tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64263878810832770832024-03-14T00:20:36.960-07:00Tales of an Anthropologist in Teen WorldIn which a young adult author and high school teacher shares perspectives on the world of teens, the world of an author who writes for teens, and the world of a teacher who works with teens who write, and teens who read, and teens who do neither, but are still awesome on occasion.bethany griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14837470719905329431noreply@blogger.comBlogger118125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426387881083277083.post-56270281911571457402022-03-11T12:40:00.001-08:002022-03-11T12:40:07.226-08:00<p> So, I just finished presenting at KySTE the Kentucky Society for Technology in Education Conference- and it's also the end of the grading period. Now I can take a deep breath. I...think I've lost my twitter password, so I'm trying to decide if I should just delete it. Just realized in looking at twitter from my website (why would I click from my website, I don't need to follow myself) that there are a few more posts hanging out from like 5 years ago from when I was hacked...this seemed stupid because seriously, five years ago...I can't even find a twitter post from 5 minutes ago, but...of course it's showing up on MY website and it takes twitter 3 days to do anything about it, and I can't modify my website until Monday, because even though I maintain other websites, I don't do this one, and never have, It's always been done by a web designer. </p><p> I can't seem to do everything in the world, but I'm trying hard. In the case of not doing everything, social media is something I've let fall by the wayside. I keep thinking I will start being interested in twitter again. I like people and connecting with people, I just don't always like the energy of the short tweet...and having to keep up with things. I have an instagram I need to use to at least keep tabs on my teenagers...So, I will perhaps be deleting this blog, and my connection to twitter, as soon as I can get in touch with my web designer. One less thing to keep up with in an already hectic life...</p>bethany griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14837470719905329431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426387881083277083.post-16613866062872455302022-02-16T18:16:00.002-08:002022-02-16T18:16:37.860-08:00<p> New email address- I will update this officially, but if you need to contact me, please email at bethanygriffinwriter@gmail.com Thanks! </p>bethany griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14837470719905329431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426387881083277083.post-54268563943404105942022-02-16T18:15:00.003-08:002022-02-16T18:15:52.589-08:00<p> Writing during a pandemic is hard. Writing through grief is hard. I've continued writing through hard times, because creativity is part of me and helps me, but after a difficult experience (this year, it was the loss of a close family member, on top of other experiences) you feel like your brain is operating without all of its cylinders, and like you are swimming through jello. Previously, working during the pandemic-- you (or at least I) was dealing with a constant feeling of uncertainty and fear-- fear as a parent, and the daughter responsible for a disabled mother. In some ways, my kids and I truly enjoyed the beginning of quarantine, but even that level of increased closeness slowed my creativity. </p><p>On the other hand, I think I wrote some of my best material ever during the last two years. Only time will tell how publication views the project(s), but I am proud of them. I've grown as a writer, and as a parent/human. I often think how odd it is, to have lived through such times. </p><p><br /></p>bethany griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14837470719905329431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426387881083277083.post-90364744655683854302015-09-10T16:56:00.001-07:002015-09-10T16:56:07.242-07:00Next weekend, Friday September 18, I'll be with some awesome authors signing books in Franklin (just outside of Nashville) TN.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Friday, September 18. Embassy Suites Hotel and Convention Center, Cool Springs/Franklin TN, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. in the Chestnut Ballroom. Come purchase books from the loveliest of lovelies, Parnassus Books, and get it signed by one of these amazing participating authors: </span><br style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">David Arnold, Tracy Barrett, Colette Ballard, Wendy Brotherlin, Shellie Braeuner, Sharon Cameron, Kelly Creagh, Julie Danielson, Amanda Driscoll, Susan Eaddy, Bethany Griffin, Sarah Frances Hardy, Jen Malone, Moriah McStay, Amanda Morgan, Gail Nall, John Rocco, Courtney C. Stevens, Kimberly Cross Teter, Kristin O’Donnell Tubb, Mary Uhles, Jessica Young</span>bethany griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14837470719905329431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426387881083277083.post-57665525960760042562015-01-22T13:41:00.001-08:002015-01-22T14:54:46.844-08:00<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Confusion in The Fall</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When you read The Fall, you enter Madeline Usher’s mind.
