tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4980897376126996052024-02-01T23:47:44.448-08:00Writing...and other life lessons Lesson - 14. Different isn't good or bad. It isn't a qualifier. It just is.Jodi Carmichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00744726333983892310noreply@blogger.comBlogger174125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498089737612699605.post-11534884920596964572023-02-13T08:11:00.005-08:002023-02-13T12:05:06.488-08:00Thank You Global TV and 680 CJOB Radio!<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiLq1GlrX8o-TgZFeieO77CKsmC-y5hv3I_I8xvuGn9neZjXZXYKlbOy3lba_m4Izijfys6GY4xfFxL-zjsDGJivQaygqw9Oz4AgR3ecvgkFQiI-kViZo6C8g00kJPM09_ZeHq5HY9s9rxCB0n-0-DUSYzMftD-Ml6J2srhWKWqzUB5rTaUS20jP_jbA" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="421" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiLq1GlrX8o-TgZFeieO77CKsmC-y5hv3I_I8xvuGn9neZjXZXYKlbOy3lba_m4Izijfys6GY4xfFxL-zjsDGJivQaygqw9Oz4AgR3ecvgkFQiI-kViZo6C8g00kJPM09_ZeHq5HY9s9rxCB0n-0-DUSYzMftD-Ml6J2srhWKWqzUB5rTaUS20jP_jbA=w257-h359" width="257" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><h2 style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What a few weeks it's been!</span> </b></h2></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I'd like to shout a big THANKS to both 680 CJOB radio and Global TV for including me in their I Love to Read Month series featuring Canadian authors. It was a thrill to be interviewed and discuss my book, <b><i>The U-nique Lou Fox</i></b>, ADHD, dyslexia and the importance of representation in children's literature.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">What that's you say? You missed the radio interview with Greg, Brett, and Laura? No worries, you can <a href="https://playlist.megaphone.fm/?e=CORU3696342061" target="_blank">listen here.</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">And if you missed the TV interview, you can <a href="https://globalnews.ca/video/9483008/i-love-to-read-month-jodi-carmichael/" target="_blank">watch it here</a>.</span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Please note: I did misspeak. Twice! Funny how your brain can go rogue under pressure. Something to let kids know happens to adults too! We make mistakes. Corrections: Dyslexia is NOT kryptonite and the teacher training takes a full day. </span></span></p><p><span><i style="font-family: helvetica; font-weight: bold;">The U-nique Lou Fox </i></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">is about a fifth grader named, Louisa Elizabeth Fitzhenry-O'Shaughnessy who has big, bold, audacious plans. She intends to become the youngest Broadway playwright in history, and the youngest Cirque du Soleil performer...but first she has to get through the fifth grade. Between ADHD, dyslexia, and a teacher who never gives her a break, school is never <span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>spec-tac-u-lar</b>.</span> She wishes her teacher Mrs. Snyder would disappear. She wishes her friends would stop interfering with the play she's writing. Sometimes she even wishes she wasn't about to be a big sister.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Then Mrs. Snyder gets sick. Really sick. And Lou gets scared. What if all her worst wishes come true?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This novel means so much to me, as my family is full of neurodivergent people who have faced their own struggles in school and personal relationships. And just like Lou, they also have dreamt their own big, bold, audacious dreams, using their unique talents and gifts. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: helvetica;">If you're looking for the resources I mentioned in the interviews, here's a list to get you started on learning more about being neurodivergent.</span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b><u><span style="font-family: helvetica;">ADHD:</span></u></b></h4><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://drhallowell.com/" target="_blank">Dr. Ned Hallowell</a> – “Board-certified child and adult psychiatrist and world authority on ADHD. He is a graduate of Harvard College and Tulane Medical School, and was a Harvard Medical School faculty member for 21 years. He is the Founder of The Hallowell ADHD Centers in Boston MetroWest, New York City, San Francisco, Palo Alto and Seattle.”</span></p><p><a href="https://www.additudemag.com/" style="font-family: helvetica;" target="_blank">ADDitude Inside the ADHD Mind</a><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> - Focuses on the experience of living with ADHD</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span><a href="https://matc.ca/services/adhd/" style="font-family: helvetica;" target="_blank">Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Service – Manitoba</a><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> – for children aged 6 through 17. “Families may self-refer through Child and Adolescent Mental Health Centralized Intake Service at 204-958-9660, however, a physician referral is required for psychiatric/medication consultation.” </span></p><p></p><p><a href="https://chadd.org" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">CHADD – Children and Adults with ADHD</span></a></p><p><a href="https://add.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Attention Deficit Disorder Association</span></a></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://howtoadhd.com/" target="_blank">How to ADHD</a> by Jessica McCabe and her <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/howtoadhd" target="_blank">Youtube Videos</a> are excellent. Highly recommend. This channel is excellent and very accessible. The content creator breaks down everything in a fun</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">, easy to follow, and understand way.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><u>Books:</u></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>ADHD 2.0</i> by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D. & John J. Ratey, M.D.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>Superparenting for ADD: An Innovative Approach for Raising Your Distracted Child</i> by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D. & John J. Ratey, M.D.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKOzhIVdptbPzOZifLrqnBbBZS4mV8ihBm10c20B_TwwA-NJlvnCbRR_4JsmtrFqXdEBhmodwLYyDnWIuCeFA5vtlhWLQ-0HpvMOF-J8tX50H9MVPBClNhVezu1v1r7uCYHBTdkrsZ4zRe4RcdAaUCK2g6rBtV2nhNpgVSXTbBUJvhWNJAkgrcNZN5w/s1920/daydreaming%20child.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKOzhIVdptbPzOZifLrqnBbBZS4mV8ihBm10c20B_TwwA-NJlvnCbRR_4JsmtrFqXdEBhmodwLYyDnWIuCeFA5vtlhWLQ-0HpvMOF-J8tX50H9MVPBClNhVezu1v1r7uCYHBTdkrsZ4zRe4RcdAaUCK2g6rBtV2nhNpgVSXTbBUJvhWNJAkgrcNZN5w/s320/daydreaming%20child.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Inattentive/distractible ADHD'ers are often often overlooked <br />and receive later diagnosis. <br />This happens often with women and girls.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b><u><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Dyslexia:</span></u></b></h4><p><a href="https://www.madebydyslexia.org/" style="font-family: helvetica;" target="_blank">Made by Dyslexia </a><span style="font-family: helvetica;">– “They are a global charity, led by successful dyslexics. They’ve built the world’s largest community of dyslexic people and our allies. Their purpose is to help the world to Learn Dyslexia: to understand it, to value it and to support it.” </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-gb/training/paths/dyslexia-training/?wt.mc_id=learndyslexia_learndyslexiagtm_content_cnl_csamw" target="_blank">FREE teacher training</a> to spot and support dyslexic learners. <b>This was developed by</b> <b>Made by Dyslexia in partnership with Microsoft. </b></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>One single day is all it takes to complete all 3 training levels below. But it’s enough to change a child’s life. And for you to change the world.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://youtu.be/ssxu75oUMBI" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Learn Dyslexia Campaign Film</b></span></a></span></p><p><a href="https://dyslexia.yale.edu/" style="font-family: helvetica;" target="_blank">The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity</a><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> - “Their mission is to increase awareness of dyslexia and its true nature, specifically to illuminate the creative and intellectual strengths of those with dyslexia, to disseminate the latest scientific research and practical resources, and to transform the treatment of all dyslexic children and adults.” </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://www.dyslexiachampions.org/index.html" target="_blank">Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba</a> – “Working together to champion the gifts, and support the needs of Manitobans with dyslexia.” </span></p><p><a href="https://www.dyslexiacanada.org/" style="font-family: helvetica;" target="_blank">Dyslexia Canada</a></p><p><a href="https://dyslexiaida.org/" style="font-family: helvetica;" target="_blank">International Dyslexia Association</a></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><u>Books:</u></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>This is Dyslexia</i> by Kate Griggs</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>Overcoming Dyslexia (Second Edition) </i>by Sally Shaywitz, M.D. (Codirector for the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity) and Jonathan Shaywitz, M.D.</span></p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVi1beTmAlzN_xJO6r8N1ygOqY7UIhy7pVRrqEE9KgfaqN-GheReJfB7UmLtWivJrOLynRwAbiVhYMeleg0aUd5AtDMyNTV-hzJ4wLGHKGUy2WvWlE1VYFvzlamFYhUvOQVpBr4rRqZ5ZraAJh24IYhv9OU3YmKwNwqsv-iTLuzaRHk9wKNe5vjTZIA/s1920/bird%20dictionary.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1920" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVi1beTmAlzN_xJO6r8N1ygOqY7UIhy7pVRrqEE9KgfaqN-GheReJfB7UmLtWivJrOLynRwAbiVhYMeleg0aUd5AtDMyNTV-hzJ4wLGHKGUy2WvWlE1VYFvzlamFYhUvOQVpBr4rRqZ5ZraAJh24IYhv9OU3YmKwNwqsv-iTLuzaRHk9wKNe5vjTZIA/s320/bird%20dictionary.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">1 in 5 students have dyslexia. <br />At least 80% of dyslexic students leave school without a diagnosis <br />or having had the proper supports to thrive.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">You can buy The U-nique Lou Fox online or at your local independent bookseller. </span></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/9781772782585/jodi-carmichael/the-unique-lou-fox" target="_blank">McNally Robinson Booksellers</a> is in Winnipeg and they ship worldwide!</span></h3><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p>Jodi Carmichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00744726333983892310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498089737612699605.post-14158820981284473962020-05-27T06:05:00.000-07:002020-05-27T06:05:47.331-07:00Why Art Matters<div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBryYyyEC_CQOGArZdo6Bx-6xzd22EBfDQ6_0zdaqCZEcWCZTav1Ew_DOrWckY8k3K8cKbls7aEEiWTRKStrHWjZfcJ26xrwQXUkdJvjbBNLqPsDiMSwcmKmvhnLU4JVX8U4c7UFilBXg/" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="596" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBryYyyEC_CQOGArZdo6Bx-6xzd22EBfDQ6_0zdaqCZEcWCZTav1Ew_DOrWckY8k3K8cKbls7aEEiWTRKStrHWjZfcJ26xrwQXUkdJvjbBNLqPsDiMSwcmKmvhnLU4JVX8U4c7UFilBXg/w399-h400/cottage+writing+2020.PNG" width="399" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favourite writing spot. On the whole of Earth.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div> </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">It's been more than a year since last I've blogged. In that time, my third book has sold well, I've visited schools across Ontario and Manitoba, celebrated the first I Read Canadian Day, and I'm now writing through a world-wide pandemic. Like so many, my life has been upended. Any publishing interest is currently on pause, waiting for the economic fallout as a result of closed schools, shuttered economies, and sick fellow human beings. </div></blockquote></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>Like many writers, I'm often overcome with the thoughts of, "What am I doing here? Why does it matter? There is so much at stake far greater than the words I write or don't write. People are dying. People are losing everything. Does my work, really matter?" </div><div><br /></div><div>Those are some pretty big thoughts. And I have worked them round and round in my head and heart. I've finally settled on the fact that <b>art in all its form unites, supports, inspires, and encourages. </b>It reminds us that we are connected to others, that living is a shared experience. That life must and will go on, although changed either temporarily or perhaps permanently. So, I will go on and write. I'll take this time to build my portfolio of stories. Fine tune and edit completed manuscripts. Work with my fellow critique partners and assist with their novels. Immerse myself in words and stories and continue to improve my craft. In doing so, I hope in some small way to help soothe the anxious worries of the children and teens who read my novels. Letting them know, that they are not alone in their struggles, even now when everything seems strange and often scary.