tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84225433253632205972024-03-13T15:55:43.730-04:00Lynne MatsonAuthor
Lynne Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18415839149588934992noreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422543325363220597.post-36210157331830504872018-10-14T12:33:00.001-04:002018-10-14T12:33:31.731-04:00It’s Spooky Season!!!Happy October sweet readers!<br />
<br />
Fall is awesome, isn’t it? I love all that October brings. Pumpkins, a deluge of pumpkin everything (no Nabisco--I do not think pumpkin spice Oreos are a good call lol), crisp air, changing leaves, and of course--SPOOKY READS!<br />
<br />
All month long over on my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lsmatson/">Instagram</a> account I’m featuring my favorite #spookyreads... like these!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ydyAImE1Ahw/W8Nvs__Rz3I/AAAAAAAAB7M/HCk2tteT1hYiJ1y07SDy1-VAJ3NEMDxzQCLcBGAs/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1438" data-original-width="1438" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ydyAImE1Ahw/W8Nvs__Rz3I/AAAAAAAAB7M/HCk2tteT1hYiJ1y07SDy1-VAJ3NEMDxzQCLcBGAs/s320/unnamed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I’ll also be holding a giveaway at the end of the month--just in time for <a href="https://nanowrimo.org/">NaNoWriMo</a>.<br />
<br />
So happy fall, lovelies! And happy reading!<br />
<br />
xo<br />
Lynne<br />
<br />Lynne Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18415839149588934992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422543325363220597.post-80518558181128126002018-05-11T14:37:00.002-04:002018-05-11T14:37:55.785-04:00Summer plansHello #NILtribe lovelies!<br />
<br />
This post will be one of my last on this blog, because I have a new website under construction! Going to be rolling out my new website in the coming months and updating ALL THE THINGS.<br />
<br />
Along with that, I’m finishing a super cool project and hope to share news soon.:)<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I’m feeding my writer soul at the Writer’s Sanctuary retreat this week in California, and coming off a much-needed soul break to fuel my writing muse. I’ve also got a son graduating high school, a trip to Italy planned, all kinds of beach adventures with my boys this summer, and a dozen books to read and write.<br />
<br />
What about you? What are your summer plans?:)<br />
<br />
xo<br />
Lynne<br />
<br />Lynne Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18415839149588934992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422543325363220597.post-58158371075848601362017-07-13T09:08:00.000-04:002017-08-28T12:32:06.595-04:00Summer ReadsHello lovelies!<br />
<br />
How is your summer going so far? I haven't posted in a bit, because I've been spending a ton of time with my boys . . . all five of them! (Yes, I included my hubby in that roundup.:D)<br />
<br />
I've also been writing (woohoo!)...and will share soon enough.:)<br />
<br />
But in the meantime, let's talk summer reads! I think summer is a great time for books, and of course, beach reads. ICYMI, I think the Nil series makes for a great summer read! (I know, I know, I'm TOTALLY biased but hey, a girl's gotta love her own words, right?:D) And it's all about the books!<br />
<br />
So...what else having I been reading, or want to read?<br />
<br />
Here's a roundup of books on my summer TBR:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OC7zt7KzLI0/WWdrejvpitI/AAAAAAAABxk/AklP7aFlZYcYQ3EEcm192tErGiFArWCcACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/51vO4TdaSlL._AC_US218_.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z7oNnOjU0gg/WWdrgdETZHI/AAAAAAAABxs/vHdf7sOnXlQ-vSvlY5hhyOjrzMJc4Mw_QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/51O-I3aHvYL._AC_US218_.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kqWVQ0c-LO4/WWdriyW0IKI/AAAAAAAABx0/sTzAiMP0tB4xBNNYk4i48B5vxXgqEgbWQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/51mg2mNkOXL._AC_US218_.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FfSHWm3YB04/WWdrwZtDiKI/AAAAAAAABx8/UDhtSf8nkLoHQlRSa6cD8p4ztob6J9bpACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/51GyuCXqXmL._AC_US218_.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FfSHWm3YB04/WWdrwZtDiKI/AAAAAAAABx8/UDhtSf8nkLoHQlRSa6cD8p4ztob6J9bpACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/51GyuCXqXmL._AC_US218_.jpg" /></a><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kqWVQ0c-LO4/WWdriyW0IKI/AAAAAAAABx0/sTzAiMP0tB4xBNNYk4i48B5vxXgqEgbWQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/51mg2mNkOXL._AC_US218_.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m0XyAP4Z0-4/WWdsijJ68hI/AAAAAAAAByU/HlpzRSNTAkA_LLD5rwNRPZZcZqaMgDdtQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/51P59lBWbrL._AC_US218_.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m0XyAP4Z0-4/WWdsijJ68hI/AAAAAAAAByU/HlpzRSNTAkA_LLD5rwNRPZZcZqaMgDdtQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/51P59lBWbrL._AC_US218_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TABxK_44Zpc/WWdsrUMuRJI/AAAAAAAAByc/dqqOy9nnRNICaYSra6soWy9Zn3coPxCnQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/51O-I3aHvYL._AC_US218_.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TABxK_44Zpc/WWdsrUMuRJI/AAAAAAAAByc/dqqOy9nnRNICaYSra6soWy9Zn3coPxCnQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/51O-I3aHvYL._AC_US218_.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aFUU1AR24Fw/WWdsvTocXDI/AAAAAAAAByk/lCkI_YJ_KZ0pNp6A5wxOU-WAucTY4wRMACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/51vO4TdaSlL._AC_US218_.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9YdlYXP_Df4/WWdtAR6iYCI/AAAAAAAABy0/PMe8BTioG3AkmVPTk9PnuIgnrVARFhbYQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/51vO4TdaSlL._AC_US218_.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KZ8x5tjhHqI/WWdtt0JS8nI/AAAAAAAABzc/5H1AaV7qAqoaUhQ1JYvupdaOzYSAet-8ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/51vO4TdaSlL._AC_US218_.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KZ8x5tjhHqI/WWdtt0JS8nI/AAAAAAAABzc/5H1AaV7qAqoaUhQ1JYvupdaOzYSAet-8ACK4BGAYYCw/s400/51vO4TdaSlL._AC_US218_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFKzuD2HNNY/WWduGeC3McI/AAAAAAAABzs/RwK7u8aLqYAyuCPwK9HG_CvpFrsUo898ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/5183R9f0l1L._AC_US218_.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFKzuD2HNNY/WWduGeC3McI/AAAAAAAABzs/RwK7u8aLqYAyuCPwK9HG_CvpFrsUo898ACK4BGAYYCw/s400/5183R9f0l1L._AC_US218_.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
With the exception of THE NEST, all are YA. Not all have been released, yet, but will be by summer's end AND I CANNOT WAIT TO READ THEM!!!<br />
<br />
And here are three YA novels I recently read and loved:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p-mDz9VidY8/WWdr4tV-__I/AAAAAAAAByE/UCSA5g_9-jk5RMDW4CFJPSexqh61D81NQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/51gR5-u-I-L._AC_US218_.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ULTodj57FVM/WWdr9yfB5NI/AAAAAAAAByM/Nd5eyfTx-b0evKEZVTaFOTT4ROCuysZxgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/51R6OxU5-WL._AC_US218_.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ULTodj57FVM/WWdr9yfB5NI/AAAAAAAAByM/Nd5eyfTx-b0evKEZVTaFOTT4ROCuysZxgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/51R6OxU5-WL._AC_US218_.jpg" /></a><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p-mDz9VidY8/WWdr4tV-__I/AAAAAAAAByE/UCSA5g_9-jk5RMDW4CFJPSexqh61D81NQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/51gR5-u-I-L._AC_US218_.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-twWhqUgzogk/WWdtZUnyyPI/AAAAAAAABzM/ps7QzF6_SkExUHi5vVOg7aSZun5iWRVZACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/517uI4OC6TL._AC_US218_.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-twWhqUgzogk/WWdtZUnyyPI/AAAAAAAABzM/ps7QzF6_SkExUHi5vVOg7aSZun5iWRVZACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/517uI4OC6TL._AC_US218_.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Oh, and the series I'm smack in the middle of and LOVING?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cF_g0C7K6nw/WWdwGQqmr2I/AAAAAAAAB0U/aa-AhiB2NKAh8xRkGR05Z7BDkVp-90EuwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/51f0KzLzb-L._SX330_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cF_g0C7K6nw/WWdwGQqmr2I/AAAAAAAAB0U/aa-AhiB2NKAh8xRkGR05Z7BDkVp-90EuwCK4BGAYYCw/s200/51f0KzLzb-L._SX330_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<br />
Yep, ADSOM. It's brilliant. Loving it to pieces.<br />
<br />
Okay lovelies, do you see a theme in the books above? As summer approaches, I love a good HEA, especially in YA. I also like twists and turns and depth, and I adore amazing characters that change and grow... but what I love most of all are FEELS. And YA is full of feels.<br />
<br />
Here's a post I did for Swoon Reads a few years ago when I talked about the feels in YA, and why I think they're so intense: <a href="https://www.swoonreads.com/blog/ya-romance-all-the-feels-a-guest-post-by-author-lynne-matson/">Why YA Packs in the Feels</a>.<br />
<br />
So what at you reading? How's your summer so far? What's on your TBR?<br />
<br />
Talk soon, sweet #NILtribe, and I'll try not to be such a stranger. :)<br />
<br />
*mwah* :)<br />
<br />
xo<br />
L<br />
<br />Lynne Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18415839149588934992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422543325363220597.post-19225906647794052172017-04-27T09:00:00.000-04:002017-04-27T09:00:00.483-04:00This Saturday - Come chat with me!Hi lovelies!<br />
<br />
Event alert!<br />
<br />
A quick heads up that I'll be at the Barnes & Noble Town Center in Jacksonville this Saturday, April 29, from 12:30 - 1:30! I'll be hosting a writing workshop and signing books! I'd love to see you!!!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jzh_J34cwfM/WQHrNhYy-1I/AAAAAAAABws/suj3sDDBE_M_hhSAqOrX_Oo02q8WSAK5wCK4B/s1600/2214.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jzh_J34cwfM/WQHrNhYy-1I/AAAAAAAABws/suj3sDDBE_M_hhSAqOrX_Oo02q8WSAK5wCK4B/s400/2214.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Check out the <a href="http://barnes and bnoble town center jax events">B & N Event page</a> for more information!:)Lynne Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18415839149588934992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422543325363220597.post-2259952597202386602017-01-09T10:53:00.000-05:002017-01-09T10:53:08.376-05:00Happy 2017!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jq8FdUfUGt0/WHOvLVAXZMI/AAAAAAAABu0/zVOGpmLfxdsIJiFv8o6wWcjSEoIEaJXtgCK4B/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jq8FdUfUGt0/WHOvLVAXZMI/AAAAAAAABu0/zVOGpmLfxdsIJiFv8o6wWcjSEoIEaJXtgCK4B/s400/Unknown.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hello lovelies!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I can't believe it's already 2017!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I haven't posted in a while...so how are you? Reading? Dreaming? Loving life? I hope all of the above!:) </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Me, I've been busy writing and spending time with my family. Giving birth to a trilogy has been both absolutely wonderful and incredibly time-consuming, so I've taken some time to refill my creative well!:) I've been reading, taking Charley on walks, relaxing at the beach, playing games with my boys and watching them play all their sports, hanging out with my sweet hunky husband, going to movies and, writing. Yes, writing! *happy dance*</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I hope to have news to report soon, but in the meantime, look for the NIL ON FIRE paperback to release later this spring!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Until then, feel free to check out the writing tunes I'm listening to on <a href="https://play.spotify.com/user/lsmatson?play=true&utm_source=open.spotify.com&utm_medium=open">Spotify</a>. My favorite tunes today? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Dancing on Glass by St. Lucia....</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lDKJ29357FU/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lDKJ29357FU?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
and </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Top by Hoonch.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pAogdxGXV0U/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pAogdxGXV0U?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Happy listening!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
*sends all the love and light and happy creative vibes I can find to you*</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
xo</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Lynne</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Lynne Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18415839149588934992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422543325363220597.post-54293180808550348382016-10-04T11:21:00.000-04:002016-10-05T06:09:27.149-04:00Welcome to the Fall 2016 YA Scavenger Hunt!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jd2H1zJdEeE/V_Oosugkp1I/AAAAAAAABqg/v3diib4Df_o6R6UwB1mtAQwohvHwlGkmACLcB/s1600/YA_ScavengerHunt_WebBannerhalloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jd2H1zJdEeE/V_Oosugkp1I/AAAAAAAABqg/v3diib4Df_o6R6UwB1mtAQwohvHwlGkmACLcB/s400/YA_ScavengerHunt_WebBannerhalloween.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;">
