tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79195583329118605592024-03-13T23:14:32.660-07:00Jenni MerrittJenni Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10342553894424663966noreply@blogger.comBlogger410125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919558332911860559.post-53516563318578158442018-03-10T18:03:00.000-08:002018-03-10T18:03:07.884-08:00An Update, An Announcement, but Mostly A Ramble<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">T</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">his might end up being a long, rabling mess of a blog post. I will edit it the best I can while keeping the authenticity of what I want to say. But to be fully honest: </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It will be as Jenni as you can get. So bear with me.</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>That's right. A newly printed paper edit I am diving into...</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 2010, during my first actual year participating in <a href="https://nanowrimo.org/">NaNoWriMo</a>, I finished my first ever first draft of a novel. In 14 days. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Prison-Nation-Jenni-Merritt/dp/146792928X/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1520730964&sr=8-4&keywords=prison+nation">PRISON NATION</a> was a story inspired by real life experiences, personal opinions, exploration and the pure love for a good dystopian story. I can still feel that magical moment when I typed the last word and realized that my ultimate dream had come true.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Literally since the first moment I can remember, I have wanted to write a book.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I had done it.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I spent the next year editing, revising, sending to beta reads, editing again. Submitting to agents. Getting rejected. Getting requests for more of the book. Getting more rejections. I edited more. Then I decided to follow the path of some good friends and go down the self-publishing route. I edited. More. Designed a cover. Formatted. Uploaded...then with a racing heart, I hit the button.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One year to the day of me getting my NaNoWriMo winner's certificate, I was a published author.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I had written two other books during that year to boot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People seemed to love my book. Great reviews started showing up. Scathing and hurtful ones too. I learned what not to read <i>(okay, let's be honest: I did read them. All of them. I still do. Maybe I didn't learn that as well as I hoped.)</i> I even got an offer from a producer to option PRISON NATION as a TV series. Yup. I never posted about THAT one. Ultimitely and obviously, THAT never happened.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those of you who maybe have not read PRISON NATION, here's a little spoiler: It ends with a cliffhanger.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So not long after publication, and as I was getting ready to dive into editing one of the other three books I had written by this point, people started asking for more. They didn't like the open ending. They felt connected to Millie and Reed and wanted to find out what happened next. They felt like the story wasn't complete. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So...I wrote more. LADY JUSTICE came into existence. I wrote it. Edited it. Revised it. Sent it to beta readers. Edited some more. Created the cover, the Goodreads page...Edited a little more.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then...I stopped.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I never came back.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wrote PRISON NATION in 2010. I published PRISON NATION in 2011. I wrote LADY JUSTICE in 2012. And I stopped.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The covers...one published, one in obscur limbo land</i></td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So why? What happened? Will Lady Justice ever be published? Will any of my other WIPS? </span></i><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">W</i><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ill I ever write again?</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me ramble and try to answer...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First off, let's rip off the bandaid and answer the question of <b><i>"Why?"</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have thought about this. For years. And I finally feel like I might have an answer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wrote PRISON NATION with the intention of it being a single standing book. I never intended for more of the Millie story. I was darn proud of my open ending, because life is an open ending. I loved the fact that it made the reader question what the ending TRULY was. Like they felt lost and confident and fullfilled and wanting more, all at the same time. I was darn proud.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But people really wanted more. THEY didn't seem proud. They weren't satisfied. They were addicted. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am a people pleaser. So I wrote what they wanted.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't get me wrong. I was more than flattered and bolstered by the fact that people wanted more from me. I must have done something right with my story and felt like I really had found my place. The place I always wanted.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But LADY JUSTICE, as I have said, was not planned. It was not part of the story. It was never intended. I forced it out and did end up creating a great sequel and pieces I was beyond proud of. My writing grew with this piece. But I never felt right. I had all these other books I had written the first drafts of that were authentic to me. That I was excited about. That I wanted to create. But I HAD to create Lady Justice. Because I had promised it and people were expecting it.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I just didn't feel good about it.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I stopped writing all together.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because I felt bad about not publishing Lady Justice. I felt like I was disappointing everyone. I felt like my time had come and gone. I felt lost. And I couldn't work on anything else, because I felt guilty with that looming promise always hanging over my head. I felt like no one would accept another book from me, unless it was LADY JUSTICE.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now here I am, 7 years after I published my first book...with only that to show.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Guilt. Pressure. Expectation. Exhaustion. Stress. The great disappearing act.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's my why. I hope it makes sense.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time for the next question. The big, looming question: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>"<span style="background-color: white;">Will LADY JUSTICE ever be published?"</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LADY JUSTICE might be published. Someday. I am not deleting the files. I am still proud of pieces of it. I still feel like it is a story worth telling. But will it be published soon? I can finally answer this honestly: <b><u>No.</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am being true to myself. I am being true to my art and my dreams and my life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And publishing <span style="background-color: white;">LADY JUSTICE</span> will just be more of the same thing. Editing, stopping, disappearing, and feeling guilty. I have too many stories to tell. I cannot keep trapping myself in this vicious circle. It has taken me many years to come to this realization. It isn't even a decision. It is a full realization of what my mind and heart and fate and life were all screaming at me since 2012. I am just finally listening.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Go ahead and feel sad. Even disappointed. I know I feel both, plus so much more. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I also feel free. Free to finally create again. To get these other worlds out of my head and into yours. To be the author I have always wanted to be.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So answering the other questions: "</span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white;">Will any of my other WIPS? Will I ever write again?"</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, I am writing again. Yes, I am attacking the first drafts of the books I wrote a couple years back that have been filling my mind and dreams. Yes, I am brainstorming yet more novel ideas. And yes, I have plans to start publishing again, hopefully sooner than later.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What changed?</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alot. It a nut shell. That is a long post for another time. In short...I need to be true to myself. I am a mom. A Drama director and teacher <i>(which is VERY time consuming, let me tell you.) </i>A wife. A friend. I assist a <a href="http://photographybymarkgardner.com/">local photographer</a> when he needs extra help. I sell <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/lularoejennimerrittVIP/">clothing</a>. And while I love everything I do, I realized I still was missing something. And that something was: Being true to <u>me</u>. If you have ready any of my earlier posts, I have talked about how I battle depression and other health issues. It has been worse than ever in recent months, and I was able to take it as a wakeup call. I need to make some changes. And the biggest one is being true to who <b><u>I</u></b> am and who <b><u>I</u></b> want to be.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want to write.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And now you ask me: <i>"What next?"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh, I don't know if I will get into all THAT right now. I am finding my schedule, my rhythm. I know what book I am finishing up next. I know what trilogy I am diving into after that. I will be present on my blog and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jennimerrittwriting/?hl=en">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JenniMerrittAuthor/">Facebook page</a> more often. I don't want to get in depth on that in this post, as I feel like I have rambled on for some time now and I am thankful you have read this far. There will be update posts coming before you know it, telling you more of my "what's next" plans.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So to wrap it up...</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you for your support. For reading my work. For believing in me and wanting more out of me. Thank you for reading my rambles. Thank you for waiting years and years to hear from me again. Thank you for being you, and for sticking around. Never stop. Keep pushing me. Keep cheering me on and asking me questions and begging for more. Encourage each other, and accept encouragement from those around you. It's people like you that keep people like me going.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I cannot wait to give you what I create.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Oh yeah, here's my face for you too. Hello.</i></td></tr>
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Jenni Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10342553894424663966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919558332911860559.post-10902729498860239052017-02-21T11:04:00.001-08:002017-02-21T11:04:40.270-08:00I Mean It This Time<div style="text-align: center;">
So. This is happening.</div>
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I am getting back to work.</div>
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I am back.</div>
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And this time: <b><u>I MEAN IT.</u></b></div>
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<br />Jenni Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10342553894424663966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919558332911860559.post-50936263262772930252016-08-05T20:44:00.000-07:002016-08-05T21:26:15.618-07:00The Lady Justice Playlist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9VV5c_KexmBRwOcaB4IijpKc8b68qcJlACTPVZXHL2eqJdTu0tSklCaT2T7xT5_7TSx1zW0OWMq6l6rUXoyyOFMla1Lh-d73n06FxyvEYL-1NsLuL-XcfigpGmXFDWbj2BAIfwxdVMY/s1600/LJ+playlist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9VV5c_KexmBRwOcaB4IijpKc8b68qcJlACTPVZXHL2eqJdTu0tSklCaT2T7xT5_7TSx1zW0OWMq6l6rUXoyyOFMla1Lh-d73n06FxyvEYL-1NsLuL-XcfigpGmXFDWbj2BAIfwxdVMY/s400/LJ+playlist.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I am about to sit down and bust out a (hopeful) crazy edit session on Lady Justice.</div>
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But before I disappear into the final few chapters of Millie's story, I thought to pop by here and share with everyone what I am listening to.</div>
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That's right.</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IrS9gIBaTXQUairZvarTebYPdRgLGw0">This is my Lady Justice playlist</a>.</div>
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For those of you who have been with me since day one, you will notice repeat songs from the Prison Nation playlist. And that's okay. Because all those songs still apply so strong to the LJ storyline and the end of Millie's story.</div>
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I am still adding songs when one comes on that sounds just right. But for now: This is my editing list that keeps me in the LJ mood.</div>
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What do you think?</div>
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Jenni Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10342553894424663966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919558332911860559.post-78280840376221601782016-07-27T10:00:00.000-07:002016-07-27T10:00:30.628-07:00Find Me on Instagram<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepOoBeHAn7Ys8S7LlJSHUlQv_nHQgJEgj84UzXVinIko3oOSJGCZytu26R_T5oozyYYpGNJKMwEYr_PmiasBDLrLwRjGqf6kStlfq_PAKWwighfH_lyOIFK6Ltm-cjKP6SxoQrvzd2Uo/s1600/Instagram-v051916_200.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepOoBeHAn7Ys8S7LlJSHUlQv_nHQgJEgj84UzXVinIko3oOSJGCZytu26R_T5oozyYYpGNJKMwEYr_PmiasBDLrLwRjGqf6kStlfq_PAKWwighfH_lyOIFK6Ltm-cjKP6SxoQrvzd2Uo/s200/Instagram-v051916_200.png" width="50" /></a>Have I mentioned I do the Instagram thing?</div>
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Well, I do.</div>
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And you should follow me.</div>
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I post anything and everything on there. From writing tips, inspirational quotes, random photos of yours truly...all the way to in-the-moment updates on my writing and books. While I do cross-post to my <a href="http://jennimerritt.tumblr.com/">Tumblr</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/JMWriting">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JenniMerrittAuthor/">Facebook</a>, there are many posts I keep solely on my Instagram account.</div>
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So if you do the Insta thing: Go find me! <b>@jennimerrittwriting</b> (or click <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jennimerrittwriting/?hl=en">HERE</a>)</div>
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Jenni Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10342553894424663966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919558332911860559.post-3444470869418750632016-07-25T16:23:00.000-07:002016-07-25T16:28:27.098-07:00LADY JUSTICE: The Long-Awaited Update<div style="text-align: justify;">
What's that? An update about LADY JUSTICE? Can this be real?</div>
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Believe it or not, I am here today to finally post more information about the PRISON NATION sequel. It has taken me too long to get to this point. If you have been following me on my blog and other feeds, you know what I mean. But here we are. Today. Updating.</div>
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Are you ready?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6kk335FYQX4e7WdSaIl_zNTl9xOGGn2rr6VTPma27ZbEuWaXDdUOm3_vAG4ZA-CTX5lAukqnKVhi2gaHVTYEvwTLuhQB4mb1fTcVa3owDT3YH56sMu6bS45FlKwH5M4YHRDBiq5jjWY/s1600/LADY+JUSTICE+COVER+FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6kk335FYQX4e7WdSaIl_zNTl9xOGGn2rr6VTPma27ZbEuWaXDdUOm3_vAG4ZA-CTX5lAukqnKVhi2gaHVTYEvwTLuhQB4mb1fTcVa3owDT3YH56sMu6bS45FlKwH5M4YHRDBiq5jjWY/s400/LADY+JUSTICE+COVER+FINAL.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
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FIRST: A few LADY JUSTICE reminders...</div>
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<b>1. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15840369-lady-justice">LADY JUSTICE</a> is the sequel to my YA Dystopian novel, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Prison-Nation-Jenni-Merritt-ebook/dp/B006H4LPZW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1469486320&sr=8-2&keywords=prison+nation#nav-subnav">PRISON NATION</a>.</b></div>
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<b><b><br />2. There will be no more books after this one. It is the PRISON NATION DUOLOGY. </b> Meaning there are <i>only two</i>. This isn't a very common occurence, especially in the YA world, but I feel it is the right move for this storyline. Enjoy it while it lasts. I love where the story went, and plan to leave the rest to a reader's imagination as I move on to my other waiting manuscripts.</b></div>
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<b><b><br />3. It was written during the amazing craziness that is NaNoWriMo, back in 2012. </b>Yes, four years ago. I know. Late is better than never.</b></div>
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<b><br />4. LADY JUSTICE will be Published in paperback and Kindle. </b> I am still deciding on whether I will keep it exclusive or also do Nook and iBooks.</div>
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Now that those items are out of the way...</div>
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<b>I have been working on LADY JUSTICE! </b>After <a href="http://jennimerritt.blogspot.com/2016/07/the-real-reason-i-disappeared.html">this reason</a> and <a href="http://jennimerritt.blogspot.com/2016/07/the-rid-list-lady-justice.html">that reason</a> and <a href="http://jennimerritt.blogspot.com/2015/05/a-public-announcement-that-i-do-in-fact.html">who knows how many other reasons</a>, I have finally buckled down and decided to get this done.</div>
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Here is where I am at right now:</div>
