Ally Condie's Blog, page 7
March 2, 2012
February 28, 2012
writing for charity conference, giveaway winners, and more!
Have you heard about the Writing for Charity Conference? It's an amazing writing workshop where you can get your writing sample critiqued by a professional author, attend breakout sessions, and learn more about craft. All proceeds go to charity, and it's insanely affordable (only $45 for the full day, including lunch, and $25 for the half day). This year's conference is coming right up–it's March 17th, 2012, at the beautiful Provo City Library. You can register here. A full list of awesome authors who are presenting is here (including Shannon Hale, who started the conference several years ago)!
Due to the fact that we have a new baby at our house this spring, I'm not participating in the conference part of Writing for Charity this year, but I did contribute an item to the Silent Auction–I'm part of a group lunch with several other authors (Brodi Ashton, Bree Despain, Matthew Kirby, and Emily Wing Smith) that is up for bidding at the conference.
I also wanted to thank you for your comments on the Breathless Reads tour and list the winners again–Bethany, Doug Soulter, Becky Wallace, and Jenny. So far, Bethany and Jenny have claimed their prizes! If I don't hear from the other winners by this Friday, March 2, at midnight MST, I'll pick again. Thanks again for entering, and to Penguin Teen for the books and posters for the giveaway!
Finally, the lone event that I have planned for this spring is coming up, at the Holladay Library on March 23. (Again, this is because of our new addition–we're busy bonding and I've really limited what I've taken on for her first few months in our home.) While I imagine that I'll start to do events again in a couple of months, this is the only public event that I have on the calendar…well, at all. So I would LOVE to see you there! I'll be speaking and then signing books. You can find more info, including how you can get your (free) ticket, over on the Events page.
I think that's all for now…I'll be back next Tuesday with some answers to a few FAQ that I've been getting lately. Hope you all have a lovely end-of-February!
February 23, 2012
breathless reads 2012: andrea cremer takes us to ashland, wisconsin
photo from www.wisconsinharbortowns.net
For an explanation of the Breathless Reads tour and these guest posts, click here.
Also, previous winners of the Breathless Reads giveaways are announced on the original posts (they've been updated). So make sure to see if you've won!
Ally: Andrea! Where are you taking us for our final stop on the armchair tour?
Andrea: My hometown: Ashland, WI. A little place – population ~ 8,000 – nestled on the south shore of Lake Superior.
Ally: Why is Ashland important to you?
Andrea: Ashland nurtured my spirit and imagination. With the beauty of the lake and the wildness of the forests that surrounded me, I had endless opportunities to dream up magical, wondrous worlds.
Ally: Where should we begin?
Andrea: A walk in the woods. I'll take you through the trails by my house and share all the names of the places my brother, best friend, and I created as children.
Ally: This sounds wonderful. And this is exactly what my brother and sisters and I use to do–we had this elaborate world of tree forts in the undeveloped land behind our house. Although, I am certain your trees are much taller…
Andrea: Afterwards, we'll go have breakfast at Golden Glow – typical, delicious, greasy spoon fare. Plus, you'll get to meet Fish Camp (more on that below).
Then we'll head to Lake Superior! We can walk along the shore, check out the oredock (once there were nine) or we can head up Hwy 13 and take a ferry out to the Apostle Islands. If we're visiting in winter you might be lucky enough to walk out to the sea caves. Any other time of year and we'll have to take kayaks.
Ally: This all sounds positively magical. I have never seen sea caves and I never knew how badly I wanted to until now!!
Andrea: Later, if we're up in Bayfield we should go to Maggie's. It's the crazy, Caribbean-hued spot with all the flamingoes. My recommendation: the black and blue burger. It's the best burger I've ever had. If you're looking for something unique: whitefish livers.
Ally: I went online and checked out the black and blue burger, and it sounds delish. I am a big fan of blue cheese.
Andrea: Next, we'll go to a movie. Bay 1 of the Bayview Theater on Mainstreet in Ashland. Check out those 1960s murals! This is old school movie-going at its best ☺
Ally: I googled pictures of this theater and it is adorable! And below, a few more Q & A with Andrea…
Where is the best place to write/read here?
Andrea: The Black Cat coffee shop. Cool baristas, amazing coffee, free WiFi.
Ally: The best place to buy a book?
Andrea: Bookworld on Main Street!
