tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21112086590868344642024-03-12T19:06:15.999-06:00Ilima Todd, YA authorilimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899071063752311737noreply@blogger.comBlogger328125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111208659086834464.post-51981939583899624042019-02-21T09:12:00.001-07:002019-02-21T09:12:26.357-07:00New WebsiteTo find out the latest news about me and my books, visit me at: <div>
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<a href="http://ilimatodd.com/"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>ilimatodd.com</i></span></a><div>
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Thanks!</div>
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ilimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899071063752311737noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111208659086834464.post-63776481381319517512017-01-30T01:33:00.000-07:002017-08-28T13:13:10.750-06:00Happy Birthday to me: my new writing space!<div style="text-align: center;">
For my 40th birthday (last month), my husband wanted to give me my dream office space. As in no holds barred, dream up what I want, and we're going to make this happen. I'm thrilled to say we're DONE with the renovation and I couldn't be more excited. <a href="http://ilimawrites.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-writing-retreat.html" target="_blank">This is what my office looked like before</a>. Painting over red walls was not easy, but I love the brighter space.</div>
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I REALLY wanted a page from one of my books on the wall, so using an overhead projector and a lot of sharpies, we made this happen. It took a LONG time, but it was so so worth it. The text is the prologue to Remake, and I can look at it as I sit from my writing desk. I love that it's a call to arms, a plea to get to work without excuses and do what you're meant to do...the perfect motivation for writing.</div>
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We bought and put together these shelves from Target. I had to purge my book collection a bit. We have a library in the house, but these are mostly friends' and YA books which I like to keep close. I also like that I can tuck away things I don't want to see behind cabinet doors.</div>
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Lim is my nickname, what my family calls me, and my husband came up with my motto: loved, inspired, and motivated, using each of those letters. He says that's exactly what he wants me to feel when I enter my writing space: loved, inspired, and motivated. I love that so much! So I ordered the wooden word cutouts on Etsy and glued them onto these giant letters that were on clearance at Hobby Lobby. Score!</div>
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Here's a close-up of my middle shelf which shows off my books. Some of them are traditionally published, and several are books I've shelved (my early writing) which will never be published. But I love glancing at them and celebrating all that I've accomplished as a writer and how far I've come.</div>
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This wood panel wall is AMAZING. It's reclaimed weathered wood we purchased from <a href="http://stikwood.com/" target="_blank">Stikwood</a>. My father and husband spent an entire Saturday cutting and installing the wood, and it's a perfect accent wall that adds so much character to the space. My favorite part is the DAN + LIM heart my husband carved into the wood with his knife. I love it so much!</div>
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Here's my wall of inspiration. It's a collage of boards and displays filled with writing goals and plans I can work from as I write. There's a calendar with my writing goals for the month, character pics from the book I'm currently writing, book outline, inspirational quotes, etc. The small details like fan-made Remake art, a wreath made out of pages from Harry Potter, an arrow my daughter made herself, and a small display of awards my books have earned make it a happy and personal space for me.</div>
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I love my new clock along with the octopus my parents gave me (referencing Remake) and Firefly quote. Also a close-up of my plotting board and an inspirational quote from J.K. Rowling that I love.</div>
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Scenes from my latest book and a close-up of my new chair. I kept the same desk I had before because I love the size and the pages of Pride and Prejudice I decoupaged on the surface. I can read about Mr. Darcy all day if I want. :)</div>
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This is where I like to snuggle up and read. Heaven.</div>
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I know I'm seriously blessed to be able to have everything I ever wanted in a writing space. Here's to hopefully many books being written in this room.</div>
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If you could have your dream writing space, what would it look like?</div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>I'm waking up.</i></span><br />
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ilimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899071063752311737noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111208659086834464.post-83601090791260306622016-11-10T00:00:00.000-07:002016-11-10T00:00:17.383-07:00Latest news: Covers, Awards, Appearances, and more!<div>
Life has been eventful lately, as always. Here are some recent book/writing-related news:<br />
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The RESIST paperback has a cover and a release date! Coming July 2017 from Simon Pulse. Tada!<br />
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I love it so much, and it goes so well with the first one. It's very exciting!</div>
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RESIST has also been nominated for a Whitney Award! REMAKE became a finalist so I'm crossing my fingers that book two does well.<br />
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I was invited to give a guest lecture at BYU (my alma mater) on writing unputdownable stories. It was a wonderful experience and a joy to be back on campus. One of my favorite things is to speak to aspiring writers who share my love of stories.<br />
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My son built us a Little Free Library! I've always wanted one and am so so thrilled. People have been stopping and trading books every day. So fun!<br />
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I have a guest post up on <a href="https://thinkingthroughourfingers.com/2016/10/26/how-to-hook-your-reader/" target="_blank">Thinking Through Our Fingers </a>about writing compelling hooks. I wrote another guest post on <a href="http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2016/10/finding-your-tribe.html" target="_blank">Adventures in YA Publishing</a> about finding your tribe.<br />
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I spied RESIST in the Deseret Book catalogue. Cool!<br />
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And of course I've been writing between everything else. Here are local authors around my dinner table getting their write on.<br />
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I<span style="font-family: inherit;"> do have a couple of book signings coming up soon. The first is on November 18, 7pm at <a href="http://theprintedgarden.com/index.html" target="_blank">The Printed Garden</a> in Sandy, UT for a reading, Q&A and signing for RESIST.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The second is November 22, 7pm at the Holladay Public Library, UT. This free event is called "Apple Pie With Authors." Guests can grab a piece of complementary apple pie and join an informal discussion with authors Tess Hilmo, Bobbie Pyron, Carol Lynch Williams, and me. :) We'll be talking about our newest books and answering your questions about writing, publishing, and pretty much anything else you'd like to talk about!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And possibly the neatest thing that has happened to me lately: a couple of weeks ago we had solar panels installed on my house. The solar company also came inside to replace all of our light bulbs with energy-saving LED lights. When one of the installers walked into my writing office to change the bulbs, she saw a couple of shelves filled with my author copies of REMAKE and RESIST. When she realized I was the author, she totally started fan-girling. She couldn't believe I wrote those books she'd read and loved, and that she was actually standing in the room where I wrote them. That was a surreal experience for sure!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">While I post updates on this blog periodically, you can get more timely info by following me on Twitter or Instagram. Both accounts are @ilimaktodd.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy Holidays!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><i>I've been warned enough.</i></span></div>
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ilimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899071063752311737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111208659086834464.post-65806001760781325372016-09-07T00:00:00.000-06:002016-09-07T00:00:23.151-06:00Salt Lake Comic Con 2016<div>
I had a blast last weekend at Salt Lake Comic Con. It is always such a fun event, and I am always exhausted by the end of those three days, ha!<br />
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This year was the first time I dressed up (I was the wall from Stranger Things) and I was shocked at how many people laughed and screamed and got so excited when they saw my costume. I must have had my picture taken a hundred times...it was a lot of fun to connect with fellow fans of the show. Here are a few highlights from the weekend:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s73i0BK3jMA/V88-4OnNycI/AAAAAAAAEW0/UTd8CgcglbEr9t2f3uFaPB6tNgyuiCNZwCLcB/s1600/14184361_10210063513694721_6221233629920710492_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s73i0BK3jMA/V88-4OnNycI/AAAAAAAAEW0/UTd8CgcglbEr9t2f3uFaPB6tNgyuiCNZwCLcB/s320/14184361_10210063513694721_6221233629920710492_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I got to see Coldplay in concert the night before Comic Con started. <br />What a treat!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-slNRGLa2q2k/V88-3_Si4aI/AAAAAAAAEWs/ZKvQH3VOEpksJu3J-4EmYKcFBnDq2W1mwCLcB/s1600/14192759_10210093751930658_5441827833490730568_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-slNRGLa2q2k/V88-3_Si4aI/AAAAAAAAEWs/ZKvQH3VOEpksJu3J-4EmYKcFBnDq2W1mwCLcB/s320/14192759_10210093751930658_5441827833490730568_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lennie James has the most dreamy British accent. <br />I could listen to him talk forever about upcoming Walking Dead teasers.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oJYRn0LFBg0/V88-4MVDiiI/AAAAAAAAEWw/TO7B1ZnUAl0XsaIe7giNZPaefhTSobDFgCLcB/s1600/14199574_10210068855388260_8929822502178972615_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oJYRn0LFBg0/V88-4MVDiiI/AAAAAAAAEWw/TO7B1ZnUAl0XsaIe7giNZPaefhTSobDFgCLcB/s320/14199574_10210068855388260_8929822502178972615_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am SO one of those people who takes a picture of her food </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">to remember how good it was. <br />And this calamari salad from a food truck outside the convention was AMAZING.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--28w7FubyZU/V88-4VDIAiI/AAAAAAAAEW4/rAOhsd89ljI30QHdv12fIyzFKmlh7akVgCLcB/s1600/14199731_10210093751530648_3568569069992431701_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--28w7FubyZU/V88-4VDIAiI/AAAAAAAAEW4/rAOhsd89ljI30QHdv12fIyzFKmlh7akVgCLcB/s320/14199731_10210093751530648_3568569069992431701_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you're a Stranger Things fan you'll get this one. <br />We found this just randomly hanging on the wall. <br />So hilarious!