tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65658199013474963462024-02-20T19:15:43.206-08:00Sarah SkiltonAuthor of BRUISED and HIGH AND DRY, magician's wife, mom.
Spinning plates in the air, ducking for cover.Sarah Skiltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242496273739569661noreply@blogger.comBlogger317125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565819901347496346.post-11425991279767818822015-02-23T18:38:00.002-08:002015-02-23T18:38:41.053-08:00Why Hello There<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6gUW0VCGBpWE4hIjwNGUxxS160n-4uVLEVPqypojCUpPWief1oTwyBnv-R2T6UJZd__TqMuP_RncKgQ99Zp-it8WwL62312GmO89wle0tTwmmDXOHPDvvIuviyzmAWD0hFuDEUexvno/s1600/Skilton-Pic.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/AVvXsEjv6gUW0VCGBpWE4hIjwNGUxxS160n-4uVLEVPqypojCUpPWief1oTwyBnv-R2T6UJZd__TqMuP_RncKgQ99Zp-it8WwL62312GmO89wle0tTwmmDXOHPDvvIuviyzmAWD0hFuDEUexvno/s1600/Skilton-Pic.jpg" height="320" width="307" /></a>I'm no longer regularly updating this blog, but you can <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/teen/author/sarahskilton/" target="_blank">find me at Barnes & Noble</a>!<br />
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My recent posts there include...<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/teen/the-baddest-boyfriends-and-girlfriends-of-ya-lit/" target="_blank">The Baddest Boyfriends and Girlfriends of YA Lit</a></li>
</ul>
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<li><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/teen/gabi-a-girl-in-pieces-and-9-more-diary-style-yas-we-love/" target="_blank"><i>Gabi, a Girl in Pieces</i> and 9 More Diary-Style YAs we Love</a></li>
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<li><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/teen/5-true-crime-yas-we-love/" target="_blank">5 True Crime YAs We Love</a></li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://www.sarahskilton.com/news--updates.html" target="_blank">For all other updates</a>, please head over to my <a href="http://www.sarahskilton.com/" target="_blank">website</a>.<br />
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Mwah!<br />
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<br />Sarah Skiltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242496273739569661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565819901347496346.post-65497850646712240372014-04-23T18:26:00.001-07:002014-04-23T18:26:19.722-07:00Media N StuffA nice shout out to BRUISED, courtesy of the <a href="http://www.lawrence.lib.ks.us/2014/03/divergent-faction-reading-list-dauntless/" target="_blank">Lawrence Public Library in Kansas</a>:<br />
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A cool review of HIGH & DRY, courtesy of <a href="https://twitter.com/papertimelady" target="_blank">Rosianna Halse Rojas</a>:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/s4xHTGwOass" width="560"></iframe>
<br />Sarah Skiltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242496273739569661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565819901347496346.post-29909895598001004782014-04-18T11:44:00.001-07:002014-04-18T11:44:09.402-07:00Launch Week Links<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li><a href="http://www.abramsbooks.com/Books/High_and_Dry-9781419709296.html" target="_blank">HIGH & DRY</a> came out on Tuesday. Thanks to all my friends and family for their support, and of course to my agent and Abrams/Amulet Books!</li>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://blog.janicehardy.com/2014/04/slinging-slang-case-for-made-up-words.html" target="_blank">Slinging Slang: The Case for Made-up Words</a> (Guest Post for <a href="http://blog.janicehardy.com/" target="_blank">Janice Hardy's Fiction University</a>)</li>
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<li><a href="http://sleuthsspiesandalibis.blogspot.com/2014/04/easter-eggs-from-high-dry-by-sarah.html" target="_blank">Top Secret Easter Eggs from HIGH & DRY</a></li>
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<li><a href="http://www.shaelit.com/2014/03/review-high-dry-by-sarah-skilton/" target="_blank">Shae Has Left the Room's review of HIGH & DRY</a></li>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://booksbonesbuffy.com/2014/04/12/high-school-is-not-for-wimps-high-dry-by-sarah-skilton-review/" target="_blank">Books, Bones & Buffy: "High School is Not For Wimps": HIGH & DRY by Sarah Skilton</a> </li>
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<li><a href="http://kateormand.wordpress.com/2014/03/27/review-high-dry-by-sarah-skilton/" target="_blank">YA Author Kate Ormand's review of HIGH & DRY </a></li>
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<li><a href="http://www.nitelitebookreviews.com/2014/04/pasadena-teen-book-festival-spotlight.html" target="_blank">Pasadena Teen Book Festival: Spotlight on Sarah Skilton</a></li>
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<li>The paperback for BRUISED (with a fresh cover) also hit bookstores:</li>
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<br />Sarah Skiltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242496273739569661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565819901347496346.post-83182709568134405902014-03-19T13:51:00.000-07:002014-03-19T13:51:44.679-07:00Latest News To celebrate the upcoming release of HIGH AND DRY on April 15th (as well as BRUISED coming out in paperback with a brand-new look), my husband<a href="http://www.joeskilton.com/" target="_blank"> Joe Skilton</a> made this graphic. Cool, eh?<br />
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<li>In other news, BRUISED was nominated for a Black-Eyed Susan Book Award by the <a href="http://maslmd.org/" target="_blank">School Librarian Association of Maryland</a>. I'm really honored to be part of the list!</li>
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<li><a href="https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/sarah-skilton/high-dry/" target="_blank">Kirkus Reviews</a> calls HIGH AND DRY, "A dark, well-constructed mystery with a strong voice." </li>
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<li>HIGH AND DRY is a <a href="http://www.mcnallyjackson.com//book/9781419709296" target="_blank">staff pick at McNally Jackson Bookstore</a> in NYC! </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>On Saturday, April 12th at 4:30 I'll be on the Young Adult stage at the <a href="http://events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/" target="_blank">Los Angeles Times Festival of Books</a>. My panel is called Adrenaline Rush, and includes such amazing authors as Morris Winner <a href="http://stephaniekuehn.com/mybooks/" target="_blank">Stephanie Kuehn </a>(CHARM & STRANGE), <a href="http://www.laurenoliverbooks.com/" target="_blank">Lauren Oliver</a> (BEFORE I FALL; PANIC; DELIRIUM), and <a href="http://abbymcdonald.com/" target="_blank">Abby McDonald</a> (DANGEROUS GIRLS), with moderator <a href="http://www.aaronhartzler.com/" target="_blank">Aaron Hartzler</a> (RAPTURE PRACTICE). Hope to see you there! </li>
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<li>For more information on Teen Book Festivals happening throughout Southern California this spring and summer, <a href="http://www.sarahskilton.com/upcoming-appearances.html" target="_blank">check out my website</a>.</li>
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Hope to see you there!!<br />
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<b>Saturday, January 11th, 2 pm </b>- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/131542660349556/?source=1" target="_blank">Los Angeles Public Library Teen Read Series</a>, hosted by Cecil Castellucci and featuring YA authors <span itemprop="description"><span class="fsl">Michelle Gagnon
(Don't Look Now), Sonya Sones (To Be Perfectly Honest), Francesca Lia
Block (Teen Spirit), Amy Spalding (Ink is Thicker Than Water), and Ann
Stampler (Afterparty) <br /> </span></span><br /><b>Sunday, January 12th, 3pm</b> - <a href="http://www.dieselbookstore.com/event/brentwood-ann-stampler-discusses-and-signs-afterparty" target="_blank">Discussion & Signing for Ann Stampler's AFTERPARTY at Diesel Books in Brentwood</a><br />
<br /><b>Saturday, January 18th, 10am - 2pm </b>-<a href="http://www.sarahskilton.com/upcoming-appearances.html" target="_blank"> Local Author Celebration, Panel Discussion, and Book Signing, Jo Ann Darcy Library in Santa Clarita</a><br />