</span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Hi y'all! I'm Lynne Matson, author of the NIL series, a newly completed trilogy about a mysterious island where teens have exactly one year to escape--or they die. (The Nil series in a nutshell? A deadly version of Survivor meets LOST + tons of feels.) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Welcome to the home of the #NILtribe! :) *passes coconut cup* <br /><br />What is this hunting magic you ask? </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The YA Scavenger Hunt (organized by the talented <a href="http://www.tigerscursebook.com/">Colleen Houck</a>) gives readers exclusive bonus material from their favorite authors + the chance to win amazing prizes! In this hunt, you not only get access to exclusive content from each author, you also get a clue for the hunt--a secret number. Add up the numbers and enter to win the prize--a signed book from each author on my team! But play fast: this contest (and all the exclusive bonus material) will only be online for 5 days only!<b> 5 days of awesome! The hunt ends this Sunday Oct 9th at noon PST! <br /><br />Wait--BACK UP. Did I just say you can win A SIGNED BOOK? </b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YUuXy-Lsfgw/V_O5ypCI3LI/AAAAAAAABsY/VAsamcmwvWA-0WwBHr7x6AxSJDNhlGLdwCK4B/s1600/give_it_to_me.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YUuXy-Lsfgw/V_O5ypCI3LI/AAAAAAAABsY/VAsamcmwvWA-0WwBHr7x6AxSJDNhlGLdwCK4B/s320/give_it_to_me.gif" width="320" /></span></a></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;">
</span><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Actually you can win DOZENS of signed books! AHHH! And more on individual authors pages, like mine!:) </span></span><br /><br />
</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rPF9n_xQ7hw/V_O5g8cSgbI/AAAAAAAABsQ/RslGF1YpKaE7hO_ZrLwenCSZxsENnVWMgCK4B/s1600/titg.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rPF9n_xQ7hw/V_O5g8cSgbI/AAAAAAAABsQ/RslGF1YpKaE7hO_ZrLwenCSZxsENnVWMgCK4B/s320/titg.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2660292228870231299" itemprop="description articleBody" style="line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 550px;">
<div style="font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">
<div style="font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">
</div>
<div style="font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I know, right?:) So let's get to it!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /><i><b><u>How to start:</u></b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b><u><br /></u></b></i></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You can start right here or go to the <a href="http://yascavengerhunt.blogspot.com/">YA Scavenger Hunt</a> home page. </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And....you're currently hunting on <span style="color: orange;">Team Orange!</span></span><br />
<div style="font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 13.199999809265137px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ujhTE55Pvvg/V_O0RPF0y1I/AAAAAAAABr0/odQ5yMaJgKUfL-u5gM-me_SRa6ysv2wjQCLcB/s1600/Orange%2BTeam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ujhTE55Pvvg/V_O0RPF0y1I/AAAAAAAABr0/odQ5yMaJgKUfL-u5gM-me_SRa6ysv2wjQCLcB/s320/Orange%2BTeam.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">#OrangeIsTheNewAwesome </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Let's focus for a second on the goodness that is <span style="color: orange;">Team Orange:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 13.199999809265137px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n0_4el-N51k/V_OsYat3mwI/AAAAAAAABrU/RD64x8-81aEG6A4KXMy3omZ-BZ1_g4xQgCK4B/s1600/Orange%2BTeam%2BYASH%2BFall%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n0_4el-N51k/V_OsYat3mwI/AAAAAAAABrU/RD64x8-81aEG6A4KXMy3omZ-BZ1_g4xQgCK4B/s400/Orange%2BTeam%2BYASH%2BFall%2B2016.jpg" width="288" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: orange; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I know! THE EPICNESS.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">
<div style="color: #222222;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i><u>How to Play:</u></i></b></span><br />
<div style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hP8PygG5EH4/V_OqCzsuEgI/AAAAAAAABqs/65AQ3KC1H80ZYPv7a0okLnY2T-RPyof1QCLcB/s1600/scavengerhunt450.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hP8PygG5EH4/V_OqCzsuEgI/AAAAAAAABqs/65AQ3KC1H80ZYPv7a0okLnY2T-RPyof1QCLcB/s320/scavengerhunt450.gif" width="261" /></span></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Okay, here's the deal:<br /><br />1). You're going to have do some math.<br /><br /> Below, you'll notice that I've listed my favorite number in <span style="color: orange;">Orange.</span> Collect the favorite numbers of all the authors on the <span style="color: orange;">ORANGE</span> team and add them up (Use a calculator- we won't judge!)<br /><br />2.) And fill out a form.<br /><br /> Once you've added up all the numbers, <a href="http://yascavengerhunt.blogspot.com/p/enter-here.html">make sure you fill out the form here to officially qualify for the grand prize</a>. Only entries that have the correct number will qualify. I KNOW! THE RED TAPE! But it's a must!:)<br /><br />3). And be legal...and on time!<br /><br /> Open internationally, anyone below the age of 18 should have a parent or guardian's permission to enter. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must submit the completed entry form by Sunday, Oct 9, 2016 at noon Pacific Time. Entries sent without the correct number or without contact information won't be considered.:(<br /><br />Okay lovelies! Ready? Three...Two..One...SCAVENGE!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"></span><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">THE OFFICIAL SCAVENGER HUNT POST</span></h3>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I'm honored to host the lovely..</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ilsa J. Bick</span></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tDvdZkSETds/V_OqxRZBDEI/AAAAAAAABq4/CX-exca1RIoJQ9bm8tBHBvcNKfzz0F7TwCLcB/s1600/847fe591ddfc05d2ff01aa057f715a39_original.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tDvdZkSETds/V_OqxRZBDEI/AAAAAAAABq4/CX-exca1RIoJQ9bm8tBHBvcNKfzz0F7TwCLcB/s320/847fe591ddfc05d2ff01aa057f715a39_original.png" width="238" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":515,"3":{"1":0},"4":{"1":2,"2":16750848},"12":0}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Ilsa J. Bick is a child psychiatrist, as well as a film scholar, surgeon wannabe, former Air Force major, and an award-winning, best-selling author of dozens of short stories and novels. Her work spans both established universes such as Star Trek, Battletech, Mechwarrior Dark Age, and Shadowrun and her original work includes the critically acclaimed ASHES Trilogy, Drowning Instinct, and, most recently, her DARK PASSAGES series: White Space (long-listed for the Stoker) and The Dickens Mirror. \nForthcoming is \u201cBearwalker\u201d in HWA\u2019s YA anthology Scary Out There (edited by Jonathan Maberry) and her novella \u201cChimera\u201d in Pangea II (edited by Michael Jan Friedman). \nCurrently a cheesehead-in-exile, Ilsa lives in Alabama with the husband and several furry creatures. On occasion, she even feeds them. Visit her at www.ilsajbick.com, or follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@ilsajbick), or Instagram (@ilsajbick). \n"}" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #666666;">About Ilsa:</span></i></span><br />
<span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":515,"3":{"1":0},"4":{"1":2,"2":16750848},"12":0}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Ilsa J. Bick is a child psychiatrist, as well as a film scholar, surgeon wannabe, former Air Force major, and an award-winning, best-selling author of dozens of short stories and novels. Her work spans both established universes such as Star Trek, Battletech, Mechwarrior Dark Age, and Shadowrun and her original work includes the critically acclaimed ASHES Trilogy, Drowning Instinct, and, most recently, her DARK PASSAGES series: White Space (long-listed for the Stoker) and The Dickens Mirror. \nForthcoming is \u201cBearwalker\u201d in HWA\u2019s YA anthology Scary Out There (edited by Jonathan Maberry) and her novella \u201cChimera\u201d in Pangea II (edited by Michael Jan Friedman). \nCurrently a cheesehead-in-exile, Ilsa lives in Alabama with the husband and several furry creatures. On occasion, she even feeds them. Visit her at www.ilsajbick.com, or follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@ilsajbick), or Instagram (@ilsajbick). \n"}" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span>
<span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":515,"3":{"1":0},"4":{"1":2,"2":16750848},"12":0}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Ilsa J. Bick is a child psychiatrist, as well as a film scholar, surgeon wannabe, former Air Force major, and an award-winning, best-selling author of dozens of short stories and novels. Her work spans both established universes such as Star Trek, Battletech, Mechwarrior Dark Age, and Shadowrun and her original work includes the critically acclaimed ASHES Trilogy, Drowning Instinct, and, most recently, her DARK PASSAGES series: White Space (long-listed for the Stoker) and The Dickens Mirror. \nForthcoming is \u201cBearwalker\u201d in HWA\u2019s YA anthology Scary Out There (edited by Jonathan Maberry) and her novella \u201cChimera\u201d in Pangea II (edited by Michael Jan Friedman). \nCurrently a cheesehead-in-exile, Ilsa lives in Alabama with the husband and several furry creatures. On occasion, she even feeds them. Visit her at www.ilsajbick.com, or follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@ilsajbick), or Instagram (@ilsajbick). \n"}" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">Ilsa J. Bick is a child psychiatrist, as well as a film scholar, surgeon wannabe, former Air Force major, and an award-winning, best-selling author of dozens of short stories and novels. Her work spans both established universes such as Star Trek, Battletech, Mechwarrior Dark Age, and Shadowrun and her original work includes the critically acclaimed ASHES Trilogy, Drowning Instinct, and, most recently, her DARK PASSAGES series: White Space (long-listed for the Stoker) and The Dickens Mirror. </span></span><br />
<span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":515,"3":{"1":0},"4":{"1":2,"2":16750848},"12":0}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Ilsa J. Bick is a child psychiatrist, as well as a film scholar, surgeon wannabe, former Air Force major, and an award-winning, best-selling author of dozens of short stories and novels. Her work spans both established universes such as Star Trek, Battletech, Mechwarrior Dark Age, and Shadowrun and her original work includes the critically acclaimed ASHES Trilogy, Drowning Instinct, and, most recently, her DARK PASSAGES series: White Space (long-listed for the Stoker) and The Dickens Mirror. \nForthcoming is \u201cBearwalker\u201d in HWA\u2019s YA anthology Scary Out There (edited by Jonathan Maberry) and her novella \u201cChimera\u201d in Pangea II (edited by Michael Jan Friedman). \nCurrently a cheesehead-in-exile, Ilsa lives in Alabama with the husband and several furry creatures. On occasion, she even feeds them. Visit her at www.ilsajbick.com, or follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@ilsajbick), or Instagram (@ilsajbick). \n"}" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br />Forthcoming are “Bearwalker” in HWA’s YA anthology Scary Out There (edited by Jonathan Maberry) and her novella “Chimera” in Pangea II (edited by Michael Jan Friedman). <br />Currently a cheesehead-in-exile, Ilsa lives in Alabama with the husband and several furry creatures. On occasion, she even feeds them. </span></span><br />
<span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":515,"3":{"1":0},"4":{"1":2,"2":16750848},"12":0}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Ilsa J. Bick is a child psychiatrist, as well as a film scholar, surgeon wannabe, former Air Force major, and an award-winning, best-selling author of dozens of short stories and novels. Her work spans both established universes such as Star Trek, Battletech, Mechwarrior Dark Age, and Shadowrun and her original work includes the critically acclaimed ASHES Trilogy, Drowning Instinct, and, most recently, her DARK PASSAGES series: White Space (long-listed for the Stoker) and The Dickens Mirror. \nForthcoming is \u201cBearwalker\u201d in HWA\u2019s YA anthology Scary Out There (edited by Jonathan Maberry) and her novella \u201cChimera\u201d in Pangea II (edited by Michael Jan Friedman). \nCurrently a cheesehead-in-exile, Ilsa lives in Alabama with the husband and several furry creatures. On occasion, she even feeds them. Visit her at www.ilsajbick.com, or follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@ilsajbick), or Instagram (@ilsajbick). \n"}" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span>