Ally: Is there anyone I just have to meet in this town before I leave?
Andrea: You need to meet the fabulous ladies of Fish Camp + one Ed Monroe (the former mayor). Fish Camp is code for the ladies who breakfast at the Golden Glow Café. You'll find them there every morning from 8 – 9 a.m. My fish camp compatriots are the best listeners and they love you whether you're up or down. I carry a picture of them in my wallet to remind me of the loving community that supports me. And most importantly, what happens at Fish Camp stays at Fish Camp! Ed Monroe, a sometime visitor to Fish Camp who's allowed in on account of his being the husband of awesome Fish Camp regular, Maribeth Monroe, is the namesake of the character Monroe from Nightshade and Wolfsbane!
Ally: How cool. As someone who also came from a small town, I can relate to that feeling of support. These ladies from Fish Camp (and Mayor Monroe!) sound amazing.
Ally: What song always makes you think about this place?
Andrea: It's not a song that you'd know – it's called "Ashland, Our Home" and it's sung every year at the high school graduation. From the first time I heard it the song makes me tear up.
Andrea, thank you for taking the time to answer these questions and to let us know a little more about your hometown!
The prize package for Andrea's novel is a biggie: 1 NIGHTSHADE set with 1 paperback of NIGHTSHADE, 1 paperback of WOLFSBANE, and 1 hardcover of BLOODROSE + 1 Breathless Reads Spring 2012 poster.
To win, leave a comment on this post by midnight (MST) February 24th. The contest is open to US/Canada. You may only comment once.
Good luck, and thanks again to Penguin Teen for providing the books and posters for the giveaway and to the authors for participating in this tour. It has been so much fun for me and has definitely helped with the cabin fever that February in Utah can often bring. I hope you blog readers have enjoyed the armchair tour as well!
February 21, 2012
breathless reads 2012: jessica spotswood takes us to washington, d.c.
For an explanation of the Breathless Reads tour and these guest posts, click here.
Also, previous winners of the Breathless Reads giveaways are announced on the original posts (they've been updated). So make sure to see if you've won!
Ally: Jessica, so far we've been to Pasadena, California, and to Cleveland County, North Carolina. Where are you taking us?
Jessica: My town – Washington, DC!
A: Why is this place important to you?
J: I grew up in a little one-stoplight town surrounded by apple orchards and farms. I never, ever thought I'd want to live in a city. But now I do – and I have for the last three years – and I love it. I love the diversity, the cultural opportunities, and all the restaurants! I feel like most people think of DC in terms of white marble monuments and power suits, but there's actually a thriving arts community as well.
A: Wonderful! Where do we begin?
J: Eastern Market! Let's pretend it's the weekend. We'll get a cup of tea from Peregrine and stroll down 7th Street SE, which is filled with vendors selling art, jewelry, handmade clothing, and all sorts of crafts. We can stop at the amber jeweler, where I've bought rings to celebrate various writing milestones, and sift through bins of cards, and try on fun hats. Then we'll visit the indoor food market, where the cheese vendor will offer us delicious samples of New York cheddar and chive cheddar, and we can buy homemade ravioli for later (the butternut squash and goat cheese is my favorite, but my best friend swears by the mushroom).
After walking through the market, you'll totally be hungry! We'll head back to my neighborhood and go to Sticky Rice. They have the best brunch: fantastic sushi, mock chicken and waffles, tater tot hash, black bean avocado chili. Plus the décor is really hipster fun (red walls with tattoo art).
A: This all sounds delicious! Where do we waddle to next?
J: Woolly Mammoth for a matinee! My favorite major DC theatre specializes in premieres of new work. Right now they're doing a new play by Jason Grote called Civilization (All You Can Eat), which is being billed as a "vaudevillian romp about consumption, corruption, and enterprise" featuring an all-star DC cast.
A: This sounds amazing. And, once we finish the matinee, it's (somewhat ironically) time for more consumption. Where will you take us for dinner?
J: Oyamel! It's DC chef José Andrés's Mexican restaurant. I love the guacamole and the fish tacos with cilantro, but if you're more adventurous you can try grasshopper tacos or cactus paddles.
A: In one of my books, the characters eat cactus, so I think I definitely need to give this a try myself. What's the last stop on our mini-itinerary?
J: The National Portrait Gallery. You didn't think I'd let you get away from DC without at least one museum, did you?