<br /><b>Saturday, January 18th, 5pm</b> - <a href="http://www.skylightbooks.com/event/amy-spalding-reads-ink-thicker-water" target="_blank">Reading & Signing for Amy Spalding's INK IS THICKER THAN WATER at Skylight Books</a>Sarah Skiltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242496273739569661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565819901347496346.post-30539749522593032222013-12-18T12:33:00.000-08:002013-12-18T12:33:08.571-08:00Interview with Amy Spalding, author of INK IS THICKER THAN WATERI'm super excited to introduce my guest today, <a href="http://theamyspalding.com/" target="_blank">Amy Spalding</a>, whose second YA contemporary book,<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ink-Thicker-Than-Water-Spalding/dp/1622660404/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387397043&sr=8-1&keywords=Ink+is+Thicker+Than+Water" target="_blank"> INK IS THICKER THAN WATER,</a> came out December 3rd.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbg9Icw7UKevxIjUefTWDDBmQ8t2wvF4qm7IaIYc0VpvBKY5osp4KuzpGnA1HNivBbRmMi7c2Ht4y9W0d26OBnOWRHckCDDi1qNUFVtMeb3lS85XVa-DGjqufxVL0PB3euvLRFD9K_7E/s1600/Ink-Cover-7-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbg9Icw7UKevxIjUefTWDDBmQ8t2wvF4qm7IaIYc0VpvBKY5osp4KuzpGnA1HNivBbRmMi7c2Ht4y9W0d26OBnOWRHckCDDi1qNUFVtMeb3lS85XVa-DGjqufxVL0PB3euvLRFD9K_7E/s320/Ink-Cover-7-05.jpg" width="208" /></a><i>From Good Reads: <span id="freeText18164699783532868668">For Kellie Brooks,
family has always been a tough word to define. Combine her hippie mom
and tattooist stepdad, her adopted overachieving sister, her younger
half brother, and her tough-love dad, and average Kellie’s the one stuck
in the middle, overlooked and impermanent. When Kellie’s sister finally
meets her birth mother and her best friend starts hanging with a cooler
crowd, the feeling only grows stronger.<br /><br />But then she reconnects
with Oliver, the sweet and sensitive college guy she had a near hookup
with last year. Oliver is intense and attractive, and she’s sure he’s
totally out of her league. But as she discovers that maybe intensity
isn’t always a good thing, it’s yet another relationship she feels is
spiraling out of her control.<br /><br />It’ll take a new role on the school
newspaper and a new job at her mom’s tattoo shop for Kellie to realize
that defining herself both outside and within her family is what can
finally allow her to feel permanent, just like a tattoo.</span></i><br />
<span id="freeText18164699783532868668"> </span> <br />
The Los Angeles release party for INK is in one month at <a href="http://www.skylightbooks.com/event/amy-spalding-reads-ink-thicker-water" target="_blank">Skylight Books</a>! If you live in Southern California, come <a href="http://www.skylightbooks.com/event/amy-spalding-reads-ink-thicker-water" target="_blank">join the fun on January 18th at 5pm</a>!<br />
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In the meantime, kick back and learn some more about Amy and INK, of which author <a href="http://www.trishdoller.com/" target="_blank">Trish Doller </a>(WHERE THE STARS STILL SHINE) says, "<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer290993438"><span id="freeTextContainer534725063853215097">Spalding
depicts a blended family with compassion, humor, love, and
pitch-perfect authenticity." </span></span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5B5I9_OzAXTJ-wiMBk7wncs20VvyAUf_ujE1icFmQTSh1S9CuK1K78zSYoVSPagIfP1rlIRlbNjtzsn3mQys8OeppIJPrOOKuWK6Qdy5KDJsYAbw9-8P-OHgLfShvnGw6NqD_-9HkDwo/s1600/AmySpaldingHeadshot.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5B5I9_OzAXTJ-wiMBk7wncs20VvyAUf_ujE1icFmQTSh1S9CuK1K78zSYoVSPagIfP1rlIRlbNjtzsn3mQys8OeppIJPrOOKuWK6Qdy5KDJsYAbw9-8P-OHgLfShvnGw6NqD_-9HkDwo/s320/AmySpaldingHeadshot.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Jesse Weinberg</td></tr>
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<b>Q: You recently traveled to your
hometown of St. Louis, which also happens to be the setting of INK IS
THICKER THAN WATER. Did you make it a point of visiting places the book
references or alludes to, and did it feel any different being home now
that your book located there is out in the world? How was the launch
party? Did you meet up with anyone from your past? (Specifically who
knew you as a teen?)</b><br />
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<b></b><div>
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A: I absolutely went to places mentioned in the book, mainly
lots of coffee from Mokabe's, but it wasn't so much because I mentioned
them in INK but because these are the places I love going anyway. I
liked being able to write about the places I love in St. Louis,
particularly spots like Fitz's and Vintage Vinyl, where I logged A LOT
of hours growing up.<br />
<br />Most of my friends in St. Louis have known me since I was in high
school (or earlier, even) so there's a lot of history there. I just had
to be careful writing about teenage hangouts and such that I checked my
favorite places were all still open (the ones that
weren't...HEARTBREAKING!).</div>
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</div>
<div class="im">
<div>
<b>Q: You have a beautiful and personal
variety of tattoos that reference musical theatre as well as other
passions of yours. Are there any tattoos you've seen on other people
that stand out for you, in either good or bad ways?</b></div>
<div>
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<div>
A: Thank you! I love other people's tattoos, so, yes,
absolutely, all the time. I usually get really envious when people are
more inked than I am, because due to my dayjob, I know there are certain
limits I need to hold myself to. So whenever I see amazing hand
tattoos, for example, I get pretty dreamy.</div>
<div class="im">
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<br /></div>
<b>Q: I think each of your contemporary YA books, THE
REECE MALCOLM LIST and INK IS THICKER THAN WATER, would translate
exceptionally well to an ABC Family series. What are your favorite
teen-centric or family-centric shows? What makes them great for you? </b></div>
<div class="im">
<b> </b></div>
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A: That's totally my dream! I love ABC Family, and I love teen-centric
and family-centric shows. I just watched all of THE FOSTERS that's
available on Netflix, and it's completely up my alley. PARENTHOOD is
probably my favorite (and the best) of family shows on TV. I also love
love love THE CARRIE DIARIES and wish it got more credit for being such a
good teen show, considering it has so little to do with SEX & THE
CITY.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
I was a big fan of The WB back in the day, and loved
EVERWOOD, GILMORE GIRLS, and BUFFY. And probably my favorite family
show ever is SIX FEET UNDER.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="im">
<b>Q: What other TV shows, if any, inspire or teach you about character, setting, dialogue, or tone?</b></div>
</div>
<div>
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<div>
A: Definitely all the above, but I think any serialized TV show can be
great for writers to watch (or at least I tell myself that when I'm
mainlining shows on Netflix and not actually writing). Novel-writing and
TV seasons have a lot in common, and there are lessons to take
everywhere. There's hardly a better place to watch expectations pay off
than SCANDAL. I'm not sure anyone has been so economical with writing as
the BREAKING BAD staff, in that not a damn thing went to waste. PARKS
& REC is a good reminder that you can still find comedy and drama in
people mainly being good to each other. THE GOOD WIFE does great things
like throw characters into interpersonal drama and then quickly remind
you, the viewer, that these people still have to attend to other
responsibilities like work, which is great for a YA writer because my
characters still have school and extracurriculars and chores and such.</div>
<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br />Basically I just love TV.</div>
<div style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Q: Can you give us a little scoop about your next book, KISSING TED CALLAHAN (AND OTHER GUYS)?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">KISSING
TED CALLAHAN (AND OTHER GUYS) is a romantic comedy set in L.A.'s
eastside. It's about bands, friends, and making out. And it's out in
2015, which is...the future!!</span></div>
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<b>Thanks for stopping by, Amy!</b>Sarah Skiltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242496273739569661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565819901347496346.post-14450788192644795872013-11-07T09:45:00.000-08:002013-11-07T09:45:29.862-08:00Guest Post: Lisa Gail Green Shares Tips on Writing Short StoriesHoping to flex your writing skills this month for <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/" target="_blank">NaNoWriMo</a>, but intimidated by the prospect of churning out an entire novel? Why not challenge yourself with a short story instead?<br />
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Author <a href="http://paranormalpointofview.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lisa Gail Green</a>, whose short stories have been published in all three <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Gail-Green/e/B0089SLY0A" target="_blank">Journeys of Wonder anthologies</a>, and whose paranormal fantasy novel, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17303477-the-binding-stone" target="_blank">THE BINDING STONE</a>, debuted this year, is here to tell you how.<br />
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Take it away, Lisa, and thanks for stopping by my blog!