<span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":515,"3":{"1":0},"4":{"1":2,"2":16750848},"12":0}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Ilsa J. Bick is a child psychiatrist, as well as a film scholar, surgeon wannabe, former Air Force major, and an award-winning, best-selling author of dozens of short stories and novels. Her work spans both established universes such as Star Trek, Battletech, Mechwarrior Dark Age, and Shadowrun and her original work includes the critically acclaimed ASHES Trilogy, Drowning Instinct, and, most recently, her DARK PASSAGES series: White Space (long-listed for the Stoker) and The Dickens Mirror. \nForthcoming is \u201cBearwalker\u201d in HWA\u2019s YA anthology Scary Out There (edited by Jonathan Maberry) and her novella \u201cChimera\u201d in Pangea II (edited by Michael Jan Friedman). \nCurrently a cheesehead-in-exile, Ilsa lives in Alabama with the husband and several furry creatures. On occasion, she even feeds them. Visit her at www.ilsajbick.com, or follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@ilsajbick), or Instagram (@ilsajbick). \n"}" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">Find Ilsa at www.ilsajbick.com, or follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@ilsajbick), or Instagram (@ilsajbick). </span></span><br />
<span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":515,"3":{"1":0},"4":{"1":2,"2":16750848},"12":0}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Ilsa J. Bick is a child psychiatrist, as well as a film scholar, surgeon wannabe, former Air Force major, and an award-winning, best-selling author of dozens of short stories and novels. Her work spans both established universes such as Star Trek, Battletech, Mechwarrior Dark Age, and Shadowrun and her original work includes the critically acclaimed ASHES Trilogy, Drowning Instinct, and, most recently, her DARK PASSAGES series: White Space (long-listed for the Stoker) and The Dickens Mirror. \nForthcoming is \u201cBearwalker\u201d in HWA\u2019s YA anthology Scary Out There (edited by Jonathan Maberry) and her novella \u201cChimera\u201d in Pangea II (edited by Michael Jan Friedman). \nCurrently a cheesehead-in-exile, Ilsa lives in Alabama with the husband and several furry creatures. On occasion, she even feeds them. Visit her at www.ilsajbick.com, or follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@ilsajbick), or Instagram (@ilsajbick). \n"}" style="font-family: "arial" , "sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dtU5U8YFOkU/V_Ou0mM4_mI/AAAAAAAABro/04Wl5LzImwQVBPFldFjuSXQvNR9Wk8V8gCK4B/s1600/Scary-Out-There-jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dtU5U8YFOkU/V_Ou0mM4_mI/AAAAAAAABro/04Wl5LzImwQVBPFldFjuSXQvNR9Wk8V8gCK4B/s320/Scary-Out-There-jpeg.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">COVER. SO. SCARY.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><i>About the book:</i></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-align: center;">
<span data-sheets-userformat="{"2":515,"3":{"1":0},"4":{"1":2,"2":16750848},"12":0}" data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"Multiple Bram Stoker Award\u2013winning author Jonathan Maberry compiles more than twenty stories and poems\u2014written by members of the Horror Writers Association\u2014in this terrifying collection about worst fears.\n\nWhat scares you? Things that go bump in the night? Being irreversibly different? A brutal early death? The unknown?\n\nThis collection contains twenty stories and poetry, all by members of the Horror Writers Association and including such renowned YA writers as R. L. Stine, Neal and Brendan Shusterman, and Ellen Hopkins about what they fear most: mermaids, ghosts, personal demons, and a lot more.\n\nAll of which just goes to show . . . it is scary out there.\n\n"}" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Multiple Bram Stoker Award–winning author Jonathan Maberry compiles more than twenty stories and poems—written by members of the Horror Writers Association—in this terrifying collection about worst fears.<br /><br />What scares you? Things that go bump in the night? Being irreversibly different? A brutal early death? The unknown?<br /><br />This collection contains twenty stories and poetry, all by members of the Horror Writers Association and including such renowned YA writers as R. L. Stine, Neal and Brendan Shusterman, and Ellen Hopkins about what they fear most: mermaids, ghosts, personal demons, and a lot more.<br /><br />All of which just goes to show . . . it is scary out there.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Note from Lynne: Can I just say how perfect this book is for October? SCARY INDEED).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">EXCLUSIVE CONTENT</span></h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It's time for the TOP SECRET exclusive scoop that llsa shared with me. Her words... about cultural appropriation, Ojibwe monsters, and more. Enjoy!</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;">
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">True story: I’m having dinner with a woman who runs an art
shop. She mentions she sells mezuzahs. Does a booming business, in fact, because so
many people think they’re so pretty. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><o:p style="color: #222222;"> </o:p><span style="color: #222222;">I’m kinda, well, surprised.
This lady’s not Jewish and there’s no big Jewish population where I’m
living now. So I’m understandably
curious. Like . . . who’s buying
mezuzahs? (And I </span><i style="color: #222222;">was </i><span style="color: #222222;">curious because when I was looking for a place to live, I must
have seen four or five houses with mezuzahs.
They weren’t in the right places or where mezuzahs are supposed to be,
and I knew the folks weren’t Jewish. I
mean one mezuzah was even surrounded by stylized crosses.) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><o:p style="color: #222222;"> </o:p><span style="color: #222222;">Well, according to this woman, a mezuzah is a good luck
charm. A mezuzah blesses the house,
keeps the Angel of Death at bay, and . . . well, I think there was one other
thing in there, but I think I stopped listening right around then because I was
getting kind of hot. Like </span><i style="color: #222222;">wtf</i><span style="color: #222222;">?
I do remember asking if she sold the scroll that goes with a mezuzah. Of course, she had no idea what I was talking
about.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><o:p style="color: #222222;"> </o:p><span style="color: #222222;">For those of you who aren’t Jewish, a mezuzah is an amulet:
a box—sometimes very fancy, sometimes not—containing certain Torah
verses—sometimes written on a kosher scroll and other times not—that’s supposed
to be affixed to the doorpost of every Jewish home. Very observant Jews use them throughout their
house (well, everywhere except closets and bathrooms), but the vast majority
has them on their front doors. A mezuzah
marks the house as belonging to a Jew. The
amulet has nothing to do with the Angel of Death. It’s not a good luck charm. It’s not a way of blessing a house, though
observant Jews </span><i style="color: #222222;">say </i><span style="color: #222222;">a blessing when
they hang one.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><o:p style="color: #222222;"> </o:p><span style="color: #222222;">Like I said, I got a little . . . well, annoyed. What I objected to was this woman taking a
religious symbol that, you know, has real meaning and turning it into kitch and
profit. Actually, what I said to her was
that this is like me buying a crucifix to put up in my house because, gee, I
just love the way Jesus hangs.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><o:p style="color: #222222;"> </o:p><span style="color: #222222;">So . . . you know . . . we’re not friends.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><o:p style="color: #222222;"> </o:p><span style="color: #222222;">I was reminded of that episode, though, when I thought about
what I wanted to share in terms of bonus stuff about my story “Bearwalker,”
that appears in the splendid anthology, </span><i style="color: #222222;">Scary
Out There</i><span style="color: #222222;"> (and edited by the even more splendid Jonathan Maberry). Originally, I’d thought to share stuff about Ojibwe
legends and monsters and myths, but then I figured anyone could look that up.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><o:p style="color: #222222;"> </o:p><span style="color: #222222;">Instead, I want to talk about why I used this particular
Ojibwe story and what that was like; how it </span><i style="color: #222222;">felt
</i><span style="color: #222222;">to incorporate another culture’s mythology into a story.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><o:p style="color: #222222;"> </o:p><span style="color: #222222;">Now, I’ll be honest with you: I was pretty nervous about
this. Oh, not when I started writing but
later, after all that hubbub about J.K. Rowling and what Navajos saw as her
cultural appropriation of what they consider to be a living tradition. In essence, people got pissed because she
rewrote a Navajo legend into her fictional universe. If you missed it, you can read all about that
little to-do here: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/mar/09/jk-rowling-under-fire-for-appropriating-navajo-tradition-history-of-magic-in-north-america-pottermore" style="color: #222222;">https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/mar/09/jk-rowling-under-fire-for-appropriating-navajo-tradition-history-of-magic-in-north-america-pottermore</a><span style="color: #222222;">.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><o:p style="color: #222222;"> </o:p><span style="color: #222222;">Well, after all that, I was, like, </span><i style="color: #222222;">whoa. </i><span style="color: #222222;">Too late, though;
“Bearwalker” was done, gone, oh-so-outta-here.
Then, too, I thought, </span><i style="color: #222222;">Oh, take a
breath; you’re not J.K. Rowling. No
one’s going to think twice about your itty-bitty story.</i><o:p style="color: #222222;"> </o:p><span style="color: #222222;">Still, given how hot I got about a ditzy lady selling
mezuzahs for fun and profit, I kind of understood the objection . . . and I
kind of didn’t. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><o:p style="color: #222222;"> </o:p><span style="color: #222222;">Because get real: People appropriate culture all the
time. What do you think </span><i style="color: #222222;">hoodoo </i><span style="color: #222222;">is? Or Louisiana </span><i style="color: #222222;">voudon</i><span style="color: #222222;">? Or </span><i style="color: #222222;">Santeria</i><span style="color: #222222;">? Or </span><i style="color: #222222;">Hanukah
bushes? </i><span style="color: #222222;">You know those little </span><i style="color: #222222;">gris-gris </i><span style="color: #222222;">bags you can buy in New
Orleans, the ones that have bones and crystals and who-knows-what inside? Well, first off, they’re not voudon; they’re
not hoodoo. </span><i style="color: #222222;">Gris-gris </i><span style="color: #222222;">bags were—are—Islamic in origin because many of the first
slaves, who hailed from West African, were Muslim. (Betcha didn’t know that either; if you’re
interested take a look at Diouf’s </span><i style="color: #222222;">Servants
of Allah: African Muslims Enslaved in the Americas</i><span style="color: #222222;">.) Most </span><i style="color: #222222;">gris-gris </i><span style="color: #222222;">were small leather amulet
pouches that might contain stones or charms or bones but </span><i style="color: #222222;">always </i><span style="color: #222222;">held folded bits of paper upon which </span><i style="color: #222222;">marabouts</i><span style="color: #222222;">—essentially, practitioners of Islamic-based
magic—inscribed certain Qu’ran verses and, sometimes, other mystical
symbols. </span><i style="color: #222222;">Gris-gris </i><span style="color: #222222;">could be protective or curative; warriors wore them into
battle with the belief that they wouldn’t be wounded. Still other </span><i style="color: #222222;">gris-gris </i><span style="color: #222222;">were put into water; once the ink dissolved, a person
would drink or wash with it, the idea being that the magic released into the
water would cure whatever ailed or troubled you. (That, by the way, is an old Kabbalistic
belief, too: write a spell, dissolve the ink in water, then drink it. You might be cured or, if you were, say, an
adulterer, your belly might blow up and you’d die. There were even things
called demon bowls, particularly widespread in Aramaic times, that were
inscribed with gibberish and which, when a spell was dissolved into water, were
supposed to trap and drown the demon.