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KicVnKiNmhE/V88-4YA5VlI/AAAAAAAAEW8/ihWeuxPH3XMHCh5Zysq0wV-7x8bdOBu9ACLcB/s1600/14203318_10210093751610650_5703652308764197054_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KicVnKiNmhE/V88-4YA5VlI/AAAAAAAAEW8/ihWeuxPH3XMHCh5Zysq0wV-7x8bdOBu9ACLcB/s320/14203318_10210093751610650_5703652308764197054_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's Theron on display at the Shadow Mountain Booth!<br />I got to do a couple of book signings during the con.<br />I love getting to talk to fans about my books.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-agP-s0s5C8o/V88-4RrFpGI/AAAAAAAAEXA/-faAjqk1Sjw1R_MX9YfD3twLttBtBBVtgCLcB/s1600/14212644_10210093774331218_5089902902585290691_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-agP-s0s5C8o/V88-4RrFpGI/AAAAAAAAEXA/-faAjqk1Sjw1R_MX9YfD3twLttBtBBVtgCLcB/s320/14212644_10210093774331218_5089902902585290691_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My daughter Emma dressed up as Joyce Byers to go along with my Wall costume.<br />Here we are with one of the many Elevens we saw during the event.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJLOrnqXfKY/V88-4vXittI/AAAAAAAAEXE/Qt4Mri3uOfIDSg7a8xKW1hJXUiu-GxopACLcB/s1600/14222203_10210093751570649_2409174495777624369_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJLOrnqXfKY/V88-4vXittI/AAAAAAAAEXE/Qt4Mri3uOfIDSg7a8xKW1hJXUiu-GxopACLcB/s320/14222203_10210093751570649_2409174495777624369_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Had to snap a picture of my favorite cosplay. <br />Doesn't this guy look so much like Kylo Ren? <br />It's creepy.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sX9ERTqPXLw/V88-4r-kbjI/AAAAAAAAEXI/Oos72IdsNXUgRcE7-luWxATDPwmTUgkJgCLcB/s1600/14225546_10210071506534537_4021371405809482127_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sX9ERTqPXLw/V88-4r-kbjI/AAAAAAAAEXI/Oos72IdsNXUgRcE7-luWxATDPwmTUgkJgCLcB/s320/14225546_10210071506534537_4021371405809482127_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I got to meet and talk to Gwenda Bond and Ally Carter!<br />They are so down to earth and friendly, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">and they both adored my Stranger Things cosplay. <br />It's hard to tell but I'm fangirl screaming on the inside. :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N0yeiywBAkI/V88-4my3WlI/AAAAAAAAEXM/UXe5DlnjN0IQrqXfpXaq_Kc7wYdPMDoPwCLcB/s1600/14225593_661261700716344_6988909043799797441_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N0yeiywBAkI/V88-4my3WlI/AAAAAAAAEXM/UXe5DlnjN0IQrqXfpXaq_Kc7wYdPMDoPwCLcB/s320/14225593_661261700716344_6988909043799797441_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Me and my gorgeous crit partner and friend, Kathryn Purdie.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wOL-LDDlwMA/V88-47iiQeI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/Et_uI02AdVgHA59rWjfBWDGVur3eK67zQCLcB/s1600/14233019_10210091023382446_2059697456334591023_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wOL-LDDlwMA/V88-47iiQeI/AAAAAAAAEXQ/Et_uI02AdVgHA59rWjfBWDGVur3eK67zQCLcB/s320/14233019_10210091023382446_2059697456334591023_n.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We got to meet Millie Bobby Brown who plays Eleven on Stranger Things. <br />She was the most adorable thing ever talking in her British accent <br />and helping Emma figure out how to hold her phone for the pic. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dv34lAzvR3I/V88-5Yxtr4I/AAAAAAAAEXY/R0ny0R1jmUgHQdk3HHqmmej_n9ZUP0D3ACLcB/s1600/IMG_7443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dv34lAzvR3I/V88-5Yxtr4I/AAAAAAAAEXY/R0ny0R1jmUgHQdk3HHqmmej_n9ZUP0D3ACLcB/s320/IMG_7443.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">On a panel with James Owen, Jen Jenkins, Matt Kirby, and Leigh Statham <br />talking all things world-building.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KRQgErrUZPY/V88-5TyklAI/AAAAAAAAEXc/8aBJYmcVW6QYLoeRUBQOQjp9ZTD7W9MAACLcB/s1600/IMG_7451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KRQgErrUZPY/V88-5TyklAI/AAAAAAAAEXc/8aBJYmcVW6QYLoeRUBQOQjp9ZTD7W9MAACLcB/s320/IMG_7451.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some serious writer wisdom spouting from my mouth. (I wish, lol)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PyqIsv7UYr0/V88-5RD6gHI/AAAAAAAAEXU/fL7dPcKsJXswP9U-9qb8jgUqQXOoxAbTACLcB/s1600/IMG_8869.JPG.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PyqIsv7UYr0/V88-5RD6gHI/AAAAAAAAEXU/fL7dPcKsJXswP9U-9qb8jgUqQXOoxAbTACLcB/s320/IMG_8869.JPG.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">On a panel with fellow creatives talking about the importance of support systems. <br />This one was neat because I mentioned how I listened to James Owen once<br />give a motivational speech about creating art and that it changed my life, <br />and he was sitting right next to me on the panel. <br />So neat to be surrounded by such amazing talent.</span></td></tr>
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After a whirlwind week I am off for a whirlwind trip to the Mediterranean, starting with Barcelona! I can't wait!<br />
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<i><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;">I'll be lying right by your side in Barcelona</span></i><br />
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ilimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899071063752311737noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111208659086834464.post-81729839050212753052016-08-09T10:52:00.000-06:002016-08-09T10:52:33.679-06:00Resist Giveaway!There's a giveaway happening right now on Emily King's blog for a signed copy of RESIST. Check it out!<br />
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<a href="http://getbusywriting.blogspot.com/2016/08/giveawaysigned-copy-of-resist.html">http://getbusywriting.blogspot.com/2016/08/giveawaysigned-copy-of-resist.html</a>ilimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899071063752311737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111208659086834464.post-9064442467511856242016-08-03T13:38:00.003-06:002016-08-03T19:52:29.060-06:00Launch Party and July Recap!<div>
July has been a CRAZY month for me all around, both in my personal and writing life. I'm anxious for things to slow down just a tad this month, but I definitely feel blessed and am grateful for all the things going right. Here are a few fun writerly highlights of the past few weeks:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QN5qfBiuI2Q/V6Ilecr_O_I/AAAAAAAAEWE/7vbfv_ew7hYTCcjhzuEisZlstKFNMpp-ACLcB/s1600/13680954_10209625905794797_9049724227937171814_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QN5qfBiuI2Q/V6Ilecr_O_I/AAAAAAAAEWE/7vbfv_ew7hYTCcjhzuEisZlstKFNMpp-ACLcB/s320/13680954_10209625905794797_9049724227937171814_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have a new agent! After querying a new project and receiving a few offers of representation, I decided to sign with Lane Heymont of The Seymour Agency. I'm super excited to work with him and see where this new adventure will take us. Yay!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k_K46PqCNo8/V6Ik7nYyTNI/AAAAAAAAEV0/_xylJYo0Ze4Z3IcVwfS3yfLb3Y2MwEt6QCLcB/s1600/13726560_10209644719505128_2127006598176363077_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k_K46PqCNo8/V6Ik7nYyTNI/AAAAAAAAEV0/_xylJYo0Ze4Z3IcVwfS3yfLb3Y2MwEt6QCLcB/s320/13726560_10209644719505128_2127006598176363077_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The RESIST launch party was a huge success. We had a great crowd, live entertainment, delicious food, face painting, crafts and games for the kids, and a fun photo booth to capture it all. And my sister-in-law surprised me with a gorgeous haku lei. I'm so grateful to everyone who came out to support me. It was a day I will never forget! You can see all the photos from the event <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ilima.todd/media_set?set=a.10209641466023793.1073741841.1543278153&type=3" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j3D0tEE5K-Q/V6Ik8BjH1TI/AAAAAAAAEWA/hwNyhmL7gj0sAyoxyJEkUmmhkLUGrnhMgCEw/s1600/dreambigpic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j3D0tEE5K-Q/V6Ik8BjH1TI/AAAAAAAAEWA/hwNyhmL7gj0sAyoxyJEkUmmhkLUGrnhMgCEw/s1600/dreambigpic.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have a blogpost up on Thinking Through Our Fingers that is really a miniature version of what I talked about at the launch party. So if you missed it, you can <a href="http://www.thinkingthroughourfingers.com/2016/07/on-dreams.html" target="_blank">read it here</a>.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4PqX9kHTNGI/V6Ik7v4QH4I/AAAAAAAAEV8/_Wf4Of7LRUUPwygHLlAP2cm8RKg4iTZQwCEw/s1600/13882321_10209735527455270_185202836501693248_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4PqX9kHTNGI/V6Ik7v4QH4I/AAAAAAAAEV8/_Wf4Of7LRUUPwygHLlAP2cm8RKg4iTZQwCEw/s320/13882321_10209735527455270_185202836501693248_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I got to talk on a panel and sign books with these lovely YA authors (L to R Mackenzi Lee, Kathryn Purdie, and Sara Larson) at my favorite bookstore, The King's English. It was like 97 degrees outside but so many readers came out to support us anyway. Thank you!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TyjqZyZVkbs/V6Ik7vc6edI/AAAAAAAAEV4/PiAq2FPoi2QrkPrmywf_fTS8GW1aFbAOgCEw/s1600/13606820_10209155604280071_4732962821172595799_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="129" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TyjqZyZVkbs/V6Ik7vc6edI/AAAAAAAAEV4/PiAq2FPoi2QrkPrmywf_fTS8GW1aFbAOgCEw/s320/13606820_10209155604280071_4732962821172595799_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">RESIST was in the local newspaper. It was such a fun surprise! Thanks to friends who cut out the article and sent it to me. Also, thanks to everyone taking pictures of Resist and the Remake paperback out in the wild. It's so fun to see my books on shelves all over the country!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've already received many emails from fans who are loving book two in this series, and I couldn't be more grateful for everyone who has taken the time to purchase and read it. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Thank you thank you!</span></td></tr>
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<i style="color: #ffe599; font-size: xx-large;">I have been the kindest me, that I can be...</i><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">P.S. If you haven't seen "A Girl Like Her" on Netflix, I HIGHLY recommend it. So so good.</span><br />
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ilimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899071063752311737noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111208659086834464.post-75609412436769081372016-07-05T00:00:00.000-06:002016-07-05T00:00:14.959-06:00Release Day for Resist!<div>
I hope everyone had a great 4th of July! The timing is perfect, because today RESIST (sequel to Remake) is officially out in the world. What better time is there to head back to Freedom Province? :) The hardcover is beautiful, and it's available as an ebook and audiobook as well. I'm so glad I finally get to share Theron's story with the world. Here's a little more about it along with a few purchase links.<br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">Having been rescued, Remade, and returned to Freedom, Theron must now face a life without Nine. Though he's chosen to be a healer, he uses all the vices Freedom affords to try and dull the pain of losing Nine. But he can't find the peace he so desperately needs. Until he meets Catcher, a man who shows him the dark truths behind Freedom's Batcher program. From him, Theron learns what it means to be a leader and a father. When he falls in love with a captured rebel named Pua, Theron must choose: Freedom and its easy pleasures, or a life that is truly free but full of hardships and decisions.</span></div>
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Find RESIST: <a href="https://amzn.com/1629721042" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/resist-ilima-todd/1121677974?ean=9781629721040" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>, <a href="http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Resist/Ilima-Todd/9781629721040?id=6676586914763" target="_blank">Books-a-Million</a>, <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781629721040" target="_blank">IndieBound</a>.</div>