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<b>- Finishing up the edit/rewrite round. </b> Rewrite you ask? Well, after much pondering, I decided a certain section that was not in the original write of LADY JUSTICE needed to happen. I am at that point right now. I am about 50 pages from the end of the book, and trying to decide where to add in a few chapters worth of content. This has slowed me down a bit, but has not stopped me. I love the add-in I am creating and I feel it will better tie up the story with a mean old dystopian bow.</div>
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- <b>So when do I aim to finish this round?</b> If all goes right (meaning I stay focused and stop with the excuses) I aim to finally finish this round in about a week, give or take.</div>
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<b>- What next? Beta readers! </b>My Betas have been waiting far too long for this MS. So in about 1-2 weeks, they will check their emails and find a book waiting for them to tear apart. This part always gives me a stroke.</div>
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<b>- What do I do while they read? </b>Well, for one I am directing a three week children's theatre camp, so I will be kept busy. Aside from that, I will finally concoct the dreaded synopsis for LADY JUSTICE and start in on finalizing the cover layout.</div>
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<b>- By the end of August</b> all the Beta reads will flood my inbox, and I will set to work plugging in edits and polishing this book up.</div>
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<b>- Is there a projected publication date yet? </b>Well...I don't want to say an exact date due to still rediscovering my groove with everything. But I will say this: <u>I plan to publish NO LATER than December 1, 2016.</u> Why that date you ask? It is PRISON NATION's 5th birthday, that's why. The OFFICIAL publication date will be announced as soon as I get a better idea of how long everything will take me.</div>
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<b>- Until then... I just need my amazing readers' support. </b> I cannot wait to be back in the published world and sharing my creations with all you librophiles. Find me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JenniMerrittAuthor/">FB</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/JMWriting">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://jennimerritt.tumblr.com/">Tumblr</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jennimerrittwriting/?hl=en">Instagram</a>...and keep holding me accountable. With our powers combined...books will happen! (Yes, I went Captain Planet on you.)</div>
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Are you excited?</div>
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I sure am!</div>
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Jenni Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10342553894424663966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919558332911860559.post-64802863298101228662016-07-13T20:37:00.000-07:002016-07-14T07:38:54.148-07:00The Real Reason I Disappeared<div style="text-align: justify;">
Over the last year I have posted five reasons I disappeared from the writing world. (If you haven't been following along, go learn more about my RID list <a href="http://jennimerritt.blogspot.com/2015/05/a-public-announcement-that-i-do-in-fact.html">here</a>.) I decided these were the top five reasons I had stopped writing and publishing, and explained what was going on behind each of them.</div>
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I stick by everything I said.</div>
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Yet as I have sat back and read over everything I wrote, I came to realize something. While they are all a part of the reason, they aren't THE reason. They are only pieces of a much larger puzzle.</div>
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The pieces together showed me the truth.</div>
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And I am here to say it.</div>
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<b>I gave up.</b></div>
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<b>I stopped trying.</b></div>
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<b>I stopped believing.</b></div>
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It sounds so simple and too easy. But it is so true. Whether I felt too busy, too tired or beaten down or discouraged, the real reason I disappeared is I stopped letting myself see the magic in the craft.</div>
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<i>I stopped.</i></div>
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<i>Simple as that.</i></div>
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I never thought the RID series would open my eyes that much. I thought I would just air my grievances and that would be that. But it was so much more. I saw myself. I saw my excuses. And I saw how easily I fell into them.</div>
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And I do not like what I saw.</div>
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So here I am today: Refreshed. Awake. Aware.</div>
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Believing.</div>
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<b>I am a writer. I am a creator. I am the master of my craft. And there is no reason I should ever believe I am anything less than magnificent.</b></div>
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We have hard days. Hard times. We have bad reviews and horrible writing sessions and writers block and pure exhaustion. We have jobs and families and fights and love. We have life. But if there is a dream you have, you should stop at nothing to achieve it. </div>
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<b>Do not let your excuses define you.</b></div>
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<b>They are a roadblock. You are the masterpiece.</b></div>
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<b>Do not quit.</b></div>
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<b>You are almost there. You are already there.</b></div>
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One of my earliest memories is declaring I wanted to be an author. It has not been an easy road. I have quit more than I like to admit. I am not a New York Times Bestselling author. I am not even represented. I have compared myself more than is healthy. I have doubted myself and been hard on myself and been just plain lazy.</div>
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But at the end of it all...I am still a writer.</div>
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I live through my words.</div>
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And I need to stop excusing myself, and start believing in myself.</div>
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Whatever stage you are at with whatever passion you possess, never give up. Don't you ever stop believing. Because you can do it. Excuses come and go. Passion lives forever.</div>
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Let's do this together.</div>
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<i>(Oh come on...you knew this song was coming.)</i></div>
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Jenni Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10342553894424663966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919558332911860559.post-83518976544330043222016-07-11T21:20:00.001-07:002016-07-13T20:17:11.340-07:00The RID List: LADY JUSTICE<div style="text-align: justify;">
The final chapter of my <a href="http://jennimerritt.blogspot.com/2015/05/a-public-announcement-that-i-do-in-fact.html">RID list</a> has finally arrived. And it is taken long enough.</div>
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<i>(Disclaimer: This is not an official update on Lady Justice. That is coming...)</i></div>
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Today I am going to write about the final RID I put on the list. Later this week I will post one more post about this topic. And then I will move on.</div>
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In 2010 I finally finished my first novel, thanks to the insanity of <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/dashboard">NaNoWriMo</a>. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Prison-Nation-Jenni-Merritt/dp/146792928X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1468296357&sr=8-2&keywords=prison+nation">PRISON NATION</a> came into being. It wasn't perfect. It was a debut. But man I was proud of it. </div>
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I self-published it in 2011. Readers started to read it. And like it. Dare I say even love it.</div>
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It felt amazing.</div>
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During 2011 I also managed to write the rough draft of two other books. They have not been touched since.</div>
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Then in 2012 I decided to do something I had never planned.</div>
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You see, PRISON NATION was supposed to be a single standing book.</div>
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But readers begged for more. So I gave in. During NaNoWriMo 2012 I busted out the rough draft of the sequel to PRISON NATION. And that is when everything changed.</div>
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I loved the story I created. I wanted to share it. But I honestly can say that my heart wasn't in it.</div>
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Normally (not all the time, but I would dare say the majority of the time) when an author writes a series, they plan on it. They have the story arc, the drive to finish it, the desire to see the books all the way through. They can see it.</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15840369-lady-justice">LADY JUSTICE</a> was created for my readers. Not for me.</b></div>
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<b>I was finished with the story on the final page of Prison Nation.</b></div>
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<b>It was done. I loved its ending. I had no complaints. </b></div>
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So was this a mistake?</div>
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I am going to go out on a limb and say yes AND no.</div>
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<b><i>Why yes?</i></b></div>
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Yes, because I had written other books I was ready to move onto. (I have written two other novels since I wrote Lady Justice, meaning I have four different WIPS waiting to be edited.) Yes because it wasn't my initial idea. Yes because it wasn't the story I wanted to tell. Yes because I gave in.</div>
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<b><i>Why no?</i></b></div>
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No because it managed to stretch me. No because authors don't always get to plan what they wrote. No because I learned so much. No because in the end, I ended up loving Lady Justice. No because I gave in.</div>
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Yet I kept finding reasons to NOT work on it.</div>
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And "why?" is my eternal question.</div>
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In all honesty, with all excuses aside: <b>I held myself back.</b></div>
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I let my insecurities about LADY JUSTICE take over. I let all the YES reasons take over. I did the biggest taboo and read and reread the bad reviews. I doubted myself. I told myself it was crap and I shouldn't do it.</div>
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Instead of just pushing it aside and moving on to one of my other WIPS, I let it take over even more. I felt guilty every time I even thought about working on one of my other WIPS. Guilty because I had readers longing for THIS book. THIS book was ready and waiting. THIS book was expected. And it wasn't happening. So what right did I have to work on a different one?</div>
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My guilt of dragging my feet on LADY JUSTICE stopped me from working on anything else. Ever.</div>
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The pub date came and went. Readers started to ask me where it was. I felt guilty because I knew where it was...it was nowhere. Then I didn't work on it MORE because of THAT guilt.</div>
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<i>What a viscious web...</i></div>
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To make matters worse: PRISON NATIO touches on police power. Guns. Prisons. Horrible Laws. Everything that is big in our country right now. People started to think I was making a political point. I was only making a creative story. But I got worried that LADY JUSTICE would stir even more of that thinking and people would think the stories inside were my honest opinion. </div>
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And I let it stop me.</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Books are SUPPOSED to stir conversation. That means they are a success.</b></div>
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<b>But my fear and my guilt took over.</b></div>
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And now, here we are. Four years ago I wrote LADY JUSTICE. Five years ago I published my one and only book. And here I am...with only that. I stopped myself right when my ball was rolling. All because of fear and guilt.</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>I blamed a book. A book I created. I put all the guilt on LADY JUSTICE.</b></div>
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<b>When really: I was the one who was guilty.</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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But there you have it.</div>
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That is why LADY JUSTICE is on my RID list. This is quick and raw and true. It is just a tiny insight into the mind of an insecure author. It is that glimpse into what makes us stop instead of go. I can't go one any more than I have, because then I would be more explosed than I can afford to be. Writers a delicate creatures.</div>
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<b>I am proud of LADY JUSTICE.</b></div>
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<b>It is a piece of FICTION that does not reflect how I really feel. I made it up. Because that's what I do.</b></div>
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<b>I am not going to let myself feel guilty anymore over it.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b><u>And I am going to write on.</u></b></div>
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<i>Come back later this week for the final thoughts on my RID list</i></div>
Jenni Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10342553894424663966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919558332911860559.post-20852499075948389872016-05-06T13:38:00.000-07:002016-05-06T13:38:56.015-07:00The RID List: THEATRE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTE7VlQ3q79Kl8StlJy6tizfjlCUgvBBbks6jxiT87OVS3YisYXXxVvNljC-tNJy0sqKbNtmSd-jbOz0DChmJ_jfyIKyllYMRJ19giCUJ2HwCvPcPrDWDeOW8ButspvFRsx_kiI2x9ZI/s1600/10527442_684671818268711_7886424657549613657_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTE7VlQ3q79Kl8StlJy6tizfjlCUgvBBbks6jxiT87OVS3YisYXXxVvNljC-tNJy0sqKbNtmSd-jbOz0DChmJ_jfyIKyllYMRJ19giCUJ2HwCvPcPrDWDeOW8ButspvFRsx_kiI2x9ZI/s400/10527442_684671818268711_7886424657549613657_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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When I was a child I was loud, I was confident, and I had enough energy to power my own country. I no doubt drove my parents insane beyond belief. Which explains the moment when my mom took me to audition for a MCT (<a href="http://mctinc.org/">Missoula Children's Theatre</a>) play at age eight. I had to be channeled, and they had the hunch theatre could do that.</div>
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Sure enough, it did.</div>
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22 years later, theatre still remains a large part of who I am. I grew up on the stage. I relished the spotlight. I learned to direct. I attended MCT Performing Art Camp and made life-long theatre friends. By the time I was 18 I had performed in around 35 different productions, not including the small skits and pieces I would write with friends and perform in any chance we got. This was my life. The life lessons, skills and passions I learned in theatre helped create exactly who I am today. </div>
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I learned self-reliance. I learned teamwork. I learned perserverance and bravery and patience and hope and denial and pure exhaustion. </div>
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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/AVvXsEiMdZ3SlkzfX3rJP0hXkqKhdNZ96BHkHvdddgCSPJpGPzZHKCiywokmBP6RSXdX4p-QCrm-w-EWUn4Sc4ZdEjXsg9zURdIyuvCerI1DYBOaES7OzmMFGJQGsneqnAccyYzTzj0WvauApR8/s1600/470036_3681251241663_1745197120_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdZ3SlkzfX3rJP0hXkqKhdNZ96BHkHvdddgCSPJpGPzZHKCiywokmBP6RSXdX4p-QCrm-w-EWUn4Sc4ZdEjXsg9zURdIyuvCerI1DYBOaES7OzmMFGJQGsneqnAccyYzTzj0WvauApR8/s400/470036_3681251241663_1745197120_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Snow White in sneakers. It must be an MCT play.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Then we moved to Oregon. And for five years I had no theatre.</div>
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As soon as we moved back to the island I knew I had to get back into the theatre life. The community I live in is full of arts passion, and theatre has always been a huge part of being an islander here. I couldn't wait.</div>
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Not even one year after being back, my stepmom saw a posting for the school district. It was for the Drama Director position. Within an hour of her texting me that I had to apply, two of my other friends did the same thing. I decided: <i>Why not?</i></div>
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This had to have been one of the most nerve-racking auditions of my life. Er...I mean interview... If you haven't learned yet, I am not the strongest in the self-confidence front. But I can act. So I put on the brave face, interviewed, and waited.</div>
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Then I found out:<b> I got the job.</b></div>
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I was given the key to the exact same drama room I rehearsed in for seven years during my school days. I inhereted the collections and history I was already a part of. And I took it upon myself to reform our drama program back into what it once was years go.</div>
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I just finished my second season as the drama director.</div>
