tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3455673739760599832024-03-12T20:14:16.304-07:00Christine Allen-Riley - author of YA fictionFinding your path...even in the darkChris Allen-Rileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937725992799451053noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345567373976059983.post-16479112331901127622014-11-15T07:55:00.000-08:002014-11-15T07:55:11.421-08:00Finding the Right Setting for Eventide<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I’ve lived in Michigan all my life, and there’s no shortage
of natural beauty here – rolling hills, endless forests, ridiculous numbers of
inland lakes, and we’re surrounded by the Great Lakes which are huge and
unpredictable with their rip currents and freak weather patterns. They’re
basically freshwater seas and at times, just as dangerous as the oceans –
especially Lake Superior. </div>
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It can go from a serene glass-like surface to twenty-three
foot waves in virtually no time at all. Once, while driving around the lake, I
found myself caught in the midst of an autumn storm on my way to see my boyfriend.
The waves were so insane; they were washing over the road and had already
pulled someone’s car into the lake. I had to time it just right to pass through
that stretch of road without getting sucked into the water. Shortly after I
made it through, the road was shut down and declared impassible. Definitely not
my smartest move to keep driving, but I did. Because boyfriend.</div>
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I set Eventide on the shores of my favorite lake, in the
nearly-fictional town of Iron Falls, Michigan. I use the term “nearly-fictional”
because it’s based on one of my favorite small towns – Munising, Michigan. I
don’t live there, but I’ve visited there nearly every year since I was a kid.
If you’ve ever been there, you might recognize the high school on the shores of
the lake, or the glass-bottom boat shipwreck tour, or the sudden fogs and
brutal storms. </div>
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I did make some changes. For instance, Iron Falls has a
lighthouse where Munising doesn’t. Iron Falls also has a host of soul-sucking
homicidal faeries that haunt the surrounding woods looking for hapless humans,
and, as far as I’m aware, Munising does not. </div>
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One of the reasons I decided to set Iron Falls on Superior
is because the lake is almost a character on its own. It can go from calm to
deadly in a matter of minutes and no two days on the shore are ever the same.
Even different parts of the lake on the same day are wildly different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its erratic nature makes it the perfect
backdrop for Devon as her life spirals out of control. </div>
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I’d like to share a few photos of the lake to show you what
I mean about it having it a different personality depending on the day.
Unfortunately, I can’t find my stormy lake pictures, but, amazing nature
photographer, Steve Brimm, agreed to share one of his photos for this blog
tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think you’ll see what I mean
about the lake being completely different on any given day. </div>
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And I’d like to think you’ll get a feel for the lake within
the pages of Eventide. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Chris Allen-Rileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937725992799451053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345567373976059983.post-30008574103863383052014-10-10T10:37:00.001-07:002014-10-10T10:37:11.435-07:00News, news, and more news!I can't believe it, but release day for EVENTIDE is less than ten days away! And, right now, it's up for pre-order at both <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eventide-Iron-Falls-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00OC6L85Y/ref=la_B00OD4HL92_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1412961667&sr=1-2">Amazon </a>and <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/478930">Smashwords</a>!<br />
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I received the print proof in the mail the other day, and it looks fantastic! <br />
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I've got a shiny new book trailer that I'll be sharing on Monday, as well as a blog tour and school visits scheduled.<br />
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Now, if I could just get these allergies to stop trying to kill me, things would be great. *blergh*<br />
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I'm off to take more Benedryl, so in the meanwhile, here's a picture of the print version!<br />
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<br />Chris Allen-Rileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937725992799451053noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345567373976059983.post-26413214983665695952014-09-14T09:44:00.001-07:002014-09-14T09:45:33.357-07:00WooHoo! Blogfest Giveaway! One for the US and One for the Rest of the World! US giveaway:
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/fbe91d2e38/" id="rc-fbe91d2e38" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>
INT giveaway:
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/fbe91d2e39/" id="rc-fbe91d2e39" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>Chris Allen-Rileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937725992799451053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345567373976059983.post-70314082420940971042014-08-17T06:45:00.000-07:002014-08-17T06:45:15.295-07:00Cover Reveal!Thank you so much to everyone around the net who have helped with my cover reveal! I realized I was a dork and forgot to post it here.<br />
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But on October 20th, 2014, Eventide (Iron Falls, Book 1) will release!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCU-Jl3uFdQ2JeT9dgcG52oSI2w8EuUZuWK0lmHA3vttE67EMQ57ZcuGlACAWyaxjhOawIgnd1R0F7xPFt8y8raCkN1WVP1pHvQYUIxCHLbHoirtUkmb00Gc3dybYp6b-UN0xfBsaXtMA/s1600/EVENTIDE+(Iron%2BFalls%2C%2BBook%2BOne).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCU-Jl3uFdQ2JeT9dgcG52oSI2w8EuUZuWK0lmHA3vttE67EMQ57ZcuGlACAWyaxjhOawIgnd1R0F7xPFt8y8raCkN1WVP1pHvQYUIxCHLbHoirtUkmb00Gc3dybYp6b-UN0xfBsaXtMA/s1600/EVENTIDE+(Iron%2BFalls%2C%2BBook%2BOne).jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">The driver in a tragic<br />
car accident that killed her best friend, Devon Greer is consumed by guilt.<br />
When powerful hallucinations convince her that she’s seeing Rachael everywhere,<br />
Devon thinks she’s going crazy. But her friend isn’t truly gone.</span></i></div>
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<i style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></i></div>
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<i style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">To save Rachael from the faeries who stole her, Devon must pit herself against<br />
the Court of the Sidhe. Once she witnesses the true form of the fey, Devon’s<br />
life is in danger—and so are the lives of everyone she loves.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Now, Devon must not only protect herself, but also Jonah Seafort, Rachael’s<br />
cousin and the only person Devon can trust to help her. While the Sidhe walk<br />
among them, no one is safe…</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></i></div>
Chris Allen-Rileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937725992799451053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345567373976059983.post-34502496155120963102014-08-04T13:51:00.000-07:002014-08-04T13:51:32.064-07:00The Garden of Tasteless StatuaryI've been a terrible blogger, but I am trying to be better at it. In show of good faith, I'll share some pics of things that have happened lately. Like say, this ill conceived trip to The Garden of Tasteless Statuary.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AYhbP9psWoGN59fUT5a9kVYj5KnOMuKLtuJLOiEN3JsBzXBmYv8tm0sOCsiUrjI1Nno3fC1g4ykanu1-eSkHHF4_TRPUx72l9rqVucg782kIrpfjyHg5fNq1QJzwW5Xi9FNfQ2WNRv4/s1600/IMG_0714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AYhbP9psWoGN59fUT5a9kVYj5KnOMuKLtuJLOiEN3JsBzXBmYv8tm0sOCsiUrjI1Nno3fC1g4ykanu1-eSkHHF4_TRPUx72l9rqVucg782kIrpfjyHg5fNq1QJzwW5Xi9FNfQ2WNRv4/s1600/IMG_0714.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
