Debra Driza's Blog, page 3
August 14, 2011
This tattoo is my favorite new POSSESSion.
I interrupt my self-imposed revision exile to bring you this:
Whatever POSSESSed Fergie?
*Disclaimer: No sleeping hound dogs were harmed in the taking of this photo.
Also, while I'm here–go check out MTV's Awkward. It's my fave new teen show by a mile.
Oh, Jenna.
Jenna and Matty...trying to DTR.
Now, back to the revision cave!! Hopefully I'll emerge long enough later this week to post a few SCBWI pics–especially since my pajama party costume was totally crazypants.
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June 15, 2011
Born Wicked cover reveal and Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer ARC giveaway!
First off–a cover reveal! Check out fellow Apocalypsie Jessica Spotwood's cover for BORN WICKED–isn't it STUNNING???
Check out her celebratory contest here.
So, some news. My blog posting time is going to be limited this summer as I dive into revisions for MILA 2.0.
Maybe *I* could learn to type with my feet…
I'll try to not to disappear completely, but instead continue with updates, photos, and little bits of randomness. In fact, I'm going to kick off my revision-mania with an ARC giveaway!
This giveaway is for Andrea Cremer's WOLFSBANE, the eagerly anticipated follow-up to NIGHTSHADE.
Summary:
This thrilling sequel to the much-talked-about Nightshade begins just where it ended–Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemy, and she's certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer–one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack–and the man–she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive
If you're a Nightshade fan then I know you must be panting after this book (cough, couldn't resist), which comes at the end of July!
To win, we're going to play a little game called Name That Musk. Tell me in the comments what you'd name a designer werewolf cologne or perfume. You get an extra entry for tweeting about the contest, and entries close on Monday, June 20th, at noon PST.
Good luck!
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June 14, 2011
Tickle Me Dauntless
So, last week was the final week (sniff sniff) of the Divergent Faction Challenge (inspired by Veronica Roth's book, Divergent), and we ended with:
DAUNTLESS
From the Divergent fansite:
*****DAUNTLESS: fearless, undaunted.
Undaunted: courageously resolute, especially in the face of danger or difficulty; not discouraged.
It's those two definitions (fearless, and undaunted) that I found so fascinating. Being fearless and being undaunted are two different things. And the characters in DIVERGENT struggle with that distinction. ******
Oddly enough, danger did not really rear its ugly head in my small northern suburb of San Diego last week. I'd like to think I would have held off an armed robber with my bare hands if the need had arisen, but the most dangerous event for me consisted of dropping my son off at school. Hey, don't laugh—that parking lot is insanity on a stick.
Instead, I chose to embrace my dauntlessness by doing something I'd always wanted to do and never quite had the guts for: dyeing my hair a crazy color. I know, for some of you, this is a big SO WHAT? But for me, it took courage. And it wasn't just about the dyeing, but about dealing with the looks I knew I'd get post-streakage.
(there's a peek-a-boo streak on the other side that you can't see from this angle)
I'm kind of loving the pink, though. Strangely, I even feel a little empowered. Who knows? Today it's pink streaks, tomorrow, maybe I'll start jumping off trains.
In all seriousness, I think we could use a little more dauntlessness in our lives.
Read other Dauntless week posts here:
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June 7, 2011
Divergent Finale: DAUNTLESS WEEK
Just a quick drive by to remind you all that it's DAUNTLESS WEEK, the last week of our Divergent Faction Challenge!
Go forth, be brave, and report back on Friday!
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June 3, 2011
Divergent Faction Challenge Results: Erudite
Week Four of the Divergent Faction Challenge (based on the book Divergent by Veronica Roth):
Well, this week was not a good week for the Faction Challenge, and it had nothing to do with Erudite. I just found it impossible to focus on anything beyond finishing up my MILA draft. Right now, the only faction I'm good for is the Sleep Faction.
Here's what it says about Erudite off the Divergent fansite:
ERUDITE: characterized by great knowledge; learned or scholarly
The word "erudite" focuses on knowledge rather than intelligence– intelligence being something you're born with, and can't necessarily control, and knowledge being something that you acquire. I find that interesting, given what I know about Erudite.
Although, come to think of it, the time constraints I had this week *are* relevant. Personally, I would love nothing more than to be a lifetime student. I love learning, and I love academic settings. I love researching topics that interest me–in fact, several of my friends have dubbed me "the Google Queen." But, as awesome as it might be, I can't sit around all day and focus purely on the acquisition of knowledge. Other commitments–kids, home life, work, etc–all have to take priority.