Madeline Usher is mad, she’s confused, she’s prone to fits, her entire life is
a centered around the struggle to make sense of what’s going on around her,
both in the house of Usher and in her head. From first draft, my goal in the
Fall is for the reader to feel off-balanced, to experience life as Madeline
sees it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Don’t expect her story to be an easy read. If you feel
confused, then you’ve felt a little, a fraction, of what Madeline experiences. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The story is told in bursts of memory. Madeline is in the
coffin. Her life is flashing before her eyes. In each scene there is a memory
trigger, so in one scene there might be a mention of the pocket watch, in the
next, whether it goes forward in time or back, if the pocket watch is the
trigger, it will be in the next scene, the connection between that scene and
the next might be a room, or a person, a comment, or another object, but each
scene is connected in Madeline’s mind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Each age does proceed chronologically, so once you read
something in Madeline’s 9<sup>th</sup> year, you will not read something that
happened previously when she was 9 years old. I have a very detailed calendar,
which includes each year of the story, and when WITHIN that year the events
take place, to be sure that the time of year details (leaves falling, spring,
etc) is correct. I also have a chronological and color coded version of the
book to be sure that every event happens chronologically, even though their
introduction (in the book version) may not be chronological. In reading </span><span style="font-size: large;">the book the reader should be off balance, things should be
odd, and later you realize where they came from or what significance they have.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you try to impose logic on Madeline’s world, you may end
up as frustrated as she is. There are rules to Madeline’s world, but she
doesn’t fully understand them, so it’s possible the reader won’t understand,
either. The book was very carefully planned and organized, over several years,
and dozens of drafts. That doesn’t mean that all readers will
like it, or even that they should, every reader is different and comes to each
book with different expectations and desires. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh, and one last thing, there are no chapters in The Fall.
There are scenes, and each one is numbered and starts with Madeline’s age. I’m
sorry that Kindle and other e-readers choose to label the scenes as chapters,
but that isn’t something I have any control over. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></span> <o:p></o:p></div>
bethany griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14837470719905329431noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426387881083277083.post-72128040977950085322015-01-08T17:25:00.001-08:002015-01-08T17:26:25.626-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />bethany griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14837470719905329431noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426387881083277083.post-38842144651970229602014-11-03T11:35:00.002-08:002014-11-03T11:35:36.022-08:00Book Birthday Party!Just so everyone knows, I'll be celebrating the Fall's birthday at North Bullitt High School's library on November 6, at 6:30 pm.<br />
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There will be cake and punch, and books!<br />
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Hope to see you there!<br />
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Here's the Facebook event posting<br />
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https://www.facebook.com/events/655637997888201/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming<br />
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<br />bethany griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14837470719905329431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426387881083277083.post-9744035951815992182014-10-10T17:15:00.000-07:002014-10-10T17:15:37.493-07:00Fan Appreciation/Bookmarks 1. I really appreciate everyone who buys my books, it's such an odd thing, that people are buying something that I enjoyed writing so much, honestly it can be completely humbling (and then sometimes you get reminded that this is a business and publishers do invest in writers, so if people buy books, one becomes more successful (if I could I'd send a free copy of the Fall to everyone, but that's not possible. Still, I can send some free bookmarks, so I'm going to do that!). <div>
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2. If you would like a bookmark; I'd appreciate it if you could comment here on the blog with a favorite passage from the book, or tweet at me with favorite passage from the book. Then send your name and address- to info@bethanygriffin.com If you would like a bookmark for a friend or a set for a book club, please let me know! </div>
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3. Don't worry if this takes you awhile, I'm going to be crazy-busy for the next few weeks, so I'll be collecting names, addressing envelopes, and then visiting the post office about once a week. So, if it takes you awhile to read and have a favorite passage, that's okay! </div>
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4. International- the prices on international shipping really add up. I'll send out the first 20 who request. After that, I'll see what I can do. </div>
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bethany griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14837470719905329431noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426387881083277083.post-71241506662507579212014-10-06T07:12:00.000-07:002014-10-06T07:12:01.233-07:00Two Starred Reviews and Book Trailer, oh my! I almost can't believe it. Tomorrow, October 7, 2014, The Fall, which is in many ways the book of my heart, the book I wasn't sure would ever be read by readers, will be available for purchase.<br />
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And I have so many things to celebrate. First, The Fall has received two starred reviews, one from Kirkus, and one from School Library Journal! (see below)<br />
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I'd also like to share the book trailer, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dm72wUfIOyc<br />
please watch, comment, share with any readers who you think would enjoy the book!<br />
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<article class="simple-html" id="yui_3_8_1_1_1412604638204_785" style="border: 0px none; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin: 20px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><h5 id="yui_3_8_1_1_1412604638204_790" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.25; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">
Kirkus Reviews</h5>