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As if that wasn't enough, REMAKE is available as a paperback today from Simon Pulse as well. It's a party all around! Here it is in all its beauty with more purchase links.</div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">When seventeen-year-old Nine realizes that the promised freedom of Remake Day is a lie, her courage, heart, and beliefs are put to the test as she fights to regain control of her future.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">Nine is the ninth female born in her batch of ten females and ten males. But Nine isn’t like every other batcher. She is worried about her upcoming Remake Day. That’s the day when she and the others in her batch will leave Freedom Province and fly to the Remake facility. There they can choose who—and what—they want to be. Everything from hair color to name to occupation to gender is theirs to select. Sounds perfect…but is it?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">When something goes terribly wrong, Nine discovers that everything she thought she knew to be true about life outside of the Freedom Providence is actually a lie. Things that she’d been told were bad can be good, and decisions that she thought were hers to make have already been made for her.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">Pulled between two worlds and two lives, Nine will have to decide what’s most important for her and her future. Her decisions will test her courage, her heart, and her beliefs. Who can she trust? Who does she love? And most importantly, who will she decide to be?</span></div>
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Find REMAKE: <a href="https://amzn.com/1481457624" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/remake-ilima-todd/1111526026?ean=9781481457620" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a>, <a href="http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Remake/Ilima-Todd/9781481457620?id=6676586914763" target="_blank">Books-a-Million</a>, <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781481457620" target="_blank">IndieBound</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I spy Theron at my local Costco. :)</td></tr>
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Don't forget I'll be at the American Fork Public library on the 16th at 2pm for the RESIST launch party. Everyone is invited to this free family event! There will be lots of giveaways, games, crafts, live entertainment, and desserts! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/288207831524716/" target="_blank">Here's a link to the event page on Facebook</a>.</div>
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Also, I'm doing a YA panel and book signing on the 27th at The King's English in SLC with Mackenzi Lee, Sara Larson, and Kathryn Purdie. Hope to see some of you there! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/253451688354485/" target="_blank">Event link.</a></div>
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I hope you're having a great summer so far! Isn't it flying by so fast?</div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><i>You taught me the courage of stars.</i></span></div>
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ilimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899071063752311737noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111208659086834464.post-13677262028497009902016-06-02T11:29:00.000-06:002016-06-02T11:29:21.116-06:00Summer Events<div>
It's been busy around here with the end of school madness for my kids along with writer conferences, family moving, and a surprise kidney surgery for yours truly. (Boo!) But I'm on the mend and it's looking to be an amazing summer! Here are a few events I have coming up:<br />
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<b>June10</b> @ 7:30pm--YA panel "That Time I Sucked" followed by a book signing at the Orem B&N as part of the Barnes & Noble National Teen Book Festival. Other authors on the panel include Courtney Alameda, Kathryn Purdie, Sara B. Larson, and George Anthon Kibbie.<br />
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<b>June 11</b> @ 3:00pm--Author visit and signing at the Bountiful B&N also part of their national B-Fest.<br />
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<b>July 16</b> @ 2:00pm--Book launch event for RESIST at the American Fork Library. I'll have more details on this soon, but please mark your calendars as this event is going to be epic!<br />
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<b>July 27</b>--YA panel at The King's English in SLC followed by a book signing with the authors of This Monstrous Thing, the Defy Series, and Burning Glass.<br />
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I'm also heading to Idaho Falls later this month with a number of authors to visit "Camp Magical Moments," a cancer camp for kids where I'll get to talk about writing for the TRUE HEROES anthology. I can't wait!<br />
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Can you believe it? RESIST comes out in ONE MONTH along with the paperback version of REMAKE (<b>July 5th</b> release for both). I am so excited! Also, I will be giving away an advance copy of RESIST at the June 10th B&N event, so if you're local, I hope to see you there!<br />
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What are your summer plans?<br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;"><i>Swim with me, get to someplace better.</i></span><br />
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ilimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899071063752311737noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111208659086834464.post-11211275128603025242016-04-06T10:14:00.000-06:002016-04-06T10:26:12.959-06:00Comic Con Recap and Giveaways!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had a chance to sign books and speak on several panels at last month's Salt Lake Comic Con FanX event. It was my favorite Comic Con yet, mostly because it wasn't so suffocatingly crowded and my panels rocked. I got to speak about diversity in writing, writing page turning novels, and writing about tough topics for teens. As always, my fellow panelists and readers who came to see me were amazing. Here are some pics from that weekend:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signing books with Jen Jenkins <br />
at the Shadow Mountain Booth.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Jen.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing with the large poster of RESIST nestled between <br />
Mysteries of Cove and Fablehaven.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chilling in the green room and people-watching from a safe distance. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At my first panel of the day: writing diversity.</td></tr>
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Also, my publisher is giving away FIVE copies of Resist on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/181301-resist">Goodreads</a> right now. You have only a week to sign up. While you're there, don't forget to add Resist to your To-Read list...it comes out July 5th along with the Simon Pulse paperback and audio cds of Remake. It's gonna be a busy summer!<br />
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Also, Resist is up on <a href="https://s2.netgalley.com/catalog/book/87140">NetGalley</a> so if you're a book reviewer, you can sign up to get a review copy there.<br />
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If you aren't already following me on social media, please do, because I'll be giving away a few more goodies as we get closer to release date. You can find me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ilimaktodd/">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ilimaktodd/">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/ilimaktodd">Twitter</a>. And of course you could always <a href="http://amzn.com/1629721042">pre-order it right now</a>. :)<br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><i>Won't you fly with me?</i></span><br />
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ilimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899071063752311737noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111208659086834464.post-53742602612400495252016-03-02T16:18:00.001-07:002016-03-02T16:18:50.840-07:00Burning Glass<div>
Kathryn Purdie's debut novel BURNING GLASS released yesterday. Katie has been my critique partner and dear friend for years...since the start of my writing journey. She's an amazing writer and I couldn't be more thrilled that everyone can finally read her book! Here's a little about it:<br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><em>Red Queen</em> meets <em>Shadow and Bone</em> in a debut fantasy about a girl forced to use her gift for sensing—and absorbing—other people’s feelings to protect the empire from assassins. Steeped in intrigue and betrayal, <em>Burning Glass</em> captivates with heartrending romance, dangerous magic, and one girl’s quest for redemption. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">In Riaznin, it’s considered an honor for Auraseers like Sonya—girls with a rare form of synesthesia—to serve as the emperor’s personal protector, constantly scanning for feelings of malice and bloodlust in the court. But Sonya would rather be free.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">After the queen’s murder and a tragic accident, Sonya is hauled off to the palace to guard a charming yet volatile new ruler. But Sonya’s power is reckless and hard to control. She’s often carried away by the intense passion of others.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">And when a growing rebellion forces Sonya to side with either the emperor who trusts her or his mysterious brother, the crown prince, Sonya realizes she may be the key to saving the empire—or its greatest threat.</span></div>
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You can purchase it anywhere books are sold, and <a href="http://www.kingsenglish.com/book/9780062412362">here's a quick link to buy it from The King's English </a>where you can order a signed copy. </div>
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Katie also had an epic launch party at the Provo Library where so many friends and fans came out to support her. Here are a few pics from yesterday:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q_Zm_axdSKI/Vtdv3PHSyXI/AAAAAAAAEQg/u1bUFuhVJXY/s1600/IMG_7082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q_Zm_axdSKI/Vtdv3PHSyXI/AAAAAAAAEQg/u1bUFuhVJXY/s400/IMG_7082.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">150 cupcakes and swag on the display table I helped set up. <br />
Emily King did all the amazing legwork!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner with writer friends before the event. So much talent in this room!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Requisite goofy author picture.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quick shot with Katie at the restaurant and her gorgeous book.<br />
We match the cover!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She killed it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2-01kkdZI8w/VtdwNyXpbLI/AAAAAAAAEQw/anLz2xsXc20/s1600/IMG_7098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2-01kkdZI8w/VtdwNyXpbLI/AAAAAAAAEQw/anLz2xsXc20/s400/IMG_7098.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie shared several pics of our critique group. <br />
So many great memories over the years!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was giveaway of Remake AND an advance copy of Resist <br />
(which isn't out for 4 more months). Erin Summerill won!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zNxZ8fvhYww/VtdwcMSF2lI/AAAAAAAAEQ8/pqZBKAm1vZ4/s1600/IMG_7103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zNxZ8fvhYww/VtdwcMSF2lI/AAAAAAAAEQ8/pqZBKAm1vZ4/s400/IMG_7103.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging out in the HUGE signing line with Emily(CP and bestie) <br />
and her sisters Sadie(writer) and Daisy(beta reader). <br />
They came all the way from California and Logan to support Katie!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bXB3377SKSg/VtdwwUlYxXI/AAAAAAAAERE/Tt4Eh19opd0/s1600/IMG_7108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bXB3377SKSg/VtdwwUlYxXI/AAAAAAAAERE/Tt4Eh19opd0/s400/IMG_7108.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting her autographs on.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CP love. We miss you, Robin!</td></tr>