A: I was beginning to wonder…;) Actually, I've been to DC a few times, and never been to the National Portrait Gallery, so I'm very excited about this.
And here are a few more Q & A with Jessica…
A: Where is the best place to write/read here?
J: Sova. It's a coffee shop that turns into a great wine bar at 5pm. My husband and I sometimes have Friday afternoon writing dates that turn into happy hours. I wrote parts of BORN WICKED there, and it's where I'm having my launch party. It has really fun décor, too: red walls, chandeliers, gorgeous local art, and shabby-chic couches and tables.
A: The best place to buy a book?
J: The Fairy Godmother. It's my tiny local indie children's bookstore, right down the street from Eastern Market. Roberta, the proprietor, is always ready to offer a recommendation.
A: Is there anyone I just have to meet in this town before I leave?
J: My cat, Monkey! He's adorable.
A: What song always makes you think about this place?
J: "The District Sleeps Alone Tonight" by the Postal Service.
A: Love this song, and the Postal Service. Many thanks for stopping by, Jessica!!
To win a hardcover copy of Jessica's book, BORN WICKED, and a Breathless Reads Spring 2012 poster, leave a comment on this post by midnight (MST) February 22nd. The contest is open to US/Canada. You may only comment once. Good luck, and thanks again to Penguin Teen for providing the books and posters for the giveaways!
February 17, 2012
breathless reads 2012: beth revis takes us to cleveland county, north carolina
image from www.bridgesbbq.com
For an explanation of the Breathless Reads tour and these guest posts, click here.
Ally: So, Beth, where are you taking us today?
Beth: Welcome to Cleveland County, North Carolina!
A: Tell us about why this place is important to you.
B: After college, I needed a teaching job. I ended up in a small town in the northern part of Cleveland County. At the time, I thought it would temporary; I planned on quitting the second I got a book deal. But despite my best efforts, the little town wormed its way into my heart, and when—six years later—I finally got the book deal of my dreams, I cried like a baby when I turned in my resignation.
A: Where, exactly, in Cleveland County, will we start?
B: This is very much in the country: so dress appropriately! I think we'll start with a tour of school—complete with its own cow and goat pasture!
A: Okay, that's awesome. I wish my school had had its own cow and goat pasture. But all that walking made me hungry. Where are we going to eat?
B: We're going to Bridge's Bar-B-Que, best in the state! But we're going to the one in the country, not the one on the highway: there IS a difference, and it's worth the extra drive.
A: That sounds (and looks!) amazing. Where will you take us next?
B: Let's go to South Mountain: it's actually a rather small mountain range, one of the oldest in the nation. You people with the Rockies would laugh at it, but there are some great hiking trails and a waterfall.
A: I promise that we Rockies people will not laugh! And what if all this hiking makes us hungry again? What do we eat next?
B: Livermush. Made and packaged right here. I'm not eating any, though, that stuff is gross. What do you expect with a name like "livermush?"
A: Nothing good, that's for sure. I might go back to the BBQ. 
Where will you take us for our last stop?
B: Let's drive south, into Shelby. It's got a cute little Main Street (with a great ice cream shop), but I'm thinking you're most going to be interested in the train stop…after all, that's where the filmed the train stop scene for District 12 for the HUNGER GAMES movie! If you squint, you can still see the "District 12" painted on the side.
A: Ice cream and Hunger Games. Is there anything better? (No. There is not.) Thank you for the tour, Beth! And, just for fun, here are a few more answers from Beth about Cleveland County.
A: Where is the best place to write/read here?
B: This is the country: get a laptop, and go outside. Unless it's raining. In which case, go to Broad River Coffee.
A: The best place to buy a book?
B: Unfortunately, our bookstore closed! But it's not that far of a drive to Fireside Books and Gifts…and so worth it!
A: What song always makes you think about this place?
B: Pretty much any country music song, although for the record, Earl Scruggs was born here…
Thanks so much for stopping by, Beth!
Once again, Penguin Teen has been kind enough to donate books for our giveaway! Today's prize package is a great one– 1 ACROSS THE UNIVERSE set with 1 paperback of ACROSS THE UNIVERSE and 1 hardcover of A MILLION SUNS + 1 Breathless Reads Spring 2012 poster.