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I wish you all good health, peace of mind, and hope for better days to come.</b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmV28Vtd5RfnNv0qfEPx6rHbx-w7YFxkQz13I64VIGvZbBkwfJs0xtb20bUeax3kwGeKR5hj9bt5zSD39VzuMrg9uHNuT0hXT-1pLWfimGm0AUzKAL6IDQ6Ax-aDDRwb-Wr7Jc9tS_6Dl/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="1242" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmV28Vtd5RfnNv0qfEPx6rHbx-w7YFxkQz13I64VIGvZbBkwfJs0xtb20bUeax3kwGeKR5hj9bt5zSD39VzuMrg9uHNuT0hXT-1pLWfimGm0AUzKAL6IDQ6Ax-aDDRwb-Wr7Jc9tS_6Dl/w400-h223/cottage+sunrise.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The simple joy of a sunrise.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><br />Jodi Carmichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00744726333983892310noreply@blogger.com1Winnipeg, MB, Canada49.895136 -97.138374399999989-3.7670594515756193 -167.45087439999998 90 -26.825874399999989tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498089737612699605.post-67232671801537761502019-05-08T05:48:00.003-07:002019-05-08T07:13:33.702-07:00Mid TD Book Tour Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyvMoLXNlsScqA7znuhIP6u_N_c6ATHOOVEmrQXvwDfMYsbOXKKskm3q2Kpj7i5253dZENjVaZrWV0O04c_u7rogEA7lg33zCnPEi5bCFMernmJ3ppyjcBqFOR4eDTvoKIH-U6d2RMCYT/s1600/Growing+a+story+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyvMoLXNlsScqA7znuhIP6u_N_c6ATHOOVEmrQXvwDfMYsbOXKKskm3q2Kpj7i5253dZENjVaZrWV0O04c_u7rogEA7lg33zCnPEi5bCFMernmJ3ppyjcBqFOR4eDTvoKIH-U6d2RMCYT/s320/Growing+a+story+cover.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lakewood Lakers!</td></tr>
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I am having the time of my life. No exaggeration. I've now been to five schools and delivered six presentations. I've shared <b>Spy-Like Writing Skills </b>and <b>How to Grow a Story from a Seed of an Idea to a Published Book</b>. I've answered hundreds of questions (only a slight exaggeration) from students in Kindergarten to Eighth Grade!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepFpZ-VwYJafLRrcmpFQfhzXexU2fC-qWjwGgs9_7b-AEZgs_GinLsmsKNRaphZwuZXIYzn5-iXVPxLk83AU5YyYKpGN5g9DjOPfuLxq7yRzdX-BtFUgWTpKsgaL26galvGsiLV0yByNL/s1600/Holy+cross+and+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="1600" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepFpZ-VwYJafLRrcmpFQfhzXexU2fC-qWjwGgs9_7b-AEZgs_GinLsmsKNRaphZwuZXIYzn5-iXVPxLk83AU5YyYKpGN5g9DjOPfuLxq7yRzdX-BtFUgWTpKsgaL26galvGsiLV0yByNL/s320/Holy+cross+and+me.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holy Cross Students and Me!</td></tr>
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I can't imagine how this tour could get any better, but today I visit two branches of the Burlington Library and will help a group of young writers prepare for a writing contest. After that I get to join a group of Brownies and Boy Scouts for an Author and Pizza night! (I hope they have pepperoni!)<br />
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Preparing for this trip, I felt waves of excitement intermingled with anxiety that would often make me think, <i>"What have I got myself into?" </i><br />
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Mid-tour my anxiety is low, my excitement is off the charts and I keep thinking, <i>"How lucky am I to have got into this program?" </i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqQeoUmrEtTJOcyQe9cWsfSjyL_x9fVfxG7MW8A6BpCXTZ74MFZOUBi_qvyOElJS0ayvv8tfWGVDKmcKRDU0NiXZ4TLX2t9Zko9WAQTIxQpycySfMvK_IMbzhy5jsbMBvHfuShyphenhyphenI2nVS9/s1600/Jodi+st+theresa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqQeoUmrEtTJOcyQe9cWsfSjyL_x9fVfxG7MW8A6BpCXTZ74MFZOUBi_qvyOElJS0ayvv8tfWGVDKmcKRDU0NiXZ4TLX2t9Zko9WAQTIxQpycySfMvK_IMbzhy5jsbMBvHfuShyphenhyphenI2nVS9/s320/Jodi+st+theresa.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spy-Like Writing Skills at St. Theresa's School</td></tr>
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Filled with gratitude and humbled by the response I've received from the students and staff at every school I've visited in Southern Ontario, <b>I continue across the province, feeling blessed and so proud to be Canadian.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfvbRCuo87-jovRzFsafBOg92rnFor11hjBpB65ETjQYcF3TwExvg_6cq56oX-bwBiO0fV5P8DsB9VCGROlSPLN948wW9nWy9K-JQwkv3EtGZBgBdKtAeJP_krVrSlqHmKXWUlaHp_a9D/s1600/lakewood+montage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfvbRCuo87-jovRzFsafBOg92rnFor11hjBpB65ETjQYcF3TwExvg_6cq56oX-bwBiO0fV5P8DsB9VCGROlSPLN948wW9nWy9K-JQwkv3EtGZBgBdKtAeJP_krVrSlqHmKXWUlaHp_a9D/s320/lakewood+montage.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Pal, Principal Van Laecke at Lakewood!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ViTgPem-TzI3lorIEVRlHHHT-AyUo7F1-4D1THlFI3DT7PYnKke8AMSyyPVJmiSVLfpgaVFqCqiXm05lLCY0N7v9GfT7FiGZKDKDBa7jyWAAfsDZb6BiVKH7eI2DrtWKTsGMrN2quqRT/s1600/Glen+Morris+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ViTgPem-TzI3lorIEVRlHHHT-AyUo7F1-4D1THlFI3DT7PYnKke8AMSyyPVJmiSVLfpgaVFqCqiXm05lLCY0N7v9GfT7FiGZKDKDBa7jyWAAfsDZb6BiVKH7eI2DrtWKTsGMrN2quqRT/s320/Glen+Morris+me.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
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Thank you, TD Bank for supporting this <a href="https://bookweek.ca/">program</a>, Canadian authors, Canadian literature and Canadian children. Thank you to the <a href="http://bookcentre.ca/">Canadian Children's Book Centre,</a> for selecting me to take part. Thank you to my mentor, actor, 1st Vice Chair of The Writers' Union of Canada, Award-Winning Author and friend, <a href="https://anitadaher.com/">Anita Daher.</a> Without you, I would not be sitting in the Holiday Inn in Burlington, surround by my books, preparing to finish my first book tour.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAeyftusQ3c_ThwRKSw7ZfBIXD7ev_xtV3mYwO7VPOSxJqTu5DTPmhyphenhyphenZ2_7PH6844Do0WBUqrA2leV_RVnZ_Pd-JfWl8s6-y6-bZKEbBfWKp36Q9-k9zxeBO4CtJlVz_LJwtx0uzt7EQV/s1600/Rae+Sophie+and+Jodi+at+St+Theresa%2527s+School.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAeyftusQ3c_ThwRKSw7ZfBIXD7ev_xtV3mYwO7VPOSxJqTu5DTPmhyphenhyphenZ2_7PH6844Do0WBUqrA2leV_RVnZ_Pd-JfWl8s6-y6-bZKEbBfWKp36Q9-k9zxeBO4CtJlVz_LJwtx0uzt7EQV/s200/Rae+Sophie+and+Jodi+at+St+Theresa%2527s+School.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More New Pals!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykLeHjwNQZlAnEPsLE344VE72FyJSA3PAnSLK8MGf0CzxXcrW_0bbjC3zAUw9XDpP0UT7VREFhFNrI62MDCxnBVYgIquOk37yX0zgS8cEq3MWV0Gn8a6dSa8JABtvrhiWmB8VGUVvU-x0/s1600/sacred+heart+visit.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="551" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykLeHjwNQZlAnEPsLE344VE72FyJSA3PAnSLK8MGf0CzxXcrW_0bbjC3zAUw9XDpP0UT7VREFhFNrI62MDCxnBVYgIquOk37yX0zgS8cEq3MWV0Gn8a6dSa8JABtvrhiWmB8VGUVvU-x0/s200/sacred+heart+visit.PNG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So excited to begin with the grade 3/4's<br />at Sacred Heart that I forgot to take pics.<br />So, here are the scraps of paper <br />I autographed and the school!</td></tr>
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Jodi Carmichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00744726333983892310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498089737612699605.post-30959909263142626172019-05-02T05:36:00.003-07:002019-05-02T06:17:26.138-07:00TD Canadian Children's Book Week Tour Approaches!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNO7mGBnE54hSDBxQQHynGUT3tnAt6mWT9tUJVnnHVjP_9U3VVZFRo2-6OGBRmScp2JRPmlGZpx8FwxL6MZhGm-oEVy2e-HhBdOtKA-BVqnv1FnailaVlGHk3CDCQZX9ZoP9uR0knDqf_r/s1600/FB+Creators++Cover+Photo+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="820" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNO7mGBnE54hSDBxQQHynGUT3tnAt6mWT9tUJVnnHVjP_9U3VVZFRo2-6OGBRmScp2JRPmlGZpx8FwxL6MZhGm-oEVy2e-HhBdOtKA-BVqnv1FnailaVlGHk3CDCQZX9ZoP9uR0knDqf_r/s400/FB+Creators++Cover+Photo+1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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The days are growing ever closer to the start of my tour TD Canadian Children's Book Week through southern Ontario. Beginning on Monday, May 6th, I'll be visiting Brantford, Burlington, Hamilton, Port Dover, Glen Morris, Oakville and Paris!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Presentation materials sorted</td></tr>
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My bags are nearly all packed, my presentations polished and now I impatiently wait for Sunday afternoon's flight to Hamilton.<br />
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I'll blog when possible, with updates on my journey and reflections of my travels, spreading a love of reading, writing and creativity.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TD Canadian Children's Book Week Road Trip 2019!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiQPL44dPEmt747Fa24sWGrDbrAcoGjWNBuZSQcJabuIzPg64cdpukoGLb7INMalnxpj2np7-7NEVer-qVRktjQbNPNAAC9oyR_VL2f8zs1nariVSApsaeRDlXHXPfQYL9Sbt1AW2jXAt/s1600/jodi+burlington+library.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="615" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiQPL44dPEmt747Fa24sWGrDbrAcoGjWNBuZSQcJabuIzPg64cdpukoGLb7INMalnxpj2np7-7NEVer-qVRktjQbNPNAAC9oyR_VL2f8zs1nariVSApsaeRDlXHXPfQYL9Sbt1AW2jXAt/s400/jodi+burlington+library.PNG" width="400" /></b></a></td></tr>
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<b>Two of my tour stops are at the Burlington Library. </b></div>
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<b>Very excited to work with these young writers</b>.</div>
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Jodi Carmichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00744726333983892310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498089737612699605.post-6168997057199447952019-04-05T08:12:00.002-07:002019-04-05T10:05:00.637-07:00Back to the Printer!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC892NdDoPp3kIoFE-D36SO5bgvzMTKS8nDbY5mwJbfgjD2pMV26nrslOzno8g3l0fZEaZns2ULcmg5hqibTO_omqDNU82LdZuxITjjaNwZqp4YGdC_1N9OM_tnxCX4MNscjaYpoQiU7xB/s1600/full+cover+FOS.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="784" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC892NdDoPp3kIoFE-D36SO5bgvzMTKS8nDbY5mwJbfgjD2pMV26nrslOzno8g3l0fZEaZns2ULcmg5hqibTO_omqDNU82LdZuxITjjaNwZqp4YGdC_1N9OM_tnxCX4MNscjaYpoQiU7xB/s400/full+cover+FOS.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This cover still takes my breath away.</td></tr>
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SO EXCITED! </div>
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<b><i>Family of Spies: Paris </i></b>is back to <a href="https://www.friesenpress.com/">Friesen Press </a>for a second print run!</div>
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Thanks to all who have purchased copies or have borrowed the novel from a library. Finding an audience is every writer's dream.<br />
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<b>AND it is now available in the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=family+of+spies+Jodi+Carmichael&ref=nb_sb_noss">United Kingdom</a> and most of Europe!</b><br />
<b>We're working hard on U.S. distribution. Inches away from a green light.</b></div>
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Happy Dancing around my house. Need to get my extra hyper out or I'll never get back to my current work in progress. These stories don't write themselves, after all.<br />
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<br />Jodi Carmichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00744726333983892310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498089737612699605.post-35234743627061353662019-03-20T10:23:00.001-07:002019-03-20T10:23:02.992-07:00Writing. Submitting. Chocolate Reward and Repeat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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And so the writer's life goes. This week it's all about putting finished work out there, waiting for replies on picture book, <i>NOT a Halloween Book</i> and writing through the messy middle of <i>Rise of the Dark Faeries</i> Book 2 in the Dear Warden Trilogy.<br />