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In 24 months, I have:</div>
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- Directed two high school productions (The Secret Case of Sherlock Holmes and The Neverending Story)</div>
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- Directed two middle school productions (A Walk in the Woods and Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone)</div>
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- Assistant directed one children's theatre summer camp production (Disney's The Little Mermaid)</div>
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- Performed in a children's theatre show with my son (I was a zombie. Who did the Thriller...and the Time Warp. Be jealous.)</div>
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- Chartered our high school into the International Thespian Society</div>
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- Joined in as a tech member for the town spring musical (The Addams Family)</div>
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- Started in on prep for this summer's children's theatre camp production (Disney's Aladdin)</div>
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- Started in on prep for next year's combined 7-12th grade MUSICAL (I am being daring here...)</div>
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- etc etc etc</div>
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If you have ever done theatre, you might have an inkling how much time it takes to make one production. For instance: The high school play this school year auditioned in September. We rehearsed nearly daily expect during school breaks. Not to mention set design and building, costume creation, etc. We performed in January. BEFORE we even opened, I held auditions for the middle school show which then performed in April. The hours that go into each production cannot even be numbered. It becomes my life. </div>
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I disappear from my family. From my friends. And obviously for my writing.</div>
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This is a balancing act I am still figuring out.</div>
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I am LOVING my theatre job and cannot wait to see where I go with it next. I have great plans and dreams for my program, along with hoping I can begin to act again myself. I have found that piece of myself that was missing, and I am loving every moment of it.</div>
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Worry not, I am balancing things. I am discovering when to take a break from thinking about my current production to write or play with my family or maybe even sleep. Life is a balancing act. If there is one thing I have for sure learned in recent years, it is that. I am in a constant state of learning. I flounder and mess up and get lost. But in the end I am a great actress who can improv and carry on until the play is back on track. All the world's a stage...</div>
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<b>And the show must go on.</b></div>
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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/AVvXsEjZcC6cOf0DxYA_q3VPmkqDWZxB7jds5rA7oHCuRz-evLIQEiTaoH76XJaBuWII6CdeBa-yu1iUt4xEf4goxWv9ahPESoXp1aYDT9tbeblxRZb49xMI_777Y8iVoM9pH1o6N37dizhyR8E/s1600/12719437_991069627628927_2309691058301193499_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcC6cOf0DxYA_q3VPmkqDWZxB7jds5rA7oHCuRz-evLIQEiTaoH76XJaBuWII6CdeBa-yu1iUt4xEf4goxWv9ahPESoXp1aYDT9tbeblxRZb49xMI_777Y8iVoM9pH1o6N37dizhyR8E/s400/12719437_991069627628927_2309691058301193499_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone. Harry Potter parody, anybody?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Jenni Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10342553894424663966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919558332911860559.post-40224157837481126252016-05-06T12:21:00.000-07:002016-05-06T12:21:46.166-07:00Almost a year later...I just realized it has been nearly a year since I wrote a post.<br />
Yes, I JUST noticed.<br />
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THAT is how crazy my year has been.<br />
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This is about as long as this post will be. But I am already working on finishing my RID list posts, then will most likely write yet another post negating everything I said in my RID posts. As is life.<br />
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For now, here is a photo of me. Actually working. Go me.<br />
Cheers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDX-Jct48eldJW77b8p3T3EiVHIbMEChbvnpGwRmyGKMk5lcoH4njTRhbHd8-XzRZ_uugalkX-mpbYfM3ei0OQestANiQqVSipj1EIE3IA5Qwp8LW_mY6vPwMiL75SunIgshR3EgHhu4/s1600/13124659_10208219336032874_791618875985362257_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDX-Jct48eldJW77b8p3T3EiVHIbMEChbvnpGwRmyGKMk5lcoH4njTRhbHd8-XzRZ_uugalkX-mpbYfM3ei0OQestANiQqVSipj1EIE3IA5Qwp8LW_mY6vPwMiL75SunIgshR3EgHhu4/s320/13124659_10208219336032874_791618875985362257_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Jenni Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10342553894424663966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919558332911860559.post-4603793472380453492015-06-18T21:44:00.000-07:002015-06-19T08:25:11.466-07:00The RID List: THE INTERNET<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some time has passed since my last <a href="http://jennimerritt.blogspot.com/2015/05/a-public-announcement-that-i-do-in-fact.html">RID Post</a>. For those of you who follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JenniMerrittAuthor">my Facebook page</a>, you saw my update about how I had disappeared into the KonMari decluttering method. But that is no excuse to disappear from here. So here I am, with RID Post #3:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1tW6xjM-9Uvxwgxy-yxZsQ5OX1QzIDfN-7KbD1o6QhIUuVSmasZ1prAyM42BZLM9Ty_2XBgn-K1TkhnGTSXs_9d_XVB6wZzwXov40Fka8S-IaD6EoOqyKq_tn26fR0WaobreIu8iKSAM/s1600/quote-generator-facebook-cover-its-the-internets-fault.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1tW6xjM-9Uvxwgxy-yxZsQ5OX1QzIDfN-7KbD1o6QhIUuVSmasZ1prAyM42BZLM9Ty_2XBgn-K1TkhnGTSXs_9d_XVB6wZzwXov40Fka8S-IaD6EoOqyKq_tn26fR0WaobreIu8iKSAM/s640/quote-generator-facebook-cover-its-the-internets-fault.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">THE INTERNET</span></b></div>
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<i>(Netflix, Facebook, and Pinterest. You evil yet awesome creations.)</i></div>
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Ah yes. I am one of "those" people. And from the sounds of it, I am not the only one.</div>
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You know what I mean.</div>
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The person who sits down with the intentions to write or edit. But first they have to check Facebook, which goes from five minutes to ten to "How long have I been on Facebook? Oh, who cares." After that it is all business. But they need some inspiration first so off to Pinterest they go. <br />
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It starts with something related to the actual WIP. Then it bleeds onto something book related. Then geek related. Then before they know it they are perusing DIY hacks on how to make homemade zit cream or decor for the third living room they will never have.</div>
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From there the writing buzz has been killed, so they decide to watch some Netflix/Hulu/HBO to relax and wait for the word urge to return. Two seasons of binge watching later...it's bedtime. After one final check of Facebook/Twitter/Tumblr of course.</div>
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<i>Sound familiar?</i></div>
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Well, that's the pit that I fell into.</div>
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And boy is it hard to climb out of.</div>
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The internet is for sure a blessing. Facebook, Netflix, Pinterest...all those sites are a Godsend. Whether they are being used for research, publicity, or good old down time, all the distractions on the internet are definitely needed.</div>
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<b>In moderation.</b></div>
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That right there is the key.</div>
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Even as I write this right now. I have Pinterest AND Facebook open on other tabs. And Netflix playing yet another show I have been binge watching playing on my second screen. I find it funny that I am writing about how I need to RID this addiction in my life while I still have everything open.</div>
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It's true. It's an addiction.</div>
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So how do I approach it?</div>
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I cannot just cut it out. I do need it for all the reasons stated.</div>
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I cannot just unplug. If you write, you know at any moment you need some random research or, in my case, non-stop music blaring. (Thank you, Pandora!)</div>
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I cannot decrease on my connections. All are needed.</div>
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So how am I going to rid this RID?</div>
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<b>Self-control.</b></div>
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We all have our addictions in life. Whether it is food or drinking, drugs or sex, shopping or coffee. You can honestly become addicted to anything. It starts out small then before you know it, your entire life is dictated by that addiction. Sometimes people never realize they have the addiction. Sometimes people do see it, but don't care to fix it. Some people try and fail. And some try and succeed.</div>
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Welcome to life.</div>
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I am addicted to the internet. To all the wonderful distractions it is full of. I spend too much time on Facebook. I watch too many shows on Netflix. I spend the majority of my day, when not being mommy or working, sitting and getting lost on the internet. And where has it gotten me?</div>
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Right here, writing about how I need to change it so I can do what I love doing again. Writing books, for you to read. And the first step is to regain some self-control.</div>
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My game plan?</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
1. Set up a certain writing time.<br />
2. Turn off EVERYTHING on my computer except for Word and Pandora.<br />
3. WRITE<br />
4. After the writing time is said and done, reward myself with a LIMITED internet perusal time. Rewards are good.<br />
5. And lastly: Save Netflix for nighttime when I am snuggling with my honey. Or better yet: Read a book.</blockquote>
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It's simple, I know.</div>
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But sometimes simple is the best.</div>
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I want to write. I want to share all these stories that are in my head (or in various states of WIP status on my computer...) This is what I want. Not to be able to brag that I watched the entire series of FRIENDS in one month (sad but true story) or created yet another board on Pinterest that I rarely look at.</div>
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I want to brag that I write.</div>
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So here I am today. Writing. Rebalancing my life. And taking yet another step closer to the author I know I want to be.</div>
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How about you?</div>
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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/AVvXsEgBPAldOkccQUiVy-5gB1ik24yY0BTCqzZs9Ornki_nKOzHf1nMZqj9ZSFkI27epqH1R_flryx90N723BYE2jqiKcX88vDeYXyz-Mqa7hPkXcLBPHPFNaRwJSoSRpARDgbJEzbA1ZJ21XI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-09-08+at+3.27.35+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPAldOkccQUiVy-5gB1ik24yY0BTCqzZs9Ornki_nKOzHf1nMZqj9ZSFkI27epqH1R_flryx90N723BYE2jqiKcX88vDeYXyz-Mqa7hPkXcLBPHPFNaRwJSoSRpARDgbJEzbA1ZJ21XI/s320/Screen+Shot+2014-09-08+at+3.27.35+PM.png" width="273" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This looks familiar...</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i>No matter your addiction, I encourage you today to recognize and make the first step, no matter how simple, towards where you truly want to be. Simple is better than nothing. You can do it.</i></div>
Jenni Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10342553894424663966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919558332911860559.post-48653140290624753892015-05-18T10:07:00.000-07:002015-05-18T10:14:37.149-07:00The RID List: DEPRESSION<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have written and rewritten this post at least five times. Then I got sick with one of those evil little stomach bugs and haven't been able to think about anything except sleep for the last four days. Now here I am, reading what I last wrote and realizing I need to rewrite it. Again.</div>
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I guess this is a harder post for me.</div>
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Ready for RID Post #2?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZ-4K7gErgODPmRfn8pswSuEHVzB2_Ha9h1AjMqYk1YKX8omaJV0mwR2Ss8zMZnl95Cq-7xhJ3jjYDyqhuprPtSQSlUuDkjR1P0592hW-y1symz0QrTF28bVnIU8G30jy-Y5Ulnh_LDg/s1600/quote-generator-facebook-cover-i-write-for-the-same-reason-i-breathe-because-if-i-didnt-i-would-die.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZ-4K7gErgODPmRfn8pswSuEHVzB2_Ha9h1AjMqYk1YKX8omaJV0mwR2Ss8zMZnl95Cq-7xhJ3jjYDyqhuprPtSQSlUuDkjR1P0592hW-y1symz0QrTF28bVnIU8G30jy-Y5Ulnh_LDg/s640/quote-generator-facebook-cover-i-write-for-the-same-reason-i-breathe-because-if-i-didnt-i-would-die.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>DEPRESSION</b></span></div>
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When I made <a href="http://jennimerritt.blogspot.com/2015/05/a-public-announcement-that-i-do-in-fact.html">my first post</a> announcing this crazy RID List, I had labeled this category as "Motherhood." A few different tongue-in-cheek friends asked me if I was planning on getting rid of my kids (<i>you know, because I am "ridding" myself of these things...</i>) I just replied with a good chuckle, then sat back and thought.</div>
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No. I did not think about actually getting rid of my kids.</div>
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But I did realize this post was about more than just motherhood.</div>
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I am a mom. In fact, my main job is being a SAHM (stay-at-home-mom.) I always knew that once I had kids, this would be my career. And boy is it a career. I cherish every moment and never want it to stop, but at the end of each day I usually find myself happy that that day is over.</div>
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When you are a SAHM, your life revolves around it. You are a teacher. A chauffer. A school volunteer. A chef. A maid. A doctor. A tutor. A coach. An artist. A historian. An alarm clock. A displinarian. A friend.</div>
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You clean more than you sit. And just when you are done cleaning you have to clean again.</div>
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You never stop. Ever. Ever ever ever.</div>
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This sure does test you.</div>
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The idea of "me time" disappears as soon as you first hold their little hands and kiss those chubby cheeks. You sacrifice so much, but it is so worth it.</div>
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Like I said, I love this job and wouldn't trade it for anything. But the total sacrifice of yourself does something to you. And for someone like me, it can really take its toll.</div>
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I don't talk about it much, because I don't feel like it needs to be flaunted. I don't try to get pity or special treatment. I know I am not the only one. I am not going to dive into it too much, because this is the internet and the exact details of this battle are personal. But it is something that really does control my day to day life and does need to be acknowledged. </div>
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<b>Depression.</b></div>
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I know, I know. An author who suffers from depression? Such a <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">cliché</span></span>.</div>
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I have been battling issues with depression since middle school. I have never been into an actual doctor to get the "real" diagnosis. And I cannot bring myself to turn to medication to "fix" this. It has just become a part of my life. A dark, scary, all consuming monster that randomly flares up and tries to take me with it. </div>
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<i>I cannot drive myself, I cannot get off the couch, I cannot think of happy things. I just cannot.</i><br />
Sadly, this word has also become a stigma. Something people roll their eyes at or freak out about or just plain don't understand. Because of that, I don't want to acknowledge it. I don't let myself see that it is there. It isn't really there.<br />
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So I let routine take over. I am Super SAHM and that is all. My kids need me, so I give them everything I have. Then I lay in bed at night and lose myself. <br />
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That's what happened. That's the reason I disappeared. I let the craziness of motherhood, the darkness of depression, the busy ways of life overwhelm me. And with that, I stopped writing. <br />
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I don't have the time. I don't have the drive. I am tired. I would rather veg with a binge watch than sit and write because come on, I'm not that good at it anyway so why should I waste the time?<br />
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<i>Yes, that's where my mind goes.</i><br />
<i>And I hate it.</i><br />
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I have learned something though. <b>Yes, depression is a part of me. But it is not who I am.</b><br />
I daily have come into the habit of reminding myself of this. (Along with trying to live a healthier, more active lifestyle and totally diving into the <a href="http://www.doterra.com/#/en">doTERRA</a> oil craze.)<br />