★ 2014-08-27<br />A girl struggles to fight the haunted family house that binds her to it in this reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher." Madeline and her brother, Roderick, come from a long line of Ushers cursed to live and die within the haunted walls of the House of Usher. Beloved by the house itself, Madeline can sense its feelings and for a long while trusts it to protect her. However, just like her mother before her, Madeline begins suffering fits. The house will do anything to keep her from leaving. And with her brother away at school and only sinister doctors remaining for company, Madeline must plot to escape before the house has its way with her, keeping her trapped forever. Griffin creates a thick, murky atmosphere within the walls of the House of Usher from the start, layering in chilling details as Madeline's situation becomes ever more dire. Though only appearing intermittently, Roderick and her parents all cast long shadows, and the house is populated with compelling characters among the ghosts of Ushers past. Readers will be swept away immediately by the eerie setting, but it's Madeline's fighting will to survive that will keep them turning pages late into the night. A standout take on the classic haunted-house tale replete with surprises around every shadowy corner. (Fantasy. 14-18)</article><article class="simple-html" id="yui_3_8_1_1_1412604638204_789" style="border: 0px none; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin: 20px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><h5 id="yui_3_8_1_1_1412604638204_792" style="border: 0px none; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.25; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">
School Library Journal</h5>
★ 10/01/2014<br />Gr 8 Up—Griffin offers an alternative take on Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher." Instead of assuming the viewpoint of an outsider, as in the source material, readers get into the mind of Madeline Usher—the girl buried alive in the original tale. The author uses flashbacks to flesh out the missing details and provide backstory. This is an engrossing, creepy tale of a haunted house and its inhabitants. For those who aren't familiar with Poe's short story, this title will inspire them to run to the shelves to find it and see what happens or what is different. Those who are already familiar with it will enjoy this different point of view and ending. Altogether, the narrative's even pacing and thorough character development will keep teens engaged. The updated, supernatural spin will have savvy and reluctant readers hooked. An interesting addition to the "twisted tales" genre, for librarians looking for back doors to lead teens into the classics. Fans of the author's Masque of the Red Death (HarperCollins, 2012) will especially appreciate this title.—</article>bethany griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14837470719905329431noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426387881083277083.post-44246266819444079962014-09-27T05:36:00.002-07:002014-09-27T05:43:59.794-07:00Upcoming Events! <h3 style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Oswald, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1em; position: relative;">
A heads up that I'll be doing a signing at the B&N on Hurstbourne on October 25 with Katie McGarry, Kellie Creagh and Colette Ballard. </h3>
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And Next week will begin the blog tour for the Fall</h3>
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Week One</h3>
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9/29/2014- <a href="http://evie-bookish.blogspot.com/" style="color: #9163ae; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Bookish</a>-<i> Interview</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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9/30/2014- <a href="http://glass-of-wine.blogspot.com/" style="color: #9163ae; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A Glass of Wine</a>- <i>Guest Post</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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10/1/2014- <a href="http://storiesandsweeties.com/" style="color: #9163ae; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Stories & Sweeties</a>- <i>Review</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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10/2/2014- <a href="http://www.novelnovice.com/" style="color: #9163ae; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Novel Novice</a>- <i>Review</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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10/3/2014- <a href="http://burningximpossiblyxbright.blogspot.com/" style="color: #9163ae; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Burning Impossibly Bright</a>- <i>Interview</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Week Two</h3>
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10/6/2014- <a href="http://fiction-freak.com/" style="color: #9163ae; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Fiction Freak</a>- <i>Review</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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10/7/2014- <a href="http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/" style="color: #9163ae; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Once Upon a Twilight</a>- <i>Guest Post</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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10/8/2014- <a href="http://winterhavenbooks.blogspot.com/" style="color: #9163ae; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">WinterHaven Books</a>- <i>Review</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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10/9/2014- <a href="http://www.fiktshun.com/" style="color: #9163ae; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Fiktshun</a>-<i> Interview</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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10/10/2014- <a href="http://www.twochicksonbooks.com/" style="color: #9163ae; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Two Chicks on Books</a>- <i>Guest Post</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />bethany griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14837470719905329431noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426387881083277083.post-82190898693476662212014-02-20T18:38:00.000-08:002014-02-20T18:38:26.828-08:00So, here are the Fall of the House of Usher Trivia questions. Will email winners tomorrow!<br />
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<span style="background-color: #de87ad; color: #1c0c13; font-family: Handlee, cursive; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">What sort of body of water (lake, stream, inlet- none of these are the answer, just examples!) stands before the house, creating an illusion that there are two unsettlingly horrible houses as the House of Usher is reflected.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #1c0c13; font-family: Handlee, cursive;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">The answer is- A tarn. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1c0c13; font-family: Handlee, cursive;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1c0c13; font-family: Handlee, cursive;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">The tarn plays a fairly significant part in The Fall, as well…</span></span><br />
