tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71804996818189758232024-03-05T08:19:50.629-08:00The Art of InfiltrationBreaking into the literary world...one word at a timeKimberly Gabrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05588782441929008886noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180499681818975823.post-3859945856472314702016-08-26T17:50:00.002-07:002016-08-26T17:50:48.152-07:00Guess What I Am? <b><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">A PitchWars 2016 Mentee!</span></b><br />
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As in Brenda Drake's brainchild, <a href="http://www.brenda-drake.com/pitch-wars/" target="_blank">#PitchWars</a>.<br />
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I'm so thrilled I don't even know what to do with myself except dance awkwardly and giggle nervously. So there's been a lot of this....<br />
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AND not ONLY did I make it into the contest, but <a href="http://www.dawnius.com/" target="_blank">Dawn Ius</a> is my mentor... as in Dawn Ius, author of <i>Anne and Henry</i> and <i>Override</i>:<br />
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She was the first mentor I fell in love with because she's, well, awesome. Then I read <i>Anne and Henry</i> and realized just how brilliant of a writer she is. I feel so incredibly lucky she chose my MS to mentor. Needless to say, I'm ecstatic about working with her.<br />
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So, for the next two months, I'll be doing what I do best (and by "best" I mean "all the time") - a lot of juggling, a lot of laundry avoidance, and a lot of squandering all free minutes to whip my current MS, FLASH MOB MURDERS, into shape. And maybe, every now and again, I'll squeeze in a bit of celebrating in the best way I know how.<br />
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*awkward dancing and nervous giggling*<br />
<br />Kimberly Gabrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05588782441929008886noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180499681818975823.post-24007293777537743552016-07-20T18:38:00.001-07:002016-08-03T16:25:29.476-07:00Pitch Wars Bio<div style="text-align: center;">
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I'm a 7th grade teacher in the northern suburbs of Chicago where I live with my husband, our three beautiful children, and a seriously beautiful boxer.<br />
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Seriously. Right?</div>
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<b><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Why I'd make a good mentee:</span></b></div>
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I'm grateful for any and all opportunities. I'm resilient and can handle criticism. I thrive when my odds are low or when I'm pushed or challenged. My life is full, but I will work my butt off to make this MS its BEST. I will also work my butt off simply because someone believes in me or my story. I am goal oriented and too stubborn to back down once goals are set. Life experiences have shaped my attitude and work ethic which is kind of like...</div>
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<b><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">My life as a mom:</span></b><br />
My kids remind me daily that anything is possible. My oldest was born prematurely. After his birth, I was told I would likely not have more children. While that part of my life could be its own story, I'll simply say this: Overcoming his struggles and scares, my oldest has proven all goals are attainable with determination, optimism, and the willingness to work hard, hard, hard. I appreciate life and don't take it for granted.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b>My life as a teacher:</b></span></div>
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I've taught 7th grade literacy for 16 years. I love my curriculum. I love the age group (awkwardness and all). I love meshing my teaching world and writing world by introducing kids to good books. <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24157427-don-t-get-caught?from_search=true" target="_blank">Don't Get Caught</a></i> by debut author Kurt Dinan was one of our favorite reads last year. I recommended it to a few kids until it became an epidemic during SSR Fridays. <i>Don't Get Caught</i> is a hysterical YA read....though I'm biased. He's a CP.</div>
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<b><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">My life as a writer:</span></b></div>
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It started in 4th grade when I wrote, bound, and gave away terrible poetry to family and teachers as Christmas gifts. *Sorry teachers.* After a long on-again/off-again relationship, I finally wrote and sought representation 4ish years ago for my YA paranormal thriller in the midst of the <i>Before I Fall</i> and <i>If I Stay</i> craze. I had 8 requests, 1 upgrade from partial to full, and 0 offers of representation. FLASH MOB MURDERS is my 2nd MS, and I'm ready to do whatever it takes to change that outcome. </div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b>The inspiration behind my MS:</b></span></div>
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In 2011, Chicago was hit with several Flash Mob attacks. I remember reading stories where dozens of teenage kids would appear out of nowhere to mug and attack mostly tourists. The stories terrified me. So, naturally, I took the concept, made it worse, and added elements of mystery and romance, and packed it with TENSION. And voila:</div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b>My pitch:</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When amateur
vigilante Lia Finch uncovers the details of the next Flash Mob murder, the
Chicago Police once again dismiss her as unhinged. To them, her father, the
city’s District Attorney, was the mob’s final victim ending the decade-long reign
of terror. Even two years later, city authorities still blindly pretend his
death wasn’t targeted. Lia knows better.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Desperate to
prove them wrong, Lia heads to Navy Pier alone to document the impending
attack. When dozens of teenage mobbers suddenly emerge from the crowd to swarm
the next unsuspecting victim, Lia finds herself trapped. It’s a grey-eyed
mobber that saves Lia by throwing her off the pier. The fall nearly kills her,
but it saves her life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now this self-professed
loner and Flash Mob survivor suddenly becomes the city’s golden child. The
media wants to exploit her. The mayor wants to parade her around as the poster
child for a safer “New Chicago.” And mobbers want her dead. If Lia’s
going to finish her father’s mission to prove these attacks aren’t random or
gang affiliated, she’s going to need help – even if that means trusting a
fame-hungry reporter, and the mysterious gray-eyed mobber that keeps turning up
in her life. Someone big is orchestrating the attacks. Lia knows it. If only
she can stay alive long enough to prove it. </span></span><!--EndFragment--></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks for stopping! I've missed the writing community. Nice to see everyone again. ;) </span></span></div>
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Kimberly Gabrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05588782441929008886noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180499681818975823.post-73063405985480323272014-12-15T03:00:00.000-08:002014-12-15T03:00:01.118-08:00An Uncommon BlueThis holiday season, I have quite a bit to celebrate. Woo-hoo!<br />
<br />
Among the good news, two CP's of mine have books coming out. One CP, Kurt Dinan, recently signed with Sourcebooks. Another CP, RC Hancock's book, <b><i>An Uncommon Blue</i></b> came out earlier this month by Sweetwater Books. Today I'm thrilled to gush over RC and his book.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GlgnGDFOrCSEFK80zsX5Yh6wvKGCMGGQt9iJqWjx4MzHU8ektBbKdJCPChz9PEV5ElFU3rjw1KMfAjBFurZ72S_1AB_fZSQB9V-VNnGR_R5E5DTPNIOtsUfSwdw4qK3NASZHPIvwA2Q/s1600/UB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GlgnGDFOrCSEFK80zsX5Yh6wvKGCMGGQt9iJqWjx4MzHU8ektBbKdJCPChz9PEV5ElFU3rjw1KMfAjBFurZ72S_1AB_fZSQB9V-VNnGR_R5E5DTPNIOtsUfSwdw4qK3NASZHPIvwA2Q/s1600/UB.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<b>Summary:</b><br />
In Télesphore, the glowing color of a person’s palm determines their place in society, and touching hands with another mixes the colors permanently. When sixteen-year-old Bruno accidentally kills a royal soldier, he goes from favored to fugitive. Now Bruno's only chance at survival is to become someone else. That means a haircut, a change of wardrobe, and most important, getting rid of his once cherished Blue. Now he’s visiting parts of town he never knew existed, and making friends with people he would've crossed the street to avoid only weeks ago. At the last minute, Bruno’s parents arrange a deal to clear his name and get his life back. All Bruno has to do is abandon those in the Red slums that look to him as a leader and let an innocent Green boy die in his place.<br />
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<b><br /></b>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Why I love it: </span></b><br />
