.<br /><br />Link of the Week: check out <a href="http://professornana.livejournal.com/521517.html">Libba Bray's latest cover</a> from Professor Nana.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Blessed Grand Prize Giveaway</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAj-1gYntU8pPTTrY6HI8UPaTQhstJ7TMgf71yKh1bIPYdmLPQ2hMl-toFaHqRnFrcm6Vj2wurXJT7PiaixJQ5d7bB-zZrmzYnC3_bm-Gpw4NEz7sro79pkd3KSsJPcs45NCT/s1600/Blessed_grand_prize.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAj-1gYntU8pPTTrY6HI8UPaTQhstJ7TMgf71yKh1bIPYdmLPQ2hMl-toFaHqRnFrcm6Vj2wurXJT7PiaixJQ5d7bB-zZrmzYnC3_bm-Gpw4NEz7sro79pkd3KSsJPcs45NCT/s400/Blessed_grand_prize.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561343055779040690" border="0" /></a>Enter to win the <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blessed</a> grand prize giveaway from Cynsations! The prize package includes: final hardcover of <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blesse</a>d (Candlewick, 2011); magnetic Sanguini's menu wipe board with pen that reads, "Stop in for a late-night bite;" Sanguini's magnet; laminated poster from the movie <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0021814/">"Dracula,"</a> (1931); dragon finger puppet; wolf finger puppet; plush bat stuffed toy; Tantalize postcards; series tie-in buttons; angel wing charm; and <a href="http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=title&mode=book&isbn=0763647934">Dracula</a> by Bram Stoker, illustrated by Anne Yvonne Gilbert, retold by Nicky Raven (Templar/Candlewick, 2010)(view an <a href="http://www.candlewick.com/bookxtras.asp?isbn=0763647934&id=&browse=title&view=sprd&sprd=./images/cwp_spreads/648/0763647934.int.1.jpg&bktitle=Dracula">inside spread</a>).<br /><br />To enter, leave a comment at <a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/01/blessed-grand-prize-giveaway-truth-be.html">this post at Blogger</a> or <a href="http://cynleitichsmith.livejournal.com/313496.html">this post at LiveJournal</a>! For an extra entry(s): Post, share, tweet, whatever works: (a) <a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/01/blessed-grand-prize-giveaway-truth-be.html">this giveaway</a> and/or (b) the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pieAazPg_b0">Blessed book trailer</a> and/or a <a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/01/widget-counting-down-to-blessed.html">Blessed countdown widget</a>; and include the URL in your comment! Also, make sure to include contact information in case you win. Author-publisher sponsored. U.S./Canada entries only. Deadline: Jan. 31.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The Teen {Book} Scene Blog Tour: Blessed by Cynthia Leitich Smith</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqw5y6OU7WXOcex98Nz4f-y_f_z8ms6XB-LFwqM3cCKpGXcgcowS4ZFgBWaxCyaa-BuQZfcj-4W2Jc-NyWeiArhCP3iTU_jEdtwzw7AAG7Uy1bPTlrBuDi96UGiFcyzZMYEUSz/s1600/blessed_blog_tour_prize_pack.jpeg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqw5y6OU7WXOcex98Nz4f-y_f_z8ms6XB-LFwqM3cCKpGXcgcowS4ZFgBWaxCyaa-BuQZfcj-4W2Jc-NyWeiArhCP3iTU_jEdtwzw7AAG7Uy1bPTlrBuDi96UGiFcyzZMYEUSz/s320/blessed_blog_tour_prize_pack.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564662006103190290" border="0" /></a><a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/01/teen-book-scene-blog-tour-blessed-by.html">Blessed Blog Tour & ARC/Prize Package Giveaways</a> by Kari from The Teen {Book} Scene (enter at the links below for more chances to win--multiple prizes available!):<br /><ul><li>an <a href="http://www.bookworminginthe21stcentury.com/2011/01/blessed-blog-tour-interview-with.html">interview with Quincie</a> from Bookworming in the 21rst Century; peek: "Blessed <span style="font-style: italic;"></span><em></em>proved to be a thrilling continuation of the series by highlighting Quincie's dire situation and her transformation as not only a neophyte but as a stronger, more assertive young woman. " </li><li>my guest post, <a href="http://thebookscout.blogspot.com/2011/01/blog-tour-cynthia-leitich-smith-guest.html">Bringing Together the Casts of Tantalize and Eternal</a> from The Book Scout; peek: "In Blessed, heroes from Eternal may be found in Sanguini’s, the vampire-themed restaurant in Tantalize. Likewise, Quincie steps fully, for the first time, into the underworld.</li><li><a href="http://piratepenguinreads.blogspot.com/2011/01/blessed-by-cynthia-leitich-smith.html#idc-container">Blessed review</a> from Pirate Penguin Reads; peek: "Blessed proved to be a thrilling continuation of the series by highlighting Quincie's dire situation and her transformation as not only a neophyte but as a stronger, more assertive young woman."</li><li><a href="http://theserpentinelibrary.blogspot.com/2011/01/blessed-blog-tour-interview-with-kieren.html">an interview with Kieren</a> from The Serpentine Library; peek: "or as long as I could recall, I found it boring when she talked about new recipes and napkins. I was polite, but…Then one day, I found every word she said fascinating. Quince herself, fascinating. The way her lips moved… She could talk about napkins forever, and I’d be thrilled to hear it." </li><li><a href="http://mundiemoms.blogspot.com/2011/01/author-interview-with-cynthia-leitich.html">author interview with Cynthia Leitich Smith</a> from Mundie Moms; peek: "Don’t ever let fear stop your art—especially if you’re writing horror."