tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81981830822082594032024-03-05T06:18:07.558-05:00I Should Be WritingThe stuff I write when I should be writing my book!Valerie Kemphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01664186778812993543noreply@blogger.comBlogger341125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198183082208259403.post-11791536786373165562013-06-25T09:00:00.000-04:002013-06-25T11:33:20.278-04:00BURN OUT by Kristi Helvig Cover Reveal!<p>So you might remember that back in December <a href="http://valeriekwrites.blogspot.com/2012/09/woohoo.html"><b>I posted</b></a> that my crit partner <A href="http://kristihelvig.com" target="_blank"><b>Kristi Helvig</b></a> had sold her book, BURN OUT to Egmont? Well, today, I'm SO thrilled that I get to share with you the seriously freaking amazing cover! And since I know that's what you really want to see, here it is:</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lilcaEzf4aymPmchqaAmlZTmnmCSGiR8pPMe7ntkaG1lRouY1tpFoAMdKhyphenhyphenVgLHpAy6Q0p2h2ucQUGYCLULi72JyuNo4arfM710u0g0QNAY63fwKHWUj5IJKayZauMH9YJ5pX-cUlY1R/s1600/BURN+OUT+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lilcaEzf4aymPmchqaAmlZTmnmCSGiR8pPMe7ntkaG1lRouY1tpFoAMdKhyphenhyphenVgLHpAy6Q0p2h2ucQUGYCLULi72JyuNo4arfM710u0g0QNAY63fwKHWUj5IJKayZauMH9YJ5pX-cUlY1R/s400/BURN+OUT+Cover.jpg" /></a></div>
<p>And here's the blurb:<br>
<center><p><i>Most people want to save the world; seventeen-year-old Tora Reynolds just wants to get the hell off of it. One of the last survivors in Earth's final years, Tora yearns to escape the wasteland her planet has become after the sun turns "red giant," but discovers her fellow survivors are even deadlier than the hostile environment.</i></p></center>
<p>You guys! You have no idea how perfect this cover is for this book. Seriously. It's like they pulled it right out of my brain while I was reading BURN OUT. I have known BURN OUT since it was a tiny book baby, and I'm so excited for it to go out into the world and into your hands! There's nothing like it out there right now. Tora is a kickass heroine and I can't wait for you all to meet her. I know you'll love her as much as I do.</p>
<p>BURN OUT releases April 8, 2014. Did I mention you can <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Burn-Out-Kristi-Helvig/dp/1606844792/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1371593361&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><b>pre-order it on Amazon</b></a> right now?</p> You can also <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17621102-burn-out" target="_blank"><b>add it on goodreads</b></a>.
<p>And, that's not all! To celebrate BURN OUT's cover reveal, Kristi is having a giveaway! One winner, will get a finished copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Defy-Dark-Saundra-Mitchell/dp/0062123548/ref=sr_1_1_title_2_har?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372102484&sr=1-1&keywords=defy+the+dark" target="_blank"><b>DEFY THE DARK</b></a>, (featuring a story by yours truly) <i>and</i> a YA book of their choice!</p>
<p>The contest runs June 25th - July 9th and is open to US residents only. (Sorry!)</p>
<p>Enter with Rafflecopter below.</p>
<a id="rc-c6915c2" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c6915c2/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
<p><u>All about Kristi Helvig:</u><br>
Kristi Helvig is a Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist turned sci-fi/fantasy writer. You can find her musing about space monkeys, Star Trek, and other random topics on her blog. Kristi resides in sunny Colorado with her hubby, kids, and behaviorally-challenged dogs. Follow her <a href="http://twitter.com/KristiHelvig" target="_blank"><b>twitter</b></a> and like her on <a href="http://.facebook.com/KristiHelvigAuthor" target="_blank"><b>facebook</b></a>!</p>Valerie Kemphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795714434618357955noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198183082208259403.post-58433517621476688022013-06-21T09:55:00.000-04:002013-06-21T09:55:12.772-04:00DEFY THE DARK Signed Hardcover Winner!<p>And the winner of the DEFY THE DARK signed hardcover is:</p>
<br>
<p><center><b><font size=3>ADRIANA CHAVEZ</font></b></center></p>
<br>
<p>Adriana, check your email!</p>
<p>Everyone else, thanks so much for spreading the word!</p>Valerie Kemphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795714434618357955noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198183082208259403.post-72220695085299799822013-06-18T12:33:00.000-04:002013-06-21T10:03:18.377-04:00All About STILLWATER and a DEFY THE DARK Giveaway!So DEFY THE DARK releases in 3 days, and I am so excited! My little story is going to be out in the world! (And I'm not freaking out about that at all. Not. At. All... Really!)<br />
<br />
Since the other tour stops posted reviews, I thought I would talk a bit about STILLWATER and answer a couple of the questions I've gotten about it so far.<br />
<br />
<b>Q: What inspired you to write STILLWATER?</b><br />
<br />
A: The core idea of STILLWATER actually came about while I was researching my family tree. Specifically, the idea took root when I discovered that author <b><a href="http://bethrevis.com/" target="_blank">Beth Revis</a></b> and I just might be cousins! I know, right? Without going into too much personal family detail, I'll say grandmother's maiden name is Revis, and she is from the same (tiny) part of North Carolina as Beth's husband. And that got me thinking. <br />
<br />
As someone raised in the "north", I had never really considered the complex relationships created in the south after the Civil War. I wondered what it must be like for black and white people to be reminded of their family's past history on a regular basis simply by sharing a last name. So that's where the idea for Pruitt and Delilah and the Reese family saga came from.<br />
<br />
<b>Q: Where exactly is STILLWATER?</b><br />
<br />
A: I intentionally made Stillwater a fictional town in an undisclosed (but obviously southern) state. However in my mind, I was always imagining western North Carolina. And "the ridge" is based on the cliffs I saw when I was there. I've seen people mention that Stillwater is in Texas, and I <i>love</i> that readers have built their own world around Stillwater. It's one of the reasons I chose not to set it in a specific place. I love seeing what readers take from what I've written.<br />
<br />
<b>Q: Why did you decide to write from Pruitt's point of view?</b><br/>
A: Honestly, I didn't give this one too much thought. I love writing boys. I don't know why - I'm sure some psychologist could give you a better answer - but I just find it a lot of fun to be inside their heads. From the moment Saundra asked me to be in the anthology, I knew I was going to write from a male POV - even though I had NO idea what his story might be. <br/><br/>
It was only after I'd written STILLWATER and sent it off to Saundra that I realized that Pruitt and I have pretty much zero in common on a surface level. Not our race, gender, or even region of the country. (And then I had a brief moment of panic.) Pruitt was not at all the guy I first envisioned narrating my story, but he came to me as a fully realized person, with his own way of talking and seeing the world and it was all I could do to keep up with writing down everything he was telling me. In the end I feel that he is one of the most "real" characters I've ever created and I have a lot of affection for him (and Delilah!). I'm actually sad that I didn't get to spend more time in his head and in his world. I hope readers will love him too!