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<strong style="background-color: #f5d278; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">As the narrator of Poe’s <em style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit;">The Fall of the House of Usher</em>, enters the house, he meets an unsavory seeming character on the stairs. What is the profession of this cunning fellow?</strong><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><b>The answer is- A physician (or doctor) </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><b>The doctor(s) are also a large part of The Fall, and a big part of Madeline's life. </b></span></span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #a98f6f; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25px; text-align: center;">What season of year did Poe's <i>The Fall of the House of Usher</i> take place?</b></div>
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<span style="color: #a98f6f; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 25px;"><b>The answer is- autumn (or fall :)) </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #240328; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><u><em><strong><span style="color: #351c75;">T</span><span style="color: white;">o what body part does the narrator of Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher compare the windows at the front of the house?</span><span style="color: #351c75;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></em></u></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #240328; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><u><em><strong><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></strong></em></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: black; line-height: 18px;"><b><i><u>The answer is - eyes </u></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: black; line-height: 18px;"><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></span></span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">In Poe's story, what fact does the narrator only learn upon the burial of Madeline Usher? </b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">The answer is- that they were twins. </b></div>
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<em style="background-color: #eeeeee; border: 0px; color: #555555; font-family: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">At the end of Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher, the narrator is reading a story to calm Roderick. What is the name of that story?</em></div>
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<em style="background-color: #eeeeee; border: 0px; color: #555555; font-family: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em style="background-color: #eeeeee; border: 0px; color: #555555; font-family: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The answer is- The Mad Tryst </em></div>
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bethany griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14837470719905329431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426387881083277083.post-13056398336796678322014-02-13T05:25:00.001-08:002014-02-13T05:25:32.632-08:00Show what you know about The Fall of the House of Usher and win awesome Poe prizes! Each of the following blogs has the cover, in all its glory, and an individual trivia question. That's 6 chances to win! Email the answers to me at info@bethanygriffin.com before next Thursday (2/20) for a chance to win a leather-bound Poe anthology and other prizes!<br />
<br />
http://glass-of-wine.blogspot.com<br />
http://www.bookishcomforts.com<br />
http://www.thereadingenchantress.com<br />
http://jezzeb.blogspot.ca<br />
http://www.bookjems.com<br />
http://morethanjustmagic.orgbethany griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14837470719905329431noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426387881083277083.post-61509035495742153332014-01-23T09:43:00.001-08:002014-01-23T10:10:06.381-08:00Gearing up for a Cover Reveal So, in just a few weeks, I'll be able to reveal the cover for the Fall. I hate to say it's my favorite cover of all, I mean, I wouldn't have a baby and say I like him or her better than my previous children, but OMG I am so excited for this book! And the cover is so cool and creepy! I can't wait to present it to the world.<br />
<br />
What I would like to do is ask some bloggers to present the cover, along with a Fall of the House of Usher trivia question. (Each blogger will get a different question). Bloggers who are interested should email me at info@bethanygriffin.com I'd like to do the reveal the first week of February, with winners chosen by February 10. ETA I'm not thinking like a zillion bloggers, at this point I only have 5 trivia questions… :)<br />
<br />
There will be two prizes- one for the blogger whose question is answered most, and one for a reader who answers correctly and whose name is drawn.<br />
<br />
Each prize will include a leather-bound complete works of Poe, and an Edgar Allan Poe travel candle from the Paddywick Library collection- scented with cardamom, absinthe, and sandalwood.<br />
<br />
Since this is the US cover, I'm going to go with US and Canadian entries for this round, but when the UK cover is released, I'll definitely consider an international contest!<br />
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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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n8QmWsaUIx4/UuFTx4nVjpI/AAAAAAAAArM/JRMdij59Juw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-23+at+12.31.50+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n8QmWsaUIx4/UuFTx4nVjpI/AAAAAAAAArM/JRMdij59Juw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-23+at+12.31.50+PM.png" height="320" width="204" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leather-bound Poe compilation including The Fall of the House of Usher </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M5_hJX-T6v8/UuFT2kvSP5I/AAAAAAAAArU/3lzmvda0m8E/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-23+at+12.32.47+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M5_hJX-T6v8/UuFT2kvSP5I/AAAAAAAAArU/3lzmvda0m8E/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-23+at+12.32.47+PM.png" height="298" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poe travel candle! </td></tr>
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<br />bethany griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14837470719905329431noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426387881083277083.post-61766048205787520242013-10-11T06:35:00.002-07:002014-01-23T09:44:28.715-08:00Book club ideas! Bargain Hunters, fans of Edgar Allan Poe, Post-Apocalyptic fiction lovers, book clubs, plague aficionados, people who just generally like me as a person or as a writer...if you haven't read Masque of the Red Death, October is your time to do so!<br />
<br />
Why?<br />
<br />
<h4>