<br /></li></ul><span style="font-style: italic;">Truth Be Told Blessed Countdown & Giveaway</span>s<br /><br /><a href="http://www.truthbetoldblog.com/2011/01/kick-off-to-countdown-to-blessed-event.html">Blessed Online Countdown Event</a> by Valorie from Truth Be Told. Valorie will be posting reviews, book trailers, teaser excerpts, and fun author-and-character interviews. She's <a href="http://www.truthbetoldblog.com/2011/01/kick-off-to-countdown-to-blessed-event.html">giving away</a> two bookplate-autographed copies of <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blessed</a>, each with a Magnetic Sanguini's menu wipe board and pen (see photo above). She's also giving away one board to (a) a random commenter and another to (b) "a person who helps promote the release of the book, randomly chosen based on tweets, adding it to goodreads, and blogging. It will go to someone who didn't win the hardcover." Giveaway deadline: 11 p.m. PST Jan. 24. See <a href="http://www.truthbetoldblog.com/2011/01/kick-off-to-countdown-to-blessed-event.html">details</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGe2vJR6zNrOpivG0PGmz9gmhIocjO1RFaVE0RW2lnIPuR8j72KFL-mE8KX238e-XGDzxUF8MlbfaiJ_P9HOJ_ioyCeni240o7OsVyh_T2Sc7NDnUa9voguh1schHVmGnFCyYv/s1600/witches_of_eastwick.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGe2vJR6zNrOpivG0PGmz9gmhIocjO1RFaVE0RW2lnIPuR8j72KFL-mE8KX238e-XGDzxUF8MlbfaiJ_P9HOJ_ioyCeni240o7OsVyh_T2Sc7NDnUa9voguh1schHVmGnFCyYv/s200/witches_of_eastwick.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564656392493957042" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.truthbetoldblog.com/2011/01/guest-post-cynthia-leitich-smith.html">Embracing My Spooky Side</a>: a guest post by Cynthia Leitich Smith. Peek: "I had no interest in violent, slasher flicks, though I enjoyed more atmospheric films (with plots) like <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084516/">"Poltergeist"</a> (1982) and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094332/">"The Witches of Eastwick"</a> (1987). The latter-featuring <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000197/">Jack Nicholson</a> as the devil-especially appealed to me because of its female-empowerment reversal at the end."<br /><br />In Valorie's <a href="http://www.truthbetoldblog.com/2011/01/tantalize-by-cynthia-leitich-smith.html">review of Tantalize</a>, she says: "The last few chapters of <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/tantalize/tantalize.html">Tantalize</a> were my favorite. This is where you see Quincie show who she really is. These last few chapters are also packed with suspense and action, much of which is unexpected."<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Blessed Launch Party</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4oaYcgJeDlyqdqrr9WynRSullurRRJjApKt69qg06Fw-i7CH9FmdD_TBBtFgKuXmIpOGhdvXQ_5Fr-mvdXmmX2UE5KqnrV3lpYxFGuF1hEfT2hF7ArE8Xbd6md6CPE5VLnR-/s1600/night_school.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4oaYcgJeDlyqdqrr9WynRSullurRRJjApKt69qg06Fw-i7CH9FmdD_TBBtFgKuXmIpOGhdvXQ_5Fr-mvdXmmX2UE5KqnrV3lpYxFGuF1hEfT2hF7ArE8Xbd6md6CPE5VLnR-/s200/night_school.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562441674572830354" border="0" /></a>Joint Launch Party: <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blessed</a> by <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/">Cynthia Leitich Smith</a> (Candlewick) and <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780425240427">Night School</a> by <a href="http://www.marimancusi.com/">Mari Mancusi</a> (Berkley) book party and signing at 2 p.m. Jan. 29 at <a href="http://www.bookpeople.com/">BookPeople</a> in Austin. Event will include author talks, Q&A, refreshments and signing. Wear red and black if you're on the side of Evil or blue and black if you're on the side of Good. Bonus points (and possible prize) to anyone who dresses up as a vampire, shape shifter, vampire slayer, angel or faerie!<br /><br />Last call! Comment <a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/01/cynsational-news-giveaways.html">here</a> for a chance to win an autographed copy of Night School! Deadline: Jan. 21.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">More Spooky Events</span><br /><br /><a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/01/blessed-by-cynthia-leitich-smith.html">Blessed In-Person Author Tour Schedule in Central Texas and the Northeastern U.S.</a>: sponsored by Candlewick Press. Are you in Austin, New York, New Jersey, or the Philly area? Come join me along the way!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.readfest.org/">12th Annual Southwest Florida Reading Festival</a> will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 19 in Fort Myers, Florida. Note: <a href="http://www.readfest.org/Authors.aspx">speakers</a> include Cynthia Leitich Smith.