tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83032407707635460352024-03-17T09:14:13.167-07:00Laini Taylor's blogLaini Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064837312936707024noreply@blogger.comBlogger447125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303240770763546035.post-45595917540870332392020-12-01T10:55:00.003-08:002020-12-01T10:55:36.718-08:0010th anniversary editions are here! <p>This week! The 10th anniversary editions of the Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy are in the world!!! (The US editions. UK editions still upcoming :) I'm always greedy for covers--new covers, new looks, new alphabets, new art--so it thrills me to get two whole new sets of covers at once, and so, so beautiful! Writing this series occupied such a big part of my life, and it's just plain <i>weird</i> that it's been ten years now since the first book came out. WHAT? Though honestly, my actual daughter was a baby at the time and is now 11, so that's a good measure of the time!</p><p>I'm hopeful that with the new editions, a new slew of readers will discover them. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1R78WsYi5IpV9wLYVxq9q_p0skpEIJzNKz5aXoN_Yy-lMqWh9F-fMYdz-DsQ6E2Su9Eih8WW3fZT718IgtsOT9tXQLvPnF7jbFec2MW8qP1jn38JQ-GNAsWNAB0g45J_2fSdR0PEcOg/s640/IMG_1590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1R78WsYi5IpV9wLYVxq9q_p0skpEIJzNKz5aXoN_Yy-lMqWh9F-fMYdz-DsQ6E2Su9Eih8WW3fZT718IgtsOT9tXQLvPnF7jbFec2MW8qP1jn38JQ-GNAsWNAB0g45J_2fSdR0PEcOg/w480-h640/IMG_1590.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>These are the US editions, available in paperback, individually or in a box set! You can find them here via bookshop.org, which is a great alternative to Amazon and benefits indie bookstores :)</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><a href="https://bookshop.org/books/daughter-of-smoke-bone/9780316459181">Daughter of Smoke & Bone</a></li><li><a href="https://bookshop.org/books/days-of-blood-starlight/9780316459198">Days of Bloos & Starlight</a></li><li><a href="https://bookshop.org/books/dreams-of-gods-monsters/9780316459204">Dreams of Gods & Monsters</a></li><li><a href="https://bookshop.org/books/daughter-of-smoke-bone-the-complete-gift-set/9780316541183">box set</a></li></ul></ul><p>Or here through Barnes & Noble:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/daughter-of-smoke-bone-laini-taylor/1105678408?ean=9780316459181">Daughter of Smoke & Bone</a></li><li><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/days-of-blood-starlight-laini-taylor/1112844196?ean=9780316459198">Days of Bloos & Starlight</a></li><li>Dreams of Gods & Monsters</li><li><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/daughter-of-smoke-bone-laini-taylor/1136810606?ean=9780316541183">box set</a></li></ul></ul><p>The artist is Jelena Kevic Djurdjevic, and the work is simply stunning--and so different from anything else I've seen on the shelves! Not that I imagined, at the time, that we wouldn't get to actually see it on shelves, or browse in bookstores and libraries, but only online. Sigggghhhhhh. I really really miss bookstores and libraries. But I'm grateful for all the resources we have to discover, acquire, and consume content in these shut-in times! </p><p>I hope you're all holding up well, and will be able to enjoy the holidays, even if differently than usual. </p><p>XO,</p><p>Laini</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Laini Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064837312936707024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303240770763546035.post-2952879027934248352020-10-30T11:14:00.003-07:002020-10-30T11:14:19.097-07:00Happy November!<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8IWeis4sAuT6WCIm2UyQ1kjkpcDc-fKJVJCYB3L4YvOX9uACxlud3E66Ymyab48TtNGQV_6YDbdfznsBhud5d9YIaytVkcTaNQdvnFGuqW7jAzl585UqNBCfICxurwdRXYsk4nsGtSc/s640/ACS_0103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="779" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8IWeis4sAuT6WCIm2UyQ1kjkpcDc-fKJVJCYB3L4YvOX9uACxlud3E66Ymyab48TtNGQV_6YDbdfznsBhud5d9YIaytVkcTaNQdvnFGuqW7jAzl585UqNBCfICxurwdRXYsk4nsGtSc/w585-h779/ACS_0103.jpg" width="585" /></a></p><p>Happy almost-November! I'm about to launch into a not-quite NaNoWriMo but hopefully still big word month. Fingers crossed! </p><p>New posts over on my Patreon about: </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/43256686">radical brainstorming</a></li><li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/42837404">freewriting </a></li><li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/43117226">a video post writing room tour & idea notebook exercise</a></li><li><a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/43023138">behind the scenes on the new covers of the Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy!</a></li></ul><div>And more! XO</div><p></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Laini Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064837312936707024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303240770763546035.post-91447057854535192582020-10-04T21:36:00.003-07:002020-10-04T21:36:47.373-07:00MY PATREON IS LIVE!! <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mz7vPt1CMNjxqJ4ww5kgKVToTCHMa-TE-9-SmE2E3a9R0y5l9x_y5drOFYLWcve6jcXOsF56G8HJfzIjSsbZbJxP9PQJC_jjJtZpMkcdgs8-OCEQsOWjIAQycB9z9Tg-KbA2lR0Vn70/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="561" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mz7vPt1CMNjxqJ4ww5kgKVToTCHMa-TE-9-SmE2E3a9R0y5l9x_y5drOFYLWcve6jcXOsF56G8HJfzIjSsbZbJxP9PQJC_jjJtZpMkcdgs8-OCEQsOWjIAQycB9z9Tg-KbA2lR0Vn70/w662-h399/image.png" width="662" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtbfsoZ38XLizQnl-ptFRPbNFQdQN1QwiQIYT-lv_mDKFWceKYnYE9FyV1vEos0SoYMIrirUgDo6ICBKwKywrADIkN_vDzLXoBXDjAhFfQOd0s6DToVRxsU0rc9HghE2XbBtF4G46sQc/s1241/Screen+Shot+2020-10-04+at+4.52.52+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtbfsoZ38XLizQnl-ptFRPbNFQdQN1QwiQIYT-lv_mDKFWceKYnYE9FyV1vEos0SoYMIrirUgDo6ICBKwKywrADIkN_vDzLXoBXDjAhFfQOd0s6DToVRxsU0rc9HghE2XbBtF4G46sQc/s1241/Screen+Shot+2020-10-04+at+4.52.52+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7o_oWPaynhN2ZvZMNO_llgg6q76VeCFwLDRWmZPk8-jGxpKXOOngEdspgeqF_9ANK-L0SZu8cNV7qFHUX2QzZxgVP4v1CEgOKN3EJeHmPDB38vxVFojXdIK1VVkhypjWMiBYphWKGoU/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /></div><br /><p></p><p>I've started a Patreon account! For now all my old writing posts will remain here, but I'll be posting a lot of new content over there, so I hope you'll join me! Next Sunday, October 11, at 5 pm PST, I'll be doing my first livestream event, including a Q&A and I'll read you the prologue of my novel-in-progress!!! </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.patreon.com/lainitaylor">HERE'S THE LINK! </a></span></p>Laini Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064837312936707024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303240770763546035.post-39150509596542060142020-10-01T11:11:00.004-07:002020-10-01T12:18:19.767-07:00What do you think about a Patreon? <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4X4PESfVrN6Kefkv0g1KtFcnQjM4YzGVbRCUciG2wUnRuUQwzjvqMwBPZxOjScMJQCy10BxjOW4i1SF0K-D3r-uddEodoo1HZwd529aNd5VD5kgpBxLce4kH1UxOgPo78RSWK5mrdQY/" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="470" height="517" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4X4PESfVrN6Kefkv0g1KtFcnQjM4YzGVbRCUciG2wUnRuUQwzjvqMwBPZxOjScMJQCy10BxjOW4i1SF0K-D3r-uddEodoo1HZwd529aNd5VD5kgpBxLce4kH1UxOgPo78RSWK5mrdQY/w640-h517/image.png" width="640" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>Hi! <i>Welllllll,</i> hahahaha I haven't been on here in so long I wasn't sure I'd remember my password. Yikes! What happened??? Well, here's the thing. I miss this space, or what it was once when I maintained it and was part of a community, and connected here with readers, and posted about writing and life. It was wonderful, but something slowly happened over the years, new stresses kicked it off my to-do list, social media took over, and here we are with this stagnant place. Well, I'd like to create something like it again, but I'm thinking that place might be a Patreon account.**</p><p>There are a number of things I'd like to do more of: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>posts about writing, particularly writing difficulty (including rebuttals to jerks who claim "writer's block doesn't exist," <i>how dare they???</i>) </li><li>interact with a community of readers, lavish gratitude on you for being so awesome, give you secret information, and maybe come up with group projects like prompt writing exercises etc.</li><li>WRITE STORIES--including side stories set in the worlds of my books!</li></ul><div>Rewind...15 years? (YIKES!!!) I'd written my first book, I'd sold it, I was waiting for my first editorial letter, I was supposed to be writing the sequel, but I was afraid to do that before revising the first book, and I was just...generally stifled, cramped, sort of huddled, slow, recovering from two + years spent in the laboring of <i>finishing a manuscript, dammit</i>. What my brain and soul really needed was creative play--and connection. Blogging was in its heyday then, and I found both of those things in this space. I wrote a lot of posts, made a lot of friends, and even started a prompt writing site with one of those friends: Sunday Scribblings, which I hosted with the wonderful Meg Genge, who lives in Costa Rica now and continues to inspire. Does anyone remember that site? </div><div><br /></div><div>We'd post a prompt every week, everyone could play, and we had a sign up widget where you could post your link so we could all read each other's. It was great. It uncramped and unstifled me <i>so much</i>. I wrote short weird fun stories. I had a blast. There was no goal, which is what made it freeing, but nevertheless some of those stories became books. Three of them are collected in Lips Touch: Three Times, my third book (which was nominated for the National Book Award!!!) Some others, sparkling in the wings of my mind, took the stage on a day of freewriting and turned themselves into what became Daughter of Smoke & Bone, which absolutely changed my life.</div><div><br /></div><div>So it's not an exaggeration to say that those short writing exercises, that community space, and that freedom changed my life. But over the years I've drifted back into that cramped, stifled headspace. I'm writing a book that I love (and can't WAIT to tell you about!!), but my perfectionist issues are a constant challenge, and I'm haunted by all these stories I'd love to tell and somehow never find the time for. </div><div><br /></div><div>WELL. I thought: maybe I could recreate the inspiration of those old blog days, but in a more private space like Patreon**, with the extra impetus of goals and honoring promises to patrons. (And maybe pay a few bills in the process!