Masque is an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Masque-Red-Death-ebook/dp/B00655KULI/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1381498105">October Big Deal</a>- which means you can get it for 1.99</h4>
<br />
And should be available from other e-retailers at that price as well!<br />
<br />
If you prefer an actual book in your hand- the paperback is out, and beautiful, and the hardcover can be bought at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Masque-Red-Death-Bethany-Griffin/dp/B00AF3TDNW/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1381498105&sr=8-1">bargain price</a>, as well<br />
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I've heard from several book clubs who are reading Masque in October- if you are one, be sure to let me know and I'll send you bookmarks! I was thinking of putting together a prize package for a book club, searching for raven cookies, poe cupcakes, then I decided, instead, why not let the book club show me their creativity? so, from now until the end of November, send me a picture info@bethanygriffin.com that shows me your book club is the most awesome book club reading Masque, and I'll send the winning book club up to 10 copies (depending on the amount of readers pictured) of Dance of the Red Death!</h4>
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To help you out, I've started a <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bethanygriffin1/poe-themed-party-ideas/">Poe themed party ideas </a>board on pinterest with things like this, though Masque related items would also be cool!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5XvEYyqsZKA/UlgKGvFJH2I/AAAAAAAAAqE/XUH4zwYH-C0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-10-11+at+10.19.34+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5XvEYyqsZKA/UlgKGvFJH2I/AAAAAAAAAqE/XUH4zwYH-C0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-10-11+at+10.19.34+AM.png" /></a></div>
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<o:p>To enter the contest- a group of 3 or more should read Masque together. Take pictures, record discussions, and send to me by the end of November! My email is info@bethanygriffin.com if you'd put Masque contest in the subject line that would be marvelous! </o:p>
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<!--EndFragment-->bethany griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14837470719905329431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426387881083277083.post-9699662189823912472013-07-24T09:41:00.001-07:002013-07-24T09:41:39.347-07:00A new book! A new book! A new book! So, I'm officially announcing my next book with Greenwillow. Before I say anything else, let me say that of all the books I've written, I think I love this the most. Disclaimer- I didn't set out to write two books inspired by Poe. The Fall of the House of Usher has always been my favorite Poe story, and when I was researching it, I found the inspiration to write Masque of the Red Death, and I'm so glad I did! Creating Araby and Will and Elliott and their dark world was one of the best experiences of my life. I didn't create Madeline Usher. But after you read my story (if you do, and I hope you do!) you may not see her the same way....<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b>Ushers die young. Ushers are cursed. Ushers can never leave their house, a house that haunts and is haunted, a house that almost seems to have a mind of its own. Madeline’s life—revealed through short bursts of memory—has hinged around her desperate plan to escape, to save herself and her brother. Her only chance lies in destroying the house.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b>In the end, can Madeline keep her own sanity and bring the house down? <i>The Fall</i> is a literary psychological thriller, reimagining Edgar Allan Poe’s classic <i>The Fall of the House of Usher</i>.</b></span></div>
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Look for it- Fall 2014! </div>
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<br />bethany griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14837470719905329431noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426387881083277083.post-85883931176650058862013-05-05T12:44:00.000-07:002013-05-05T12:47:26.524-07:00Dance is almost here...Masque giveaway in progress...<h4>
I cannot believe it. It's just weeks until Dance of the Red Death is released, and the Masque Saga will be complete. Deep breath. </h4>
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To celebrate my upcoming book release, I'm going to give away a copy of Masque every week for the next 5 sundays! </h4>
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Everyone who enters will get a Dance of the Red Death bookmark, and I can send signed bookplates with the bookmarks, as well, if you want them.<br />
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Here's what you need to do-- in the comments section of this blog post, tell me why you or someone close to you needs a copy of Masque of the Red Death.<br />
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I've even given you a list of suggestions.<br />
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1. a friend or loved one who has not read Masque yet--convince me that they need this copy to make their life complete.</div>
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2. A library, classroom, or student who needs a copy of Masque </div>
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3. The reason YOU don't yet own Masque, if entering for yourself. </div>
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Please put your email in the comments, that way I can contact you for your address!<br />
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If you just want bookmarks, you can contact me through the blog, or you can email me at info@bethanygriffin.com with your address, bookmarks needed, and whether you need any signed bookplates. </div>
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bethany griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14837470719905329431noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426387881083277083.post-27495995944480264602013-03-24T19:01:00.001-07:002013-03-24T19:01:30.259-07:00Glitter & Doom On Tuesday, the 50 page e-novella, Glitter & Doom will be available to the public. It's a glimpse into some behind the scenes events that happened during Masque of the Red Death, and...it's more than that, but I'll avoid spoilers.<br />
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What I will tell the reader is that this story is dark. Not necessarily darker than Masque, but it certainly doesn't go light on the Doom part of the title.<br />
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Here's the opening line.<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Jupiter'; font-size: 13.000000pt; font-weight: 700;">“B</span><span style="font-family: 'Copperplate'; font-size: 13.000000pt;">e pretty,” her mother said, rearranging
</span><span style="font-family: 'Venetian301BT'; font-size: 13.000000pt;">April’s frilly skirts. “keep your eyes wide and innocent.