This is the creepy guy who welcomed us to to the creepy garden.<br />
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I don't even have words for this particular horror. What the hell, man!?!?!?<br />
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You can't have a tasteless statuary collection without a heard of pastel unicorns.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHNGgMQjOuMCgAuKWOgoWog4DjIKW6Maz0Q3uk4GuKpbT4I1Eo53GD0NaUmqNIbULTemPqS9AaK9hgideTzvoUVjRNZE_S3_kyiGZxQiW9bKBm4t1NvtHp904-8eMIe20TZ9Lloj75D4/s1600/IMG_0730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHNGgMQjOuMCgAuKWOgoWog4DjIKW6Maz0Q3uk4GuKpbT4I1Eo53GD0NaUmqNIbULTemPqS9AaK9hgideTzvoUVjRNZE_S3_kyiGZxQiW9bKBm4t1NvtHp904-8eMIe20TZ9Lloj75D4/s1600/IMG_0730.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
This is an incredibly petulant angel.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNbbl8uMGLMo8v-Bg3lbskitszHgZIWlF6eplm6nwYLMjqAAQDLb7fPOAPomVN915kstTLGBPrbRfUVlgXQE6AqlBIyFmq7K16NSuCqo0dwwjBBk9dVEYe2B3KqkDPhM7ViEIwf-X2PY/s1600/IMG_0732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNbbl8uMGLMo8v-Bg3lbskitszHgZIWlF6eplm6nwYLMjqAAQDLb7fPOAPomVN915kstTLGBPrbRfUVlgXQE6AqlBIyFmq7K16NSuCqo0dwwjBBk9dVEYe2B3KqkDPhM7ViEIwf-X2PY/s1600/IMG_0732.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Baby Weeping Angel?<br />
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My sister and Judgmental Chicken...judging.<br />
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Me, daring the mouth of the hippo. <br />
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My sister running away (and rightfully so) from the creepyass donkey.<br />
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<br />Chris Allen-Rileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937725992799451053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345567373976059983.post-61633025837675421002014-02-18T17:23:00.001-08:002014-02-18T17:23:27.721-08:00The Beach - or at least as close as you're going to get to a beach in the Upper Peninsula in winter...Once upon a time...my husband (then boyfriend) went to college at
Michigan Technological University. For those unfamiliar with the
vagaries of Michigan, Tech (as it's affectionately known) is
waaaaaaaaaaay up near the top of the Upper Peninsula. It's covered with
snow and ice from pretty much November until May-ish. It's not unlike
the snow planet of Hoth. <br /> <br /> So anyway, when he was at school
there, he lived with a bunch of other techie/engineer-y/nerdy type guys
in a rundown copper mining era house that was once gorgeous and now
smelled and looked like decades upon decades of college boys had lived
there. That house had been ridden hard and put away wet. Repeatedly.<br /> <br />
But there was a room in this house. A special room. A room like no
other. It was called The Beach. In a former life, it was probably a
closet or a super tiny nursery or maid's room. But when these guys moved
in, it became The Beach. <br /> <br /> They blocked off the threshold of
the room with a couple 2 x 4s, filled the room with sand, taped beach
posters and Tropicana tanning oil ads to the wall, mounted an old school
carcinogenic sun lamp to the wall and hung a hammock from corner to
corner. There was also a bamboo beaded curtain that hung in the doorway.
I thought I had a picture of it in an old photo album, but unfortunately, I can't find
it. <br /> <br /> They loved
this room. There was even a beach schedule taped to the hallway wall. If
one of the guys wasn't using it, their friends would come and use it in
return for beer. People at this school were so desperate for warmth and
sunlight that they'd pay for it with booze. <br /> <br /> Never have I
missed The Beach like I do this winter. I am so sick of snow that
I would cheerfully fill a room with sand and sunlamps and just *wallow*
for hours. I'm not even a "beach person," but I have to admit. It
sounds good right now. Of course, the cats would probably like it, too. But for entirely different reasons. Chris Allen-Rileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937725992799451053noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345567373976059983.post-42964881526604130882014-02-07T12:38:00.002-08:002014-02-20T13:43:49.502-08:00The Kindness ProjectI'm guessing that most people in the States can agree that this winter has suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuucked hard. I know I'm sick of the endless snow. I'm especially tired of getting stuck on my street that rarely gets plowed and if it does, it's the most half-assed plow job ever. Needless to say, I've been a frustrated and more than a little bummed out at the endless snow and gray skies.<br />
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I know tons of other people have been, too, so I'm trying to make a point to spread a little love and kindness. Some acts are random and impulsive like smiling at strangers, holding doors, paying for the person behind me at Starbucks or paying a genuine compliment to someone I'm interacting with.<br />
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Others are less random - some friends and family members will be receiving little pick-me-ups in the mail. It might be something knitted or drawn or baked - or maybe even a book. I believe kindness begets kindness, and I also believe it's something everyone could use more of in their lives.<br />
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My goal for 2014 is at least 100 random and not so random acts of kindness. My hope is that it will spread all around like much needed sunshine. I invite you to smile more - you could change someone's day. <br />
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<br />Chris Allen-Rileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937725992799451053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345567373976059983.post-50475143246960360722014-01-12T09:19:00.000-08:002014-01-12T09:29:23.631-08:00A visual guide to why I've been a bad bloggerBefore I get into the visual explanation of why I've been a terrible blogger, let me preface it by saying I <b><i>have</i></b> been writing. I just haven't been blogging. And the holidays are why. These are some of the gifts I've made.<br />
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For those keeping track at home, that's:<br />
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3 pillows<br />
11 starbabies<br />
4 Weeping Angels (one tree topper)<br />
8 writers retreat keepsake bottles <br />
1 fishing pole/grandchildren picture hanger<br />
7 stone frames<br />
1 stocking<br />
28 photo ornaments<br />
4 Sharpie mugs<br />
3 holiday wreath banners (but all I did was sew those - the nieces and nephew did the painting)<br />
45 pair of knitting fingerless mitts (I still have 5 to go, plus 5 pair of slippers) <br />
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Now...let the blogging resume!Chris Allen-Rileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937725992799451053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345567373976059983.post-69959927052924308982013-08-29T10:24:00.002-07:002013-08-29T10:24:47.459-07:00Summer's Over Already!?I have no freaking clue where August went. All I know is that my oldest started his second year of college this week, and my youngest has tenth grade orientation tonight.<br />
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Seriously, August...what happened? <br />
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I'll admit that I'm more than ready for the cooler weather of fall. It's, by far, my favorite season. I'm looking forward to wearing sweaters and cups of hot tea. Well, not <i>wearing </i>cups of hot tea, though given my super graceful track record, wearing the tea is just as likely as drinking it.<br />
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I'm ready for the changing leaves and that almost painful shade of blue the sky gets in late autumn. It's so beautiful and bright, it practically hurts your eyes to look at it. I'm ready for pumpkins and crock pot suppers and mulled wine and homemade bread. I'm ready to sit in the hammock swing in the backyard and read. And I'll definitely be reading - after all Maggie Stiefvater and Alexandra Bracken's new books will be out soon. *obsessively checks release dates again*<br />