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I've developed a lovely little pattern, where my writing breaks are now filled more with business matters such as submitting new work and marketing my published novels and less social media distraction. <b>(Stupid shiny internet and your endless maze of fascinating articles and rarely known facts.)</b> And of course, my chocolate rewards.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgat3tlyE-XE4rtKHH17iPfG8Am6kYHvmb8V_sFBQUwB2I4sNfV8aKSBG7oJAC9str5PrmfU8eYsX7PcJtt0VbI4vje9cN7EgqTeNgd_w2PFox5G2mJZpIe47ft_m7lZKN3pinxlIT7X3TZ/s1600/belgium+chocolate+bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgat3tlyE-XE4rtKHH17iPfG8Am6kYHvmb8V_sFBQUwB2I4sNfV8aKSBG7oJAC9str5PrmfU8eYsX7PcJtt0VbI4vje9cN7EgqTeNgd_w2PFox5G2mJZpIe47ft_m7lZKN3pinxlIT7X3TZ/s200/belgium+chocolate+bar.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmR9UBp8dnMTry6a6NQ863QqCjdSokOa3OiwbIVpbj1Gxgp7nZfgyjRULga-zjFsczob78ypRRf7WShXLN8mAu5c6H3RlUwFTznZWr4by2E8h2b7gjwpppcjOp4B1JPgwcz4N6c9upOdR/s1600/chocolate+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="296" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmR9UBp8dnMTry6a6NQ863QqCjdSokOa3OiwbIVpbj1Gxgp7nZfgyjRULga-zjFsczob78ypRRf7WShXLN8mAu5c6H3RlUwFTznZWr4by2E8h2b7gjwpppcjOp4B1JPgwcz4N6c9upOdR/s200/chocolate+bag.jpg" width="150" /></a><i><b>Because what is the point of </b></i><i><b>anything if there isn't sweet, sweet chocolate?</b></i></div>
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How do you stay motivated? </div>
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Always curious to see how others meet deadlines and stay on task.</div>
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<br />Jodi Carmichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00744726333983892310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498089737612699605.post-53534105747052794032019-03-03T04:53:00.002-08:002019-03-03T04:53:29.709-08:00Literacy Matters<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fantastic literacy professionals of the MRA.</td></tr>
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<b>Literacy matters. </b></div>
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<b>No one would deny that. </b></div>
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Without good reading skills, school becomes an increasingly challenging place for students. This weekend I had the great privilege to present to a group of dedicated teachers and librarians from across Manitoba at the <a href="http://www.readingmanitoba.org/">Manitoba Reading Association'</a>s General Board Meeting.<br />
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Their work focuses on classroom strategies, growing libraries and resources in remote northern communities, supporting international literacy crises and new initiatives like bringing <a href="http://nerdcampmi.weebly.com/">NERD </a>camp to Manitoba and so much, much more.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I take the most interesting photos...</td></tr>
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Do these volunteers work hard? Indeed. Do they love their work? Definitely. <b>If you are a teacher, should you get involved with the MRA? Without a doubt. </b><br />
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My thanks to Susan Hayward who invited me to discuss my school presentations and thanks to the group for asking great questions and making me feel so welcome.<br />
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Looking to get involved with The Manitoba Reading Association?<br />
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You can find them on<a href="https://twitter.com/mra_mb"> twitter </a>or visit their <a href="http://www.readingmanitoba.org/">website</a>.<br />
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Authors, you can contact them to join their growing list of recommended school presenters. <a href="http://www.readingmanitoba.org/speaker-directory-request.html">Click here to find out more.</a><br />
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<br />Jodi Carmichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00744726333983892310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498089737612699605.post-43618473821653997422019-02-22T14:56:00.001-08:002019-02-22T15:12:02.490-08:00Never Give up, General Byng Barons!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to go!</td></tr>
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Prepping for a school visit is no small feat. I like to customize my presentations as much as possible and if time allows, I include a student activity. I often head to the public library to check out books to share with the kids. I am willing to do anything and everything to support and foster a love of reading, writing and following creative passions--heck any passions!<b> </b><br />
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<b>One of the messages that runs through every one of my presentations is perseverance. Keep working to improve. Don't give up when times get tough. YOU CAN DO IT!</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Vq9cF3Xzu8X-iBNgLpIROapTPYmrishjeF4wu_Ln4E5iscwxl8WCRP552WddXnWRl25K0qMqVOe14CDOvwMtL4kVNTthwN97ntbScbKN4oVPqxbl__LBCh2hnOxDk2x-svzg5h34aOna/s1600/GB+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="1600" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Vq9cF3Xzu8X-iBNgLpIROapTPYmrishjeF4wu_Ln4E5iscwxl8WCRP552WddXnWRl25K0qMqVOe14CDOvwMtL4kVNTthwN97ntbScbKN4oVPqxbl__LBCh2hnOxDk2x-svzg5h34aOna/s320/GB+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A <i>Family of Spies </i>thank-you for the students.</td></tr>
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Today's visit to General Byng School, nestled in the "planet streets" in Fort Garry was no different.<br />
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This time I brought in books from Dr. Seuss, Judy Blume, J.K. Rowling and Kate DiCamillo.<br />
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<b>Today's lesson from these well-known authors: rejection is hard, but it doesn't have to define you nor does it have to defeat you. </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUr7ZRFbOq3DT7a12O88E3A8Vjeklf9Q0qRjPTpLJHZ6LU9fwmYAywLFVUgP4Gdyxh2rn7QSHwt06tZWh4Lb-ihh8KSbAsWrLHfOaUvFjpyF1gGwEJD92roQTuTJytnmJFAO1QcxSCRUg/s1600/mulberry+street.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1221" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUr7ZRFbOq3DT7a12O88E3A8Vjeklf9Q0qRjPTpLJHZ6LU9fwmYAywLFVUgP4Gdyxh2rn7QSHwt06tZWh4Lb-ihh8KSbAsWrLHfOaUvFjpyF1gGwEJD92roQTuTJytnmJFAO1QcxSCRUg/s200/mulberry+street.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>
Dr. Seuss was rejected twenty-seven times before he had <i>And to Think I Saw it on Mulberry Street </i>published. He went on to write a further sixty books.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSG8Eed5mLWLmdXZkuj2CQI3knTg8fEvzzW_ZI5rvbNZ2FnCJKooki2oSiWicXWSXvrUIHqrP3KH1Np9B7xFOzFb3kkY7Jv-VLFkJD6CBFxmEfPBn-ZaO70-BE8Mq-DLIqu3_LpsHxbac/s1600/are+you+there+god+its+me+margaret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="340" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSG8Eed5mLWLmdXZkuj2CQI3knTg8fEvzzW_ZI5rvbNZ2FnCJKooki2oSiWicXWSXvrUIHqrP3KH1Np9B7xFOzFb3kkY7Jv-VLFkJD6CBFxmEfPBn-ZaO70-BE8Mq-DLIqu3_LpsHxbac/s200/are+you+there+god+its+me+margaret.jpg" width="135" /></a><br />
Judy Blume had two solid years of rejection, then <i>Blubber, Frecklejuice, Are you There God, It's Me Margaret</i> enriched our lives. J.K. Rowling had twelve rejections and now the Harry Potter Series is one of the highest selling book series in history and the movies are the TOP selling series.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDXlYoy_33JvbL4qNoCThYpwGI9pvmSMtt6zLSXhY4ygITZUNY_9nMmE_iawd4z9p5XpoqaCTss7G-ii8TMkvxYcCAYe75wsyC-RjdO2PS8DMeYYXsHIOPW_Czn7sEttTFx7INIh_ZiD8/s1600/winn+dixie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1075" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDXlYoy_33JvbL4qNoCThYpwGI9pvmSMtt6zLSXhY4ygITZUNY_9nMmE_iawd4z9p5XpoqaCTss7G-ii8TMkvxYcCAYe75wsyC-RjdO2PS8DMeYYXsHIOPW_Czn7sEttTFx7INIh_ZiD8/s200/winn+dixie.jpg" width="133" /></a>But all awards for perseverance go to Kate DiCamillo. Rejected a whopping 473 times, yet she persisted. Now her books are classics. <i>Because of Winn Dixie. The Tale of Despereaux. Flora and Ulysses. </i>Thank goodness she didn't give up.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharing Spaghetti</td></tr>
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I shared my own experiences of rejections, rewrites and edits, followed by tales of triumph and success. The students listened intently, asked so many thoughtful and intelligent questions that they left me wanting to return another day!<br />
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<b>My most favourite question was one I often hear from the younger grades and when it gets asked, I know the students feel comfortable with me. I know it means I've done my job. It never fails to make me smile.</b><br />
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"How old are you?"</div>
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I smiled. "49."</div>
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According to the students and the gasps that filled the library, I am ancient. Beyond ancient.<br />
I am as old as their parents.</div>
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<i>****And a huge thank you to teacher-librarian, Mrs. Scibak for inviting me to the school. </i><i>It was the highlight of my week****</i><br />
<i><b>Go, Barons!</b></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pM6jv4GjYug68YkH2XLXpqhHi03WoRivqQ6bJBG0nLBuIpIVnH9wE-ZrwLxSvcCbr86QX7QB6qSvuFVcfQcHUjt6I_eQaZL0lVoby4S_-YJ3n2r17YCHoN61NfvUmmT4ieWshMDU34B_/s1600/GB+Thanks+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pM6jv4GjYug68YkH2XLXpqhHi03WoRivqQ6bJBG0nLBuIpIVnH9wE-ZrwLxSvcCbr86QX7QB6qSvuFVcfQcHUjt6I_eQaZL0lVoby4S_-YJ3n2r17YCHoN61NfvUmmT4ieWshMDU34B_/s320/GB+Thanks+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love Primrose!</td></tr>
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Jodi Carmichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00744726333983892310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498089737612699605.post-43552646669212545292019-02-21T08:30:00.001-08:002019-02-21T08:30:19.118-08:00I Love to Read (and write) - General Byng School!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCYH2H8yqC-UWDG8IoC35UGHDMny8_Xy88LgI4I0y2XcKHH7wO-Ld1KU3PB2K0oDF3rI8OHTuwcgm8KTCchKC6Segvu-E53mWRXJow_fgqA1RZ9eLYqzMEQxGAeG3uajXYt73VFWn4Jha/s1600/GB+prep+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1194" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCYH2H8yqC-UWDG8IoC35UGHDMny8_Xy88LgI4I0y2XcKHH7wO-Ld1KU3PB2K0oDF3rI8OHTuwcgm8KTCchKC6Segvu-E53mWRXJow_fgqA1RZ9eLYqzMEQxGAeG3uajXYt73VFWn4Jha/s320/GB+prep+1.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little something for the classrooms.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOoBkaV5DZiyx43GVXnGch7auU_8WoA-n9SuFVC31tmRiOPR58RTvarE_p4sUBJ13x5DJHunFob79fW47VEi4GrNFsVN-Degzz6p2OwpYbMYfKmtIcz5pJOrjJLH2AiJEI26qz91S855co/s1600/GB+Prep+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOoBkaV5DZiyx43GVXnGch7auU_8WoA-n9SuFVC31tmRiOPR58RTvarE_p4sUBJ13x5DJHunFob79fW47VEi4GrNFsVN-Degzz6p2OwpYbMYfKmtIcz5pJOrjJLH2AiJEI26qz91S855co/s320/GB+Prep+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How to Become a Writer<br />(In 12 to 14 easy steps...)</td></tr>
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I am supremely excited to be presenting to two groups of students at <a href="https://www.pembinatrails.ca/schools/generalbyng/Calendar/Pages/Default.aspx">General Byng School</a> here in Winnipeg.<br />
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Every year, I visit loads of schools and enjoy meeting students and teachers in each and every classroom, but tomorrow I am at my youngest daughter's school. She will act as my "Ambassador" and ferry me through the school.<br />
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She is handling it all very well. </div>
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She has yet to die from extreme parent embarrassment and as long as we don't bump into any of her friends, she will survive the day. </div>
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Jodi Carmichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00744726333983892310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498089737612699605.post-17024288297608593642019-02-14T13:49:00.003-08:002019-02-14T13:49:37.633-08:00Happy Valentine's, Galentine's and Dudentine's Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfBaPRSyLRde7aZmw4-7HKG13ofunDIJpKm8UcA4rvd68BELjWwSAKxMP3LcQMpaUONAyOTSyogXteyN9iXLNFfdYvr5EYbi6X4_3N7YcHa96oSRQ-3t3eVntfzLf8erAKNN1I3pt5ERq/s1600/jodi+valentines+day.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="383" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfBaPRSyLRde7aZmw4-7HKG13ofunDIJpKm8UcA4rvd68BELjWwSAKxMP3LcQMpaUONAyOTSyogXteyN9iXLNFfdYvr5EYbi6X4_3N7YcHa96oSRQ-3t3eVntfzLf8erAKNN1I3pt5ERq/s320/jodi+valentines+day.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sending you all a hug whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day with your sweetie or Galentine's Day with your BFF's! Not sure what it's called when guys send flowers or chocolates to their pals. </div>