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Would you be interested in that?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div>If you *would* support such a Patreon** could you add your name to my email list to let me know? It's not a Patreon sign-up and there's no commitment. It's just an expression of interest, so I can decide whether to take the leap! If it seems viable, I'll do it, and email you to let you know. Thanks in advance! XOXO </div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://lainitaylor.ck.page/7ee85905ac">Go HERE to add your name :)</a></span></div><div><br /></div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">**In case you're unfamiliar with Patreon, it's a platform that allows content creators like writers, artists, podcasters, etc, to be supported directly by subscription from fans. There are different support levels, from $1 or $2 a month at the basic level up to a more, for rewards etc. Anyway, if you'd pay a bit to subscribe to MORE CONTENT FROM ME, and maybe SECRETS FROM BEHIND THE SCENES, sign up to <br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBH-ATS0T26jaiM91B18xDZwV0rELMOh9FTcOq8wbwXnCZwQsk-AZ4LWkVAsKMaJvN5dqbkCBYzHmRVh-t1WNyqtw7lbBqeU6vXN0w6mGQQFu5eNyK9DI2lkrNUZkFQqNMZJ7C3qjCxpg/s905/Screen+Shot+2020-10-01+at+10.52.20+AM.png"><br /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p></p>Laini Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064837312936707024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303240770763546035.post-29439375681977989022018-10-16T22:49:00.002-07:002018-10-16T22:49:41.317-07:00Hurray!! MUSE debuts at #2 on the NYT bestsellers list!!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietI-NBT7QqrhS8bWpfw4RfEmDZFRUNgxpS3Rgxce5zvCM0wBl5lqAYEb88nPdBqA_vGmLF4sZyT5KbAZPXRJoRL53BLSIH_NXqKQAZ5v8snDyCOmenafKdxbsnTfFzsp3e0yK0y5jzGc/s1600/DpM3tzWXcAAh9B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="560" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietI-NBT7QqrhS8bWpfw4RfEmDZFRUNgxpS3Rgxce5zvCM0wBl5lqAYEb88nPdBqA_vGmLF4sZyT5KbAZPXRJoRL53BLSIH_NXqKQAZ5v8snDyCOmenafKdxbsnTfFzsp3e0yK0y5jzGc/s640/DpM3tzWXcAAh9B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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SO THRILLED!!!! </div>
<br />Laini Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064837312936707024noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303240770763546035.post-18889320025334998902018-08-27T12:04:00.001-07:002018-09-10T09:32:35.182-07:00MUSE OF NIGHTMARES tour!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5kQ0044Aa6jDPm6yep2otjZ_hbIY_rTgMV-cBVtg1A9jhyphenhyphenzjqFvqLNBNhmyBVMC_D-Qfgggsqz252Xk9uoQQHSW0UhJ7TPP-Y-JTkZ5G7qrkiOcCpceU9ZeW7FYegvAxENuEoDx7iZU/s1600/MuseOfNightmares_TourGraphic_FinalNew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5kQ0044Aa6jDPm6yep2otjZ_hbIY_rTgMV-cBVtg1A9jhyphenhyphenzjqFvqLNBNhmyBVMC_D-Qfgggsqz252Xk9uoQQHSW0UhJ7TPP-Y-JTkZ5G7qrkiOcCpceU9ZeW7FYegvAxENuEoDx7iZU/s1600/MuseOfNightmares_TourGraphic_FinalNew.jpg" /></a></div>
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Thrilled to be coming to see so many places I haven't been on past tours! </div>
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Laini Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064837312936707024noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303240770763546035.post-2307046304752722302018-04-30T08:16:00.002-07:002018-09-10T09:33:48.765-07:00French Strange!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Q9iAtDoh_J30z6nhJpGDkIY-EiFRpctQfNUneVubvVV_C2oQhOcOCZaXwfokfhPD5ljK1D2EjI3gOqnZH6k8luEEkOU1ycsxnsPrp-ddDEh9PQFAY-ZHzs_nl30scrT1zQRv1haF6zw/s1600/french+strange+promo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Q9iAtDoh_J30z6nhJpGDkIY-EiFRpctQfNUneVubvVV_C2oQhOcOCZaXwfokfhPD5ljK1D2EjI3gOqnZH6k8luEEkOU1ycsxnsPrp-ddDEh9PQFAY-ZHzs_nl30scrT1zQRv1haF6zw/s640/french+strange+promo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The French edition of Strange the Dreamer is in the world! </div>
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I love this promo that the publisher, Lumen Editions, made :)</div>
Laini Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064837312936707024noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303240770763546035.post-71967323530411969762018-04-29T21:51:00.002-07:002018-09-10T09:32:47.702-07:00MUSE OF NIGHTMARES covers!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here are the US (above) and UK (below) covers for MUSE OF NIGHTMARES, which comes out on October 2! I love them both. I hope you do too!! :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOmFj0QDCO84ZSvuCs2KJAyxo4vNhkSLkCPz5ZLPc0S3RZOtf2RT26OEjzLPANrXaP4nF-eEC3YyOlnnY5oOX199bhLil92p-zk5n14iV6K3L5Mof2O52yxxcWmFqr0MxciDe7z0JvQc/s1600/MUSE+upward+cover.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOmFj0QDCO84ZSvuCs2KJAyxo4vNhkSLkCPz5ZLPc0S3RZOtf2RT26OEjzLPANrXaP4nF-eEC3YyOlnnY5oOX199bhLil92p-zk5n14iV6K3L5Mof2O52yxxcWmFqr0MxciDe7z0JvQc/s640/MUSE+upward+cover.jpeg" width="494" /></a></div>
<br />Laini Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064837312936707024noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303240770763546035.post-385369088290189842018-02-24T07:50:00.000-08:002018-02-24T07:50:34.638-08:00STRANGE THE DREAMER paperback covers! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ckM9Z8BHwv4XqAFvGNVp7NMUVbaSSD8_32DzSj7R2D3FTDSjDmTFjguV3w4pO4lLXLukeCZXOIyiKSVMgczwvVJcbtucfGd07ZhFesBBqHXt8xinmiZWHZwfJc54SJjVecAFfcX2Mqg/s1600/tumblr_inline_p4lxa0BX1R1rzgqkq_500.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ckM9Z8BHwv4XqAFvGNVp7NMUVbaSSD8_32DzSj7R2D3FTDSjDmTFjguV3w4pO4lLXLukeCZXOIyiKSVMgczwvVJcbtucfGd07ZhFesBBqHXt8xinmiZWHZwfJc54SJjVecAFfcX2Mqg/s1600/tumblr_inline_p4lxa0BX1R1rzgqkq_500.png" /></a></div>
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Here are the paperback covers for the US and UK editions of STRANGE THE DREAMER! Above is the US edition. You make recognize it, since it is the UK hardcover. We all loved that cover so much and I'm happy it will have new life! It comes out on May 22nd, and you can <a href="https://www.lbyr.com/titles/laini-taylor/strange-the-dreamer/9780316341677/" target="_blank">preorder it here!</a></div>
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And below is the new UK look, very simple and elegant. I hope you like it! It will be out very soon, on March 8! </div>
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Thank you for reading! :)</div>
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<br />Laini Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064837312936707024noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303240770763546035.post-2885521139302577532018-02-23T07:49:00.003-08:002018-02-23T07:49:44.484-08:00PRINTZ HONOR!!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm thrilled beyond words that Strange the Dreamer was selected as a Michael L. Printz honor book. I really can't tell you what this silver sticker means to me. Awards are such a rare gift that I try really hard to not even <i>hope</i>, because...what are the chances? There are so many amazing books published each year. I live in constant awe of the quality and artistry and importance of the books being published for teens, and so to think that Strange the Dreamer was considered to be exceptional...it fills my heart. A huge, HUGE thank you to the amazing librarians who are on the committee this year. I can't wait to meet you in New Orleans! <3</div>
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<br />Laini Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064837312936707024noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303240770763546035.post-56218534202650828032017-09-14T03:30:00.000-07:002017-09-14T03:30:15.180-07:00Night of Cake & Puppets is in the world!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's here! Happy book birthday to Night of Cake & Puppets! </div>
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If you're in the Portland area, come by and have some cake with us :-)</div>
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We also have some art and stuff to give you.</div>
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I'm so happy this beautiful edition exists!</div>
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Thank you, Jim, for the beautiful art.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbVC-9b34x01Qm8mMaEu5GRuWkY8hbTBxRT1ITTpcjHDagFvDqIWYiv9nLYR0HHjmo5aZXzs-YabAn65j8prf9ZFKMDxq6kpL31m4XPi-ZKgzP39DJhyDBJSvU-Wv0LL09-3Htwu-3Yk/s1600/PROMO+event+flyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="850" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbVC-9b34x01Qm8mMaEu5GRuWkY8hbTBxRT1ITTpcjHDagFvDqIWYiv9nLYR0HHjmo5aZXzs-YabAn65j8prf9ZFKMDxq6kpL31m4XPi-ZKgzP39DJhyDBJSvU-Wv0LL09-3Htwu-3Yk/s640/PROMO+event+flyer.jpg" width="340" /></a></div>
<br />Laini Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064837312936707024noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303240770763546035.post-80480439294605648052017-08-01T11:00:00.004-07:002017-08-01T11:00:52.104-07:00NIGHT OF CAKE & PUPPETS!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'M SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS!!!</span></div>
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Sometimes it happens that there are stories you want to tell that just won't fit in your novel. Maybe they're outside the timeline, and not really relevant to the present, or maybe they're about secondary characters. The novel needs to stay true to its primary narrative. It isn't free to indulge in the fun little cul de sacs that you might wish to glide into and while away some sweet moments. Well, from the earliest days of writing Daughter of Smoke & Bone, I was really invested in Zuzana and her "violin boy," and I wanted to fit their romance into my novel somehow. But Daughter of Smoke & Bone wasn't their story, and I just couldn't, so it had to happen backstage.</div>
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In Days of Blood & Starlight, clearly I was still trying. There's this moment where Karou tells Ziri a little about Mik and Zuzana's first date. It was as much as I dared allow myself, and you can be sure that early drafts of that scene were longer! Again, it was indulgence. I had to stay focused on Karou's story, and Mik and Zuzana are a really important part of that, but there was no way to justify writing their romance the way I wanted to. </div>