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.scbwi-wi.com/upcoming_events.html">SCBWI-Wisconsin Novel Revision Workshop with author Cynthia Leitich Smith</a> from March 25 to March 27. Note: "Registration is limited to 25 persons."Cynthia Leitich Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650058326282279022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8086618.post-78618538137058071192011-01-17T18:41:00.000-06:002011-01-17T18:42:44.131-06:00The Teen {Book} Scene Blog Tour: Blessed by Cynthia Leitich Smith<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3> <div class="post-header"> </div> <div class="post-body entry-content"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWt35nECM2Im2JggE8oro4Ihv8gZ-UUbgdVLWQPU4XbwtCKh2hOLE3ltuDMrriTtmXetyPp8HAtmfNQJKyOQVtHsoi6SbGxUcgUluehoTQ2ebREdeLxx0XnFzBkV4mEiXdTGsH/s1600/BLESSED_hardcover_CP.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWt35nECM2Im2JggE8oro4Ihv8gZ-UUbgdVLWQPU4XbwtCKh2hOLE3ltuDMrriTtmXetyPp8HAtmfNQJKyOQVtHsoi6SbGxUcgUluehoTQ2ebREdeLxx0XnFzBkV4mEiXdTGsH/s320/BLESSED_hardcover_CP.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563238601596199570" border="0" /></a>Coordinated by Kari<br /></div><br /><strong>Monday, January 17: </strong>Kristen at <a href="http://bookworminginthe21stcentury.com/" title="">Bookworming in the 21st Century</a> (Character Interview: Quincie)<br /><br /><strong>Tuesday, January 18: </strong>Kelsey at <a href="http://thebookscout.blogspot.com/" title="">The Book Scout</a><br />(Guest Post: Connecting Eternal and Tantalize to Blessed)<br /><br /><strong>Wednesday, January 19: </strong>Sandy at <a href="http://piratepenguinreads.blogspot.com/" title="">Pirate Penguin Reads</a> (Review)<br /><strong><br />Thursday, </strong><strong>January </strong><strong>20: </strong>Maria at <a href="http://theserpentinelibrary.blogspot.com/" title="">The Serpentine Library</a> (Character Interview: Kieren)<br /><strong><br />Friday, </strong><strong>January </strong><strong>21: </strong>Stacy at <a href="http://www.girlsinthestacks.com/" title="">Girls in the Stacks</a> (Review)<br /><br /><strong>Monday, </strong><strong>January </strong><strong>24: </strong>Lisa at <a href="http://badass.blogspot.com/" title="">Badass Bookie</a> (Guest Post: Secondary Characters)<br /><strong><br />Tuesday, </strong><strong>January </strong><strong>25: </strong>Stacy at <a href="http://www.girlsinthestacks.com/" title="">Girls in the Stacks</a> (Character Interview: Zachary)<br /><strong><br />Wednesday, </strong><strong>January </strong><strong>26: </strong>Kristen at <a href="http://bookworminginthe21stcentury.com/" title="">Bookworming in the 21st Century</a> (Review)<br /><strong><br />Thursday, </strong><strong>January </strong><strong>27: </strong>Kari at <a href="http://agoodaddiction.blogspot.com/" title="">A Good Addiction</a> (Ten YA Recommendations)<br /><strong><br />Friday, </strong><strong>January </strong><strong>28: </strong>Sandy at <a href="http://piratepenguinreads.blogspot.com/" title="">Pirate Penguin Reads</a> (Character Interview: Bradley)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Cynsational Notes</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNn1C-KYuxEFzqrfqQB63Laz731-CLfzY-qFwyGQ1JizVseJHiuBYCQLrXldqLr_sZT0ZGHL_A2CwiHPuqbvxQ9omeTVqYRC2-oLWckwdnrTVR-XwAmGk35EGavv0VJIe_ciAM/s1600/blessed_blog_tour_prize_pack.jpeg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNn1C-KYuxEFzqrfqQB63Laz731-CLfzY-qFwyGQ1JizVseJHiuBYCQLrXldqLr_sZT0ZGHL_A2CwiHPuqbvxQ9omeTVqYRC2-oLWckwdnrTVR-XwAmGk35EGavv0VJIe_ciAM/s200/blessed_blog_tour_prize_pack.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563240199174902498" border="0" /></a>Tour includes Blessed ARC & prize pack (pictured) giveaways! Lots of chances to win!<br /><br />Special thanks to Kari and all of the host bloggers! I greatly appreciate your time, efforts, and enthusiasm!<br /><br />Learn more about <a href="http://theteenbookscene.weebly.com/about-the-teen-book-scene.html">The Teen {Book} Scene</a>.<br /><br />Don't miss the <a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/01/blessed-by-cynthia-leitich-smith.html">Blessed Live Author Tour Schedule</a> (NY, NJ, Philly area, TX, etc.) and <a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/01/blessed-grand-prize-giveaway-truth-be.html">Grand Prize Giveaway</a> from Cynsations. </div>Cynthia Leitich Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650058326282279022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8086618.post-37524719692764799522011-01-15T09:15:00.001-06:002011-01-15T09:24:47.085-06:00Blessed by Cynthia Leitich Smith Central Texas & Northeast U.S. Tour Schedule<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNnVbKWj9qu_RVaLZ7Y5eifDvBRRgbnatKkfSBI6tczQrz1snlIxf5yNM1iw2EFZ6O-ZoujUdbUTldZnvc-YDtcqQ_hS_3cDEkoGl_jH6cXGGK5Oa4_pv1oaAx08SL56Fw_gxF/s1600/blessed_CP_hardcover.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNnVbKWj9qu_RVaLZ7Y5eifDvBRRgbnatKkfSBI6tczQrz1snlIxf5yNM1iw2EFZ6O-ZoujUdbUTldZnvc-YDtcqQ_hS_3cDEkoGl_jH6cXGGK5Oa4_pv1oaAx08SL56Fw_gxF/s320/blessed_CP_hardcover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558775613541993298" border="0" /></a>Please join me on a stop of the <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blessed</a> (Candlewick, 2011) tour!<br /><br />Events that are open to the public are indicated as such on the schedule below!<br /><br />Also, note that YA authors <a href="http://www.bloodcovenvampires.com/author.html">Mari Mancusi</a> and <a href="http://www.danielanddina.com/site/authors/">Daniel Nayeri</a> will be joining me here and there along the way!