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<i>Dudentine's Day?</i></div>
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Whatever you want to call it, three cheers to love!</div>
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And three cheers to tiny tin-foiled chocolate hearts!</div>
Jodi Carmichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00744726333983892310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498089737612699605.post-67717631099698273892019-02-03T11:09:00.002-08:002019-02-03T16:31:31.872-08:00To the Library!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCULTBIEeu27nAyfz4HJuL6xZrUjoulOlSYMjqRp829lyPEReyuhYUxEWhypEKPOjaZIZanq-QZIRMznwAvunAZ0tISqdCI5NuaheDwf6rUIWVKdCvw0F1Oo2jINs21KQDx1RTM5Z0jveT/s1600/CN+tower.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="593" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCULTBIEeu27nAyfz4HJuL6xZrUjoulOlSYMjqRp829lyPEReyuhYUxEWhypEKPOjaZIZanq-QZIRMznwAvunAZ0tISqdCI5NuaheDwf6rUIWVKdCvw0F1Oo2jINs21KQDx1RTM5Z0jveT/s320/CN+tower.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our Toronto Airbnb.</td></tr>
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<b>What a whirlwind trip. </b></div>
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I arrived at our Airbnb in Toronto at 1:00 a.m. with fellow author, pal and absolute perfect travel companion <a href="http://www.colleennelsonauthor.com/">Colleen Nelson</a>, and was out again by 7:30 a.m. to get to a full day in at the Ontario Library Association Super Conference.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcT91iJLNvPa7hdEuZW6oobB0u4pJSNuRKqom8O2CjdFUxS5FmKSQ_Frk3r9vPmibIURvCM-chi4qRBKcuJxalKquPLs6U3TFTld9dfymhudIXBcxo0GHNh57MixIdba0evFWlk1jPjOj/s1600/FOS+Cover+Final+Version.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1036" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcT91iJLNvPa7hdEuZW6oobB0u4pJSNuRKqom8O2CjdFUxS5FmKSQ_Frk3r9vPmibIURvCM-chi4qRBKcuJxalKquPLs6U3TFTld9dfymhudIXBcxo0GHNh57MixIdba0evFWlk1jPjOj/s320/FOS+Cover+Final+Version.jpg" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This cover created a lot of buzz,<br />
thanks to Relish New Brand!</td></tr>
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I met lovely authors, teachers, publishers and the reps from <a href="http://services.raincoast.com/scripts/b2b.wsc/search_results.htm?ht_orig_from=pgc&ht_search=family+of+spies">Publishers Group Canada</a>, the distributors for <a href="https://www.greatplains.mb.ca/product-category/yellow-dog/">Yellow Dog</a> titles. Bronte, Margot and Michael graciously hosted us in their booth and for a feverish twenty minutes I signed books and chatted to teachers and librarians about <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Family-Spies-Paris-Jodi-Carmichael/dp/1927855942"><i>Family of Spies:Paris</i> </a>and the school visits available through the TD Canadian Children's Book Week Tour.<br />
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<b>Key Conference Takeaways:</b><br />
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<li>Middle Grade. Middle Grade. Middle Grade.</li>
<li>Shorter Middle Grade is needed</li>
<li>Middle Grade Fantasy remains high in demand</li>
<li>Manitoba stories are being very well-received</li>
<li>Great Plains Publications has an extremely good reputation</li>
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<b>On a personal note:</b><br />
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<li>I need to produce more words if I want to grow my writing career.</li>
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To get those words onto paper, I plan to take my mobile office to various libraries around the city as I complete the first draft of my next book. I need zero distractions and household chores always scream for my attention, so beginning Monday morning I am off to the Fort Garry Public Library to write for the day. Funny. My love of literature is coming full circle. <b>When I was a child, we spent hours at the Fort Garry Library reading everything we could get our hands on.</b> In fact, years ago I wrote a piece about this for the publisher of <i><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Spaghetti-Finger-Food-Other-Lessons/dp/1939775035">Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food and Other Life Lessons</a></i>, Little Pickle Press. You can read that article here:<a href="http://www.littlepicklepress.com/featured-library-month/"> Featured Library: Fort Garry Public Library</a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Makes me think of that old John Denver song,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><a href="https://youtu.be/z1aRS1kY6CA">Back home again, I just can't wait to get home again...</a></i></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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrDeZgGpvEPjXuf9MKcwahLEyRp2rO4eHmNyzX1RdJm5YvLA3VrLgwRiL0yu8YljcBLJE94LEAc0QTb-uwa22K0aXILu4AG9ZmG5O1jv5eAtW2PHUr4dbWEDNZTSyWWvh765aRXEq3Zqo/s1600/FortGarryLibrary-500x280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="500" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrDeZgGpvEPjXuf9MKcwahLEyRp2rO4eHmNyzX1RdJm5YvLA3VrLgwRiL0yu8YljcBLJE94LEAc0QTb-uwa22K0aXILu4AG9ZmG5O1jv5eAtW2PHUr4dbWEDNZTSyWWvh765aRXEq3Zqo/s320/FortGarryLibrary-500x280.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort Garry Library.<br />
Library Sweet Library.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And finally, my deep gratitude goes to the <a href="https://artscouncil.mb.ca/">Manitoba Arts Council</a> and their ongoing support of Manitoba's writing community. Without their grant, my journey to Toronto would not have been possible.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIj25Vx1OklNvX394FFZQL-jlmP_4Oz-K1v_tcp3v_0YMl5Veen7c8r_nhQMr269fOfwOlgwIkoHM5eSIlzjvijb7fmD88jU3CnsBsaPWb6FQCtPfBLDspC3sUvk4SECkhlgD9yRlxKOc/s1600/thank-you-2490552_1920.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIj25Vx1OklNvX394FFZQL-jlmP_4Oz-K1v_tcp3v_0YMl5Veen7c8r_nhQMr269fOfwOlgwIkoHM5eSIlzjvijb7fmD88jU3CnsBsaPWb6FQCtPfBLDspC3sUvk4SECkhlgD9yRlxKOc/s400/thank-you-2490552_1920.png" width="400" /></a></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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSK7njEUwEUp0K2igFk54MceznqNf12BgEm7ktwSC9gnt3o3LeuPkv2ATVaLKzzCa_UaGjafv1f2F1aR2wvr5WyK78OCiQ2UsHByr92xrbx052F3u0E-IRVWVwB2EHgJQzPFpffgfMegR/s1600/td+canadian+book+week.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSK7njEUwEUp0K2igFk54MceznqNf12BgEm7ktwSC9gnt3o3LeuPkv2ATVaLKzzCa_UaGjafv1f2F1aR2wvr5WyK78OCiQ2UsHByr92xrbx052F3u0E-IRVWVwB2EHgJQzPFpffgfMegR/s1600/td+canadian+book+week.PNG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking to book an author? <br />
<a href="https://bookweek.ca/">Click here!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Jodi Carmichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00744726333983892310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498089737612699605.post-29238521442937017632019-01-19T12:45:00.001-08:002019-01-19T17:16:38.805-08:00Ontario Library Association Super Conference 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMcZA2LALtp6o0EHg1lK68Fe56uw3EaeKSfWOg8JKUEnHiBdocpLEFVQXgSrrMn9uwuDddabMrt1EtL5EKc3IOvI4aS4VPZh-n2ucNRk2rpuwvWP0m8OpRljs-01phr7Ev0kzuwemmU7E/s1600/OLA+Superconference.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="1297" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPMcZA2LALtp6o0EHg1lK68Fe56uw3EaeKSfWOg8JKUEnHiBdocpLEFVQXgSrrMn9uwuDddabMrt1EtL5EKc3IOvI4aS4VPZh-n2ucNRk2rpuwvWP0m8OpRljs-01phr7Ev0kzuwemmU7E/s400/OLA+Superconference.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Look out people, Flatlanders are coming to <strike>town </strike> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>...erm... </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>to the Ontario Library Association Super Conference 2019!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Hmm. I need to work on the slogan. Doesn't roll of the tongue, does it. Maybe a song? A riddle? Or what about a limerick!<br />
<br />
Ahem.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Portage Avenue Collides with Yonge Street</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>by </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Jodi Carmichael</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>There once were three writers from Winnipeg.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>They really liked to pull your leg</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>But their jokes soon fell flat</i><br />
<i>Even rhymed cat with kitkat</i><br />
<i>And got bonked on their heads with a shillelagh. </i></div>
<br />
Think I'll stick to novels.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivla-eloY0V9_17P1fBqN3dKc5lqtML1zXnEdk59dVzGrDQIMj2RWlamSJVYTAc_UagdXSmH5qbKN80t7-L-mIGh0PaCnkkqYHiHz8Q_kQ2rKj1oCXdaTy9Z2v_5SlgplSwLTOVXnvojMh/s1600/Family+of+Spies+FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1036" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivla-eloY0V9_17P1fBqN3dKc5lqtML1zXnEdk59dVzGrDQIMj2RWlamSJVYTAc_UagdXSmH5qbKN80t7-L-mIGh0PaCnkkqYHiHz8Q_kQ2rKj1oCXdaTy9Z2v_5SlgplSwLTOVXnvojMh/s320/Family+of+Spies+FINAL.jpg" width="207" /></a>Let me get straight to the point. Three Manitoba authors will be signing books at the <a href="https://www.olasuperconference.ca/">Ontario Library Association's Super Conference </a>the last week of January to showcase prairie talent and to represent publisher, <a href="https://www.greatplains.mb.ca/">Great-Plain Publications</a>.<b> <a href="https://anitadaher.com/">Anita Daher</a></b><a href="https://anitadaher.com/">,</a> award-winning author, presenter and The Writers Union of Canada Vice-Chair, will be arriving old school, via ViaRail. The second award-winning author to make the trek is a contender in the Forest of Reading once more, <b><a href="http://www.colleennelsonauthor.com/">Colleen Nelson</a>. </b>She'll be climbing aboard Westjet with me for a quick flight from Winnipeg to Toronto.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBYMqnCRGWAxWFzhVF_yr1O6uPbLWQ8L52PHWAFr_dQk0tkyrdeR1GHbCIIopafw8vIjG0Q2MJjWe8YsiJln7yOZOpaMPnCLo4nYNunSApNGxmqT6uRIEGLhsxxw9zpCE6EMhc1keM6Gw/s1600/ola+schedule.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="942" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBYMqnCRGWAxWFzhVF_yr1O6uPbLWQ8L52PHWAFr_dQk0tkyrdeR1GHbCIIopafw8vIjG0Q2MJjWe8YsiJln7yOZOpaMPnCLo4nYNunSApNGxmqT6uRIEGLhsxxw9zpCE6EMhc1keM6Gw/s320/ola+schedule.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I'm signing copies of <i>Family of Spies: Paris</i><br />at booth #421 on Friday at 10:30 am!</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWdK0ar42rS9KwMbLKfCHfMdanBcggRIYITHPuGAakZJVCcSApCrTvpkd7H48WBiL9GxiIab0TdJZIzAWv5rI4K_bVvJaxlOmar-dVlBYiTkyiIfTEMdQS3mnAoL5-YCwFvmgQAsALicC/s1600/marketing+materials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWdK0ar42rS9KwMbLKfCHfMdanBcggRIYITHPuGAakZJVCcSApCrTvpkd7H48WBiL9GxiIab0TdJZIzAWv5rI4K_bVvJaxlOmar-dVlBYiTkyiIfTEMdQS3mnAoL5-YCwFvmgQAsALicC/s320/marketing+materials.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next up: <i>Family of Spies: Paris</i> Bookmarks!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Are we ready? Yes we are.</b><br />
<br />
I am in full-on marketing mode:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Designing business cards</li>
<li>Printing marketing sheets for my presentations</li>
<li>Preparing a binder of speaker testimonials </li>
</ul>
I'm also mulling over questions like:<br />
<br />
*Can I bring back list books for teachers to look at?<br />
<br />
*Should I bring some sort of marketing piece - maybe a postcard with a blurb about my middle grade fantasy manuscript, <i>A Time of Peril</i>? Is that tacky or is that being a smart business person?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