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So I made it a novella!! It was such a joy to write! This was four years ago, and that novella was released in e-format only, but NOW IT IS COMING TO YOU AS A BOOK-SHAPED OBJECT! WITH PAGES! AND COVERS! And ohhhh the pages and covers are beaaauuuuuutiful, because this is a GIFT EDITION, and it is illustrated by the wonderful Jim Di Bartolo, who is super talented as well as awesome, and who I had the wisdom and good luck to marry sixteen years ago!</div>
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You guys are going to LOVE IT. </div>
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Our idea was that it would look like Zuzana's sketchbook, and that the drawings would be "done by her," so there's a lot of humor as well as gorgeousness. What I love is how the book feels like an artifact from the story itself, with the polaroids, diagrams, and notes all recreated, as though you're holding them in your hands. It's just so much fun. And the design! It's amazing. I'll have more to show you in the coming weeks. Wait till you see what's under the jacket! </div>
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(Is this not the best cover EVER???)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Night of Cake & Puppets comes out September 12,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and you can preorder it now from your preferred vendor! </span></div>
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Some sample art:</div>
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I couldn't resist taking a few snaps of the layout in my hands. (These are from the ARC; the finished copy will be even more gorgeous!)</div>
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<br />Laini Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064837312936707024noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303240770763546035.post-88723457318428361632017-04-05T07:13:00.000-07:002017-04-05T07:13:01.888-07:00Which godspawn are you?I've always loved these "which character are you?" quizzes, so I'm especially thrilled with this one! In Strange the Dreamer there are five blue-skinned characters, half-human, half god, each with unique abilities, and you can find out which one you are...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://thenovl.com/strangethedreamer" target="_blank">HERE </a></span></div>
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(scroll down the page just a little to get to the quiz)</div>
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And because you only get to see the character you are, here's the art for all of them, by the amazing lesya blackbird ink! </div>
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I LOVE THESE!!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpa-mg8HES1wN4BsgrBmgiARdyVr2r8e7OSzQcJpiZtwWjEuYe9cSVUBi5Gnuxz8dVlPFim-uUTwzLRvasEcPASrsKfW4H1uQVcKcDnBSyNVJ9oFcQX1rzRyj2RIEvlajVnymFg4CjJo/s1600/Minya+the+Master+of+Ghosts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpa-mg8HES1wN4BsgrBmgiARdyVr2r8e7OSzQcJpiZtwWjEuYe9cSVUBi5Gnuxz8dVlPFim-uUTwzLRvasEcPASrsKfW4H1uQVcKcDnBSyNVJ9oFcQX1rzRyj2RIEvlajVnymFg4CjJo/s640/Minya+the+Master+of+Ghosts.jpg" width="463" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minya</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQGzhT4jT_3YG_A8foLRIh9I7NPzzeEZsgrMKhUWC_tlrkDQLQAUTpRWsy6P_N7DkdUz96PjtLs4bqzJjYOjobOVGwMVYKUJwkjcWIVUC_ypJn2U00Lf1mghT9lDmyfA93NXny7djcos/s1600/Sparrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQGzhT4jT_3YG_A8foLRIh9I7NPzzeEZsgrMKhUWC_tlrkDQLQAUTpRWsy6P_N7DkdUz96PjtLs4bqzJjYOjobOVGwMVYKUJwkjcWIVUC_ypJn2U00Lf1mghT9lDmyfA93NXny7djcos/s640/Sparrow.jpg" width="462" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sparrow, aka Orchid Witch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNYUnW7IuqUdIzd8eCkzzOLKz4WsS2Lzy_MkH6MKnAPKRl8o13Yw2Ipx26KgO8eksYtGui0f1PJL38qnLXB6ZnQG326l-i7Z4ojGNkXeu3QbWqNfagWR18Bs56fPjpVT9RV3tcWpMUmg/s1600/Feral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNYUnW7IuqUdIzd8eCkzzOLKz4WsS2Lzy_MkH6MKnAPKRl8o13Yw2Ipx26KgO8eksYtGui0f1PJL38qnLXB6ZnQG326l-i7Z4ojGNkXeu3QbWqNfagWR18Bs56fPjpVT9RV3tcWpMUmg/s640/Feral.jpg" width="462" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feral, aka Cloud Thief</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnSsl609qOThD2IHhu7xc88L3Pqy2yiL5GfXzhb3yLQ2HKo4pD-vrth6Y-6DJjHd-gZ2NgR-cSvPD_upG6aZRzdCXi4hyEHyLCr2iK8HjTKQnNbN6m0dpa0TqPwF7TsQt-t9mqAk2D8I/s1600/Sarai+with+moths.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnSsl609qOThD2IHhu7xc88L3Pqy2yiL5GfXzhb3yLQ2HKo4pD-vrth6Y-6DJjHd-gZ2NgR-cSvPD_upG6aZRzdCXi4hyEHyLCr2iK8HjTKQnNbN6m0dpa0TqPwF7TsQt-t9mqAk2D8I/s640/Sarai+with+moths.jpg" width="462" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarai, aka the Muse of Nightmares</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Z4nzq6Ope1zVnHhK3oaqGngAR-v0bPHLvquXINhJ4UqEZCPCEsWSFjMq_GDf9QuU1M_K_lxs1rWDqzahdQmkYZVf-A4FRvvznp6W2lXzmWuJyARFuukAmGlzZrBDAc-POo-6KlaermY/s1600/Ruby+v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Z4nzq6Ope1zVnHhK3oaqGngAR-v0bPHLvquXINhJ4UqEZCPCEsWSFjMq_GDf9QuU1M_K_lxs1rWDqzahdQmkYZVf-A4FRvvznp6W2lXzmWuJyARFuukAmGlzZrBDAc-POo-6KlaermY/s640/Ruby+v2.jpg" width="462" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruby, aka Bonfire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Laini Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064837312936707024noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303240770763546035.post-40285541566141810772017-03-21T22:56:00.001-07:002017-03-22T15:07:01.230-07:00Strange the Dreamer tour! It's almost time :) It seemed like the day would never come, but Strange comes out in ONE WEEK!<br />
I hope to see you at one of these fabulous bookstores or festivals:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">US tour</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjun2_iHqLjy9pEPtOQOKSB1PzsfauZggRVWuLRmXrTs0WXwvoPGytR6jGVbEkYm15Is4yTQ6BfmcXUgNm3WQhGfVchCyVlHW9gn-TZZhtcXI9NavU4ZFsWdyeFUgG1_Tqcn9K1FnYpc8g/s1600/SM0032_StrangeTheDreamer_TourGraphic_Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjun2_iHqLjy9pEPtOQOKSB1PzsfauZggRVWuLRmXrTs0WXwvoPGytR6jGVbEkYm15Is4yTQ6BfmcXUgNm3WQhGfVchCyVlHW9gn-TZZhtcXI9NavU4ZFsWdyeFUgG1_Tqcn9K1FnYpc8g/s640/SM0032_StrangeTheDreamer_TourGraphic_Final.jpg" width="406" /></a></div>
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Oh, and if you come to one of the events you can get this limited edition sticker, the 2nd of four collectibles (get the 1st one by preordering!!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrAfdwrC77sAHCl46Lr2xfQFYs_e0sduZgsvLUSQZUlDWVNRazw212qMnJQ3JCOYOzklod5v8hWJMQQTfgjNbq1-rvtoyJE2uwBFw1mE3fdm69Uus-EfIqeaI5n8dDqmyAYv_A_TvY_4/s1600/StrangetheDreamer-TourMinya+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrAfdwrC77sAHCl46Lr2xfQFYs_e0sduZgsvLUSQZUlDWVNRazw212qMnJQ3JCOYOzklod5v8hWJMQQTfgjNbq1-rvtoyJE2uwBFw1mE3fdm69Uus-EfIqeaI5n8dDqmyAYv_A_TvY_4/s640/StrangetheDreamer-TourMinya+2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">And I'm coming to the UK!!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6zieVRm-_hanM8qLfIGPli5DlkEXR7SaTp67qjwttmcFKXMW0a9W1Rw4R5XCllJPW2kGVN6bkUV5J0oU7C5BPuGm4JLM1244qI2Q-2Cpo90YC8Ug2WJiNIMTWG8tpW_LfdRim8NCxS8/s1600/C6QQH3gU4AAOfQM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6zieVRm-_hanM8qLfIGPli5DlkEXR7SaTp67qjwttmcFKXMW0a9W1Rw4R5XCllJPW2kGVN6bkUV5J0oU7C5BPuGm4JLM1244qI2Q-2Cpo90YC8Ug2WJiNIMTWG8tpW_LfdRim8NCxS8/s1600/C6QQH3gU4AAOfQM.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzTlwMALdArDhPpBO4Fxgjx3JxIP1M2w60mjel0VFiiqrmoWRB52cbHLskn2G6Fw8uM7jv0eJHDv-xzvhXG0lQsrXIA2TLeQm1b3EyXMiwQOX17bjn-PGhs4ttE2RtceTmDYoMb_5X3k/s1600/C7HZx22W4AAs201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzTlwMALdArDhPpBO4Fxgjx3JxIP1M2w60mjel0VFiiqrmoWRB52cbHLskn2G6Fw8uM7jv0eJHDv-xzvhXG0lQsrXIA2TLeQm1b3EyXMiwQOX17bjn-PGhs4ttE2RtceTmDYoMb_5X3k/s640/C7HZx22W4AAs201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Laini Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064837312936707024noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303240770763546035.post-50391623035604373852017-03-01T13:04:00.001-08:002017-03-01T13:16:56.444-08:00One month till STRANGE: pre-order info!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2wrYpNU-yp14r9NdfuMJJX-0Lbk9xYz08VNLLGX1mv4ODBa0Lpd1PBSO5SpEHVfU__nD025n_FwrA-jbuBrSybhn2RNXDJzQhuYN_eH4weuKbBj9r4x8x2gO4Fh1D000ZjIxlZ8X3bY/s1600/C5uih2UWMAAOE65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2wrYpNU-yp14r9NdfuMJJX-0Lbk9xYz08VNLLGX1mv4ODBa0Lpd1PBSO5SpEHVfU__nD025n_FwrA-jbuBrSybhn2RNXDJzQhuYN_eH4weuKbBj9r4x8x2gO4Fh1D000ZjIxlZ8X3bY/s640/C5uih2UWMAAOE65.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's getting real. STRANGE THE DREAMER is getting close! The finished books are in, both the US and UK editions, and they are the most gorgeous books I've ever seen. I mean, look at thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVmyAFNCaGOkUDFEoQo9t2B00adH6g-cbi0g-CPITtQWdjg6WN5Hf0RSw33Ff6YT3g7BuswoIZXKEhRDBF4Bt5qqEhExlLwdmF5we5rM26JmoIShyphenhyphendi6Thaxx7aLV3fKSDs74Y2Dqo4I/s1600/C5SyCq0VUAAUdKH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVmyAFNCaGOkUDFEoQo9t2B00adH6g-cbi0g-CPITtQWdjg6WN5Hf0RSw33Ff6YT3g7BuswoIZXKEhRDBF4Bt5qqEhExlLwdmF5we5rM26JmoIShyphenhyphendi6Thaxx7aLV3fKSDs74Y2Dqo4I/s640/C5SyCq0VUAAUdKH.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So shiny! It's like a mirror!</div>
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And an embossed gold moth under the jacket!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEY17iYw8jZj3MopDggsn-4Js15a-803xdVv7BPGnUi82PcmUgr-bpQaoMwuWYCJjwaSt10FU94f96OIFOpuZ0BearsqU2GMmEReew1c9kDyPQh1JtmzKkxHFFhS9uO5G560YIG9Fsv3E/s1600/C5SyCrKUMAAvg9a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEY17iYw8jZj3MopDggsn-4Js15a-803xdVv7BPGnUi82PcmUgr-bpQaoMwuWYCJjwaSt10FU94f96OIFOpuZ0BearsqU2GMmEReew1c9kDyPQh1JtmzKkxHFFhS9uO5G560YIG9Fsv3E/s640/C5SyCrKUMAAvg9a.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Last week I went to the massive Hachette warehouse in Indiana (where <i>85 million</i> books live and you have to drive around the huge hangars in carts) and signed some stacks:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFRcRXkzRdAPIGTc8tjlhyXcMX6ZE_E0YfaFWGul3WMqplEHSCHGmruCTEM6BUYpn3l8bHh-GiT_-Bqa0WqnPZoFl2diYxqczd20gczi2pnDp8rDwPvkxXVFHhRKs1Gm9B6YEI9K-8nU/s1600/C5XnH3vVUAEY6FT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFRcRXkzRdAPIGTc8tjlhyXcMX6ZE_E0YfaFWGul3WMqplEHSCHGmruCTEM6BUYpn3l8bHh-GiT_-Bqa0WqnPZoFl2diYxqczd20gczi2pnDp8rDwPvkxXVFHhRKs1Gm9B6YEI9K-8nU/s640/C5XnH3vVUAEY6FT.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And the UK editions, swoon!</div>