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Thank you for inviting me to your blog, Sarah! *Puts feet up on sofa* You’re wondering what
it’s like writing short fiction versus a novel length manuscript? The short
answer is – not too much.<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
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<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">You still have to use a full (albeit probably
simple) story arc.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">You still have to revise like crazy until
it’s as perfect as you can get it.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">You’re still responsible for developing your
character as well. No shortcuts just because it’s only a thousand words long. </span></li>
</ul>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">What’s different in
a short story? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">You can’t have more than a few characters. Too
many take too much space and you won’t be able to do them justice. It’s best to
stick to your main character and one or two extra characters that he/she
interacts with. Then you have room to work with.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">You have to get to the point. You can’t spend
pages going on about the décor. You really have to pick and choose when it
comes to description and use what is important to your character and the story.
Don’t forget to </span><a href="http://paranormalpointofview.blogspot.com/2011/04/filtering-through-character.html" style="text-indent: -0.25in;" target="_blank">filter through your character’s POV</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">No place for subplots. Can you do it? Well… yes.
BUT it’s really, really tricky and I don’t recommend it when you’re starting
out. Practice first like with anything else. And any subplot you use should
definitely be intertwined with your main storyline.</span></li>
</ul>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Now here’s the trick though. All of these elements can be
used to tighten your novel. That’s right; short stories are good for writers.
They’re another way to stretch your writing muscles and a great exercise. Plus,
if you get one or two publication credits by getting a short story or two accepted
somewhere then that can go in your bio and can bolster your self-esteem. It’s a
win-win situation. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take a look at the similarities with all that in mind: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">You get to practice making your characters
count. In a novel you have to eliminate and combine non-essentials just like in
a short story. And no one should be one-dimensional. </span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">You should ALWAYS filter through character and
eliminate superfluous description, etc. </span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Your subplots should reflect the theme at the
very least and if you can somehow bring them together with the main plot – even
better.</span></li>
</ul>
The structure of both short stories and novels are the same,
though short stories can be difficult in that they limit your space. But that’s
the best reason I can think of to encourage everyone to write them.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Sarah Skiltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242496273739569661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565819901347496346.post-14203238759136670702013-10-17T12:57:00.001-07:002013-10-17T12:58:49.213-07:00Autumn Author EventsWednesday, October 23, I'm joining the <a href="http://lareviewofbooks.org/" target="_blank">Los Angeles Review of Books</a> for <a href="http://litcrawl.org/la/" target="_blank">North Hollywood's First Annual Lit Crawl</a>! Come out to <a href="http://litcrawl.org/la/events/los-angeles-review-of-books-ya/" target="_blank">Republic of Pie from 6 to 7pm for Book & A Movie</a>!<br />
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Then on Sunday, November 3, I'll be at<a href="http://www.shoponceuponatime.com/" target="_blank"> Once Upon a Time Bookstore</a> in Montrose for <a href="http://www.shoponceuponatime.com/event/scbwi-inside-story-author-events" target="_blank">SCBWI's "Inside Story" Event</a>, from 2 to 4pm, to chat all things BRUISED. Hope to see you there!<br />
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<br />Sarah Skiltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242496273739569661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565819901347496346.post-52372309823548072162013-10-06T11:09:00.001-07:002013-10-06T11:10:40.308-07:00COVER REVEAL: HIGH AND DRY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span id="freeTextContainer7063163169037683387">My contemporary YA mystery, HIGH AND DRY, comes out April 15th, 2014 from Amulet Books!<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;">I love the gritty cover:</span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxzj2ZjHdKBCNU5jKbQUzILQEGVALzvxNQyQD_ghhFc9TzJBr0EniEqIGoel-EU_6vsjKCoOBQcdSzRPEfTjmn2mVjUcG5nU6i8OVCw9NC2oySlZfRhIvPnvXHprrp3XKK242xlwDieQ/s1600/high_and_dry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxzj2ZjHdKBCNU5jKbQUzILQEGVALzvxNQyQD_ghhFc9TzJBr0EniEqIGoel-EU_6vsjKCoOBQcdSzRPEfTjmn2mVjUcG5nU6i8OVCw9NC2oySlZfRhIvPnvXHprrp3XKK242xlwDieQ/s1600/high_and_dry.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span id="freeTextContainer7063163169037683387"><span style="font-size: large;">What's HIGH AND DRY about?</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Framed for a stranger's near-fatal overdose at a party, blackmailed into finding a mysterious flash drive everyone in school seems anxious to suppress, and pressured by his shady best friend to throw an upcoming game, high school soccer player Charlie Dixon spends a frantic week trying to clear his name, win back the girl of his dreams, and escape a past that may be responsible for all his current problems.</span></span><br />
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<li><span id="freeTextContainer7063163169037683387"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/67791-high-and-dry" target="_blank">Enter my giveaway at Goodreads</a> to win one of two ARCs (advance reader<span style="font-size: large;"> copies) this fall</span></span></span></li>
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<li><span id="freeTextContainer7063163169037683387"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/high-and-dry-sarah-skilton/1116852547?ean=9781419709296" target="_blank">Pre-order HIGH AND DRY</a> at Barnes & Noble. </span></span></span></span></li>
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Sarah Skiltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242496273739569661noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565819901347496346.post-81291783471638671022013-09-25T13:21:00.000-07:002013-09-25T13:22:06.273-07:00"Get Real" Panel & Signing at the West Hollywood Book Fair Hi all,<br />
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This Sunday, 9/29, I'll be at the <a href="http://www.westhollywoodbookfair.org/" target="_blank">West Hollywood Book Fair</a> on a panel called<a href="http://www.westhollywoodbookfair.org/?page_id=3744#young" target="_blank"> "Get Real!" at 3-4pm</a>, with a signing afterward. We'll be chatting about all things young adult contemporary.<br />
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With me will be...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhai7ySBfnLkNe5_Yv2dy7aa6jOfwLNLhoomzgbjY3cY7ilGQnC2bipw1C2qqjyfk54lvcji9s0u3IiRyQDHukK02Puz99jFwPkpFjoHglLFueuH38WcUCeAM3KmEbD-eTSayx9QZLrYrI/s1600/REECE-front-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhai7ySBfnLkNe5_Yv2dy7aa6jOfwLNLhoomzgbjY3cY7ilGQnC2bipw1C2qqjyfk54lvcji9s0u3IiRyQDHukK02Puz99jFwPkpFjoHglLFueuH38WcUCeAM3KmEbD-eTSayx9QZLrYrI/s200/REECE-front-cover.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRH7cok4wQKSa2xbUths-N7gCX60AbIMl7Hj6uLKR5DHj9RYRPjHIYgsfapVNsw5R4Lw5Zi7RPa03SMjLz9Z46BGpLpyMM1PeSVKHdU1P4f8lDgNHjmKS54NaXfKPu2j-BiZAFt6ZtTOQ/s1600/11724858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRH7cok4wQKSa2xbUths-N7gCX60AbIMl7Hj6uLKR5DHj9RYRPjHIYgsfapVNsw5R4Lw5Zi7RPa03SMjLz9Z46BGpLpyMM1PeSVKHdU1P4f8lDgNHjmKS54NaXfKPu2j-BiZAFt6ZtTOQ/s200/11724858.jpg" width="131" /></a><br />
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Moderator/author Amy Spalding (THE REECE MALCOLM LIST)<br />
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Ann Stampler (WHERE IT BEGAN) <br />
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Carol Tanzman (CIRCLE OF SILENCE)<br />