<br/><br/>
And now for your fourth chance to win! I'm giving away a signed, hardcover copy of DEFY THE DARK! <br /><br />
<center><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGbt9foiG_CE9KwNRwOjshTDv3sOsBjuRe6qHKaFOKEB4QU0N96KtZUwFQQXae8HIM8NShlIwYxEZXmRmJ897gTBTWH9TYGvsVK6atQ0SjJi_jb2swtg1MMU9PCRHINLy_8b_CTCfgog0/s400/ded-NOTFINAL.jpg" width=150></center>
<p>The contest has ended.</p>Valerie Kemphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795714434618357955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198183082208259403.post-67379529511516374922013-06-09T07:28:00.000-04:002013-06-15T12:36:07.213-04:00DEFY THE DARK Blog Tour! Four Chances to Win!<center><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xV0K_AKKbtQzcyfna0_Q1tkYghIJkj_fVBS-Ia-RCNoolBQoZC_H0JTsfn734e-p3rojGHYsmD9yBBs06dkDZwvd_SZzhZhpuimuWbMa6mYFrwN9QMd5bB5TS0mkVQ8Z74oxdFJhIbcr/s320/Defybanner.jpg"></center>
It's just over a week until DEFY THE DARK releases and that means its time for more giveaways! All week, I'm hosting a blog tour which will feature a review, and a chance to win a FINISHED COPY of DEFY THE DARK!<br />
<br />
Here's the list of tour stops:<br />
<br />
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Monday, June 10 - Birth of a New Witch<br />
<a href="http://birthofanewwitch.wordpress.com/">http://birthofanewwitch.wordpress.com</a></div>
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Tuesday, June 11 - Seeing Night Reviews<br />
<a href="http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/">http://seeingnight.blogspot.com</a></div>
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Thursday, June 13 - Reader Girls<br />
<a href="http://www.readergirlsblog.com/">http://www.readergirlsblog.com</a></div>
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Saturday, June 15 - Me!</div>
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Be sure to check out each blog, each day, to see what they thought of DEFY THE DARK and enter to win a copy of your very own!</div>
Valerie Kemphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01664186778812993543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198183082208259403.post-21293312376195525752013-05-20T17:07:00.001-04:002013-05-24T16:13:58.326-04:00DEFY THE DARK Giveaway Winners!The Random Number Generator has spoken and the winners of the signed DEFY THE DARK ARCs are:<br>
From my blog entries:
<br>
<center><font size=3><a href="http://valeriekwrites.blogspot.com/2013/05/defy-dark-arc-giveaway.html?showComment=1368644970927#c7619210567456588496"><b>DANIELLE WILLIS</b></a> </center></font>
and from my tumblr:<br>
<center><font size=3><a href="http://akossket.tumblr.com/"><b>AKOSSKET</b></a></center></font>
<br>
I don't have an email address for either of you, so please contact me and let me know your mailing addresses so I can get these ARCs out to you!
<br>
Thanks so much for entering! There will be more chances to win finished copies during the DEFY THE DARK blog Tour coming soon!Valerie Kemphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795714434618357955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198183082208259403.post-91721379633810749722013-05-14T12:55:00.000-04:002013-05-14T20:25:51.494-04:00DEFY THE DARK ARC Giveaway!<p>So, I've been away for quite awhile... And I'm sorry for that. Blogging hasn't been at the top of my list lately, BUT, that's changing today. Because while I was away, this happened:</p>
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOlVvIpvigt_Gbdeeis-6KDmXT9cRdrPR6nyiy5ziP1qYX4DxqozQ9qn1ljUgs0HNOVny1AXfaZR9HoOIFNwILZamiMdac8ovX0CG8bBnJDwaFuveq5aOBRYj6P0asajpL9_7T7mMhaAT/s1600/BAmA8loCAAAos4S.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOlVvIpvigt_Gbdeeis-6KDmXT9cRdrPR6nyiy5ziP1qYX4DxqozQ9qn1ljUgs0HNOVny1AXfaZR9HoOIFNwILZamiMdac8ovX0CG8bBnJDwaFuveq5aOBRYj6P0asajpL9_7T7mMhaAT/s320/BAmA8loCAAAos4S.jpg" /></a></center>
<p>And then last Friday, I went to the last stop on HarperTeen's Pitch Dark Days Tour featuring Aprilynne Pike, Amy Tintera, Kiera Cass, and Liz Norris. (And even had dinner with with the lovely ladies as well as fellow Michigan authors Aimée Carter, and Courtney Allison Moulton!)</p>
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1fDGdW9FydhUMCCIbH7qRa7-OLdilsSsB8YB_BHpMXMEJ3-ZGLvYlj3oLhrBJPcNsAw54fjMh-T0NkTyKESddGfNPG1GHGq8N-RaAtVVyDD3zC8odoD3AHhPsCdU9ojjGp_siRG9A1WT/s1600/pdd-5-10-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1fDGdW9FydhUMCCIbH7qRa7-OLdilsSsB8YB_BHpMXMEJ3-ZGLvYlj3oLhrBJPcNsAw54fjMh-T0NkTyKESddGfNPG1GHGq8N-RaAtVVyDD3zC8odoD3AHhPsCdU9ojjGp_siRG9A1WT/s320/pdd-5-10-13.jpg" /></a><br><font size=1>From left: D.J. DeSmyter, Amy Tintera, Aprilynne Pike, DJ's friend Andrea, Me, Kiera Cass, Liz Norris</font></center>
<p>And at the signing, <i>this</i> happened:</p>
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMkrkk_G-2FM0W9gdMPHmgHU9a-Jk8z3gNyxTI98JcjvHMUPY4ci57DxYRg8FnKwjh2CCQ9CCt0DwmVETpF-I8zrsKIsnzCx4iJUupZWns-DiX8ba8iMgGq0IkEs52ALP1NcqiYRMjOvF/s1600/dtd-ap1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMkrkk_G-2FM0W9gdMPHmgHU9a-Jk8z3gNyxTI98JcjvHMUPY4ci57DxYRg8FnKwjh2CCQ9CCt0DwmVETpF-I8zrsKIsnzCx4iJUupZWns-DiX8ba8iMgGq0IkEs52ALP1NcqiYRMjOvF/s320/dtd-ap1.jpg" /></a></center>
<p>Twice! So now, I'm giving away <b>two DEFY THE DARK ARCs signed by Aprilynne Pike (and me)</b>. One here, and one on my brand new(ish) tumblr. All you have to do to win here is leave a comment on this post. For an extra entry, tweet or blog about the contest, and post the link to it here as a second comment.</p>
<p>To enter to win the second ARC, head on over to <b><a href="http://valeriekwrites.tumblr.com/post/50428768622/defy-the-dark-arc-giveaway" target="_blank">my tumblr - valeriekwrites.tumblr.com</a></b>, and enter there. <b>This contest is open internationally.</b> Which means I will ship this ARC anywhere in the world!</p>
<p><b>This contest will be open until 11:59pm Pacific Time on Saturday, May 18th.</b> I will randomly select a winner from the comments and announce them on Monday, May 20th.</p>Valerie Kemphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795714434618357955noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198183082208259403.post-21349051473548918142012-12-12T12:45:00.001-05:002012-12-12T12:49:17.565-05:00Twitter Chat Tomorrow (and other cool things!)<p>I'm excited to announce that tomorrow night, (Thursday, December 13th) I will be participating in a twitter chat hosted by the <A href="http://mundiemoms.com" target="_blank"><b>Mundie Moms</b></a> and featuring some awesome YA authors!</p>
<p>Here are the details:</p>
<p><u><b>Who:</b></u> <ul><li><a href="http://www.courtneyallisonmoulton.com/" target="_blank"><b>Courtney Allison Moulton</b></a> (<A href="http://twitter.com/CAMoulton" target="_blank">@CAMoulton</a>) author of the ANGELFIRE trilogy.