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Depression isn't my truth. <i>These</i> are my truths:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkZXmL877NF0R__XN_ZYE7Z9oVH1sH37vVuWtNwUL4FezUl3XisQauCMA0Abr43whnAPa_KAidqCqx0qrmZQ_7G49T5QP1QXOjefXsjikh1L0UlZIxNjWG3wRLgAVzj7eAFOXKT1-w6s/s1600/10428584_10153097524456291_4920641838294574286_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkZXmL877NF0R__XN_ZYE7Z9oVH1sH37vVuWtNwUL4FezUl3XisQauCMA0Abr43whnAPa_KAidqCqx0qrmZQ_7G49T5QP1QXOjefXsjikh1L0UlZIxNjWG3wRLgAVzj7eAFOXKT1-w6s/s400/10428584_10153097524456291_4920641838294574286_n.png" width="266" /></a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
1. <b> My life is great. </b> Yes, I am a stay-at-home mom. I chose this path. So I cannot let it get me down. I have two amazing sons. A husband I love more than anything. A home we adore, friends that are just right for me, family all around. I am lucky. My kids test me, my clean home falls apart. But life is good and I cannot let my thoughts sway that truth.<br />
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2. <b>My writing is great. </b> It is normal to doubt yourself. Especially when in the depths of editing or accidentally stumbled upon a rather nasty review. But at the end of each day, as long as I wrote <i>something</i>, my writing is great.<br />
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3. <b>I am great.</b> I am worth it. I am worth everything. I am not nothing.</blockquote>
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I cannot just rid myself of my depression. But I can stop letting it control my life.<br />
<br />
When I write, I feel free. I feel the weight lift off my shoulder. And I need to stop stopping myself from that therapy. I need to write. It is my way of life. It is so awesome seeing so many other authors out there saying the same thing, feeling the same thing, escaping and healing the exact same way. We are a strange breed. But here we are.<br />
<br />
I am writing. And it sure does feel good.<br />
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<br />Jenni Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10342553894424663966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919558332911860559.post-74810765715352502992015-05-06T14:16:00.000-07:002015-05-06T15:19:27.620-07:00The RID List: PHOTOGRAPHYIt's about time to dive into this RID List of mine. (For those of you wondering, <a href="http://jennimerritt.blogspot.com/2015/05/a-public-announcement-that-i-do-in-fact.html">here is the explanation of The Reasons I Disappeared List</a>.) I figured I might as well go in the order I had listed these reasons. Meaning today is focused on RID #1:
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmpXROfP6-aNvCOdWzhVKmZqsZ992u18jQDxqH3hyphenhyphentGXgjE5NU9Hhv6fKKiN0xOdZgIUSuErKCSEm24RvicZwJT6qKsFbgRGxjak0PJx1-qo-x5lW9s4-lIG7SVqsMfSjjzSouTVnEG0/s1600/1899565_670740419650788_628158180_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmpXROfP6-aNvCOdWzhVKmZqsZ992u18jQDxqH3hyphenhyphentGXgjE5NU9Hhv6fKKiN0xOdZgIUSuErKCSEm24RvicZwJT6qKsFbgRGxjak0PJx1-qo-x5lW9s4-lIG7SVqsMfSjjzSouTVnEG0/s1600/1899565_670740419650788_628158180_o.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">PHOTOGRAPHY</span></b></div>
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When I was in elementary school my dad introduced me to photography. I started with disposable cameras and snapped away rather haphazardly. Come middle school he noticed my obsession and got me a simple little camera that took click in film. And I snapped more than ever.</div>
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<i>Dad, I don't know how much money you spent on developing film for me. But thanks.</i></div>
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Towards the end of high school my dad got a digital camera. I played with it when I could and found I was insanely jealous of the fact that he owned it and I didn't. (It didn't help that my best friend showed up one day with a digital of her own.) I drooled over these non-film wonders. So of course the excitement that overwhelmed me when my dad gave me my own dinky little digital camera was beyond words.</div>
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<b>I filled my computer with useless shots.</b></div>
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Honestly though, I didn't think of doing photography as more than a hobby until after I had my first kid. I took way too many photos of him. (That's a lie. I didn't take enough.) Soon friends were asking me to take photos for them. I had started to fiddle with editing, and it wasn't too shabby.</div>
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Before long, I found myself investing in a DSLR camera, creating a Facebook page, and taking on clients that weren't just family members and good friends.</div>
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Somehow I had created a name for myself.</div>
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<b>And I loved it.</b></div>
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Little did I know that it would take over my entire life.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSQ4Tdky30VeXTaM0DdXpdkyl5cH9bGI_kO6a2QofGoc-THmi7SACUi-McvyPjCLPgUohWlL3x1-Cl6oKIn1iGemirDgTre8JN73QqojB_gsLyfJCaaYezG9YUHItlQc0Ov8TEh5dyBo/s1600/IMG_1361-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSQ4Tdky30VeXTaM0DdXpdkyl5cH9bGI_kO6a2QofGoc-THmi7SACUi-McvyPjCLPgUohWlL3x1-Cl6oKIn1iGemirDgTre8JN73QqojB_gsLyfJCaaYezG9YUHItlQc0Ov8TEh5dyBo/s1600/IMG_1361-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Photography isn't just happily clicking a trigger and seeing the wonder that is. You need to take the time to learn your camera, learn proper settings for the image you want to capture, learn the proper way to edit them to produce the best product...</div>
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<i>That is just the start.</i></div>
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You set up the Facebook page. The website. Create the logo and watermark and business cards. You reach out to people to spread the word. Host contests. Advertise.</div>
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Then you book the sessions. You spend 60-90 minutes taking the photos. This is the part I love. You spend time with these people, some you know and some you are only just meeting. You make them smile. Get some tears. Become a small part of their lives for that moment in time and capture the memories. It is honestly magical. And exhausting.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7mdnP_zwO2kC7FqWk3jKC_t6AAKODZX45bI7yELmh-IpEuMA38TW-qkL4mSWbke9AfMSLPJnERtrdHSj5093B90xA6NXsYXnzmY4_XCinrv8gcD-eNTrlGJw5l3Ju3z_nk35gh3QfDA/s1600/Alyx+408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7mdnP_zwO2kC7FqWk3jKC_t6AAKODZX45bI7yELmh-IpEuMA38TW-qkL4mSWbke9AfMSLPJnERtrdHSj5093B90xA6NXsYXnzmY4_XCinrv8gcD-eNTrlGJw5l3Ju3z_nk35gh3QfDA/s1600/Alyx+408.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then you go home with a filled memory card. Sift through all the photos you just took. Shrink the list down. THIS alone takes time.</div>
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THEN (do you like all the "thens" that are happening?) you start in on the editing. You create just the right preset for that session. Apply it. Tweak it. Correct things. Beautify the work. Depending on the session, this can take hours...or days. Weeks if it happens to be a wedding. <i>(Oh, don't get me started on weddings.) </i></div>
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And most of the time, I had a few sessions in a row. Meaning the backlog was getting worse and worse. I still needed to burn DVD copies, upload to the private galleries, create sneak peeks, breathe...</div>
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I loved it. I did. But with each additional session, I found my time for writing was disappearing fast. I was swallowed up in the the all consuming photography world, and leaving the writing world behind.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizz2lWmfoEUOac2V3WmP65fysM5vM0dxQQNAvSgH3J8WEZNXdv4dYfThzBhkyD5WB3YtF7WBZu65BvnJyw3b9AgLXQB5r3rhyphenhyphen7t3_LL8FT-MQWOe56bcZky_kUGp16psTQILMRGEOjsl4/s1600/370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizz2lWmfoEUOac2V3WmP65fysM5vM0dxQQNAvSgH3J8WEZNXdv4dYfThzBhkyD5WB3YtF7WBZu65BvnJyw3b9AgLXQB5r3rhyphenhyphen7t3_LL8FT-MQWOe56bcZky_kUGp16psTQILMRGEOjsl4/s1600/370.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>I had to make a decision.</b></div>
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<b>Did I want to mainly be a photographer...or an author.</b></div>
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This was a huge decision. These were two passions that I loved. That gave me joy. That I couldn't just leave behind. So how would I decide?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK574FlOVm_WqJylNsBHlHe9v1hTNGwPwX0_BzHl72PK7EnBAcVxa9FLvkTAyML68bEnNABd7lOhC7n5QUbPN78cCxxp7Z2IWoIBdaBiT8PRSmHpvdAHHZA93PWUgMTCOlyeuZmtRvf50/s1600/557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK574FlOVm_WqJylNsBHlHe9v1hTNGwPwX0_BzHl72PK7EnBAcVxa9FLvkTAyML68bEnNABd7lOhC7n5QUbPN78cCxxp7Z2IWoIBdaBiT8PRSmHpvdAHHZA93PWUgMTCOlyeuZmtRvf50/s1600/557.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I tried the classic "Pros vs Cons" list. </div>
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I had been writing since I was three. I got out and about and met people with photography. I have so many stories still to share. I made actual money snapping photos. My writing was solely about me. My photography was about giving memories to others. The list never ended...This wasn't helping.</div>
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I had to figure something else out. Because I could no longer do both to this extent.</div>
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It really came down to: <br />
<b>Which one would it break my heart to leave behind? Where was my joy?</b></div>
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And without thinking, without weighing options and pondering, I knew the answer.</div>
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I tried to fight it.</div>
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I tried to rationalize.</div>
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I tried to change my mind even.</div>
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But my heart was stuck on one thing, always going back to one thing, missing one thing.</div>
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<b>Writing.</b></div>
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So 2015 hit and I made my decision.</div>
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I am a photographer. I always will be and will never deny it.</div>
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But my heart decided something for me and I couldn't fight it any longer. I stopped taking on new clients, stopped advertising, stopped seeking sessions. I thought it would be hard and the withdrawals would kill me. But know what? They didn't.</div>
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<b>I guess this is my round about way of announcing that Jenni Merritt Photography is closed. </b> Not completely. Not forever. But as of today, I will only be shooting for family/friends and return clients. And even that will be with extreme discretion.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWE4ZK2effE-vCzHU-kye73cCaY14kasuG_gDHdYeij88y5E4RQ98CjDinAieIxex8W7BUcaFe8YnFcUcW-6gX0l1PnfjY67dKhvaGJC8LSKtqTCqQNBvTQRVPAUaDWirgiCUvZZIbVU/s1600/IMG_1518-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWE4ZK2effE-vCzHU-kye73cCaY14kasuG_gDHdYeij88y5E4RQ98CjDinAieIxex8W7BUcaFe8YnFcUcW-6gX0l1PnfjY67dKhvaGJC8LSKtqTCqQNBvTQRVPAUaDWirgiCUvZZIbVU/s1600/IMG_1518-1.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>TO ALL MY CLIENTS: </b>YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. The moments and memories you have given me are all so priceless. I loved being given the chance to photograph you. I loved that you trusted me with this job. I STILL love photography. Who knows what the future brings. But at least I know that those moments of the past that you gave me are forever captured in my art. Never doubt your beauty.</blockquote>
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I have just learned that <b>life is short, and you need to do what you truly love</b>. I love photography. I love writing more. I cannot sacrifice my writing time any longer. </div>
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So here I am, sad but smiling. Regretful but complete. And excited for tomorrow. This is a hard post to write. But this is a good decision. A good RID to rid. Now, <b>go after your own dreams no matter how hard they are to follow. </b></div>
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<i>And remember...Just smile.</i></div>
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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/AVvXsEhCjH7rYBis-fbrGDdo1M7vHVbt4IOtvnVDOD9OBJidNuhS8CflNN-GR7_4XxbtIeo8LJbfFzn-S6m1q63kSFQ2iiqNTi6UQho9nTV0BspbK5TnDr4ntJwNNGMv6BbW1_i3iLU9bCNniTk/s1600/FINAL+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjH7rYBis-fbrGDdo1M7vHVbt4IOtvnVDOD9OBJidNuhS8CflNN-GR7_4XxbtIeo8LJbfFzn-S6m1q63kSFQ2iiqNTi6UQho9nTV0BspbK5TnDr4ntJwNNGMv6BbW1_i3iLU9bCNniTk/s1600/FINAL+1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Curious and want to see more of my work for the fun of it? <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/JenniMerrittPhotography">GO HERE</a><br /></b></i></td></tr>
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Jenni Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10342553894424663966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919558332911860559.post-70868808569072070402015-05-04T08:30:00.000-07:002016-07-11T21:21:32.129-07:00A Public Announcement That I Do, In Fact, Exist<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello. My name is Jenni. I used to actively post on this blog three days a week. I would host giveaways, interview fellow writers, review books, share thoughts and tips. Even talk about myself at times. It was a magical time.</div>
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Then I disappeared.</div>
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I honestly think I let myself forget that this blog existed. A lot of things fell on the wayside as life got a hold of me. And now it has come to the point that I either need to discard this entire thing, or come back to it full force.</div>
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If you know me, you know I am not a quitter.</div>
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So...Hello world! Jenni here!</div>
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Man, this actually feels fantastic. I missed my blog. We have gone through a lot together and I cannot wait to see where we go next. I think the best next step for me would be to clear my head about the things that kept me away. I will be doing it in a series of posts, just so I can keep them "short" (nobody wants to spend their entire day reading one post, right?)</div>
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To give you an idea of what is coming, here are the reasons I disappeared. Or, since I am oh so very clever, <b>The RID List </b>(Because, you know, I am ridding myself of these reasons. I know. I am awesome):</div>
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1. <b><a href="http://jennimerritt.blogspot.com/2015/05/the-rid-list-photography.html"><u>Photography</u>.</a> </b> Say cheese.<br />
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2. <b><u><a href="http://jennimerritt.blogspot.com/2015/05/the-rid-list-depression.html">Depression.</a></u> </b>Yes, I said that word.<br />
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3. <b style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://jennimerritt.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-rid-list-internet.html">The Internet</a></b> (Netflix, Facebook, and Pinterest, you evil yet awesome creations)<br />
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4. <b><u><a href="http://jennimerritt.blogspot.com/2016/05/the-rid-list-theatre.html">Theatre</a></u></b><b> </b> You read that right. Curtains, costumes and all.<br />
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5. <b style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://jennimerritt.blogspot.com/2016/07/the-rid-list-lady-justice.html">Lady Justice</a></b>. Yes, that book I wrote that is long past due for publication.</blockquote>
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Intrigued? I am too. I still have to write the posts, which means I still have to have the epiphany about each subject. But after lots of thinking, I have realized those 5 reasons are the biggest. So here we go. This may be interesting. The first post will be up in the next day or two, depending on when RID #2, 3, and 4 let me sit to write.</div>
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As for tonight, I am going to sign out for now and let RID #3 win.</div>
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<i>(I know. I am weak. If you agree to not judge me, here is a photo of my cat smiling in her sleep.)</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkKDl4yDfgfUHKZWsx9ZLb-7C96PLXIniT28Aje1pG2x14L6VRTVEVpcAv-8MtRZ6FTbGz4DFwY6jcGd9IoCxLeDdw2-R18oFailYlv6R5mpOUkVps7mDFN9OvC3N-rgjBS-CZMOVkR4/s1600/11065926_10205375046327409_7915412738250154795_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkKDl4yDfgfUHKZWsx9ZLb-7C96PLXIniT28Aje1pG2x14L6VRTVEVpcAv-8MtRZ6FTbGz4DFwY6jcGd9IoCxLeDdw2-R18oFailYlv6R5mpOUkVps7mDFN9OvC3N-rgjBS-CZMOVkR4/s1600/11065926_10205375046327409_7915412738250154795_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Jenni Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10342553894424663966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919558332911860559.post-37846406014111059882014-07-29T12:18:00.000-07:002014-07-29T12:18:20.247-07:00The Catastrophe Theory: A Progressive Story<div style="text-align: justify;">
Remember back in school, when you would write a sentence then pass it to your friend and they would add on? You would take turns until some crazy, odd-ball story was created then you would giggle as you read the insanity of said story?</div>
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Well, we authors still do that.</div>
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<a href="http://huntfortomorrow.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-hunt.html">The Hunt For Tomorrow</a> was the digital scavenger hunt that led readers through 23 author stops and ended with an immense grand prize. Part of that prize pack was <a href="http://jennimerritt.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-hunt-for-tomorrow-winner.html">letting the winner choose certain facts</a> that we authors would then create into a progressive story. </div>
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<b>And we are doing it.</b></div>