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One thing I'll miss about summer is having my kids home. I like hanging out with them. They make me laugh every day. And they surprise me every day, too. I enjoy having their friends over and listening to their maniacal laughter. I've even been teaching one of my oldest son's friends to cook. He's trying to impress a girl. Of course. But we've had fun playing lab rats for his kitchen experiments.<br />
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But the school year is well on its way, and so are all of the great things that go along with it. I can't wait to see what this autumn brings. Chris Allen-Rileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937725992799451053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345567373976059983.post-40442035915865369682013-07-30T18:59:00.000-07:002013-07-30T19:00:21.922-07:00Summer Sun Award<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The absolutely wonderful <a href="http://risurockets.blogspot.com/">Shanah Wooldrage</a> awarded me the Summer Sun Award. If you don't know Shanah, you should - she's a delightful blogger, animal lover, writer, mom and she absolutely brightens my day. I love getting emails from her - they always make me smile. In addition to calling out people who brighten our days, there's also a summer fun aspect to it.<br />
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<b>Favorite song with summer in the title or the lyrics (give the line): </b>Summer Vibe by Walk Off the Earth. It just makes me want to kick back by the lake. Here's the video if you haven't heard it.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/eNzenkoeJcY" width="460"></iframe>
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<b>Favorite book about summer: </b>Drac and the Gremlin by Alan Baille and illustrated by Jane Tanner<b>. </b>It's one of my favorite children's books and it tells the story of a girl pretending to be a warrior queen (Drac) and her little brother (Gremlin) who are battling together to save the planet of the White Wizard. It reminds me of the pretend games my bother and I used to play. <b><br /></b><br />
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<b><b>Favorite hot summer film: </b></b>It'll probably always be Star Wars. I remember it came out the summer that I was 11 (yeah...I'm old) and I remember standing in line that went twice around the building in the hot July sun. We got sunburned, but it was totally worth it. However, if we're talking this year's movies, my favorite is definitely the new Star Trek film. <b><b><br /></b></b><br />
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<b><b><b>Favorite summer memory: </b></b></b>Hmmmm...going on our yearly writing retreat is definitely up there and so is, believe it or not, learning to drive a tractor and hauling hay. <br />
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<b><b><b><b>Favorite summer holiday destination:</b> </b></b></b>Lake Superior - one of the most gorgeous, magical, dangerous places I know. <b><b><b><br /></b></b></b><br />
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<b><b><b><b>What books will be in your suitcase this summer? </b></b></b></b>Let's see...I just read The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken while on our family vacation. It was fantastic. I highly recommend it! And I'm currently reading The Lost Sun by Tessa Gratton and enjoying that as well. <br />
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<b><b><b><b><b>What’s your likely destination this summer? </b></b></b></b></b>I've already returned from my destination - Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It's the land of wilderness, lakes and very little internet. <br />
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<b><b><b><b><b><b>What hottie would you most like to be sharing the hot days and long nights with this summer? </b></b></b></b></b></b>Hmmm...aside from the hubby, I'm gonna have to go with Benedict Cumberbatch and David Tennant.<br />
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What? I'm greedy. And I like Brits. <br />
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Here are the rules: <br />
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1. Display the Summer Sun Award logo and link back to the blog of the person who nominated you. <br />
2. Answer the questions listed above.<br />
3. Nominate further lucky recipients. <br />
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I nominate the following people for brightening various areas of my internet and life: <b><b><b> </b></b></b><br />
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<a href="http://kleighjones.blogspot.com/"><b><b><b>Leigh Jones</b></b></b></a><br />
<a href="http://tessgrant.wordpress.com/"><b><b><b>Tess Grant</b></b></b></a><br />
<a href="http://lynndoezema.blogspot.com/"><b><b><b>Lynn Dozema</b></b></b></a><br />
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<b><b><b> </b></b> </b>Chris Allen-Rileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937725992799451053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345567373976059983.post-10070060508265853622013-07-11T09:41:00.003-07:002013-07-11T09:41:36.905-07:00Writer's Retreat - The Wrap UpIt seems like forever since I've blogged, but I guess it's only been a couple weeks. Two weeks ago today, I was exploring Copper Harbor, Michigan, eating muffins as big as my head made by a sect of Orthodox monks who live on the shore of Lake Superior, hanging with some of my best friends and writing my fingers off on a couple new stories.<br />
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There is something amazing about hanging for a whole week with other writers. We have the best conversations, we spur each other on with word count, we help each other through plotting problems and we laugh so hard our faces and stomachs hurt. It's pretty much heaven.<br />
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Getting back to reality is tough, but I know exactly where I'll be next year and it's going to be equally amazing. These are some shots of some of the personalities of Lake Superior and the Lake Superior shoreline - my constant writing companions that week and a huge source of my inspiration. <br />
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Chris Allen-Rileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937725992799451053noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345567373976059983.post-84830722597308931962013-06-20T12:30:00.004-07:002013-06-20T12:36:03.218-07:00Thursday's Children - Writers RetreatIn a day and a half, I'll be leaving for my favorite place with some of my favorite people. Some dear friends and fellow writers and I will be heading about 400 miles north to Lake Superior. We're renting a house right on the eastern side of the Keweenaw Peninsula and we'll be writing our little hearts out, laughing our butts off and drinking wine.<br />
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Once we reach our daily word count, we're free to explore the area, swim or heck, even nap. It's going to be glorious. We did it last year, and I'm sure we'll be doing it again next year. Before I run around like a mad woman desperately trying to finish everything I need to finish before Saturday morning, I'd like to share some pictures of our getaway.<br />
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Chris Allen-Rileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937725992799451053noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345567373976059983.post-42165517495603901982013-06-06T08:26:00.001-07:002013-06-06T08:26:47.930-07:00Thursday's Children - WalkingSince returning from my conference last month, I've been walking everyday - 2 to 3 miles a day depending on the weather and how much time I have. I have to admit, I'm not one of those people who likes to exercise Sweating, in no way, appeals to me, and frankly, I'm much more into lounging. However, I'm now walking. Every. Day.<br />
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I'm almost sort of enjoying it. Like many other Thursday's Children have mentioned, walking is inspirational. While I'm trudging through the neighborhood, I see all sorts of things that inspire me.<br />