<li><A href="http://somethingstrangeanddeadly.com/" target="_blank"><b>Susan Dennard</b></a> (<A href="http://twitter.com/stdennard" target="_blank">@stdennard</a>) author of SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY,
<li><a href="http://www.djwrites.com/" target="_blank"><b>DJ DeSmyter</b></a> (<A href="http://twitter.com/LifeinFiction" target="_blank">@LifeinFiction</a>) author of HUNTED,
<li><a href="http://http://djamesauthor.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><b>David James</b></a> (<A href="http://twitter.com/JamesAuthor" target="_blank">@DJamesAuthor</a>) author of LIGHT OF THE MOON,
<li>and me, aka <A href="http://twitter.com/valeriekwrites" target="_blank">@valeriekwrites</a> (!)
</ul><br>
If you haven't noticed, there's a theme going on here. Most of us are from Michigan.<br><br>
<u><b>When:</b></u> Thursday, December 13th at 9 PM EST - (It will last about an hour.)<br><br>
<u><b>What:</b></u> Twitter chat - We will discuss our work, answer writing questions, giveaway stuff, and generally have fun!<br><br>
<u><b>Where:</b></u> Under the hashtag <b>#MundieChat</b></p>
<p>Which brings me to that other cool thing I mentioned. It appears that <A href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13540519-defy-the-dark" target="_blank"><b>DEFY THE DARK</b></a> has a release date - <b>JUNE 18, 2013</b> - and IS AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER!! *dies* And my name is even on the listing! I'm going to be in a <i>real live book</i>! With a hardcover and everything!</p>
<p>You can pre-order it right now, in <i><b>both hardcover and paperback</b></i>, from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Defy-Dark-Saundra-Mitchell/dp/0062123548/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1355333325&sr=1-2&keywords=defy+the+dark" target="_blank"><b>Amazon</b></a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/defy-the-dark-saundra-mitchell/1113051428?ean=9780062123541" target="_blank"><b>Barnes & Noble</b></a>, and <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Defy-Dark-Saundra-Mitchell/9780062123541" target="_blank"><b>The Book Depository</b></a>!</p>
<p>So, how are these two things connected? Well, I'll be giving away <b>two hardcover copies</b> of DEFY THE DARK during the chat - one which I will ship internationally. And I will even sign them, you know, if you want. So, be sure to come join in the fun tomorrow! (Learn more about DEFY THE DARK at <a href="http://defythedark.com" target="_blank"><b>DefyTheDark.com</b></a>.)</p>
Valerie Kemphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795714434618357955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198183082208259403.post-85420839958728947952012-10-31T12:12:00.001-04:002012-10-31T12:12:31.673-04:00NaNoWriMo!It's that time again. I've decided to give it another shot. I haven't tried NaNoWriMo in earnest since 2009. Who's with me?
Add me if you want, I'm <b>valeriekwrites</b> over there. I'll be updating my progress here, probably on a weekly basis.Valerie Kemphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795714434618357955noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198183082208259403.post-77771367131458067002012-09-26T11:26:00.001-04:002012-09-26T11:27:02.883-04:00Woohoo!<p>Today I am SO excited to share that my Crit Partner <a href="http://kristihelvig.com" target="_blank"><b>Kristi Helvig</b></a> SOLD HER BOOK!!!</p>
<p>Read all the details <b><a href="http://kristihelvig.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-shiny-new-book-deal.html" target="_blank">on her blog</a></b> and congratulate her!</p>
<p>BURN OUT is AWESOME and unlike anything out there right now. It's been so fun seeing this book come together. I can't wait for you all to read it!</p>Valerie Kemphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795714434618357955noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198183082208259403.post-44320357898416836202012-08-17T13:04:00.000-04:002012-08-17T13:04:39.289-04:00Friday Five Summer Reads<p>What is this? Two posts in one week?? How can this be? I've been on a bit of a reading kick lately so I thought I'd share since it's been SO long that I've read voraciously.</p><br /><p>Right now I'm into summer books. Every winter I crave summer stories, you know those books that take place on summer vacation and are filled with summer romance and summer angst and um, summer. And then I end up buying some, and don't read them. So I decided that for once, I'm going to enjoy some summer books in the summer! This is what I've read so far.</p><br /><br /><center><img src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/102450000/102450222.jpg" width=98 height=148><img src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/116800000/116803996.JPG" width=98 height=148><img src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/104000000/104009172.jpg" width=98 height=148><br><br /><font size=1>Jenny Han's Summer Trilogy<br><br><br /><br /><img src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/174510000/174516019.JPG" width=98 height=148><img src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/163900000/163901441.JPG" width=98 height=148><img src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/171470000/171473752.JPG" width=98 height=148><br><br />Such A Rush by Jennifer Echols - My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick - Unbreak My Heart by Melissa C. Walker</font></center><br /><br /><p>Up next are:</p><br /><br /><center><img src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/103240000/103243855.jpg" width=98 height=148><img src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/101890000/101890147.jpg" width=98 height=148><br><br /><br /><font size=1>Moonglass by Jessi Kirby & Invincible Summer by Hannah Moskowitz</font></center><br /><br />What are some of your favorite summer reads? I'm always on the lookout for more!<br />Valerie Kemphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795714434618357955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198183082208259403.post-22049490404766486372012-08-13T08:09:00.002-04:002012-08-23T11:52:58.176-04:00How To Win The DEFY THE DARK Short Story Contest<p>I've gotten quite a few hits lately from the search term "<b>how to win the DEFY THE DARK contest</b>" (which honestly I found quite surprising) so I figured I'd do my best to offer some tips. And they are TIPS only, I don't have the inside scoop on anything, and I'm not a judge.