Michelle Zink's Blog, page 61

Thursday Night Write – Open Mic!

[image error]It's Thursday night and time for another episode of Thursday Night Write!

I'm getting ready for my big chat with the Mundie Moms at 9pm EST so I'm just going to throw this out there without much of a preface.

Besides, you guys know the rules!

Post your original writing sample of 300 words or less for comment, and don't forget to comment at least one other post. Writers of all ages and experience are invited to participate.

In other quick news, there's still a week left to participate in my

Share a Prize with Your Bestie!

[image error]It's almost September, and you know what that means.

School! Dun-dun-DUN.

There are all kinds of things that go along with the Back-to-School season. School supplies, new clothes, different classes… a fresh start all around! But the most important thing about school is the friends you make along the way.

How else can you be expected to survive late-night cram sessions, broken hearts, and boring classes?!

Back-to-School might have been a little different for Lia and her friends, but friendship is ...

Florence + the Machine, Homeschooling, and Layin it All Out There

[image error]Gosh, I love this week's Anonymous Teen Reader, Frenzy. From sharing books with her mom, recovering from addiction (and having the guts to say so), and embracing her complicated relationship with family (isn't every family relationship complicated?!), she's the epitome of authenticity, intelligence, and optimism.

In other words, a wonderful ambassador for her fellow teens!

Check back tomorrow for another awesome Guardian of the Gate giveaway – this one centered around friendship and that...

And the winners are…

[image error]You guys. I've been SOOOO lame lately. I forgot the Friday Poll yesterday and haven't even started reading the TNW posts yet.

In my defense, I've been unbelievably busy getting ready for tour, getting the kids ready for school, embedded in the horrific round of copyedits (don't get me started on this one), and oh yeah, launching a new book.

:D

But STILL! I hate to let you guys down and promise to get back on schedule this week. I'll be looking at the TNW posts within the next day or two and...

Thursday Night Write – Candlelight, Anyone?

[image error]I have to admit that I've always been a candle person. Melodramatic? Maybe. But who doesn't love to sink into the atmosphere of a flickering candle in a dark room.

It's also one of the very few things on which I can fix my mind when meditating that actually keeps me focused (the other, an island with wood drifting by in the current, is oddly different).

Or unfocused as it may be, since the biggest challenge of meditation is, for me, to NOT focus on the millions of thoughts and ideas drifting...

Atom Rules!

[image error]Have I ever told you guys how much I love my publisher, Atom Books, in the UK?

No? Well, I do. I love themmmm!

This is a picture sent to me by my editor  of the reception area at Atom in London. It's like a little Prophecy/Guardian homage!

:D

Thanks to everyone who bought Guardian of the Gate in its first full week. Most of the bookplates have been mailed. We're just finishing up the last few today and will put them in the mail tomorrow.I'll announce the two winners of the snake rings on...

Orange Range, Gattaca, and Failure

This week's Anonymous Teen Reader is Wisteria! There are so many things to love about this weekly feature (like discovering new bands and getting a first-hand peek into the minds of such a diverse group of modern teens), but this one has a special place in my heart.

As a single mother, I'm totally touched by a teen who recognizes the sacrifices her own single mother has made for her.

Plus, there's that bit about families and Shrek 3.

Wisteria, you're the bomb!

PS. Don't forget you have one...

Thursday, er, Friday Night Write – Open Mic!

[image error]So sorry for not posting this last night, guys. I was in the City all day and have been knee-deep in Guardian of the Gate stuff. I actually forgot it was Thursday!

O_o

So this week, we'll have a Friday Night Write instead. Post your 300-word-or-less excerpt for comment, and don't forget to comment someone else's post if you share one of your own.

And thanks so much for all your support for Guardian of the Gate this week! You guys are the bomb. I love every one of you.

Guardian of the Gate, the Ring, and a Signed bookplate!

[image error]Guess what, you guys??!!

It's OFFICIAL. Guardian of the Gate is now on bookshelves everywhere! And to celebrate, I'm giving away more of the gorgeous, limited edition bookplates I gave away for the Prophecy paperback.

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These bookplates were custom designed for Prophecy and Guardian and line up with the vines on the interior art of the title page.

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Isn't it a beauty?!

:D

But, wait! There's more! Every request for a bookplate gives you an entry to win that fantastic sterling silver Ourobouros...

Mew, Alice in Wonderland, and Speed Racer.

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Today's Anonymous Teen Reader is the Demented Authoress (I love it!)! The Demented Authoress clearly has a very good head on her shoulders with a preference for strong female characters and realistic love stories. Proof, yet again, that teenagers are an incredibly wise and pragmatic bunch!

JUST THE FACTS

Interview Code Name (you choose!); the Demented Authoress! (I haven't use that in a long while!)

Current country of residence; USA

Male or female? The female of the species

Age; Old enough to...