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I don't have mine yet. I've only seen these pictures:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihG29pwR7gg46wemCOTPd2hjtgO0yxhmE254SL28_U4nwGwE2XJgQ0nXx28CKNl0fEQgqNtNGW68NnBoolhXHCeEjiFSsovPVS06dx4CA71cuuSXuADY-4-vlmeV2PlSNfEGxm7SpPqDU/s1600/C5waxGQXMAYXxub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihG29pwR7gg46wemCOTPd2hjtgO0yxhmE254SL28_U4nwGwE2XJgQ0nXx28CKNl0fEQgqNtNGW68NnBoolhXHCeEjiFSsovPVS06dx4CA71cuuSXuADY-4-vlmeV2PlSNfEGxm7SpPqDU/s640/C5waxGQXMAYXxub.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's the signed (printed signature) illustrated title page from the first edition,</div>
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which also has blue sprayed pages :</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-NuuQleqveaCvB7Vr7O8KJBhL6uCBR4F-YS6x7oVor8Q95ZcIYQhz72Uirx9p37MpHgQ5C2kyqra9EnO-4PIEftBviC7ehJz79djF5Cwk8v4BF9t6Z-CppI7uputfG-cZMzxjyV5KT8/s1600/C5weYDuWAAAfGqh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-NuuQleqveaCvB7Vr7O8KJBhL6uCBR4F-YS6x7oVor8Q95ZcIYQhz72Uirx9p37MpHgQ5C2kyqra9EnO-4PIEftBviC7ehJz79djF5Cwk8v4BF9t6Z-CppI7uputfG-cZMzxjyV5KT8/s640/C5weYDuWAAAfGqh.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And the back!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjPomkc2-XgeVMjGajPUjZVl4KzncuVx1u9FIoZPrCtF3dRb7kJl46e-GjBiIZMtYt5EqmR-X182JtGmhUucb6pG8IMVgt2imiA7hJaxVgE-KLI4jTPmM7shEGHtQXaUrDWkc0UBs77o/s1600/C5wpLa8WgAEmqCh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjPomkc2-XgeVMjGajPUjZVl4KzncuVx1u9FIoZPrCtF3dRb7kJl46e-GjBiIZMtYt5EqmR-X182JtGmhUucb6pG8IMVgt2imiA7hJaxVgE-KLI4jTPmM7shEGHtQXaUrDWkc0UBs77o/s640/C5wpLa8WgAEmqCh.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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And another gold embossed moth!</div>
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The Strange the Dreamer shelf in my library is filling up. My heart is full :-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXJY2jSoWhNMyVF8J4FEB38JQ_fP-Wkp_Hm8VqTern-JCXcwAskASoo9Vrq4SHAUOwk1L6ASFIlVt5xIHILnWu8na947_R5QQVFAeI4zs5jJR2aGM1f5hjjCDYZv6yilTwj-Bjc1sI1c/s1600/C5s8QtKU0AIdxEc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXJY2jSoWhNMyVF8J4FEB38JQ_fP-Wkp_Hm8VqTern-JCXcwAskASoo9Vrq4SHAUOwk1L6ASFIlVt5xIHILnWu8na947_R5QQVFAeI4zs5jJR2aGM1f5hjjCDYZv6yilTwj-Bjc1sI1c/s640/C5s8QtKU0AIdxEc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh, and see that one in the middle? FROM THE GREAT LIBRARY OF ZOSMA? That's an awesome ARC wraparound Little Brown made. I'm a complete fool for things that are like artifacts from my fictional worlds. This makes me so happy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2W97PuJUD2dPY0T-IIVHYhVh0kvZ9nzqK8JtRXJF-uz6Mqb-gf9WBzH5xpMhNvZX7pwUjwm5BccluBZgweFkphv6VOJrUnweKBQLLXE4A2hAdIzAYQCJDTJxdq_ccrXjryynN9SZAvI/s1600/C5s8nJ8UwAAZxSu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2W97PuJUD2dPY0T-IIVHYhVh0kvZ9nzqK8JtRXJF-uz6Mqb-gf9WBzH5xpMhNvZX7pwUjwm5BccluBZgweFkphv6VOJrUnweKBQLLXE4A2hAdIzAYQCJDTJxdq_ccrXjryynN9SZAvI/s400/C5s8nJ8UwAAZxSu.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9eE5SLy3w40RBozZuEuDjqnEgLwcbyWIK4MEJeWGzOVm5psy-xliCy6kaEDX_HVJxtrm8hok43RY0U6XZwc4qyp3YtClnGJFfKqG_KAivEJ3EgDzfGFFL9LPDwJedReNxltR2UptGgI/s1600/C5s8nKPU4AAithj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9eE5SLy3w40RBozZuEuDjqnEgLwcbyWIK4MEJeWGzOVm5psy-xliCy6kaEDX_HVJxtrm8hok43RY0U6XZwc4qyp3YtClnGJFfKqG_KAivEJ3EgDzfGFFL9LPDwJedReNxltR2UptGgI/s400/C5s8nKPU4AAithj.jpg" width="392" /></a></div>
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(There are all these myths and stories within stories in Strange, and I want to mock up fake covers for them all and add to this collection :-)</div>
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So, preorder campaigns! There are two.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">FOR THE US EDITION:</span></div>
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Basically, preorder it wherever you like, and upload your receipt at <a href="http://strangethedreamer.com/">strangethedreamer.com</a>, and you'll get shwag mailed to you: a signed bookplate (not a printed signature but a unique signature. I still have to sign these! Eep!) plus the first in a collectible set of 4 character decals illustrated by the amazing <a href="http://blackbirdink.deviantart.com/" target="_blank">Lesya BlackBirdInk</a>!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwq0uqHRXeb32_GOGVfSy8D_4bmPkoJEQD6aY4wAqjvUEDGMrhcY7gp__aLAlLx-hzMtmhtY92a-tqqUBcb4fZzicrxBBWxNfvHbX6xzYRDq5-9nqJWvqH6a7dH3bhTnrZqPrqv9sJGYI/s1600/StrangetheDreamer-PreorderLazlo+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwq0uqHRXeb32_GOGVfSy8D_4bmPkoJEQD6aY4wAqjvUEDGMrhcY7gp__aLAlLx-hzMtmhtY92a-tqqUBcb4fZzicrxBBWxNfvHbX6xzYRDq5-9nqJWvqH6a7dH3bhTnrZqPrqv9sJGYI/s640/StrangetheDreamer-PreorderLazlo+2.png" width="640" /></a><br />
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Look at Lazlo. Isn't he beautiful?? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCVX5hmRrgsOyR6H025TBi-z1S3Hc_p1H3kHCc1MrP9JmTcSgNylHzVuvvGumBzimqCb8hvQ5_9u4D7ny3xdNcUdqCRYrFcV0GZLa1Qpjofb4Sl6WghsLMyTSNT3J2vL1TqaiG5ZuE2w/s1600/Lazlo-Strange-the-Dreamer-Decal-731x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCVX5hmRrgsOyR6H025TBi-z1S3Hc_p1H3kHCc1MrP9JmTcSgNylHzVuvvGumBzimqCb8hvQ5_9u4D7ny3xdNcUdqCRYrFcV0GZLa1Qpjofb4Sl6WghsLMyTSNT3J2vL1TqaiG5ZuE2w/s640/Lazlo-Strange-the-Dreamer-Decal-731x1024.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For the UK edition:</span></div>
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Anyone who preorders the book from a UK bookseller or site will receive the special first print run, which includes the gold foil, the blue sprayed edges, and the illustrated title page. Stores will have these too, until they run out and are replaced by the second print run, which will be less fancy. Go to <a href="http://www.hodderscape.co.uk/strange-dreamer-special-first-edition-reveal/" target="_blank">Hodderscape</a> for more info.</div>
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You want the Lazlo decal in the UK too? There will be a drawing for those, which you can enter <a href="http://www.hodderscape.co.uk/strange-the-dreamer-meet-lazlo-strange" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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I think that covers everything.</div>
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I'm so excited!!</div>
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Check back in a couple days for full book tour info</div>
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(plus a peek at the 2nd collectible character decal!)</div>
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<br />Laini Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064837312936707024noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303240770763546035.post-50923204144972039202017-02-21T11:01:00.004-08:002017-02-21T11:01:46.798-08:00Writing Question: how do you keep going when you feel like you have no idea what you're doing?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Tim Walker.: " class="pinImage rounded" data-load-state="pending" data-src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/e9/82/77/e982776d3f024ae57d24d7dd7f7c3a5a.jpg" height="640" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/e9/82/77/e982776d3f024ae57d24d7dd7f7c3a5a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="509" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;">photo: Tim Walker</td></tr>
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So I got this great question in an email, and it felt so universal to me that I thought I'd answer it here. It's been a while since I posted about writing. Here you go! </div>
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My question is this: how do you keep going when you feel like you have no idea what you’re doing?</div>
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I’m working on the second draft of a MG novel I just finished. I loved writing the first draft – as difficult as it was to do – but now, everything I do seems wrong. The writing seems terrible to me and I can’t figure out how to get it right. I feel like I’ve lost my character’s voice and I suddenly have absolutely no idea what in the world I’m doing.</div>
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I’ve seen a lot of writers talk about what to do when writing the first draft, and most of the advice is along the lines of “Don’t worry about the quality of the first draft, it’s meant to be crap, and you can always fix it later!” But I hardly see any good advice on how to “fix it later.” What do you do when the manuscript you spent a year or more of your life on seems like a putrid mess… but you can’t give up on it? What do you do when you feel as though you can’t ever make your piece as good as you want it to be? </div>
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So, in essence: what do you do when you’re hopeless?</div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hi Rosie!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I’m sorry to hear you’re feeling hopeless. Please know that you are not alone! Let’s focus on the positive: you finished a draft! That’s HUGE. So many would-be writers never make it that far. I really think that finishing is the hardest part, especially the first time. If you have it in you to finish a draft, I think you’re going to be okay. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So, what to do now?? </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">First, I need to tell you: for me, first drafts are 90% misery, 10% blinding joy. 90/10. So I can’t relate to your loving writing the first draft. If only! And yes, the prevailing advice on first drafts is indeed: don’t worry about quality. Just get the story down, then make it better.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Doesn’t work for me. I’ve tried it. I <i>keep</i> trying it because it sounds great! Even on my current book, my eighth, I made a plan that sort of involved a fast first draft. I haven’t been able to stick with it. (Well, I did once. For NaNoWriMo years ago I forced myself to write and finish a fast first draft and the exercise murdered all interest I had in that book.)