it’s the only thing that might protect you.”</span><br />
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bethany griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14837470719905329431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426387881083277083.post-10027060066277568302013-02-07T09:20:00.001-08:002013-02-07T09:20:46.304-08:00Dance pushed back..Just a bitSo, the publication date of Dance of the Red Death has been pushed back a bit. And I'm not freaking out about it. To explain, I seem to freak out/panic (quietly in my head) about a lot of things. Many things. Most people don't know how often I have panic attacks, because they are usually in the middle of the night. And they are usually colossally stupid so I don't mention them.<br />
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The reasons I'm not freaking out are as follows<br />
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1. It's a good book.<br />
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I've never been a really fast or a really slow writer. Just sort of average between my speedy friends and my friends who take longer to put the words to paper. However, writing a sequel proved fairly difficult, and I wanted to get it right. At this time I'm happy with the book. I'll take it a step further to say I'm proud of it.<br />
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2. I get to have a kick-ass book release with Katie McGarry<br />
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Katie is a good friend whose books are AWESOME, and since we're releasing so close together, we decided we'd combine our events. Multi-author events are always more fun, I think!<br />
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3. Summer release- I'll be out of school, which means more time to focus on blogging and tweeting and various other necessary evils...I mean distractions...maybe I really meant evils... :D<br />
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So, there you have it. The release of Dance of the Red Death will be June 11th. And I'm really looking forward to it!<br />
<br />bethany griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14837470719905329431noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426387881083277083.post-84060008736330362052013-01-27T15:26:00.002-08:002013-01-27T17:51:41.857-08:00Glitter and Doom I am so, so so excited to officially, for the first time on my blog, introduce you to Glitter & Doom.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><b>A 50-page digital only novella set in the world of Bethany Griffin's dark and haunting retelling of the classic Edgar Allan Poe story Masque of the Red Death. When a rich teenage girl who spends her nights in the most desirable club, and a smart, young inventor meet, they might have more in common than they know. </b></span></span></h4>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">April, niece to the dying city's cruel dictator, is Araby Worth's glittery and frivolous best friend. But she's more than she appears. And when she disappeared in Masque of the Red Death, where did she go? This short novella answers that question, taking us deep underneath the crumbling city, where April crosses path with Kent, the serious young inventor who is key to rebellion. Glitter & Doom is a story of chilling action, of spies, and of surprising love. Can love be anything but doomed in a city that's burning down around its survivors? </span></span></b></h4>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">A dark, unnerving story about two of the most fascinating characters from Masque of the Red Death. </span></span></b></h4>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Is it bad that when other people write about my stories, they always sound like something I'd like to read? </span></span></b></h4>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">A little back story about this project--when I was getting in the mindset to write Dance of the Red Death, I wrote out a few sketches, sort of short story scenes in the world of Masque...one was about a girl from one of the farms who always dreams of coming into the city, but once she gets there is aghast at the devastation, death, and decaying beauty of the city. One was about Kent, the inventor of the airship in book 1, friend of both Will and Elliott. And I had some ideas for a story about April. My husband and I discussed this scene he came up with about the last horse in the city, but that one never felt quite write and I didn't ever really do much with it. </span></span></b></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><b>But when I was asked to write a short story, I sort of froze up. I had bits and pieces, but how would they come together? I put off writing it for a LONG time, because I was scared, and I put off showing it to anyone for a long time because it's written in third person and past tense, and I've never written anything for publication in third person or past. </b></span></span></h4>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">I'm so glad I had the opportunity to write this! It turned out to be something that makes me smile when I read it. Revisiting the world of Masque and filling in this side story. I love April, and I love Kent. Some of the other snippets (and these really still are just a few pages long) may show up here on the blog/website at some point. </span></b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><b>So, Glitter and Doom! It's available March 26th, the same day as the paperback. To celebrate, I'm going to give away a copy of Masque (including a totally awesome German copy) every week until March 26th, starting next week after I get back from SCBWI in New York. </b></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><b>So excited about completing Araby's story, and sharing April and Kent's story, as well!!!! </b></span></span><b><br /></b></h4>
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<br />bethany griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14837470719905329431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426387881083277083.post-90213436520855056862012-11-25T19:01:00.000-08:002012-11-25T19:01:54.886-08:00Masque Inspired Awesomeness I've been saving up stuff for this post because...well, really and truly this is why authors write. It's amazing to realize that Masque has inspired people.<br />
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For the last few months I've been existing in a state of ongoing exhaustion, just trying to get through all the things required by daily life. Like Bilbo Baggins would say, I've felt like butter spread over too much bread. Trying to be a mom, an author, a teacher. For the most part, I've avoided the internet because we all know what a huge distraction that can be! And I haven't been able to afford distractions with putting the final touches on Dance of the Red Death, finishing Glitter and Doom, and actually sleeping once in awhile!<br />
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But finding these gems made my day. If any of these fans w email me at info@bethanygriffin.com, I'll be happy to send you some swag as soon as I get new Dance of the Red Death inspired stuff!<br />
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Exhibit 1- A Masque inspired Meme. How cool is that?<br />
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Exhibit 2- An Araby Worth Halloween Costume!!!!<br />
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Exhibit 3- A Portrait of Araby </div>
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Exhibit 4- A Masque Inspired Fantasy Cast on IMDB. Note that this was made by a fan...but it's awesome. I never answer questions about who I think would play my characters. But it's fascinating to see someone else's take. Check it out here http://www.imdb.com/list/_B2nsjRvzu8/</div>
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<br />bethany griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14837470719905329431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426387881083277083.post-41941133477758075912012-10-23T09:27:00.002-07:002012-10-23T09:27:42.548-07:00MASKED BALL!!!!!!!Yes, that has all caps and a bunch of exclamation points, yes, I am excited!<br />
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Together with three fabulous YA authors (Kelly Creagh, Julie Kagawa, and Katie McGarry) I am excited to be hosting a Masked Ball at the Barnes and Noble at the Summit shopping center, this Friday October 26 from 6:30-8:30. Very exciting, we'll have refreshments, COSTUMES, prizes, and lots of books to sign!<br />
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Here are some of the books that will be there, ready for the authors to sign them!<br />
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<br />bethany griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14837470719905329431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426387881083277083.post-67035192383231607132012-09-12T15:15:00.000-07:002012-09-12T15:15:57.061-07:00Nashville on Friday the 14th!!!<br />