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday, 1/29/11</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. BookPeople - launch party with Night School (<a href="http://www.bloodcovenvampires.com/">Blood Coven</a>) author <a href="http://www.bloodcovenvampires.com/author.html">Mari Mancusi</a></span> (PUBLIC EVENT)<br /><br />Wear red and black if you're on the side of Evil or blue and black if you're on the side of Good. Bonus points (prize entry) to anyone who dresses up as a vampire, shape shifter, vampire slayer, angel or faerie!<br /><br />603 North Lamar, Austin, Texas<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday, 2/6/11</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">1 p.m. to 3 p.m. - Books of Wonder - reading/Q&A/signing to public with <a href="http://www.danielanddina.com/site/books/">Another Pan</a> author <a href="http://www.danielanddina.com/site/authors/">Daniel Nayeri</a></span> (PUBLIC EVENT)<br /><br />18 W. 18th St., New York, N.Y.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday, 2/7/11 </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">10 a.m. to 11:34 a.m. Francis Lewis High School</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">6 p.m. Borders Bookstore - reading/signing</span> (PUBLIC EVENT)<br /><br />Borders Columbus Circle<br />10 Columbus Circle, New York, N.Y.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, 2/8/11 </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">4 p.m. to 5 p.m. New Brunswick Free Public Library - reading/Q&A/signing</span> (PUBLIC EVENT)<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">6:20 p.m. to 9 p.m. Rutgers University -- guest lecture, "Materials for Young Adults" -- room 203</span><br /><br />School of Communication and Information -- 4 Huntington St., New Brunswick, N.J.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday, 2/9/11</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">10 a.m. NYPL Mulberry Branch - visit with schools</span><br /><br />10 Jersey Street (Between Lafayette & Mulberry Streets) New York, N.Y.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. New School Creative Writing Graduate Class - guest lecture</span><br /><br />66 West 12th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday, 2/10/11</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. Brooklyn Public Library - Professional Development Day</span><br /><br />Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Brooklyn Public Library - Will You Be My Paranormal Valentine Party (with teens)</span>(PUBLIC EVENT)<br /><br />Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday, 2/11/11 </span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1blb7D-8Uo7tJER_6fDBYNx4IRFFvYRsO6lZHGQ7qJZzUJ75zcdPyD-4zxV4HxEywCy8aSRLeNGsIqP6BfaYSZN2bR2KsUGn7pouAtT9nya0FwvA7gn5LHyrMR7xSiOJgmC7/s1600/another_pan.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 154px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1blb7D-8Uo7tJER_6fDBYNx4IRFFvYRsO6lZHGQ7qJZzUJ75zcdPyD-4zxV4HxEywCy8aSRLeNGsIqP6BfaYSZN2bR2KsUGn7pouAtT9nya0FwvA7gn5LHyrMR7xSiOJgmC7/s200/another_pan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558777443126547234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m. Elisabeth Irwin High School Visit</span><br /><br />Little Red School House & Elisabeth Irwin HS, LREI<br /><br />272 Sixth Avenue, New York, N.Y.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">7 p.m. The Voracious Reader</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> - "Will You Be My Paranormal Valentine?" event with <a href="http://www.danielanddina.com/site/books/">Another Pan</a> author <a href="http://www.danielanddina.com/site/authors/">Daniel Nayeri</a></span> (PUBLIC EVENT)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday, 2/12/11 </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mercer County Library Event -- West Windsor Branch</span> (PUBLIC EVENT)<br /><br />333 North Post Road, Princeton Junction, N.J.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">6:30 p.m. Barnes & Noble, Cherry Hill, N.J. (Greater Philly area)</span>(PUBLIC EVENT)<br /><br />911 Haddonfield Road, Cherry Hill, N.J.<br /><br /><object width="420" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pieAazPg_b0&rel=0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pieAazPg_b0&rel=0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="420" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Not on the Tour? Attention Event Planners!</span><br /><br />It's two YA authors for the price of one! Book now for the 2011-2012 school year and beyond!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwApHqy9FO07-kV4mfuV09dBtIa83Pg_-bJFX6o4twVPNjZ_pNQj-zuh63cJd2oUWRs1nccUSkh55DK6xp7IyKEiIS4gtc-iYJP0Eawt_vjTn4GHdvtX3cdmfmnD-M1VxPKJl/s1600/sass_and_serendipity.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwApHqy9FO07-kV4mfuV09dBtIa83Pg_-bJFX6o4twVPNjZ_pNQj-zuh63cJd2oUWRs1nccUSkh55DK6xp7IyKEiIS4gtc-iYJP0Eawt_vjTn4GHdvtX3cdmfmnD-M1VxPKJl/s200/sass_and_serendipity.