</p><p>First of all, let me direct you to some great posts that <b>Saundra Mitchell</b> has done on just this subject. <ul><li>The first is on <a href="http://dailyfig.figment.com/2012/08/02/defy-the-dark-author-advice/" target="_blank"><b>what she's looking/hoping for</b></a>.<li>The second is on <a href="http://dailyfig.figment.com/2012/08/09/dont-fear-the-red-pen/" target="_blank"><b>Editing before you submit</b></a>.<li> And here's a third on her blog <a href="http://saundramitchell.com/blog/2012/08/15/defy-the-dark-contest-questions"><b>Answering the most common questions about things like genre</b></a></ul></p><p>She's got some really great advice, including actual screenshots of some of the stories in the book (think <b>Tessa Gratton, Beth Revis, Jon Skovron</b> and <b>Christine Johnson</b>) with their edit notes and final revisions!</p><p>That said, I've spent some time looking through the entries thus far, and had a few thoughts. So here they are.</p><p>1. <b>TAKE YOUR TIME.</b> You've still got over two weeks to enter. There's no bonus for getting your story up early. The prize is MAJOR, so, write your story, let it rest for a few days and then look at it again. Revise it. Send it to a crit partner or friend. Get their notes. Revise it again, and THEN post it.</p><p>2. <b>BE CREATIVE.</b> This is not meant to bash any story that has already been posted, but in reading the entries I have found many to be remarkably similar - in tone, in subject, or in plot. Yes, the instructions say to <b><i>write a story that takes place at night or in the dark</i></b> but that doesn't mean the story itself has to be dark and/or bleak and/or depressing. (Three things that I love in a story, btw. And three things that, surprisingly, are <i>not</i> in my story.) Sure monster attacks and the end of the world might happen in the dark, but so might a stolen kiss, a bonfire party, or, I don't know, a case of mistaken identity! </p><p>3. <B>HAVE A BEGINNING, MIDDLE, AND END.</B> This is not really a hard and fast rule for short stories in general, but in this case, DEFY THE DARK is a book of complete stories. I don't mean that every thread in your story has to be wrapped up tight with a bow at the end. It's more a caution against stories that are really one long descriptive scene, or a vignette that feels like it's the middle of something bigger. For me, a great short story resolves (or mostly resolves) the main issue in the plot and ends with the reader having a sense of what comes next. But that's me.<p>4. <b>SPELL CHECK DOES NOT EQUAL EDITING.</b> I cannot stress this enough. Running spell check does not fix grammatical errors, missing words, tense issues, homonym/homophone mistakes, or confusing sentences. This is where a crit partner, and a patient eye come in. While I doubt one or two issues will keep you from winning, this story is out there for the world to see. People will assume you are showing them your best work, so why not make sure that it actually is?</p><p>5. <b>READ THE RULES</b>. And then follow them, obviously. I've seen quite a few interesting stories that were only 1300 words long. The contest rules state that <b><i>entries must be between 2000 and 4000 words</i></b>. (Also, this contest is for YA - Young Adult - stories. I've seen a few featuring adult main characters, which I find bewildering.) Don't shut yourself out before the judging even gets started!</p><p>And... that's it. Really! Take your time, and try to think up something that's truly original, and truly <i><b>you</b></i> - NOT what you think should be in the book. Or what you think will win the contest. This is not the time to be calculating. Saundra has made it clear that <b><i>any genre</i></b> will do as long as it fits the guidelines. What will win the contest is the best, most original story, told by someone who truly loves telling it. And if you're working with a formula, chances are you're not having fun writing. </p><p>If you're curious about the tone of the book, which truly does span all genres, and all uses of "dark", check out the <a href="http://defythedark.com" target="_blank"><b>DEFY THE DARK website</b></a> where you can read the opening paragraphs of every story in the book. (Click on each author's photo and it will take you to their bio page which also features the opening snippet of their story. Mine is <a href="http://defythedark.com/go-into-the-dark-with/valerie-kemp/" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>.) </p><p>I hope this post was helpful. I can't wait to see what you all come up with! Good luck!</p>Valerie Kemphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795714434618357955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198183082208259403.post-7873203020243004202012-08-02T12:06:00.001-04:002012-08-09T11:42:33.386-04:00DEFY THE DARK Contest - Get Published!<p>So, remember a few months ago when I said there was a chance for YOU to be published in the upcoming HarperTeen anthology along with me and a bunch of amazing YA authors? Well, the contest has gone live!</p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDrdgH9173wBn6yhyphenhyphen93LSxEADpjo-7IMWAt0FEvFJb3wGm3Qjz7mpmBpTWOEd9iqBR7Fwl9S0uQ_CAfjtSbA5AJt-km6LfQX6gkJPM_IcAO6n45CSsw1K_6_wDs3aPp5DFZy5RC8BockJ/s1600/DefyDark_banner2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="136" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDrdgH9173wBn6yhyphenhyphen93LSxEADpjo-7IMWAt0FEvFJb3wGm3Qjz7mpmBpTWOEd9iqBR7Fwl9S0uQ_CAfjtSbA5AJt-km6LfQX6gkJPM_IcAO6n45CSsw1K_6_wDs3aPp5DFZy5RC8BockJ/s320/DefyDark_banner2.jpg" /></a></div>
<p>Head over to <b><a href="http://dailyfig.figment.com/2012/08/01/defy-the-dark-contest/" target="_blank">Figment.com</a></b> to enter and for all the official details, but here are the basics.</p>
<ul>
<li>You have until <b>September 1st, 2012</b> to write and upload a 2000-4000 word short story to Figment.
<li>The story should <b><i>take place at night or in the dark</i></b>. BE CREATIVE with this! It doesn't have to be dark and scary. A girl sneaking out at night to meet her secret crush fits just as well as those creepy things that go bump in the night.
<li> The winner will <b>get paid</b> and have their story <b><i>published in DEFY THE DARK!</i></b>
<li> Two second place winners will also win cash prizes from HarperCollins and have their stories published on the <a href="http://defythedark.com" target="_blank"><b>Defy The Dark website</b></a>.