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<span style="color: yellow;">Next Friday, September 14, I'll be in Nashville with my awesome critique partners and friends Kelly Creagh, and Katie McGarry. As well as other awesome authors, Sharon Cameron, Ruta Septys and more.The event will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, on the 9th floor, from 7:30 to 9:30 and is open to everyone!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v1-eRHA3dhA/UEqFN0topLI/AAAAAAAAAfs/un5Kms9Ay4k/s1600/bracelet.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="46" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v1-eRHA3dhA/UEqFN0topLI/AAAAAAAAAfs/un5Kms9Ay4k/s320/bracelet.png" width="320" /></a>If you tweet me @_bethanygriffin or leave a message in the comments letting me know you will be there, I'll bring a bracelet for the first 10 people who ask! (I'm so mad at myself, I left my bookmarks at work, so I won't have many bookmarks in SLC, but I should have some in Nashville, as well! </span></h3>
bethany griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14837470719905329431noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426387881083277083.post-72579331642025069952012-09-07T16:38:00.003-07:002012-09-12T15:14:13.012-07:00<h4>
<br />Upcoming Events- </h4>
<h4>
Monday September 10, I'll be in Salt Lake City Utah with the Smart chicks kick it tour! http://www.kingsenglish.com/event/smart-chicks-kick-it<br />I'm so excited, I've never been to Salt Lake City, and I'm going to get some books for gifts for some of my favorite students from some of the awesome authors.<br /><br /></h4>
bethany griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14837470719905329431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426387881083277083.post-34211462363984624822012-08-08T07:53:00.001-07:002012-08-08T08:03:30.464-07:00Pushing the Limits Blog Tour Stop 8<br />
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Stop #8<o:p></o:p><br />
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Today I am beyond honored to be hosting my good friend and critique partner, Katie McGarry on her blog tour. Pushing the Limits is getting great buzz, great reviews, and the book and Katie deserve all of this and more. I'll step back and let you read this amazing excerpt from Pushing the Limits. </div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Echo and Noah both attend
the same high school, but that’s where their similarities seem to end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their paths cross however, when, on the first
day of school after winter break they both meet their newly appointed school
social worker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Katie McGarry wrote </span></i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Pushing the Limits<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> in alternating points of view, one chapter
by Echo, the next by Noah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check out the
excerpts below, taken from the first chapters of Katie’s debut novel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Want to read from the beginning? Every stop
on the blog tour features new excerpts – the complete tour schedule can be
found here:</i></span> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://harlequinblog.com/2012/07/two-essential-ways-to-build-your-characters/">http://harlequinblog.com/2012/07/two-essential-ways-to-build-your-characters/</a>.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Echo:<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">“Are you happy with your ACT and SAT
scores? Do you want </span><span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;">to retake the tests?” She
folded her hands and placed them on top of my file. “Do you want to apply to
more schools?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;">I met my
father’s tired gray eyes. Let’s see. Retaking the tests would mean my father
hounding me every second to study, which in turn would mean me getting up early
on a Saturday, blowing the whole morning frying my brain and then worrying for
weeks over the results. As for applying to more schools? I’d rather retake the
tests. “Not really.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;">The worry
lines forever etched around his eyes and mouth </span><span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">deepened with disapproval. I
changed my tune. “My dad is right. </span><span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;">I should
retake the tests.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;">Mrs.
Collins scratched away in my file with a pen. My last </span><span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">therapist had
been highly aware of my authority issues. No need </span><span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;">to rewrite what was already there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;">Ashley
waddled back into the room and dropped into the seat next to me. “What did I
miss?” I’d honestly forgotten she existed. Oh, if only Dad would, too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141413; font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;">“Nothing,” my
father replied.</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Noah:<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">“I’m not a social worker,” she said.
“I’m a clinical social work</span><span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;">er.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;">“Same
thing.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;">“Actually,
it’s not. I went to school for a lot longer.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;">“Good for
you.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;">“And it
means I can provide a different level of help for you.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;">“Do you get
paid by the state?” I asked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;">“Yes.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;">“Then I
don’t want your help.” Her lips flinched into an almost smile and I almost had
an<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;">ounce of
respect for her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;">“How about
we shoot this straight?” </span><span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">she said. “According to your file you have a history of
violence.” I stared at her. She stared at me. That file was full of shit, but I
learned years ago the word of a teenager meant nothing against </span><span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;">the word of an adult. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">“This file, Noah.” She tapped it
three times with her finger. “I </span><span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;">don’t think
it tells the whole story. I talked to your teachers at Highland High. The
picture they painted doesn’t represent the young man I see in front of me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;">I clutched
the spiral metal binding of my calculus notebook </span><span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">until it stabbed the palm of
my hand. Who the hell did this lady </span><span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt;">think she
was digging into my past?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">******Please
visit </span><u><span style="color: #0000d4; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/">I Am A Reader Not A Writer</a> <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">for the next
excerpt from Echo and Noah.******<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #141413; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><br /></span>
<br />
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She had white blond hair, an infectious laugh, and she liked
Tim McGraw. Blue jeans were her clothing of choice and she killed me in a game
of Crazy Eights. A boy had kissed her first and when I finally caught up, she
was the first person I called.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In fact, she was the first person I called for everything.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I grew up knowing she was sick, but I never believed the
disease would take her life. It’s a surreal experience, to attend the funeral
of the person you loved most in life. It’s also a little maddening.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We were supposed to be invincible, she and I. We had dreams,
we had plans. Death was never to separate us. But it did separate us and it
left me very alone.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I think I started in the wrong place. I’d like you to meet
Tiffany: my best friend. We met before we were Kindergarteners, shared
practically every class together through college, and even shared a basement
apartment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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She was beautiful, smart, sarcastic, funny and stubborn.