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Stephanie Kuehn (CHARM & STRANGE)<br />
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Hope to see you there!Sarah Skiltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242496273739569661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565819901347496346.post-44373142322214747052013-08-21T17:00:00.000-07:002013-08-21T17:00:13.574-07:00BRUISED playlist, and Updates on Local Author NightThe wonderfully kind Jim of <a href="http://www.yayeahyeah.com/" target="_blank">YA Yeah Yeah</a> and <a href="http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/index.php?title=The_Bookbag" target="_blank">The Bookbag</a> interviewed me <a href="http://www.yayeahyeah.com/2013/08/friday-feature-interview-with-sarah.html" target="_blank">last week</a>. If you're into playlists, you can <a href="http://www.yayeahyeah.com/2013/08/friday-feature-interview-with-sarah.html" target="_blank">find the one I created for BRUISED there</a>.<br />
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Secondly, <a href="http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/event/4419918" target="_blank">Local Author Night</a> happen this Friday from 4 to 7pm at the Valencia Barnes & Noble.<br />
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teen fiction, inspirational and children’s literary categories, in
attendance will be</span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">: Jessica Brody, Jane Gates, Dionna Hancock-Johnson,
Derek Kent, Joanna Mastopietro, Sarah Maizes, Gretchen McNeil, Dennis
Nehamen, Laurisa Reyes, Leighton J. Reynolds, Sarah Skilton, Andrew
Smith & Thomas Thorpe! </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"> </span></b>
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Best of all, a percentage of book sales at Barnes & Noble for this event will benefit Canyon High, where author Andrew Smith teaches.<br />
<br />Visit bn.com/bookfairs to support us online from 8/23/13 to 8/28/13 by entering Bookfair ID 11158144 at checkout.<br /><br />
Sarah Skiltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242496273739569661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565819901347496346.post-32122372857152952042013-07-10T06:00:00.000-07:002013-07-10T06:00:05.439-07:00Upcoming Summer Events<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>I'll be signing at t<span style="font-size: small;">wo <span style="font-size: small;">fun </span>YA events this summer with lots of local authors. Hope to see you there!</span> </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/7104079493" target="_blank"><b>Summer of YA - Saturday, July 27th, 2 to 4pm </b></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Barnes & Noble, at the Glendale Americana, Glendale, CA </b></span><br />
From Paranormal Romance to Action Adventure join us for a "speed dating" styled event where you can sit down and meet 11 up and coming YA authors. We will be hosting Jessica Brody (<i>Unremembered</i>), Stacey Jay (<i>Of Beast and Beauty</i>), Kathy McCullough (<i>Who Needs Magic?</i>), Gretchen McNeil (<i>Ten</i>), Lissa Price (<i>Starters</i>), Elizabeth Ross (<i>Belle Epoque</i>), Sarah Skilton (<i>Bruised</i>), Andrew Smith (<i>Winger</i>), Ann Stampler (<i>Where It Began</i>), Carol Tanzman (<i>Circle of Silence</i>) and Allen Zadoff (<i>Boy Nobody</i>). Don't miss this chance to chat with these talented individuals and have them sign your books! All of the authors' books will be available for purchase.<br />
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<a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/7104079493" target="_blank">RSVP and GET YOUR TICKETS HERE (FREE) </a><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><a href="http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/event/4419918" target="_blank"><b>Local Author Night in Valencia, CA - Friday, August 23, 4 to 7 PM </b></a></span><br />
Please join us in welcoming authors Jessica Brody, Jane Gates, Dionna Hancock-Johnson, Derek Kent, Joanna Mastopietro, Sarah Maizes, Gretchen McNeil, Dennis Nehamen, Laurisa Reyes, Leighton Reynolds, Sarah Skilton, Andrew Smith and Thomas Thorpe!
Sarah Skiltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242496273739569661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565819901347496346.post-71978371472403367992013-06-19T06:00:00.000-07:002013-06-19T06:00:05.361-07:00Super Swag Sunday<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">GET READY FOR</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The 2nd Annual </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">SUPER SWAG SUNDAY!!!</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>When: June 24th thru July 1st</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Where: <a href="http://laurisareyes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">laurisareyes.blogspot.com</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Why: For a chance to win lots of cool promotional items signed by <u>42</u> of today's best middle grade and young adult authors!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KrzgKfWOWZB0F3igUFSQMirtWJtzgXNdW5cGCY3b77_J2NINh0DXZQBm0VsIWenF8-voGMEkgI9rcZOvBMUaoCFPPJPHoyJmA2Un8bfvT_F7ZbuQYp3WYJrBTLY6I9LJgGftlotSW1pE/s1600/DSC00461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KrzgKfWOWZB0F3igUFSQMirtWJtzgXNdW5cGCY3b77_J2NINh0DXZQBm0VsIWenF8-voGMEkgI9rcZOvBMUaoCFPPJPHoyJmA2Un8bfvT_F7ZbuQYp3WYJrBTLY6I9LJgGftlotSW1pE/s320/DSC00461.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Every day for seven days, Laurisa's blog will spotlight some of the most amazing new books for kids and teens! Monday thru Saturday visitors will be able to enter for chances to win one of 6 swag packs containing everything from signed bookmarks and postcards, to pins, pencils, totebags, stickers, key chains, lip balm, charms and more!</div>
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On the last day, <b>SUPER SWAG SUNDAY</b>, one last <span style="color: blue;"><b>MEGA SWAG PACK</b></span> will be given to one very lucky winner! This pack so far includes everything listed above PLUS:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiO1ZStdF4-H8DBO3pFhupTSf5ooIp9Bz9MkOenPuDlhQiXq8G4aPaLl5boup9mFe7kVVZAb4jWsZVpB_KOMrTomdHoVJ0ZG1_vaW1JD8E_-xB2uiWiZ1OC9NbioR5t9pRlAXOSyhiGo1r/s1600/DSC00459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiO1ZStdF4-H8DBO3pFhupTSf5ooIp9Bz9MkOenPuDlhQiXq8G4aPaLl5boup9mFe7kVVZAb4jWsZVpB_KOMrTomdHoVJ0ZG1_vaW1JD8E_-xB2uiWiZ1OC9NbioR5t9pRlAXOSyhiGo1r/s320/DSC00459.JPG" width="320" /></a>1- hardbound copy of <b>THE UNWANTEDS</b> signed by author Lisa McMann<br />
1- <b>TEST TASTE</b> charm bracelet<br />
1- <b>TOUCHING THE SURFACE</b> T-shirt<br />
1 - <b>LOVE AND LEFTOVERS </b>charm necklace<br />
1 - <b>SEND ME A SIGN</b> guitar pick<br />
1 - paperback copy of <b>EVERTASTER: THE BUTTERSMITH'S GOLD</b> signed by author Adam Sidwell<br />
1- hardbound copy of <b>THE SCORCH TRIALS </b>signed by author James Dashner<br />
1- hardbound copy of <b>THE ALWAYS WARS</b> signed by author Margaret Peterson Haddix<br />
1 - <b>OyMG!</b> T-shirt<br />
1 - Original Artwork Print from <b>FISHTALE</b> signed by author Catherine Masciola<br />
1- <b>LOSING IT</b> water bottle signed by author Erin Fry<br />
1 - hardbound copy of <b>LOSING IT</b> signed by the author <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS50JjMDJG8cVNJx0M4_yUt6QyO9eM_HengsESmxxFNM-tOuSJJRg6SvrTvHV_oQfTnPmdfYVa6a0MSXssCeXbLIu-usO877tQbZzVO8mo70rScFGURnYDamCbBrEI6YWz7ti3t-8BuY9G/s1600/DSC00480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS50JjMDJG8cVNJx0M4_yUt6QyO9eM_HengsESmxxFNM-tOuSJJRg6SvrTvHV_oQfTnPmdfYVa6a0MSXssCeXbLIu-usO877tQbZzVO8mo70rScFGURnYDamCbBrEI6YWz7ti3t-8BuY9G/s320/DSC00480.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And more prizes are still being added to the pile!</div>
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So be sure to stop by<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></span><a href="http://laurisareyes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>laurisareyes.blogspot.com</b></span></span></a> every day from <b><span style="color: blue;">June 24th thru July 1st</span> </b>for plenty of chances to win. Stop by now and follow the blog to receive notifications of when the event starts posting.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>See you then!</i></b></span></div>
Sarah Skiltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242496273739569661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565819901347496346.post-71044644178939844372013-06-12T06:00:00.000-07:002013-06-12T06:00:08.451-07:00BRUISED TriviaHave you read BRUISED?<br />