Want to enter? Here's how. Leave a comment on this post by midnight (MST) February 18th. The contest is open to US/Canada. You may only comment once. Good luck!
February 15, 2012
breathless reads 2012: marie lu takes us to pasadena, california
For an explanation of the Breathless Reads tour and these guest posts, click here.
Ally: So, Marie…where are we going? ☺
Marie: We're headed to Pasadena, California—home of the Rose Bowl!
A: Tell us why this place is important to you.
M: I first moved to Los Angeles for college, and accidentally discovered Pasadena one summer while I was interning for the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. Fell in love with the city, moved there after college, and stuck around ever since. Pasadena is part of the Los Angeles setting I used in LEGEND.
A: So let's get started! What should we do in Pasadena?
M: Okay, I'm assuming we're not here during New Year's, because the main thing to see then would be the Rose Parade. But if this is just a normal day, the first thing a newcomer should see in Pasadena is the Huntington Library and Garden. This was originally the private art collection and estate of California railroad heir Henry E. Huntington; now, it's a public museum showcasing his amazing collection and gorgeous grounds. Japanese Zen gardens, priceless paintings . . . it's fun times.
A: It sounds beautiful! But now I'm hungry. Where are we going to eat?
M: Let's head over to South Pasadena, a super cute little town that's separate from Pasadena itself. They have a lovely outdoors-y restaurant called Firefly, with delicious scones and Devonshire cream and asparagus omelettes and shrimp n' grits. And I'm not just saying that because the restaurant has the same name as my favorite sci-fi show.
A: Where to next?
M: Old Town Pasadena! This is a pretty and bustling outdoor shopping/eating area on Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena's main street. It's been around for over a hundred years, and many of the buildings still have a lovely, vintage look.
A: I'm hungry again (I know, it's like you're on a trip with a small child.) Any other ideas about where/what we could eat?
M: That's okay, I'm like a small child. I could eat nonstop all day. Since we're in Old Pas, let's grab a bite at redwhite+bluezz—delicious cheese platters and charcuterie, wine and champagne tasting flights, seared ahi, and live jazz.
For the last stop on the itinerary, if you're up for some dessert and a night out on the town, let's go to POP Champagne & Dessert Bar for some sweets (and more champagne, if it's just one of those nights).
A: I'll toast to you with ginger ale! And desserts sound fantastic!
And a few more questions/answers about Pasadena for Marie…
A: Where is the best place to write/read here?
M: For reading: In front of the South Pasadena Library. On a cool, sunny day, nothing's better than bringing a picnic blanket to the green lawn in front of the library and immersing yourself in a good book.
For writing: I do most of my writing at home, but sometimes I'll hang out at the Zephyr coffee shop and café. Awesome coffee, cute atmosphere.
A: The best place to buy a book?
M: This one's an obvi! Vroman's Pasadena is the oldest and largest independent bookstore in Southern California; it has two locations, but the main Vroman's is near the intersection of Colorado and Lake. The entire second floor is for Young Adult and children's literature, and the store hosts some of the coolest events and signings.
A: What song always makes you think about this place?
M:The Back to the Future theme song, because parts of the movies (i.e. a bunch of the suburban houses you see, like Doc's home and Marty's mom's home, etc) were filmed in Pasadena.
A: Thanks, Marie! I've never been to Pasadena and now I'd really love to go…
To enter to win a copy of Marie's book LEGEND (which received FIVE starred reviews!) and a Breathless Reads tour poster, please leave a (just one!) comment on this post by midnight (MST) February 16th. This giveaway is open to US/Canada only. Thanks again to Penguin Teen for sponsoring and for providing the books and posters!
February 14, 2012
breathless reads 2012 tour
Due to the exciting news mentioned in this post, I am spending a lot of this spring at home. While there is no place I would rather be, it also means I'm in the mood for some armchair traveling and vicarious living.
Luckily for me, Penguin Teen is having the Breathless Reads 2012 Tour (I was a participant in the Breathless Reads 2011 Tour and had a wonderful time). You can find more information on where and when the Breathless Reads 2012 events will take place here. And a digital sampler of all the Breathless Reads titles (including MATCHED!) here.
Check out the tour info and see if they are coming to a city near you! But even if not, never fear. You can armchair travel with me here on the blog.