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">I love this book because the protagonist, Bruno, is a hero worth rooting for. In the beginning of the book, Bruno, a member of Telesphore's social elite, enjoys his life of privilege while remaining ignorant of how those below him on Telesphore's social hierarchy are mistreated. However, after he is sucked into a scandal that jeopardizes his entire future, he immerses himself among the lower classes as a fugitive. Along the way, he is forced to make difficult choices that affect his family, his friends, and all the people who help him along the way. Through these difficult decisions, Bruno shows us all how adversity defines us. <b><i>An Uncommon Blue</i></b> has action, plot twists, a little romance, and a theme that all of us can identify with. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Plus I love the cover...</span><span style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm such a sucker for a good cover. And, of course, I'm incredibly partial because I adore RC.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJiPj1jgbsMJFycxzn4edZJRSLAWr9h2i5v-lut-k20Xi2zwsTcVQsIjzoSLokoAV2LXLKSKIOtMYmEZSRK9bIZ3X9gCR4tUA238dVTOCxgZWDrqs5DP2FEAJ_8sbuZ3qRdqTzcVual4/s1600/RDH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJiPj1jgbsMJFycxzn4edZJRSLAWr9h2i5v-lut-k20Xi2zwsTcVQsIjzoSLokoAV2LXLKSKIOtMYmEZSRK9bIZ3X9gCR4tUA238dVTOCxgZWDrqs5DP2FEAJ_8sbuZ3qRdqTzcVual4/s1600/RDH.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><b>About the author:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">RC (Really Cool) Hancock began his writing career with a story about a dead cat which his second grade teacher thought was brilliant. Convincing others of his literary genius has taken longer than expected, but along the road he has acquired a lovely wife, four entertaining ankle-biters (who, thankfully, look more like their mother), and a degree from BYU in Recreational Management & Youth Leadership (which means he’s really good at having fun.) An Uncommon Blue is his first novel.</span><br />
<br />Kimberly Gabrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05588782441929008886noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180499681818975823.post-19380013861319922702014-10-05T07:13:00.000-07:002014-10-05T07:13:44.850-07:00Deal Maker<div class="MsoNormal">
These past few months, I’ve received some news of the
<i>let’s-see-what-you’re-made-of</i> variety. I like to think in times of adversity, I
come out swinging. Hard. I take in news, I process it; then I get my game plan
together and start to attack it. I usually win too. For being a small person, I’m freakishly
strong, and I’ve always been incredibly lucky. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Disclaimer…I’m much more lucky
than strong….Okay full disclaimer – my biceps look impressive, but it’s
illusionary. I can’t open a bottle of wine by myself for the life of me.) </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Without being too specific or too personal, this fight is a
bit more exhausting. There are no quick fixes. And I haven’t been feeling too
lucky. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Until yesterday. Yesterday I had my coming-to-Jesus
revelation. I made my deal with God. And in exchange for one tiny <span style="font-size: x-small;">(okay-kind of
gianormous)</span> but <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">*possible* miracle</span>,
my “give-back” involved writing. That shocked me. Usually my “give-back”
involves teaching. This time, it’s writing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Writing is powerful. Words are powerful. Books are powerful.
Stories and characters can change lives, save lives, reshape the way people
think. As a seventh grade literacy teacher, I’ve seen it happen. And if God
takes me up on my deal, I will dedicate my life doing just that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So I’m going to be away for a while…lifting weights, running
laps, knocking down hurdles <span style="font-size: x-small;">(because jumping over them is a quick-fix and there
are no quick fixes here)</span>. And I will be writing. Just in case I’m one day
called upon to use my writing powers to spread a little good.<o:p></o:p></div>
Kimberly Gabrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05588782441929008886noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180499681818975823.post-34754656914997741612014-07-02T06:37:00.001-07:002014-07-02T06:42:06.159-07:00So Much to Celebrate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
<a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Alex J Cavanaugh's</a> IWSG and the 4th of July in one week? So much to celebrate!<br />
<br />
July 4th has always been my favorite holiday. Because of it, I will toss aside my monthly griping to celebrate some small successes.<br />
<br />
I love editing. It's my favorite part of the process. But that also means I can get stuck editing the hell out of what I've written instead of moving forward. This summer, I've committed to moving forward and cranking out a first draft by the end of the year. A very smart CP of mine told me to commit to 500 words a day. It's so simple, and for someone with my stupid, insane schedule, it's perfect. Slowly but steadily, I've wracked up 20,000+ words this summer. I estimate that's ~25% of being done. Perhaps not worthy of fireworks, but certainly worthy of a really good tasting imported beer with a ridiculously high alcohol content. Yes, I realize given the week a Coors Light might be more American of me, but this type of small success ought to be celebrated properly.<br />
<br />
So, cheers - to big successes, small successes, and everything in between! Whatever your successes may be, I hope you all take the time to celebrate them properly.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kimberly Gabrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05588782441929008886noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180499681818975823.post-9305082917435126722014-04-02T07:32:00.000-07:002014-04-02T07:32:11.254-07:00No Guts, No Glory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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No matter how well a book is written, a handful of kids will always hate it. <i>Hunger Games</i> is the closest I've ever come to having most of my kids enjoy reading it. I personally love the <i>Cinder</i> series. I think it's incredibly well-written, especially the second and third books, but many of my kids can't get into them. That doesn't mean they aren't good books.</div>
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I recently gave my MS for critique to someone who didn't have the same vision I had for my plot and characters. As a result, the critique totally derailed me. Since then, I've been rethinking (and over-thinking) something I was initially excited to write instead of actually writing.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Likewise, a CP of mine on submission right now just received a R&R from an agent. While most of the suggestions were good, it caused him to temporarily lose sight of everything great and strong about his MS. My CP friend is brilliant. He emailed a best-selling author for advice. The advice Mr. Best-Seller gave was stark, sound, and basically boiled down to this: Just because someone gives you advice about your MS, doesn't mean you have to take it. No matter how good an agent, an author, or a CP is, if they aren't a fit for you and your work it's best to go a different direction. </div>
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These last couple months have shed a new light on an old lesson - one I need to have more faith in: Write the novel you want to read. This April, may you all have the confidence, the ambition and the guts to do just that.</div>
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Happy IWSG <a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a> and friends!</div>
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Kimberly Gabrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05588782441929008886noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180499681818975823.post-14862861484066185112014-02-05T19:26:00.003-08:002014-02-05T19:26:47.208-08:00Better Late Than Never<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I'm squeezing in last second with my IWSG post. I adore <a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a> and my IWSG friends too much to skip out several months in a row and get kicked out...better late than never.<br />
<br />
Today I'm airing out my New Year's Resolutions. Yes, it's February and New Year's Day was forever ago, but I'm hoping we can just tiptoe past that and let it cleverly fit in with today's theme. Right?<br />
<br />
<b>NY Resolutions:</b><br />
1. I'm 10,000 words into my next MS. I hope to have a strong rough draft by the end of the year, with the high hope of sending out queries in early 2015.<br />
2. I'd love to find one more CP that I mesh well with - preferably a female who loves YA. I LOVE my current CP's and Betas, but they are mostly male. I'd love another female perspective. (This one is for much, much, much later in the year when I have a bit more time to be a good CP myself).<br />
3. Complete 15 credit hours by July...not difficult, just time consuming.<br />
4 As always, give each of my boys the love, support, and attention they all individually need. This is listed 4th, but - as always - reigns first in priority. Today is Baby Boy#1's 4th birthday. For those of you who've been around for a while, perhaps you already know - it's a wonderful, emotional day. I'm very proud of my sweet birthday boy.<br />
<br />
I'm excited for this year. I have a good feeling good things are to come.<br />