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Each day, a new author posts a new chapter to the story, solely based off what has been written before. There has honestly been no brainstorming, no planning. Just a little bit of banter and the facts given to us by the Hunt winner. We read the new chapter, then the next author has 24 hours to create the next installment. That's it. </div>
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It is insane. We have no idea where this is going. And we are loving it.</div>
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<b>Today is Chapter 7. And it is my turn. </b></div>
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If you have already been following along, read away. If you are just getting started, go to Chapter 1 and enjoy! </div>
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<b><a href="http://huntfortomorrow.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">READ THE CATASTROPHE THEORY</span></a></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18PW8T2HCmBQR0O40oGsQ11WOfDF8pm36ByTEwvlR2PiA3hHDi59w3oZ8UlrF6OcY6_zjGLW8xMOlBmkTfxrMp5e5wfbwv3LaOvsA6R52YNCHF4FD5I5NvNJzK4mJhytLSlGoUBv0EY4/s1600/10514437_595258920589528_618867450021163160_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18PW8T2HCmBQR0O40oGsQ11WOfDF8pm36ByTEwvlR2PiA3hHDi59w3oZ8UlrF6OcY6_zjGLW8xMOlBmkTfxrMp5e5wfbwv3LaOvsA6R52YNCHF4FD5I5NvNJzK4mJhytLSlGoUBv0EY4/s1600/10514437_595258920589528_618867450021163160_o.jpg" height="208" width="640" /></a></div>
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Jenni Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10342553894424663966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919558332911860559.post-77139690080428037032014-07-21T10:00:00.000-07:002014-07-21T10:01:46.882-07:00The Hunt For Tomorrow WINNERAnd the winner is...<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Gayle Noble!</span></b></div>
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Thanks to everyone that participated. We hope you enjoyed The Hunt as much as we did.<br />
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The fun, however, is not over.<br />
The progressive story begins this Wednesday. Each day, a chapter will be posted on this blog. All we're starting with is Gayle's title, trope and characters.<br />
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Title: <b><u>The Catastrophe Theory</u></b><br />
Trope: <b>Technology Catastrophe</b><br />
Characters: <b>Jared, Eve and Cas</b></blockquote>
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We have no idea where this is going...<br />
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<b>20 authors.</b></div>
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<b>1 story.</b></div>
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<b>Begins July 23.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlHa4mn6qOHK2v1DTc0qjrDhxuIf7tvVGXESOO-90PmbC0Gd484rDSvfcnG31WrhZfNZ_Fa51IGtSzbHtAs_4x3uQ-8hhfkMYidgqXnX2Tl07P0sXba-8lZEGWKY19XBueTIFbjDRV-E/s1600/21946861.jpg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlHa4mn6qOHK2v1DTc0qjrDhxuIf7tvVGXESOO-90PmbC0Gd484rDSvfcnG31WrhZfNZ_Fa51IGtSzbHtAs_4x3uQ-8hhfkMYidgqXnX2Tl07P0sXba-8lZEGWKY19XBueTIFbjDRV-E/s1600/21946861.jpg2.jpg" height="196" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shattered-Worlds-Six-Dystopian-Novels-ebook/dp/B00IJYIFG0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400985544&sr=8-1&keywords=shattered+worlds">Shattered Worlds</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/What-Tomorrow-May-Bring-Dystopian-ebook/dp/B00K1H0304/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1400985489&sr=8-9&keywords=bertauski">What Tomorrow Will Bring</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Taste-Tomorrow-Dystopian-Boxed-Collection-ebook/dp/B00HPM3PDA/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1400985489&sr=8-12&keywords=bertauski">A Taste of Tomorrow</a></div>
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<br />Jenni Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10342553894424663966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919558332911860559.post-28985308166320219402014-07-19T14:58:00.000-07:002014-07-21T10:00:19.622-07:00The Hunt For Tomorrow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij21x5gI1BX-NnfR8hbiCAZtRwcMunmL8PsWPfS3duNvSPwoLjeDKCDIR_VHaJ-QmAde3KX6OBDSmutrkC0s65ljX0YTdk6JSfDsnkJ3_QdbiZBDi0G6aEFuEVbLJNrhHIvuE8EFzOUM0/s1600/Huntfortomorrow.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij21x5gI1BX-NnfR8hbiCAZtRwcMunmL8PsWPfS3duNvSPwoLjeDKCDIR_VHaJ-QmAde3KX6OBDSmutrkC0s65ljX0YTdk6JSfDsnkJ3_QdbiZBDi0G6aEFuEVbLJNrhHIvuE8EFzOUM0/s1600/Huntfortomorrow.png" height="235" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://huntfortomorrow.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-hunt.html">ENTER THE HUNT</a></span></b></div>
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<b>23 Authors.</b></div>
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<b>1 Grand Prize Winner.</b></div>
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<b>Tons of free stuff.</b></div>
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<li>The Hunt will take you to 23 dystopian authors giving away ebooks, short stories and swag. </li>
<li>Collect answers at each stop to enter the drawing at the end. </li>
<li>The grand prize winner receives an autographed paperback from 22 authors, 3 dystopian digital boxed sets, and a progressive story written by all 23 authors.</li>
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<i>Hurry. The Hunt ENDS 11:59 PM, July 20th EST</i></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HuntForTomorrow">Follow on Facebook</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://huntfortomorrow.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-hunt.html">GET IN THE HUNT...</a></span></b></div>
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Jenni Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10342553894424663966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919558332911860559.post-32102799264055277462014-07-06T02:01:00.000-07:002014-07-06T20:01:35.441-07:00The Hunt For Tomorrow (Stop #8)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigYYhQyEmDaGCrN1Wj4YFalq8Chb38Gjko9jybWKdlqJzvRVkVjYmHVhRf02X9hzze9DTCmX3bwmL3gLI-A7HeOGIqXrtdYstYnM4Tz02oIIcVu0V8t13pw5qN8i8l9eNbzkosoCGrSM/s1600/Huntfortomorrow.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigYYhQyEmDaGCrN1Wj4YFalq8Chb38Gjko9jybWKdlqJzvRVkVjYmHVhRf02X9hzze9DTCmX3bwmL3gLI-A7HeOGIqXrtdYstYnM4Tz02oIIcVu0V8t13pw5qN8i8l9eNbzkosoCGrSM/s1600/Huntfortomorrow.png" height="146" width="400" /></a></div>
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Welcome to <a href="http://huntfortomorrow.blogspot.com/">THE HUNT FOR TOMORROW</a>, a virtual scavenger hunt through 22 fictional dystopias.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Stop #8</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jEPZSc0bAe8MeR7RTUiK6T7s1YWD_ajKqr4ZJX-l6zmFgi40BQ3FFmnnpX7Mv3Wsy1JxEFECGgnWM-rHRxJGzgxYwsWkxtKLh5NdFEg3a0eMk-jpu1PGqDq86xM4bMBcKkFmE7LAj6g/s1600/PN+COVER+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jEPZSc0bAe8MeR7RTUiK6T7s1YWD_ajKqr4ZJX-l6zmFgi40BQ3FFmnnpX7Mv3Wsy1JxEFECGgnWM-rHRxJGzgxYwsWkxtKLh5NdFEg3a0eMk-jpu1PGqDq86xM4bMBcKkFmE7LAj6g/s1600/PN+COVER+front.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
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<b><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Prison-Nation-Jenni-Merritt-ebook/dp/B006H4LPZW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1404636817&sr=8-2&keywords=prison+nation">PRISON NATION</a></u></b></div>
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by Jenni Merritt</div>
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In the Nation, no one is innocent - not even the children born behind bars. Millie 942B has spent her entire life locked away with her criminal parents and countless other inmates. She believes in the Nation, in its strict laws and harsh punishments.<br />
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But when Millie is released on her eighteenth birthday, she finds things are nothing as she was taught. People vanish, never to be seen again. Lies cover every word. Trust is as fragile as ice.<br />
And then there is Reed. Born and raised outside the Prison walls, his dreams and thoughts cause Millie to doubt everything she has ever believed.<br />
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What is truly worth fighting for? If she pushes too hard, she could lose her freedom. If she stays silent, she could lose herself. The clock is ticking, and Millie must find the truth before it is too late.</blockquote>
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<b>QUESTION:</b> Who causes Millie to doubt everything she has ever believed about the Nation?<br />
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<b>BONUS:</b> Subscribe to my newsletter then email me at jennimerritt.writing(at)gmail(dot)com to enter. TEN randomly selected subscribers will win a little stack of surprise swag. Some of my own. Some from other authors I have met. Who knows what you will get!</div>
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<b><a href="https://tinyletter.com/jennimerrittauthor">SUBSCRIBE NOW</a></b></blockquote>
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<b>-> OFF YOU GO! <a href="http://meganthomason.com/?p=357">STOP #9</a></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfyqh65NTabTypOQqEeFTAIxEk3OL5lEiqkpUWX4x0czG7NUBAlYb898LvEJZ5UflK1TQLDMfEGarvr2kAbcb-ruz6Lg7LD4j67YEVvYBHbVogkyf004lEHzkihMz6yq0aI8e_IJnYQA/s1600/New-daynight-Cover-800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfyqh65NTabTypOQqEeFTAIxEk3OL5lEiqkpUWX4x0czG7NUBAlYb898LvEJZ5UflK1TQLDMfEGarvr2kAbcb-ruz6Lg7LD4j67YEVvYBHbVogkyf004lEHzkihMz6yq0aI8e_IJnYQA/s1600/New-daynight-Cover-800.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
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<b>(For more about The Hunt For Tomorrow, <a href="http://huntfortomorrow.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-dystoptimists-shining-light-on-dark.html">CLICK HERE</a>)</b><br />
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Jenni Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10342553894424663966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919558332911860559.post-79932678617497099822014-06-24T08:00:00.000-07:002014-06-24T08:00:02.425-07:00Voight-Kampff Interview<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYuvwkc79PCJ37dRp3wJtf1j12egNMCGHjlS3URdiEiJHVzmB7tRtPAQiAzjvffOqhDhT15TK10-VD4GEuw-7EWJytYM9yVt9W1TZruLgDJu6mQ24oyFikBj1NS2GLo6vJqlJXNa-7QiA/s1600/voight-kampff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYuvwkc79PCJ37dRp3wJtf1j12egNMCGHjlS3URdiEiJHVzmB7tRtPAQiAzjvffOqhDhT15TK10-VD4GEuw-7EWJytYM9yVt9W1TZruLgDJu6mQ24oyFikBj1NS2GLo6vJqlJXNa-7QiA/s1600/voight-kampff.jpg" height="146" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Leon:</b> Do you make up these questions, Mr. Holden, or do they write them down for you?</div>
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<b>Mr. Holden: </b>They’re just questions, Leon.</div>
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<b>Subject: Kowalski, Leon</b> (<i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083658/">Bladerunner</a></i>)</div>
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It is finally my turn to answer some questions, as part of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tomorrowboxset?ref=hl&focus_composer=true&ref_type=bookmark">What Tomorrow May Bring</a> blog schedule. </div>
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Are you ready for this?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0uAMKdPyTHm6CL4TpOlbrB5BhHQaeVqsgvYNBSQyQ3EuTe-o0O95M2sE4Ht1SZRhvyQVQVuseOhLr3EpPKsci1PRlujqBvj2rk-m6wWxF3goRPrEVbQr0u4f5LaOavUh2juErvWNwDh4/s1600/1006181_348552561940844_1337591235_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0uAMKdPyTHm6CL4TpOlbrB5BhHQaeVqsgvYNBSQyQ3EuTe-o0O95M2sE4Ht1SZRhvyQVQVuseOhLr3EpPKsci1PRlujqBvj2rk-m6wWxF3goRPrEVbQr0u4f5LaOavUh2juErvWNwDh4/s1600/1006181_348552561940844_1337591235_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">* HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START AS AN AUTHOR?</span></b></div>
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I was obsessed with writing and reading all growing up and told most anyone who would listen that someday I was going to be an author. Even though I loved it, I never seemed to get anything done though. Until I discovered <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/">NaNoWriMo.</a> Yes, I am a NaNo Lover. In one month, I had finally finished my first draft of a book and then did another and another and...</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">* HAVE YOU WRITTEN IN ANY OTHER GENRES BESIDES YA DYSTOPIAN? WHAT DREW YOU TO THIS GENRE?</span></b></div>
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So far my other WIPS consist of urban fantasy, paranormal, fairy tales....I am even growing the idea for my first contemporary piece. I love stories too much to stay roped into one genre. As to why I was drawn to dystopian: I love screwing with the idea of society then seeing what people do to fix it. It is intriguing. I fell in love with The Giver, then searched for years for more great dystopian reads. The next step was obviously adding my own voice in with the collection.</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">* HOW DO YOU OVERCOME WRITER'S BLOCK?</span></b></div>
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I tend to slam my head on my desk. Stuff my face full of chocolate. Get lost in Netflix and Facebook. Wander aimlessly... Then I force myself to throw up words until the words finally start to make sense.</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">* WHAT IS THE FIRST SCIENCE FICTION BOOK YOU REMEMBER READING?</span></b></div>
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Oh my...I believe it was A Tale of Time City. I loved that book (and yes, I still reread it every so often.)</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">* IS THERE AN AUTHOR THAT YOU WOULD REALLY LIKE TO MEET?</span></b></div>
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One?? Goodness, let's see... Orson Scott Card is a for sure. Along with JK Rowling, Terry Goodkind, Steven King...</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">* LAPTOP OR DESKTOP FOR WRITING?</span></b></div>
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Desktop for sure. I have a laptop (am using it right now in fact) but there is something about sitting at my desktop with dual screens and spinny chair that gets my mind in working mode.</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">* DO YOU EVER WRITE IN YOUR PJ’S?</span></b></div>
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As soon as I get the itch to write, the first thing I do is run to my room and throw on the nearest pair of jammies. Some people wear suits to work. Some wear vests with flair. Authors wear PJs. It is just a fact.</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">* WHERE DID YOUR TOMORROW SPRING FROM? IN OTHER WORDS, HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE CRAZY WORLD?</span></b></div>
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A good friend of mine got charged for a crime. Being as he couldn't afford an attorney, he got appointed one. And even though he wasn't guilty for the crime, he got sentenced for it based on stipulations. To make matters worse, his sentencing was protected under a measure that ensures mandatory sentences. So there he was, no previous history, sentenced for a crime he wasn't guilty of, and thrown into prison for nearly eight years. This got me thinking: What if it was always this way? What if the jails ruled the country? Thus the book was born.</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">* DID YOU DO ANY SPECIFIC OR UNUSUAL RESEARCH FOR THIS BOOK? </span></b></div>
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I did lots of research on prisons. I even made friends with a fellow NaNo writer who used to work in a prison, and I scoured for any info I could get. </div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">* DO YOU WANT YOUR TOMORROW TO MAKE IT BIG, AS IN JK ROWLINGS-BIG? WHY OR WHY NOT?</span></b></div>
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I love this book. It was my debut novel. It is my baby. But I will be the first to admit that it isn't perfect. Am I proud of it? Darn right! But if I were to make it big, I think I would prefer it to be off of one of my coming novels. And let this book just be my little pride and joy.</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">* WHO SHOULD NOT READ YOUR BOOK?</span></b></div>
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A few reviews have stated that my book seemed to be pushing some sort of agenda. Honestly, it is just a book. But if you can't handle thoughts that don't support prisons and society control...don't read this book. But if you can: Read away!</div>
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Don't forget to snag your copy of <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/What-Tomorrow-May-Bring-Dystopian-ebook/dp/B00K1H0304/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1399938105&sr=1-1&keywords=what+tomorrow+may+bring" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">WHAT TOMORROW MAY BRING</a></b>,</div>
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the YA Dystopian boxset, including <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13141794-prison-nation">Prison Nation</a>.</div>
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Jenni Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10342553894424663966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919558332911860559.post-30628245468394592322014-06-17T12:00:00.000-07:002014-06-17T12:00:00.032-07:00The Hunt For Tomorrow is Coming<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bookblasttours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Huntfortomorrow.png"><img alt="Huntfortomorrow" class="aligncenter wp-image-1836" src="http://www.bookblasttours.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Huntfortomorrow.png" height="199" width="540" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://huntfortomorrow.blogspot.com/"><strong>THE HUNT FOR TOMORROW</strong></a>
<strong>22 AUTHORS. 3 DYSTOPIAN BOXED SETS. 1 MASSIVE EVENT.</strong>
<strong>A virtual scavenger hunt through twenty-two fictional dystopias.</strong>
<strong>Friday, July 18 at 6:00pm <sub>(EST)</sub> - Sunday, July 20 at 6:00pm <sub>(EST).</sub></strong>
Join <a href="http://huntfortomorrow.blogspot.com/"><strong>THE HUNT FOR TOMORROW</strong></a><strong>,</strong> an on-line scavenger hunt, and embark on a virtual odyssey through twenty-two dystopian futures. Become an intrepid scavenger and solve clues at each of the dystopian author stops as you navigate your way to the finish line where you’ll be entered into a random draw for the Grand Prize. For each correct answer collected along the way you’ll get an additional chance to win. During The Hunt, the authors will offer up their own exclusive material, sneak peeks, contests, and giveaways at their individual stops on The Hunt, giving all scavengers multiple chances to win bonus prizes.