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Stay tuned to the blog because I have some Remake series related coming up soon!!</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;"><i>Can we go on like it once was?</i></span></div>
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ilimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899071063752311737noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111208659086834464.post-26172069222028646042016-01-13T00:00:00.000-07:002016-01-13T09:54:03.276-07:00Remake #2 Cover Reveal!<div>
A lot of you have been waiting a while for this...I know I have. I'm thrilled to announce that Remake #2 has a title and a cover and a blurb and a release date and I'm so excited to share!!!<br />
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Okay, so the title is RESIST and it will be out in hardcover on July 5th. You can already <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Resist-Remake-Ilima-Todd/dp/1629721042/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1452656472&sr=8-2&keywords=ilima+todd">pre-order it</a> or <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25205312-resist">add it to your Goodreads shelf</a>. Yay!<br />
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Here's a little more about the book:</div>
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<i><span style="color: #134f5c;">Having been rescued, Remade, and returned to Freedom, Theron must now face a life without Nine. Though he's chosen to be a healer, he uses all the vices Freedom affords to try to dull the pain of losing Nine. But he can't find the peace he so desperately needs. Until he meets Catcher, a man who shows him the dark truths behind Freedom's Batcher program. From him, Theron learns what it means to be a leader and a father. When he falls in love with a captured rebel named Pua, Theron must choose: Freedom and its easy pleasures, or a life that is truly free but full of hardships and decisions.</span></i></div>
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This book is probably the hardest I've ever had to write, yet I'm super proud of how it turned out and can't wait for the world to find out what happens next in Freedom One.</div>
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Do you want to see what it looks like? </div>
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Are you sure? </div>
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Really sure? </div>
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Haha. </div>
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Here you go...<br />
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Yes, that is a picture of Theron on the cover, since this book is told from his point of view. But I assure you that all of your favorite characters from Remake will make an appearance. Trust me. :) </div>
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I'll probably do a giveaway of an advance copy soon but I couldn't wait to share the great news. Feel free to ask me any questions in the comments and I'll do my best to answer.<br />
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In the meantime, join me in a celebratory dance!</div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><i>The dust has only just begun to form...</i></span></div>
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ilimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899071063752311737noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111208659086834464.post-89901699333971519022015-12-02T00:00:00.000-07:002015-12-02T00:00:10.186-07:00Merry Christmas to me!<div>
I've been sitting on some BIG news for a long time and am thrilled I can finally share it with the world.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Simon and Schuster has purchased the paperback rights for the entire REMAKE series!</span><br />
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What does this mean exactly? It means that Remake will be released in July 2016 as a paperback from <a href="http://books.simonandschuster.com/Remake/Ilima-Todd/9781481457620">Simon and Schuster</a> under their Simon Pulse imprint. Having a big house behind the series will mean great publicity, marketing, and distribution that will get the novel into more reader hands!<br />
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Here's a bonus: there will be different covers for the paperback versions as well, and here's a sneak peek at the new Remake cover. It's creepy and absolutely perfect for the story. I love it.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--naJT6cQtq8/Vl5qc35DXzI/AAAAAAAAEPM/qcoFyRTvJXQ/s1600/remake-9781481457620_hr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--naJT6cQtq8/Vl5qc35DXzI/AAAAAAAAEPM/qcoFyRTvJXQ/s640/remake-9781481457620_hr.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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But what about the hardcovers? Yes, all of the books in the series will still be available as hardcovers, and Shadow Mountain will be publishing those along with the ebooks and audio versions. Remake 2 is scheduled to be released next summer as well, with the paperback version coming out a year later in 2017. And so on and so forth with the next book.<br />
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Long story short, my Nine and her story will be around for a while and I'm so so grateful. It's the best present I could have asked for this year. Yippee!<br />
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<i><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">My heart still beats and my skin still feels</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">My lungs still breathe, my mind still fears</span></i><br />
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ilimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899071063752311737noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111208659086834464.post-33249772750233904322015-11-04T00:00:00.000-07:002015-11-04T00:00:05.607-07:00Why I Love NaNoWriMo<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Writing can be a lonely endeavor, which is why I love it when November rolls around. There’s just something magical about thousands of writers coming together in crazy drafting bliss. It’s a roller coaster ride of emotions, but when I’m on that track next to those who get it, the dips don’t seem so scary.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My main advice is to forget all the advice and do what works for you. If that means writing forward and not looking back, do it. If that means bouncing around from scene to scene or editing what you wrote the day before, do it. Ignore the “experts” and just write—it’s as simple as that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Each night in November my CPs and I email each other our word count for the day and a short snippet of our writing. With only positive cheerleading allowed, we pull each other through those crappy days and encourage to the finish line. Here’s a sampling of what can be found in those daily emails:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So I started out with a dream that is also a flashback within a prologue. Um…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m already veering from the plan. *clings possessively to 30 page outline*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For someone who doesn’t really grasp the rules of using the em dash, I sure use it a lot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m just going to ignore the CP who already hit 50K. She does not exist. Poof. Go away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Blogs. Twitter. Facebook. Other Shiny Things. How do I turn off the internet, again?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am drowning in dirty dishes. This is why paper plates were invented, people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My writing SUCKS. Why the crap did I ever get into this business in the first place?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Blinking cursor. Blinking cursor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Stayed up til the wee hours to write new scene, then woke up three more times during the night because the muse wouldn’t shut up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I wrote, like, 200 words today. Aack! Muse…where did you go?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My bar graph is still above that diagonal line…that’s all that matters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The honeymoon is over! I hate Nano. This is stupid. :P</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I made a playlist for my book. Then googled actors to play my characters. Then designed a book cover.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Got 5K in today. 5K!!!! I’m amazing. I rock. I can’t believe those around me aren’t constantly blown away by my awesomeness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Why, hello shower. Nice to meet you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I wrote THE BEST kissing scene today, then jumped ahead and wrote the next one, just for good measure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Time to stalk my Nano buddy list and evil laugh at everyone I’m beating. Just kidding. Kind of.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Is there a genre called YA erotica? Because I think I just invented it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m setting fire to my 30 page outline.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dear Stomach Flu, it’s NOVEMBER. You are not allowed to visit. Be gone with thee!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wait, MC. Where are you going? Come back. COME BACK.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m just going to ignore that other CP who is going out on submission before me. *deep breaths*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I cried four times today—whimpering out loud and everything. I don’t know if I can do this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We ran out of Diet Coke. And milk. But…DIET COKE!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nope. I did NOT go back and make all the changes needed to accommodate new idea, erasing several hundred words that no longer work. I would NEVER.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Used the F-bomb in my novel. Twice. Then the word “balls” in reference to male genitalia. I am going to hell.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m sure a lot of this sounds familiar. And crazy. But we writers are artists, and the best artists are a little off their rocker, don’t you think? So cheers to all you Nano-ers out there…you are crazy, and you can do it. I believe in you!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "times"; line-height: 21.56px;"><a href="http://cupidslitconnection.blogspot.com/2012/11/nanowrimo-guest-post-ilima-todd-and.html">* This post originally appeared on Cupid's Literary Connection</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>My heart is calling, it's calling.</i></span><br />
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ilimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899071063752311737noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111208659086834464.post-59319262679024218002015-10-07T11:15:00.000-06:002015-10-07T11:15:08.674-06:00Excuse me while I take a nap<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iojkQURboEo/VhVMKIdLBII/AAAAAAAAEMc/f8FHNHzEuko/s1600/IMG_6206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iojkQURboEo/VhVMKIdLBII/AAAAAAAAEMc/f8FHNHzEuko/s200/IMG_6206.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The launch party crowd, me with<br />fellow authors Chad Morris, Shannon<br />Hale, Sara Larson, and J. Scott Savage,<br />and a wide shot of all the authors</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">It's been pretty eventful around these parts. First off, the TRUE HEROES launch party was a hit. We had a great crowd come out to support this wonderful cause. I enjoyed getting to speak on a panel with fellow authors and sign books for almost two hours straight, but my favorite part was getting to meet several of the children battling cancer who are featured in the book. What an amazing day.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A picture of my TV while watching<br />NBC Nightly News :)</td></tr>