*And of course, most importantly...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>what should I wear? </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I strongly feel a new outfit is in order. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nothing like new clothes confidence to set the day off right.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ38qIwnppjIZ5gko9vlYNrrNw5jsIVCBPYWva1uxGhCYa5-AuJgu1cTjc5ZSGGUHnPOwNwHEZY4nue7pKcEmpREijHj0rUlsY_wb456YSodkcT9vbqLn1t-m_ECub1cR6aGFI8I0ekkFU/s1600/girl-1424685_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="753" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ38qIwnppjIZ5gko9vlYNrrNw5jsIVCBPYWva1uxGhCYa5-AuJgu1cTjc5ZSGGUHnPOwNwHEZY4nue7pKcEmpREijHj0rUlsY_wb456YSodkcT9vbqLn1t-m_ECub1cR6aGFI8I0ekkFU/s320/girl-1424685_1280.png" width="188" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And now that I have my priorities in order it is back to writing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Rise of the Dark Faeries</b></i></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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jpqkwjlhg7zAJr34T1ldes9HpcTP8WbRYhs_Ru0gJTW_ZqaAQ4K52jQBr1r-p_orRzXBjoRYWF9xtOB3V6Ud_pv1dNpadcio1GliApEYcb3wgOU-0MtjsuPJAkATggWTNVchEgBuXUes/s1600/winter-3006823_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="974" data-original-width="1600" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jpqkwjlhg7zAJr34T1ldes9HpcTP8WbRYhs_Ru0gJTW_ZqaAQ4K52jQBr1r-p_orRzXBjoRYWF9xtOB3V6Ud_pv1dNpadcio1GliApEYcb3wgOU-0MtjsuPJAkATggWTNVchEgBuXUes/s320/winter-3006823_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spooky, yes? <br />
This middle grade novel follows <i>A Time of Peril</i><br />
and precedes,<br />
<i>Return of Dragons</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Please pop by, say hello and pick up some fabulous novels from Manitoba authors. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>We'll be at the Publishers Group Canada's booth #421!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Jodi Carmichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00744726333983892310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498089737612699605.post-83356625578640355932018-12-14T05:54:00.000-08:002018-12-14T05:54:13.070-08:00TD Canadian Book Week 2019!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-fI7vlXQoIaUlshyphenhyphenMWbfEP8tCF-58ro1UFsLk6dsZmN9-MPa-d-sQsqVx9B9lPMy9WZ7qY6JkjxMXKzB3rBLOyII4L-yQYzCMv6mkyMXZnUrJTn-sWmlvfnTUe0THMvVlquQEYYCA9I0/s1600/TD+BOOK+WEEK.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="1182" height="86" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-fI7vlXQoIaUlshyphenhyphenMWbfEP8tCF-58ro1UFsLk6dsZmN9-MPa-d-sQsqVx9B9lPMy9WZ7qY6JkjxMXKzB3rBLOyII4L-yQYzCMv6mkyMXZnUrJTn-sWmlvfnTUe0THMvVlquQEYYCA9I0/s320/TD+BOOK+WEEK.PNG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="469" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TeEsmnAf_qGaNmhiDNimC83g8wXhiR_fQs-GYgJkNrvO850xwlTqbDQTQHYcaR3qt8kyIt_AG2i30PSu2QLZNUVIJNd7kBkjgpxhW6qM8vb0Chf-jbAAtU1TOBKAHB_PfgoJ-0zMgTd3/s320/jodi+at+beaumont.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adopt an Author Program<br />Taking 75 grade 4/5's down the publishing path of<br /><i>Family of Spies: Paris</i>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TeEsmnAf_qGaNmhiDNimC83g8wXhiR_fQs-GYgJkNrvO850xwlTqbDQTQHYcaR3qt8kyIt_AG2i30PSu2QLZNUVIJNd7kBkjgpxhW6qM8vb0Chf-jbAAtU1TOBKAHB_PfgoJ-0zMgTd3/s1600/jodi+at+beaumont.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have extremely awesome news! I've been selected to take part in the <b>TD Canadian Children's Book Week 2019 and tour school and libraries in Ontario.</b> So very grateful for this opportunity. I love presenting nearly as much as I like writing. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><i><b>So, what is it all about?</b></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Here is a snipping from the Canadian Children's Book Centre's Page:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9p_fCpHh-S-RbLN-stnaEI_BUJxlxqIdKV8pUsrwTesO45-u5wJzBysdCtbwRs8mZggaiIwiti5SIkCIQIjEu5u7ujfjhxCn9vtKCaQ6n7SXWLU74gt_Hw0Add-BU1AD5qvbNg487npRh/s320/ecole+crane+school+reading+2012.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharing books I wrote at age ten, with ten-year-olds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9p_fCpHh-S-RbLN-stnaEI_BUJxlxqIdKV8pUsrwTesO45-u5wJzBysdCtbwRs8mZggaiIwiti5SIkCIQIjEu5u7ujfjhxCn9vtKCaQ6n7SXWLU74gt_Hw0Add-BU1AD5qvbNg487npRh/s1600/ecole+crane+school+reading+2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">TD Canadian Children’s Book Week is the single most
important national event celebrating Canadian children’s books and the
importance of reading. Each May, over </span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">400 readings</b><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> are given
to over </span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">28,000</b><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> children, teens and adults in roughly </span><b style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">175
communities </b><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">across the country as we make every possible effort to reach
children in more remote regions and communities. Hundreds of schools, public
libraries, bookstores and community centres host events as part of this major
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">literary festival.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When is it?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next TD Canadian Children’s Book Week touring program
will run from <b>Saturday, May 4 to Saturday, May 11, 2019</b>. Thirty
Canadian children’s authors, illustrator and storytellers will be visiting
schools, libraries, community centres and bookstores across Canada throughout
the week.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Who organizes it?</span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1381" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0g_YMzr4AeEWfHj6iH51vDCzX-q1l18Faj4xc5IRDqA5ZF1aoTeetvcEcp5gCHB3JSnvjM7OQxcsgEEk4Dg5q62ORCis2NwVYSC6LKvKD5dgT3yfbBGxphIq3Q4kM5Rk6YhIutR3Tinmo/s320/ecole+crane+presentation+group.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Using our Senses with Grade Three's.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0g_YMzr4AeEWfHj6iH51vDCzX-q1l18Faj4xc5IRDqA5ZF1aoTeetvcEcp5gCHB3JSnvjM7OQxcsgEEk4Dg5q62ORCis2NwVYSC6LKvKD5dgT3yfbBGxphIq3Q4kM5Rk6YhIutR3Tinmo/s1600/ecole+crane+presentation+group.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">TD Canadian Children’s Book Week is organized by the <a href="http://www.bookcentre.ca/">Canadian Children’s Book Centre</a>, in
partnership with the <a href="http://www.storytellers-conteurs.ca/" target="_blank">Storytellers of Canada/Conteurs du Canada</a>, and is made
possible through the generous support of <a href="http://www.bookweek.ca/sponsors">sponsors and funders</a>.</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>If you are a teacher, librarian or bookstore in Ontario, please visit the website. </b>I would love to meet you and your students and spread my love for reading, writing, and following our creative passions.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRCBzhZvzbEh9gf-RtKfI44SL03Ex9uy1y3dCybsODWyoC_qsVZtiUf2L0YRgDuEw3lipIQSaTBOZV3_Y0gbZfUZcjzaR16kcVsgomFKW1VhtTB4MZ3vNb5920hfOAmPeFO_ThYR9V0uA/s1600/Montrose+I+love+to+read+collage.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="643" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRCBzhZvzbEh9gf-RtKfI44SL03Ex9uy1y3dCybsODWyoC_qsVZtiUf2L0YRgDuEw3lipIQSaTBOZV3_Y0gbZfUZcjzaR16kcVsgomFKW1VhtTB4MZ3vNb5920hfOAmPeFO_ThYR9V0uA/s320/Montrose+I+love+to+read+collage.png" width="226" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food </i>with Grade One's</span></td></tr>
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</div>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Looking for reviews for <i>Family of Spies: Paris</i>?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"It is an absolute page turner, and I spent every spare minute I had reading it. My favourite character is Ellie, because she is really organised, however Ford and Gavin are really good as well! This review has been a great joy to write, and I’ve only just come back from being on holiday, and this is the first thing I’ve done. Congrats Jodi, and thanks for sending an advance copy!" <b><a href="https://mangobubblesbooks.com/2018/05/09/family-of-spies-paris-jodi-carmichael-reviewed-by-mango-bubbles-boy-12/?fbclid=IwAR3Lu2ETlkBGUmBMt9URz5ic_dR6RnmqT7rjY2dshoifzCmzAxvgxw5iElY">Mango Bubbles Books</a> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mango Bubble Books is a site where kids read, write and draw book reviews. No adults allowed!<b> The Guardian has called it "The most influential children's review site in the UK." </b></span></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dj2nZt1sTlG5HLHB8tVRORCxS0sR_c-n3md8Yv3nUzcSjq0KWr8bBftv-azQHJ3hrOmvpORpTzORJVKlt39lYmeRyPVYv2ss_7xVmdf55VAw76hpOvloj0V_W3Xx9OLT9kNxeCRiUD_D/s1600/LM+assembly+grouping.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="431" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dj2nZt1sTlG5HLHB8tVRORCxS0sR_c-n3md8Yv3nUzcSjq0KWr8bBftv-azQHJ3hrOmvpORpTzORJVKlt39lYmeRyPVYv2ss_7xVmdf55VAw76hpOvloj0V_W3Xx9OLT9kNxeCRiUD_D/s400/LM+assembly+grouping.png" width="311" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Presenting at an <i>I Love to Read Month</i> Assembly<br />to 600 Students, Staff and community members.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/vol24/no28/familyofspies.html">CM Review of Materials</a></b> Highly Recommends <i>Family of Spies</i> and awarded it a four out of four!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></i><br /><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></i>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">"</span><i style="background-color: white;">Family of Spies</i><span style="background-color: white;"> will grip readers from the first page and will not let go. While Carmichael has done her research and briefly ventures into the scientific realm of time travel and psychic ability, </span><i style="background-color: white;">Family of Spies</i><span style="background-color: white;"> forces readers to suspend their disbelief and just enjoy a really good story. Told in the third person, this time travel tale successfully immerses readers in the City of Lights during both the 21st century and WWII, highlighting the incredible food, culture, language, history and architecture. The WWII era scenes, complete with marching Nazi troops and flapping swastika flags, are replete with vivid description that captures all of the senses. Chock full of action, suspense, history and intrigue, </span><i style="background-color: white;">Family of Spies</i><span style="background-color: white;"> is a must-read with something for everyone!"</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Such a joy to race through Paris with brothers Ford and Gavin and cousin Ellie as during family reunion/vacation they discover not only that Ford is clairvoyant, but that through him they might solve a mystery swirling around their great grandfather's WWII service. The novel is fast moving-- literally! I mean, those kids never stop running! And eating, which made me crave French pastries something fierce. Jodi Carmichael effectively entwines humour with a truthful punch of history that will not only engage young readers, but also breathe life into a past that is just too important to ever forget. The novel ends with a very clear indication of the next adventure, the next in this series." <a href="https://anitadaher.com/">Anita Daher</a>, Vice Chair of The Writers' Union of Canada and A</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">uthor of </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Forgetting How to Breathe, Two Foot Punch </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and</span><i style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Itty Bitty Bits</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Speaker Testimonials:</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">"Our
goal for adopting Jodi was for students to see the hard work and determination
that it takes to get a book published. We wanted them to connect with the
author, but also the journey. As a teacher, it was heart-warming to see how
excited the students were when they knew Jodi was visiting. Jodi’s rapport with
students was confident and relaxed. Her presentations were organized and
included visuals and artifacts to make it personal for our students.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">At the book
launch, which was outside of school hours, almost half of the students attended
with their families. One student created a book trailer for Jodi and others
built an Eiffel Tower which she displayed at the launch. The impact Jodi had on
our students last year was lasting.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">I hope more
students across Canada can have the same meaningful experience as the kids at
Beaumont. " - Colleen Nelson, Teacher Librarian, Beaumont School</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">"As
part of our I Love to Read celebrations, we invited author Jodi Carmichael to
present her ‘Reading, Writing and Editing’ workshop to our Grades 2/3
class. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Jodi’s
workshop was well planned and at an appropriate level for the students.