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The pug who purposely blocks my way until I agree to pet him.Once I pet him, he moves.<br />
The color of bluebells as they graduate from a twilight blue to velvet white.<br />
The little smiley face stickers that someone placed on the sidewalk on Tamarack Street once yellow and now faded to almost white.<br />
The insanely sweet scent of lilacs and peonies. <br />
The band of rabid terriers that throw themselves against their gate, desperate to attack me.<br />
The orange and white cat that insists that I pick him up and carry it from one end of the block to the other.<br />
The squirrel with the compulsive eating disorder.<br />
The little girl on Jennette Street who sits and pouts on her front stoop every morning before finally schlumphing off to school.<br />
Even the mom who screams nonstop at her 3 little kids while she walks them to the crossing guard. (Though, I won't tell you what she inspires me to do...)<br />
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I've had to walk on the treadmill a couple of times because of thunderstorms. I hate it. I don't feel inspired at all. I just feel crabby. I know that for a few miles, I should be able to rely on my one brain to entertain and inspire me, but there's nothing. Just the utter loathing of the treadmill with its flashing lights and numbers. <br />
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Physically, the treadmill is probably doing an equal amount of good compared to my outside walks, but emotionally and inspiration-ally, I apparently need fresh air and the sights and sounds of the neighborhood. When I get home from my walks, I"m always ready to write even if nothing I've encountered makes its way into my manuscripts. <br />
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->Chris Allen-Rileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937725992799451053noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345567373976059983.post-78395631264382867702013-05-30T08:29:00.004-07:002013-06-06T07:12:57.000-07:00Thursday's Children - Drum CirclesLast weekend, I was able to participate in the March Against Monsanto with my mom and my oldest son. After the march there was a drum circle, and I <i>love </i>me some drum circles. My son, who drums incessantly to any rhythm playing, decided that he'd like to come along too. We had a blast.<br />
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If anyone is unfamiliar with the idea of a drum circle, it's basically a bunch of people coming together to hang out for an hour or two and play hand drums and other percussion instruments. <br />
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It's also much more than that.<br />
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Other than my son, I only knew one other person in the group, but we plopped ourselves on the grass with about ten or twelve strangers and formed a circle. The woman facilitating the gathering suggested we all start together with a two tap heartbeat pattern. We all played together for a few minutes and then things started to change.<br />
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Here and there, people started to change things up. New rhythms evolved. Everyone was doing something a little different, but it all worked perfectly to complement the whole sound. There were five or six little kids running in and out of the group - occasionally picking up an instrument and playing with it or more often, just dancing around. It might sound a little chaotic, and really, it kind of was. But it was also really cool watching and listening to everything evolving organically to create this wonderful whole that couldn't possibly be duplicated.<br />
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In a way, it's like communicating through sound. Each person's rhythm changes to answer another person's. Sometimes, it's complementary. Sometimes it contrasts sharply. Just like actualy conversations. <br />
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As I sat there drumming, I realized something important - drumming in a circle of people - especially mostly strangers - is a lot like writing. Or, at least, it's a lot like my writing process. I typically start out a story with one, really solid idea or beat. And as I write and new characters and plot threads revel themselves. Sometimes they're complementary and sometimes not so much. But as I write, the rhythm of the story changes, growing fuller and more complex until I've got this organic whole that I created by listening to the beat of the story and characters. <br />
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In case anyone is wondering what a drum circle looks like, here are a few pictures and one of the drum I made.<br />
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Chris Allen-Rileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937725992799451053noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345567373976059983.post-22423508026358640372013-05-23T10:15:00.002-07:002013-05-23T10:15:41.822-07:00Thursday's Children - The Chalice WellI've been fascinated with Arthurian lore since I was a kid - probably because in addition to Winnie the Pooh and fairy tales, my mom would also tell us stories about King Arthur.<br />
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When I was in college, I stumbled across The Chalice Well. Well, not literally. But in some research I was doing for a paper for a Medieval Lit class. I was instantly fascinated - from the wood and wrought iron well cover to the history - actual and literary. <br />
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As near as archeologists can figure, it's been in constant use for over 2000 years. The spring produces 25,000 gallons of water a day and it's believed to possess healing qualities. The well has long been associated with goddess worship and there are also connections to Christianity. Supposedly the well is the final resting place of the Holy Grail. And in Arthurian tradition, Excalibur (and according to some) Arthur and Guinevere are buried nearby.<br />
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The well is also considered a gateway to the spirit world as symbolized by the overlapping circles of the Vesica Piscis on the cover. It represents the connection of the spiritual and the physical, the magic and the mundane and to me it symbolizes the interconnectedness of everything.<br />
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I can't write in the vacuum of only my own head. I need the interconnectedness of life and imagination, and this symbol always reminds me that everything affects everything else. <br />
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Chris Allen-Rileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937725992799451053noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345567373976059983.post-91299192795404587872013-05-16T10:32:00.001-07:002013-05-16T10:32:32.777-07:00Thursday's Children - Jim HensonOkay, I know this might seem like a stretch for inspiration, but bear with me.<br />
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When I was a kid, I loved Grover on Sesame Street.<br />
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Loved. Him.<br />
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He wasn't afraid to be silly or scared or even wrong. At one point in my childhood, I was pretty sure I was going to marry him. Yeah, I know. I didn't quite get that he was a puppet. To me, he was just as real as my friends at school or my brother. I also adored Kermit and Cookie Monster and Oscar, but Grover was always my favorite. <br />
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When I was a little older, Jim Henson, one of Sesame Street's puppeteers, brought The Muppets to night time TV and my mom and brother and I fell in love with puppets all over again. It was on the one night she didn't have to work, so we'd watch it together and laugh.<br />
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I used to hate that she had to work second shift, so Muppet night was not only full of silliness and fun on the telly, but it was also full of togetherness and cuddles and stories and crafts at home. Not only did I love the Muppets, but I loved what I associated them with. <br />