This survives in an altered form in the Latino community concerning the </span><i style="color: #222222;">Mal de Ojo</i><span style="color: #222222;">, or the evil eye. If a kid’s sick, you take an egg, pass it
over the kid, then put the egg in a bowl and leave that under the bed for the
night. Next morning, if the egg’s cooked,
the kid has </span><i style="color: #222222;">Mal de Ojo. </i><span style="color: #222222;">This is a real thing, too; I know because
I saw kids in my clinic whose parents performed the ritual hoping that would
get rid of what ailed the kid. Since
they were seeing me, the ritual obviously failed—but the belief is
strong.) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><o:p style="color: #222222;"> </o:p><span style="color: #222222;">So, you see, it really becomes a case of whatever works for
a culture. </span><i style="color: #222222;">Gris-gris </i><span style="color: #222222;">are an amalgam of Islamic traditions that, in turn,
sprang from early Kabbalist mystics, who grew out of an Aramaic tradition
common to the region. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><o:p style="color: #222222;"> </o:p><span style="color: #222222;">In other words, cultural appropriation ain’t new and it’s
certainly nothing about which anyone needs to feel apologetic. I don’t believe that J.K. Rowling published a
scholarly piece claiming that her wizard-world was real. It’s a </span><i style="color: #222222;">story</i><span style="color: #222222;">,
but—oh my goodness—the furor reminded me of how touchy a subject religion and
culture can be. (Just think about </span><i style="color: #222222;">The Satanic Verses </i><span style="color: #222222;">and how long Salman
Rushdie was forced into hiding after Ayatollah Khomeini issued a </span><i style="color: #222222;">fatwa</i><span style="color: #222222;"> in 1989 or the violence done in
Paris just a few years ago after cartoonists satirized Muhammad. (</span><a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2015/01/08/375662895/from-threats-against-salman-rushdie-to-attacks-on-charlie-hebdo" style="color: #222222;">http://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2015/01/08/375662895/from-threats-against-salman-rushdie-to-attacks-on-charlie-hebdo</a><span style="color: #222222;">.)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><o:p style="color: #222222;"> </o:p><span style="color: #222222;">And yet, because of my own experiences, I do
understand. To me, it’s a matter of
degree. Look, no one is going to mistake
J.K. Rowling for a cultural anthropologist.
She writes stories for grins and giggles and makes about a </span><span style="color: #222222;">trillion dollars worth of profit. But it’s fiction, folks, and works that cast
deities and mythologies and traditions and remake them into something different
isn’t a crime just as it’s not a crime or illegal for this art-shop lady to
sell mezuzahs as good luck charms and feed people some baloney about the Angel
of Death. That’s like getting all
torqued because a </span><i style="color: #222222;">gris-gris </i><span style="color: #222222;">bag
doesn’t contain verses from the Qu’ran. (Although
do I find the mezuzah thing a touch insulting?
Sure. I mean, </span><i style="color: #222222;">honestly, </i><span style="color: #222222;">I do wish this ditz would get
her story straight. The one in Exodus—you
know, that one about the Angel of Death passing over the homes of the Jews,
which were marked with lamb’s blood—isn’t remotely related to what a mezuzah’s
about. If she’s too lazy to do a Google
search, she could just watch </span><i style="color: #222222;">The Ten
Commandments. </i><span style="color: #222222;">I’m telling you: after
Charlton Heston came down from Mount Sinai, I don’t think that guy smiled
once.)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><o:p style="color: #222222;"> </o:p><span style="color: #222222;">In other words, once your culture or religion is out there .
. . it’s not </span><i style="color: #222222;">yours. </i><span style="color: #222222;">There is no ownership here; that’s like
saying that only Christians can write about Jesus; that if you want the </span><i style="color: #222222;">real </i><span style="color: #222222;">skinny on Moses, only a Jew will
do; that Navajos are the only people qualified to write or talk about
skinwalkers. Cultural icons are there
for people to use as they please, and no one needs permission to do so. Might
that piss you off? Of course, and I’m
not advocating that people should be disrespectful. But no one can claim ownership of ideas or of
any culture or religion. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><o:p style="color: #222222;"> </o:p><span style="color: #222222;">Still, when I chose to use the Ojibwe equivalent of what the
Navajos call a “skinwalker,” I tried to be careful—and by that, I mean
respectful. (You won’t believe the
number of people who tried to change the spelling to </span><i style="color: #222222;">Ojibway, Ojibwa, </i><span style="color: #222222;">or, even </span><i style="color: #222222;">Chippewa.</i><span style="color: #222222;"> I’m not sure there’s a </span><i style="color: #222222;">right </i><span style="color: #222222;">way, considering that many Ojibwe call themselves </span><i style="color: #222222;">Anishinaabe</i><span style="color: #222222;">, but I chose the most
contemporary spelling.)</span><i style="color: #222222;"> </i><span style="color: #222222;"> I am the first to admit that I wasn’t </span><i style="color: #222222;">slavish</i><span style="color: #222222;">, but I checked a lot of primary
sources on Ojibwe mythology, magic, religion, and the </span><i style="color: #222222;">Midewiwin</i><span style="color: #222222;">. I got into a
tussle with a Simon and Schuster copy-editor who wanted to change “sorcerers”
to “shamans;” I pointed out that, no, for the Ojibwe, sorcerers was a very
specific term referring to Ojibwe midé shamans who practiced black magic. I even supplied references. I mean, if you’re going to insist on certain
words, make sure you can back up why. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><o:p style="color: #222222;"> </o:p><span style="color: #222222;">Now, why did I turn to the Ojibwe at all? Well, easy: The story’s set in Wisconsin and
not far from where I once lived, there were several Indian burial mounds. A lot of Wisconsin towns and rivers bear
native, somewhat bastardized names.
There are a slew of reservations; go up Lake Superior way and you’ll
find ancient petroglyphs and pictographs and contemporary sites that are still
revered by the Ojibwe who live there.
That tree I talk about near the end of “Bearwalker” is a real thing. In the end, the legend and this particular
monster fit perfectly with the story of guilt and darkness and vengeance and
how some people are beyond redemption that I wanted to write.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><o:p style="color: #222222;"> </o:p><span style="color: #222222;">I hope you agree and enjoy that story. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><o:p style="color: #222222;"> </o:p><span style="color: #222222;">On the other hand, if you don’t . . . say nothing. Life is hard enough. ;-)</span></span></blockquote>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">*end of YASH bonus material**</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">CONTINUE THE HUNT</span></h3>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Somewhere on this hunt I've hidden my favorite quotes from NIL ON FIRE!:) So go! Scavenge! But don't forget to enter the </span><span style="color: orange; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Team Orange </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">contest for a chance to win heaps of signed books, including a hardback of NIL ON FIRE!!! To enter, you need to know that </span><span style="color: orange; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">10</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">may be the best number EVER. I'm not kidding. My birthday is on November 10th and I can eat at least ten Thin Mints in less time than it takes to enter the giveaway below (this last one may or may may not be true.;D. Okay, fine. TOTALLY TRUE. Confession: I love Thin Mints.) Add up all the favorite numbers of the authors on the </span><span style="color: orange; font-size: x-small;">ORANGE TEAM</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and you'll have the secret code to enter for the grand prize!</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;">
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />To keep going on <strike>your quest for world domination</strike> the hunt, check out the next <span style="color: orange;">Team Orange</span> author, <a href="http://jnkhoury.blogspot.com/">Jessica Khoury</a>!</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">BUT BEFORE YOU GO...</span></h3>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> To say thanks for stopping by my blog, I'm giving away a signed copy of NIL plus a #NILtribe tote, T-SHIRT + swag pack! Enter below! Good luck!</span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">HAPPY HUNTING!!!</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T4CWLR_pR10/V_PIGA-ogOI/AAAAAAAABso/Ki_tctLdCLQzgJ0BSpKRzmWWn7sIeuTygCLcB/s1600/200.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T4CWLR_pR10/V_PIGA-ogOI/AAAAAAAABso/Ki_tctLdCLQzgJ0BSpKRzmWWn7sIeuTygCLcB/s1600/200.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay fine. #arrow fangirl guilty but HOW PERFECT.<br />
I HAD TO DO IT.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><333</span></div>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="d7232e9413" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d7232e9413/" id="rcwidget_q4y1w8f6" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<br />
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">
<div style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">
<b style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">
<b style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Lynne Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18415839149588934992noreply@blogger.com70tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422543325363220597.post-33135989560134041172016-10-03T09:28:00.002-04:002016-10-03T09:37:49.848-04:00YASH STARTS TOMORROW!!!!Tomorrow... it’s ON:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_a2sBsJeY0/V_JcpZAS87I/AAAAAAAABpw/QFPtJMO4jXM-UneAMmqLb2gEzGaiF3hMwCLcB/s1600/YA_ScavengerHunt_WebBannerhalloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_a2sBsJeY0/V_JcpZAS87I/AAAAAAAABpw/QFPtJMO4jXM-UneAMmqLb2gEzGaiF3hMwCLcB/s400/YA_ScavengerHunt_WebBannerhalloween.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Check back tomorrow for a change to win ALL THE BOOKS!<br />
<br />
Stay tuned....<br />
<br />
In the meantime, for more information (or to start the hunt tomorrow OR if you get stuck) here’s the official website: http://www.yash.rocks/p/stuck.html<br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange;">(Psst: I’m Team Orange!)</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><br /></span>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c6DxSmgkEFU/V_Je8wneMuI/AAAAAAAABqI/tU9WURP7Bpse-6C_oJKF199R7C8AxVScgCLcB/s1600/Orange%2BTeam%2BYASH%2BFall%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c6DxSmgkEFU/V_Je8wneMuI/AAAAAAAABqI/tU9WURP7Bpse-6C_oJKF199R7C8AxVScgCLcB/s400/Orange%2BTeam%2BYASH%2BFall%2B2016.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I <333 seeing NIL ON FIRE<br />all cuddled up next to my friend Sara’s ENDURE!:) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: orange;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />Lynne Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18415839149588934992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422543325363220597.post-44723634233073130922016-09-19T14:27:00.002-04:002016-09-19T14:27:52.494-04:00Matson Monday MusingsHello lovelies!<br />
<br />
I haven’t blogged in a while...I’ve been busy with my family and friends and writing! :) But when I checked my blog today, it looked so sad and forlorn that I thought I’d do a quick post about all things #NILtribe!:)<br />
<br />
Ready?<br />
<br />
<b>Swag/Winnings/STUFF:</b> All preorders and #WinNIL winnings and basically winnings for every contest I’ve ever run have been mailed. Woohoo!:)<br />
<br />
<b>Books</b>: I have a complete trilogy in the world!:) It’s still mind-boggling for me, and a little unreal. Keep an eye on Wattpad in the months to come...I’ll be posting some extras leading up to the release of the paperback of NIL ON FIRE.<br />
<br />
<b>New books! </b>I am writing all sorts of fun, new things! No official word yet, but stay tuned.:)<br />
<br />
<b>What I’ve read lately & loved:</b><br />
<br />
SMASH & GRAB by Amy Christine Parker<br />
A TORCH AGAINST THE NIGHT by Sabba Tahir<br />
<br />
<b>What I’m reading next</b>: NIGHT SPEED by Chris Howard<br />
<br />
<b>Stoked for</b>: all things pumpkin<br />
<br />
<b>Song on my Playlist I can’t get enough of</b>: Heathens by 21 Pilots<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Nz3YpM-w7PQ/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Nz3YpM-w7PQ?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Favorite new IG account to follow: </b>Mutant 101<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>TV Show I need to watch</b>: Stranger Things<br />
<br />
<b>TV Shows I’m watching</b>: None, really. I read instead.:)<br />
<br />