</ul>
<p>Here are the authors appearing in DEFY THE DARK:
<ul><li>Sarah Rees Brennan
<li>Tessa Gratton
<li>Rachel Hawkins
<li>Christine Johnson
<li>Malinda Lo
<li>Myra McEntire
<li>Saundra Mitchell
<li>Sarah Ockler
<li>Jackson Pearce
<li>Aprilynne Pike
<li>Dia Reeves
<li>Beth Revis
<li>Carrie Ryan
<li>Jon Skovron
<li>Courtney Summers
<li> Me(!)
<li> ... and YOU?</ul></p>
So what are you waiting for? START WRITING!!Valerie Kemphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795714434618357955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198183082208259403.post-18148507945055420492012-07-30T09:01:00.000-04:002012-08-02T10:19:18.941-04:00DEFY THE DARK Cover Reveal!!!<p>Today I'm allowed to share the cover for the HarperTeen anthology I'm a part of. So without further ado, here is the cover for DEFY THE DARK coming next summer, 2013!</p>
<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGbt9foiG_CE9KwNRwOjshTDv3sOsBjuRe6qHKaFOKEB4QU0N96KtZUwFQQXae8HIM8NShlIwYxEZXmRmJ897gTBTWH9TYGvsVK6atQ0SjJi_jb2swtg1MMU9PCRHINLy_8b_CTCfgog0/s1600/ded-NOTFINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGbt9foiG_CE9KwNRwOjshTDv3sOsBjuRe6qHKaFOKEB4QU0N96KtZUwFQQXae8HIM8NShlIwYxEZXmRmJ897gTBTWH9TYGvsVK6atQ0SjJi_jb2swtg1MMU9PCRHINLy_8b_CTCfgog0/s400/ded-NOTFINAL.jpg" /><br><font size=1><B>Note: This cover is NOT FINAL!</b></font></a></div></center>
<p>Isn't it GORGEOUS? And my story, STILLWATER, totally fits with it! </p>
<p>This whole being in a book thing is starting to feel more real. It's kind of blowing my mind. </p>
<p>Anyway, I know I've been pretty absent this summer, but it's only because I've been writing! I'm going to try to get back in the swing of things after the Olympics.</p>
<p>For those of you waiting to hear about the DEFY THE DARK contest where YOUR short story can appear in the book, keep checking Figment. The details are coming VERY soon! If you haven't signed up to be notified when the contest goes live, you can <b><A href="http://dailyfig.figment.com/2012/03/01/get-your-story-in-a-book/" TARGET="_blank">DO THAT HERE</a></b>.</p>
<p>Learn more about DEFY THE DARK at the website: <B><A href="http://defythedark.com" target="_blank">DEFYTHEDARK.COM</A></B>.</p>Valerie Kemphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795714434618357955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198183082208259403.post-49730103347075164372012-06-20T10:19:00.001-04:002012-06-20T10:19:46.828-04:00Everybody's Got One<p>A secret that is. Everyone’s got a secret. What were you thinking? </p>
<p>One of my favorite filmmaking tips is as the director, to give each actor a secret about their character. One they can’t share with anyone, but will inform everything they do in every scene. </p>
<p>Secrets can add depth and subtext to a scene that might otherwise be merely functional, or ordinary. For (a poor) example: A character who is hiding a fear of heights, might try to convince his crush not to hike up to a popular make out spot on a cliff despite wanting desperately to make out with her. </p>
<p>While it works really well in film where we can both see an actor’s face, and hear their change in tone when responding to an innocuous request, I think it can also work well in a novel. </p>
<p>You probably already know your main characters darkest secrets, and maybe even some of their love interest’s or antagonist’s, but what about everyone else? This ties in with my previous post <a href="http://valeriekwrites.blogspot.com/2012/05/why-are-you-here.html">“Why Are You Here?”</a> about every character having a reason to be where they are in every scene. </p>
<p>In this case, having a secret can help give conversations between characters more depth and realism. If you know a character’s secret, it will color everything they do and say. It will make the world feel more real, because the people in it are real. It might even change your main character’s or the reader’s opinion of the character, and that can be used to your advantage when working on stories with mysteries. (And I believe every story should have a mystery, even if it’s not a mystery story, but that’s a whole ‘nother post!) </p>
<p>I would bet that if you’ve gotten pretty far into writing the book, that most of your characters already have a secret, you just haven’t picked up on it because you’ve been too busy forwarding the story. If you’re just starting your book, or you haven’t seen your characters dropping any hints, try giving them one and see if it perks up one of your lackluster scenes, or changes the way your characters view each other. You might just make a discovery or two!</p>
<p>What about you, do you give your characters secrets? What are some of the ways you add subtext and depth?</p>Valerie Kemphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795714434618357955noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198183082208259403.post-13153417406659385762012-05-08T14:45:00.000-04:002012-05-08T14:45:30.861-04:00A Very Good Day!<p>Today I am SO THRILLED to say that my crit partner, <A href="http://nataliecparker.com"><b>Natalie C Parker</b></a> SOLD HER BOOK!
<p></p>
Read all the details of her two-book deal <a href="http://nataliecparker.blogspot.com/2012/05/and-then-i-was-debut-novelist.html"><b>on her blog</b></a> and congratulate her.
<p></p>
I can't tell you how excited I am for people to read BEWARE THE WILD. It's not like anything out there right now -- a little Southern Gothic, a little Paranormal, a LOT of awesome.
<p></p>
As a crit partner, there's nothing more amazing than watching someone work their butt off to make a great story an amazing story and then have other people believe in it as much as you do. I'm so proud to be Natalie's CP. I can't wait for BEWARE THE WILD to be unleashed on the world!</p>Valerie Kemphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795714434618357955noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198183082208259403.post-5161471091180875492012-05-07T10:44:00.000-04:002012-05-07T10:48:08.885-04:00Why Are You Here?<p>Wired has a great <b><a href="http://www.wired.com/underwire/2012/05/joss-whedon/all/1" target=_blank>interview with Joss Whedon</a></b>. It's very long, but a great read if you're a fan of his, or interested in his thoughts on writing, characters, and plot. Here's the part that I want to talk about though, it's about characters and their motivations:
</p><p>
<center><i>"...everybody is here for a reason and they deserve, while they’re on film, or on the page, for people to know what it is, even if we don’t like it."</i></center>
</p><p>
Reading this made me feel good because it's something I've always tried to do with both my characters and my plot. I think it's important that in any scene you write, you should be able to turn to each character there and ask <i>"Why are you here?"</i> and they should have an answer. Whether the reason is personal, <i>"I'm here because I love him."</i> or practical, <i>"This is my English class, I have to be here."</i> they should be there for some reason that has to do with THEM, and not your plot.
</p><p>
If I ask and my character answers, <i>"I'm here because you need me to overhear this argument so that later I can use that info to solve the mystery."</i> then, in my opinion, I've failed to make him three-dimensional. He's merely a plot device in the shape of a person.