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Wanna test your knowledge of the book's content?<br />
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Some kind soul wrote <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/trivia/work/16739930-bruised" target="_blank">BRUISED trivia questions</a> over at <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>. See how you stack up!<br />
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(Embarrassing confession: I wasn't 100% positive about the answer to one of the questions, though my guess turned out to be correct.<br />
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I swear I wrote this book, though.)<br />
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<br />Sarah Skiltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242496273739569661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565819901347496346.post-88178774993316463572013-05-29T11:22:00.000-07:002013-05-29T11:28:37.014-07:00The Brenda Novak Auction: Win a Critique, New Reviews, Giveaways, Interviews, and More<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Brenda Novak Auction</b></span><br />
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Two days left to <a href="http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=2940780" target="_blank">bid on a critique of 20 pages of a Young Adult novel</a>, offered by me (BRUISED, HIGH AND DRY) and <a href="http://mirandakenneally.com/" target="_blank">Miranda Kenneally</a> (CATCHING JORDAN, STEALING PARKER, THINGS I CAN'T FORGET, RACING SAVANNAH). All funds benefit diabetes research.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>New Reviews of BRUISED</b></span><br />
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"Poignant and emotionally raw at times and humorous at others, this debut novel adeptly portrays a shattered life...and the road back to normalcy. Fans of realistic fiction will appreciate the multilayered story, Tae Kwon Do action and philosophy, and resilient protagonist." ~ <i>School Library Journal</i><i></i><br />
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"Debut author Skilton understands and respects martial arts, and she does a beautiful job presenting the philosophy that drives serious martial artists... Here is a writer to watch who handles complex issues with sensitivity in the vein of Deb Caletti and Sarah Dessen." ~<i> <a href="http://www.booklistonline.com/Bruised-Sarah-Skilton/pid=5831802" target="_blank">Booklist Online</a> </i><br />
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"Have you ever seen one of those movies where the unarmed hero valiantly faces off with the trigger-happy shooter, gets help from the police just in the nick of time, and emerges from the entire ordeal a bit shaken but otherwise unharmed? Welcome to real life." ~ <i>Sharon (<a href="http://www.colapublib.org/teens/reviews/">L.A. County Library Teen Book Review Board</a>)</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Giveaways</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCDdtRl1rSnfo2pepkLMOML_R5hYPwthk055eMoll0Wn0PXO9KV6piSP1GMAeVRZvD_SscpjTb_t38sWWz7UT5Hj8JWOcgFGmm9viAojj4AAI65ikDxRh7OfVsRqRBkcKFumHom24CxU/s1600/Lucky+13s+YA+Reader+Prize+Bundle+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCDdtRl1rSnfo2pepkLMOML_R5hYPwthk055eMoll0Wn0PXO9KV6piSP1GMAeVRZvD_SscpjTb_t38sWWz7UT5Hj8JWOcgFGmm9viAojj4AAI65ikDxRh7OfVsRqRBkcKFumHom24CxU/s320/Lucky+13s+YA+Reader+Prize+Bundle+1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.katielmcgarry.com/post/2013/05/21/Bruised.aspx" target="_blank">Win one of two signed hardcopies of BRUISED</a> at Katie McGarry's (PUSHING THE LIMITS, CROSSING THE LINE, DARE YOU TO) blog!<br />
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<a href="http://www.thelucky13s.blogspot.com/2013/05/kidlit-authors-for-oklahoma-disaster.html" target="_blank">Win a huge prize pack of Lucky 13s debut novels</a> by donating to Red Cross to help Oklahoma<b><br /></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Interviews & Guest Posts</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://healinghamlet.com/interviews/author-sarah-skilton/" target="_blank">Healing Hamlet </a><i>- In which we discuss screenwriting and YA novels, motherhood, and mental health</i><br />
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<a href="http://abackwardsstory.blogspot.com/2013/05/sarah-skilton-martial-arts-bruised.html" target="_blank">"Girls in Sports" Week at A Backwards Story</a><i> - Martial arts, baby! </i><br />
<i><br /></i>Sarah Skiltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242496273739569661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565819901347496346.post-57870243247304903622013-05-24T12:04:00.001-07:002013-05-24T12:04:15.614-07:00Relief for Oklahoma <a href="http://www.thelucky13s.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Lucky 13s</a> have joined forces with the <a href="http://fridaythethirteeners.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Friday the Thirteeners</a> and the <a href="http://enchantedinkpot.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Enchanted Inkpot</a> to help those affected by the Oklahoma tornado. To that end, we are offering up a large giveaway. "Kidlit Authors for Oklahoma" is starting today and will run for 2 weeks. <b> </b><br />
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<b>By donating to Red Cross</b>, you can <a href="http://www.thelucky13s.blogspot.com/2013/05/kidlit-authors-for-oklahoma-disaster.html" target="_blank">enter for your chance to win 1 of 5 book prize bundles or a critique from our authors. </a>Sarah Skiltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242496273739569661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565819901347496346.post-10514658708108637082013-03-27T06:00:00.000-07:002013-03-27T06:00:03.281-07:00Four Places to Win a Free Copy of BRUISED<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyVYk2ou90P5m7afLcO_IbnyZyVP8umNVrGPeGta2IjtuE31lY52FUwtsUlkl_45qrfMyMULpCEoC4vsjxzIICQz921t8pPQq7qRWxwbjzFmtEHvIcpD2BSCz2_L0SAQxlSpH6u74Ouo/s1600/ala_signing_skilton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyVYk2ou90P5m7afLcO_IbnyZyVP8umNVrGPeGta2IjtuE31lY52FUwtsUlkl_45qrfMyMULpCEoC4vsjxzIICQz921t8pPQq7qRWxwbjzFmtEHvIcpD2BSCz2_L0SAQxlSpH6u74Ouo/s320/ala_signing_skilton.jpg" width="320" /></a>1. <a href="http://www.thenocturnallibrary.com/2013/03/guest-post-giveaway-sarah-skilton.html?showComment=1363903617531" target="_blank">The Nocturnal Library</a> (six more days to win!)<br />
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2. <a href="http://booksbonesbuffy.com/2013/03/17/launch-party-giveaway-bruised-by-sarah-skilton/" target="_blank">Books, Bones & Buffy</a> (two more days to win!)<br />
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3. <a href="http://laurisareyes.blogspot.com/2013/03/kick-butt-characters-giveaway-blog-hop.html#comment-form" target="_blank">A Thousand Wrongs</a> (one more day to win!)<br />
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4. And coming tomorrow... a chance from <a href="http://yafresh.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">YA Fresh</a><br />
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Thanks to Maja, Tammy, Laurisa, and Tina for hosting these giveaways.<br />
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And if you strike out this time, check back here in April for at least two more chances!<br />
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Happy reading.Sarah Skiltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242496273739569661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565819901347496346.post-45074104099994339142013-03-05T06:00:00.000-08:002013-03-05T06:00:02.533-08:00Happy Book Birthday, Nonuplet Style!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyFh7OudaHlN2hCs_n0I06qqhjMoayZq5OMAeN3kAqmqtOXw5dk-M9pdZH-eITA_eCEth2B7KqwEzStXrdaZjH6C3SCbHwAARfakyAKnvIiOG1GrJ3TS5jNt6pK31KdRySB0DYiDee08/s1600/Bruised_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyFh7OudaHlN2hCs_n0I06qqhjMoayZq5OMAeN3kAqmqtOXw5dk-M9pdZH-eITA_eCEth2B7KqwEzStXrdaZjH6C3SCbHwAARfakyAKnvIiOG1GrJ3TS5jNt6pK31KdRySB0DYiDee08/s200/Bruised_Cover.jpg" width="131" /></a>Here's what people are saying about <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bruised-Sarah-Skilton/dp/1419703870/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362251500&sr=8-1&keywords=Bruised" target="_blank">BRUISED</a>, my contemporary YA novel, out today:<br />
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"Offering psychological drama and an introduction to martial-arts code of behavior, the book has a meaningful message about power, control, and the internal bruises carried by victims."