<b>Thing I Need to figure out</b>: Tumblr. For some reason, it mystifies me.<br />
<br />
So what’s new with you? What are you reading? What have you loved? What’s your new song?:)<br />
<br />
xo<br />
Lynne<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Lynne Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18415839149588934992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422543325363220597.post-34453709509726971912016-07-25T10:18:00.002-04:002016-07-25T10:27:33.049-04:00NIL REMEMBERED is realllllllll!Happy summer, #NILtribe!<br />
<br />
I’m so excited to announce the release of NIL REMEMBERED!<br />
<br />
What, you say? Another Nil story, you say? YES!:)<br />
<br />
Before I get into details...here’s the cover:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nn7qTBxYwQQ/V5YapXMeTlI/AAAAAAAABoA/2cmNe5M_23cj3jtHD72gZtt57iPz3VyrACLcB/s1600/30827348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nn7qTBxYwQQ/V5YapXMeTlI/AAAAAAAABoA/2cmNe5M_23cj3jtHD72gZtt57iPz3VyrACLcB/s400/30827348.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
Isn’t it cool? Does the cover give you a clue?<br />
<br />
So here’s the deal: In NIL UNLOCKED, Skye’s dad give her a journal. It’s handwritten, full of doodles in the margins, and it belonged to Skye’s uncle who went to Nil in the 1980’s. This same journal pushes Skye to believe that Nil is a real place, that Nil really exists. And, it leads her to find vital clues in both NIL UNLOCKED and NIL ON FIRE...clues that turns into critical answers.:)<br />
<br />
And now, for the first time, we’re publishing the journal in its entirely--plus illustrations!!!!<br />
<br />
Here’s the official synopsis:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<em>My name is Scott Bracken, and this is my journal.</em> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<em></em>Scott Bracken has been home for 28 days, but nothing is the same. A month ago, he escaped from Nil, an island of wonder, beauty, and incredible danger. Now, back in his old life, no one believes Scott's story. To deal with his present, Scott must relive his past—whether he wants to or not. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Introduced to readers in <em>Nil Unlocked</em>, here, for the first time, is Scott's journal in its entirety. Delve deeper into the world of Nil—before Charley and Thad, before Skye and Rives—and discover the truth.</blockquote>
<br />
Ahhhh! I’m SO excited!<br />
<br />
Also, I’m so honored to have Jay C. Spencer as my illustrator on NIL REMEMBERED. Jay is a massively talented artist who lives in Canada, and he was one of my crit partners for NIL. His input was invaluable in making Thad authentic, and to have the chance to work with him on NIL REMEMBERED was incredible. I couldn’t have brought Scott’s experience to life without him. So thank you Spence!:)<br />
<br />
And.... here’s the super cool part:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">NIL REMEMBERED is FREE! </span><br />
<br />
Right now, NIL REMEMBERED is free to download from any authorized, legal, ebook retailer.:) So go! Enjoy! Happy reading!<br />
<br />
Also, keep an eye on my Wattpad account. I’m posting lots of Nil series extras in the coming weeks. Deleted scenes, excerpts, plus a new Thad novella coming soon! Here’s the link: <a href="https://www.wattpad.com/user/LSMatson">https://www.wattpad.com/user/LSMatson</a><br />
<br />
xo<br />
Lynne<br />
<br />Lynne Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18415839149588934992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422543325363220597.post-31285138969057875702016-06-24T11:06:00.001-04:002016-06-24T11:06:19.588-04:00ALA!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p6Ico0qPS3M/V21ME7uN0hI/AAAAAAAABm8/BdOE1VJgoVAU02zGe2BPhrNYrfEVErilwCLcB/s1600/Unknown-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p6Ico0qPS3M/V21ME7uN0hI/AAAAAAAABm8/BdOE1VJgoVAU02zGe2BPhrNYrfEVErilwCLcB/s400/Unknown-1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I'm SOOOO excited!<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm heading to ALA in Orlando today, and I'll be there all weekend!<br />
<br />
<br />
Here are the dates/times I'll be signing:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Sat, June 25th </b></div>
<b><div style="text-align: center;">
<b>10 to 11:30</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>1:30 to 3</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Sun, June 26th</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>9:30 to 11</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>2 to 4</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
</b>Come see me!!! Can't wait!<br />
<br />
xo<br />
Lynne<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b><br /></b>Lynne Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18415839149588934992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422543325363220597.post-75004429016469094032016-05-31T07:04:00.001-04:002016-05-31T07:04:38.598-04:00The Nil trilogy is complete!It's here!!!!<br />
<br />
NIL ON FIRE is out today!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h8ougyhXLBA/V01sjKKspoI/AAAAAAAABl4/lym8TNOAz9MO5GsBbN13n2_ZH8EnBBx3ACLcB/s1600/giphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h8ougyhXLBA/V01sjKKspoI/AAAAAAAABl4/lym8TNOAz9MO5GsBbN13n2_ZH8EnBBx3ACLcB/s400/giphy.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Now you can find out ALL THE ISLAND secrets!:)<br />
<br />
Join me for a <b>Twitter party TOMORROW night at 8:30 pm EST!</b><br />
<br />
And, I'm going on tour! Come see me in Jacksonville, Tampa, Thomasville, GA & more!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GkuIO6wVJg/V01sEVAzDLI/AAAAAAAABl0/FITGe_f9YA4yPrHE7B0kXjjPE12qLP4gwCLcB/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GkuIO6wVJg/V01sEVAzDLI/AAAAAAAABl0/FITGe_f9YA4yPrHE7B0kXjjPE12qLP4gwCLcB/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
July events: Vero Beach & Gainesville....details coming soon!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Above all, thank you to my readers for making this day possible. The #NILtribe is AMAZING. NIL ON FIRE is for you!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />Lynne Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18415839149588934992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422543325363220597.post-16164674384884798422016-05-30T11:34:00.000-04:002016-05-30T11:41:18.836-04:00Anniversary Post...and NIL ON FIRE COUNTDOWN!ONE DAY UNTIL NIL ON FIRE IS IN YOUR HANDS!!!:) Ahhhhh!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Having a May 31 release date is really cool for me, because I think (yes I'm totally biased and completely unreliable lol) that the Nil series is a perfect summer read. So grab you favorite beach towel, an umbrella if you like, a cool glass of water, and head down to the sand...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
and tomorrow you can take NIL ON FIRE with you!:)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
WOOHOO!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>(Note: Today is the last day to enter the NIL ON FIRE preorder contest. Details are <a href="http://lynnematson.blogspot.com/2016/04/the-nil-on-fire-pre-order-giveaway-is.html">here</a>.)</i></div>
<div>
<br />
Overall, this weekend has been made of awesome. It's Memorial Day Weekend, a weekend that is full of feels for me, because 21 years ago this weekend I got married to the love of my life!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here's us, 21 years ago:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NQ--qpVxisk/V0xb7jHS3-I/AAAAAAAABlE/P5uefaGFN8shhDE0EVa7LOEKjeTop0LWwCLcB/s1600/1482738_10205272941366498_2486625637751718135_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NQ--qpVxisk/V0xb7jHS3-I/AAAAAAAABlE/P5uefaGFN8shhDE0EVa7LOEKjeTop0LWwCLcB/s320/1482738_10205272941366498_2486625637751718135_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">babies!:)<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
And us celebrating just last year:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_KsV6QpEbIw/V0xcI8zYVwI/AAAAAAAABlI/BZ_0OoteH3AaLwAeuwl4Ebzkmj7tL_qgACLcB/s1600/13265956_10208849967239498_5389041996884207119_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_KsV6QpEbIw/V0xcI8zYVwI/AAAAAAAABlI/BZ_0OoteH3AaLwAeuwl4Ebzkmj7tL_qgACLcB/s320/13265956_10208849967239498_5389041996884207119_n.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Steve has been my rock and biggest fan when I started writing, and he still is.:) I wouldn't have the Nil trilogy without him. He's my best friend, lover, partner in every awesome adventure, and the best dad ever to our four sons. Life is richer when you love the people you're traveling with!:)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And...now? This weekend will always mark the end of the Nil series for me! Because tomorrow, THE FIRE IS HERE!<br />
<br />
NIL ON FIRE, the last book in the Nil trilogy, releases tomorrow!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This week's teaser:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XEescLXmb4c/V0xc_y2p8sI/AAAAAAAABlQ/ZgYTEjCNT80JYETxOq_qwkCflGqjIDKzwCLcB/s1600/5.31.2016The%2Bends%2Bbegins....jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XEescLXmb4c/V0xc_y2p8sI/AAAAAAAABlQ/ZgYTEjCNT80JYETxOq_qwkCflGqjIDKzwCLcB/s400/5.31.2016The%2Bends%2Bbegins....jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So happy almost release day for the #NILtribe, happy anniversary to my hubby, and happy almost summer to everyone!:)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One day until the Nil series is complete. Who's ready?:)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
xo</div>
<div>
Lynne</div>
Lynne Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18415839149588934992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422543325363220597.post-85258613485280429012016-05-21T07:48:00.000-04:002016-05-21T07:48:24.636-04:00Saturday Wrap-up: The NIL ON FIRE blog tour has begun!!!TEN DAYS.<br />
<br />
Just 10 days until the fire is in the wild.<br />
<br />
AHHHHHHH!<br />
<br />
NIL ON FIRE will be IN YOUR HANDS in 10 days!!!<br />
<br />
Until then, you can get stoked with the NIL ON FIRE blog tour:<br />
<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0_Ko3jOA8z0/V0BKLDU-jmI/AAAAAAAABkg/irr9uwjT-QYLVyzX5yf7s0ObyysH0D8lQCLcB/s1600/NilOnFire_blogtour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="103" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0_Ko3jOA8z0/V0BKLDU-jmI/AAAAAAAABkg/irr9uwjT-QYLVyzX5yf7s0ObyysH0D8lQCLcB/s400/NilOnFire_blogtour.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IT HAS BEGUN...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Full dates and stops are listed on the <a href="http://fiercereadsya.tumblr.com/post/144149117666/nil-on-fire-blog-tour-schedule">Fierce Reads</a> page, or you can go straight to the first stop: the lovely Stacee's blog...<a href="http://toofondofbooks.com/2016/05/the-time-it-was-about-nil-on-fire.html">Too Fond of Books</a>! There are also giveaways throughout the tour...so you may be the lucky winner of NIL, NIL UNLOCKED, or yes, NIL ON FIRE!<br />
<br />
Good luck and happy touring!<br />
<br />
In the meantime, here is this week's teaser:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zDz-y6A8fHo/V0BKpl03PDI/AAAAAAAABkk/wSSulg5BrCQuyWaTo5xr_5xV8OclWb_XACLcB/s1600/NIL%2BON%2BFIRE%2Bteaser-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zDz-y6A8fHo/V0BKpl03PDI/AAAAAAAABkk/wSSulg5BrCQuyWaTo5xr_5xV8OclWb_XACLcB/s400/NIL%2BON%2BFIRE%2Bteaser-5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
10 days.<br />
<br />
And then the fire will be yours...:)<br />
<br />
#NILtribe, this book is for you!Lynne Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18415839149588934992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422543325363220597.post-19271414207683308512016-05-10T09:40:00.000-04:002016-05-10T09:40:15.973-04:003 WEEKS UNTIL NIL ON FIRE!!!!Release day is three weeks from today!<br />
<br />
21 DAYS PEOPLE. *pinches self*<br />
<br />
So today, in honor of those dwindling days, here's a teaser:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIJc50SrXHY/VzHkkZkYgnI/AAAAAAAABj0/_YQ2H5Pfv1QhqFUVWFW_Y0pmngGv7ZLkQCLcB/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIJc50SrXHY/VzHkkZkYgnI/AAAAAAAABj0/_YQ2H5Pfv1QhqFUVWFW_Y0pmngGv7ZLkQCLcB/s400/unnamed.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
AHHHHHH!<br />
<br />
Who's ready?!<br />
<br />
xo<br />
Lynne<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Lynne Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18415839149588934992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422543325363220597.post-39757081218371394022016-05-06T10:00:00.001-04:002016-05-06T10:03:34.820-04:00Friday Five<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hi y'all! I haven't done a Friday Five in a while, so why not today?:)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Let's do it! Here we go...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">#5. </span><u style="color: #3d85c6;">Last five books I've read and loved:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span><i>