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My love for Henson's puppets and his creative spirit only increased with the releases of Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal which remain two of my favorite movies to this day. <br />
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My much younger siblings were born when I was a teenager. I was only too happy to share the Muppets in all their incarnations with them. My brother, Andrew, was particularly enamored with them. We'd make our own puppets and put on shows. He also drew elaborate pictures and comic strips. Some of the characters were Henson's, but more were Andrew's. He was inspired to create his own stories, characters and artwork. It was wonderful to watch his creativity at work.<br />
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I remember listening to the news when it was broadcast that Jim Henson had died. I will never forget the expression on Andrew's face. He was young, and this was his first experience with anyone he "knew" dying. And no, he didn't <i>know</i> Jim Henson, but he'd been profoundly affected by the man's work.<br />
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I remember he asked us who would take care of Kermit and Gonzo since their dad had died. And he cried. He cried so hard, and so did I. I hated that his little heart was breaking. And I hated that a creative light had left the world.<br />
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The broadcaster closed with a quote by Jim Henson. <i>When I was young, my ambition was to be one of the people who made a difference in the world. My hope is to leave the world a little better for having been there.</i><br />
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Andrew climbed on my lap and said, "He did make it better."<br />
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And that's one of the things that I think inspires all creative people - the desire, whether verbalized or not, to leave the world a little better place. <br />
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<!– end LinkyTools script –>Chris Allen-Rileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937725992799451053noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345567373976059983.post-26503865332009781612013-05-08T17:20:00.002-07:002013-05-08T20:01:21.715-07:00Thursday's Children - Saying Screw ItLast week, I wasn't able to participate in the Thursday's Children blog hop because I was chin deep at the RT (Romantic Times) conference in Kansas City, MO.<br />
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It's a huge readers/writers conference that I attend every few years to visit friends, attend workshops, meet some of my favorite authors and of course, there are always chances to pitch books. They also have an amazing YA Track.<br />
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I'm also super excited because I got a chance to meet Tessa Gratton. I *love* her work. And bonus, she was absolutely gracious and wonderful.<br />
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Okay, thanks for sticking with me this far. I'm finally getting to the title portion of this post.<br />
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I figured since I was there, I'd pitch my YA to the attending editors. Only, when I read through the program, no one that I was interested in pitching to was looking for Paranormal YA. I was totally bummed. In fact, I shoved the program in my purse and headed to the restaurant for lunch.<br />
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But something happened while I was in the elevator. I realized I was being stupid. I had a chance to pitch to editors who work at houses I'd love to be a part of. I would be stupid not to take opportunity. while I had it So I said, screw it...or you know...something like that. Instead of getting off at the mezzanine level, I got off at the lobby and got in line for the huge pitch session.<br />
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I pitched to five editors and got three requests for the complete manuscript! I sent them all off Monday night, and now I'm trying not to obsess. Sometimes, saying screw it really pays off! So now, I'm inspired to take more chances. The worst anyone can say is no. <br />
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<!– end LinkyTools script –>Chris Allen-Rileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937725992799451053noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345567373976059983.post-47345876578440814052013-04-29T17:15:00.001-07:002013-04-29T17:17:19.986-07:00Very Inspiring Blogger Award!<br />
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The super sweet and fascinating blogger and author, <a href="http://risurockets.blogspot.com/">Shanah Wooldrage</a>, just nominated me for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award! She said this when she nominated me: " I love reading her blog. You will too. I like almost anyone who can hug cats, but this blogger is special."<br />
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See? I told you. Super sweet! Also? Her blog is awesome! And she has a hedgehog! And loves Celtic stuff with a passion that rivals my own - what's not to like?<br />
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I'm supposed to come up with 7 interesting things about me, and then tag 15 more inspiring bloggers. I've got a few in mind, but I'm not sure I'll make it to 15. Actually, I'll be honest - it's more like 5.<br />
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For some reason, my blog is misbehaving and the links don't show up until you hover over them. However, you can click out to check out these other spiffy blogs. <br />
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Okay 7 things, huh...lemme think.<br />
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1.) When we were little, my younger brother had an imaginary friend named Bob Hook and I was totally jealous because I didn't have an imaginary friend. I have no idea why it didn't occur to me to make up my own imaginary friend. But alas. It didn't. Also? Bob Hook hated me.<br />
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2.) I make personalized cross stitch stockings for everyone in my family (mom, sibs, kids, nieces and nephews and in-laws). I made up the patterns for most of them because I couldn't find what they wanted. Seriously, try to find an iguana in a Christmas tree licking an ornament. I couldn't do it. This is my son Killian's. Yep - that's Santa flying on a dragon's back.<br />
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3.) In addition to cats, I adore bats. If I could have a pet bat, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Especially with that awful White Nose Syndrome that's decimating bat colonies across the US and Europe.<br />
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4.) I was a singer in a garage band in high school. We were called Rebel and the Ions. :)<br />
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5.) Instead of the typical bridal party dance at our wedding, my husband and I insisted on dancing around a maypole. So, yeah...about that...sorry to everyone I coerced into participating...<br />
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6.) Ever since I was a kid, I've always wanted a VW Microbus. The first time I went to my friend's house in high school, there was a blue and white one parked in the driveway - complete with little gingham curtains. I was in love with it. And also jealous. I still want one.<br />
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7.) I collect a lot of things - mostly rocks, really, but I'm also really fond of English Cottage Ware. One of my lovely friends who lives in Wales sends me pieces for my set when she finds them. This is the first piece she ever sent me, and I treasure it.<br />
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Okay, now it's time to tag my lovelies! <b> </b><br />
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<b>Award Rules:</b><br />
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<ol>
<li>Display the logo in your blog to show you’ve been nominated.</li>
<li>Link back to your nominator.</li>