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On top of a great launch and much local coverage, TRUE HEROES has been getting a lot of national attention too. We were featured on <a href="http://www.people.com/article/utah-photographer-kids-cancer-dreams">People.com</a>, <a href="http://publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/67913-photographer-and-authors-offer-hope-to-terminally-ill-children.html">Publishers Weekly</a>, <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/-anything-can-be--project-helps-sick-kids-live-their-dreams-524708931597" target="_blank">NBC Nightly News</a>, and even appeared on <a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/the-view/video/pl5554876/vdka0_3lgay1ld">The View</a>. Crazy! Along with some amazing trade reviews and being an Amazon #1 bestseller, it's been a very exciting ride that I'm thrilled to be a part of.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9nnGjcUd3hk/VhVMKGs3nII/AAAAAAAAEMw/frGmgQxslEM/s1600/IMG_6253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9nnGjcUd3hk/VhVMKGs3nII/AAAAAAAAEMw/frGmgQxslEM/s200/IMG_6253.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and three of my kids posing with<br />James Dashner</td></tr>
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We got to attend a private viewing of THE SCORCH TRIALS the night before release with James Dashner's family and friends. Not only was it a blast to watch the movie with such a fun crowd and listen to Jamie talk about the ins and out of the movie-making process, but the movie was INCREDIBLE. Seriously, it hit #1 worldwide that first weekend, and if you haven't seen it yet, go!</div>
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Comic Con was kind of insane. The crowds were crazy, the cosplayers were amazing, and speaking on three panels and signing books for an hour wore me out. The event broke several records, including attendance (right up there with San Diego and NY), the highest public transportation users ever, and the largest amount of comic book characters in the same place. Kind of cool.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CG4Z-8BbjVs/VhVNcM3uwiI/AAAAAAAAENU/oIaXjsHqdnc/s1600/comic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CG4Z-8BbjVs/VhVNcM3uwiI/AAAAAAAAENU/oIaXjsHqdnc/s1600/comic.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Azog, posing with Groot and Starlord, and my favorite cosplay of the day...<br />Owen and Blue from Jurassic World. :)</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">It was a lot of fun, especially since I got to spend the day with my daughter. I spoke on a panel about writing the first five pages, another about writing good characters, and my favorite was a TRUE HEROES panel where many of us teared up talking about the project, and one of the kids from the book was in the audience too. I'm sure I'll be ready to head back to Comic Con in a year, but for now I will crawl into my introvert cave and recover with a nap, because holy crowds!</span></div>
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How has your fall been so far? </div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><i>Don't be so scared of the things you love.</i></span></div>
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ilimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899071063752311737noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111208659086834464.post-39659085285194611782015-09-02T00:00:00.000-06:002015-09-02T14:32:55.379-06:00Hello, September<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, summer is over and I've finally faced the fact that I need to get back to writing obligations. This is the first time all of my kids are in school and while I miss them terribly, I admit I'm getting a lot done. My agent has me putting the final touches on one book, revising another, and studying a massive text on writing craft all while I need to outline and draft a certain book 3. Back to the grind.<br />
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You can find me a few places out in the wild this month. First up, I'll be at Midway, Utah's Swiss Days this weekend. My books will be available for sale in "The Book Shoppe," including a few signed copies, and I will be there in person to sign books on Saturday from 2:30-4:30 pm. So please stop by and say hi! (or guten tag?)<br />
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I'll be at the launch party for TRUE HEROES on September 12th at the Provo City Library speaking on a panel and signing books. Not only will most of the authors who contributed to the project be there, but many of the children featured in the stories as well. I can't wait! Consider stopping by if you can. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1815853408641030/" target="_blank">Here</a> are details about the event and <a href="http://ilimawrites.blogspot.com/2015/07/true-heroes.html" target="_blank">here</a> is a bit more about the book itself. You can preorder it <a href="http://www.amazon.com/True-Heroes-Treasury-Modern-day-Best-selling/dp/1629721034/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440706534&sr=8-1&keywords=true+heroes+shadow+mountain" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Also, I'll be at Salt Lake Comic Con at the end of the month. Besides speaking on panels and signing books, I might secretly stalk Samwise and Captain America. Okay, not so secretly. :) Anyone else planning on getting their nerd on and attending?<br />
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How was your summer? Tell me what your plans are this fall.<br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;"><i>If we're strong enough to let it in, we're strong enough to let it go.</i></span><br />
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ilimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899071063752311737noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111208659086834464.post-76090939990610606212015-08-07T10:49:00.000-06:002015-08-07T10:49:12.673-06:00Conference SeasonI've taught at a lot of writing conferences this year. I love interacting with other writers and seeing all my writing friends, but as an introvert, those interactions drain my energy. After a brief hiatus the last month or so to recover, I'm ready to tackle some writing projects and focus on my writing again. And maybe take a break from teaching for a bit. Mostly. We'll see.<br />
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In the meantime, here are a few pics from this years' conferences that I haven't shared on the blog yet. I'm terrible at taking pics, so these are all stolen from other people. And there are a couple of conferences I have zero pics from. Oh well. :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m_BL5ytuErg/VcTcG6L-0LI/AAAAAAAAEJM/bVtLorflKAc/s1600/10530803_10153215385720844_2122772222838298747_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m_BL5ytuErg/VcTcG6L-0LI/AAAAAAAAEJM/bVtLorflKAc/s320/10530803_10153215385720844_2122772222838298747_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Author signing at Writing for Charity</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Writing the Unputdownable Story class at Teen Author Boot Camp</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whitney Awards Gala</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teen Author Boot Camp Crew</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back of my head...signing books at TABC</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whitney Awards with my editor and fellow SM authors</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zy_wpapBXKk/VcTcNShwSgI/AAAAAAAAEJ8/xOX6TW2uVdA/s1600/Storymakers-112-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zy_wpapBXKk/VcTcNShwSgI/AAAAAAAAEJ8/xOX6TW2uVdA/s320/Storymakers-112-XL.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storymakers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diversity class at Storymakers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My captive audience :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NTivE4814oQ/VcTdAf8g3SI/AAAAAAAAEKU/mEQ4NS-SuQE/s1600/11141726_10153329670526565_4685061691229935851_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NTivE4814oQ/VcTdAf8g3SI/AAAAAAAAEKU/mEQ4NS-SuQE/s320/11141726_10153329670526565_4685061691229935851_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Author signing at Storymakers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSdv3JSrq4s/VcTdAXbN_1I/AAAAAAAAEKY/biWqAaiN6KE/s1600/11143714_10153433475229369_5644470742131370782_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSdv3JSrq4s/VcTdAXbN_1I/AAAAAAAAEKY/biWqAaiN6KE/s320/11143714_10153433475229369_5644470742131370782_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storymakers Selfie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iuRAHdMPlnc/VcTdkCsWmpI/AAAAAAAAEKk/1fSbkQFWmzk/s1600/storymaker.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="154" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iuRAHdMPlnc/VcTdkCsWmpI/AAAAAAAAEKk/1fSbkQFWmzk/s320/storymaker.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storymakers</td></tr>
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Have you been to any writer conferences this year?<br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;"><i>Fly to me</i></span><br />
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ilimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899071063752311737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111208659086834464.post-87359384244843172022015-07-01T00:00:00.000-06:002015-07-01T00:00:02.133-06:00True Heroes<div>
I'm so excited to announce that I am one of the authors contributing to this collection of short stories and gorgeous photographs featuring children with cancer and their dreams. TRUE HEROES releases on September 8th from Shadow Mountain Publishing and you can <a href="http://www.amazon.com/True-Heroes-Treasury-Modern-day-Best-selling/dp/1629721034/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1435288300&sr=8-1&keywords=true+heroes+shadow+mountain" target="_blank">pre-order it here</a>.<br />
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I had so much fun writing about Sarah whose dream is to be a space explorer. Here's a little more about the book:<br />
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<b>Twenty-one imaginative authors were paired up with twenty-one extraordinary kids. What makes these kids so special? They all have two things in common: They all have very big hopes and dreams, and they all have battled cancer.</b><br />
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<b>Photographer Jonathan Diaz asked each of these remarkable children, “If you could be anything, what would you be?” Their answers were the inspiration for this one-of-a-kind book.</b><br />
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<b>So turn the page and meet Korbyn the firefighter, Bre the dancer, Braelyn the superhero, William the dragon rider, Tristan the football star, and Rae the princess—and more—who were all photographed in full costume and digitally inserted into a background showing them as the hero of their own story. Then read the original short stories that were based on each child’s specific dream.</b><br />
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<b>True Heroes shares the powerful message that children can do hard things. They are dreamers. They are fighters. They are heroes.</b><br />
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<b><i>“This beautiful volume provides a hopeful antidote that combines fantastical and inspirational pictures with prose designed to engage children’s imaginations and remind them that they are full of power, strength, and hope.” —Richard Paul Evans, #1 New York Times bestselling author</i></b><br />
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large;"><i>We are young and unafraid.</i></span><br />
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ilimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899071063752311737noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111208659086834464.post-83865866116187761082015-06-10T15:47:00.000-06:002015-06-10T15:47:43.431-06:00Where in the world is my book?<div>