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562431353064862802" border="0" /></a>"From Classics to Contemporary:" a joint presentation offered by <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/">Cynthia Leitich Smith</a>, author of the Tantalize series (inspired by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracula">Dracula</a> by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bram_Stoker">Bram Stoker</a> (1897)) and <a href="http://www.jenniferziegler.net/">Jennifer Ziegler</a>, author of <a href="http://www.jenniferziegler.net/sassandserendipity.html">Sass & Serendipity</a> (inspired by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sense_and_Sensibility">Sense and Sensibility</a> by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Austen">Jane Austen</a> (1811)).<br /><br />The authors will discuss how they were inspired by these classics, why Stoker and Austen's themes are still relevant to teens/YAs today, the ongoing conversation of books over the generations, and much more.<br /><br />Contact <a href="http://daytonbookings.com/">Dayton Bookings</a> for more information and to schedule.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Cynsational Notes</span><br /><br />Enter to win the Blessed Grand Prize Giveaway at <a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/01/blessed-grand-prize-giveaway-truth-be.html">this post at Blogger</a> or <a href="http://cynleitichsmith.livejournal.com/313496.html">this post at LiveJournal</a>!Cynthia Leitich Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650058326282279022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8086618.post-22479501324888288532011-01-14T09:38:00.001-06:002011-01-14T09:45:15.313-06:00Spooky News & Giveaways<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFd9fhO3j_j_WJLJ7yo93nzvrTWEjbZa6lISMzVxWfVwmCDSBhjtKHPrx82OyIWkwFZpeaJJD37rjUNB6hDnIAQ1c-6wQR4Zz1kL6ieS2eThyMh6BRcFhGv6vh6qfbjDpEBGZ/s1600/huntress.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFd9fhO3j_j_WJLJ7yo93nzvrTWEjbZa6lISMzVxWfVwmCDSBhjtKHPrx82OyIWkwFZpeaJJD37rjUNB6hDnIAQ1c-6wQR4Zz1kL6ieS2eThyMh6BRcFhGv6vh6qfbjDpEBGZ/s200/huntress.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561322489038251330" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFWSCWbHhjYI2MC8mTd5SerRQi2smmI1oRIbzT-sxgC_dtCmdviTeVyrD9KOwjERXaPsjw3HrQF3QP2cnY-ibB-SQPp80gLf6tJ8HW2pKQKHtpqfghSCyUjghyphenhyphenHoPSLELxfrs/s1600/fury_of_the_phoenix.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFWSCWbHhjYI2MC8mTd5SerRQi2smmI1oRIbzT-sxgC_dtCmdviTeVyrD9KOwjERXaPsjw3HrQF3QP2cnY-ibB-SQPp80gLf6tJ8HW2pKQKHtpqfghSCyUjghyphenhyphenHoPSLELxfrs/s200/fury_of_the_phoenix.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561322141297317682" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.diversityinya.com/">Diversity in YA Fiction</a>: founded by YA authors <a href="http://cindypon.com/">Cindy Pon</a> (<a href="http://cindypon.com/silver-phoenix/">Silver Phoenix</a>, <a href="http://cindypon.com/fury-of-the-phoenix/">Fury of the Phoenix</a>) and <a href="http://www.malindalo.com/huntress/">Malinda Lo</a> (<a href="http://www.malindalo.com/ash/">Ash</a>, <a href="http://www.malindalo.com/huntress/">Huntress</a>), Diversity in YA seeks to bring attention to MG and YA books featuring people of color and LGBT characters. Peek: "We envision DIYA as a positive, friendly gathering of readers and writers who want to see diversity in their fiction. Every week on our website we'll be featuring books that include diversity, from realistic, contemporary novels to absorbing historicals and adventurous fantasy."<br /><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />Cindy and Malinda will be on tour to at least four cities in 2011. Authors who'll join them along the way include:<br /></div><br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.ritawg.com/">Rita Williams-Garcia</a></li><li><a href="http://www.jacquelinewoodson.com/">Jacqueline Woodson</a></li><li><a href="http://www.humblecomics.com/">Gene Luen Yang</a></li><li><a href="http://www.franciscostork.com/">Francisco X. Stork</a></li><li><a href="http://www.blackholly.com/">Holly Black</a></li><li><a href="http://www.mattdelapena.com/">Matt de la Peña</a></li><li><a href="http://jonyangorg.blogspot.com/">J.A. Yang</a></li><li><a href="http://jo-no-anne.livejournal.com/">Jo Whittemore</a></li><li><a href="http://www.diareeves.com/">Dia Reeves</a></li><li><a href="http://www.bethanyhegedus.com/">Bethany Hegedus</a></li><li><a href="http://www.guadalupegarciamccall.com/">Guadalupe Garcia McCall</a></li><li><a href="http://www.varianjohnson.com/">Varian Johnson</a></li><li><a href="http://devafagan.com/">Deva Fagan</a></li><li><a href="http://www.keklamagoon.com/">Kekla Magoon</a></li><li><a href="http://theblackarts.com/sarahreesbrennan.com/">Sarah Rees Brennan</a></li><li><a href="http://cindypon.com/">Cindy Pon</a></li><li><a href="http://www.malindalo.com/">Malinda Lo</a></li></ul> <div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></div> <div style="margin: 0px;">See also <a href="http://www.diversityinya.com/author-bios/" target="_blank">Author Bios</a> and <a href="http://www.diversityinya.com/2010/11/where-were-headed/" target="_blank">Tour Locations</a> pages. Join the <a href="http://www.diversityinya.com/mailing-list/">mailing list</a> for a final list of locations and more (no more than two emails per month).<br /></div><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">More News & Giveaways</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3ycJKnW7F-f_Wo-mmBGvVJdAzwpWXNZfMBcM8B9cnH_DsGkbH72vRv72I9JFLFC6lNmP1AJ5pymsG742GcDmNi9pxF6Hqd-OETHZWU6LhO-3U9HAQnScJo5IGIm2w8HlnWGj/s1600/entice.