<li>Share 7 things about yourself.</li>
<li>Nominate 15 other bloggers for the award - or, you know, less if that's what you've got.</li>
<li>Notify your nominees.</li>
</ol>
If I nominate you and you don’t want to play, no worries. If you <i>do</i> decide to play, please let me know so I can learn 7 interesting things about you!<br />
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My lovely nominees...in no particular order.<br />
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<a href="http://kleighjones.blogspot.com/">Leigh Jone</a>s - CP extraordinaire and fellow cat lover and fort builder. <br />
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<a href="https://tessgrant.wordpress.com/">Tess Grant </a>- Forensic anthropologist, werewolf author and coffee lover.<br />
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<a href="http://lynndoezema.blogspot.com/">Lynn Dozema</a> - All around sweetheart and fellow Monday Muser.<br />
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<a href="http://coffeeandprozac.wordpress.com/">Kel </a>- A superhero who's too cool to wear her undies on the outside.<br />
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<a href="http://alisonseay.wordpress.com/">Ali Seay</a> - Spectacular author in whatever genre she touches - also she's my kind of crazy.<br />
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Actually, to be fair, all of these women are my kind of crazy. <br />
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<br />Chris Allen-Rileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937725992799451053noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345567373976059983.post-62707041232462906172013-04-25T09:19:00.000-07:002013-04-25T09:20:50.966-07:00Thursday's Children - Inspired by Finding JoyOkay, I know, I know. The idea of "finding joy" sounds super crunchy granola, but I'll admit, I <i>am </i>a little crunchy. And to be fair, this post is really more about <i>making</i> joy as opposed to finding it - but more on that in a minute.<br />
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I know I'm not alone when I find myself getting bogged down with all the crap that's hurled at us on a daily basis. No matter what side you're sitting on, politics are a giant suckfest. Add in war, terrorist acts, the general cruelty that people show each other on a daily basis, not to mention all the negativity in our daily lives like work stress, health and/or money issues, worry for family members etc., it's really easy spiral into negative thought patterns.<br />
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Once you're in that crappy mindspace, it's not a huge leap to think thoughts like, "I'll never figure out this scene/finish this book/get published/find an agent/sell anything."<br />
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And once those thoughts take root, writing or even wanting to write is damn near impossible. <br />
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So what's a Thursday's Child to do?<br />
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Find joy - or more precisely, make it.<br />
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When I find myself getting sucked into the ick and wallowing there, I know the only thing that's really going to help is changing my perspective. And the easiest way to do that is to change what I'm focusing on.<br />
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The first step is avoiding the internet. No matter how many awesome, amazing things and people are on there, there's a ton of awful, too and it's super easy to fall down the rabbit hole of one horrific news story after another after another after another.<br />
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The second step is to write down five or six things that I'm truly grateful for at that moment in time. For instance, at this very moment, I'm grateful for:<br />
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<i>Listening to my son sing along to Mystery Skulls in the next room. He's super committed and it's making me smile.</i><br />
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<i>Maureen Johnson's tweets. I haven't read her books yet, but I love her tweets that pop up in the corner of my screen. I just enjoy the way her mind works. (I know this contradicts the turning off the internet suggestion, but it's cool since I'm not currently wallowing.)</i><br />
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<i>Getting a chance to hear amazing songs written and performed by my friend's teenage daughter.</i><br />
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<i>Checking off items on my to-do list.</i><br />
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<i>Knowing that as soon as I finish this post, I have a delicious lunch of cottage cheese and kumata tomatoes waiting for me. </i><br />
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You'll note that none of these things are writing related. You'll also note that none of them are particularly earth-shattering, either. Of course, I have the big things I'm grateful for like family and friends, etc., but those are constants and even though they're the most important things to me they don't always help me escape the wallowing because I'm more likely to just worry about something bad happening to them. So if I can look at the little things that make me happy in that very moment, it immediately helps to lift my mood.<br />
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A lifted mood always inspires me to write!<br />
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And third, for a quick pick me up, I have a couple songs I turn to even though my true musical love is angsty, depressing stuff. I'll share them below in case you need a little pick me up, today.<br />
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And now, if you'll excuse me, it's time to write. I'm feeling rather inspired.<br />
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Chris Allen-Rileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937725992799451053noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345567373976059983.post-36323026403887758492013-04-17T17:54:00.000-07:002013-04-17T17:54:05.753-07:00Thursday's Children - PeopleI'd originally planned for a much different post today, but the events on Monday in Boston have pushed that post back a while.<br />
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I'm frequently accused of being a bit of a Pollyanna. But ultimately, I believe that people are good. I'm occasionally proved wrong in epic fashion, but nine times out of ten, I'm right. I see it all the time.<br />
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I've seen my former daycare kids come home from school carrying trash to throw away because, "That crap doesn't belong in nature!"<br />
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I've had taller people reach things down for me off the shelves in the grocery store because I'm short and have T-Rex arms. <br />
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I've seen a woman at the grocery store help out a young mother in front of her because she didn't have enough money.<br />
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I've had my coffee paid for at Starbucks by the person in front of me and I've passed it on.<br />
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I've seen teenagers buy a hot meal for a homeless man at McDonald's.<br />
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There was the man who took care of my brother when his wife was admitted to the hospital - not a staff member, just a kind soul with a relative there.<br />
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I've watched my child roll down the car window and hand over his birthday cash to a homeless man.<br />
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And this week, we saw people running into danger to offer medical assistance. We saw people opening their homes to strangers. We saw people caring about each other.<br />
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The sick, hate-fill people make the news, but it's the kind people - the ones run after you to give you your keys, or the shoe your infant kicked off while you were carrying his car seat across the parking lot. They're the ones who smile in support when your toddler is having a tantrum about wanting a baseball team. They're the ones who rip off their own clothes to make tourniquets and bandages and offer comfort.<br />