<br />
Happy (much belated) New Year IWSG!Kimberly Gabrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05588782441929008886noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180499681818975823.post-59566675671669100252013-12-04T08:36:00.003-08:002013-12-04T08:36:43.469-08:00'Tis the Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
It's been a while, I know. But what's a holiday season without a little insecurity?<br />
<br />
Let's start with my good news. My good news is I started my next WIP. Granted, I'm only two chapters in, but it's a start. I've been exchanging chapters with a dear friend and CP. In fact it's because of him (and my last IWSG post) that I'm writing again. He's fabulous at peer pressuring me. In fact so many of my CPs have been wonderfully supportive by trying to kick my butt into writing gear. Thank you for that.<br />
<br />
Here's my problem, with the limited writing time I have, everything I give him is rough...and by rough I mean ROUGH. And yet so many of his comments have been positive, which, naturally, makes me insecure. Yes, I give my chapters away hoping someone else will like them. But then when someone does, I flip out and feel the need to pass them around until someone will crush my growing optimism and knock me down a peg. Stupid. Sick, twisted - yep, I know. Tell me, why do we only trust the bad stuff?<br />
<br />
I hope you all enjoy a lovely holiday season!Kimberly Gabrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05588782441929008886noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180499681818975823.post-41424883907377907472013-10-02T09:03:00.000-07:002013-10-02T09:03:55.862-07:00Ice Skating and GritThank you <a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Alex J. Cavanaugh</a> for giving me an excuse to blog every first of the month. Happy IWSG Day!<br />
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<b><a href="https://sites.sas.upenn.edu/duckworth" target="_blank">Angela Duckworth</a></b> conducts research at the University of
Pennsylvania that proves the two most determinate factors of reaching success
in life are grit and self-control. As a seventh grade teacher, I’ve preached
for the last 15 years that intelligence without determination is wasteful. I’d
rather have a semi-smart student whose determined to find the answer than an
ubber-smart student who can read any difficult text I throw at him but is too
apathetic to push himself beyond his ability.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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My three-year-old son was born with grit. After a punctured
lung and almost losing his life twice in the first week of life, he fought hard
to get rid of the machines breathing for him. He would pull out tubes and IV’s
when he was ready to not rely on them anymore. How an infant can instinctually
determine that is beyond me – but my kid has amazed more in the last three
years than I’ve been in the last 35 years of life. At age two when he didn’t
have words, he would sit for 20-30 minutes at a time and practice his flashcards
that indicated sounds – not because I prompted him. He wanted to talk. His path to success hasn’t
been easy. He needs everything explicitly taught to him. But he wants to
learn, and he’s determined to succeed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A couple weeks ago, I took him to an introductory ice skating
class. I don’t know what I was thinking. My kid struggles with coordination,
motor planning, and core strength – things you kind of need to skate. It was
nothing short of disastrous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He cried,
screamed, and fell a million times. At one point, he was crawling on his hands
and knees for the door of the ice rink while sobbing. In that moment, I was
pretty sure I’d ruined his life. But at the end of the thirty-minute session,
he took one step off the ice and said, “Mama! Mama! I did it!” He smiled for
the rest of the night. After two more lessons, he was skating. I still tear up
when I think of how proud I was of him in that moment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My kid is amazing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can read about it, I can preach it, I can be inspired by it on
a daily basis. At some point, it’s time to get my ass in gear and show some
grit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May you all find the grit you need to meet the success you
want in life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCt9npz-fIfphiIwmOGBHnTwFh88BZGoJd4q0OoWKpRVLp2kiW56ITQfjD3fZXoKaqvW0P3auuxKjF7hB_HtIwFi7qD1j2Laeot7FjsDw2dGy6oTNWcXn4Q5iI2AaYXiMrIXmpTv2XFfM/s1600/securedownload.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCt9npz-fIfphiIwmOGBHnTwFh88BZGoJd4q0OoWKpRVLp2kiW56ITQfjD3fZXoKaqvW0P3auuxKjF7hB_HtIwFi7qD1j2Laeot7FjsDw2dGy6oTNWcXn4Q5iI2AaYXiMrIXmpTv2XFfM/s320/securedownload.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
My 3 yr old son with his brother and his aunts</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Kimberly Gabrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05588782441929008886noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180499681818975823.post-47555167779040111932013-09-16T04:00:00.000-07:002013-09-16T04:00:12.432-07:00CassaStorm Book ReleaseOne of the greatest parts about having a blog is having the opportunity to support friends and talented writers. Today I get to celebrate both. Alex J. Cavanaugh's <i>CassaStorm, </i>the final book in his best selling series, will be released on Tuesday, September 17. Congrats Alex! I am thrilled for you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 36pt;">CassaStorm</span></span></span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">By Alex J Cavanaugh</span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
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<b><span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">From the Amazon Best Selling Series!</span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">A storm gathers across the galaxy…</span></span></span></b></div>
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<span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, Byron thought he’d put the days of battle behind him. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet, Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the Cassans.</span></span></div>
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<span><span style="font-family: Arial;">After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races triggers nightmares in his son, threatening to destroy the boy’s mind.</span></span></div>
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<span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could return. As his world begins to crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…</span></span></div>
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<strong><i><span><span style="font-family: Arial;">“With a talent for worldbuilding and a compelling cast of characters, Alex J. Cavanaugh combines high powered space battles and the challenges of family dynamics to provide readers a space opera with heart.” </span></span></i></strong><b><i><span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong><span>- Elizabeth S. Craig, author of the Southern Quilting and Myrtle Clover mysteries</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span>“I thought the revelation was going to be one thing and I was completely wrong … CassaStorm pushes the limits…”</span></strong><br /><strong><span>- Tyson Mauermann, Speculative Reviews</span></strong><br /><br /><strong><span>“…mesmerizing story of survival, personal sacrifice, tolerance, and compassion. It’s a rare jewel that successfully utilizes both character and plot to tell a story of such immense scope and intimate passion…” - Nancy S. Thompson, author of The Mistaken</span></strong></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span><span style="font-family: Arial;">$16.95 USA, 6x9 Trade paperback, 268 pages, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.</span></span></div>
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<span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Science fiction/adventure and science fiction/space opera</span></span></div>
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<span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Print ISBN 9781939844002 eBook ISBN 9781939844019</span></span></div>
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<span><span style="font-family: Arial;">$4.99 EBook available in all formats</span></span></div>
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<span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Find CassaStorm:</span></span></div>
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<span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Barnes and Noble - </span></span><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1116848619?ean=9781939844002" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/<wbr></wbr>w/books/1116848619?ean=<wbr></wbr>9781939844002</span></span></a><span></span></div>
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<span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Amazon -</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/CassaStorm-Alex-J-Cavanaugh/dp/1939844002/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378484337&sr=1-1&keywords=cassastorm" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">http://www.amazon.com/<wbr></wbr>CassaStorm-Alex-J-Cavanaugh/<wbr></wbr>dp/1939844002/ref=sr_1_1?s=<wbr></wbr>books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378484337&<wbr></wbr>sr=1-1&keywords=cassastorm</span></span></a><span></span></div>