Like any good friends, we fought. Like any great friends, we made up. Like any
amazing relationship, we found ways to severely disagree with each other and
still love each other regardless.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And several months before our twenty-first birthdays, she
died. I would be lying if I didn’t say a part of me died with her. <o:p></o:p></div>
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She’s been dead for over fifteen years and there are days
the grief hits me just as hard as the day we buried her. But I can say one
thing for certain—writing has healed me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When I sat down to write my young adult novel, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pushing the Limits</i>, I knew immediately
that Echo and Noah, my main characters<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">, </i>would
have lost someone close to them. For Echo, I chose her brother, who was also
her best friend. For Noah, I took away his parents—I took away his home and
security. I took away his family.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When Tiffany died, I lost my best friend and I lost my
security. I lost my emotional home. Tiffany was not blood-related to me but she
was my family.<o:p></o:p></div>
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By giving this grief to Echo and Noah, I was able to examine
my own. And while I gradually pushed my two characters forward and showed them
how to slowly heal, I felt a part of my soul being pushed forward and I felt
part of myself healing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The most important aspect of my loss that I gave Echo and
Noah is the realization that life does go on, but it doesn’t mean forgetting. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I often fear, because my best friend died so young, that
people will forget her—and if that happens, then it means she is truly dead.
Here’s the amazing part: I’m writing this blog post about how my loss, my
grief, helped me write a book. She hasn’t been forgotten by me and now, she
won’t be forgotten by those who read this post. Our friendship continues to
live.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<b>Give-Away!!!! </b><br />
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<b>Harlequin Teen is giving away a finished copy of the book and a blue ribbon. They are also giving away a kindle, see <a href="http://bit.ly/Qmty3c">http://bit.ly/Qmty3c</a></b></div>
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Rafflecopter does not seem to be working right now, so please leave a comment with a reason you can't wait to read Pushing the Limits OR a reason you can't wait to win this copy to give to a friend!<br />
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Good luck!<br />
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<br /></div>bethany griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14837470719905329431noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6426387881083277083.post-38683842133729863132012-07-18T07:33:00.002-07:002012-07-18T07:33:52.604-07:00Procrastination as a Fine Art<div>
Before I begin what promises to be a rambling post, let me say that I don't procrastinate on writing. Writing is the thing I use to procrastinate from other things. Like grading papers. Reading things I should be reading. Blogging. etc. </div>
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I don't know if I'm really writing about procrastination today as much as hiding from the world (internet) as a coping mechanism. <div>
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I just know that I've been overwhelmed this summer. At the beginning of the summer we moved to a new house, which was and is great, but I'm not good at living out of boxes and...well, it's the first new place I've had in a decade, I greatly enjoyed decorating and putting things in place. Then I went on the amazing Dark Days Tour and to BEA, later in the summer I went on an awesome trip to England and Scotland, and yesterday my 7 year old had major dental work done, like 2 hours under anesthesia dental work done (and we had a lot of preparation for this since she had to visit her heart specialists to make sure the work could even bee done) out of sheer exhaustion I'm sorry to say that I won't be attending SCBWI in LA this year. I need to stay home and relax and get my kids ready to begin a new school and write.</div>
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The other thing I've been doing is revising Dance of the Red Death, which I might actually love more than Masque...in a month or two. Writing a sequel proved to be a little harder than writing...anything else I've ever written, and I've rewritten scenes and scrapped scenes like I've never done in a manuscript (and people who know me will tell you that I'm a serious reviser during the best of times). I've also developed an embarrassing coma addiction that I really must purge. Maybe I'm channeling Poe, IDK. </div>
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Anyway, because I've been snowed under I've neglected my blog, I've neglected twitter, and I've neglected the contest I initiated on release day of my book three months ago. Possibly because it's hard to pick a winner! But regardless, my office is getting a new floor this week (against my objections since I don't really want to move anything--but the previous owner's cat apparently enjoyed peeing in the corner and my husband ordered ceramic tile to put in here...I need to get these prizes out. So tomorrow will be the big blog announcement of the winner. </div>
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Later this week I'll post pictures of my trip to England and Scotland! </div>
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And I promise not to hide out anymore. Oh and I'm sending bookmarks and bookplates out today, I have an entire stack of envelopes that whenever I see them I go, ugh, I'll deal with that tomorrow. Well, today is that...tomorrow. So I guess I'd better get to work. </div>bethany griffinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14837470719905329431noreply@blogger.com1