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These are the people that inspire me. These are the people who make me want to spread kindness like it's a damn virus. These are the people who make me want to write things that matter and offer comfort and understanding with the written word as well as in my everyday life.<br />
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I'll leave you with a quote by Patton Oswalt. You may very well have seen it already, but if not:<br />
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<i>Boston. Fucking horrible.<br /><br />I remember, when 9/11 went down, my reaction was, "Well, I've had it with humanity."<br /><br />But I was wrong. I don't know what's going to be revealed to be behind all of this mayhem. One human insect or a poisonous mass of broken sociopaths.<br /><br />But here's what I DO know. If it's one person or a HUNDRED people, that number is not even a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of a percent of the population on this planet. You watch the videos of the carnage and there are people running TOWARDS the destruction to help out. (Thanks FAKE Gallery founder and owner Paul Kozlowski for pointing this out to me). This is a giant planet and we're lucky to live on it but there are prices and penalties incurred for the daily miracle of existence. One of them is, every once in awhile, the wiring of a tiny sliver of the species gets snarled and they're pointed towards darkness.<br /><br />But the vast majority stands against that darkness and, like white blood cells attacking a virus, they dilute and weaken and eventually wash away the evil doers and, more importantly, the damage they wreak. This is beyond religion or creed or nation. We would not be here if humanity were inherently evil. We'd have eaten ourselves alive long ago.<br /><br />So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety misogyny, hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think, "The good outnumber you, and we always will."</i><br />
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->Chris Allen-Rileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937725992799451053noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345567373976059983.post-33514676629089086802013-04-10T14:26:00.003-07:002013-04-10T14:26:45.912-07:00Thursday's Children - Kitch-iti-kipiNope - that wasn't a sneeze. Kitch-iti-kipi is the name of Michigan's largest fresh water spring. The name is of Chippewa origins and has multiple translations - The Big Springs, Bubbling Springs, The Blue Sky I See and my personal favorite, The Mirror of Heaven.<br />
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Kitch-iti-kipi is near Manistique and about five miles from where my immediate and extended family vacation every summer in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Kitch-iti-kipi is one of the most peaceful places I've ever been. It's a protected environment and my to one of my brother's dismay, there's no fishing allowed there. I think it kills him a little bit every time we see the ginormous lake, brook and brown trout swimming through the springs water. Did I mention that the water is so clear that you can see straight down to the bottom? 40 feet down at its deepest.<br />
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It's an absolutely breathtaking spot, and every time I'm there I'm inspired to write. I've actually got a historical piece I've been batting around, and whenever, I'm here, I get a little more of the story. One of these days I'll have it all. But in the meanwhile, I'd like to share the beauty of Kitch-iti-kipi with you all. And who knows, maybe I'll be able to share that story some day, too.<br />
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My apologies for another late Thursday's Children post - between the day job and my youngest son's spring break, it's been a little chaotic around here.<br />
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But, I'm finally here, and I'd like to talk about now. Let's make that NOW.<br />
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I had a yoga instructor and she'd always remind the class (usually while I was trying not to hurt myself or anyone else while attempting posed like The (advanced) Crow) to "Be here. Be present."<br />
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And I'd think to myself, "Well, duh. I'm here. I'm present. Can you <i>not </i>see me trying to keep my knee from going up my nose?"<br />
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But I wasn't present. Not really. I was thinking about Savasana (also known as The Corpse pose. No irony there... o.O). I was thinking about the last joyous five to ten minutes of class where I could just lay on my mat and know that I didn't have to try to contort my body into questionable positions or worry about kicking my neighbor in the face.<br />
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I wasn't really present in The Crow or any other pose. Not the way I should have been. I just wanted to move through the class and get on with the rest of my day. I enjoyed yoga infinitely more once the class was over, but I know I didn't get the most out of my classwork, because I wasn't really <i>there</i>. My mind was too busy racing ahead toward all of the things I needed to complete. <br />
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Often times, I think it's really easy to slip into the same trap with writing. I find myself slipping into future mode and entertaining thoughts like "When I finish this book..." or "When I get an agent..." or "When I sell this book..." instead of focusing on the here and now.<br />
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By doing that, I'm robbing myself of the now. The now is equally important - perhaps more so. The now is about getting to know my new characters, discovering their story, learning things about them and also making new discoveries about myself. The now is about the writing, the journeying - not skipping to the end and laying boneless on my yoga mat.<br />
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Without being here in the now, the future is a little hazier. And I have a feeling it won't be as satisfying without being present on the journey to get there. <br />
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So, I'm going to go back to my WIP and really enjoy the journey.<br />
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And who knows, I might even give yoga another go.<br />
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->Chris Allen-Rileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937725992799451053noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345567373976059983.post-32139688530214369922013-03-28T15:30:00.002-07:002013-03-28T15:30:23.924-07:00Thursday's Children - Michigan's Stonehenge...?I can't remember a time that I wasn't fascinated with rocks - the little ones I put in my pocket, the bigger ones in my garden and on most flat surfaces in my house and the huge monoliths that make up stone circles. It's largely accepted that many of the formations were used as elaborate calendar systems and/or burial grounds. But there is some evidence that some of them may have been used for navigational purposes.<br />
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While researching my WIP, I discovered that there's even a recently (well, 1988, so somewhat recent) discovery of a stone circle on Beaver Island (the largest island in Lake Michigan) that suggests that not only was this structure used by the native Ojibwa tribe, it also may have been used by the Celts.<br />
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In this pre-Columbian circle which is roughly 400 feet in diameter, there are carvings in many of the stones. Most of them are eerily similar in nature to early druidic carvings found in rocks in Ireland and Great Britain. However, there are also other markings that indicate an agricultural calendar of sorts. And still more that appear to be solely navigational.<br />