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<span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Amazon Kindle - </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/CassaStorm-ebook/dp/B00F2O9QMC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1378811366&sr=1-1&keywords=cassastorm" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">http://www.amazon.com/<wbr></wbr>CassaStorm-ebook/dp/<wbr></wbr>B00F2O9QMC/ref=sr_1_1?s=<wbr></wbr>digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=<wbr></wbr>1378811366&sr=1-1&keywords=<wbr></wbr>cassastorm</span></span></a><span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span></div>
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<span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Goodreads - </span></span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17670532-cassastorm" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">http://www.goodreads.com/book/<wbr></wbr>show/17670532-cassastorm</span></span></a><span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span></div>
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<span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Book trailer - </span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Umm2l0XdHc&feature=youtu.be" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?<wbr></wbr>v=7Umm2l0XdHc&feature=youtu.be</span></span></a><span></span></div>
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<span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. The author of the Amazon bestsellers, CassaStar and CassaFire, he lives in the Carolinas with his wife.</span></span></div>
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<span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Website – </span></span><a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">http://alexjcavanaugh.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/</span></span></a><span></span></div>
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<span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Twitter – </span></span><a href="http://twitter.com/AlexJCavanaugh" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">http://twitter.com/<wbr></wbr>AlexJCavanaugh</span></span></a><span><span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Goodreads - </span></span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4287922.Alex_J_Cavanaugh" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">http://www.goodreads.com/<wbr></wbr>author/show/4287922.Alex_J_<wbr></wbr>Cavanaugh</span></span></a></div>
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Kimberly Gabrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05588782441929008886noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180499681818975823.post-51419821910167903182013-08-07T11:30:00.001-07:002013-08-07T11:30:09.482-07:00Inspiring Success Stories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have officially become a lurker. I've been stopping by blogs, reading what you have to say, and leaving without commenting. Blasphemous, I know....If it helps, I feel guilty about it. In my very weak defense, most of my perusing has been on my iPhone, which makes commenting impossible. Let's blame Apple, shall we? (Certainly this has nothing to do with user error). Why Apple, when the iPhone can do so much, is blog commenting difficult?<br />
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In my prowling, however, I've come across some people with wonderful news. I thought this month might be a good month for a few success stories. If you don't know these people already, follow them. They are wonderful, knowledgeable, and perfect people to <strike>secretly stalk</strike> visit:<br />
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<b>Amy Sonnichsen</b> at <a href="http://alsonnichsen.blogspot.com/2013/07/my-huge-announcement-s-bought-my-book.html" target="_blank"><b>The Green Bathtub</b></a></div>
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Amy just sold her book, RED BUTTERFLY, to S&S</div>
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<b>Dahlia Adler</b> at <a href="http://dailydahlia.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><b>The Daily Dahlia</b></a></div>
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Dahlia sold one book, changed agents (after multiple offers of rep)</div>
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AND she'll be blogging about it this month</div>
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Go visit them and be inspired. I GUARANTEE both of these authors have big writing careers ahead of them.</div>
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Happy IWSG Day! </div>
Kimberly Gabrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05588782441929008886noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180499681818975823.post-56262792960406969962013-07-03T08:11:00.002-07:002013-07-03T08:11:32.103-07:00IWSG: GremlinsIt's been a while since I've posted - I know. I said I'd be back after we moved and then nothing. Little did I know how long it would take to "move in" to a house. I swear late at night those stupid boxes piled in my garage are multiplying like evil little gremlins.<br />
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So, I reenter the blogosphere (briefly) for ISWG day baring a few gifts....contests....and good ones.<br />
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If you have a fabulous MS waiting around seeking representation you MUST check out:<br />
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<b><a href="http://ruthlaurensteven.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Christmas in July</a></b> hosted by the fabulous <b>Ruth Lauren Steven </b>and <b>Michelle Krys.</b> Submission window will be open July 9.<br />
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<b>Authoress</b> of <b>Miss Snark's First Victim</b> is also hosting <b><a href="http://misssnarksfirstvictim.blogspot.com/2013/07/july-secret-agent-early-info.html" target="_blank">July's Secret Agent Contest</a></b> on July 8 AND <b><a href="http://misssnarksfirstvictim.blogspot.com/2013/07/introducing-adorable-editors-contest.html" target="_blank">The Adorable Editor's Contest</a></b> on July 16.<br />
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Now onto my IWSG post hosted by the fabulous <b><a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Alex J Cavanaugh</a></b>.<br />
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Over a year ago, I jumped into submissions with my first MS thinking "it's now or never." It did pretty well - no offers of representation, but just enough encouragement to make me think publication is possible. I entered the blogosphere, met some fabulous, kind, talented, smart, smart, smart people - writers, agents, friends and critique partners. Then I had Baby Boy #2. Then I went back to work. Then we moved. Then I started taking graduate classes. Then we moved again. And I found myself saying over and over again, "Next month, I'll have more time....for writing, critiquing, reading your manuscripts, and blogging." But every month, something new pops up and that anticipated time disappears. It literally vanishes - swallowed whole, most likely, by evil little gremlins who can be blamed for everything. (In this particular case, the evil little gremlins are NOT my two baby boys, who sometimes act like evil little gremlins).<br />
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So my conclusion is giving in....Right now, responsibilities and family time (something I'm never willing to sacrifice) take precedence. I'll squeeze the writing in when I can, but that probably means pulling back on some other things....like blogging regularly - at least for now. And that is what I'm insecure about. I hope I can be that distant friend that you hear from every now and again but don't wholly give up on. I hope that when life settles down - surely in a few more months, right? - I'll continue bumping into you regularly. Until then, have a happy 4th of July - my favorite holiday. Kimberly Gabrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05588782441929008886noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180499681818975823.post-52485791552080472702013-05-22T08:58:00.002-07:002013-05-22T08:58:31.183-07:00Secondary Characters Blog HopI'm popping in for a quick blog hop hosted by the fabulous <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; line-height: 21px;"><a a="" href="http://rachelmarybean-writingonthewall.blogspot.com/" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(112, 166, 36); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #785430; text-decoration: none;">Rachel Schieffelbein</a>, <a href="http://literaryengineer.areavoices.com/" target="_blank">Suzie Retlaff, </a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://literaryengineer.areavoices.com/" target="_blank"> </a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; line-height: 21px;"><a a="" href="http://theresa-foreverours.blogspot.com/" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(112, 166, 36); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #785430; text-decoration: none;">Theresa Paolo</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; line-height: 21px;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; line-height: 21px;"><a a="" href="http://getbetweenthebookends.blogspot.com/" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(112, 166, 36); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #785430; text-decoration: none;">Kelley Lynn</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; line-height: 21px;">, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; line-height: 21px;"><a a="" href="http://jessicasalyer.blogspot.com/" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(112, 166, 36); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #785430; text-decoration: none;">Jessica Saylor,</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; line-height: 21px;"><a a="" href="http://jennysimaginaryworld.blogspot.com/" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(112, 166, 36); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #785430; text-decoration: none;">Jenny Morris</a>, and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; line-height: 21px;"><a href="" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(112, 166, 36); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #785430; text-decoration: none;">Cassie Mae. </a></span><br />