I have some fun news! My publisher sold Turkish rights for REMAKE a while back, and the book released a few weeks ago. How neat is that? The title is simply "9" and it has a new cover and everything. So if you're ever in Istanbul...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q7gYGvAmwFM/VXivvLLPirI/AAAAAAAAEIQ/MJXgbwsr8oQ/s1600/Turkish%2BRemake.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q7gYGvAmwFM/VXivvLLPirI/AAAAAAAAEIQ/MJXgbwsr8oQ/s640/Turkish%2BRemake.png" width="408" /></a></div>
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Also, I recently did an interview for the <a href="http://www.wifyr.com/blog/2015/05/13/author-interview-with-ilima-todd/" target="_blank">WIFYR blog</a> in which I divulge a little fact about my first kiss. And a <a href="http://www.ubmedia.biz/ubstandard/news/article_397bdb5e-e55e-11e4-b892-af5887efba3a.html" target="_blank">local paper</a> reviewed REMAKE. The reviewer says, "I would highly recommend this book to be read either on your own or in a book club. Remake is a story that both adults and youth can enjoy and learn from and will spark conversation." I agree, haha.<br />
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Remake 2 is done and I'm finishing up another book before diving into book 3. Summer is so busy but I love the warm weather and lots of family time. What have you been up to this summer?<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><i>Even though it's not always heaven, we still fly together...</i></span><br />
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ilimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899071063752311737noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111208659086834464.post-65983377258895948402015-05-04T00:00:00.000-06:002015-05-04T00:00:00.814-06:00Remake book trailer debut + giveaway!It's here! It's here! The book trailer for REMAKE has arrived. Check it out...<br />
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I love it so much. I think it captures the feel of the book and Nine's dilemma perfectly. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Remake-Ilima-Todd/dp/1609079248/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1430693593&sr=8-1&keywords=remake" target="_blank">You can read more about REMAKE and how to purchase it here.</a><br />
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I'm also giving away a $25 Amazon gift card to celebrate the trailer release. Let me know what you thought about the trailer, follow me and Ideas For Hollywood (the producer of the video) online, or share the trailer with friends to enter. Details can be found in the Rafflecopter thingy below.<br />
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A great big thanks to everyone helping me spread the word!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="ceb416fe2" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ceb416fe2/" id="rcwidget_h40nta54" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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ilimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899071063752311737noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111208659086834464.post-4497163318341140962015-04-07T00:00:00.000-06:002015-04-07T00:00:07.789-06:00April Crazies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5rLayTNLL94/VSLYeSSQjlI/AAAAAAAAEGA/wc_lEOjyyho/s1600/indiefab-finalist-imprint.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5rLayTNLL94/VSLYeSSQjlI/AAAAAAAAEGA/wc_lEOjyyho/s1600/indiefab-finalist-imprint.png" height="200" width="113" /></a></div>
My little Nine has been busy. REMAKE is a Foreword Reviews' <a href="https://indiefab.forewordreviews.com/finalists/2014/young-adult-fiction/" target="_blank">2014 INDIEFAB finalist</a> in the Young Adult Fiction category. I am thrilled with this news and love being in such amazing company. Winners will be announced at the ALA conference in June.<br />
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REMAKE was also reviewed in the <a href="http://www.examiner.com/review/new-dystopian-novel-offers-fans-a-unique-new-story" target="_blank">Examiner</a>. I appreciated the mention of Nine's character development as realistic and beautiful, as that was one of my favorite parts about writing the book.<br />
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And REMAKE made <a href="https://kissthebook.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/2015-top-50-secondary1.pdf" target="_blank">Kiss The Book</a>'s yearly top 50 list for Secondary 2015 which is presented every year at the Utah school librarians's conference, so that's cool.<br />
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I did a guest post on the <a href="http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/2015/03/the-author-agent-relationship-three.html" target="_blank">Insecure Writer's Support Group</a> blog along with Dianne Salerni and Stephanie Faris about the author-agent relationship.<br />
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The Writing For Charity conference was a big success. I helped to critique attendee's first pages, spoke on a couple of panels (Writing Diverse Books and Dealing With Writer's Block), and donated a couple of items for the silent auction. All the money earned at the conference goes toward the We Need Diverse Books organization and First Book, which gets books into the hands of needy children. I'm already excited for next year!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yQzyUJCssCA/VSLY0_xZxZI/AAAAAAAAEGY/88fKdy_vi8c/s1600/10403683_10153274061996264_1864086443326007732_n.jpg" height="200" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Writer's Block Panel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6C5kUjJ3dZQ/VSLY04o76CI/AAAAAAAAEGM/DVqIFI87_2w/s1600/11080966_10153165473990489_156276934175748796_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6C5kUjJ3dZQ/VSLY04o76CI/AAAAAAAAEGM/DVqIFI87_2w/s1600/11080966_10153165473990489_156276934175748796_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catching up with writer friends</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diversity Panel</td></tr>
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In addition to spending time with my family this week for spring break, this Saturday I'll be teaching at <a href="http://teenauthorbootcamp.com/" target="_blank">Teen Author Boot Camp</a>. And next Thursday, I'm teaching about characters at the <a href="http://www.plgrove.org/library/for-adults-64732/events-80243/writers-series" target="_blank">Pleasant Grove Library</a>--free! What are your plans this April?<br />
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I hope everyone had a great Easter!<br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Set sail!</i></span><br />
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ilimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899071063752311737noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111208659086834464.post-74115448629744252732015-03-11T00:00:00.000-06:002015-03-11T00:00:02.157-06:00March Update!Here's a quick update on what I've been up to:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4GowuWjeZNQ/VP9cdC_Ja8I/AAAAAAAAEFQ/b5Sxea32OJk/s1600/11037885_623147274482747_115677182746720426_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4GowuWjeZNQ/VP9cdC_Ja8I/AAAAAAAAEFQ/b5Sxea32OJk/s1600/11037885_623147274482747_115677182746720426_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm smiling because the <br />filming is over, lol. *shaka*</td></tr>
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I was interviewed by my local CBS station. They came to my house and we sat down to talk about everything from writing to Remake to homeschool to Hawaii. Since the reporter and cameraman have ties to Hawaii, we had a great time talking about the islands, making me miss home. :) <a href="http://www.kutv.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/Utah-author-writes-new-dystopian-trilogy-98639.shtml#.VP9ikmTF_pC" target="_blank">You can watch the interview here.</a><br />
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REMAKE is a Whitney award finalist in two categories: Best YA Speculative Novel and Best Novel by a New Author. I may have done a fistpump or two upon hearing the news. I'm up against some tough competition, including NYT best selling authors, so I think my chances of winning are slim, but becoming a Whitney finalist is one of my writing bucket-list items, so the fact that I can check that one off makes me absolutely giddy. <a href="http://whitneyawards.com/2015/02/09/1332/" target="_blank">You can find all the finalists here.</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tVVKR4dXlKc/VP9d2uWODJI/AAAAAAAAEFg/zuyPtMn088M/s1600/10407201_10205932797029386_2641872538892123414_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tVVKR4dXlKc/VP9d2uWODJI/AAAAAAAAEFg/zuyPtMn088M/s1600/10407201_10205932797029386_2641872538892123414_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Rachelle Christensen, Shelly Brown, <br />Josi Kilpack, Sarah Eden</td></tr>
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I've updated the <a href="http://ilimawrites.blogspot.com/p/events.html" target="_blank">events tab</a> above so you can see where I'll be this spring--mostly teaching at several local writing conferences.<br />
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My publisher hosted an author appreciation dinner, and it was so much fun enjoying a fancy date night with my husband. We got to rub shoulders with other authors, and I met a ton of people who work behind the scenes in getting my book out in the public. I also learned some incredible news from my editors about REMAKE that I hope to share soon. :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playboy roll (my fav) and squid</td></tr>
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I also just finished drafting my 9th novel. Woot! I've been working on this one off and on for a long time, and I have to admit it's my favorite story I've written so far. It's another YA sci-fi with themes of virtue and self-worth featuring a mixed-race main character who I absolutely love. I can't wait to dive into revisions. The book takes place in an East-Asian inspired future, so of course we celebrated with sushi. (note: I celebrate everything with sushi, ha) Yum!<br />
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Do you like being in front of the camera? What was your favorite novel of 2014? Will I see you at any writing conferences this year? How do you celebrate reaching your writing goals?<br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"><i>'Cause life's for living right.</i></span><br />