</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Fast first drafts don’t fit my brain. It’s like trying to shove an American plug into a European outlet or something. Like: you can try to force it, but nothing good will come of it, and you might even hurt yourself. I need to love every chapter before I can move on. As soon as I sense that something’s gone wrong, I need to fix it. It can feel crazy slow, but the result for me is that my “first drafts” are much closer to a finished draft, and the revision process is the great, fun work of taking something you love and making it stronger, versus the hard, daunting work of turning a “putrid mess,” to use your words, into a book. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I’m not saying that you should work the way I do. If you really loved writing your fast first draft, that may indeed be the right method for you, and your second drafts will be the place, maybe, where you’re 90/10 misery/joy. It just might be that way. As much as I would love it if writing were a generally fun and delightful pursuit, for me it mostly isn’t. I’m sorry to say it. The 10% is really, really great though, and the satisfaction of the finished book makes up for everything. So if any of your hopelessness is predicated on the idea that it’s supposed to be easier and more fun, dispel that. For some of us, it’s just not. But it’s still worth it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This still doesn’t tell you what to <i>do</i>. I can’t really tell you that. A fast first drafter might have tips for you on how to tackle those kinds of revisions. But it sounds to me like you could use a break from this manuscript. Put it away for a while. Write something else. If this sounds defeatist, it isn’t. I always advocate putting a first draft away if you can possibly can, to give yourself distance and be able to come back to it with a fresh perspective. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Also, you know what happened when I put that NaNo draft in a drawer and wrote something else? Daughter of Smoke & Bone.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So yay! I mean, I had a good outcome because I ended up writing a book I was passionate about and that was successful, but the crucial thing is this: beginning something new revived my passion for writing. Morale was really low after that NaNo draft (my “ballerinas in space” book!). Writing felt like such a chore. I could no more have tried to revise that thing than…[insert terrible unpleasant labor here, something involving outhouses maybe]. So I set myself the challenge of writing something new and fun, to try to fall in love with writing again. On my blog at the time I called it the “new, weird thing.” It worked. That book brought me joy. It wasn’t 90/10, even. Maybe more like 50/50. I wish it was always like that!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So: </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">—Put your draft away for a while. Maybe a few weeks, maybe a few months. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">—Write something for fun. A short story maybe. Or a new novel. What do you have to lose? </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">—Go back and look at your draft later. Read it like somebody else wrote it. What’s working? What do you love? When writing a second draft from a messy first draft, you may end up picking out the good things and starting mostly from scratch, versus “revising” what you have. That sounds hard and horrible, but it’s also freeing. Revising is the opportunity to make something <i>more awesome</i>. Embrace it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large; letter-spacing: 0px;">You can do this. Just keep going. Figure out what works for you. If it feels like it’s harder than it should be, don’t despair. Adjust expectations and keep working.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Consider finding a critique partner or group. Joining an organization like SCBWI can help you build a community (and if you possibly can, go to their conferences!)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Good luck!!!</span></span></div>
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Laini Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064837312936707024noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303240770763546035.post-47062921024801083282017-01-11T10:39:00.003-08:002017-01-11T10:39:44.810-08:00STRANGE THE DREAMER - 1st trade review!! <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">⭐AND IT'S A STAR!!! ⭐</span></div>
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Thank you, Booklist!!! </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px;">By now, fans of Laini Taylor know what to expect: beautiful prose, strange and whimsical fantasy worlds, sympathetic monsters, and wrenching, star-crossed romance. Her latest, first in a two-book set, certainly delivers on that, and there’s something quietly magical at play here. Lazlo Strange, an orphaned infant who grew up to be a librarian, has had a quiet first two decades of life. But Lazlo, reader of fairy tales, longs to learn more about a distant, nearly mythical city, called Weep after its true name was stolen. When a group of warriors from that very place come seeking help, Lazlo, never before a man of action, may actually see his dream fulfilled. Weep, though, is a city still reeling from the aftermath of a brutal war, and hidden there is a girl named Sarai and her four companions, all of whom have singular talents and devastating secrets. What follows is the careful unfolding of a plot crafted with origamilike precision. This has distinct echoes of Taylor’s </span><i style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px;"><a href="https://www.booklistonline.com/Daughter-of-Smoke-and-Bone-Laini-Taylor/pid=4920522">Daughter of Smoke and Bone</a></i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px;"> (2011), though ultimately it’s a cut above even that: characters are carefully, exquisitely crafted; the writing is achingly lovely; and the world is utterly real. While a cliff-hanger ending will certainly have readers itching for book two, make no mistake—this is a thing to be savored.</span><br />
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Laini Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064837312936707024noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303240770763546035.post-15117631887702852272016-11-10T22:45:00.001-08:002016-11-10T23:02:46.421-08:00Venice! (from summer)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi there. *shy wave* It's been a ridiculously long time since I posted anything. I really fell into a writing pit and spent the better part of a year digging myself out of it. I want to write about writing Strange the Dreamer, but I feel like I have to work up to it. Not to mention that I never posted pics of our summer trip to Italy, so I'm going to do that first, while I gather my wits.</div>
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Starting with Venice, because: <i>Venice.</i></div>
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We stayed in the Castello district, which I highly recommend. Venice is such a mob in the main tourist thoroughfares, but get just a little outside of it and that totally falls away, revealing a real city where people live and work. Above is our neighborhood, only a 5 minute walk to San Marco, but very few tourists to be seen--and in the afternoon when it got hot and we'd had enough trudging, we'd take the vaporetto a few stops and be on the beach island, Lido! Below is the apartment we rented on airbnb. It was the office of a pair of French boatbuilders at one time. </div>
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From the outside: </div>
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It's directly on the fondamente; below pic is just in front of the house. </div>
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That spire above Clementine is St Mark's.</div>
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Here's the nighttime view:</div>
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Look at these colors. Doesn't it look like a postcard from the 70s or something?</div>
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Venice is...unreal. Even as you're seeing it, your brain is denying it, a little. Mine does, anyway. Cruising down the Grand Canal on a vaporetto, I look around and it's all SO RIDICULOUSLY MAGNIFICENT that my brain kind of slips into this weird mode like it's seeing something fake and refuses to be impressed. I have to keep going: no, it's <i>real</i>. Believe it. The only other place I've had that reaction is the Grand Canyon.</div>
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Jim and I got engaged in Venice seventeen years ago, on a gondola under the Bridge of Sighs. Here's a selfie Jim took of us *on* the Bridge of Sighs <3</div>
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And the Bridge of Sighs at night: </div>
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Next time: Tuscany!</div>
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<br />Laini Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064837312936707024noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303240770763546035.post-89141039571952873982016-04-25T14:02:00.002-07:002016-04-25T14:02:37.763-07:00STRANGE THE DREAMER covers!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4LO_e992LpyJpiMfHIj1LWbOnul-TyrelVEOFyeww_3PDRMnxeCqmB6WS69Qu9r48WtuUuszES8RFueDOEMWHr8chGsw9X7uA3iXpxhAxOznOqdlIrnpUuWXkDTj-UV5rG8MSadKqnw/s1600/StrangeTheDreamer+cover+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4LO_e992LpyJpiMfHIj1LWbOnul-TyrelVEOFyeww_3PDRMnxeCqmB6WS69Qu9r48WtuUuszES8RFueDOEMWHr8chGsw9X7uA3iXpxhAxOznOqdlIrnpUuWXkDTj-UV5rG8MSadKqnw/s640/StrangeTheDreamer+cover+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Hello hello! I'm thrilled to show you the covers for STRANGE THE DREAMER!!!! </div>
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The above is the US cover; below is the UK cover. I adore them both, and love how they look great together too. I've been deeply deeply buried in the world of this book, and I really look forward to talking more about it and getting back to writing here about writing and life once I've unburied myself a little bit. I miss it here! I'll be back soon!! </div>
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Would you like to read the prologue? You can find it <a href="http://www.ew.com/article/2016/03/31/laini-taylor-strange-dreamer" target="_blank">HERE</a> at Entertainment Weekly. Cheers!</div>
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<br />Laini Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064837312936707024noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303240770763546035.post-22231256829222929532015-12-09T08:04:00.000-08:002016-04-16T17:09:05.367-07:00STRANGE THE DREAMER<div style="text-align: center;">