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I love good secondary characters. They can make or break a book for me, and I could easily list 20 or so good secondary characters that I enjoy reading. Instead, I'm going to name my most recent favorite: Captain Carswell Thorne from the book <i>Scarlet</i>. He's a cadet, but prefers to be called captain. He's arrogant, flirtatious, and, at times, crude. In the beginning of the book, he's so full of himself that he's slightly annoying and by the end of the book, I laughed out loud every time he spoke. His ingenious characterization was well crafted by author Marissa Meyer. I look forward to reading more about him in her next books.<br />
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See you all in a few more weeks!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #785430; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span>Kimberly Gabrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05588782441929008886noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180499681818975823.post-44567465538618680702013-05-13T19:11:00.001-07:002013-05-13T19:11:16.769-07:00Contest Circuit: May 13<br />
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I'm still recovering from the A-Z Challenge. I managed to post every day, but got behind a few too many times commenting. The biggest highlight of the challenge was being featured as one of Alex J Cavanaugh's blogger buddies for his letter <a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-to-z-challenge-princess-bride-and.html" target="_blank"><b>"P" on the Princess Bride</b></a>. Thank you again, Alex, for your kind words.</div>
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I'll be absent most of May as I get ready to move. Until then, here are a handful of contests and blog hops I had to mention. Enjoy!</div>
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<b><a href="http://rachelmarybean-writingonthewall.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Secondary Characters Blog Hop</a></b> hosted by the wonderful ladies: <a href="http://rachelmarybean-writingonthewall.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rachel Schieffelbein</a>, <a href="http://theresa-foreverours.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Theresa Paol</a>, <a href="http://getbetweenthebookends.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kelley Lynn</a>, <a href="http://jessicasalyer.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jessica Salyer</a>, <a href="http://jennysimaginaryworld.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jenny Morris</a>, and <a href="http://literaryengineer.areavoices.com/" target="_blank">Suzi Retzlaff</a> will be May 22.</div>
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<a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Alex J Cavanaugh</a>, <a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-to-z-challenge-memento-meant-to-live.html" target="_blank">Stephen Tremp</a>, <a href="http://leaveittolivia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Livia Peterson</a> and <a href="http://fatherdragon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Al Diaz </a>are hosting <b><a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-to-z-challenge-memento-meant-to-live.html" target="_blank">The Best and Worst Remakes Blogfest </a></b>on <b>May 17</b>.</div>
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<b>Julie</b> at <b>A Thought That Grows</b> pointed out the <b><a href="http://athoughtgrows.blogspot.com/2013/04/unpublished-writer-fiction-contest.html?showComment=1366759906125#c3246017949753089890" target="_blank">Unpublished Writer Fiction Contest: Colorado Gold Contest.</a></b> The contest is for unpublished writers of commercial novel-length fiction and offers an opportunity to get your novel in the hands of an acquiring agent or editor. See Julie's site for details.</div>
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<b>SC Write, Michelle4Laughs and Writer's Outworld</b> are hosting <b><a href="http://scwrite.blogspot.com/2013/04/query-kombat-contest-details.html" target="_blank">Query Kombat Contest.</a></b> If you survive the tournament, eight agents will be browsing the semifinals to make requests. Submission window is from <b>May 13-May 17</b> until 225 entries are filled.</div>
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80+ bloggers are signed up for <b><a href="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/kid-lit-giveaway-hop-sign-ups-open/" target="_blank">Kid Lit Giveaway Hop</a> </b>hosted by <b>Mother Daughter Book Reviews </b>and <b>Youth Literature Reviews</b>. Jump around and sign up for a few giveaways!</div>
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<b>Steven Tremp, Alex J Cavanaugh, L. Diane Wolf </b>and <b>Michael Di Gesu</b> are hosting the <b><a href="http://writing-art-and-design.blogspot.com/2013/05/can-we-breathe-yet.html" target="_blank">Get Healthy Bloghop</a></b> on <b>May 29</b>.</div>
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<b>DL Hammons and Elise Fallson</b> are hosting the <b><a href="http://dlcruisingaltitude.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-wip-it-good-blogfest.html" target="_blank">WIPIT Good Blogfest</a></b> on May 31 focusing on your latest WIPs.</div>
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Kimberly Gabrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05588782441929008886noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180499681818975823.post-38369939219914852662013-05-01T08:28:00.001-07:002013-05-01T08:29:44.441-07:00IWSG: So Much to Celebrate<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Today, I celebrate another month of IWSG and my Blogoversary. A year ago today, I wrote my first post, <a href="http://artofinfiltration.blogspot.com/2012/05/giving-in.html" target="_blank">"Giving In."</a> I reluctantly started this blog to enter a contest. I ended up gaining more from this blogging thing than I ever expected. Over the next month or two, I'll share my reflections of what I've learned from this past year and what I actually "infiltrated." Those posts require me to be reflective and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(hopefully, ideally, not making any promises)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> profound. After 26 days of the A-Z Challenge, I'm feeling neither. So instead I'll leave you with this:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">After a year of blogging and querying, this unagented anybody writer believes that successful publication is not only possible, but it is something I truly believe will happen for me AND for you if you want it badly enough and will work hard for it. Hard is a relative term, I know. It's also different for all of us. I don't know what "working hard" means for you. All I know is this: A year ago, one-day publication seemed like a pipe-dream. Now, it seems like a possibility. You and I just need to get it done. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Read. Be reflective. Be open to criticism <i>and</i> toss the criticism that isn't right for you. WRITE, WRITE, and WRITE some more - without forgetting to enjoy life as you go. Enjoying life, after all, gives us our inspiration and motivation. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Enjoy life, write about life, whatever you need to do. Just get it done.</span></div>
Kimberly Gabrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05588782441929008886noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180499681818975823.post-16434429754290734872013-04-30T19:04:00.001-07:002013-04-30T19:04:17.033-07:00Z is for Zombies....naturally<br />
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I've been putting off this post.<br />
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"<i>Because you're so sad to see this challenge over?" y</i>ou might ask.<br />
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Not exactly.<br />
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Despite the amount of time this challenge has <strike>sucked out of my life</strike> taken up, I have actually enjoyed it. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Shh! Don't tell my hubby who has only heard me whine and complain about the posts I "had" to write or the blogs I "needed" to visit - two very good excuses to get out of doing dishes. ;)</span><br />
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Ahem.<br />