</p><p>
Every character, whether they're the main character or one who pops in for one scene, should have a full life, regardless of how much we see of it. When people appear only to prove a point, or drop a clue, or to tell us something about the main character, the whole world of your story feels a little less real.
</p><p>
Achieving this can be tricky. You don't want a minor character to walk into a scene and say, <i>"I'm here because this is my English class, where I'm supposed to be, and I just noticed that your hair looks different."</i> Subtlety is key. This is one of those things where the reason doesn't always have to be spelled out on the page, but YOU need to know it. When you know why a character is there, it shows in your writing, and scenes feel more real.
</p><p>
When it comes to plot points, I always check that all the characters involved are there for a reason, and not because I NEED them to be there in order for the story to move forward. Without that reason -- personal or practical, things can feel "too convenient" or false. You want those moments to feel inevitable, where your readers can almost see it coming, as they weave all the pieces together, and they think, <i>oh no!</i>, at the same time that they think, <i>of course they would all end up in this place just as the bomb goes off, it couldn't be any other way</i>.
</p><p>
Because that's the moment that really connects with the reader. That's where the emotional connection to the story comes in. When they can look back at everything each character has done, and know that this is exactly the way it has to be, because they understand why each character has done what they've done so far, and why they're there at that moment. Without that it's just another thing moving the plot along. </p>Valerie Kemphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795714434618357955noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198183082208259403.post-90402364880238335042012-04-16T10:32:00.000-04:002012-04-16T10:33:11.101-04:00Music Monday - Youth by DaughterThis is the song I can't stop listening to today. It's on the top of my current WIP's playlist. I just love the way it manages to be both melancholy and angry at the same time. Much like my MC.<br />
<br />
<center><iframe width="400" height="301" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kuC2sc-1CMU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Youth by Daughter</center>
<br />
What are you listening to this Monday?Valerie Kemphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795714434618357955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198183082208259403.post-28001153519860177322012-04-04T12:54:00.000-04:002012-04-04T12:54:18.385-04:00Writing StructureHa! You thought this post was going to be about plotting or outlining or something else story-structure related. But it is not. Today I'm talking about structuring your writing... life.<br />
<br />
One of the most surprising discoveries I had about living my dream of working from home is that it is very difficult for me to actually... work.<br />
<br />
Despite having a home office and plenty of time to dedicate to writing, I tend to find myself doing all sorts of other things when I should in fact be writing. It's strange really. I love to write. And it's not really that hard for me to hammer out 1k a day, and yet... frequently I find myself turning on the laptop and then... sorting clothes for a load of laundry, organizing my bookshelf, running to the store, reading the news, all with the thought in the back of my mind that I have ALL DAY to get my writing done, but these other things really should be done NOW.<br />
<br />
Right. I am definitely one of those people who, the busier I am, the more I get done. If I can only squeeze in 30 minutes of writing in a day, I will write during that time. I work best with deadlines or when someone is waiting for something from me. I like having a list of things to do (okay, I like lists in general, if I'm being honest) but when the things I need to do are only for myself, I tend to falter. And then my dream life becomes, not quite a nightmare, but like one of those dreams where all you have to do is walk down the hall to the next room, but the hall keeps getting longer and you just keep walking and walking, but not reaching that room.<br />
<br />
So. I'm going to try coming up with a strict schedule for myself. Something that has a lot on it, and a little time for writing. (I'm also going to finally start using Mac Freedom. I think.) I'm interested in knowing how those of you that have more "free" time available to write manage to actually write and not do something else. What are your tricks to staying focused?Valerie Kemphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795714434618357955noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198183082208259403.post-39854738339796055982012-03-16T12:28:00.001-04:002012-03-16T13:01:50.999-04:00Friday Favorite: Live In The AlongIt's Friday and I thought I'd post something that's a favorite of mine. This is a poem I have loved ever since I saw it on a bus poster over ten years ago. It's stuck with me all this time. I hope you love it too.<br /><br /><u>Speech to the Young : Speech to the Progress-Toward</u><br />by Gwendolyn Brooks<br /><br /><i>Say to them,<br />say to the down-keepers,<br />the sun-slappers,<br />the self-soilers,<br />the harmony-hushers,<br />"Even if you are not ready for day it cannot always be night."<br /> You will be right.<br /> For that is the hard home-run.<br /><br /> Live not for battles won.<br /> Live not for the-end-of-the-song.<br /> Live in the along. </i><br /><br />I find myself thinking of the line <i>"Even if you are not ready for day, it cannot always be night"</i> whenver I need a little courage.<br /><br /> Have a happy and SAFE St. Patrick's Day weekend!Valerie Kemphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795714434618357955noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198183082208259403.post-9885296670904575692012-03-14T11:45:00.001-04:002012-03-14T11:45:54.683-04:00How Do YOU Count?Recently I was talking to a fairly prolific writer friend and commented that while she had written two books and edited a third last year, I had only managed on 7k word short. She was horrified. She went on to say how many thousands of words she'd written and deleted in that time and estimated that just those alone would be another full-length novel. And that was when I realized that I count much differently than most writers.<br /><br />I only count what I consider "finished" and "successful". And so while I revised my first book twice, throwing out the bulk of it and rewriting from scratch, and while I made several starts on my next book, and another 15k or so of figuring out my anthology short, filled a 100 page notebook with detailed plot and character info, not to mention all my Tangled Fiction stories, I only had one thing make it to its intended destination. My 7k anthology short, STILLWATER. <br /><br />It honestly never occurred to me to consider all the things I wrote that have not yet become something as something I <i>wrote</i>, LOL. But now I'm starting to wonder if I'm not giving myself enough credit. I suppose if I were to put it all together, I actually did write over 100k in 2011. I just never thought of it that way. Maybe I should, since each word I write, makes me a better writer. And looking at it the way I have been makes me feel more like an underachiever.