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ilimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899071063752311737noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111208659086834464.post-78167512381912097332015-03-03T00:00:00.000-07:002015-03-03T00:00:03.874-07:00Interview with "Silence" author Deborah Lytton<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I want to wish a happy book birthday to my friend <a href="http://www.deborahlytton.com/" target="_blank">Deborah Lytton</a> and her novel <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Silence-Deborah-Lytton/dp/1609079450/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425270228&sr=8-1&keywords=silence+deborah" target="_blank">SILENCE</a>! I loved this book and will be rereading it often. It has excellent writing, a sweet clean romance, and a heart-melting story with endearing characters I wish I could meet in real life. I highly recommend this book. Here's a little bit about it:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lRRD-8FKw44/VPPfSGbbEVI/AAAAAAAAEEI/wUKLltgzgds/s1600/9k%3D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lRRD-8FKw44/VPPfSGbbEVI/AAAAAAAAEEI/wUKLltgzgds/s1600/9k%3D.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't this cover gorgeous?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Stella was born to sing. Someday Broadway. Even though she is only a sophomore at a new high school, her voice has given her the status as a cool kid. But then a tragic accident renders her deaf. She cannot hear herself sing not to mention speak. She cannot hear anything. Silence. What happens when everything you have dreamed of and hoped for is shattered in a single moment?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Enter Hayden, the boy with blonde curls who stutters. He is treated like an outcast because he is not normal. And, yet, Stella feels an attraction to him that she cannot explain. As Hayden reaches out to help Stella discover a world without sound his own tragic past warns him to keep a distance. But their connection is undeniable. Can the boy who stutters and the girl who's deaf find a happily-ever-after?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">SILENCE is a story of friendship and hope with a lesson that sometimes it takes a tragedy to help us find beauty and love in unexpected places.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I had the chance to meet Deborah last year at ALA in Las Vegas. She is the sweetest person you will ever meet and I adore her daughters. I'm thrilled she agreed to answer a few questions about herself and her writing.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit;">I: Tell us about yourself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">D: I'm a single mother of two girls who are 10 and 13. I work as an attorney in the daytime and write at night and on weekends. We have a funny little dog with giant ears called Faith. One more super important fact about me is that I can't go a day without chocolate. SILENCE (Shadow Mountain) is my second published novel. My first published book, JANE IN BLOOM (Dutton), was released in 2009.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit;">I: I need my daily chocolate fix too, lol. Have you always wanted to be a writer?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">D: I never imagined I could become a writer. I was a child actor from the age of six to eighteen, so I thought I would always work in the entertainment industry. I had dreams of becoming a film director. In my twenties, I was a singer and songwriter. The first significant thing I ever wrote was a screenplay, but I realized fairly quickly that I had more to say than would fit in a script. So I turned to writing novels. Being an actress and singer helped me to access emotions in my writing and translate them into words.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit;">I: I can totally see how acting would help in writing stories with emotion. What’s your favorite book?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">D: That's such a hard question to answer because I have so many! My favorite author is Jane Austen, so if I have to choose only one book, then it has to be PRIDE AND PREJUDICE.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit;">I: I love P&P! Good choice. :) How did you come up with the idea for SILENCE?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">D: I wanted to tell a story about a girl who loses everything that matters to her and has to find a way to reimagine herself with the help of a boy who is the only one who can communicate with her. I wanted to share their love story with readers who might feel broken to give them hope.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit;">I: Can you tell us a little bit about Hayden and Stella?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">D: Stella is a singer who is immensely talented--she is one of those people who seems destined for stardom. Her entire identity is wrapped up in this persona. When a terrible accident happens (I don't want to give too much away), all this changes. Stella is forced to see herself differently--and this is painful and difficult for her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hayden is an outcast with a tragic past. He has so many gifts to share but no one to share them with until he meets Stella. In helping Stella with her journey, he is able to be the person he has always wanted to be.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit;">I: I adore Hayden and think Stella is such a good match for him. Which character in the story do you identify with most?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">D: I can identify with Stella because I too was a singer and a performer, and I also understand her loss in giving up a dream. I admire Hayden because he is a survivor and instead of being bitter and angry, he is generous and caring.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit;">I: I really liked the way you handled Stella being deaf and Hayden's stutter. Do you have any experience with stuttering or deafness, or did you have to research it?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">D: I do not have personal experience with either stuttering or deafness, and I needed to research all of it. Although SILENCE is a work of fiction, I tried to make it as realistic as possible.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit;">I: Well, I think you did an excellent job. What’s your favorite scene or line in the book?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">D: My favorite scene is Hayden and Stella's date in the plant nursery. I love the romance and the honesty from both characters in that scene because they are both in the same place at the same time with their feelings for one another.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit;">I: I love that scene. Can you tell us about your writing process?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">D: I like to daydream about my stories before I actually begin writing. I have notebooks that I use to jot down plot ideas or character sketches. When the story has come together in my imagination, I begin writing, sometimes on the computer and sometimes in my notebook. I have a general sense of where I am going, but I don't outline in specifics. Instead, I let the characters direct the flow of the story. I read sections out loud to my daughters as I write to see if the voice is working. Sometimes I act out scenes as well.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit;">I: How fun to have your daughters involved in your writing process. What’s your favorite thing about writing?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">D: Freedom. Writing is pure freedom for the imagination. I love to see where it will take me.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit;">I: Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">D: Write every single day. If a novel seems overwhelming, try short stories, poetry, blogging, songwriting. Also, save everything you write because you might want to come back to it later. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit;">I: Fantastic advice. Can I ask what you are working on next?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">D: I am working on a story about stereotypes, bullying and true love.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit;">I: I can't wait to read it! Thanks so much for the fabulous interview and good luck with your book launch!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">D: Thank you so much, Ilima!</span></div>
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ilimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899071063752311737noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111208659086834464.post-27161924881281669622015-02-04T01:10:00.001-07:002015-02-04T01:10:20.510-07:00Why I write.Why do you write?<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zmh6pYxTcAA/VNHO0lj8Q0I/AAAAAAAAEDQ/CGlyF9X8EDM/s1600/panel.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zmh6pYxTcAA/VNHO0lj8Q0I/AAAAAAAAEDQ/CGlyF9X8EDM/s1600/panel.png" height="189" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's me on the far right working the panel. :)</td></tr>
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For me, there are a lot of reasons: because it makes me happy, because I can't not do it, because if I don't get these characters out of my head my mind will explode. The list goes on, but publishing has brought another layer to that list. It's brought readers, and in the few months that my book has been out, I've learned how big a role they play in my reason WHY.<br />
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From online reviews to social media posts to encouraging emails in my inbox, it's been such a neat experience to hear how words I've written affect those who read it. Writing can be such a lonely endeavor, and making a connection with others who share a love for my story is a really neat thing.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HIvLhUXN28I/VNHPPAJiEOI/AAAAAAAAEDk/xkmoGkWl6ak/s1600/Teen-Ilima-221x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HIvLhUXN28I/VNHPPAJiEOI/AAAAAAAAEDk/xkmoGkWl6ak/s1600/Teen-Ilima-221x300.jpg" height="320" width="233" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teen Ilima</td></tr>
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I've been left in tears a few times reading about how my character and story has affected some readers, especially teens. I feel a strange combination of love, humility, and joy that I get to be a part of that experience.<br />
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So thank you, readers, for bringing a special WHY into the reason I write.<br />
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What books have deeply affected you?<br />
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What else I've been up to...<br />
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I wrote a <a href="http://dearteenme.com/?p=8881" target="_blank">Dear Teen Me letter </a>to my fifteen-year-old self in which I share advice on the struggle ahead. There are also some great teen pictures of yours truly. :)<br />
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I was on a panel at FanX talking about diversity in the book community. It was my first Comic Con experience and the highlight had to be meeting Steven Yeun (Glen from The Walking Dead). Who's ready for the premiere this Sunday?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-paw17bDekMk/VNHRhHr9kxI/AAAAAAAAEDw/66cpLcpz6jw/s1600/10649870_10205734911002359_5193194620184892020_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-paw17bDekMk/VNHRhHr9kxI/AAAAAAAAEDw/66cpLcpz6jw/s1600/10649870_10205734911002359_5193194620184892020_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My husband Dan, Glen, and me. :)</td></tr>
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I enjoyed <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvwE5QMMLRM" target="_blank">this vlogger's review</a> of Remake. It starts at around 2:30. I'm always relieved to hear people say Nine's naiveness is funny because I thought so too, ha.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--GJU4WOPFpY/VNHO0LsZGeI/AAAAAAAAEDI/gl-l40ydMRQ/s1600/IMG_5075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--GJU4WOPFpY/VNHO0LsZGeI/AAAAAAAAEDI/gl-l40ydMRQ/s1600/IMG_5075.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Jenn Johansson</td></tr>
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I picked up a couple of great books last week from blogger friends: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cut-Me-Free-J-Johansson/dp/0374300232/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423037038&sr=8-1&keywords=cut+me+free" target="_blank">CUT ME FREE</a> by Jenn Johansson and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Woven-Michael-Jensen/dp/0545685729/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423037069&sr=8-1&keywords=woven" target="_blank">WOVEN</a> by David Powers King...both of them signed! I also can't wait to buy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shutter-Courtney-Alameda/dp/1250044677/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423037096&sr=8-1&keywords=shutter" target="_blank">SHUTTER</a> by Courtney Alameda. So excited for new books!<br />
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Registration has gone live for <a href="http://www.wifyr.com/blog/" target="_blank">WIFYR</a> (Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers). I will be teaching an afternoon class this year. If you're serious about writing for children, this is the conference for you!<br />