The twenty-two participating indie authors include best-selling, award-winning and emerging writers from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom who all have books included in three dystopian boxed sets - - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/What-Tomorrow-May-Bring-Dystopian-ebook/dp/B00K1H0304?tag=blasttours-20"><em>What Tomorrow May Bring</em></a><em>,</em><em> </em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Taste-Tomorrow-Dystopian-Boxed-Collection-ebook/dp/B00HPM3PDA?tag=blasttours-20"><em>A Taste Of Tomorrow</em></a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shattered-Worlds-Six-Dystopian-Novels-ebook/dp/B00IJYIFG0?tag=blasttours-20"><em>Shattered Worlds</em></a><em>.</em>
In a unique collaboration of story-telling, nineteen of the authors will write a progressive short story over nineteen days following The Hunt. The Grand Prize Winner of <strong>The Hunt For Tomorrow</strong> will name characters and contribute the title for this dystopian world, and all participants in The Hunt will receive an advance copy of the story for an exclusive period before it is made available as a free download. The Grand Prize also includes a signed copy of books included in the boxed sets, an ebook of all the boxed sets, and the first copy of this one-of-a-kind progressive story.
<a href="http://huntfortomorrow.blogspot.com/"><strong>THE HUNT FOR TOMORROW</strong></a><strong> </strong>begins at <strong><a href="http://huntfortomorrow.blogspot.com/">http://huntfortomorrow.blogspot.com</a></strong> on Friday, July 18 at 6:00pm<sub> </sub><sub>(EST)</sub><sub> </sub>and ends on Sunday, July 20 at 6:00pm <sub>(EST).</sub><sub> </sub>The Hunt is on for one weekend only, although there is no time-limit for completing the course. The Hunt is open to scavengers around the world; there is no cost to enter and one grand prize winner will be selected at random from all eligible entries.
<strong>Go to</strong><strong> </strong><a href="http://huntfortomorrow.blogspot.com/"><strong>THE HUNT FOR TOMORROW</strong></a><strong> </strong><strong>for details and the full list of participating authors.</strong>
<strong>JOIN THE HUNT.</strong><strong> JULY 18-20</strong><strong>.</strong>
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<strong><strong>Blast Giveaway</strong>
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 7/20/14
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from <a href="http://iamareader.com/" style="color: #a3b460;" target="_blank">I Am A Reader</a> and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0a00961315/" id="rc-0a00961315" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></strong></div>
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>Jenni Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10342553894424663966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919558332911860559.post-23154752833029711242014-05-23T11:08:00.001-07:002014-05-23T11:08:15.170-07:00My Thoughts on Tomorrow GUEST POST: Megan Thomason<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am a huge fan of the dystopian genre and love to spend a lot of time thinking about societal extremes. The themes in daynight, many of which are very dark, are all designed to have readers think about parallels to our own society and where we need to draw lines.</div>
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The dystopia category is pretty broad these days. By definition a dystopian world must have deprivation, oppression, or terror. I prefer dystopias that explore interesting societal and moral dilemmas to catastrophic conditions/survival stories.</div>
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The very best dystopias most often have a well formed government enforcing extremes. I’m fascinated by these entities, and in particular:</div>
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- What events drove them to shift the way they governed? For example, in The Hunger Games the government instituted the games to punish and remind the districts of their former rebellion (and failure to succeed).</div>
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- What results are they looking to achieve? In 1984, the desired result was control over every action and thought. In Brave New World the government desired peaceful coexistence and happiness for its citizens.</div>
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- What methods do the governments use to achieve the desired result? The Capital in Hunger Games uses the games to terrorize its citizens into subservience, and tightly controls resources by segregating districts and limiting what each could produce. In 1984 the Inner Party uses surveillance (telescreens, microphones everywhere), controls information (rewriting history to support claims is the ultimate form of censorship), and all citizens are indoctrinated to be whistle-blowers on those committing ‘thought crimes’ (any thought contrary to the governmen). In Brave New World, the government breeds and then conditions (through their sleep) citizens to be in (and only desire to be in) a certain caste, to be sexually promiscuous, hate solitude, and to take the drug ‘soma’ if any contrary thought occurs.</div>
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Equally interesting is how the characters in the novel react to the dystopian government. Do they acquiesce? Do they rebel and in what ways? Outwardly? Inwardly? Each well done dystopia will have characters that question the status quo. Their actions will cause us to reflect upon our own, and how we would act in a similar situation. Katniss in The Hunger Games defies authority by bringing out a handful of berries and threatening to deprive the Capital of a winner and ultimately forcing them to back down and lose face. Winston and Julia in 1984 both commit thought crimes and engage in an illicit affair, but are outed by an informant and tortured into both subservience to Big Brother and betraying each other. John (the Savage) in Brave New World is so disgusted when he caves to societal immorality that he takes extreme measures to escape.</div>
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daynight came about as I hiked the canyons of San Diego on a particularly hot day and pondered what would happen if temperatures were so extreme that days and nights had to be switched. This became the impetus for Thera, the main setting for daynight. I mentally brewed the concepts of dark and light, and what kind of government would rule the dark, and The Second Chance Institute (SCI) was born.</div>
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The SCI is an interesting entity. They are in the business of providing second chances. But instead of nurturing and fostering the downtrodden, they use the Second Chancers as science experiments for new political ideas they want to push on Earth. One such idea, Cleaving is an extreme enforcement of morality. If two people have sex, they’re automatically Cleaved, a forced lifetime union. Violation of Cleaving results in exile or death.</div>
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Some of the things that went through my mind that I intended readers to think about while reading daynight were:</div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Freedom of being able to do whatever we want vs. consequences of our choices</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">When is it appropriate for the government to intervene in moral issues?</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">How should the government enforce rules? What is acceptable/not acceptable for enforcement?</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">When does ‘research’ cross the line? Is it ever okay to have test groups, when subjects don’t know they are a part of the research? Does our government “use” certain segments of our population to press their agendas?</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Can altruistic purposes get so skewed they are no longer altruistic? The SCI claims to be giving people a second chance at life. Despite this being true and seemingly noble, is it okay if they are only do it to further their own agenda, and not to truly benefit the Second Chancers?</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Is there ever an appropriate time for a government to play Big Brother (as in 1984)? Does our government do this to us? Where’s the line between societal protection and personal violation?</li>
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Don’t worry…the daynight series is not all serious. There is plenty of entertainment with highly flawed main characters, compelling love interests, despicable antagonists, lots of action, surprises, twists and turns.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBaJmCMeMziiV-AC9q7payHJ3BGoKasdoDeIZQazYaGC2L1hYxZ-uHhFJ_NOiPo20-y0FidcYIfVF4FxBlgNA8ec0WItTjxtiRYxLAj3tqSMPOb3_CXZ0dkdqrcVv2hk3JixDZAshLtuk/s1600/563701_173586809507417_478260733_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBaJmCMeMziiV-AC9q7payHJ3BGoKasdoDeIZQazYaGC2L1hYxZ-uHhFJ_NOiPo20-y0FidcYIfVF4FxBlgNA8ec0WItTjxtiRYxLAj3tqSMPOb3_CXZ0dkdqrcVv2hk3JixDZAshLtuk/s1600/563701_173586809507417_478260733_n.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
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Bestselling, award-winning author <a href="http://meganthomason.com/" target="_blank">Megan Thomason</a> lives in paradise aka San Diego, CA with her husband and five children. A former software manager, Megan vastly prefers writing twisted tales to business, product, and marketing plans. When she isn't typing away on her laptop, she's reading books on her phone--over 600 in the last year--or attending to the needs of her family. Megan's fluent in sarcasm, could potentially benefit from a 12-step program for road rage, struggles with a Hot Tamales addiction, loves world travel & fast cars and hates paperwork & being an insomniac.</blockquote>
Jenni Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10342553894424663966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919558332911860559.post-82412547293280276932014-05-20T16:32:00.000-07:002014-05-20T16:33:33.232-07:00Voight-Kampff Author Interview: Joseph A. Turkot<div style="text-align: justify;">
Time for yet another installment of the Voight-Kampff questions, part of the scheduled blog posts for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tomorrowboxset" target="_blank">WHAT TOMORROW MAY BRING</a>! The featured author today is Joseph A. Turkot. (To read his interview on his own blog and to learn more about him and his writing, <a href="http://josephturkot.com/interview-deborah-rix/" target="_blank">click here</a>.)</div>
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Author of six novels and many short stories, Joseph Turkot grew up and lives in New Jersey. He began writing and drawing at a young age. As a kid, he dreamed that he was A) Luke Skywalker, B) A hobbit, or C) Goku/Bruce Lee, depending upon what day it was. Today, he has crafted his own worlds, filled them with characters, and painted their stories. He writes in a variety of genres that include: realistic fiction, science fiction, dystopian, horror, and fantasy. Subscribe to the mailing list, found on his website, for notification of new releases.<br />
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<a href="http://josephturkot.com/" target="_blank">WEBSITE</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/josephturkotwrites" target="_blank">FACEBOOK</a> | <a href="http://twitter.com/josephturkot" target="_blank">TWITTER</a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>* HAVE YOU WRITTEN IN ANY OTHER GENRES BESIDES YA DYSTOPIAN? WHAT DREW YOU TO THIS GENRE?</b></span></div>
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I started in fantasy, rather epic, Shakespearean fantasy: Darkin. The sequel, Darkin 2, was toned down (as far as its Shakespearean-sounding language), but still retained some of it. It definitely became more readable. After the second book, I moved into horror for a brief spell, writing a couple short stories. From there, I jumped again, publishing a serial novel called Black Hull. This was a fun ride through time and space for me, and a chance to work on terse language. Something I wanted to get good at. Some say I did this too well, and they wanted more description. In either case, I jumped again, going into writing a YA mystery novel called Neighborhood Watch about a serial murderer. This was a blast to write. I felt like I was reliving parts of my own childhood because the setting was so similar. And then, yes, finally, I arrived at the post-apocalyptic, or dystopian world of The Rain. I’ve always been attracted to dystopian literature, maybe because I see so much of the real world in there. It’s not all far-fetched and impossible to me. Okay, maybe The Rain is. But some of the stuff, like 1984, or Oryx and Crake, seem pretty possible. And so I see the cautionary tale thing writ in all its glory within the framework of those stories. And although the setting in The Rain is maybe not as believable in my story, it still provides a place for the characters to think about some aspects of humanity that might otherwise be overlooked or seen as ordinary. I’m all about examining beliefs with an open, malleable mind.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>* DO YOU HAVE AN INTOXICANT OF PREFERENCE FOR THOSE TIMES WHEN YOU ARE WRITING?</b></span></div>
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It used to be coffee. And it still is–kinda. I have been mixing in tea. I know, this isn’t very exciting. Sometimes I’ll have several cups of coffee in the same day. But I’m supposed to cut back, so, yeah. That’s the tea. Black, and sometimes Green. Also, running. It acts as an opiate to my mind. Really. I get a lot of thinking done during my runs.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>* IF YOU GAVE ONE OF YOUR CHARACTERS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES, WHAT WOULD THEY SAY?</b></span></div>
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Get us the hell of this ice. Put us some place warm and dry. Stop having fun with us. No, in all seriousness, it depends on which story we’re talking about. If I chose Colin from Neighborhood Watch, he’d tell me it’s time to hit the streets. Pump some air into your tires, grease the chain, and ride through the fall leaves. Smell that air and see those pumpkins.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3OK3iMTZ1MaSZYZQHpnVwuhtm8ooUSpm1igOV0T-q6BOYTzXPJCImokfdtRAoPwW72oWOeltvY19GsbGYM4IJiFRJ2CqYrxwTKvfac73qzH610BHveOmyewKpTMhPlv2Sq67hzG3Q1A/s1600/book+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3OK3iMTZ1MaSZYZQHpnVwuhtm8ooUSpm1igOV0T-q6BOYTzXPJCImokfdtRAoPwW72oWOeltvY19GsbGYM4IJiFRJ2CqYrxwTKvfac73qzH610BHveOmyewKpTMhPlv2Sq67hzG3Q1A/s1600/book+4.jpg" height="400" width="250" /></a><span style="color: blue;"><b>* DID YOU DO ANY SPECIFIC OR UNUSUAL RESEARCH FOR THIS BOOK?</b></span></div>
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I like to incorporate wacky scientific facts into my book. Well, maybe they’re not so wacky. One of my favorites, from Black Hull, is the M-82 anomaly. That is pretty much the basis for the Utopia of that book. And as far as The Rain, it’s usually just looking up something like the way a waterspout looks, or confirming something I’ve read in the past about exposure. One area I love, but am lacking in still to this day, is seafaring terminology. I’d love to know more, and incorporate more. I didn’t know, for instance, that I couldn’t use rowing when it concerned a canoe. I honestly never knew that. He said it had to be paddling. I don’t know if I managed to go back and fix that yet. But now it’s in my head–rowing for boats, paddling for canoes. Little things build up in my brain. Most of them useless. Sometimes, crucial to the plot. I try to double-check those ones.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>* WHAT BOOKS HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING?</b></span></div>