For the next couple of weeks, I'll have guest posts by authors Andrea Cremer, Beth Revis, Marie Lu, and Jessica Spotswood–all fellow Penguin Teen authors who are on the tour this year. Because the tour last year took us to one another's hometowns, I thought that, for our armchair travels, I would ask the authors to select their favorite place and take us on a "tour" during the interview. (I also had this idea because of how much fun I had going on a virtual road trip with Rob Wells during the CROSSED blog tour this past November.)
So,come back to read about these authors and their favorite places. And guess what? Penguin Teen has graciously offered to let me give away copies of these authors' books, and also some Breathless Reads posters!
The first interview/giveaway will be tomorrow, with Marie Lu, the author of LEGEND. See you then! (And I hope your Valentine's Day is wonderful!)
February 9, 2012
where i am now
photo by my husband
Lately, I haven't been online as much. I've been even slower at responding to emails and tweets and comments, and I haven't been accepting any new travel or speaking engagements this spring. I can finally tell you why (and also ask for your patience in the future as this will be a major–and wonderful!–adjustment for our family).
We have a new daughter! She came home yesterday and we are all completely smitten with her. We adopted her from China, and while I know many people have many opinions on adoption, we know this little girl is meant to be in our family and are so very, very grateful that she's here. It has been a long process and it feels wonderful to have her in our arms.
I don't post information/pics regarding my kids online (having a judge for a dad has made me all too aware of crazy things that can happen), but I can tell you that she's an infant and that she is adorable. And I want to thank you all for your support! I am grateful for all of YOU blog readers and book readers as well.
January 31, 2012
lists and news!
Happy almost-February! I really like this month. I do. There are fun family birthdays, and treats, and it's short and spring is coming.
This is one of those newsy-type posts…
First of all, MATCHED was named to YALSA's list of 2012 Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults. You can see the full list here. I love YALSA!!! Remember when MATCHED made the 2011 Teens' Top Ten List and my life was made?
Second, I want to thank all of you for your support of both MATCHED and CROSSED. MATCHED has been on the New York Times bestseller list for paperback for 18 weeks running now, ever since its release, I believe. And CROSSED spent 7 weeks on the hardcover list, among many Lego books and also Brian Selznick. This significantly increased my nine-year-old's opinion of me.
Third, I have updated the Events page. Due to some family circumstances (no, I am not pregnant), I am really limiting events this spring, and so I just have one scheduled–a visit at the Holladay Library, which has been in the works for months. I would love to see you there!
Finally, I have some giveaways and author interviews scheduled for February. It should be a most excellent month. Come back soon! And I think I need to make these cookies.
January 24, 2012
i was afraid
We took our kids to Disneyland for the first time over the long weekend. My husband and I both had work off and so we decided to go for it–the kids have been wanting to go for a LONG time and they are perfect ages (everyone able to walk by themselves, use the potty, etc.). So off we went.
I spent the first day walking around in bliss. No jacket! Churros scenting the air! My three little people grinning and beaming and joyful about everything! My husband, as always, infinitely patient and hilarious and gentle and grinning.
It was a very good day, so much so that we stayed when night came on.
My middle boy, to our surprise, proved to be completely unafraid of any and all rides. He went on Indiana Jones, the roller coasters, and Splash Mountain without any fear. In fact, when we asked him what he'd like to do again, he wanted Splash Mountain. "You should take him," my husband said. (For the initial experience, I had been confined to the Winnie-the-Pooh ride with our littlest guy.)
I have always loved roller coasters and scary rides, and in previous Disneyland trips (as a kid, as a newly-minted high school graduate, as a young teacher chaperoning students), I always headed to those places first. So I climbed aboard with my two older boys without any feeling of apprehension.
And then we came up to the drop.
My middle boy took my arm and pulled it around him, tight, and put his arm over mine. And in that moment of rare physical closeness, the two of us tucked together, I felt his heart fluttering, and we began to fall.
He made no sound. Neither did I. Everything was very, very black. And– though I had been on the ride before– in some deep, primeval way that had more to do with the dark than the drop, I was afraid.
The picture in the display afterward did not show us. The man in front of us raised his arms and he was a big guy, and so my son and I did not appear in the picture at all, just one pink sleeve of my hoodie showing up in the corner.
For a moment, it was haunting, the nearly complete obliteration of the two of us. But I knew that moment would be forever imprinted in my mind. When it was dark, and the two of us were falling together, and we both held on.