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I think the most fascinating on is the relief map of Michigan and the five Great Lakes. The carving is even more evident when it rains and the "lakes" fill with water. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a shot of that. But I'm stunned by the idea of someone carving such an accurate map without the benefit of an aerial view. <br />
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There are some historians and archeologists that are suggesting that it's possible that some of the very early, nomadic Celts ended up here via the Atlantic Ocean and via the waterways of Canada and into the Great Lakes - with the result being a melded culture with the Ojibwa. It hasn't been proven, of course, and there may be other explanations for it, but the possibilities are totally inspiring me. <br />
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I'm hoping to get out to Beaver Island soon and see the circle for myself, but for now, I'm just gonna keep working on the book.<br />
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No really.<br />
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I straight-up loathe them.<br />
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I don't care how big or small they are, I don't like them.<br />
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They're evil bastards. In fact, at our house, we call them "Satan's Snowflakes." Each one is unique, individually handcrafted by the god of the underworld.<br />
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(Yeah, we're a little dramatic here.)<br />
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So anyway, my hatred for spiders is...um, well, pretty intense.<br />
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I should clarify, I don't want them to die or anything, I just want them as far away from me as possible. Australia would be great! (Sorry, Raewyn.)<br />
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But as deep as my fear and loathing for spiders are, I love what they make. I find webs utterly fascinating. I'm not saying I like to unsuspectingly walk through them. That makes me do the Spider Dance of Terror (When neighbor kids point and laugh you know you're doing it right.) but I do love webs. I even love to watch them being created - you know, from a safe distance and through a pair of high-powered binoculars.<br />
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I love the intricate beauty of them. They're as delicate as they are powerful - not unlike stories. You've got the straight bits that form the structure of the web - or the plot points, if you will. Then you've got all the wind-y, lacy parts. They're like the details of the story - the breathtaking turns of phrase that stop you dead and beg you to re-read them.<br />
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Webs like stories have a seductive kind of power about them. They invite the bugs and readers inside and the really good ones trap us there. The bugs are toast, but we get away from the story eventually. But the the really great ones take up at least a little bit of permanent space in our minds - catching wisps of thoughts and ideas.<br />
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A few years ago, my family and I went to the Bristol Ren Faire in Wisconsin and we came across this woman. She was a storyteller in the Fairy Glen. And while she told stories, she worked on this giant web.<br />
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->Chris Allen-Rileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937725992799451053noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-345567373976059983.post-39250785533753249662013-03-13T18:50:00.000-07:002013-03-13T18:52:08.403-07:00Thursday's Children - Inspired by a PrincessBefore I started writing and editing full time, I did daycare.<br />
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Out of my home.<br />
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Because I wanted to stay home with my own kids <br />
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And also, I am insane.<br />
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Actually, no - well, not completely, anyway. I really enjoy kids. However, I will say that potty training four kids at once is no one's idea of a good time. But there were parts of the job I adored. Like when any of the kids would grab a book, plop in my lap and say, "I need a story."<br />
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It was rarely, "Read me a story," but almost always, "I need a story." I loved that. Mostly, because I often feel like I need a story. I need that break from the rest of my day, that little escape.<br />
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To this day, I can still recite all of Where the Wild Things Are, most (early) Sandra Boynton books, Green Eggs and Ham, Princess Smartypants, Drac and the Gremlin, Pandora and The Paper Bag Princess. <br />
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The Paper Bag Princess, by Robert Munsch, was always a favorite around here. I read it several times a day. When my kids and the daycare kids were in school and I'd volunteer in their classes, this was almost always on the reading list. I'm still inspired by it today.<br />
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If you're not familiar with this little gem, it opens with Elizabeth - a beautiful princess who lived in a castle, had "expensive princess clothes" and was going to marry a prince named Ronald. Unfortunately a dragon smashed her castle, burned everything, including her clothes, and carried off prince Ronald. (I'm paraphrasing here, but you get the idea.)<br />
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Elizabeth, being a kickass heroine decides to chase the dragon to get Ronald back, and the only she can find that isn't burnt is a paper bag. So covered in soot, wearing a brown paper grocery bag and her bent crown, she goes off to rescue her prince. Appealing to the dragon's vanity, she manages to trick the dragon into using all of his fiery breath and then exhausts him to point where he can no longer move. Elizabeth steps over him, and rescues Ronald.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5YQwaYK3io0yYkKWWVu4J9zBCT5xQS-yyZSU-FgfH3HgLoeSK_I8_nCcjiRs-2auzSxY5lpr5C19pQaHA1cVLIjFeuUdKMnNTUpDN-O8BzwzRIYBGHeVJuPaAraqZGisX4TWWTH2uw4/s1600/Paper+Bag+Princess+Full+Door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5YQwaYK3io0yYkKWWVu4J9zBCT5xQS-yyZSU-FgfH3HgLoeSK_I8_nCcjiRs-2auzSxY5lpr5C19pQaHA1cVLIjFeuUdKMnNTUpDN-O8BzwzRIYBGHeVJuPaAraqZGisX4TWWTH2uw4/s320/Paper+Bag+Princess+Full+Door.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
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And everything's great. Right?<br />
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Nope.<br />
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As it turns out, Ronald is pretty much an asshat. He complains that she smells like ashes, her hair is all tangled and she's wearing a dirty, old paper bag. He tells her to come back when she's dressed like a real princess.<br />
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The last page of the book goes like this:<br />
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<i>"Ronald," said Elizabeth, "your clothes are really pretty and your hair is very neat. You look like a real prince, but you are a bum." They didn't get married after all.</i><br />
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Like I said, this book inspires me. In 24 pages (12 of them full page pictures) Munsch gives us a character who is willing to fight the dragon, who manages to out-think the dragon and who rescues the person she loves. Only when she discovers that he's not the person she thought he was, she's outta there. She has the strength of character to walk away. She's strong, brave, smart and most of all, she's true to herself and has enough self worth to remove herself from a situation where she's not valued for who she is.<br />
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These are the kind of characters I love. And the kind of characters I want to write. <br />
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Chris Allen-Rileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937725992799451053noreply@blogger.com32