—<a href="http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-4197-0387-4" target="_blank">Publishers Weekly</a>, <i>starred review</i><br />
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"Her story is compelling, and readers will stick with her as new insights bring about a believable shift in her behavior…This distinctive debut will be appreciated by fans of contemporary fiction."
—<a href="https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/sarah-skilton/bruised/" target="_blank">Kirkus Reviews </a><br />
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"This layered first novel explores the aftereffects of the trauma, convincingly depicting why Imogen blames herself for a situation over which she had no control. Skilton also sensitively depicts the bond and tentative romance that develops between Imogen and Ricky. The main story line about Imogen’s struggle to come to terms with what she did (and did not do) is nuanced and honest."
—Horn Book<br />
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"This is a useful exploration of the difference between fantasy-style omnipotence and the complexity of real-life human strength."
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books<br />
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<i>Here are 8 more Young Adult and Middle Grade books in early March I'm celebrating...</i><br />
<ol>
<li>Miranda Kenneally's <a href="http://mirandakenneally.com/writing/excerpt-from-bad-bad-thing/" target="_blank">THINGS I CAN'T FORGET</a></li>
<li>Mindee Arnett's <a href="http://www.mindeearnett.com/nightmare-affair-series/" target="_blank">THE NIGHTMARE AFFAIR</a></li>
<li>Evan Roskos' <a href="http://evanroskos.com/" target="_blank">DR. BIRD’S ADVICE FOR SAD POETS</a></li>
<li>Tamera Wissinger's <a href="http://www.tamerawillwissinger.com/" target="_blank">GONE FISHING</a></li>
<li>Steven dos Santos' <a href="http://stevendossantos.com/home.html" target="_blank">THE CULLING</a> </li>
<li>Chad Morris' <a href="http://chadmorrisauthor.com/" target="_blank">CRAIGBRIDGE HALL BOOK 1: THE INVENTOR’S SECRET</a></li>
<li>Bridget Zinn's <a href="http://www.bridgetzinn.com/index.php" target="_blank">POISON</a></li>
<li>Jessica Brody's <a href="http://www.jessicabrody.com/books/teen-fiction/unremembered-series/unremembered/about/" target="_blank">UNREMEMBERED</a></li>
</ol>
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Happiest of Book Birthdays to all!</div>
Sarah Skiltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242496273739569661noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565819901347496346.post-64277498668161814062013-02-27T06:00:00.000-08:002013-02-27T06:00:02.405-08:00Teen Author Reading Night Tomorrow at Downtown Los Angeles Public Library<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWArdYimYekrTPB_qnVZzh5by0VyXUJPSHn_BBc49k6-OKsHlYjjaMJXZNFrHBf4beCcsXVDV_cq54cS9tr7nVgebCMWY_Y8rvO4OdshAexw4MiHV_fo5VWuDU77axpU3UBrl6uDNWLY/s1600/TeenReadNight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWArdYimYekrTPB_qnVZzh5by0VyXUJPSHn_BBc49k6-OKsHlYjjaMJXZNFrHBf4beCcsXVDV_cq54cS9tr7nVgebCMWY_Y8rvO4OdshAexw4MiHV_fo5VWuDU77axpU3UBrl6uDNWLY/s400/TeenReadNight.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
On Thursday, February 28th (tomorrow!), I'll be participating in the <a href="http://www.lapl.org/" target="_blank">LAPL</a>'s Teen Author Reading Night alongside Amy Spalding (THE REECE MALCOLM LIST), Jessica Brody (UNREMEMBERED), and Michelle Gagnon (DONT TURN AROUND), and hosted by Cecil Castellucci.<br />
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We'll be reading excerpts from our new novels, chatting about books in general, and answering questions. Tomorrow also marks the one-year anniversary of the downtown library's Teen Author Reading Nights program. Doors open at 6:30; event starts at 7pm.<br />
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Thanks to Mary McCoy for helping to organize it!<br />
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<a href="http://www.lapl.org/collections-resources/blogs/central-library/teen-author-reading-night-celebrates-one-year-central" target="_blank">Click here for more information</a>. Hope you can make it!Sarah Skiltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242496273739569661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565819901347496346.post-42807503737681648342013-02-20T13:53:00.003-08:002013-02-20T13:55:35.391-08:00Creating Great Dialogue in YA BooksWhat were you up to in fall of 2011? I apparently did an online video interview with <a href="https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/" target="_blank">Author Learning Center</a>. It was uploaded this past week, so care to take a trip down memory lane with me?<br />
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In the below video, I discuss writing dialogue in YA books.<br />
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Fun facts: In late 2011, I was pregnant and had very short hair. I know! Crazy!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/iF3ncu5SFj0" width="560"></iframe>Sarah Skiltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242496273739569661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565819901347496346.post-72376047682931639272013-02-13T06:00:00.000-08:002013-02-13T09:27:27.168-08:00"What the...?!" Wednesday #3: What Goes Into Planning a Launch Party?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRacx3l5fyCoCmNgzq26AETvmQFMMuTuB2lUt5-LPv5UkmL4i5gnnOv2HymOmZwDaIbDVcHe8kLvsG9ZTurhu2zHtaw5hVtH9dzTyoZufL-ovP3lkAD06badzIlSBdadhm2V0wTJFfwA/s1600/sarah-champagne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRacx3l5fyCoCmNgzq26AETvmQFMMuTuB2lUt5-LPv5UkmL4i5gnnOv2HymOmZwDaIbDVcHe8kLvsG9ZTurhu2zHtaw5hVtH9dzTyoZufL-ovP3lkAD06badzIlSBdadhm2V0wTJFfwA/s200/sarah-champagne.jpg" width="150" /></a>I should probably explain what a launch party is first.<br />
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A launch party is a way for an author to celebrate the release of his or her book and get the word out to the community that a local writer has made good [aka lives among them and can't be trusted not to eavesdrop]. The party takes place at a book store so the author can sign copies for friends, family, and (gasp) strangers.<br />
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Some authors like to include a reading or Q&A session before the signing. Some authors provide raffles, trivia games, or other entertainment. Some authors offer champagne, wine, and snacks. Some authors -- wait. I think nightly readings of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Mommy-Book-Todd-Parr/dp/0316070440" target="_blank">The Mommy Book</a> by Todd Parr have bled over into my syntax. Anyway, you get the idea.<br />
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So!<br />
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Planning a launch party requires advance prep work. I live in the suburbs, and I really wanted to celebrate the launch of BRUISED at my local bookstore. The <a href="http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/store/2642" target="_blank">Valencia Barnes & Noble</a> is a warm, inviting place I go to almost every week. I also attend monthly SCBWI shmoozes there, so I knew I'd feel comfortable throwing the party there, and that memories of the event would make me smile in the future while browsing the stacks or hitting up Saturday story time with my son.<br />
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Even though my book doesn't come out until March 5, I contacted the community relations manager, Joelle, last November to introduce myself and my book, and ask if the store might host me.<br />
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Because the holidays are crazy in retail, we agreed to discuss the details after the new year. In the meantime, Joelle graciously booked me for Saturday, March 16th, so I could begin spreading the word.<br />
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Once January rolled around, Joelle and I got together in person to go over some basics. I brought her a copy of BRUISED for her and her staff to read (they're apparently big YA fans, yay!), a review I'd recently gotten from Publishers Weekly, and some postcards.<br />
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Barnes & Noble would be putting up posters in the window to advertise, and I offered to print fresh bookmarks for customers to take home in the month leading up to the launch.<br />
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There were also a few smaller items that needed discussing, like decorations, table cloths, gift bags, chair locations, book displays, etc. Joelle gave me a list of people worth contacting, which was an enormous help. She knows all the local librarians and book club organizers, and she even got me in touch with the host of a radio show about the arts in Santa Clarita.<br />