From the outset, students were engaged as Jodi shared her experiences as a
young reader and writer in elementary school, even bringing samples of her
earliest work to share! The PowerPoint presentation that accompanied the
workshop included photographs and images that helped the students to make
connections with what Jodi was sharing. Likely, the favourite part was
when Jodi guided them through a writing activity, drawing on their five senses,
and using props to deepen their experience. Jodi modelled the writing
process through a shared writing activity, honouring the ideas and abilities of
all the students. This workshop built upon and expanded the work we have
been doing as a school to improve writing skills. Our students came away
inspired and excited about reading and writing because of this personal
connection with a local published author. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">I would
highly recommend Jodi Carmichael as a presenter!" - Trish Steadman, Teacher
Librarian, Ecole Crane</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
"Jodi visited 4 grade 4 classes, talking to them about being a writer and
encouraging them in the writerly life! She was well prepared, very at ease with
the students and full of excitement. As Jodi shared her story of becoming a
writer with all of us she certainly removed some of the mystery surrounding
writing and getting a book to the publishing stage!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our staff would eagerly recommend Jodi's high powered
and insightful workshop for any other school. As Teacher Librarian, I was very
pleased with the outcome of Jodi's visit and would certainly recommend her as a
presenter to other schools." - Claire Sutton, Teacher Stanley Knowles
School<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Jodi is a dynamic speaker with a natural ability to
encourage spontaneous participation while maintaining the students' attention
and respectful listening. She was able to very quickly adapt her
presentation when, minutes before the children assembled, she realized the
classes had not yet read her book.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I would definitely recommend Jodi Carmichael as a speaker
for diverse groups of elementary students to help with learning to appreciate
differences." - Karen Slippert, OTReg.(MB) Occupational
Therapist, Pembina Trails School Division<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Jodi Carmichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00744726333983892310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498089737612699605.post-21424731674406164042018-12-12T11:03:00.004-08:002018-12-12T11:33:18.654-08:00Leaping Hurdles of Self-Doubt <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUBg-4PtKWZvuTu-9bi7yNDBw8FxYhQY8vqOkOMSOzP2qXwT9Ym-ibhpVqvLwJxm9wBtgU21L27Z2E2IOOw7cZBubkU5QN2HS97XpqWY5Bjd76Bo2xE3lPlmyVRY6d4GsgLnduvlrT0OAP/s1600/lake+side+writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUBg-4PtKWZvuTu-9bi7yNDBw8FxYhQY8vqOkOMSOzP2qXwT9Ym-ibhpVqvLwJxm9wBtgU21L27Z2E2IOOw7cZBubkU5QN2HS97XpqWY5Bjd76Bo2xE3lPlmyVRY6d4GsgLnduvlrT0OAP/s320/lake+side+writing.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Writing here, writing there. Writing anywhere.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's a long and winding road..."dah-dah dah-dah daaaaah"... to the next book.<br />
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I hope you read the dah-dahs to the tune of the The Beatles song, <i>Long and Winding Road.</i> If you have no idea what I'm talking about, please follow this link: https://youtu.be/OIHEuYfDypg.<br />
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Now that I've dumped that song into your brain, let's talk about writing, shall we?<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEvvFQE719isCyq2MeIBxaaujdcKFHHOImjl-H1ASyLQbhbk8HKJt3CTQFrNwbar02pxZEsPZxQlEg0meXfo09By4Zrdgi5jjQ8iXeI9l1DwYD-bacI7DECZrMp3UvXWQzpBoOwq59t2G/s1600/laptop-3087585_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEvvFQE719isCyq2MeIBxaaujdcKFHHOImjl-H1ASyLQbhbk8HKJt3CTQFrNwbar02pxZEsPZxQlEg0meXfo09By4Zrdgi5jjQ8iXeI9l1DwYD-bacI7DECZrMp3UvXWQzpBoOwq59t2G/s320/laptop-3087585_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Worry. Anxiety. Self-doubt. <br />I am a master of all three. <br />I know what you're thinking. <br />Overachiever. </b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A writer's life isn't all J.K. Rowling's theme parks and Roald Dahl's movies. It isn't all writing from morning's first light, to the pitch black of midnight either. It is a daily routine of setting pen to paper, or fingers to key board and leaping over the hurdles of self-doubt. <b>Yes. Self-doubt.</b> Will my next book be any good? Will it find an audience or am I writing for an audience of one?<br />
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There's a saying in the writing community: <i>"You are only as good as your last book."</i> No resting on laurels over here in my big yellow house!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-Jb5FEwOSNc3Vqbkbf1tBuVjsKHTZkU1pB7dye0DEfmLUVo5buMvETrbCYT5u-z5ostHGYTjiBDICvpg30mUxfSqKdT3LSUSu1gtgQ3M0pZtRhPDe-dgrlympzkJEPYCUSV8G2ULQrHc/s1600/branch-2024359_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1280" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-Jb5FEwOSNc3Vqbkbf1tBuVjsKHTZkU1pB7dye0DEfmLUVo5buMvETrbCYT5u-z5ostHGYTjiBDICvpg30mUxfSqKdT3LSUSu1gtgQ3M0pZtRhPDe-dgrlympzkJEPYCUSV8G2ULQrHc/s200/branch-2024359_1280.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Pixabay says this is laurel. <br />It looks like holly to me.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So, I have chucked out all laurels and taken a good long running start and am jumping as high as possible over anxious feelings. I've now completed my next middle grade, <i>A Time of Peril,</i> and have sent it to an agent for consideration. Fingers crossed, he likes it. In the meantime I have promised myself not to stalk my inbox for his reply and am well into the book that follows it.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Here is the book blurb: </b><br />
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A
Time of Peril</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> is a humorous fantasy about
twelve-year-old Lizzie’s daring mission to rescue her confused tea-cozy-wearing
Great Aunt Bess imprisoned in the dungeon of an evil dark faerie queen in a
magical land called the Kingdom. Under the guidance of a two-foot-tall talking,
purple-suit-wearing spider Guardian named Sir Duncan, Lizzie adopts a feisty Staff
of Wisdom named Roofinius, a book of spells, evil-turned-sweet gnome-like
gnarfs, a young fellow junior-warden named Trevor and his shrunken Guardian,
Sir Leopold. Lizzie’s courage is continuously tested as they trek across the
Kingdom—facing fears and foes with hearts and minds set not only on freeing all
the evil queen’s prisoners, but the entire Kingdom as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tExyT3eaUC2EkLBEKP7rjIBTkSGvYrFiurKB5evKqpH0bwqVRJICoxcQPZlmtMTkchgYpfID1jdDkHJzsXPzI17uH_UHtAOHfDc-93TusW849wBGA1_fWKkK31Q32JhR-cDABFsuNn9O/s1600/a+time+of+peril+coming+soon.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="659" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tExyT3eaUC2EkLBEKP7rjIBTkSGvYrFiurKB5evKqpH0bwqVRJICoxcQPZlmtMTkchgYpfID1jdDkHJzsXPzI17uH_UHtAOHfDc-93TusW849wBGA1_fWKkK31Q32JhR-cDABFsuNn9O/s320/a+time+of+peril+coming+soon.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>And what's in book two?</b><b><br /></b><b>Leprechauns o</b><b>f course.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>"I'm afraid at failing at whatever story I'm writing - that it won't come up for me, or that I won't be able to finish it." Stephen King, Rolling Stone 2014 Interview </b></span></div>
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Jodi Carmichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00744726333983892310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498089737612699605.post-30276928303736795092018-05-05T09:54:00.002-07:002018-09-20T05:57:21.098-07:00Family of Spies Launched!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHY5GBaabO8QwJDIumry8HEwKfVhxNZMUi3D5n1wZMDvnWHe3y6XZfy4PH6RnNoBKXQt09ofB-GomDT7j4EkEBMsqjA325MlL4XB1N6ezhl-83agD7I01W4y-nMok7Iu3RGFyAzntKAkGF/s1600/Jodi+leaning+in+with+display+table+FOS+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHY5GBaabO8QwJDIumry8HEwKfVhxNZMUi3D5n1wZMDvnWHe3y6XZfy4PH6RnNoBKXQt09ofB-GomDT7j4EkEBMsqjA325MlL4XB1N6ezhl-83agD7I01W4y-nMok7Iu3RGFyAzntKAkGF/s400/Jodi+leaning+in+with+display+table+FOS+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>It's official! </i></b></div>
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<i>Family of Spies </i>has launched and will land on bookstore shelves over the next few weeks.</div>
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My thanks to everyone who came out to McNally Robinson Bookseller's to celebrate. </div>
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<b><i>What a party!</i></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamie and I. Excited. Nervous. Pens ready.</td></tr>
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Illustrator, Jamie Gatta and I, were thrilled to see so many students from Beaumont School. And of course I was proud to introduce Kennedy who created the awesome <i>Family of Spies'</i> book trailer, which you can view here: <a href="https://youtu.be/Wt9T0lpkXcU">Family of Spies Book Trailer</a>.<br />
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McNally's atrium was packed with kids, adults, friends, and family and looking on a sea of smiling faces, is something I will never forget. </div>
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<i>Family of Spies</i> was inspired by family lore that swirls around my grandfather's still-sealed World War 2 records and my cousins from across North America, including Hawaii, flew to Winnipeg for this event. We quickly planned a Winnipeg Crawford family reunion and re-introduced ourselves after decades of separation. Books aren't just about getting lost in a good story, they can bring families together! At least they are, if you are a <b>FAMILY OF SPIES!</b> </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous cookies by Prairie Ink.</td></tr>
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(See what I did there? Clever, yes?)</div>
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A huge thank you to McNally's launch staff who seamlessly guided the afternoon. You make every author, whether they've published one book or twenty-five books, feel like J.K. Rowling.</div>
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<i>Family of Spies</i> was completed on the day movers arrived at our home in Hertford, England to pack us for our return to Canada. While in England, I met two writers through The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and we formed a critique group called, The Streamers. (Named after our pub, The Millstream. Of course.) This novel would remain unfinished if it weren't for The Streamers. Alice and Louise graciously agreed to do my book launch introduction via video, and as expected everyone found them as funny, thoughtful, and amazing as I do. As they took us down "memory lane" of how we three met and worked so well together, my heart was full. I am happy to say, The Streamers has gone international, and we meet via Skype every three to four weeks to critique each others work.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two thirds of The Streamers: Alice and Louise from Hertford, England</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharing the writing journey of Family of Spies</td></tr>
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And then the presentation continued and in what felt like just a few minutes, I was signing books.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmck0YaszVO-FYBiaFONHvkAY292ZF9y4KDNfuRqqOEcALGyFMEM0Cq2XmRh2yB2pV34Nw3TCn5hTNzky9tuZ89kVMACfCqTcVxPWvLxdawOxOYtEIM-QjHE80fRWah9EUJkwwuoPBi4Pl/s1600/FOS+Book+launch+audience.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmck0YaszVO-FYBiaFONHvkAY292ZF9y4KDNfuRqqOEcALGyFMEM0Cq2XmRh2yB2pV34Nw3TCn5hTNzky9tuZ89kVMACfCqTcVxPWvLxdawOxOYtEIM-QjHE80fRWah9EUJkwwuoPBi4Pl/s320/FOS+Book+launch+audience.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signing, signing, signing. Smiling, smiling, smiling.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCcm6A-bGDpNxposzdPuL8_0rtkk4q4WxGhdiHjcVsO3YNlwd5K2Z-kQdQ1z9Y4bDN_o4kz9kJxiseXyCw7ifoV-6up1ws67R6BTA3xNfpfoSK8jBYA9NeI5fMIf2mhhHB13usmwrd0WS/s1600/FOS+Book+launch+table+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCcm6A-bGDpNxposzdPuL8_0rtkk4q4WxGhdiHjcVsO3YNlwd5K2Z-kQdQ1z9Y4bDN_o4kz9kJxiseXyCw7ifoV-6up1ws67R6BTA3xNfpfoSK8jBYA9NeI5fMIf2mhhHB13usmwrd0WS/s320/FOS+Book+launch+table+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">E.H. Crawford</td></tr>
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This day was made possible by Yellow Dog, an imprint of Great Plains Publications. </div>
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Thank you for all you do for Canadian writers.</div>
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And my<span style="text-align: center;"> thanks to my cousin, Jim Crawford of Newfoundland - our family historian. Thank you for helping me keep all our Crawford Harrys and Henrys straight. </span></div>
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Finally, I am extremely grateful that I am fortunate enough to write books and find an audience who enjoys the stories I create.</div>
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<i>Jodi</i></div>
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xx</div>
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Jodi Carmichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00744726333983892310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498089737612699605.post-53390359414264461902018-04-30T05:29:00.005-07:002018-05-09T07:01:38.693-07:00Family of Spies Blog Tour Schedule<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kUmYvq0W5tpX6Ds7pHW80VLce0QlQuS3rSowZBVgo_vMf0LWVwFdk481HMQoKXtLD5X6OPiBMgPw4UDB0gDhdaWK8qX5ZN14o-e7yswwIWJfJ34IWeUIfGtm3SjnWaQlAN5jjYpDEKCT/s1600/FOS+Blog+tour+banner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kUmYvq0W5tpX6Ds7pHW80VLce0QlQuS3rSowZBVgo_vMf0LWVwFdk481HMQoKXtLD5X6OPiBMgPw4UDB0gDhdaWK8qX5ZN14o-e7yswwIWJfJ34IWeUIfGtm3SjnWaQlAN5jjYpDEKCT/s1600/FOS+Blog+tour+banner.JPG" /></a></div>
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And so it begins! </div>
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So excited to start the tour for </div>
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<b><i>Family of Spies.</i></b></div>
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Won't you join me as I travel the Internet and visit bloggers across the globe?</div>
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<strong>April 30, 2018 – <a href="https://chaptersthroughlife.blogspot.ca/2018/04/family-of-spies-blog-tour-giveaway.html">Chapters Through Life</a> – Review</strong></div>
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<strong>May 1, 2018 – <a href="http://www.chapter-by-chapter.com/blog-tour-family-of-spies-by-jodie-carmichael-interview-and-giveaway/" style="color: #685b54; font-weight: normal;">Chapter by Chapter</a> – Interview</strong></div>
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<strong>May 2, 2018 – <a href="http://www.bookhoundsya.net/2018/05/giveaway-10-favorite-books-by-jodi-carmichael-win-family-of-spies-jodi_carmichael-ends-5-18.html">BookHounds YA </a>– Guest Post</strong></div>
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<strong>May 3, 2018 – <a href="https://bookschatter.blogspot.ca/2018/05/tour-spies.html" style="color: #685b54; font-weight: normal;">BooksChatter</a> – Interview</strong></div>