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3ycJKnW7F-f_Wo-mmBGvVJdAzwpWXNZfMBcM8B9cnH_DsGkbH72vRv72I9JFLFC6lNmP1AJ5pymsG742GcDmNi9pxF6Hqd-OETHZWU6LhO-3U9HAQnScJo5IGIm2w8HlnWGj/s200/entice.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561334462314418402" border="0" /></a><a href="http://bethanyhegedus.blogspot.com/2011/01/inside-writers-studio-with-carrie-jones.html">Inside the Writer's Studio with Carrie Jones, author of Entice</a> by <a href="http://www.bethanyhegedus.com/">Bethany Hegedus</a> from Writer Friendly; Bookshelf Approved. Peek: "I want people to be kind to each other, to look past appearance and labels and just love each other. I know! I know! I’m such a hippie throw-back for a police dispatcher, but I mean it."<br /><br /><a href="http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2011/01/cool-down-time-handling-criticism.html">Cool Down Time: Handling Criticism Effectively</a> by Mary Lindsey from QueryTracker.net. Peek: "Rushing into revisions or reacting immediately when you feel defensive will not only make your revisions less effective, it will potentially alienate you from the very people trying to help you become a better writer."<br /><br /><a href="http://aprilhenry.livejournal.com/875079.html">Two $500 Scholarships for Mystery Writers</a>, given by the annual Helen McCloy/MWA Scholarship program, from <a href="http://aprilhenry.livejournal.com/">April Henry</a>. Deadline: Feb. 28.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.austinscbwi.com/2011/01/09/erzsi-deak-launches-hen-ink-a-new-literary-studio-and-transmedia-company/">Erzsi Deàk Launches HEN & INK – A New Literary Studio and Transmedia Company</a> from Austin SCBWI. Peek: "With a growing list of prize-winning clients and new voices from around the world, president and founder of Hen & Ink, Erzsi Deàk, meets often with publishers in the U.S. and U.K. and aggressively markets domestic and foreign rights." Note: post includes submission guidelines and manuscript areas of interest.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikehnDUGBk9aVlL4DSmjNjlOxCAMoVLN67T1AHRX1LA1CM4p11-xQpSmXYbyNLrowNhWW9A117CwuXHBcN2w53P1i6u77v0vY5MLI4Ka9T2Z1Q4ntNuMsdSeg9WHu2zb29Y-Rw/s1600/where_the_mountain_meets_the_moon.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 136px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikehnDUGBk9aVlL4DSmjNjlOxCAMoVLN67T1AHRX1LA1CM4p11-xQpSmXYbyNLrowNhWW9A117CwuXHBcN2w53P1i6u77v0vY5MLI4Ka9T2Z1Q4ntNuMsdSeg9WHu2zb29Y-Rw/s200/where_the_mountain_meets_the_moon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562067640120747666" border="0" /></a><a href="http://community.livejournal.com/enchantedinkpot/79158.html">Lost in Translation, or using symbols when writing multicultural fantasy</a> by <a href="http://www.outergrace.blogspot.com/">Grace Lin</a> from The Enchanted Ink Pot. Peek: "Making assumptions is particularly treacherous when writing multicultural fantasy. An author wants to make fantasy feel authentic to the culture they are nodding to, yet still build a world that takes a reader away from reality."<br /><br /><a href="http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2011/01/deepening-your-characters-needs.html">Deepening Your Characters Needs</a> by Stina Lindenblatt from Query Tracker. Peek: "...the pyramid is divided into five levels. The needs on the bottom level (physiological) have to be satisfied before you can worry about those in the next level (safety and security). Same deal with the third level (love and belonging). The needs in the first two levels have to be dealt with first. This idea continues all the way to the top of the pyramid, to self-actualization." See also <a href="http://www.darcypattison.com/novels/personality-type/">Personality: Creating Real Characters</a> by <a href="http://www.darcypattison.com/">Darcy Pattison</a> from Fiction Notes.<br /><br /><a href="http://brianyansky.blogspot.com/2011/01/where-do-ideas-come-from.html">Where Do Ideas Come From?</a> by <a href="http://brianyansky.com/">Brian Yansky</a> from Brian's Blog: Writer Talk. Peek: "I like to say I get them in a little store out in West Texas somewhere near Marfa." Note: <a href="http://brianyansky.blogspot.com/">Brian's Blog</a> is smart, wry, and conversational. Highly recommended.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6TPUgIk83TlDkrpbque-LRzmNfKit1v7qWXeHvD-u7FLRq4_jLGkjn2QWP0A0sYmvVbcCWW_kY1IGQTIqJEzn8vuEqLKTCUI21sagwWd3iI_V5uGikACA_-4oTHq3CeoF3yR/s1600/shadowed_summer_paper.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 129px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA6TPUgIk83TlDkrpbque-LRzmNfKit1v7qWXeHvD-u7FLRq4_jLGkjn2QWP0A0sYmvVbcCWW_kY1IGQTIqJEzn8vuEqLKTCUI21sagwWd3iI_V5uGikACA_-4oTHq3CeoF3yR/s200/shadowed_summer_paper.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562061972177822402" border="0" /></a><a href="http://anywherebeyond.livejournal.com/342581.html">Free Books Aren't Free</a> by <a href="http://www.saundramitchell.com/">Saundra Mitchell</a> from Making Up Stuff for a Living. Peek: "I don’t blame my publisher. There’s weak demand for my books, according to my sales figures. Meanwhile, 800 copies of my book (worth about $1200 toward my advance, if everyone paid for a copy) are being downloaded a week." Note: Saundra's <a href="http://www.shadowedsummer.com/">Shadowed Summer</a> (Delacorte, 2009) is <span style="font-style: italic;">highly recommended</span>. Honors include: 2009 Junior Library Guild Selection, 2009 ALAN Pick, 2010 Edgar Nominee (Best YA Mystery), 2010 Society of Midland Authors Book Award (Best Children's), 2010 VOYA Summer Reading List. Please vote for more books by Saundra by buying/ordering it or checking it out of your local library. Learn about her upcoming release, <a href="http://thevespertine.com/details.html">The Vespertine</a> (Harcourt, 2011).