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I've been gathering fun items to raffle off, including signed swag and even a few ARCs from fellow 2013 debut authors <a href="http://www.theamyspalding.com/" target="_blank">Amy Spalding</a>, <a href="http://kristenkittscher.com/" target="_blank">Kristen Kittscher</a>, <a href="http://www.catwinters.com/" target="_blank">Cat Winters</a>, <a href="http://www.elisabethdahl.com/" target="_blank">Elisabeth Dahl</a>, <a href="http://www.rachelealpine.com/" target="_blank">Rachele Alpine</a>, <a href="http://www.nicolemcinnes.com/" target="_blank">Nicole McInnes</a>, <a href="http://pollyholyoke.com/" target="_blank">Polly Holyoke</a>, and more. I'm really looking forward to the celebration!<br />
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If you live in or near Los Angeles, consider this your invite. My launch party takes place on <a href="http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/event/79398" target="_blank">Saturday, March 16th from 1 to 3 pm at the Valencia, CA Barnes & Noble</a>.<br />
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Hope to see you there!Sarah Skiltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242496273739569661noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565819901347496346.post-30505821708331530502013-02-06T06:00:00.000-08:002013-02-12T20:22:04.118-08:00Cruisin' for a Bruisin' (Sorry. Really.) BRUISED Links<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixglIhE5p7vYsOm3Y8ahKstF0PC1b0QiGEH7C8y8wCjJFF57s3VYNbZHGg46bhn2EoQQRY5UFc5x0U36-CgcdG0FzAPp2iIK62tOUuBvRVgzxC08jNDsVKY6IKJE5rujjNYN5w2GHefRU/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixglIhE5p7vYsOm3Y8ahKstF0PC1b0QiGEH7C8y8wCjJFF57s3VYNbZHGg46bhn2EoQQRY5UFc5x0U36-CgcdG0FzAPp2iIK62tOUuBvRVgzxC08jNDsVKY6IKJE5rujjNYN5w2GHefRU/s200/photo.JPG" width="150" /></a>Here's my latest book news:<br />
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1. BRUISED received a <a href="http://www.abramsbooks.com/Books/Bruised-9781419703874.html" target="_blank">starred review</a> from <a href="http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-4197-0387-4" target="_blank">Publishers Weekly</a>.<br />
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2. The book comes out in 1 month! You can <a href="http://www.sarahskilton.com/" target="_blank">pre-order it all sorts of ways</a>.<br />
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3. I have one last ARC (advance readers copy) and I'm <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/43830-bruised" target="_blank">giving it away on GoodReads</a>. <br />
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4. Read an <a href="http://www.alicemarvels.com/archives/Author_Corner-detail/excerpt-bruised-by-sarah-skilton" target="_blank">exclusive excerpt</a> from the book at <a href="http://www.alicemarvels.com/" target="_blank">Alice Marvel's site.</a><br />
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5. "<a href="http://www.readerswonderland.com/2013/02/arc-review-bruised-dac.html" target="_blank">Readers in Wonderland" blog reviewed BRUISED </a>as part of their Debut Author Challenge series.<br />
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6. If you take a picture of BRUISED out in the wild (aka at a library or a bookstore) and send it to me, I'll mail you a <i><b>limited edition signed bookmark</b></i>. (Limited edition because I ran out of money.) (But they look really cool.)<br />
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To get a bookmark, just <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Sarah_Skilton" target="_blank">tweet me</a> the photo, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sarah-Skilton-Writer/142255925852923" target="_blank">post it on my Facebook Page</a>, or email it to me: bruisedbook [at] gmail [dot] com <br />
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<br />Sarah Skiltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242496273739569661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565819901347496346.post-91006497148039464432013-01-30T06:00:00.000-08:002013-01-30T06:00:00.234-08:00"What The...?!" Wednesday #2: What is ALA, and What is the ALA Conference?Funny you should ask, as I happen to have spent this weekend at the ALA Conference in Seattle.<br />
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There will be pictures and everything. Hold on to your hats!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qkU_L2uxuiCyqz5VT8_Bo3HWvKZW-_4rzLFV_hg2ULfaDmjdhqdeZMeqvNIIV2yg_bKeqMfgyAQ8p4VXbbnVA2x-u1vn5qnfIzAYT3INlgC5r92gNBrNtk4SfYFh9Bk8obHUJWxPww4/s1600/AbramsBuzz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qkU_L2uxuiCyqz5VT8_Bo3HWvKZW-_4rzLFV_hg2ULfaDmjdhqdeZMeqvNIIV2yg_bKeqMfgyAQ8p4VXbbnVA2x-u1vn5qnfIzAYT3INlgC5r92gNBrNtk4SfYFh9Bk8obHUJWxPww4/s320/AbramsBuzz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>(Okay but seriously feel free to jump in with your own questions anytime. This one's kind of a gimmee.) ------></i><br />
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Anyway, ALA stands for the <a href="http://www.ala.org/" target="_blank">American Library Association</a>, and the ALA Conference is a week-long event in which librarians, publishers, authors, book reviewers, book bloggers, school teachers, publicists, marketing directors, avid readers, and even library suppliers (those enormous "return" bins outside libraries have to come from somewhere) meet up at a convention to discuss the state of the industry from several angles.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69gheHpYl1yqXdAXqAPxlH6MGLeUL5rAztkdfYjGYDZflAbhj16jPZ9YGQBOPLEBBVy2qv80BwpgqQ0YGM8iC-FCKCleUSiXZaWv0WivK-F6zzD8AUlZdsLhkob8Z8XE_AbNR1gX2lPk/s1600/ALAHotel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69gheHpYl1yqXdAXqAPxlH6MGLeUL5rAztkdfYjGYDZflAbhj16jPZ9YGQBOPLEBBVy2qv80BwpgqQ0YGM8iC-FCKCleUSiXZaWv0WivK-F6zzD8AUlZdsLhkob8Z8XE_AbNR1gX2lPk/s320/ALAHotel.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Mom outside our hotel in Seattle<br /></td></tr>
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The conference I attended was the <a href="http://alamw13.ala.org/" target="_blank">Midwinter Meeting and Exhibition</a>. The <a href="http://ala13.ala.org/" target="_blank">ALA Annual</a> will occur June 27 - July 2 in Chicago.<br />
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Some publishers use their booth to give away advance copies of their upcoming books, plus posters, calendars, and other swag. Others host book signings and buzz panels to showcase established authors or introduce debut authors to the world.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ALapeh4vn1CN5n0TR2jt6Rw5-5uKBnyON5nIhZp-YZ1DwlhmE51W8iAcOk2DnWM0tT6JF4NIB-WOdT9GbFQ5JYyjY96rES2AL7X5KrBtUctnRGHIBOZ2kUV9aOPyWivaXUpLVvaQjcE/s1600/TheBooth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ALapeh4vn1CN5n0TR2jt6Rw5-5uKBnyON5nIhZp-YZ1DwlhmE51W8iAcOk2DnWM0tT6JF4NIB-WOdT9GbFQ5JYyjY96rES2AL7X5KrBtUctnRGHIBOZ2kUV9aOPyWivaXUpLVvaQjcE/s320/TheBooth.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Blatantly Stolen from <a href="http://statigr.am/abramskids" target="_blank">AbramsKids Instagram</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRK15KT7pseSo9XwPJfUhPpHPPoBapuIsdzy8RL9IDjNw8ZWTTTaSD6KEhk3unLPm2rXsY5wh4UUcWZJe6euZ55tx3ziUjnU6asKrBjwL_0GPLd9FTTyx50H_swlEjWObthQqQQiGe7hY/s1600/firstsigning.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRK15KT7pseSo9XwPJfUhPpHPPoBapuIsdzy8RL9IDjNw8ZWTTTaSD6KEhk3unLPm2rXsY5wh4UUcWZJe6euZ55tx3ziUjnU6asKrBjwL_0GPLd9FTTyx50H_swlEjWObthQqQQiGe7hY/s320/firstsigning.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Very First Book Signing! Photo Credit: Mom</td></tr>
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<b>Bonus WTW Question</b>: Why on earth would publishers want to give away free copies of their yet-to-be released books to hundreds, nay, thousands of librarians?<br />
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<b>Bonus WTW Answer</b>: In the hopes that those librarians will fall in love and purchase final copies for their libraries.<br />
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<b>Bonus, Bonus Answer</b>: Forging personal connections with librarians isn't just good business, it's fun.<br />
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My publisher, <a href="http://www.abramsbooks.com/Books/Bruised-9781419703874.html" target="_blank">Abrams/Amulet</a>, very generously arranged for me (BRUISED), <a href="http://statigr.am/p/378217489125946820_208018148" target="_blank">Cat Winters</a> (IN THE SHADOW OF BLACKBIRDS), <a href="http://statigr.am/p/378273666048276062_208018148" target="_blank">Patrick Jennings</a> (BAT AND RAT), Tom Angleberger (FAKE MUSTACHE, Art2 D2), <a href="http://statigr.am/p/377058838684185809_208018148" target="_blank">Nikki McClure</a> (HOW TO BE A CAT), and <a href="http://statigr.am/p/377039498312234917_208018148" target="_blank">Margi Preus</a> (SHADOW ON THE MOUTAIN) to participate in the convention.<br />