<br /><br />So I ask you, how do you count? And does it matter to you how much writing you've done? No matter where it goes? (Or doesn't go?) I'm really curious!Valerie Kemphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795714434618357955noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198183082208259403.post-82412577494114816272012-03-07T13:12:00.004-05:002012-03-07T15:44:42.957-05:00DEFY THE DARK News! Get Published!Back in January <a href="http://valeriekwrites.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-year-new-news.html"><b>I announced</b></a> that I was going to be published(!) alongside some of my MOST FAVORITE authors in the HarperTeen anthology <b>DEFY THE DARK</b>, edited by <a href="http://saundramitchell.com"><b>Saundra Mitchell</b></a> but I couldn't tell you who they all were. Well today I can spill the beans. And what's more, I can also share with you the exciting contest that could make YOU the eighteenth author!<br /><br />So, first things first, here are the authors appearing in DEFY THE DARK:<br /><ul><br /><li>Sarah Rees Brennan <br /><li>Tessa Gratton<br /><li>Rachel Hawkins<br /><li>Christine Johnson<br /><li>Valerie Kemp (eee!)<br /><li>Malinda Lo<br /><li>Myra McEntire<br /><li>Saundra Mitchell<br /><li>Sarah Ockler <br /><li>Jackson Pearce<br /><li>Aprilynne Pike<br /><li>Dia Reeves<br /><li>Beth Revis<br /><li>Carrie Ryan<br /><li>Jon Skovron<br /><li>Courtney Summers <br /></ul><br />So you see why my head basically exploded when I found out.<br /><br />BUT that's not even the best part, because <a href="http://harperteen.com"><b>HarperTeen</b></a> and <a href="http://figment.com/"><b>Figment</b></a> have teamed up to hold a contest to find one more story for the anthology. That's right. YOU could have YOUR STORY published alongside those AWESOME WRITERS! The details aren't all out yet on just how the contest will work, but you can sign up <a href="http://dailyfig.figment.com/2012/03/01/get-your-story-in-a-book/"><b>here at Figment</b></a> to be notified the moment they're released.<br /><br />You can also learn more about the DEFY THE DARK, the writers, and <i><B>see sneak peeks of their stories</b></i> at the newly launched <a href="http://defythedark.com"><b>DEFY THE DARK website</b></a>. The sneak peek at my story, STILLWATER is <a href="http://defythedark.com/go-into-the-dark-with/valerie-kemp/"><b>here</b></a>, you know, if you're interested.Valerie Kemphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795714434618357955noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198183082208259403.post-62851543548112021082012-03-06T10:20:00.002-05:002012-03-06T16:50:17.260-05:00Sh*t Writers Say - The Retreat VersionAlways wondered what happens when eleven YA writers hole up on a mountain with no internet? They make videos. About writers. And the things they say (and sometimes the things they wish they could say!)<br /><br />I said there'd be video of our escapades in Asheville, and here it is. Shot and edited by the fabulous <a href="http://jacksonpearce.com">Jackson Pearce</a>. (You should check out <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/JacksonAPearce?feature=watch">all her videos</a>. Just sayin'.)<br /><br /><center><iframe width="400" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sOfcJ7MlM30" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center><br /><br /><u>Featuring - in order of first (spoken) appearance</u>:<br /><A href="http://brennayovanoff.com">Brenna Yovanoff</a><br />Me<br /><A href="http://veschwab.wordpress.com">Victoria Schwab</a><br /><A href="http://saundramitchell.com">Saundra Mitchell</a><br /><A href="http://nataliecparker.com">Natalie C Parker</a><br /><A href="http://jacksonpearce.com">Jackson Pearce</a><br /><A href="http://bethrevis.com">Beth Revis</a><br /><A href="http://soniagensler.com">Sonia Gensler</a><br /><A href="http://tessagratton.com">Tessa Gratton</a><br /><A href="http://myramcentire.com">Myra McEntire</a><br /><A href="http://carrieryan.com">Carrie Ryan</a><br /><A href="http://meganshepherd.com">Megan Shepherd</a>Valerie Kemphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795714434618357955noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198183082208259403.post-57085360750185411462012-03-05T14:20:00.006-05:002012-03-06T10:21:33.681-05:00Revitalized! (A Retreat in Photos)So I'm back from a glorious, internet-free writer's retreat. I spent last week in the mountains of North Carolina with some of my very favorite people. I know I've said it before, but it bears repeating: <i>There is nothing better for a writer than spending time with other writers. </i>Seriously. <br /><br />Aside from the sheer relaxation of being away from home and normal responsibilities, I left this year's retreat inspired and motivated. I would say there was as much writing talk (both business and mechanics) as there was silliness, and that makes for an awesome time. <br /><br />I got to (finally!) work out the starting place and emotional core of my novel, <i>and</i> have dance-offs with my Dance-Partner-for-Life, <a href="http://myramcentire.com">Myra McEntire</a>. I got to learn how other writers push through the doubt and keep writing, <i>and</i> hike up a gorgeous mountain (and um, nearly die because apparently, I'm that out of shape.) I got to totally make a fool of myself by getting tongue-tied when the even-more-awesome-in-person <a href="http://stephanieperkins.com/">Stephanie Perkins</a> stopped by with 2013 debut author <a href="http://meganshepherd.com">Megan Shepherd</a>. <br /><br />I highly recommend finding yourself a crit partner like my very own <a href="http://nataliecparker.com">Natalie C Parker</a> who finds planning epic retreats relaxing. (No, you can't have her.)<br /><br />I'm sure it won't be long before you see some video evidence of our escapades, but until then, here's a little photo story of the week that was.<br /><br /><center><font size=1><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZnR2UTK7dzeaj6kQBpJlefnA0YMKftzxZXdyWHVPosn4ILvdg35EEfqUtCBEbgy89hjM2eYSg1T3u25-INL-QFt-BOBu2BG3FCz_JZWoBl1ffB0vXLeGRixEIlTihJmq0-ef5gi8ddr5/s1600/IMG_0817.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZnR2UTK7dzeaj6kQBpJlefnA0YMKftzxZXdyWHVPosn4ILvdg35EEfqUtCBEbgy89hjM2eYSg1T3u25-INL-QFt-BOBu2BG3FCz_JZWoBl1ffB0vXLeGRixEIlTihJmq0-ef5gi8ddr5/s320/IMG_0817.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716489210268280226" /></a>The food.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPzoTCpLtVHuswpchS-gQ5s24JzOShTdI28zjpUthsfzmFgrPQBXmHcgJ2mnWpbpipB8_ZUKmBkXMm5SEkLrm67C_vYoyRSnmXNZ1Gxl_nIBj9iAI1dGmWZFaYDvn7Lgua5BmzaLqalnb/s1600/P1010291.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPzoTCpLtVHuswpchS-gQ5s24JzOShTdI28zjpUthsfzmFgrPQBXmHcgJ2mnWpbpipB8_ZUKmBkXMm5SEkLrm67C_vYoyRSnmXNZ1Gxl_nIBj9iAI1dGmWZFaYDvn7Lgua5BmzaLqalnb/s320/P1010291.