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mitaliblog.com/2011/01/applying-women-in-movies-test-to-race.html">Applying the Women-in-Movies Test to Race-in-Stories</a> by <a href="http://www.mitaliblog.com/p/one-of-lifes-greatest-joys-is-to-create.html">Mitali Perkins</a> from Mitali's Fire Escape. Note: give both a try. Consider the books you write, the books you read.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">More Personally</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hhv5cVtFuAZ0jos9IBzCHWSfHPl9scSQnP16QDlT8BWZ-nsA_fi9vy5IUeRSf241yvzTkuytT0_e5MiHiUgwz98EBDu1r9XiBURglKTXGXnYubzt6Zc0ajquSJC-DuwJiErY/s1600/sunflower_1.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 168px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hhv5cVtFuAZ0jos9IBzCHWSfHPl9scSQnP16QDlT8BWZ-nsA_fi9vy5IUeRSf241yvzTkuytT0_e5MiHiUgwz98EBDu1r9XiBURglKTXGXnYubzt6Zc0ajquSJC-DuwJiErY/s200/sunflower_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562064065461944658" border="0" /></a><a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2009/10/open-love-note-to-debut-authors-about.html">An Open Love Letter to Debut Authors About Hurtful Online Reviews</a> by Cynthia Leitich Smith from Cynsations. See also <a href="http://www.horror.org/writetips-etchemendy.htm">Writers and Depression</a> by <a href="http://www.etchemendy.com/">Nancy Etchemendy</a> from the Horror Writers Association. Note: I'm re-running both of these links periodically.<br /><br />Whether you're someone who prays or sends good thoughts, please send them to <a href="http://lkmadigan.livejournal.com/185246.html">L.K. Madigan</a> and her family.<br /><br />Booklist says of <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blessed</a>: "Sure, the vampires, werewolves, and angels provide the lure, but Smith’s obvious affection for her characters makes this more.... Pretty lengthy, but if this is your cup of tea, you’ll relish it."<br /><br />I was jazzed to see a <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blessed</a> poster at the Candlewick booth in <a href="http://kidlit.com/2011/01/10/update-from-ala-midwinter-2011/">Mary Kole's ALA Midwinter Report</a> at Kidlit.com.<br /><br />Reminder: <a href="http://pjhoover.blogspot.com/2011/01/blessed-by-cynthia-leitich-smith-arc.html">Blessed by Cynthia Leitich Smith ARC giveaway</a> by <a href="http://www.pjhoover.com/">P.J. "Tricia" Hoover</a> from Roots in Myth. Note: <span style="font-style: italic;">extra </span>ARC added to giveaway! <span style="font-style: italic;">Two</span> copies available! Deadline: <span style="font-style: italic;">tonight!</span> - midnight Jan. 14.<br /><br />Local Link of the Week: <a href="http://www.stephaniepellegrin.com/2011/01/donating-to-austin-childrens-shelter.html">Donating Books to the Austin Children's Shelter by Stephanie from Stephanie, A History</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Blessed Grand Prize Giveaway</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAj-1gYntU8pPTTrY6HI8UPaTQhstJ7TMgf71yKh1bIPYdmLPQ2hMl-toFaHqRnFrcm6Vj2wurXJT7PiaixJQ5d7bB-zZrmzYnC3_bm-Gpw4NEz7sro79pkd3KSsJPcs45NCT/s1600/Blessed_grand_prize.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAj-1gYntU8pPTTrY6HI8UPaTQhstJ7TMgf71yKh1bIPYdmLPQ2hMl-toFaHqRnFrcm6Vj2wurXJT7PiaixJQ5d7bB-zZrmzYnC3_bm-Gpw4NEz7sro79pkd3KSsJPcs45NCT/s400/Blessed_grand_prize.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561343055779040690" border="0" /></a>Enter to win the <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blessed</a> grand prize giveaway from Cynsations! The prize package includes: final hardcover of <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blesse</a>d (Candlewick, 2011); magnetic Sanguini's menu wipe board with pen that reads, "Stop in for a late-night bite;" Sanguini's magnet; laminated poster from the movie <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0021814/">"Dracula,"</a> (1931); dragon finger puppet; wolf finger puppet; plush bat stuffed toy; Tantalize postcards; series tie-in buttons; angel wing charm; and <a href="http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=title&mode=book&isbn=0763647934">Dracula</a> by Bram Stoker, illustrated by Anne Yvonne Gilbert, retold by Nicky Raven (Templar/Candlewick, 2010)(view an <a href="http://www.candlewick.com/bookxtras.asp?isbn=0763647934&id=&browse=title&view=sprd&sprd=./images/cwp_spreads/648/0763647934.int.1.jpg&bktitle=Dracula">inside spread</a>).<br /><br />To enter, leave a comment at <a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/01/blessed-grand-prize-giveaway-truth-be.html">this post at Blogger</a> or <a href="http://cynleitichsmith.livejournal.com/313496.html">this post at LiveJournal</a>!