The Winner's Kiss </i>by Marie Rutkowsi</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Riders</i> by Veronica Rossi</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Glass Sword</i> by Victoria Aveyard</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>The Living</i> by Matt De La Pena</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Frozen Tides</i>, by Morgan Rhodes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">#4. </span><u style="color: #3d85c6;">Next five books on my TBR List (in no particular order):</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span><i>The Crown's Game</i> by Evelyn Skye</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>A Court of Mist & Fury</i> by Sarah J. Mass</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Girl Against the Universe</i> by Paula Stokes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Need</i> by Joelle Charbonneau</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Wink, Poppy, Midnight</i> by April Genevieve Tucholke</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Which should I read first?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">#3. </span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Five Cool Things You Might Not Know About The Nil series:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /><br />The Nil series has been translated into multiple languages, and Nil just sold to Columbia! Nil Unlocked recently released in Turkey...with more countries to follow. <br /><br /> Nil began in Hawaii--that's where the idea for Nil was born. See <a href="http://whatever.scalzi.com/2014/03/04/the-big-idea-lynne-matson/">this post</a> for more scoop.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">NIL UNLOCKED incorporates some American history and science that is absolutely true. As for how it factors into the Nil world...well, I MADE THAT UP.;)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At the the end of NIL UNLOCKED, Skye has not let Nil go. OR IS IT THE OTHER WAY AROUND? Or is it both? Nil on Fire holds the answer....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have a super cool announcement coming soon about Skye's uncle's journal... Stay tuned!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">#2. </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><u>Five Cool Things You Might Not Know About NIL ON FIRE:</u></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In NIL ON FIRE, three of the four main characters return to Nil. NO I CAN'T TELL YOU WHICH ONES. You have to read the book.:;)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The books starts with Paulo, picking up right where NIL UNLOCKED lefts off.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are three points of view...and one of them belongs to Nil.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You meet new characters from Australia, Columbia, America, and more. Don't get attached... *spoiler alert* many of them die. BECAUSE IT'S NIL AND NIL ISN'T HAPPY.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">NIL ON FIRE ends the series.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">#1. </span><u style="color: #3d85c6;">Five Things I'm Stoked About for May:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Um, DUH. NIL ON FIRE!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br />NIL ON FIRE RELEASES IN 25 days!!!</b></span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnNVgg38POE/Vyyhh1vvZkI/AAAAAAAABjE/Vytg86MvVCkvM4-zTUUJJcSxV3kGE5PZwCLcB/s1600/a29d98e5.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnNVgg38POE/Vyyhh1vvZkI/AAAAAAAABjE/Vytg86MvVCkvM4-zTUUJJcSxV3kGE5PZwCLcB/s1600/a29d98e5.gif" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">IKR?! Can. Not. WAIT!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /> Because I'm so excited, I'm going to count the release of NOF as all five, because in my mind, it's five kinds of awesome.:) Don't forget to enter the pre-order contest to win cool stuff!<br /><br /> 25 days!!!!!</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /> Now, I'll leave you with this week's NOF teaser...</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l3Xrkj4kujw/VyygJtTjWUI/AAAAAAAABi4/z01wlw03SIMoyUNDWVSGEaK9OEb1YbsrgCLcB/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l3Xrkj4kujw/VyygJtTjWUI/AAAAAAAABi4/z01wlw03SIMoyUNDWVSGEaK9OEb1YbsrgCLcB/s320/unnamed.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /><br />Happy Friday!<br /><br />xo<br />Lynne <br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /> </span></div>
Lynne Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18415839149588934992noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422543325363220597.post-64223670942432906222016-04-21T12:16:00.004-04:002016-04-21T12:17:39.313-04:00Throwback Thursday? Flashback Friday? YOU PICK. :)So NIL came out two year ago. March 2014, to be exact. And I still love this books and my characters....SO MUCH.:)<br />
<br />
There are so many quotes from NIL that I love, and today, I'd thought I'd share a few, especially those that play into NIL ON FIRE!<br />
<br />
Ready?<br />
<br />
Here's a little Throwback Thursday, or maybe it's an early Flashback Friday. OR MAYBE I JUST LIKE THAD. ;)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/--5q87b5zm0M/Vxj5BzgAodI/AAAAAAAABh0/dXrJgOYCa6QoP3_WJBe8pGyTeEI9xkTvwCLcB/s1600/NIL%2Bquote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--5q87b5zm0M/Vxj5BzgAodI/AAAAAAAABh0/dXrJgOYCa6QoP3_WJBe8pGyTeEI9xkTvwCLcB/s400/NIL%2Bquote.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yasssss... all the feels!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
BUT THERE'S MORE.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ready for this week's NIL ON FIRE teaser?:)</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here you go! </div>
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mgh6KBl3DAY/Vxj6VfGPxdI/AAAAAAAABiE/zF7nsOAKOWYfosLECjvKuQbW27xj62mbgCLcB/s1600/And%2Bso%2Bit%2Bbegan%2Bagain.%2BOnly%2Bthis%2Btime%252C%2Bthe%2Bisland%2Bwould%2Bnot%2Bshow%2Bweakness.%2BOr%2Bmercy.That%2Bera%2Bwas%2Bover..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mgh6KBl3DAY/Vxj6VfGPxdI/AAAAAAAABiE/zF7nsOAKOWYfosLECjvKuQbW27xj62mbgCLcB/s400/And%2Bso%2Bit%2Bbegan%2Bagain.%2BOnly%2Bthis%2Btime%252C%2Bthe%2Bisland%2Bwould%2Bnot%2Bshow%2Bweakness.%2BOr%2Bmercy.That%2Bera%2Bwas%2Bover..jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AHHHH!!!! I'm feeling it! You?:)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Are you ready for the fiyah?:)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
xo</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lynne</div>
<br />Lynne Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18415839149588934992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422543325363220597.post-18095227374861735712016-04-18T09:35:00.000-04:002016-06-24T11:12:09.808-04:00The NIL ON FIRE pre-order giveaway is here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
NIL ON FIRE COMES OUT IN 42 DAYS.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0MGcVWPE37s/Vq4lfdeAs2I/AAAAAAAABaw/i8yD3zpvDEgX3PYjod53LrQmuxqmkKLnACKgB/s1600/NilOnFire-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0MGcVWPE37s/Vq4lfdeAs2I/AAAAAAAABaw/i8yD3zpvDEgX3PYjod53LrQmuxqmkKLnACKgB/s400/NilOnFire-2.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
42 DAYS UNTIL THE FIYAH.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
AHHHHH!!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
*freaks out in excitement*</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But, I know waiting for a book you want can feel a lot like this:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ixfm482qkDc/VxTejVbDOPI/AAAAAAAABhM/88T19Auf7KoKSJYHSoUPhZpZwrkcLL73wCLcB/s1600/aawt.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ixfm482qkDc/VxTejVbDOPI/AAAAAAAABhM/88T19Auf7KoKSJYHSoUPhZpZwrkcLL73wCLcB/s400/aawt.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So, to ease the pain of waiting, I'm holding a pre-order giveaway for NIL ON FIRE!<br />
<br />
<b><u>Official Rules:</u></b><br />
<br />
<i>How to enter</i>:<br />
<br />
Email me a copy of your receipt (a picture will do!) from Amazon, B&N, Books-A-Million or your favorite independent bookseller showing me that you've pre-ordered NIL ON FIRE, and you're entered! <b>Be sure to put "NOF Pre-Order Giveaway" in the subject line.</b><br />
<br />
<i>Email address to enter</i><b>: lynnesmatson@bellsouth.net</b><br />
<br />
<i>Deadline to ente</i>r: Midnight on May 30, 2016<br />
<br />
Contest is open internationally!<br />
<br />
<b><u>Prizes: </u></b><br />
<br />
<i>All entries</i>: Will win a signed bookplate for NIL ON FIRE, signed bookmarks (NIL ON FIRE + NIL series bookmark), and a "No Regrets" button!<br />
<br />
<i>**First 25 entries: </i>Will win a #NILtribe tote bag, a signed bookplate for NIL ON FIRE, signed bookmarks (NIL ON FIRE + NIL series bookmark), and a "No Regrets" button!<br />
<br />
<i><b>Grand Prize:</b></i> (to be picked at random): Will win a #NILtribe tote bag, a #NILtribe t-shirt, signed copies of both NIL and NIL UNLOCKED, a signed bookplate for NIL ON FIRE, signed bookmarks (NIL ON FIRE + NIL series bookmark), and a "No Regrets" button!<br />
<br />
** EDITED: ALL NOF PRE-ORDERS WILL GET THE TOTE BAG + THE GOODIES LISTED FOR THE FIRST 25! I can't turn y'all away!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Links:</u></b><br />
<br />
Potentially helpful pre-order links for NIL ON FIRE:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nil-Fire-Series-Lynne-Matson/dp/1627792953">Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nil-on-fire-lynne-matson/1122087601">Barnes& Noble</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Nil-Fire/Lynne-Matson/9781627792950">Books-A-Million</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781627792950">IndieBound</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Nil-on-Fire-Lynne-Matson/9781627792950?ref=grid-view">Book Depository</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Good luck! :) Contest is open now...and if you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>***JUNE 2016 UPDATE: The NOF pre-order contest is closed...and the winner is Taylor Hamann!!! Congrats Taylor! Thank you again to all who entered and supported both me and this final Nil book. I love you all, and am so grateful for the support!:) The #NIL tribe is THE BEST. *hugs you all* ***</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>xo</b><br />
Lynne<br />
<br />
<br />Lynne Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18415839149588934992noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422543325363220597.post-9378565430689228722016-04-06T08:40:00.001-04:002016-04-06T08:40:25.890-04:00Teaser Tuesday pic!Okay, I totally realize it's Wednesday. And I posted this on IG, FB & Tumblr yesterday, so that counts, right?:)<br />
<br />
I just forgot to post here. So... here you go!<br />
<br />
Happy (belated) Teaser Tuesday!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Mfv0Ju09xg/VwUDVZqX7DI/AAAAAAAABg8/RYqTOdmZs64YgkHQiQwJEZeensSMEe-ZQ/s1600/And%2Bso%2Bit%2Bbegan%2Bagain.%2BOnly%2Bthis%2Btime%252C%2Bthe%2Bisland%2Bwould%2Bnot%2Bshow%2Bweakness.%2BOr%2Bmercy.That%2Bera%2Bwas%2Bover.%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Mfv0Ju09xg/VwUDVZqX7DI/AAAAAAAABg8/RYqTOdmZs64YgkHQiQwJEZeensSMEe-ZQ/s400/And%2Bso%2Bit%2Bbegan%2Bagain.%2BOnly%2Bthis%2Btime%252C%2Bthe%2Bisland%2Bwould%2Bnot%2Bshow%2Bweakness.%2BOr%2Bmercy.That%2Bera%2Bwas%2Bover.%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oooo...kind of creepy cool, right?!<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Pre-order context details coming soon!:)<br />
<br />
xo<br />
LynneLynne Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18415839149588934992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422543325363220597.post-76907290668563918992016-03-29T12:03:00.000-04:002016-03-29T12:23:00.089-04:00The Spring 2016 YA Scavenger Hunt is Here!!!! <div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H3465lNGQM4/VgwDrqRpNhI/AAAAAAAABSE/Tg5ddCBO_00/s1600/YA_ScavengerHunt_WebBanner-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H3465lNGQM4/VgwDrqRpNhI/AAAAAAAABSE/Tg5ddCBO_00/s400/YA_ScavengerHunt_WebBanner-2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm Lynne Matson, your hostess for this leg of the Hunt. Welcome to the home of the #NILtribe! *passes coconut cup* </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u>About Me</u></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
I'm the author of the NIL series, a trilogy about a mysterious island where teens have exactly one year to escape--or they die. Think Survivor meets LOST with a dash of the Twilight Zone and lots of near miss kisses (and tons of feels).:) My current obsession is ARROW. Thin Mints are my kryptonite.:)</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<b></b></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><b><u>About the Hunt</u></b></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>
</b><br />This bi-annual event was organized by the awesome <a href="http://colleenhouck.com/">Colleen Houck</a> to give readers exclusive bonus material from their favorite authors...and a chance to win amazing prizes! In this Hunt, you not only get access to exclusive content from each author, you also get a clue--a secret number. Add up the numbers and enter to win the grand prize--a signed book from each author on my team! Woot! <br /><br />There are eight contests going on simultaneously. You can enter one or all! I'm part of the <span style="color: cyan;">TEAL TEAM</span>:</span><br />
