Kristen Landon's Blog
April 6, 2012
The Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award Program is the latest to exhibit extremely good taste by selecting THE LIMIT as one of its 2012-2013 nominees.
click here for the entire list of nominees.
March 30, 2012
In the spirit of 'All Things Hunger Games' the Scholastic April TAB Book order has a special two-page spread that's really fun. Each district is represented by at least one book. Examples: District 7 (lumber) has Gary Paulsen's HATCHET. District 4 (aquatic) has Kat Falls' DARK LIFE. THE LIMIT made the list. It's in The Capitol. Eeew . . . evil . . .
March 19, 2012
I just found out that THE LIMIT is a 2012-2013 Georgia Children's Book Award Nominee. Pretty cool!
March 1, 2012
I'm involved with a great group of Utah children's authors in putting on the fourth annual WRITING FOR CHARITY CONFERENCE. Here's a quick blurb:
Have your writing critiqued by professional authors ON SITE! Fabulous
workshops! Very affordable! Lunch provided! A silent auction with
amazing things to bid on….all donated by the authors. Items include
advance copies of novels, lunch with authors, manuscript critiques, and
much more! Come schmooze with writers for a great cause–putting books in
the hands of underprivileged children. March 17, 2012 (that's St.
Patrick's Day) at the Historic Provo Library. Check out the website for
more information: www.writingforcharity.blogspot.com
This conference is SO CHEAP–$45 for a full day of critiques and classes as well as lunch and a snack. Or just $25 for the afternoon classes. With presenters including Shannon Hale and Brandon Sanderson—you know you'll get your money's worth!
February 13, 2012
In THE LIMIT I mention–very briefly–a little contraption I made up called a caffeine inhaler. It's similar to an asthma inhaler, but it delivers a shot of caffeine. Now this device is a reality!
As someone who doesn't drink coffee or cola, I'm in no way advocating this device. I just thought it was interesting that someone actually invented the thing. (Note: I'm not claiming or complaining that they stole the idea from me.) To read an article about it–and the potential dangers of overuse–click here
January 27, 2012
When I wrote THE LIMIT I didn't intend for it to make a political statement. However, if readers want to look at it that way, it's okay with me.
I've had a few reviewers condemn THE LIMIT because adults would NEVER make their children responsible for their debt. Really? And what country are they living in?
Watch this video for another take on that theme. It's very funny–but also very sad, because it's true.
January 2, 2012
The following information is for all teens who dream about becoming a published author–but especially for the teen-authors I met at West Jordan Middle School just before Christmas. This is a great opportunity to rub shoulders with authors and learn a ton about writing. I highly recommend it.
The TEEN AUTHOR BOOT CAMP is once again being held for teens only! No adults allowed. (Except the presenters, I'm assuming.)
Basic info:
Sat. March 10, 2012, at UVU
Brandon Mull and ten other authors will be there.
Cost: $39 all day includes tuition, lunch, all-you-can-drink soda,
backpack, and entry into a first chapter contest (up to ten pages
critiqued. First prize worth $100)
December 6, 2011
THE LIMIT is out in paperback today!
Same book inside–totally new look outside. Here's the front and back jacket:
November 21, 2011
Okay, I'm later than I would have liked in gushing about how fabulous the Teen Book Fest at the Provo Library on November 12 turned out to be. What a fabulous afternoon of author presentations, crafts, and activities. The event started out with a sell-out crowd (the tickets were free, but hey) to hear key-note speaker Ally Condie. As one of the presenting authors, my two daughters and I were treated with reserved front row seats. Ally was great, telling her experience in creating 'Matched' and her newly released 'Crossed'.
The big ballroom in the library was then transformed into Dystopian Boot Camp. There were all sorts of activities from 'Hunger Games Archery' to 'Get Matched with your Perfect Mate'. For 'The Limit' they had 'Pool Noodle Jousting' (SO COOL and so much fun) (Read the book, you'll make the connection) and a fantastic debt/credit game that was like The Price is Right with a fun twist–and candy bars for the winners.
Each author gave a presentation and signed books. The final even of the day was a panel featuring all four authors–Elana Johnson and Robinson Wells were there as well as me and Ally.
The Provo Library puts on amazing events every year. If you missed this one, make sure you stop by next year.
November 1, 2011
This is going to be so cool! The theme this year of this awesome event is Dystopian–so THE LIMIT will feel right at home. Four authors will be in attendance, and the library will have crafts and activities related to each book. I've heard a rumor that there will be a credit/debit game (something like THE PRICE IS RIGHT with a twist) to honor THE LIMIT. I can't wait to see exactly what they came up with.
Other authors featured are Ally Condie, Elana Johnson, and Robinson Wells. November 12 is the day to mark on your calendars. Click here for all the details.