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I've been avoiding this post because I hate to end on a negative note. I also don't want to offend anyone with what I'm about to say. So, here's my disclaimer before my mild rant: If you write about zombies, this has nothing to do with your writing ability or the fabulous story I'm sure you've crafted. It's just...well....zombies? I don't get them.<br />
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I want to - it's the trend right now. Everyone LOVES "The Walking Dead" and swears that it has strong characterization and a great plot line. And it does, sure. But I can't get into the show because of the zombies. Their skin is rotting, and they want to eat people. They walk too slow. They aren't too bright. I just don't get what it is about them that fascinates people or scares people or attracts people. So please, tell me why they are awesome, because I think they're....err...not for me.<br />
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Keep in mind, a few years ago I probably would have told you I hated vampires and werewolves, but I jumped on that bandwagon and became transformed. I'm willing to follow the crowd, succumb to peer pressure, and all that. I just need convincing. Give me an argument and maybe, just maybe you can convince me to dig into a few books I have on my "to read" list that I can't read because I can't get past the zombies.<br />
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And that ladies and gentlemen is my 26th post. My boys are in bed. My hubby is off painting our new house. I feel like I need at least a high five for surviving this challenge. A round of virtual high fives to all of you for completing this challenge on your own or putting up with me and my 26 most recent posts.<br />
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See you all Wednesday for IWSG.<br />
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Kimberly Gabrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05588782441929008886noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180499681818975823.post-52688000058644852532013-04-29T09:21:00.001-07:002013-04-29T09:21:29.551-07:00Y is for YA and a Yearly Tradition....<br />
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As a seventh grade teacher, I can always tell people I read YA because it's "my job" to know what the kids are reading. It's a convenient excuse. But the truth is, I love it. I mentioned this briefly in an earlier post. YA characters are passionate, blissfully ignorant, and have an unwavering sense of right vs. wrong. As adults, things become grayer. Politics and priorities cloud once easy decisions. In adult books, "the good guy" more frequently makes bad or unethical decisions. The bad guy is sometimes more relatable than we'd like him to be. Obviously, this isn't always the case. But I love to read and write YA because there is something lovely and nostalgic about the innocence YA characters capture....even in the most horrible dystopic societies.</div>
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In <b><a href="http://artofinfiltration.blogspot.com/2013/04/w-is-for-warner-and-wonderful-life.html" target="_blank">W's post</a></b>, I mentioned a yearly walk we participate in - the March for Babies with March of Dimes. MOD funded research that saved one boy's life (Baby Boy #1 on right) and helped another boy be born full term (Baby Boy #2 on left). With Baby Boy #1's health thriving and Baby Boy #2's safe arrival, we had so much to celebrate this year. It was the first year I didn't cry while walking for MOD. I still got choked up for families celebrating the memories of babies born too soon that didn't make it - I always will. But this year, especially after closing on our home on Friday, we had much to celebrate. My two boys are MOD success stories - for that I will be forever grateful.</div>
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Read a bit of <a href="http://artofinfiltration.blogspot.com/2012/06/never-surrender-blogfest.html" target="_blank"><b>Baby Boy #1's story here</b></a>.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">One day Jake will look at this picture and hate me for putting him in this hat...I love it anyway ;)</span></div>
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Kimberly Gabrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05588782441929008886noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180499681818975823.post-29469925724051622782013-04-27T20:21:00.002-07:002013-04-27T20:21:55.261-07:00X is for Xander<br />
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<b>X</b> is for <b>Xander</b></div>
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When I read <i>Matched</i> last year, my first thought about Xander was that if I had the nerve to do the A-Z challenge next April, I would write about characters and Xander would be my easy X. (This makes the letter "X" ironically easier than finding characters that start with the letter "O" which I found to be impossible) </div>
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Xander is the guy in the Ky-Cassia-Xander love triangle who doesn't get picked. Only here is the problem with that...unlike Edward vs. Jacob and Peeta vs Gale, in the Xander vs. Ky show down, I like Xander better. Truth be told, I can't remember why. Sure, he's is kind, intelligent, attractive, understanding, and a leader (just like every other typical YA love interest). Beyond that, I don't really remember too much about him - at least nothing that makes him stand out. Perhaps it's because I read it so long ago, or my mind is elsewhere, or it's 10:10p.m. and this is a last ditch effort just to complete this post in time for the sake of posting my X. </div>
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Poor neglected Xander.</div>
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Kimberly Gabrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05588782441929008886noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180499681818975823.post-48420435716059607692013-04-26T09:17:00.001-07:002013-04-26T09:17:21.641-07:00W is for Warner and Wonderful Life Moments<br />
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<b>W</b> is for <b>Warner, a Walk, and a Wonderful Life Moment</b></div>
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Warner is the antagonist of <i>Shatter Me</i>. (I haven't read the second in the trilogy where I've heard he's even more developed.) Warner is a power-hungry sociopath who's so in love with protagonist Juliette that he protects her even when she tries to escape from him and kill him. Juliette has powers that she herself doesn't even fully understand, which Warner wants her to use inhumanely. His obsession and love for both power and Juliette are sick, twisted, and awesome to read. I wish I could spend more time talking about him, but my head's just not into characterization today...</div>
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<b>A Walk....</b></div>
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On Sunday, my husband, my two sisters, my two boys, and I will be walking for March of Dimes, a charity that funds preemie research. Thanks to MOD research, my three year old is alive and thriving, my 8mo old was born full term, and I have a beautiful family that I feel blessed to have. I'm a lucky, lucky girl. </div>
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<b>A Wonderful Moment.....</b></div>
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Later today....if all goes as expected *fingers crossed, knock on wood*....we close on our first family home. I owned a townhouse in Ohio in my twenties. When my husband and I got married, we bought a fabulous condo in the city. But this feels like my first real home. And while I never thought this would be <i>that</i> big of a deal (after all, I've done this before, right?), I find myself all weepy and nervous and excited that this will be <i>our</i> place - not <i>my</i> place, not a condo for my husband and me, but a home for our family to grow into. This one feels permanent, and I like that. </div>
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May you all have a few wonderful moments of your own this weekend.</div>
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Kimberly Gabrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05588782441929008886noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180499681818975823.post-46533641673340941522013-04-25T09:21:00.002-07:002013-04-25T09:21:50.126-07:00V is for Voldemort...and the Very Annoying Mr. Anonymous<br />
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A short, short list of contests and blog hops at the bottom!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-wJB6ktxJ9HZifqYUjkDxdHQTGlcKcxcW8c-nGBgOuEGsng9_fvRXp3dbCMxAI5RyWYgdOjWaE7nquevKYzrHxv6RqalGrDRkQlbe5FBKOw2qHNyTlCPfMeoCtvjeL6WyqefupH8W9U/s1600/A2Z-2013-BADGE-001Small_zps669396f9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-wJB6ktxJ9HZifqYUjkDxdHQTGlcKcxcW8c-nGBgOuEGsng9_fvRXp3dbCMxAI5RyWYgdOjWaE7nquevKYzrHxv6RqalGrDRkQlbe5FBKOw2qHNyTlCPfMeoCtvjeL6WyqefupH8W9U/s1600/A2Z-2013-BADGE-001Small_zps669396f9.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div>
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<b>V</b> is for <b>Voldemort and the Very Annoying Mr. Anonymous</b></div>
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Voldemort is brilliant, beyond evil, a complete sociopath. He doesn't have an ounce of beauty or compassion or understanding in him making him a fabulous and unstable villain. We never know who he'll go after next because he's willing to sacrifice anything and anyone. </div>