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716490317722772418" /></a>The turret.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRoofvUAmDDt_0SpeG_KrfUSYd1fJdHomJyIYZZqttLnE9igGXLEyBDrKtZf58nJnAqWSFyHeqiKyNpe9jcW-c838o_7gLyQigJ7lMnsbN0jEWaq_vcJsw9zDbv-o6JH4qqKjP0JIc7RvS/s1600/P1010344.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRoofvUAmDDt_0SpeG_KrfUSYd1fJdHomJyIYZZqttLnE9igGXLEyBDrKtZf58nJnAqWSFyHeqiKyNpe9jcW-c838o_7gLyQigJ7lMnsbN0jEWaq_vcJsw9zDbv-o6JH4qqKjP0JIc7RvS/s320/P1010344.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716490970185428562" /></a>The turret view.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNC0fUpt_gRNxm28oehOVb2QWUWQWLR1eF-t7kg6blJvJpYsZmjx_eoDIfPvK8BP0bg1OcCnywUzpdNycyLXu8mTc6GqNNFGEdHQRAB7SVA2Ttb0DccCPyv25ek6HGgqnSsxV1FV7coQe/s1600/retreat+dinner.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNC0fUpt_gRNxm28oehOVb2QWUWQWLR1eF-t7kg6blJvJpYsZmjx_eoDIfPvK8BP0bg1OcCnywUzpdNycyLXu8mTc6GqNNFGEdHQRAB7SVA2Ttb0DccCPyv25ek6HGgqnSsxV1FV7coQe/s320/retreat+dinner.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716491403947025346" /></a>Hanging out. (Photo totally stolen from <A href="http://soniagensler.blogspot.com">Sonia Gensler</a>.)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6fO5MlAXxDHpsnUG2-bjderkkTuKgXLPgYU0WF9xuwF60ycl2gYbIY5T0__4UJmQ5XjwNRcVmvyl4pQNlCO7uv1fj0F7u1F0TiZNlUw-SMh5MoYRqWI5xu_9gUvYekos53DD5A0P0B56/s1600/IMG_0822.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6fO5MlAXxDHpsnUG2-bjderkkTuKgXLPgYU0WF9xuwF60ycl2gYbIY5T0__4UJmQ5XjwNRcVmvyl4pQNlCO7uv1fj0F7u1F0TiZNlUw-SMh5MoYRqWI5xu_9gUvYekos53DD5A0P0B56/s320/IMG_0822.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716491956291089874" /></a>The strange brew.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin96ueoKBrrdpmsnCxlKU-N6nOLGkDCmpmPuCj3IwZoO8sufSpjUbd6iB3OnC4BuIULOF_HgVfN0YZnKHt2GTLo2Vj_SGgfSof2NhcxZ5SwG5C8ES8DrDsQ8xdToxN6Q2SqV-9u5RTFWfI/s1600/IMG_0836.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin96ueoKBrrdpmsnCxlKU-N6nOLGkDCmpmPuCj3IwZoO8sufSpjUbd6iB3OnC4BuIULOF_HgVfN0YZnKHt2GTLo2Vj_SGgfSof2NhcxZ5SwG5C8ES8DrDsQ8xdToxN6Q2SqV-9u5RTFWfI/s320/IMG_0836.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716493123024871490" /></a>The signing at <a href="http://www.malaprops.com">Malaprops</a>. (From left: Beth Revis, Carrie Ryan, Jackson Pearce, Myra McEntire, Saundra Mitchell, Sonia Gensler, Brenna Yovanoff, Tessa Gratton, Victoria Schwab)</font></center>Valerie Kemphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795714434618357955noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198183082208259403.post-88139852595989756252012-02-22T11:31:00.004-05:002012-02-22T13:44:42.334-05:00Commas Can Ruin Your Love Life (and other facts)So thanks to <a href="http://jacksonpearce.com/"><b>Jackson Pearce</b></a> I am now officially on the "Call Me Maybe" bandwagon. (See the video below.) Which means one of my dirtiest secrets has officially been outed -- I have a deep, deep love for perky, upbeat, cheesy, disneyfied, pop music. I may have had this song on repeat for the last day or so... I refuse to be ashamed. It's better than being a serial killer... right? Anyway, onto the grammar lesson, and the importance of the comma.<br /><br />So this song is called <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Call-Me-Maybe/dp/B007BZM30M/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1329930081&sr=8-8">Call Me Maybe</a></b>. Notice the lack of punctuation there. One could reasonably assume that the singer, <a href="http://carlyraemusic.com"><b>Carly Rae Jepsen</b></a>, would like the object of her affection to call her by the nickname, Maybe. However, a quick listen to the chorus gives us this:<br /><br /><i>Hey I just met you <br />And this is crazy <br />But here’s my number<br /> So call me maybe<br /><br /><font size=1>(lyrics copied from Carly Rae Jepson's website)</font></i><br /><br />So as you can see, it seems that Carly would in fact, like this boy to call her. Maybe. Now if she had slipped this boy a lyric sheet rather than serenading him, she might have started her relationship off on the wrong foot, or possibly missed connecting with him at all, what with him calling her number and asking for some crazy girl named Maybe. And that would be a shame.<br /><br />So there you have it. Commas can ruin your love life if you're not careful! And I now present you with a video of the song, featuring of all people, Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, and many other Disney folks singing along, because once you hear this song, you can't help it.<br /><br /><center><iframe width="400" height="301" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/AsBsBU3vn6M" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center><br /><br />Also, check out my CP <a href="http://www.kristihelvig.blogspot.com/2012/02/wednesday-weekly-query-critique.html"><b>Kristi's blog</b></a> where today she's giving away the first of her weekly <b>free query crits</b>!Valerie Kemphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795714434618357955noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8198183082208259403.post-5620187683520068862012-02-15T12:48:00.001-05:002012-02-15T12:50:51.391-05:00Words I LoveI've noticed that I have a few keywords that get me every time I see them on a book. I can't help but pick them up if any of these words, or images of these words appear on the cover. They are: water, river, lake, magic, and anything that implies winter, such as snow, frost, and of course, winter. Also, summer, lol. <br /><br />I'm also attracted to covers that hint at these kind of stories. (I suppose it should be no surprise then, that my first book takes place in a town on a lake just as winter meets spring, so there's both snow, <i>and</i> rain.)<br /><br />Here are some examples of books that had me drooling just from their titles and/or covers.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/144130000/144132078.JPG" width=200><br /><img src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/115820000/115829120.JPG" width=200><br /><img src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/101730000/101730014.jpg" width=200><br /><img src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1328012391l/828717.jpg" width=200><br />(^ I have so much love for this title, I can't even...)<br /><img src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/101740000/101745661.jpg" width=200><br /><img src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/147870000/147875737.JPG" width=200><br /><img src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/102450000/102450222.jpg" width=200><br /><img src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/102610000/102615369.jpg" width=200><br /><img src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/152690000/152690133.JPG" width=200><br /></center><br />What about you? What kind of titles or covers pique your interest?Valerie Kemphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05795714434618357955noreply@blogger.com1