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<strong>May 4, 2018 – <a href="https://bookschatter.blogspot.ca/2018/05/Q-A-spies.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook" style="color: #685b54; font-weight: normal;">Stacking My Book Shelves!</a> – Interview</strong><br />
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<strong>May 7, 2018 – <a href="https://www.bellesbookblog.net/" style="color: #685b54; font-weight: normal;">Belle’s Book Blog</a> – Spotlight</strong></div>
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<strong>May 8, 2018 – <a href="http://writingpearls.com/" style="color: #685b54; font-weight: normal;">Writing Pearls</a> – Review</strong></div>
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<strong>May 9, 2018 – <a href="https://mangobubblesbooks.com/" style="color: #685b54; font-weight: normal;">Mango Bubbles Books</a> – Review</strong></div>
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<strong>May 10, 2018 – <a href="https://canlitforlittlecanadians.blogspot.ca/" style="color: #685b54; font-weight: normal;">CanLit for LittleCanadians</a> – Review</strong></div>
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<strong>May 10, 2018 – <a href="https://mgbookvillage.org/" style="color: #685b54; font-weight: normal;">MG Book Village </a>– Review</strong></div>
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<strong>May 11, 2018 – <a href="https://laurasbookishcorner.wordpress.com/" style="color: #685b54; font-weight: normal;">laura’s bookish corner</a> – Review</strong></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="https://www.amazon.ca/Family-Spies-Paris-Jodi-Carmichael/dp/1927855942/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525091306&sr=8-1&keywords=family+of+spies+jodi+carmichael" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1036" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfa_n5PvmltC5yOW3gF53f4gQlcqv9zrh76Fn9aUfzS6UX82rbz1tiQy4ZprSsFTn7S6u56bls4R1YU791BZKPRMYFjLcZ6ZiFpHhSV8h8xj-hOHphtPvnEzsGeOE4ZEUSyuWZm81H6Eql/s320/FOS+Cover+Final+Version.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="https://www.amazon.ca/Family-Spies-Paris-Jodi-Carmichael/dp/1927855942/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525091306&sr=8-1&keywords=family+of+spies+jodi+carmichael" width="207" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Family-Spies-Paris-Jodi-Carmichael/dp/1927855942/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525091306&sr=8-1&keywords=family+of+spies+jodi+carmichael">Available Now!</a></td></tr>
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It will be a busy two weeks. </div>
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<i>Hope to see you in the comments section.</i></div>
<br />Jodi Carmichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00744726333983892310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498089737612699605.post-63779025280948453762018-04-27T07:11:00.001-07:002018-04-27T10:56:56.454-07:00Fact vs Fiction in Family of Spies<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am currently creating a new website and will then have a separate tab for a Fact vs Fiction page for <i>Family of Spies</i> for easier access for readers. Until then, this is where you can find the details surrounding the background for my latest novel.</span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "parisish"; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;">FACT VS FICTION<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 119%;">Family of Spies </span><span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">is loosely based on the mystery revolving around my Rhodes Scholar grandfather, Edward Hugh Martin Crawford. He was a pilot with the R.C.A.F. and was awarded an MBE based on his involvement in World War 2. Eighty years later, the details of his military career remain sealed. Our family lore of code-breaking, secret missions, and connections to Bletchley Park, fueled my imagination when writing this story.</span><span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 119%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-style: italic; line-height: 119%;">Family of Spies</span><span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;"> blends truth with imagination. Here is a list of where fact and fiction met to create a story with verisimilitude. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "parisish"; font-size: 14.0pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;">CHARACTERS:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;">Edward Hugh Martin Crawford - born 1894 died 1972</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b><br /></b></span><span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3SUwV363Wy3vZst0rYpOVMKSpdfAIpb1I5a-dyStG0g4MBcY3eWRfEV6-lVbJdU66ia0IdP3hNijbN2CiD7DCZ1n40SfSWy1zTsnFlyeNGLJQWUfJ8yoo1ieq6o5jQ-eNzCRc7ZbhHAJ/s1600/eh+crawford+in+uniform.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="793" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3SUwV363Wy3vZst0rYpOVMKSpdfAIpb1I5a-dyStG0g4MBcY3eWRfEV6-lVbJdU66ia0IdP3hNijbN2CiD7DCZ1n40SfSWy1zTsnFlyeNGLJQWUfJ8yoo1ieq6o5jQ-eNzCRc7ZbhHAJ/s320/eh+crawford+in+uniform.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edward Hugh Martin Crawford Circa 1944</td></tr>
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<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">Fact:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">Born at Benton, NL he attended Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar for Newfoundland and received a BA degree in Jurisprudence, Bachelor of Civil Law, and Master of Arts. He moved to Winnipeg and was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1921. He was made a King’s Counsel in 1939, and during the Second World War, he served in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a Wing Commander and received the Member of the British Empire (Military) Medal. His war records remain sealed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">Fiction:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">His involvement with the Special Operations Executive (SOE) as a Spy Master.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;">General Carl -Heinrich von</span><span lang="en-CA" style="color: #281e1e; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;"> </span><span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;">Stülpnagel - born 1886 died 1944</span><span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">Fact:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">He held many posts in Nazi Germany and played a role in the “July Plot” – a conspiracy to assassinate Adolf Hitler— on July 20, 1944. The chief aim of the plot was to take control away from the Nazi party and seek peace with the Allies. General Carl-Heinrich von Stülpnagel stayed in Paris from 1942-1944. The assassination attempt was discovered and he was ordered back to Berlin to face trial for treason. He was sentenced to death and executed on August 30, 1944.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">Fiction:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">His meeting with SOE Agent Morah a.k.a. “Scout.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;">Sir William Stephenson – born 1896 died 1989<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">Fact:</span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">Master spy from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Code Name: Intrepid. Stephenson is believed to be one of the real-life inspirations for the fictitious master spy, James Bond. Stephenson was in charge of British Security Co-ordination in the Western Hemisphere, with headquarters in New York City. He set up an allied agent training centre near Oshawa Ontario called Camp X for infiltration into Nazi-occupied Europe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">Fiction:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Although our family if rife with rumour, his association with Edward Hugh Crawford, is a work of fiction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="language: en-CA; mso-ligatures: none;"> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "parisish"; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;">Jean Moulin – born 1889 died 1943<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 119%;">Fact:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 119%;">He was the leader of </span><span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">Armée secrète (</span><span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 119%;">French Resistance) and was captured in June 1943 when Germans raided a meeting of several resistance leaders. Moulin was interrogated by the Gestapo in Lyon and Paris and died, as a result of torture, on a train taking him to Germany. </span><span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 119%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">Fiction:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">His association with any characters in this book is fiction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;">Harry Crawford – born 1919 died 1990<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">Fact:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">Harry was Edward Hugh Crawford’s nephew and was a codebreaker in the (Royal Air Force) RAF at Bletchley Park during World War 2.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;">All Other Characters in the novel are fiction<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;">The Special Operations Executive<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">Fact:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">The Special Operations Executive was ordered by Britain’s Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, to “set Europe ablaze” in efforts to undermine German-occupied countries. The SOE’s primary task was to work with resistance movements, chiefly the French Resistance. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">Fiction:</span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">The SOE agents in the book are works of fiction, but based on research on real agents and the missions they undertook.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;">Physician Network<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">Fact:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">This was a spy network organized by British SOE agent, Francis Alfred Suttill (Code Name: Prosper). The network was controlled by the SOE and was its largest network in France. The Physician Network was compromised and destroyed by the Germans in the summer of 1943. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">Fiction:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">Any connection to characters in the book.</span><span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;">Female Agents<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">Fact:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Female operatives worked for the SOE and were trained to handle guns and explosives, memorize complex codes, organize munitions and supplies drops, endure harsh interrogation, and, in some cases, were in charge of thousands of men. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "parisish"; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: bold;">LOCATIONS:</span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;">Hotel Du France</span><span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fiction:</span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">It does not exist; however, the German military did take possession of any building they desired to use as interrogation centres.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;">Hotel Raphael<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">Fact:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">High-ranking officers of the German command lived in this luxury hotel. During the attack on Adolf Hitler, General Carl-Heinrich von</span><span lang="en-CA" style="color: #281e1e; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 119%;"> </span><span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">Stülpnagel and some of</span><span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;"> the other conspirators used Hotel Raphael as a headquarters.</span><span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">Fiction:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">It is not known if General Carl-Heinrich von</span><span lang="en-CA" style="color: #281e1e; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 119%;"> </span><span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">Stülpnagel resided in</span><span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;"> this hotel during his time in Paris.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;">Madame Bellerose’s house<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">This is a completely fictional home on a fictional street. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;">The Rental Apartment <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">The location of the apartment where Ford, Ellie and Gavin stay while in Paris is close to an actual rental location. When writing apartment scenes, I referred to photos of that apartment to capture details. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 119%;">Fact:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-CA" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">All other locations<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Jodi Carmichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00744726333983892310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498089737612699605.post-20620871439202604952018-01-06T07:42:00.001-08:002018-01-10T03:59:32.047-08:00Family of Spies Book Launch <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58HCyYjSlf6C3W5r0KzVSVNg8LEWytmZ1lspBzp9POqkwkaEr10XmS2MFEBDiZwwWyf3Wo0RZy6kNRwJ_fA0uM4lWL2dCS0_KAmC2T9fr67bhhiSPISTIEDZtNuuKIZljK0XJX4TtQN53/s1600/fos+mcnally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="259" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58HCyYjSlf6C3W5r0KzVSVNg8LEWytmZ1lspBzp9POqkwkaEr10XmS2MFEBDiZwwWyf3Wo0RZy6kNRwJ_fA0uM4lWL2dCS0_KAmC2T9fr67bhhiSPISTIEDZtNuuKIZljK0XJX4TtQN53/s400/fos+mcnally.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">It is official!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The <a href="http://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/event-16278/Jodi-Carmichael----Book-Launch#.WlDhjd-nHIX">McNally Robinson </a>launch date for my third novel </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Family of Spies</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>is set for April 29th at 2:00 p.m. </b></span></div>
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Please join me in McNally's atrium for a fun-filled afternoon. Of course there will be cookies, clues, and prizes! </div>
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<b>This is a family friendly event, with special guests from the Adopt an Author program at Beaumont School.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Family of Spies</i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, is a middle grade novel loosely based on the mystery revolving around my Rhodes Scholar grandfather, Edward Hugh Martin Crawford. He was a pilot with the R.C.A.F. and was awarded an MBE, based on his involvement in World War 2. Eighty years later, the details of his military career remain sealed. Our family lore of code breaking, secret missions, and connections to Bletchley Park, fueled my imagination when writing this story. </span></span>Back in 2013 when I began research for this novel, I wrote a blog post exploring my grandfather's life. You can read it by clicking here: <a href="http://writingandotherlifelessons.blogspot.ca/2013/01/the-queens-rum-runner.html">The Queen's Rum Runner.</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "pt sans" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>When cousins Ford, Ellie and Gavin, discover their great-grandfather was a rogue World War 2 spymaster, they must outrun MI6 and the CIA through the streets of Paris, relying on their wits and Ford’s newfound clairvoyant skills to unlock Great-Granddad’s spy secrets buried in the past. Great-Granddad hid something important to the war effort and these agencies want it back!</b></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">And finally, a huge thank you to my editor, Stephanie Berrington of Yellow Dog, an imprint of Great Plains Publications, for working with me to strengthen every passage of this novel. </span><br />