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I've shared some artwork from my daughter on the blog before, but did you know she's a talented music composer? As in one of her songs will be featured on an album soon and she'll release her own album later this year. She's so talented it blows my mind. The book I'm currently drafting has a musician who writes a song for my main character and I've been working with my daughter on creating the music and lyrics. Guys, it's so amazing. I can't tell you how excited I am to have an actual song to go along with the one in my book. Hopefully I can share it here soon. :)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4vrZ5UByTfE/VNHO0Z9vwTI/AAAAAAAAEDM/DCZjCpDjkzM/s1600/IMG_5074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4vrZ5UByTfE/VNHO0Z9vwTI/AAAAAAAAEDM/DCZjCpDjkzM/s1600/IMG_5074.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At DPK's and Michael's launch with Emily King, Elana Johnson, <br />Erin Summerill, and Caitlyn McFarland.</td></tr>
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What have you been up to?<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><i>Floating through the slipstream...</i></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kFtpvdTUWYc" width="560"></iframe></div>
ilimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899071063752311737noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111208659086834464.post-24745770522705344912015-01-27T00:00:00.000-07:002015-01-27T00:00:02.237-07:00Woven!<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy release day to my good friend David's debut novel, WOVEN. I've read this one and can assure you it's wonderful. Here's my review from Goodreads:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">"A refreshingly original fantasy, WOVEN was an enjoyable read full of adventure, romance, and unforgettable characters. I really liked the sewing/textile based world and metaphors...so creative. And I can honestly say this is the first time I've had a literary crush on a ghost--I LOVE Nels. :) Well done." </span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Five stars!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #181818; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #181818; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Congrats David! Want to check it out? Here's some info about the book:</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-biB4MIP7bMo/VMHOFGrv5NI/AAAAAAAAECg/-ABCBCeSRLY/s1600/WovenCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-biB4MIP7bMo/VMHOFGrv5NI/AAAAAAAAECg/-ABCBCeSRLY/s1600/WovenCover.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">WOVEN by Michael Jensen and David Powers King, published by <a href="http://www.scholastic.com/home/">Scholastic</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Two unlikely allies must journey across a kingdom in the
hopes of thwarting death itself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All his life, Nels has wanted to be a knight of the kingdom of Avërand. Tall
and strong, and with a knack for helping those in need, the people of his
sleepy little village have even taken to calling him the Knight of Cobblestown.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But that was before Nels died, murdered outside his home by a mysterious
figure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now the young hero has awoken as a ghost, invisible to all around him save one
person—his only hope for understanding what happened to him—the kingdom’s heir,
Princess Tyra. At first the spoiled royal wants nothing to do with Nels, but as
the mystery of his death unravels, the two find themselves linked by a secret,
and an enemy who could be hiding behind any face.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nels and Tyra have no choice but to abscond from the castle, charting a hidden
world of tangled magic and forlorn phantoms. They must seek out an ancient
needle with the power to mend what has been torn, and they have to move fast.
Because soon Nels will disappear forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Available now wherever books are sold<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780545685726">IndieBound</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Woven-Michael-Jensen/dp/0545685729/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1415315304&sr=8-5&keywords=woven">Amazon</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/woven-michael-jensen/1119863472?ean=9780545685726">Barnes&Noble</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Woven/Michael-Jensen/9780545685726?id=6165020880538">Books
A Million</a>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.rakuten.com/prod/woven/268559552.html">Rakuten</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/woven/id903088394">iTunes</a><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">About the Authors:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v1Gr5IGMSCg/VMHOSJJKQbI/AAAAAAAAECw/bYg_q0QdSGc/s1600/MichaelJensen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v1Gr5IGMSCg/VMHOSJJKQbI/AAAAAAAAECw/bYg_q0QdSGc/s1600/MichaelJensen.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Michael Jensen</b> is
a graduate of Brigham Young University’s prestigious music, dance, and theater
program. Michael taught voice at BYU before establishing his own vocal
instruction studio. In addition to being an imaginative storyteller, Michael is
an accomplished composer and vocalist. He lives in Salt Lake City with his
husband and their four dogs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Photo credit: Michael Schoenfeld<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Links:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MichaelJensenAuthor">Facebook</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7218927.Michael_Jensen">Goodreads</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.wovenbook.com/">Woven Website</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/wovenbook?ref=br_tf">Woven
Facebook Page</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2EonPswGhio/VMHOQscUDTI/AAAAAAAAECo/c4zepDQbKv0/s1600/DavidPowersKing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2EonPswGhio/VMHOQscUDTI/AAAAAAAAECo/c4zepDQbKv0/s1600/DavidPowersKing.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">David Powers King</b>
was born in beautiful downtown Burbank, California where his love for film
inspired him to become a writer. An avid fan of science fiction and fantasy,
David also has a soft spot for zombies and the paranormal. He now lives in the
mountain West with his wife and three children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Photo credit: Katie Pyne Rasmussen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Links: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/david.p.king.98">Facebook</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7102558.David_Powers_King">Goodreads</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://twitter.com/DavidPowersKing">Twitter</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.davidpowersking.com/">Blog</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Praise for Woven:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"It’s
not often that you read a fantasy that feels as epic and original as <i>Woven</i>
by King and Jensen. Clever, well-paced, and full of intrigue, it’s a superb
read. Highly recommended." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">— James
Dashner, author of <i>The Maze Runner<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"WOVEN
reads like a lost classic that was somehow just rediscovered. It has the feel
of a comfortable, familiar blanket that's somehow been newly-made of the
brightest, most original material possible, and it is pure pleasure to
read."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>—</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">James A. Owen, author & illustrator
of <i>Here, There Be Dragons</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"The
worldbuilding is dynamic, original and intriguing … and the characters,
appealing. A sure bet for high-fantasy fans." <b>— <a href="https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/michael-jensen/woven/"><i>Kirkus
Reviews</i></a><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"This
brisk adventure from first-time authors Jensen and King is a charming quest
tale in classic fantasy tradition." <b>— <a href="http://reviews.publishersweekly.com/978-0-545-68572-6"><i>Publisher’s
Weekly</i></a><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rafflecopper Giveaway
Link (One of 5 copies of Woven – signed by both authors):</span></b></div>
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ilimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899071063752311737noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111208659086834464.post-49919103360318941942015-01-14T00:00:00.000-07:002015-01-14T00:04:16.520-07:002015 is going to rock!<div>
I seem to be down to one post a month. Sheesh. Apologies. Life is crazy and apparently blogging has taken a back seat for now. I wanted to take a minute to catch people up with what's been happening with me, but mostly I want to know about YOU. So please let me know what you've been up to in the comments!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Da beach, PCC, Pali look-out, <br />
and Angel's shave ice</td></tr>
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I spent Christmas in Hawaii. I know, poor me. It was a wonderful break and it flew by, but what a blessing to spend time with my family. I already miss them (and the beach) so much!<br />
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While there, an article about me came out in the local newspaper, so I was able to get a physical copy of it. Fun! <a href="http://www.midweek.com/hawaii-community-news/central/central-oahu-news/author-publishes-first-dystopian-novel/#17927" target="_blank">Here's a link to the article</a>.<br />
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My friend and fellow Shadow Mountain author Deborah Lytton interviewed me and you can <a href="http://deborahlytton.blogspot.com/2015/01/book-talk-with-ilima-todd.html" target="_blank">check that out here</a>. Her book <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22343779-silence" target="_blank">SILENCE</a> is out in a couple of months and you'll hear me gush about it closer to release. So so good!<br />
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Also, remember that audiobook of REMAKE I told you about? The voice actress blew me away. Listening to her bring Nine and all my favorite characters to life was such a treat. It's available on <a href="http://www.audible.com/pd/Teens/Remake-Audiobook/B00QSJ4MA6" target="_blank">Audible</a> and you can <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Remake/dp/B00QU9DYS0/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1421210564" target="_blank">listen to a sample here.</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GC4f29eVcI4/VLXwycI8IAI/AAAAAAAAECI/wBQtKr5xGwA/s1600/1621724_10205384778809273_5127646104770792024_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GC4f29eVcI4/VLXwycI8IAI/AAAAAAAAECI/wBQtKr5xGwA/s1600/1621724_10205384778809273_5127646104770792024_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nine made it in the paper. </td></tr>
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If you're in Utah, registration has gone live for <a href="http://writingforcharity.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Writing For Charity</a>. This will be my first year participating on a panel and I'd love to see some familiar faces. The best part is all proceeds go toward a great cause. <a href="http://writingforcharity.blogspot.com/p/registration.html" target="_blank">You can register here.</a><br />
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2015 is going to be a great (and busy year) with another book release, teaching at several writing conferences, book signings, a secret project I can't wait to tell you about, and most of all--more writing. I can't wait!<br />
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What are your plans/goals for 2015? And remember to tell me what you've been up to.<br />
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: large;"><i>River, won't you take me out into the sea</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: large;"><i>So I can get a good look back at the land that grounds me</i></span><br />
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ilimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17899071063752311737noreply@blogger.com11