<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LKKvF5AP0r4/VvqgaPVis_I/AAAAAAAABf0/Qj0_jF-Z5t8wZIDvDCZretu3tCxGkgFAQ/s1600/YASH%2BTEAL%2BTEAM%2BSPRING%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LKKvF5AP0r4/VvqgaPVis_I/AAAAAAAABf0/Qj0_jF-Z5t8wZIDvDCZretu3tCxGkgFAQ/s400/YASH%2BTEAL%2BTEAM%2BSPRING%2B2016.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Go <span style="color: cyan;">Team Teal!:</span>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is also a RED, BLUE, GOLD, GREEN, ORANGE, PURPLE, SILVER, & PINK for a chance to win a whole different set of books! If you'd like to find out more about the Hunt, see links to all the authors participating, and check out the full list of prizes up for grabs, go to the <a href="http://yascavengerhunt.blogspot.com/p/prizes.html"> YA Scavenger Hunt</a> home page.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>To start: </b>You can start right here . . . or go to the <a href="http://www.yash.rocks/">YA Scavenger Hunt</a> home page.<br /><br /><b>But play fast: </b>this contest (and the exclusive bonus material) will only be online for 72 hours only! <b>The Hunt ends Sunday, April 3rd at noon PST!</b></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>You're currently hunting on TEAM TEAL!!!</u></b></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-coWa5nLxeTs/Vvm5yNLMvGI/AAAAAAAABfU/eO8_uoFEp3k5Rn71qS2bg9y-RLKfLV26g/s1600/Team%2BTeal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-coWa5nLxeTs/Vvm5yNLMvGI/AAAAAAAABfU/eO8_uoFEp3k5Rn71qS2bg9y-RLKfLV26g/s320/Team%2BTeal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Looking for my sekrit NIL ON FIRE bonus content? THAT MAKES ME SO HAPPY.:) <br /><br /> But it's not here. *cries*<br /><br /> You have to keep looking, and trust me, you totally want to. :) Somewhere on this awesome blog hop, I've hidden the first chapter of NIL ON FIRE, the last in the Nil trilogy. It releases May 31, 2016. <br /><br /> But before I reveal the author I'm hosting, let's recap the Hunt rules</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">:</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uZDnZEbuL8A/VRqfT5tCjHI/AAAAAAAABEI/Ea1IgwyERh4/s1600/unnamed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RDVHHnLcnjY/VgwDX6dQTRI/AAAAAAAABR8/ffzjTMqvsY0/s1600/scavengerhunt450.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RDVHHnLcnjY/VgwDX6dQTRI/AAAAAAAABR8/ffzjTMqvsY0/s320/scavengerhunt450.gif" width="261" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>YA SCAVENGER HUNT PUZZLE</b></u></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>Directions:</b> Below, you'll notice that I've listed my favorite number in <span style="color: cyan;">TEAL</span>. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I know, that color isn't easy on the eyes. Blame Blogger.;D)</span> Collect the favorite numbers of all the authors on the TEAL team and add them up (feel free to use a calculator!).<br /><br /><b>Entry Form:</b> Once you've added up all the numbers, <a href="http://yascavengerhunt.blogspot.com/p/enter-here.html">fill out the form here to officially qualify for the grand prize</a>. Only entries that have the correct number will qualify.<br /><br /><b>Rules</b>: Open internationally, anyone below the age of 18 should have a parent or guardian's permission to enter. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must submit the completed entry form by April 3, 2016 at noon Pacific Time. Entries sent without the correct number or without contact information won't be considered.:(</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b style="text-align: center;"><u><br /></u></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><b>OFFICIAL SCAVENGER HUNT POST</b></u></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<br />Now that all the technical stuff is out of the way, on to the post! I'm super stoked about the author I'm hosting today. She's the lovely & talented . . .</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Melanie McFarlane</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qb4usMfRzQc/VvqimZrPLII/AAAAAAAABgA/U9sWkrvCzFo9OjTmHGNCkxqdG8LqvL9ig/s1600/f56a74_a31e66e2af064f28a7cf9be87e744763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qb4usMfRzQc/VvqimZrPLII/AAAAAAAABgA/U9sWkrvCzFo9OjTmHGNCkxqdG8LqvL9ig/s1600/f56a74_a31e66e2af064f28a7cf9be87e744763.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Melanie is the author of </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">THERE ONCE WERE STARS, coming April 26, 2016.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>About Melanie:</i><br /><br />Whether it’s uncovering the corruption of the future, or traveling to other worlds to save the universe, Melanie McFarlane jumps in with both hands on her keyboard. Though she can be found obsessing over zombies and orcs from time to time, Melanie has focused her powers on her two upcoming YA debut: THERE ONCE WERE STARS, and urban fantasy: SUMMONER RISING.<br /><br />Find out more about Melanie and her books here:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://www.melaniemcfarlane.com/">Website</a> | Twitter | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mcfarlanebooks">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mcfarlanebooks/">Instagram</a> | Goodreads</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now let's talk about THERE ONCE WERE STARS! First, let's drool over the gorgeousness that is Melanie's cover:</span><br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Vpt5PL5Yeo/VvqZ9fbwFWI/AAAAAAAABfk/RJ8hEWy7HoM39fmEp8aF1DIpzs3PQBUrA/s1600/There%2BOnce%2BWere%2BStars%2Blarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Vpt5PL5Yeo/VvqZ9fbwFWI/AAAAAAAABfk/RJ8hEWy7HoM39fmEp8aF1DIpzs3PQBUrA/s400/There%2BOnce%2BWere%2BStars%2Blarge.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome, right?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><br />If the cover wasn't enough to make you want it, then this blurb will cement your wanting.:)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">THERE ONCE WERE STARS</span></b></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Peace. Love. Order. Dome. That’s the motto that the Order has given the residents of Dome 1618 to live by. Natalia Greyes is a resident of Dome 1618, a covered city protected from the deadly radiation that has poisoned the world outside for four generations. Nat never questioned the Order, until one day she sees a stranger on the outside of the dome. Now Nat wants answers. Is there life outside the dome and if so, what has the Order been hiding from everyone?</span></i></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sounds, amazing, right?:)<br /><br /><br />Ready for Melanie's exclusive content? She's got a cool quiz for you!<br /><br /><br />**for YASH eyes only**</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="quizz-container" data-height="auto" data-quiz="192094" data-width="100%">
</div>
<script async="" src="//dcc4iyjchzom0.cloudfront.net/widget/loader.js"></script>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">** end of YASH bonus material**</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Okay! It's time to...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u>CONTINUE THE HUNT</u></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<br />Don't forget to enter the contest for a chance to win heaps of signed books from all the #YASH authors, including a hardback of NIL UNLOCKED! Now, if you've read NIL, you know the teens have exactly one year to escape or they die. But some don't make it a full year...some die on day <span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">312</span>. (DID YOU SEE HOW I DID THAT? SEKRIT NUMBER ALERT.) Add up all the favorite numbers of the authors on the teal team and you'll have the secret code to enter for the grand prize!<br /><br />To keep going on your quest for world domination the hunt, you need to check out the next #TeamTeal author, <a href="http://www.krystal-wade.com/blog/2016/3/22/welcome-t">Krystal Wade</a>!</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u>BUT BEFORE YOU GO...</u></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<br />To say thanks for stopping by my blog, as a bonus #YASH giveaway, I'm giving away a signed copy of NIL and NIL UNLOCKED plus a #NILtribe swag pack! Enter below, and happy hunting! Good luck!</span><br />
<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="d7232e9412" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d7232e9412/" id="rcwidget_tbzx6j1e" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> xo<br />Lynne</span></div>
</div>
Lynne Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18415839149588934992noreply@blogger.com68tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422543325363220597.post-39454758653576030722016-03-25T16:28:00.002-04:002016-03-25T16:28:22.206-04:00Teaser TuesdayOops... forgot to post here. I posted on IG, Tumblr, Twitter and FB on Friday, but I forgot to post here! Gah! #brainfried<br />
<br />
So here you go!<br />
<br />
This week's #TeaserTuesday for NIL ON FIRE!!!<br />
<br />
<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hh7i0RDJ-FI/VvWfIzHB-7I/AAAAAAAABfA/AypjUcNftLs-Nu9TSM96D2xVIvjM3Pv6A/s1600/5.31.2016The%2Bends%2Bbegins....jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hh7i0RDJ-FI/VvWfIzHB-7I/AAAAAAAABfA/AypjUcNftLs-Nu9TSM96D2xVIvjM3Pv6A/s400/5.31.2016The%2Bends%2Bbegins....jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YASSSSSS....:)<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Happy Friday!<br />
<br />
xo<br />
LynneLynne Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18415839149588934992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422543325363220597.post-87192499611592075852016-03-15T10:16:00.001-04:002016-03-15T10:17:45.369-04:00Teaser Tuesday!!!Hi y'all!<br />
<br />
Guess what?<br />
<br />
ONLY <span style="color: #3d85c6;">77 DAYS </span>UNTIL NIL ON FIRE HITS THE WILD!!!<br />
<br />
From now on, every Tuesday I'll post a teaser.<br />
<br />
Ready?<br />
<br />
Here you go!!!!!<br />
<br />
<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://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BQPa4Jv-804/VugY3hir4dI/AAAAAAAABeU/Tf3z2nStTJQGfSG3-HFfbwAe65VyPGIVw/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BQPa4Jv-804/VugY3hir4dI/AAAAAAAABeU/Tf3z2nStTJQGfSG3-HFfbwAe65VyPGIVw/s400/unnamed-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">77 days.<br />
BOOM.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Are you ready for the fire?????:)<br />
<br />
xo<br />
LynneLynne Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18415839149588934992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422543325363220597.post-90870271055011710492016-03-01T12:42:00.000-05:002016-03-01T16:15:58.108-05:00ICYMI: The #NILtribe has gone international!<div style="text-align: center;">
Just a quick #TribalTuesday shout out to the #NILtribe across the world!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First, have you seen the lovely Turkish edition? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's STUNNING. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YDZzEGsP_u4/VtXTsjgE6DI/AAAAAAAABdo/jKeT-v87jqU/s1600/ada_yorumcadisi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YDZzEGsP_u4/VtXTsjgE6DI/AAAAAAAABdo/jKeT-v87jqU/s400/ada_yorumcadisi.png" width="253" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SOOOO pretty...so many feels!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Want another glimpse?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TTJmAQ4lHu0/VtXT6fVTIXI/AAAAAAAABdw/KAqAACw0frM/s1600/ada1_yorumcadisi.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TTJmAQ4lHu0/VtXT6fVTIXI/AAAAAAAABdw/KAqAACw0frM/s320/ada1_yorumcadisi.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*swoon*</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you <a href="http://yabanciyayinlari.com/portfolio_item/ada/">Yabanci</a> for bringing NIL to Turkish readers!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And....NIL JUST CAME OUT IN FRANCE!!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jn_p5_odMfg/VtXSM2C2A1I/AAAAAAAABdY/yXO3QmUF6sQ/s1600/9782266256933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jn_p5_odMfg/VtXSM2C2A1I/AAAAAAAABdY/yXO3QmUF6sQ/s400/9782266256933.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Isn't the French cover is lovely too?! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you <a href="http://www.pocketjeunesse.fr/livres-jeunesse/livres/collection-13-ans-et-plus/nil-2/">Pocket Jeunessee</a> for bring NIL to French readers!!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm so incredibly honored and thrilled that NIL has been translated into both French & Turkish. More to come...:) So much love for the #NILtribe everywhere!!!!:)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Tuesday!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
xo</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lynne</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Lynne Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18415839149588934992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422543325363220597.post-90064709178348752662016-02-04T11:00:00.000-05:002016-02-04T11:00:06.209-05:00Hello 2016Yes, it's February. And I haven't posted since December.<br />
<br />
I blame ARROW.<br />
<br />
It's my newest obsession. :) I'm watching it with my 13 year old, and it's addictive! Oh, in case you need a visual: <br />
<br />