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I've never done a book signing or spoken publicly to strangers about my book, so needless to say, I was excited but nervous. Luckily, I had a secret weapon: my mom, a former librarian, traveled with me. Yay, Mom, you're the best!<br />
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We had a lovely time, and I'm grateful to the Abrams team -- Maggie Lehrman, Jason Wells, Cecily Kaiser, and Laura Milhalick -- for including me in the festivities.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2DW0v1SKIEZr0ty_rYxbModvD9KF0_g6VkHtbkxFdxGjpVV0CmHdZl4Ra7hlD5tWVZGxhqUAh3e4SkxL65R1iyPo7N0csv-dBZTO3kzqdffqdzIqgnltSj2RJsjIKFFHUDLikptGDB0/s1600/Panelists.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2DW0v1SKIEZr0ty_rYxbModvD9KF0_g6VkHtbkxFdxGjpVV0CmHdZl4Ra7hlD5tWVZGxhqUAh3e4SkxL65R1iyPo7N0csv-dBZTO3kzqdffqdzIqgnltSj2RJsjIKFFHUDLikptGDB0/s320/Panelists.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jason, Cecily, and Maggie Introduce the Spring '13 Catalog<br /></td></tr>
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I spoke at a book buzz panel, a librarian luncheon, and a local bookseller dinner. I also signed copies of BRUISED at the awesome Abrams booth, and flew home with a bag full of books from throughout the exhibit hall.<br />
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Want more scoop from ALA Midwinter? Check out <a href="http://www.catwinters.com/2013/01/photos-and-news-from-my-first-in-shadow.html" target="_blank">Cat Winters' blog</a> for her take on the weekend.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cat Winters (IN THE SHADOW OF BLACKBIRDS) and me outside the Abrams Buzz Panel</td></tr>
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Sarah Skiltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242496273739569661noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565819901347496346.post-69205758144023006652013-01-23T09:48:00.000-08:002013-01-24T12:13:00.156-08:00"What The...?!" Wednesday #1: Why Does Publishing Take So Long?Oh, does it take long? I hadn't noticed.
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Har. Hee! Whee.<br />
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Back in early 2011, when I jumped up and down and told my friends and family I'd sold my book, they thought that meant it was going to be in bookstores within the month. "When can I get it?" they asked, sweetly, naively. "Next week?"
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"Spring 2013," I said, and felt a perverse joy in watching their eyes glaze over.<br />
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"Whaaaaa? Why does it take so long?"<br />
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My experience happens to be with traditional publishing, so I can only speak to that, but I hope this proves informative to other writers and their anxious loved ones.<br />
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The short, simplified answer is: quality control. And thank goodness for it.<br />
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A manuscript isn't acquired by an editor at a publishing house because it's perfect; it's acquired because the editor likes the raw material and believes she can help shape and mold it into something even better.<br />
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Such was the case with my book. Before I signed a publishing contract, I spoke with my agent, Sara Megibow, and my potential editor, Maggie Lehrman, on a conference call so I could get a sense of how <a href="http://www.abramsbooks.com/amulet.html" target="_blank">Amulet Books</a> worked and what Maggie envisioned for the story. I LOVED her ideas and immediately wished I’d already implemented them.<br />
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The first stage of edits consists of general edit notes: the broad ideas about plot, theme, or possibly reworking character arcs, both big and small, throughout the book. That took a few months.<br />
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Next up were line edits, which dig in to more detailed, sentence-level edits for meaning and consistency.<br />
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After that were copy edits and proofing, which correct word usage, grammar (<a href="http://sarahskilton.blogspot.com/2012/06/purposeful-errors.html" target="_blank">unless the character voice deliberately eschews it</a>), typos, and redundancies.<br />
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Next up: First pass pages! This is exciting because it's the first time you get to see the book's layout: how the finished product will appear, complete with fonts. *YES, I got way too excited about my font.<br />
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First pass pages are followed by...you guessed it...second pass pages. And keep in mind I wasn't Maggie's only book, of course. While all this was going on, she was editing several other novels on her list, not to mention reading tons of brand-new submissions.<br />
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Other talented people were hard at work designing the book's cover and interior art (<a href="http://sarahskilton.blogspot.com/2013/01/art-designer-maria-middleton-talks.html" target="_blank">read my review with Abram's Associate Art Director, Maria Middleton</a>), writing catalog and jacket copy, printing up the ARCs (advance reader copies) for reviewer and/or bloggers, creating marketing plans, and more.<br />
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Were there days I wished I could jump ahead to the release date? Sure! But now that it's fast approaching, I find myself grateful that nothing was rushed into publication before it was ready. (And from what I've heard, most writers still go through their published books thinking of things they'd change.)<br />
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If I didn't have all that help from the talented people at Amulet, my book wouldn't be half as good as it it's turned out to be. And on March 5, I hope you'll see for yourself how their amazing work paid off!<br />
<br />Sarah Skiltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242496273739569661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6565819901347496346.post-53721901664112945022013-01-17T18:09:00.006-08:002013-01-23T09:49:29.740-08:00Introducing "What The...! Wednesdays"Considering that...<br />
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A) It's not Wednesday but Thursday that I'm typing this<br />
B) I have no topics pre-selected for tonight anyway<br />
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...I'll understand if the title of this post is confusing. Last year I updated my blog (almost) every Thursday, but for 2013, I'm moving to Wednesdays, for a new series I like to call "What The...! Wednesdays." On "WTW"s, I'll be answering questions about books, publishing, agents, editing, and anything else I feel equipped to explain / pontificate on now that my book is honest-to-God coming out, with a second contracted for 2014, and a third being rough drafted. <br />
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Until recently, I didn't feel comfortable writing advice posts because I didn't believe I had the authority or experience to talk about publishing. Not saying I'm suddenly an expert, but I have learned A LOT over the past couple of years and I think it'd be fun to answer questions for those who are starting out or want to know more about the process of becoming a traditionally published author.<br />
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On that note, <a href="http://www.sarahskilton.com/contact.html" target="_blank">feel free to send me questions</a> via <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Sarah_Skilton" target="_blank">Twitter </a>or <a href="http://www.sarahskilton.com/contact.html" target="_blank">email</a>, and I'll post my answers on the blog every(ish) Wednesday. If I don't know the answer, I'll find someone in publishing who does, and interview them on the topic.<br />
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In other news, I joined <a href="http://sleuthsspiesandalibis.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sleuths, Spies & Alibis</a>, a fabulous resource for teachers, librarians, writers, and mystery/thriller fans of all ages.<br />
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I also continue to be active at the <a href="http://www.thelucky13s.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lucky 13s blog</a>, where we're celebrating our debut year (AT LAAAAAAAAST) in style. Check out our frequently updated <a href="http://www.thelucky13s.blogspot.com/p/appearances.html" target="_blank">Appearances page </a>to find out when a Lucky 13s author will be signing books or speaking on a panel near you!<br />
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See you next Wednesday, Mousketeers. Sarah Skiltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18242496273739569661noreply@blogger.com2