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Wow. This is like the impossible question. I mean, I’ve read a lot of books, and they all sort of blend together now. Just a big pile of plot, character, conflict, and setting, all congealing in my imagination forever. But honestly, I can think of it in time. That makes it easier for me to answer this. In the beginning, there were the Goosebumps books. This was the first series I absolutely fell in love with. Like, cherished the covers and everything. Smelled the pages. Later on, as I got older, I got into the science-fiction and fantasy stuff. You know–Lord of the Rings and all that. Still, on the side, because of high school mostly, I was exposed to Steinbeck and Orwell and Hesse and some others. Good old literary fiction. And lately, it’s all about non-fiction. This is the way it’s gone for me for the past few years. It started with The Perfect Storm and Into Thin Air, and then, I’ve been tracking down new adventure survival stories ever since. It’s no wonder my current series is a combination of a post-apocalyptic, dystopian Earth and a survival adventure.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>* ANY MOVIE, ANY BOOK…WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE PROTAGONIST?</b></span></div>
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Man. Another impossible question. I mean, who has favorites anyway? Aren’t they supposed to change as we do? But, just for the heck of it, I’m going to go with Alan Grant. He was my biggest hero from about age 8 until about age 12. Seriously, who else knew that much about dinosaurs? And dinosaurs, that’s about the most important thing to know something about. So he was tops. Not to mention how he handled himself when they wanted to kill him and everyone around him. So suave. And the outfit he wore–so amazing. But again, the list of heroes would be long.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>* IS THERE AN AUTHOR THAT YOU WOULD REALLY LIKE TO MEET?</b></span></div>
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There have been many. I think right now, who it would be, I have to pick Hugh Howey. He’s been a real inspiration to me, mainly from his forum posts. He’s really encouraging. The stuff he says makes you think you can do it. Anyone can do it. He’s not spewing mindless enthusiasm, it’s actually all concrete and meaningful. So yeah, I’d really like to have a cup of coffee with the guy. Talk about his days at the bookstore.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>* WHAT ARE YOUR PET PEEVES?</b></span></div>
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People who are not open-minded. They have a completely closed belief system, and you can’t do a thing about it. I for one will change my mind if the evidence shows up to change my mind. I’m not going to stick to an outdated belief because it feels better, or sits right, or is more comfortable. So there you have it. I’m pretty open to anything. In fact, the principles I cherish most might be open-mindedness and willingness. When someone has the willingness to learn something new, try something new, be open to the possibility even, of some kind of change, that really turns me on. Not sexually of course, but intellectually. I am a philosophical kind of guy, deep down, but there aren’t too many people you can really talk about that kind of stuff with.<br />
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Don't forget to snag your copy of <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/What-Tomorrow-May-Bring-Dystopian-ebook/dp/B00K1H0304/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1399938105&sr=1-1&keywords=what+tomorrow+may+bring" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">WHAT TOMORROW MAY BRING</a></b>,</div>
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the YA Dystopian boxset, including Joseph's novel <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Rain-Joseph-Turkot/dp/1494856069/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1400628463&sr=8-2&keywords=the+rain" target="_blank">The Rain</a></div>
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Jenni Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10342553894424663966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919558332911860559.post-26983884972110328172014-05-16T07:58:00.001-07:002014-05-16T07:58:55.721-07:00My Thoughts On Tomorrow GUEST POST: Susan Kaye Quinn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I’ve always read dystopian novels, although I simply thought of them as “science fiction.” Stories like I, Robot and Foundation filled my spongy adolescent brain with concepts like the Three Laws of Robotics and how utopias couldn’t happen as long as the flawed nature of humanity still existed. This is where I first understood the term dystopia as what happened when humans tried to monkey with society to make it “better.” Not only did I enjoy the mental gymnastics that went with these (usually cautionary) tales, they seemed to be “equipment for living.” They influenced my young adult thoughts about the future—what it should be, and what it should not.</div>
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My novel Open Minds is a mild dystopia, although, as I wrote it, I thought of it more as a classic SF story. I sought to change one thing—what if everyone really could read minds?—and play it out. That turned into an exploration of how, as much as the world may change, human beings fundamentally remain the same.</div>
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I think this is the understructure of the current dystopian trend—classical science fiction retooled for our modern era and sensibilities. Dystopias are more than a simple reflection of our post-911 world, a mirror held up to our fears of environmental disasters, terrorism, and pandemic. Our modern world isn’t solely a bleak place—it also shines with aid flowing to natural disasters, soldiers building schools, and the rejection of hatred as an ideology. Most modern dystopias search through their dark fictional world for those threads of hope. They find someone who will rebel against the wrongness of the world and attempt to set it right, or a third way through two dire world-changing choices.</div>
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The ever-more complicated world we live in needs more of the thought experiments found in dystopian stories, rather than less. Hope is a fundamental part of being human, and stories that forge hope out of the most difficult situations are always the most compelling.</div>
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I write those stories, the ones with that persistent thread of hope, because those are the kind I want to read.</div>
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And the future I want to live in.</div>
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<a href="http://www.susankayequinn.com/2014/05/what-tomorrow-may-bring-my-thoughts-on.html" target="_blank">Susan Kaye Quinn</a> is the author of the bestselling Mindjack Trilogy, which is young adult science fiction (and dystopian!). Her latest release is Third Daughter (The Dharian Affairs #1) which is her excuse to dress up in corsets and fight with swords. She also has a dark-and-gritty SF serial called The Debt Collector which has been optioned for Virtual Reality. That turns all her geeky gears! She always has more speculative fiction fun in the works. You can find out what she's up to by subscribing to her newsletter (hint: new subscribers get a free short story!). See all her books <a href="http://www.susankayequinn.com/p/my-books.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</blockquote>
Jenni Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10342553894424663966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919558332911860559.post-39359229548813050852014-05-13T08:00:00.000-07:002014-05-20T16:32:51.647-07:00Voight-Kampff Author Interview: David J. Normoyle<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is time for interview #2, as part of the scheduled blog schedule for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tomorrowboxset" target="_blank">WHAT TOMORROW MAY BRING</a>, the YA Dystopian boxed set. Today we have the chance to "hear" from David J. Normoyle. (To learn more about David or read his interview on his own blog, <a href="http://davidjnormoyle.com/2014/05/12/tomorrow-questionnaire/" target="_blank">click here</a>.) Off we go!</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">David was born in Australia, but moved to Ireland at an early age. The early globe crossing must have gone to his head, as he has since backpacked through and lived in numerous countries. He grew up on a farm as the eldest of nine unruly siblings, but since his escape, he prefers city living. His electronic engineering degree is currently gathering dust while he tries new and strange pursuits such as novel writing. </span><a href="http://davidjnormoyle.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a><br />
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<b><a href="http://davidjnormoyle.com/" target="_blank">WEBSITE</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DavidJNormoyle" target="_blank">FACEBOOK</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/davidjnormoyle" target="_blank">TWITTER</a></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">* WHAT IS THE FIRST SCIENCE FICTION BOOK YOU REMEMBER READING?</span></b></div>
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Either the Foundation books by Issac Asimov, or Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card. Foundation is a really cool premise, where a giant inter galactic empire has formed and a mathematician is able to scientifically foresee its collapse, so he implements a plan to restrict the fallout. Ender’s Game is still one of my favorite books. Brilliant idea, perfectly executed.</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">* </span></b><span style="color: blue;"><b>ANY MOVIE, ANY BOOK…WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE ANTAGONIST?</b></span></div>
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I’m going to go with one of the oldest villains of all time. Loki, the Norse trickster god, who is currently being excellently brought to life by Tom Hiddleston in the Avengers universe. I wrote a book that combined Norse and Greek myths, called Myth Weaver, and he was my favorite character to write in that.</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">* </span></b><span style="color: blue;"><b>WHEN YOU GO TO SEE A MOVIE, DO YOU TRY TO READ THE BOOK FIRST?</b></span></div>
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Yes, generally. Only if I have no interest in reading the book, will I’ll watch a movie based on a book without having read the book first. My list of movies -better-than-the-book is small but includes Schindler’s List, The Godfather and Silence of the Lambs. In the rest of the cases where I’ve read the book and watched the movie, the book is better.</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">* </span></b><span style="color: blue;"><b>DO YOU BUY A BOOK BY THE COVER?</b></span></div>
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It’s certainly a factor. If I don’t have a recommendation and I’m browsing on Amazon, then it’s the cover that will make me click on it to check out the blurb. The cover indicates the book’s genre. Once I’ve clicked, then the blurb/sample/reviews will decide whether I actually buy.</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">* </span></b><span style="color: blue;"><b>HOW IMPORTANT ARE NAMES TO YOU IN THIS BOOK. DID YOU CHOOSE THEM BASED ON SOUND OR MEANING?</b></span></div>
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Not terribly important, but at the same time the name has to be the right one. Sometimes the first name I choose, will be the correct one, other times I have to keep trying until I find one that I’m happy with.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_acWTjBm1C-ZVblPotRGFSrjXEYjfW80LDpomvNhwP_utI3uBKzKe9zQOVgYH9vqmd0haSsWLfHFbtX3UTxbhKY9BIC2y5EUDKXM5HQin8_wjrFfCFpa4j13fH_t3CyrUESW7MJz4woI/s1600/book+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_acWTjBm1C-ZVblPotRGFSrjXEYjfW80LDpomvNhwP_utI3uBKzKe9zQOVgYH9vqmd0haSsWLfHFbtX3UTxbhKY9BIC2y5EUDKXM5HQin8_wjrFfCFpa4j13fH_t3CyrUESW7MJz4woI/s1600/book+10.jpg" height="320" width="223" /></a><b><span style="color: blue;">* </span></b><b><span style="color: blue;">DID YOU CHOOSE TO SELF-PUBLISH OR GO THE TRADITIONAL ROUTE? WHY?</span></b></div>
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Selfpublishing is the best way to go right now, and that’s only going to become clearer as time goes by. With a novel, ninety percent of what the reader cares about in the product comes from the author. The other 10% can be contracted out. So what does the publishing company do that means that they take the majority of the profits? They used to be essential when they controlled the distribution, but now that ebooks are starting to dominate fiction sales, the landscape is rapidly changing. I feel that traditional publishing will have to radically change if they want to stay relevant.</div>
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Of course that doesn’t mean the selfpublishing route is easy. Anything but.</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">* </span></b><b><span style="color: blue;">JUST HOW FAR IN THE FUTURE IS YOUR TOMORROW?</span></b></div>
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Hundreds of thousands of years. Earth has been destroyed and the remnants of humanity have travelled across thousands of light years looking for inhabitable planets. Although, it’s actually in the far future, in a way, it’s also set in the past. That’s because this world has eschewed technology in the hope that they can avoid previous mistakes. So the technology level is medieval.</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">* </span></b><b><span style="color: blue;">QUOTE A CHARACTER, ANY CHARACTER.</span></b></div>
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“My killing hand is a bit tired.” Bowe shook his arm. “All that slashing and beheading—nothing like a bit of shopping to take your mind off the blood and gore. So, you have anything in Bellanger azure?”</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">* </span></b><b><span style="color: blue;">GIVE US THE WEATHER FORECAST FOR YOUR TOMORROW.</span></b></div>
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It’ll be hot in the morning, get hotter in the afternoon, then still be hot at night. Before long, it’ll be so hot that the only way to survive will be to seek refuge in underground caverns, cooled by the sea.</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">* </span></b><span style="color: blue;"><b>WHO SHOULD NOT READ YOUR BOOK?</b></span></div>
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Those who would prefer a nice book without much death and violence. Those who would like a story and world that isn’t too complex.</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">* </span></b><b><span style="color: blue;">YOU CAST YOUR CHARACTERS FOR A MOVIE. WHO MAKES IT?</span></b></div>
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That’s an easy one. Josh Whedon. I love his storytelling ability. I’m a huge Firefly fan–each time I watch it I’m ever more amazed that such a great show could have been canceled after one season. In virtually everything Whedon has done, he weaves character and plot, action and humor into a superb story.</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">* </span></b><b><span style="color: blue;">WHO WOULD PLAY YOUR MAIN CHARACTER IN A MOVIE?</span></b></div>
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This is tougher. There are many great actors for older characters but not as many for teens. I would go with Asa Butterfield, who did a great job of showing Ender’s vulnerability in Ender’s Game.</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">* </span></b><span style="color: blue;"><b>WHAT FIVE SONGS/ARTISTS WOULD FEATURE ON THE SOUNDTRACK OF YOUR TOMORROW?</b></span></div>
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Hurt, Johnny Cash</div>
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One, U2</div>
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The Whole of the Moon, Waterboys</div>
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Blister in the Sun, Violent Femmes</div>