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I'm thrilled to announce the new title for the novel I've been working on all year! You may recall, when it was initially announced, that the title was given as "The Muse of Nightmares." Well, I still love that title too, and am happy to say that it will serve as the sequel to this book, which has morphed, in the writing, into a duology. A duet. A pair. A one-two punch. </div>
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I should have known from the outset. Any story I come up with has a way of stretching its borders in every way possible. Prompts grow into novels. Novels spill over from one book to another to another. But after finishing the Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy, a standalone sounded really appealing! </div>
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So much for that. This is a story that's been growing quietly in my mind for years, and it was never going to fit itself meekly into one book. So here we are!</div>
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I think that all I said in my initial announcement was this:</div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There was a war between gods and men, and men won. The few surviving children of the gods have grown up in hiding, dreading the day they know must come: when humans find them, and end them.</span></i> </span></blockquote>
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<i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">That day is at hand.</span></i></blockquote>
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Wheeeeee! You'll find an expanded description, plus an explanation for this new title <a href="http://thenovl.com/post/134807655069/strange-the-dreamer-last-week-we-announced-laini" target="_blank">over at NOVL</a>, the awesome sight for book lovers produced by my publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers. </div>
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I'm super excited, guys. I really love this title, these characters, this world, and I sincerely hope that you do too!</div>
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XOXO</div>
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Laini Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064837312936707024noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303240770763546035.post-4194009845950124662015-11-16T00:03:00.001-08:002015-11-16T00:06:45.303-08:00Retreating!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm going on retreat tomorrow! Not to the above island, which is waaay too distraction-filled. It'll just be me in a hotel room with nothing to do but write write write. (Well, I might possibly wander into the Plot Labyrinth, but not if I can help it!) Always such excitement and trepidation pre-retreat: big hopes of big productivity, and big fears of face-planting. </div>
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Stupid fear. </div>
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But excitement too! I'll be back soon!</div>
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(more of my thoughts on writing retreats <a href="http://www.lainitaylor.com/search/label/writing%20retreat" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
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<br />Laini Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064837312936707024noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303240770763546035.post-69925177917213674552015-11-07T23:07:00.001-08:002015-11-07T23:08:16.042-08:00"Paris is always a good idea." - Audrey Hepburn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Versailles! </div>
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(weird cool mirror sculpture in above photo, if you're wondering!)</div>
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A little slice of Montmartre:</div>
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Some random Paris:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(At Parc de la Villette, hard to tell the scale, but that mirror ball has an IMAX theater inside, so: it's big!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We reallllly loved Les Invalides/Napoleon's Tomb/the war museums. </td></tr>
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The Palais Garnier (Opera House); one of our favorite places:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Jim in a crown of light :-)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heh heh, I bought a coupla these sweaters...</td></tr>
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Another favorite place in Paris that we never miss: Passage Jouffroy!</div>
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One of the fabulous Belle Epoque covered shopping passages (the best one in my opinion). In addition to the wax museum (Musee Grevin) it has this amazing toy store, Pain d'Epice, where I could spend hours, <i>and</i> as luck would have it, a graphic novel bookstore right next door where Jim could spend hours. How convenient!</div>
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And across the passage, the perfect spot for tea & cakes...</div>
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Le Valentin, chocolaterie/salon de the.</div>
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Wonderful!</div>
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We tried out a handful of smaller museums for the first time on this trip, notably: </div>
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Musee Gustave Moreau, where here you see Clementine's halberd in the umbrella stand...</div>
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Isn't this the best staircase in the world???</div>
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This museum is in the lifelong home of the Symbolist painter Gustave Moreau, and has a huge collection of his paintings. Do you think anyone would mind if we moved in?</div>
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XO</div>
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<br />Laini Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064837312936707024noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303240770763546035.post-90300340437538275662015-10-11T10:45:00.005-07:002015-10-13T22:22:54.779-07:00Pierrefonds, France -- the best kind of castle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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From Paris to the Ardennes, we went by way of <a href="http://pierrefonds.monuments-nationaux.fr/" target="_blank">Pierrefonds Castle</a>, about an hour, hour and a halfish northeast of Paris? If you watch the show Merlin, I guess it's filmed here? I haven't seen it, but now I want to. This place is gorgeous.</div>
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It has a cool history. Though originally built in the 12th-14th Centuries, it had become a picturesque ruin by the 19th. Then Napoleon III came along and hired architect <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eug%C3%A8ne_Viollet-le-Duc" target="_blank">Viollet-le-Duc</a> to rebuild it. So what it basically is is a medieval castle reimagined in the 19th century, with theatrical flair. </div>
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THE BEST KIND OF CASTLE.</div>
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As an aside, we'd been to Versailles a few days earlier, and this might sounds appalling, but it really left us cold. For one thing: the crowds. But that's not all. It's just the style of the place, it's so symmetrical and elegant. Give me crenelations and gothic arches any day. This is my kind of castle. </div>
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Viollet-le-Duc was a full-service designer, and did up the interior too, as well as designing furniture. It was never completed, alas, because some pesky war came along and ended Napoleon III's emperorship. </div>
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There was a really cool exhibit of costumes and armor going on, and true to the spirit of the castle, they weren't genuine either, but were theatrical reimaginings of medieval and Renaissance costumes from various operas. Bonus for crazy imagination.</div>
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(Clementine must have taken this pic, as Jim and Alexandra and I are all in the background!)</div>
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The village at the foot of the castle is really stunning too. We were wishing we had a couple of days to linger and stroll to Compiegne through the woods and peddle boat on the lake and just enjoy the tranquility. Another time! But then, who knows? Maybe not. Because there are just SO MANY CASTLES AND BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES IN FRANCE that we may not ever get back to this one, but just see as many as we can and STILL NEVER SEE THEM ALL.</div>
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Oh, and see the castle below? Just some other castle that somebody lives in. No big deal.</div>
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The town hall, with the castle in the background:</div>
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Oh, and <a href="http://www.rightmove.co.uk/overseas-property/property-49717697.html/svr/1716" target="_blank">this house in the village is for sale</a>, </div>
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if anyone's looking for a cool property with a castle view...</div>
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Village doggie says bye! Have a nice day!</div>