<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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v6QpWUWoMHU/VrNoH5AzMsI/AAAAAAAABbw/wNx3GhtuCzc/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v6QpWUWoMHU/VrNoH5AzMsI/AAAAAAAABbw/wNx3GhtuCzc/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">*piercing stare*<br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Need another?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I got you.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8s1pEdAfQg/VrNoQEnCQrI/AAAAAAAABb4/jSdvcLz7epM/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8s1pEdAfQg/VrNoQEnCQrI/AAAAAAAABb4/jSdvcLz7epM/s400/Unknown-1.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No words.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I think I've made my case.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I LOVE ARROW. Seriously, not just Stephen Amell, but the whole cast. Felicity, Dig, etc. And I LOVE THE STORYLINE. It's so my thing.<br />
<br />
But what else am I up to this spring?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
SCHOOL VISITS! </div>
<br />
I'm all about the school visits, because NIL is a Florida Teen Reads Nominee, so I'm visiting as many students as I can...hoping to inspire readers and writers alike. I have at least one visit a week until May, and any weeks are packed! But what else am I doing?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>GEARING UP FOR THE RELEASE OF NIL ON FIRE!!!!</b></div>
<br />
<br />
Tick tock...the island lives. Only three months until NIL ON FIRE.<br />
<br />
Repeat.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>NIL ON FIRE comes out in THREE MONTHS. </i><br />
<br />
THREE MONTH until ALL THE FIYAH!!!!<br />
<br />
WOOHOO! I've got so many fun things planned for the #NILtribe! A pre-order contest, pre-order goodies, and short characters stories on Wattpad.:)<br />
<br />
Stay tuned!:)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">WRITING.</span></div>
<br />
Always writing, right?:)<br />
<br />
But writing <i>what</i>? You know I've finished NIL ON FIRE. (Sometimes I have to pinch myself--to remind myself this is true.) I've finished <i>a trilogy.</i> 3 books, 6 years of work.<br />
<br />
I honesty can't believe it.<br />
<br />
I started my Nil journey in February of 2010--that's when I first put word one on paper. And now it's going to end in May of 2016. A surreal feeling. Bittersweet, too. But also, weirdly liberating and exciting. I've had my head in the Nil world for six years, and now I'm done, at least writing the last books. I'm not really done--I have so much Nil goodness in the works as we gear up for NOF! Plus, it will forever be a part of me, and I love it and am SO proud of the Nil series. I can't wait for y'all to read NIL ON FIRE.<br />
<br />
SO MANY FEELS.<br />
<br />
But now? Now I can write anything.:) I'm currently working on character sketches for NIL ON FIRE that will go up on Wattpad... plus I'm working on an old project, and two new sekrit projects. I'm so full of inspiration and shiny new ideas!<br />
<br />
It's super fun to spread my writing wings, so to speak. To try new things, to push myself. And I'm loving what I'm writing right now.:)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
READING.</div>
<br />
Recent reads: <i>Big Magic, Rook, Illuminae,</i> and <i>Zeroes.</i><br />
<br />
My TBR list:<br />
<br />
<i>The Winner's Kiss, Ice Like Fire, Passenger, Truthwitch, Riders, Titans, This Fractured Light, </i>and <i>A Court of Mist and Fur</i>y top my list. So many books! ALL THE BOOKS. I want to read them ALL in 2016!:)<br />
<br />
Next up on the very top of my TBR list?<br />
<br />
<i>A Darker Shade of Magic.</i><br />
<br />
What about you? What are you reading? What are you into?<br />
<br />
<br />
xo<br />
Lynne<br />
<br />Lynne Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18415839149588934992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422543325363220597.post-20396299388564118702015-12-01T17:44:00.000-05:002016-02-14T07:26:22.149-05:00#NILtribe giveaways this monthHey sweet readers--<br />
<br />
Just a heads up-- Three Big #NILtribe Giveaways are happening this month!!!<br />
<br />
(1) Facebook: Starting today, a giveaway is happening on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LynneMatsonBooks/timeline">Facebook</a>! To say thank you to my readers, <span style="color: #3d85c6;">I 'm offering 10 signed copies of NIL on FB</span>! Click for the link!:) And good luck!<br />
<br />
(2) Twitter: <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Tomorrow is a #WinNIL Wednesday</span>!!! Woohoo!!! I'll be giving away a signed copy of NIL UNLOCKED + a copy of Placid Girl by Brenna Ehrlich + a copy of Sara Raasch's ICE LIKE FIRE. Awesome, right? Go to <a href="https://twitter.com/LSMatson">my Twitter accoun</a>t for all the scoop!<br />
<br />
And...<br />
<br />
(3) Coming to Instagram this month? <span style="color: #3d85c6;">A 12 <strike>Days</strike> Books of Christmas Giveaway</span>!!! You can win 12 books by 12 YA authors.... Contest will run on IG only, for (you guessed it) 12 days. Stay tuned!!!<br />
<br />
So what do you think??/<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//giphy.com/embed/119aGasSRMPWfK" width="480"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://giphy.com/gifs/dean-winchester-supernatural-jensen-ackles-119aGasSRMPWfK">via GIPHY</a><br />
<br />
I totally agree. (I also adore Supernatural...see above pic for all you need to know.:D)<br />
<br />
Happy first day of December!!!!!<br />
<br />
xo<br />
LynneLynne Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18415839149588934992noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422543325363220597.post-60471787773620109102015-11-30T20:46:00.000-05:002015-11-30T21:07:11.020-05:00Thankful...for the #NILtribe, macaroons, and ALL THE BOOKISH THINGS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Whoa...<br />
<br />
November is almost over. CRAZY!<br />
<br />
This fall has flown by. I've toured with the <a href="http://yachicks.blogspot.com/">YA Chicks</a> (Christy Farley, Vivi Barnes, and Amy Christine Parker), visited dozens of schools, & participated in the Southern Festival of Books, all of which was AMAZING!!!<br />
<br />
Proof of #YAChicks Tour awesomeness:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-89SZCCHQ8jo/VlzjFSRTnBI/AAAAAAAABVk/NaaUqWvgjDs/s1600/FullSizeRender-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-89SZCCHQ8jo/VlzjFSRTnBI/AAAAAAAABVk/NaaUqWvgjDs/s320/FullSizeRender-7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Streetside in Nashville:)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TfVB7GkB4pM/VlzjHbMN7xI/AAAAAAAABV0/Xb4iDoGrQIA/s1600/IMG_7004.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TfVB7GkB4pM/VlzjHbMN7xI/AAAAAAAABV0/Xb4iDoGrQIA/s320/IMG_7004.PNG" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Official Tour Poster--WE WERE SO OFFICIAL</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OY5odIXmTOg/VlzjHzTMwyI/AAAAAAAABV4/z5dlqS8Axhw/s1600/IMG_7053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OY5odIXmTOg/VlzjHzTMwyI/AAAAAAAABV4/z5dlqS8Axhw/s320/IMG_7053.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">#YAChicks after an incredible school visit in Savannah!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TS44Wb8PQQA/VlzjG7rNl5I/AAAAAAAABVw/iYafaoOxU4M/s1600/IMG_7041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TS44Wb8PQQA/VlzjG7rNl5I/AAAAAAAABVw/iYafaoOxU4M/s320/IMG_7041.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and we ate macaroons. YES WE DID. ALL OF THEM.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And I went to FAME, which was beyond awesome.:) Evidence of FAME awesomeness:<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KiBP9xkFffo/VlzvGSgH5LI/AAAAAAAABWU/9loOt1BUzu4/s1600/IMG_7399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KiBP9xkFffo/VlzvGSgH5LI/AAAAAAAABWU/9loOt1BUzu4/s320/IMG_7399.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bookish goodness happening on schedule :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nCpJy75-uGo/VlzvG7ym2FI/AAAAAAAABWg/bVTkdi2Nuys/s1600/IMG_7439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nCpJy75-uGo/VlzvG7ym2FI/AAAAAAAABWg/bVTkdi2Nuys/s320/IMG_7439.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, we are hanging out with National Book Award Winner <br />
and all around super nice & talented Neal Shusterman. <br />
Mind. Blown.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GXRQcgD7H-Y/Vlzw2C6XJoI/AAAAAAAABW8/AAtrWaw8rUI/s1600/IMG_7414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GXRQcgD7H-Y/Vlzw2C6XJoI/AAAAAAAABW8/AAtrWaw8rUI/s320/IMG_7414.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The NIL Series!!! In this group!!! *dies of happiness*</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2-HJY08sALA/Vlzw1fRAbRI/AAAAAAAABW0/wqZeW6-wAdE/s1600/IMG_7418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2-HJY08sALA/Vlzw1fRAbRI/AAAAAAAABW0/wqZeW6-wAdE/s320/IMG_7418.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coolest Media Specialists EVER :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vot-VtyN1uQ/Vlzw1Qxv_4I/AAAAAAAABW4/WVaamQ7F4Sg/s1600/IMG_7437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vot-VtyN1uQ/Vlzw1Qxv_4I/AAAAAAAABW4/WVaamQ7F4Sg/s320/IMG_7437.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner partners! <3 them!:)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fVC6AuGYxQU/Vlzw2-e8brI/AAAAAAAABXM/PSVo1uQL0O8/s1600/IMG_7449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fVC6AuGYxQU/Vlzw2-e8brI/AAAAAAAABXM/PSVo1uQL0O8/s320/IMG_7449.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last night at dinner--so much bookish fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And this note from a reader made me teary:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XRWTM9PyO9A/VlzvHGLZcnI/AAAAAAAABWk/5ZpTLa3-ck8/s1600/IMG_7429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XRWTM9PyO9A/VlzvHGLZcnI/AAAAAAAABWk/5ZpTLa3-ck8/s320/IMG_7429.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And that my sweet friends, is why I write.:)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
FAME was so cool. Inspiring, and amazing.<br />
<br />
Like these cool students at Creekside High School, one of my recent school visits:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P42jippwi7g/Vlz6SLeVVZI/AAAAAAAABYQ/Nx5Vhdj46qQ/s1600/creekside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="269" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P42jippwi7g/Vlz6SLeVVZI/AAAAAAAABYQ/Nx5Vhdj46qQ/s320/creekside.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These readers? LOVE THEM! Amazing kids at Creekside!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'm constantly blown away by the love of the #NILtribe.:)<br />
<br />
And this month... the #NILtribe went international!!! NIL is now out in Turkey (where it's titled ADA), and the Turkish #NILtribe is AWESOME!<br />
<br />
Here are just a few of the breathtaking snapshots of #ADA my Turkish readers posted on IG:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Y6YUC0XvcE/Vlz4kRgPKUI/AAAAAAAABXo/kqTasbh4br0/s1600/IMG_7788.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Y6YUC0XvcE/Vlz4kRgPKUI/AAAAAAAABXo/kqTasbh4br0/s320/IMG_7788.PNG" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G8J6VfXI57Q/Vlz4kR2mi4I/AAAAAAAABXs/l95k9P2V2es/s1600/IMG_7792.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G8J6VfXI57Q/Vlz4kR2mi4I/AAAAAAAABXs/l95k9P2V2es/s320/IMG_7792.PNG" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L-erLmdWmd8/Vlz4ltdYWMI/AAAAAAAABYA/t6phrZ3nAtM/s1600/IMG_7794.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L-erLmdWmd8/Vlz4ltdYWMI/AAAAAAAABYA/t6phrZ3nAtM/s320/IMG_7794.PNG" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ullA6SFmYJM/Vlz4ldBK2bI/AAAAAAAABYE/L-x-HNi7w9k/s1600/IMG_7793.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ullA6SFmYJM/Vlz4ldBK2bI/AAAAAAAABYE/L-x-HNi7w9k/s320/IMG_7793.PNG" width="179" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-voE-pSM0Fpw/Vlz9WfGrlpI/AAAAAAAABYg/O0Vk0l4QusM/s1600/IMG_7797.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-voE-pSM0Fpw/Vlz9WfGrlpI/AAAAAAAABYg/O0Vk0l4QusM/s320/IMG_7797.PNG" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
THANK YOU TURKEY!!! *all the hugs*<br />
<br />
And the original #NILtribe? Still as wonderful and enthusiastic and AWESOME as ever! Books sell one book at a time... through word of mouth. And I'm so grateful for all the Nil love and support. The #NILtribe is AMAZING --you have made NIL UNLOCKED and NIL ON FIRE possible!!!!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">So this November, I'm sending the biggest, most heartfelt THANK YOU to all my readers who have shared their love for NIL with a friend or with the world</span>. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">THANK YOU!!!!!</span></div>
<br />
<br />
Like this cool video.:) Here's Ashley, one of my favorite Booktubers and original #NILtribe members, sharing her love for NIL:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/K9dWUVjiq2I/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K9dWUVjiq2I?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
Thank you Ashley!!!<br />
<br />
I'm so blessed to have the readers I do, and to say thanks? Next month (which starts in one day!) I'll be hosting a special <span style="color: #6aa84f;">12 <strike>Days </strike>Books of Christmas </span>book prize on Instagram, plus a #WinNIL Wednesday in two days!!!!<br />
<br />
Stay tuned, and THANK YOU FOR ALL THE NIL LOVE!!!!:)<br />
<br />
Oh, and guess what? NIL ON FIRE is only 6 months away!!! #ticktock<br />
<br />
xo<br />
LynneLynne Matsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18415839149588934992noreply@blogger.com0