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Rains of Castamere, The National<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDE-ZjjSKw6-9BvgS5393ryo1AT2qTKPY7OehYjMzsZ2UBgjz0MHuZoDYpW2Ag0KR8oPiT1trzlHbGEi5rLQOSkJuwFofzwPQJ2c3pknfyLFj8wP06jHy8BgIMWSYv-SEav6JVa2VXJEU/s1600/What+Tomorrow+May+Bring+-+Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDE-ZjjSKw6-9BvgS5393ryo1AT2qTKPY7OehYjMzsZ2UBgjz0MHuZoDYpW2Ag0KR8oPiT1trzlHbGEi5rLQOSkJuwFofzwPQJ2c3pknfyLFj8wP06jHy8BgIMWSYv-SEav6JVa2VXJEU/s1600/What+Tomorrow+May+Bring+-+Final.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Don't forget to snag your copy of <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/What-Tomorrow-May-Bring-Dystopian-ebook/dp/B00K1H0304/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1399938105&sr=1-1&keywords=what+tomorrow+may+bring" target="_blank">WHAT TOMORROW MAY BRING</a></b>,</div>
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the YA Dystopian boxset, including David's novel <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Narrowing-Path-Mr-David-Normoyle/dp/0957313330/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1399938086&sr=1-1&keywords=the+narrowing+path" target="_blank">The Narrowing Path</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://tinyletter.com/Hunt_For_Tomorrow" target="_blank">SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER</a></span></b></blockquote>
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Jenni Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10342553894424663966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919558332911860559.post-36255361274943623022014-05-09T08:00:00.000-07:002014-05-09T08:00:02.851-07:00My Thoughts on Tomorrow<div style="text-align: justify;">
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We, as such beautifully imperfect creatures, crave perfection. We long for that perfect existence where everything is ideal and fair and safe. So we try. We create laws. We enforce rules. We embrace change, fight change, dream of change. Then, when the bad things still happen, we question everything. Can we make utopia? Who knows if the answer will ever be found. That is why we create dystopian stories. To read, work out, understand and even enjoy the idea of society gone wrong. Perfection would be too boring. We need imperfection to fight, to live, to learn and grow. </div>
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Dystopians are not only about society gone wrong. They are about the people living in that society who choose to stand up and do something about their existence. They are beautiful. And imperfect. Some fight and fail. Others rise to the top and succeed. And in the end, we all learn that even at its worse, life is worth living. That is a dystopian. And I love it.</div>
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PRISON NATION was inspired from one little moment that grew into an entire world. Many say this story is frightening in the sense that so much of it is already happening. Laws are intense and getting more strict every day. Prisons are overfilled and growing. We fear we have all lost control. In PRISON NATION, that is the world. Prisons and control and laws, all the way to the point that children are raised behind bars and freedom is just a dream. So what would you do? How would you survive in a world where near everything is illegal? From an inspiration to a project to a debut novel, PRISON NATION is a journey I fell in love with every word of the way. I hope you do too.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Buy <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tomorrowboxset" target="_blank">WHAT TOMORROW MAY BRING</a> for only <a href="http://www.amazon.com/What-Tomorrow-May-Bring-Dytopian-ebook/dp/B00K1H0304/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top" target="_blank">2.99 on Kindle</a></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://tinyletter.com/Hunt_For_Tomorrow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sign up for the newsletter</b></span></a></blockquote>
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Jenni Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10342553894424663966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7919558332911860559.post-75421777557035308472014-05-06T09:15:00.000-07:002014-05-20T16:33:08.382-07:00Voight-Kampff Author Interview: Cary Caffrey<div style="text-align: justify;">
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As part of the blog schedule for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tomorrowboxset" target="_blank">WHAT TOMORROW MAY BRING</a>, our crazy set of authors has agreed to post answers to a random selection of questions created by <a href="http://www.deborahrix.com/" target="_blank">Deborah Rix</a>.<br />
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Today is the first post, and the author is <b>Cary Caffrey</b>! I decided to pick and choose some of the answers from Cary's post. If you would like to read everything Cary shared, <a href="http://www.carycaffrey.blogspot.ca/2014/04/dystopian-q-with-deborah-rix-author-of.html" target="_blank"><b>go visit his blog</b></a>! <i>(Trust me, there are some entertaining answers over there. Just do it.)</i></div>
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Now, onto the interview...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQC6HimNXVSGr2cIyNb212Cw0Qwk9zwK2XgtzMPGQUIs6aM8vw6dgy4eIBEfXNinmVNIJAhLHSmyzjFRqchN5irQ0HQ9-Chx0v9SM_T95SHeFWf2bPDHBcPkZrczB9sw9rec5epS6Qfio/s1600/carycaffrey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQC6HimNXVSGr2cIyNb212Cw0Qwk9zwK2XgtzMPGQUIs6aM8vw6dgy4eIBEfXNinmVNIJAhLHSmyzjFRqchN5irQ0HQ9-Chx0v9SM_T95SHeFWf2bPDHBcPkZrczB9sw9rec5epS6Qfio/s1600/carycaffrey.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cary Caffrey studied at Concordia University in Montreal as well as the University of British Columbia, earning a BA and MFA in Creative Writing. After witnessing the eBook revolution, Cary (a die-hard Indy artist), jumped into ePublishing head first. The Girls from Alcyone is Cary's first novel. It has gone on to become a best seller on both Amazon and iTunes Science-Fiction charts.
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<b style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://carycaffrey.com/">WEBSITE</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/CaryCaffrey" target="_blank">TWITTER</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cary-Caffrey-Author/114213192009103" target="_blank">FACEBOOK</a></b></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>* HOW DO YOU OVERCOME WRITER'S BLOCK?</b></span></div>
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When I figure it out I’ll let you know!</div>
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Seriously though, the key for me is to never let myself get bogged down, and to make sure I keep slogging along. I wage a daily war with my confidence (or lack thereof). I’m not sure if that’s writer’s block or anxiety. What came as a surprise to me is that this anxiety got worse, not better, after the success of my first novel. Perhaps that’s the pressure of added expectations (expectations I put on myself, not from readers). My readers have been great. Super-supportive. They’re my main source of inspiration to keep moving forward. Readers are my cure for writer’s block.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>* WHAT BOOKS HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING?</b></span></div>
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Anything by Harry Harrison! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read Deathworld, Homeworld or the Stainless Steel Rat.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>* DO YOU BUY A BOOK BY THE COVER?</b></span></div>
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Absolutely. I freely admit I’m attracted to shiny things. I’m a very visual person. I love visual arts. Painting, photography, graphic-design, I love it all. I’m constantly drawn to great cover art, and I have a particular weakness for bold covers featuring powerful, swashbuckling heroines.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>* HAVE YOU EVER WRITTEN ABOUT YOUR OWN BAD HABITS?</b></span></div>
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Always! I wouldn’t trust a writer who wasn’t willing to put the worst of themselves on the page. Someone asked me once (about writing): aren’t you worried that people will think it’s you? My answer was: if you’re not worried about that—if you’re trying to hide, or disguise yourself—you’re not doing your job.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>* WHICH WORDS OR PHRASES DO YOU TEND TO OVERUSE?</b></span></div>
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Apparently in the first edit of TGfA I used the word ‘managed’ nine-thousand, four-hundred and fifty-seven times.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>* DO YOU HAVE ANOTHER JOB BESIDES AUTHOR?</b></span></div>
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When I saw the Indy-eBook explosion I decided it was time to take the plunge and do this full time. I don’t know how people write and hold down a day-job. If I had a job I’d be a terrible employee. Or worse, a terrible writer!</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>* WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?</b></span></div>
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Risk everything (they can’t say “yes” if you don’t ask).</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>*WHAT’S THE BIGGEST LIE YOU’VE EVER TOLD?</b></span></div>
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That I’m really a woman. I can’t help it. I have clothes envy. Dresses, high heels… I would have made an awesome drag queen (if only I were taller!).</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>* HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN TROUBLE WITH THE AUTHORITIES?</b></span></div>
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Let’s just say, spending a night in the “slammer” was a life-altering experience. It definitely made me stop and take a hard look at myself—who I was, what I was doing and where I was going.</div>
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I almost think everyone should go to jail at least once. Nothing makes you appreciate freedom more than having it taken away.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>* HAVE YOU SEEN MY SHOES?</b></span></div>
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No, but would love to! I should imagine they are quite lovely. I’m picturing a pair of shiny black pumps, perhaps with those fancy red soles you see everywhere these days.</div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;">ABOUT THE BOOK...</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxyk4vIS23-0fh0OKfhFCjn74ulhiNCLeAb2Ru_5rl2MHkXvI5Jwj4-chkzWCmkEpWnUhjXnaIMquW8PxZkLmRG2ROd6ya7Qw3Wdg8_UIPNEuPxQvKMwpFhUO93s1HGnv6dpK4uZyKGc/s1600/book+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxyk4vIS23-0fh0OKfhFCjn74ulhiNCLeAb2Ru_5rl2MHkXvI5Jwj4-chkzWCmkEpWnUhjXnaIMquW8PxZkLmRG2ROd6ya7Qw3Wdg8_UIPNEuPxQvKMwpFhUO93s1HGnv6dpK4uZyKGc/s1600/book+9.jpg" height="320" width="206" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">* WHERE DID YOUR TOMORROW SPRING FROM? IN OTHER WORDS, HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE CRAZY WORLD?</span></b></div>
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That one’s easy too. I feel as though we’re already living in a crazy dystopian future. A study came out recently showing how Americans are actually already living in an oligarchy and not a democracy (https://www.commondreams.org/view/2014/04/14). The study showed extremely specific examples of how public policy in the US is dictated, not by overwhelming public opinion, but by the whims of a very small minority of wealthy and elite corporatists. Take gun control, for instance. 88% of Americans want stricter gun laws, but even with that overwhelming support nothing’s been done. If anything, we keep moving toward more liberal gun-laws, as evidenced by what just happened in Georgia (guns in schools and bars! Yay! What could go wrong?). And how about what happened last week with the FCC? They actually killed net neutrality, paving the way for internet monopolies (say goodbye to freedom of the online press as we know it). These are just two examples of a globally unpopular policies that are turned into a laws to service a very small number of people in the upper-fringes of society.</div>
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Call it a corporatocracy, an oligarchy or plutocracy, this is not how democracy is supposed to work.</div>
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Oh, and before you label me a conspiracy theorist, remember what Noam Chomsky said (and I’m paraphrasing): It’s not a conspiracy theory. It’s just good observation.</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">* DID YOU DO ANY SPECIFIC OR UNUSUAL RESEARCH FOR THIS BOOK? </span></b></div>
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I had to do a lot of research into martial arts. I spent a great deal of time reading about jujitsu and watching lots of videos. It was very important that the more physical acts of combat be real. I was fortunate that one of my early alpha-readers was experienced in Jujitsu, as well. She came to my rescue on a number of occasions.</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">* IS THERE ANY SUPER-COOL FUTURISTIC TECHNOLOGY/WEAPONRY IN YOUR TOMORROW?</span></b></div>
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What’s scifi without cool tech! TGfA features some seriously overpowered ballistic weapons. Who doesn’t want a hulking 18 mm recoilless sidearm strapped to their thigh! I mean, that is hot.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>* WHO SHOULD NOT READ YOUR BOOK?</b></span></div>
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Bigoted, intolerant, ideological, hateful people. These people would best be served by avoiding my book at all costs. Judging from some of the angrier responses I’ve received since publication, there are still certain people in this world who do not like to think about 'non-traditional' relationships. Apparently, even 350 years into the future, such things are still 'ew, icky gross!</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>* WHO WOULD PLAY YOUR MAIN CHARACTER IN A MOVIE?</b></span></div>
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Easiest question on the planet! Elle Fanning (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1102577/?ref_=tt_cl_i4). She absolutely is (young) Sigrid Novak. If we start preproduction on the movie now, Elle will be the perfect age to start filming in two or three years.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>* YOUR MAIN CHARACTER VS BATMAN, WHO WOULD WIN?</b></span></div>
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No contest. Sigrid Novak would kick Batman’s butt. It’s not Batman’s fault. After all, Sigrid Novak has all the genetic and bionic advantages, as well as the kind of years of training that would leave Bruce Wayne envious. I believe Batman would literally never see her coming.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDE-ZjjSKw6-9BvgS5393ryo1AT2qTKPY7OehYjMzsZ2UBgjz0MHuZoDYpW2Ag0KR8oPiT1trzlHbGEi5rLQOSkJuwFofzwPQJ2c3pknfyLFj8wP06jHy8BgIMWSYv-SEav6JVa2VXJEU/s1600/What+Tomorrow+May+Bring+-+Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDE-ZjjSKw6-9BvgS5393ryo1AT2qTKPY7OehYjMzsZ2UBgjz0MHuZoDYpW2Ag0KR8oPiT1trzlHbGEi5rLQOSkJuwFofzwPQJ2c3pknfyLFj8wP06jHy8BgIMWSYv-SEav6JVa2VXJEU/s1600/What+Tomorrow+May+Bring+-+Final.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Don't forget to snag your copy of <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/What-Tomorrow-May-Bring-Dystopian-ebook/dp/B00K1H0304/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1399391409&sr=1-1&keywords=what+tomorrow+may+bring" target="_blank">WHAT TOMORROW MAY BRING</a>, </b><br />
the YA Dystopian boxset, including Cary's novel <span style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Girls-Alcyone-Cary-Caffrey/dp/1105337278/ref=la_B006GP52DS_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1399391438&sr=1-1" target="_blank">The Girls from Alcyone</a></span>!<br />
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Jenni Merritthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10342553894424663966noreply@blogger.com0