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<br />Laini Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064837312936707024noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303240770763546035.post-1929181284359485942015-10-05T13:52:00.000-07:002015-10-05T22:22:46.379-07:00Festival of Marionettes, Charleville-Mezieres (Oh, France...)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi! Back from France (and Sweden and Norway and Denmark!) and straight back into manic writing, so it's hard to make time to sort photos, but here are some. Too many! It's impossible to choose when it comes to this amazing event: the <a href="http://www.festival-marionnette.com/fr/" target="_blank">Festival Mondial des Theatres de Marionettes</a> in Charleville-Mezieres, in the Ardennes region of France (on the Belgian border). </div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Last winter some time I saw a cool picture on Pinterest of some puppets (I love puppets!) and followed the link and within minutes was emailing Jim and my best friend Alexandra to say: WE HAVE TO GO TO THIS. Meanwhile, Alexandra had discovered it randomly on the same day and was preparing to email me to say <i>we must go to here</i>. </span><span style="text-align: justify;">It's held every two years and takes over the town. Puppets in every shop window, puppet shows in the streets, and in theaters and churches and everywhere they can fit. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">I didn't totally believe we'd do it, that we'd actually GO, but we DID. Yay, us!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3trGVAvHqywk3TFJZazSoZlDhp0ZdadKJ_Juy94VW06xjtyh5navy9pp_iOL9tpJngz6xP7UXqArMQG1YYiCvJTiT1b6OB78kz4Da7ywNdR3EMi_COjs6gIaX77zD3XIjDQm20PeMuY/s1600/FullSizeRender+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3trGVAvHqywk3TFJZazSoZlDhp0ZdadKJ_Juy94VW06xjtyh5navy9pp_iOL9tpJngz6xP7UXqArMQG1YYiCvJTiT1b6OB78kz4Da7ywNdR3EMi_COjs6gIaX77zD3XIjDQm20PeMuY/s640/FullSizeRender+3.jpg" width="501" /></a></div>
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Here's the 17th-century Place Ducale in Charleville:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybL5mQ8iv-8grsJKY4WzsW5LQEb7kxXYysuF5au8WGpQAHZVxi74p2fmrX-QZb2P1rutEy4En3Ai7cA_yBcFsM78zoVdDQu9FgPht9BBNuwBlu-ZgUCXmod4mQSdbJ8pfV0hjAPhR9I8/s1600/DSC_4464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybL5mQ8iv-8grsJKY4WzsW5LQEb7kxXYysuF5au8WGpQAHZVxi74p2fmrX-QZb2P1rutEy4En3Ai7cA_yBcFsM78zoVdDQu9FgPht9BBNuwBlu-ZgUCXmod4mQSdbJ8pfV0hjAPhR9I8/s640/DSC_4464.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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And here's the Place Ducale with the Pied Piper and his rats:</div>
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Rat meets dog. (The dog was FREAKING OUT.)</div>
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And here's the Place Ducale with the "King of Paper" who told stories with the aid of cardboard figures magnetized to his epaulettes. Here he's telling Clementine the Orpheus legend as rain lurks in the background:</div>
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Rain: not the best thing for the King of Paper. Jim assists with the umbrella:</div>
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But then something AMAZING happened:</div>
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It was a gasp-out-loud rainbow. I've never ever seen such a perfect rainbow. Then it <i>doubled</i>. </div>
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CRAZY.</div>
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Just a little slice of street:</div>
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The poet Arthur Rimbaud is a native son, and that's his museum at the end of the street.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRrPpnLOGyIDKFFR8jJ56pET3yy9wkSRYePkeslaaZ0b1W4ycFBDkzDngMg1rVm3784f5llf3KtaUmBAvvPzFJABGjJv-Pcrem2gSLRJK7hiDqFUaKRErFzbenAFBaiQkTmo1wUjUbyI/s1600/DSC_4671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaRrPpnLOGyIDKFFR8jJ56pET3yy9wkSRYePkeslaaZ0b1W4ycFBDkzDngMg1rVm3784f5llf3KtaUmBAvvPzFJABGjJv-Pcrem2gSLRJK7hiDqFUaKRErFzbenAFBaiQkTmo1wUjUbyI/s640/DSC_4671.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
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It's right on the river. Literally:</div>
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The church was pretty magical. </div>
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The stained glass reflecting on the pillars. We stood in it and had stained-glass baths, which, of course, impart magical abilities.</div>
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But back to puppets!</div>
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Shows in the streets, hither and thither, day and night:</div>
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This window opened to a different brief mechanical show every hour:</div>
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The shop windows!</div>
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The posters!</div>
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The puppets for sale!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNdrCVi9mHtZw-Vt5PFz0gdPqURnMGgIRJbFuVSoXcCZ-QiDGi-ucLd39I6P_mR1y73XapiOfIDzNPUw-gbtU3RM6Ud1mcCi1iPCb0vDY9Wfmqey8gos0kZv6-Qmd8chqMu9CjCZy_Uc/s1600/IMG_1670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNdrCVi9mHtZw-Vt5PFz0gdPqURnMGgIRJbFuVSoXcCZ-QiDGi-ucLd39I6P_mR1y73XapiOfIDzNPUw-gbtU3RM6Ud1mcCi1iPCb0vDY9Wfmqey8gos0kZv6-Qmd8chqMu9CjCZy_Uc/s640/IMG_1670.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The nougat wizard!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil42_1D_4FbIs4AuI024ggGMkx_B4ZD4y3p5QsUOHsQ3lmtQsHFZHUEYDgnNC5-EqAvXwKDUiiLeZQk1REeB-E68-fBlnKjQgDed3EFqgspfTgaBQECo3NR0FNck8Zhwuj0LKyc8KRjZY/s1600/IMG_1812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil42_1D_4FbIs4AuI024ggGMkx_B4ZD4y3p5QsUOHsQ3lmtQsHFZHUEYDgnNC5-EqAvXwKDUiiLeZQk1REeB-E68-fBlnKjQgDed3EFqgspfTgaBQECo3NR0FNck8Zhwuj0LKyc8KRjZY/s640/IMG_1812.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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This guy looks dangerous:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0krGWNIaM_lPWqYP2Ez493K_c0S9AvhEVhOCOymk_aJQhLjnj24yLgm93knoKJY7lT6KH4DZv9XnpC7DHJ8BUmokO3WoFb34grB71RoPW0zLAZw2UPMtHGtKD0-nVwGtgZAAqAOyug4/s1600/FullSizeRender+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0krGWNIaM_lPWqYP2Ez493K_c0S9AvhEVhOCOymk_aJQhLjnj24yLgm93knoKJY7lT6KH4DZv9XnpC7DHJ8BUmokO3WoFb34grB71RoPW0zLAZw2UPMtHGtKD0-nVwGtgZAAqAOyug4/s640/FullSizeRender+2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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And MAN. So many pics already and I haven't even gotten to the two big spectacles yet! </div>
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First, the opening ceremonies. Think: Cirque du Soleil over the 17th-Century town square.</div>
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High, high in the sky, out of the black of a night misted by intermittent rains, this lady appears.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdn11BKdlDZkA1PKvaITRsszvVlZ2lp3A3AOHBrj7Bv3ma0mbBkMrFQe4MV4PDiiS_T6U3hL_2VPwYEN4n0a9jT0c-8OD2Mp3GcBnOhQZPzKh2MgJ47TYG7OoIEgBDMv7Py_jP50Cchs/s1600/DSC_4570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdn11BKdlDZkA1PKvaITRsszvVlZ2lp3A3AOHBrj7Bv3ma0mbBkMrFQe4MV4PDiiS_T6U3hL_2VPwYEN4n0a9jT0c-8OD2Mp3GcBnOhQZPzKh2MgJ47TYG7OoIEgBDMv7Py_jP50Cchs/s640/DSC_4570.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
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She floats, she sings, she swings. She is lowered into the square.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHIxrbUvuF2CX3PDkL-7bPfSb9qbdnP3bQojVPAL7T-FaDNvu2iCFbMNXn1yQbxuBrzi4HXDPgQwItdD4-i-eSkCnbipQrCDJzDn0kCDPTqfK3F4t2qtdxcmphzOQd9iTsmJPW4BGZpI/s1600/DSC_4566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHIxrbUvuF2CX3PDkL-7bPfSb9qbdnP3bQojVPAL7T-FaDNvu2iCFbMNXn1yQbxuBrzi4HXDPgQwItdD4-i-eSkCnbipQrCDJzDn0kCDPTqfK3F4t2qtdxcmphzOQd9iTsmJPW4BGZpI/s640/DSC_4566.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
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And disappears between the petals of an immense flower.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9b0jAoPnGcxUM9di34Gmzh-QVDuWQrSUEXF28RV4MJPHIuZ4ji9MGYDY_h7zx5buR4G7lDOQskJULsDpbTGHN38dbQy-M_WIbQE5vbJYQiJbtX8gf_b2wqUkKubY19paZAhZu8H0g4Po/s1600/DSC_4562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9b0jAoPnGcxUM9di34Gmzh-QVDuWQrSUEXF28RV4MJPHIuZ4ji9MGYDY_h7zx5buR4G7lDOQskJULsDpbTGHN38dbQy-M_WIbQE5vbJYQiJbtX8gf_b2wqUkKubY19paZAhZu8H0g4Po/s640/DSC_4562.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Queue this curious parade!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71c4AlV1Q7ujsmuBwiQZcaU7SHZjw4Wyq7soq-5yRToM8b0MGCYSULoy7xjPvqHIpupsWoEybRPARHqfyleiwLcpsnmkcptrnFWvgq9uXomcpl1J3L1kBM7HpQo0EPW9N4tC01gYP0rs/s1600/DSC_4574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71c4AlV1Q7ujsmuBwiQZcaU7SHZjw4Wyq7soq-5yRToM8b0MGCYSULoy7xjPvqHIpupsWoEybRPARHqfyleiwLcpsnmkcptrnFWvgq9uXomcpl1J3L1kBM7HpQo0EPW9N4tC01gYP0rs/s640/DSC_4574.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
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Marching! Fanfare! Stilts! Drums! Giant rubber ducks and seahorses and strange, strange things!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-Yxg23hdZRS_z71cmbqOBKyIj5I3NEPf4nOJjEzLIsqLUHs088QG0CTy9DVgc-6r2lL3KVQ3HVd40nTyb9VEz6q__Lfnkel25GHnuKmaB1okZ_WBjCCqQI6zxLzIMVBYbUTD5FL9xk8/s1600/DSC_4573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-Yxg23hdZRS_z71cmbqOBKyIj5I3NEPf4nOJjEzLIsqLUHs088QG0CTy9DVgc-6r2lL3KVQ3HVd40nTyb9VEz6q__Lfnkel25GHnuKmaB1okZ_WBjCCqQI6zxLzIMVBYbUTD5FL9xk8/s640/DSC_4573.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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They watch the great blossom, waiting for something to happen...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio28ttML7Bohy4tkK7JsTpuvQJ4YDzOfhtMIXiSwH0U7spGRA0t3BmplCWKBoJZf0PQS_Xu5fk6UpKKrF6UGSXHfTTRkEoRe5P5KNtXtHFcK5eRhNzTYm9WVKskIL3uWQGqk6EjxzZ-cI/s1600/DSC_4578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio28ttML7Bohy4tkK7JsTpuvQJ4YDzOfhtMIXiSwH0U7spGRA0t3BmplCWKBoJZf0PQS_Xu5fk6UpKKrF6UGSXHfTTRkEoRe5P5KNtXtHFcK5eRhNzTYm9WVKskIL3uWQGqk6EjxzZ-cI/s640/DSC_4578.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And something does! It...blooms.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWIXNS2l9UM-ObqLiNd75Jr1YHwCqeBSiiGdv6_MIRpWzDH4CmmKUDv0kUppSFh4PgeNq6c0AIcZxd-rzErEDPexCsHS9QqlcfPqltQ7KwFuctjOcCUDIpcsAEjUKO8-1wxQKjgaafl8/s1600/DSC_4584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWIXNS2l9UM-ObqLiNd75Jr1YHwCqeBSiiGdv6_MIRpWzDH4CmmKUDv0kUppSFh4PgeNq6c0AIcZxd-rzErEDPexCsHS9QqlcfPqltQ7KwFuctjOcCUDIpcsAEjUKO8-1wxQKjgaafl8/s640/DSC_4584.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Creatures emerge.</div>
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It unfurls. It unfurls <i>musicians</i>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYa8zYBkuDhYXjw7z-tAH9QMO3pkIU1OQOBZ6HyugCqFi_PznWcO9CEeVijJow01w9cM4EVd5m8Za72WiZjWtMtmTXQm1Ys-lpb2p8XGCRkIBns8J0JzplOOxwrQ-OBfj3QcFz9aB9qc/s1600/DSC_4590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYa8zYBkuDhYXjw7z-tAH9QMO3pkIU1OQOBZ6HyugCqFi_PznWcO9CEeVijJow01w9cM4EVd5m8Za72WiZjWtMtmTXQm1Ys-lpb2p8XGCRkIBns8J0JzplOOxwrQ-OBfj3QcFz9aB9qc/s640/DSC_4590.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