Plus, I only want to study things I have a genuine interest in–often, with the intent of using that knowledge in some way. Knowledge for knowledge's sake is all fine and dandy, but it seems like a better use of time would be learning how to implement some of that newfound information.
As usual, keep checking back in for links to other participants, which I'll list below! And make sure to tune in next week, where we conclude the challenge with….
DAUNTLESS!
Sarah Enni
GotYA/Jamie Blair
Kaitlin Ward
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May 30, 2011
Divergent Faction Challenge: Late Candor Wrap-Up and Bring on Erudite!
So, in the true interest of Candor: I got so involved in finishing up my draft for MILA that I totally spaced on my post on Friday. And I'm honestly still short on time. I promise to post more on Candor at the end of this week, but for now, let's just say there's probably a reason that faction pulled up for me on the quiz.
This week's Divergent Faction Challenge is: ERUDITE.
Oh, and I'll be adding links to those who posted on their CANDOR experience below. Check them out if you get a chance!
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May 23, 2011
Divergent Faction Challenge Week Three: Candor
Based on my looming deadline, this post will be superbrief. Just a quick announcement to say it's week three of the DIVERGENT Faction Challenge, and by request, the faction we'll be trying to embody is…
CANDOR.
Based on the Facebook quiz, this would be my faction. Personally, I'm thinking the combination of sleep deprivation and honesty should require me to wear a warning sign.
Tune in Friday to find out how all the bloggers fared by telling it how it is.
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May 19, 2011
Divergent Faction Challenge Week Two–Suck it Amity
Week Two in the Faction Challenge (inspired by Veronica Roth's debut novel DIVERGENT) has finally ended. How did I do during Amity Week?
Well, I ATE apples. So there's that. Oh, and I sang! Katy Perry's E.T., and One Potato Two Potato Three Potato Four. Which should really earn me extra points because it's a song about farm-y stuff.
That's one big ass potato
But by the end of the week, I pretty much wanted so say: SUCK IT AMITY. I mean, I tried to be more understanding of others, especially the kids. I think I had some success. But there were moments when being understanding was QUITE a challenge. Like when the kids refused to stop yelling in the doctor's office while the doctor was trying to speak. Yeah, Amity pretty much bailed on me there.
My 3-yr-old struggled with Amity this week as well. Example? How about the time she walked down the stairs, eyed her older brother's elaborate Lincoln Log creation, and then kicked it over for no apparent reason…and she did it with a song in her heart.
My money's on the 3-yr-old
I'm pegging her for a Dauntless.
Also, I was hyper-aware of my non-Amity-like thoughts this week, even when I didn't act on them. I'm still trying to figure out if this is a good thing or a bad thing.
Overall, I guess I'd say that while Amity wasn't an unqualified fail like Abnegation, it also wasn't as simple an undertaking as I'd hoped.
But enough about me—how did everyone else do? Check the (continuously updated) links below and find out!
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May 18, 2011
Divergent Faction Fail: what happens when you like both knives and cheese
In honor of Veronica Roth's Divergent release, I made a little spin-off vlog of the Facebook Faction Quiz. In my head, I call it: Faction Fail of the Very Indecisive or, How To Have Your Cheese And Your Stabby Knife Too. Oh, and sometimes: Humiliate Yourself Publicly for Kicks and Giggles.
Hope you enjoy!
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YA Highway Road Trip Wednesday: Writing Rewards
This week's YA Highway Road Trip Wednesday:
How do you reward yourself when you meet your writing goals? Answer for big goals (i.e. I will buy a Lear jet when I get published) and/or small goals (I eat an entire pint of Ben and Jerry's in one sitting when I finish each chapter).
For me, the best rewards after a big writing spree are the ones that allow me to shut down my brain and recharge. Often, I'll head for the movie theater and lose myself in someone else's fictional world for awhile.
Or, when I hit a bigger writing goal, like finish a draft or a revision, I might spend the next day vegging in front of the TV. Often, this will involve cramming as many episodes of a particular series into 24 hours as possible. Or curling up with books all day long.
Don't ask how many times I've watched this.
Being Human
If I've been particularly hermity, like before a deadline, I'll spend the weekend with my family. Or go out to dinner with friends. Or go for a run to lose one of the five pounds I probably just gained from prolonged sitting and chocolate eating.
Nothing fancy, and nothing pre-planned. Basically, just whatever sounds good at the time.
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