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My favorite part about Voldemort, however, is that a boy is the one who destroys him. I love YA lit in part because kids and YA characters are often naive and unjaded. They believe in right vs wrong. They are passionate enough and foolish enough to fight unswervingly for what's right and just. I love that Voldemort can't understand love and friendship and virtue - everything that makes up HP.</div>
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And now the <b>Very Annoying Mr. Anonymous</b></div>
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A few weeks back, I changed my preferences and allowed people without a Google Account to comment Anonymously on my blogs. After doing so, I had some lovely conversations with people I might not have heard from otherwise - and I really enjoyed them. However, I also starting getting attacked - yes attacked! - by the Very Annoying Mr. Anonymous. </div>
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Mr. Anonymous doesn't spell very well. His grammar and capitalization skills are poor. Even as a grammar teacher, I understand we all make mistakes (myself included). But it makes me angry when the Very Annoying Mr. Anonymous does it - partly because I know he's not reading my posts (which makes me feel better about bad-mouthing him here...I don't like to make people - even annoying people - feel bad about themselves). </div>
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When Mr. Anonymous comments, he tells me he likes what I'm saying in my posts or that I have a very fresh perspective or that I'm really smart and he wants to talk with me more about how I can help him improve his blog but <b>HE'S LYING!</b> He just wants me to visit his blog and buy something stupid like magnetic paperclips or the world's shiniest (self-proclaimed) shoe polish. Well, Mr. Anonymous, you're not fooling me - no matter how many posts you visit (or how outdated those posts may be), I will win this fight! *shakes fist dramatically in air* </div>
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Unfortunately the only (reasonable) way to win is to either turn on CAPTCHA - which I just can't do - or turn off the ability to comment anonymously. I wish there was some other way, but there isn't. So, I'm sorry. I really am. Mr. Anonymous ruined our fun like that seventh grade student who sticks his chewed up wad of gum under my desks so many times that no one is allowed to chew gum in class anymore. Very annoying, isn't it?</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b>Contests and Blog Hops</b></span></div>
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<b><a href="http://brenleedrake.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-writers-voice-details.html" target="_blank">The Writer's Voice</a></b> competition begins May 1st. </div>
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<b><a href="http://operationawesome6.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Operation Awesome</a></b> is hosting another Secret Agent Contest on May 1st.</div>
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<b><a href="http://rachelmarybean-writingonthewall.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Secondary Characters Blog Hop</a></b> hosted by the wonderful ladies: <a href="http://rachelmarybean-writingonthewall.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rachel Schieffelbein</a>, <a href="http://theresa-foreverours.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Theresa Paol</a>, <a href="http://getbetweenthebookends.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kelley Lynn</a>, <a href="http://jessicasalyer.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jessica Salyer</a>, <a href="http://jennysimaginaryworld.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jenny Morris</a>, and <a href="http://literaryengineer.areavoices.com/" target="_blank">Suzi Retzlaff</a> will be May 22.</div>
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<a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Alex J Cavanaugh</a>, <a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-to-z-challenge-memento-meant-to-live.html" target="_blank">Stephen Tremp</a>, <a href="http://leaveittolivia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Livia Peterson</a> and <a href="http://fatherdragon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Al Diaz </a>are hosting <b><a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-to-z-challenge-memento-meant-to-live.html" target="_blank">The Best and Worst Remakes Blogfest </a></b>on May 17.</div>
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Kimberly Gabrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05588782441929008886noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180499681818975823.post-62187560080643626222013-04-24T08:41:00.000-07:002013-04-24T08:41:21.624-07:00U is for Umbridge and....Undeniable Book Depression<br />
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<b>U</b> is for <b>Umbridge</b></div>
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God bless J.K. Rowling for creating so many fabulous characters with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">more importantly for the purposes of my posts</span> so many varied names. Doloris Umbridge is a wonderfully evil character. She disguises her cruel and abusive nature with her childish, high pitch voice and affinity for kittens and pink. The angrier she gets, the sweeter her voice becomes. She lacks ethics yet preaches the importance of them. I loved reading about Umbridge because I passionately hated her. Rowling's characterization is brilliant to evoke such strong emotions from her readers.</div>
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Speaking of brilliant writers....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*cough, cough, gracefully clears throat* </span>....I know. I should shut up. I've now professed my <strike>obsession</strike> love for Marissa Meyer and the <i>Cinder</i> series plenty of times. And I apologize for going there again, but I've entered a serious and undeniable book depression. I felt this way after finishing the HP series, the HG series, the Divergent series, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">the Twilight series</span>,... but this one is the worst. I finished <i>Scarlet</i> last night and then wanted to do nothing but put my pjs on, crawl into bed and reread my favorite scenes....which I did after putting my cutie-pah-tuties to bed. I have to return this book to the library today and after I do, I'm going to buy it because I need to have it on my shelf <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">or nightstand or whatever</span>...Yes...I'm that <strike>impressed</strike> <strike>in love</strike> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(let's be honest, shall we?)</span> obsessed with it. Yes, it's that good.</div>
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Moving on...let's talk about tomorrow....because I think it might be healthy at this point....Tomorrow I'll be talking about <b>V</b>oldemort (unless I change my mind) and the <b>V</b>ery Annoying Mr. Anonymous.</div>
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<b><a href="http://brenleedrake.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-writers-voice-details.html" target="_blank">The Writer's Voice</a></b> competition begins May 1st. </div>
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<a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Alex J Cavanaugh</a>, <a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-to-z-challenge-memento-meant-to-live.html" target="_blank">Stephen Tremp</a>, <a href="http://leaveittolivia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Livia Peterson</a> and <a href="http://fatherdragon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Al Diaz </a>are hosting <b><a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-to-z-challenge-memento-meant-to-live.html" target="_blank">The Best and Worst Remakes Blogfest </a></b>on May 17.</div>
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Kimberly Gabrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05588782441929008886noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180499681818975823.post-13942794607675454602013-04-23T08:22:00.001-07:002013-04-23T08:22:41.195-07:00T is for Tris<br />
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<b>T</b> is for <b>Tris</b></div>
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Before I fell in love with the <i>Cinder</i> series, I was obsessed with the <i>Divergent </i>series. (I've been fortunate enough to meet both of these authors, and they are lovely. I love supporting good writers - I love it even more when they are good people too). </div>
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Tris is the protagonist of Veronica Roth's <i>Divergent</i> series. She's bright and strong-willed. She's a bit of an adrenaline junkie and, my favorite part about her, - she's short. I love that she's tough and little. As silly as this sounds, I have several students who struggle with being short. I love being able to give them a book with a strong, short heroine. </div>
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Tris is also well rounded (vulnerable, scared, unsure of herself) and dynamic. I can't wait to read more about her in Roth's third book that comes out in October....which is good. I need a break from really good books for a while. I'm hoping after I finish <i>Scarlet</i> - before the end of the day - I can get back to more pressing concerns....like...oh, I don't know....graduate work? potty training my three year old son? closing on a house at the end of the week? A-Z blog posts?</div>