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The creatures climb ropes as the petals take flight. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhYyQtkzqgx2e2LSezxI5NY-p86p21xCnNszdqcBJpHSgxCEW__IFBX4GgEoSvfHh69irG5zwkPaCMrqMe0Z5_4g-VyTkzHGQc8Puu3RYPHcpnlVVtZ6Mjwt1t1bjd-DnDM5gyX2GWuM/s1600/DSC_4600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhYyQtkzqgx2e2LSezxI5NY-p86p21xCnNszdqcBJpHSgxCEW__IFBX4GgEoSvfHh69irG5zwkPaCMrqMe0Z5_4g-VyTkzHGQc8Puu3RYPHcpnlVVtZ6Mjwt1t1bjd-DnDM5gyX2GWuM/s640/DSC_4600.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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There's our girl.</div>
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Singing. Soaring.</div>
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(Don't you love her hair? :-)</div>
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And then, because, you know, <i>not enough</i>, the glowing sea serpent is born.</div>
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One last glowing fish parade and that's it. </div>
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Our stars disembark, giddy. </div>
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Here's the thing. There was a good crowd gathered, but...it wasn't <i>crowded</i>. We're standing in this glorious square and the stars climb off their petals right in front of us, and there's room to breathe, room for glowing fish to swim, and everything's just <i>right there</i>. Absolute magic. </div>
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Whew. BREATHTAKING. And through all of it, the mist of rain hanging in the air, and unbelievably, there are short heavy showers before and after, but for the show itself, the skies have mercy.</div>
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Spectacle the Next: The Unreals</div>
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In the square, beside the carousel, throughout the day, a circle of pavilions is being constructed.</div>
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Each one very beautiful and very different. Each one the home of a different "Irreel." The "Irreels," the sign tells us, are beings that are fragile, silent, and sensitive. (Thank you for respecting them.)</div>
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They don't show themselves, however. That night, the rain keeps them at bay.</div>
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Is that a bunny in that cage?</div>
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A really creepy bunny.</div>
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The next morning, though, they're there, inhabiting their wondrous environments...</div>
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for sadly too brief a time before the rain, once again, drives them to shelter.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoPcIiU0bkslxNP8IpRkAHM79lb1zMGvGpJQRrAoTwK8nAqTyh0CrQUa-PRu30LWhEhOZZlWmbPh8TzhL2bqypbw8nANpE-452SL2rigX3Q8t33EkshkkEHgsfsq2cWyq6iOejmfLjeI/s1600/DSC_4690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoPcIiU0bkslxNP8IpRkAHM79lb1zMGvGpJQRrAoTwK8nAqTyh0CrQUa-PRu30LWhEhOZZlWmbPh8TzhL2bqypbw8nANpE-452SL2rigX3Q8t33EkshkkEHgsfsq2cWyq6iOejmfLjeI/s640/DSC_4690.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Even their retreat was magical though. Their slow, silent, elegant movement through the crowds.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9quEykDX2Nhxi-qDqq41pNChzu0RSTyhyphenhyphenPLCjbdMuTQpx1mqyQ0MAaZN9VcGjZZD2pfbue1_COR9_Dw6f6ccnO4RVMRECHaOZXtl3kD-zdo9kddS0HO2O-ys66gCAfrrJE1wVyqSr8o/s1600/DSC_4693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9quEykDX2Nhxi-qDqq41pNChzu0RSTyhyphenhyphenPLCjbdMuTQpx1mqyQ0MAaZN9VcGjZZD2pfbue1_COR9_Dw6f6ccnO4RVMRECHaOZXtl3kD-zdo9kddS0HO2O-ys66gCAfrrJE1wVyqSr8o/s640/DSC_4693.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
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I would have loved to have a good hour at least to walk round the pavilions of the Irreels. We had to leave to get back to Paris at midday and so couldn't await their return. DRAT! I didn't even get to see them all, and one assumes that the chance will not come again.</div>
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The festival will come again, however, and if at all possible, we will be there. For more than 1-1/2 days next time!</div>
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By Compagnie Creature. See their site for more magic. And here's a better sense of the Irreels in life:<br />
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A marionette or two may have made it home with us. This little guy would delights and bewilders Parisian dogs when he accompanied us on our morning boulangerie runs :-)</div>
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Don't you think Zuzana would be right at home at the Festival of Marionettes?</div>
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The great Ardennes boar, Woinic, charging on a hilltop:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiKva4vSajT8T6uH4_GPa-_Emw47K5iJDhU8Gx8lpThQfmO4dPHzwy78zerZltKdL8lWkouYTqgtjus2wGhFLlYBDlAinP7_vieRlatZqHjpuTCK2PHR5Jvvw0m8iJyXVJR9NcNEL0tQ/s1600/IMG_1287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiKva4vSajT8T6uH4_GPa-_Emw47K5iJDhU8Gx8lpThQfmO4dPHzwy78zerZltKdL8lWkouYTqgtjus2wGhFLlYBDlAinP7_vieRlatZqHjpuTCK2PHR5Jvvw0m8iJyXVJR9NcNEL0tQ/s640/IMG_1287.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We stayed about 30 minutes away at a fortress in a town called Sedan. <a href="http://www.chateaufort-sedan.fr/en/" target="_blank">(Here.)</a> The entrance was this spectacular arch in this massive wall:</div>
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We arrived late at night, and it was all so dark, and I was puzzling over where to park and where the actual hotel was when I realized you actually drive through it. Doy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpPF6S7hc-RZFpBvawcZmT4XsfGHvALgqZaCKcWJ5gUEETHcpvCllSVhbKzsbylYU3SN8ByzP7AliSOhQvXmYfUT1M0Mi8IoDKXJkHg5jQKS5sEXGgr5sb0sk109Je7uThOC5SxRftk8/s1600/IMG_1780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpPF6S7hc-RZFpBvawcZmT4XsfGHvALgqZaCKcWJ5gUEETHcpvCllSVhbKzsbylYU3SN8ByzP7AliSOhQvXmYfUT1M0Mi8IoDKXJkHg5jQKS5sEXGgr5sb0sk109Je7uThOC5SxRftk8/s640/IMG_1780.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And THIS is inside...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CWG6PMcmRK2xYiaBXwl7Q087ME3zd3_FI5mIETuozqTaipMJDX7L0eGLriThwPVLpgYt-Fb1Mo6NFtL5DPsK7lLT46s4hAAuBIWamK7nS33BErUMAN2htn1oYdAUw3gZR2s3LHEISIU/s1600/IMG_1605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CWG6PMcmRK2xYiaBXwl7Q087ME3zd3_FI5mIETuozqTaipMJDX7L0eGLriThwPVLpgYt-Fb1Mo6NFtL5DPsK7lLT46s4hAAuBIWamK7nS33BErUMAN2htn1oYdAUw3gZR2s3LHEISIU/s640/IMG_1605.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Zow.</div>
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There was a classic car race of some sort going on. All these sleekster vehicles headed someplace.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IO2J3AdzKbCP7pjgCwrx2Xcw5sZ6cqyATR9h6A_aHSuZF6ujS9W8F8aEpmN4LejBOfOiC0igAzy8w8Yc_QER0KyFt7WS_ECNG2PwdFk7qfO1GkhQi182U4iNyjSDHw4ZfHl_dFUw8Gk/s1600/DSC_4441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IO2J3AdzKbCP7pjgCwrx2Xcw5sZ6cqyATR9h6A_aHSuZF6ujS9W8F8aEpmN4LejBOfOiC0igAzy8w8Yc_QER0KyFt7WS_ECNG2PwdFk7qfO1GkhQi182U4iNyjSDHw4ZfHl_dFUw8Gk/s640/DSC_4441.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And that's all! Such a long post! Don't you want to go to the festival in 2017?? </div>
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Plenty of time to plan :-)</div>
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Next time: Pierrefonds Castle, part medieval, part theater, all wonderful.</div>
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(new family portrait, XO!)</div>
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<br />Laini Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064837312936707024noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303240770763546035.post-27665968959635492522015-09-24T10:00:00.001-07:002015-09-24T10:00:29.271-07:00Bokmassan/Goteborg Book Fair Schedule!<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; text-align: justify;">
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Hi guys! I've just arrived at the amazing <a href="http://www.bokmassan.se/en/" target="_blank">Bokmassan</a> in Goteborg, Sweden. This is the biggest book festival in Scandinavia, and I can't wait to meet Swedish readers, plus writers from all over the place! (I shared an airport car with one of my favorite illustrators, Beatrice Alemagne. I was a bit giddy about that :-)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here's the view from my hotel window:</div>
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Friday & Saturday are full days of panels & signings. It's going to be amazing. Here's my schedule. Hope to see you!!!</div>
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<b>Friday 25th:</b></div>
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12-12:45: Seriescenen - seminar together with Siri Pettersen, moderated by Johanna Koljonen</div>
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3:30-4: Signing Session - English Bookshop</div>
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5:30-6: Göteborgs stadsbibliotek, Trappscenen - conversation with Johanna Lindbäck (from blog collective Bokhora) Note! Free entrance - external!</div>
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6:40-7: Internationella Torget - conversation with Johanna Koljonen</div>
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<b>Saturday 26th:</b></div>
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113:0-11:50: F4 The choice of words - an author and her translator. Meet Laini together with her translator of all three Karou books Lena Karlin, moderated by Ika Johannesson Note! Q&A Session too!</div>
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1-1:20: Crime Scene - Murder & Magic: seminar together with Mats Strandberg.</div>
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3-345: main seminar H1 - conversation with Ika Johannesson</div>
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<b>Sunday 27th</b></div>
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10:30-10:50: Workshop at Ung scen! Moderated by Carolina Landin (from blog collective Kulturkollo) - create your own monster together with Laini!</div>
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Cheers! And sorry about my lack of accent marks. I'm oomlot-challenged...</div>
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Laini Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14064837312936707024noreply@blogger.com2