<br /><br />For an extra entry(s): Post, share, tweet, whatever works:<br /><br />(a) <a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/01/blessed-grand-prize-giveaway-truth-be.html">this giveaway</a> and/or (b) the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pieAazPg_b0">Blessed book trailer</a> and/or a <a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/01/widget-counting-down-to-blessed.html">Blessed countdown widget</a>;<br /><br />and include the URL in your comment!<br /><br />Also, make sure to include contact information in case you win. Author-publisher sponsored. U.S./Canada entries only. Deadline: Jan. 31.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Truth Be Told Blessed Countdown & Giveaway</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5YIQySpKJZkfIUh3Xgyd_wmCNQVpqqVlEKWwibzyUvkw8cMJDhFDYVARiZQV2XRkXb_f_Z10xXRaAIbiN9uIof8s3L6VPKvy57rsuF8zsHojLoJiHQYcmaoRQ62GlzLGPWsvU/s1600/Image+2.jpeg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5YIQySpKJZkfIUh3Xgyd_wmCNQVpqqVlEKWwibzyUvkw8cMJDhFDYVARiZQV2XRkXb_f_Z10xXRaAIbiN9uIof8s3L6VPKvy57rsuF8zsHojLoJiHQYcmaoRQ62GlzLGPWsvU/s200/Image+2.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561343438267366786" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.truthbetoldblog.com/2011/01/kick-off-to-countdown-to-blessed-event.html">Blessed Online Countdown Event</a> by Valorie from Truth Be Told. Valorie will be posting reviews, book trailers, teaser excerpts, and fun author-and-character interviews. She's <a href="http://www.truthbetoldblog.com/2011/01/kick-off-to-countdown-to-blessed-event.html">giving away</a> two bookplate-autographed copies of <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blessed</a>, each with a Magnetic Sanguini's menu wipe board and pen. She's also giving away one board to (a) a random commenter and another to (b) "a person who helps promote the release of the book, randomly chosen based on tweets, adding it to goodreads, and blogging. It will go to someone who didn't win the hardcover." Giveaway deadline: 11 p.m. PST Jan. 24. See <a href="http://www.truthbetoldblog.com/2011/01/kick-off-to-countdown-to-blessed-event.html">details</a>.<br /><br />See <a href="http://www.truthbetoldblog.com/2011/01/teaser-tuesday-countdown-to-blessed.html">Teaser Tuesday</a> (features two short excerpts from <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/tantalize/tantalize.html">Tantalize</a>) and an <a href="http://www.truthbetoldblog.com/2011/01/interview-with-cynthia-leitich-smith.html">Interview with Cynthia Leitich Smith</a> (features, short, romantic excerpt from <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blessed</a>) from Valorie from Truth Be Told. Peek: "Both of the previous novels end with calls to action, either express or implied. Loose ends, if you will, that I wanted to more fully address, and I felt that both of those characters [Quincie and Zachary] deserved the chance to reach their full potential."<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Cynsational Events</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.jessicaleeanderson.com/">Jessica Lee Anderson</a> will speak on seven things she's learned through her publishing journey...using songs at the <a href="http://www.austinscbwi.com/2010/11/28/jessica-anderson-to-speak-at-january-monthly-meeting/">Austin SCBWI monthly meeting</a> at 11 a.m. Jan. 15 at <a href="http://www.bookpeople.com/">BookPeople</a> in Austin. Read an <a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2009/10/guest-blog-conversation-between-authors.html">interview with Jessica and P.J. Hoover</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKehY0Thu98_13Yqv3Bvl_TKAjlliXLVVYdz8b0wMMF7yRKeSkjdTTT2bLmFcKby-gMizDg3HOGwxjcn9O9rMfp0hSQjj8NA0oNmyh-CZyM6ksobgA-wRZhEu9dcCPMsI39b9/s1600/blessed_nightschool.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKehY0Thu98_13Yqv3Bvl_TKAjlliXLVVYdz8b0wMMF7yRKeSkjdTTT2bLmFcKby-gMizDg3HOGwxjcn9O9rMfp0hSQjj8NA0oNmyh-CZyM6ksobgA-wRZhEu9dcCPMsI39b9/s200/blessed_nightschool.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560595711770563346" border="0" /></a>Joint Launch Party: <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/cyn_books_forYAs/blessed/blessed.html">Blessed</a> by <a href="http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/">Cynthia Leitich Smith</a> (Candlewick) and <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780425240427">Night School</a> by <a href="http://www.marimancusi.com/">Mari Mancusi</a> (Berkley) book party and signing at 2 p.m. Jan. 29 at <a href="http://www.bookpeople.com/">BookPeople</a> in Austin.<br /><br />Event will include author talks, Q&A, refreshments and signing.<br /><br />Wear red and black if you're on the side of Evil or blue and black if you're on the side of Good.<br /><br />Bonus points (and possible prize) to anyone who dresses up as a vampire, shape shifter, vampire slayer, angel or faerie!<br /><br />Comment <a href="http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2011/01/cynsational-news-giveaways.html">here</a> for a chance to win an autographed copy of Night School! Deadline: Jan. 21.<br /><br />Note: Mari will be signing all the <a href="http://www.bloodcovenvampires.com/">Blood Coven</a> books at the Pflugerville, Texas HEB (1434 Wells Branch Pkwy) from noon to 2 p.m. Jan. 15. She'll also be giving away bookmarks.Cynthia Leitich Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07650058326282279022noreply@blogger.com