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<b><a href="http://rachelmarybean-writingonthewall.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Secondary Characters Blog Hop</a></b> hosted by the wonderful ladies: <a href="http://rachelmarybean-writingonthewall.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rachel Schieffelbein</a>, <a href="http://theresa-foreverours.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Theresa Paol</a>, <a href="http://getbetweenthebookends.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kelley Lynn</a>, <a href="http://jessicasalyer.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jessica Salyer</a>, <a href="http://jennysimaginaryworld.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jenny Morris</a>, and <a href="http://literaryengineer.areavoices.com/" target="_blank">Suzi Retzlaff</a> will be May 22.</div>
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<a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Alex J Cavanaugh</a>, <a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-to-z-challenge-memento-meant-to-live.html" target="_blank">Stephen Tremp</a>, <a href="http://leaveittolivia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Livia Peterson</a> and <a href="http://fatherdragon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Al Diaz </a>are hosting <b><a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-to-z-challenge-memento-meant-to-live.html" target="_blank">The Best and Worst Remakes Blogfest </a></b>on May 17.</div>
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And last but not least, a big congrats to <b><a href="http://baxwriting.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Brandon Ax</a></b> on his release of his book Elemental.</div>
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Kimberly Gabrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05588782441929008886noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180499681818975823.post-89773880207221362432013-04-22T06:00:00.000-07:002013-04-22T06:00:57.769-07:00S is for Scarlet<br />
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It's been a while, but I have a short, short list of contests and blog hops at the bottom!</div>
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<b>S</b> is for <b>Scarlet</b></div>
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I really wanted S to be for Samantha Kingston from <i>Before I Fall</i>. In Lauren Oliver's book, Samantha Kingston keeps reliving the last day of her life until she gets it right and realizes that the life she must save isn't her own. Samantha Kingston is a popular, snotty, shallow, and superficial. By the end of the book and the eighth or so time she relives the same day, she's grown into a very likable (and relatable) character. Her character arc is brilliantly done. </div>
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However, I can't talk about Samantha Kingston. I'm in the middle of reading <i>Scarlet </i>by Marissa Meyer and I feel compelled to write about Scarlet instead - and not just because she's a red head. I need to talk about Scarlet because I'm so in love with this book I can't put it down. I have absolutely no business reading for pleasure right now. Every minute of each day needs to be filled with something I can check off on my to do list. It's been a busy month. And yet, I find myself stealing 5 minutes here and there to read another chapter of this book. </div>
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Scarlet is Little Red Riding Hood caught up in Meyer's sci-fi world. Her grandmother has been kidnapped and she enlists the help of Wolf (her love interest/not sure what his motives are) to get her back. Scarlet is a brave, feisty, snarky, smart, beautiful red head (which I love). She thinks she's tougher than she is and makes plenty of mistakes along the way. She just made a BIG mistake in the part I just read...or rather I'm not sure if it's a mistake or not...I MUST keep reading to find out.</div>
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This series is my new favorite series. Exciting, original and brilliantly written.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Contests and Blog Hops</span></div>
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<b><a href="http://brenleedrake.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-writers-voice-details.html" target="_blank">The Writer's Voice</a></b> competition begins May 1st. </div>
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<b><a href="http://operationawesome6.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Operation Awesome</a></b> is hosting another Secret Agent Contest on May 1st.</div>
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<b><a href="http://misssnarksfirstvictim.blogspot.com/2013/04/april-secret-agent-early-info.html" target="_blank">Miss Snark's First Victim</a></b> is hosting a Secret Agent Contest today (April 22).</div>
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<b><a href="http://rachelmarybean-writingonthewall.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Secondary Characters Blog Hop</a></b> hosted by the wonderful ladies: <a href="http://rachelmarybean-writingonthewall.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rachel Schieffelbein</a>, <a href="http://theresa-foreverours.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Theresa Paol</a>, <a href="http://getbetweenthebookends.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kelley Lynn</a>, <a href="http://jessicasalyer.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jessica Salyer</a>, <a href="http://jennysimaginaryworld.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jenny Morris</a>, and <a href="http://literaryengineer.areavoices.com/" target="_blank">Suzi Retzlaff</a> will be May 22.</div>
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<a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Alex J Cavanaugh</a>, <a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-to-z-challenge-memento-meant-to-live.html" target="_blank">Stephen Tremp</a>, <a href="http://leaveittolivia.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Livia Peterson</a> and <a href="http://fatherdragon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Al Diaz </a>are hosting <b><a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-to-z-challenge-memento-meant-to-live.html" target="_blank">The Best and Worst Remakes Blogfest </a></b>on May 17.</div>
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And last but not least, a big congrats to <b><a href="http://baxwriting.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Brandon Ax</a></b> on his release of his book Elemental.</div>
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Kimberly Gabrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05588782441929008886noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180499681818975823.post-42946744614540510852013-04-20T12:58:00.001-07:002013-04-20T12:58:33.909-07:00R is for Rudy <br />
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<b>R</b> is for <b>Rudy</b></div>
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Rudy Steiner from <i>The Book Thief</i> is one of my all time favorite characters. (I've already established <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">one too many times perhaps</span> that Markus Zusak is one of my all time favorite authors). Rudy is protagonist Liesel's best friend. He's constantly trying to win a kiss from her, and he antagonizes her at the same time. Rudy's defining moment is the "Jesse Owens Incident." Rudy, a blonde haired, blue eyed 10ish year old, takes a piece of coal, paints himself black, and heads out to the nearest track in his Nazi Germany town to run laps. I'd love him just for the Jesse Owns incident, but he protects Liesel throughout the book like any true childhood best friend would. Rudy is gutsy, brave, stubborn, and protective - a perfect BFF.</div>
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Happy Saturday!</div>
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Kimberly Gabrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05588782441929008886noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180499681818975823.post-59015768605952310722013-04-19T19:16:00.000-07:002013-04-19T19:16:41.517-07:00Q is for Queen Levana<br />
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<b>Q</b> is for <b>Queen Levana</b></div>
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9:09 p.m. Digging deep for this one....</div>
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Queen Levana is the antagonist in <i>Cinder</i> by Marissa Meyer. Queen of the Lunar people (people living on the moon), she makes for a fabulous antagonist. She's egotistical, wicked, and power-hungry. She can control people's minds and often does so to make people believe she's stunningly beautiful. My favorite part about her? She's a red-head. </div>
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Antagonist or protagonist - I love my red-headed characters.</div>
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May you all have a safe and restful evening.</div>
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Kimberly Gabrielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05588782441929008886noreply@blogger.com3