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Jodi Carmichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00744726333983892310noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498089737612699605.post-18257999905182441112017-09-23T07:04:00.003-07:002017-09-23T07:11:38.884-07:00Meet The Streamers!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6l2R8toubDtf5KBKheDzDhNUrPbAjyLM3KWNZrZ47N04kqqmP7ivVAkjkJjNDU_Op6ABbikU0qWTXzJnMUtSLOt1leBawFUtmARJb4Ka_hLXxOPf9VYzicNDEAeYv9StjOjB3gm0-Tz3/s1600/streamers+rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6l2R8toubDtf5KBKheDzDhNUrPbAjyLM3KWNZrZ47N04kqqmP7ivVAkjkJjNDU_Op6ABbikU0qWTXzJnMUtSLOt1leBawFUtmARJb4Ka_hLXxOPf9VYzicNDEAeYv9StjOjB3gm0-Tz3/s320/streamers+rock.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Writing is primarily a solo occupation and can be a little lonely at times. Writing groups build a community of like minded folks, people who truly "get" you.<br />
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When we moved to England in 2015, I sorely missed my Winnipeg writing group, <b><a href="http://anitafactor.com/">The Anita Factor </a></b>and already homesick, I soon became writer sick. I needed to find a new "tribe" with whom a could talk story and so I began a search for fellow children's authors. Within a few months, and my first British Isles SCBWI event at Hertford's Leaf Cafe, I found two writers also searching for a writing group. Kismet? Karma? Fate?<br />
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<b>Who knows, but from our first session at our local pub, <a href="https://www.mcmullens.co.uk/millstream">The Millstream</a>, we knew we had struck gold in finding each other and quickly named ourselves The Streamers. </b></div>
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<b>The Streamers:</b></div>
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Alice Hemming, Louise Morriss, and Me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlQHr5oFYh-Jbb7_a4eeuS73hlOYXMJoNm6uvyBFt26d9xrPcVoPa8CIeanx24gi3o1GxB6fPTAL0L4OG0-Pxuk6RtQROWzPMoon67PgM0nT0PChXaz3kkQ2O_uk0RYaXjIRXkTUjYNgG/s1600/Streamer+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxlQHr5oFYh-Jbb7_a4eeuS73hlOYXMJoNm6uvyBFt26d9xrPcVoPa8CIeanx24gi3o1GxB6fPTAL0L4OG0-Pxuk6RtQROWzPMoon67PgM0nT0PChXaz3kkQ2O_uk0RYaXjIRXkTUjYNgG/s320/Streamer+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;">Apparently, we are selfie-challenged. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhew6mRh_7xdiRr_feqYlQ7ZCyO0GwKknJxBz_aGrdaQdsxRPLWq9y0vCB4CGr3HQ_XMyHdyHNy9owXCoEL7wB59q7Z3q7AVc_IrkuGOQwcUM0XbeV4TjXU1gbW326xQeMHMfxzuVJBac3C/s1600/Streamer+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhew6mRh_7xdiRr_feqYlQ7ZCyO0GwKknJxBz_aGrdaQdsxRPLWq9y0vCB4CGr3HQ_XMyHdyHNy9owXCoEL7wB59q7Z3q7AVc_IrkuGOQwcUM0XbeV4TjXU1gbW326xQeMHMfxzuVJBac3C/s320/Streamer+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b> <i>P</i><span style="text-align: center;"><i>erhaps, it was the fizz.</i> </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2lsGn_UI1bJGXVBY8dpLai7Tb2b8FCx-TYNBpE-dbzqZF2Y8n1YoHORiqatvByW-WyOflJ5c6GbApH-_gi9SelBNdZUolIg4vdp9lPXkOk3sQs9iFhj9NMsOIUhRvMsXOmb0BkZljBgdP/s1600/Streamer+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2lsGn_UI1bJGXVBY8dpLai7Tb2b8FCx-TYNBpE-dbzqZF2Y8n1YoHORiqatvByW-WyOflJ5c6GbApH-_gi9SelBNdZUolIg4vdp9lPXkOk3sQs9iFhj9NMsOIUhRvMsXOmb0BkZljBgdP/s320/Streamer+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>We may not have been calm, but we carried on.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3WUXAziZUevCxs9jZEmuKYzEJFtChjfQONYjFDCatAx6iFB-S-NCswsbnDQDkg4leWUbjoJt4SPNbdA4ygBNldO94L0mqIZXpVO6YYJX7K5iSQqSPHhqxufOSIwxYaGewDufZUwF2lKZ/s1600/Streamer+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3WUXAziZUevCxs9jZEmuKYzEJFtChjfQONYjFDCatAx6iFB-S-NCswsbnDQDkg4leWUbjoJt4SPNbdA4ygBNldO94L0mqIZXpVO6YYJX7K5iSQqSPHhqxufOSIwxYaGewDufZUwF2lKZ/s320/Streamer+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Definitely the fizz.</i></b></div>
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Since then we have been to conferences together, workshops, agent meet and greets, and have completed many books together. Now that I have returned to Canada, The Streamers has gone international and we hold our crit session via facebook video. Technology is a wonderful thing.<br />
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Alice and Louise are two of the most talented writers I have met. Alice has NUMEROUS books published, with one more launching in April 2018! We had the pleasure of working on this book in our group and to see the initial illustrations and cover design is so exciting.<br />
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Louise is on the cusp of her first contract, with heaps of praise with her short listed entry in last year's Hook Competition through the SCBWI conference in Winchester.<br />
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<b>With another transcontinental meeting coming at the end of the month, I am counting sleeps until I can hear their lovely voices and laugh the day away. Together again.</b></div>
Jodi Carmichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00744726333983892310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498089737612699605.post-83262309219902077782017-09-13T09:29:00.001-07:002017-09-13T09:29:16.776-07:00I've Been Adopted!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTHHZ8TNgeg4Cv85dg45dL5swTEKMXNO-JhjmgDjScWp9pd0Ap4VwNo-3_EEOMU1YhjiKoIZMce2_HMwseRUKZ2yjGBi5YCmigvtI3jezAWHeVAX5fo0va7Dx4dctUzFECylHF9lowOvS/s1600/adopt+an+author.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="522" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzTHHZ8TNgeg4Cv85dg45dL5swTEKMXNO-JhjmgDjScWp9pd0Ap4VwNo-3_EEOMU1YhjiKoIZMce2_HMwseRUKZ2yjGBi5YCmigvtI3jezAWHeVAX5fo0va7Dx4dctUzFECylHF9lowOvS/s320/adopt+an+author.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
That's right. I've been adopted, but its not quite like it sounds. Beaumont School in Winnipeg, Manitoba has adopted me as their <b>author in residence</b> and I am beyond the moon excited.<br />
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<b>Beginning in October, I will visit the school on a monthly to semi-monthly basis to share the behind the scenes details of publishing my middle grade novel, </b><i><b>Family of Spies.</b> </i>Together we will journey through revisions, book designs, promotional considerations, more revisions, marketing decisions, final last minute revisions, book printing, culminating with the book launch.<br />
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I am so grateful to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/prairiebookings/">Prairie Bookings </a> for being so incredibly forward thinking and responsive and to <a href="http://www.colleennelsonauthor.com/">Colleen Nelson</a> who referred me to this author service. Colleen is the award-winning author of the following; Blood Brothers, Finding Hope, and 250 Hours, and many more! She champions fellow writers, always looking for ways to offer support and is a model of kindness.<br />
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<b>I cannot wait to meet the Beaumont students and introduce them to Ford, Ellie, and Gavin. </b></div>
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<b>A world of espionage, secret agents, and clairvoyance awaits!</b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHYTh4krwVy_hAYtYfi0s5IJZBWtKk05uWQUubaJxL1PjmzsKgUtFA9VhqtjoAFI73t-Ar3u1ZLty60gexKr7vc5cuBTfqwSlnQSVWmV3cRG5xtw7I7_p_crxTAOyU4iLXKs7vXVouCmW/s1600/spy+circle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1600" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHYTh4krwVy_hAYtYfi0s5IJZBWtKk05uWQUubaJxL1PjmzsKgUtFA9VhqtjoAFI73t-Ar3u1ZLty60gexKr7vc5cuBTfqwSlnQSVWmV3cRG5xtw7I7_p_crxTAOyU4iLXKs7vXVouCmW/s320/spy+circle.png" width="320" /></a><br />
<i>*Just found out one more school is interested in adopting me! </i><br />
<i>More deets to follow.</i>..</div>
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<br />Jodi Carmichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00744726333983892310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498089737612699605.post-64393985423864849452017-08-22T05:43:00.001-07:002017-08-22T13:35:12.417-07:00Judging a Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOn69SGZ0J1bTm7NjpAWKFLDshGqk-1Y0zTqkTNpBehz1Po9NL1UjEUMCsDxrK8p8m0EDjwvLIGp304IVJJtDXgqxk6bFmF5zA6RfVFkSTYXY3bxZPaqGtgQRcufoxo9h3L-e3rYot2U5R/s1600/book-1659717_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="1600" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOn69SGZ0J1bTm7NjpAWKFLDshGqk-1Y0zTqkTNpBehz1Po9NL1UjEUMCsDxrK8p8m0EDjwvLIGp304IVJJtDXgqxk6bFmF5zA6RfVFkSTYXY3bxZPaqGtgQRcufoxo9h3L-e3rYot2U5R/s320/book-1659717_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As I journey down the publishing road of <i>Family of Spies</i>, I have started to research middle grade book covers. Since readers do judge a book by its cover, getting this right is imperative.<br />
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Yesterday, I met with Winnipeg's <a href="http://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/home">McNally Robinson</a> who graciously shared their knowledge on what draws readers in, what sells, and the key features of an older middle grade novel cover.<br />
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<b>We found some key similarities in popular titles</b>. More often than not, the faces of the characters are not revealed, leaving more to the reader's imaginations. Certain colours seem to dominate: blues, purples, blacks. Mysteries do lend themselves to a darker cover after all. Each book title has a striking font which reveals a glimmer of the story's tone.<br />
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<b>These stunning covers topped the list:</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOE4r_GmIzFM1UYYpCXAw7w1CRCyrOLq8XVJ5SnYVitjYmdtqJxd9sk-gRZKtwWflC3IbMzZkR6E49A2goAqD95_-TNnRTWei8nIxuJmJ-PqXF5_RBiBwyK8LIaPVKlLZ4Z36r2h_ZmE-/s1600/mg+comparison+titles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="811" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOE4r_GmIzFM1UYYpCXAw7w1CRCyrOLq8XVJ5SnYVitjYmdtqJxd9sk-gRZKtwWflC3IbMzZkR6E49A2goAqD95_-TNnRTWei8nIxuJmJ-PqXF5_RBiBwyK8LIaPVKlLZ4Z36r2h_ZmE-/s400/mg+comparison+titles.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQj5goMw3GltduWv49J2NLO9KiqBavzqkvzQUKyatCB9TZFraR7RBeIqAAaPrrlbDOmL3Ln0BsbQGPSBZIueJHEh86sbxguaB_O1MFaCeDik0oWUtmDCaLFwrJ9PZz7Izaga4SHKX3JIk/s1600/mg+comparison+titles+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="729" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQj5goMw3GltduWv49J2NLO9KiqBavzqkvzQUKyatCB9TZFraR7RBeIqAAaPrrlbDOmL3Ln0BsbQGPSBZIueJHEh86sbxguaB_O1MFaCeDik0oWUtmDCaLFwrJ9PZz7Izaga4SHKX3JIk/s400/mg+comparison+titles+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>The Girl Who Drank the Moon </i>was our favourite. </div>
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I loved it so much, I bought it and can't put it down.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblcNephK681hNwGPIyxgaDxm5SkFVQ02LTFFXbeW9P0ZxhxSzxNjdQoCIPi5EqUk9GPZv23WeGzemrY_9vnfpVCkH6YlSDjoEs4TE-IJolNfgVeMU423dDEy7DpZy05YmiiF6xf9akYjy/s1600/The+Girl+who+drank+the+moon+drop+shadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="229" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblcNephK681hNwGPIyxgaDxm5SkFVQ02LTFFXbeW9P0ZxhxSzxNjdQoCIPi5EqUk9GPZv23WeGzemrY_9vnfpVCkH6YlSDjoEs4TE-IJolNfgVeMU423dDEy7DpZy05YmiiF6xf9akYjy/s320/The+Girl+who+drank+the+moon+drop+shadow.jpg" title="Our favourite" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b>Then I found these gorgeous books this morning:</b></b></div>
<b>
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</div>
</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGyOis8DpWSE-dLHGCk723DDXxAdOYFEcVFl1xq8ZcWdXFTBxAiDZOwSBVzQ4u18GLrlVuKFmqeueutFTPGvMNfzo5ygoCbFQ7G9TUUs1LWQAiOqQSEU9TGPEdULyb000gNbhwUfjGDSg/s1600/mg+comparison+titles+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="475" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGyOis8DpWSE-dLHGCk723DDXxAdOYFEcVFl1xq8ZcWdXFTBxAiDZOwSBVzQ4u18GLrlVuKFmqeueutFTPGvMNfzo5ygoCbFQ7G9TUUs1LWQAiOqQSEU9TGPEdULyb000gNbhwUfjGDSg/s320/mg+comparison+titles+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQ31Almzh2bItegnMmhv1ZXfNUOXo8Ml9dZGLFtW7ZybqwAM4BKrADpuMmwTltBgMjgwxbueXGcrE6eYZW-aJWDOHcupoTu-1NVGWTa_8pBG2MuVdXWK4GMwvXMilbiYldj8lTyCadsRT/s1600/mg+comparison+titles+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="445" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQ31Almzh2bItegnMmhv1ZXfNUOXo8Ml9dZGLFtW7ZybqwAM4BKrADpuMmwTltBgMjgwxbueXGcrE6eYZW-aJWDOHcupoTu-1NVGWTa_8pBG2MuVdXWK4GMwvXMilbiYldj8lTyCadsRT/s320/mg+comparison+titles+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have read many of these titles, and now want to read them all!</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>Which ones do you like best? </i></b></div>
</div>
</div>
Jodi Carmichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00744726333983892310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498089737612699605.post-15267583756511188682017-08-20T06:09:00.000-07:002017-08-20T06:09:21.145-07:00Family of Spies Launching Spring 2018!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDljQaFByG94-UUt3xstOEV3aKDvdSWiwO1LsBpBc7ZljGs_IKmI9Ae_gZAYLHNuQJOfYNruck77Kf92REwp5jfcgqqyaVdjAOglDXVcx3KUV3fsRp2L5LDfBvYS-ZFo01GbiannPSmgAt/s1600/fireworks-1993221_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1247" data-original-width="1280" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDljQaFByG94-UUt3xstOEV3aKDvdSWiwO1LsBpBc7ZljGs_IKmI9Ae_gZAYLHNuQJOfYNruck77Kf92REwp5jfcgqqyaVdjAOglDXVcx3KUV3fsRp2L5LDfBvYS-ZFo01GbiannPSmgAt/s320/fireworks-1993221_1280.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's official!</div>
<br />
<b><i>Family of Spies </i>will launch in spring 2018!</b><br />
<br />
I am extremely happy to have another book published with Great Plains Publications under their new teen and middle grade imprint, Yellow Dog Press. Partnering with editor Catharina de Bakker on <i><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Forever-Julia-Jodi-Carmichael/dp/1927855209">Forever Julia </a></i>was a dream and I can't wait to work with her once more.<br />
<br />
Soon I will start revisions, which will take me into November/December and in the mean time discussions around cover designs begin.<br />
<br />
Book covers are always important, but with this age group they can make or break book sales. This week I am meeting with <b>McNally Robinson</b> who have graciously agreed to discuss what makes a middle grade cover pop off the shelf.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Then to plan the book launch. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Spy theme? </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Yes please!</b></div>
Jodi Carmichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00744726333983892310noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498089737612699605.post-59123045000486215782017-06-14T09:36:00.003-07:002017-06-14T14:54:05.365-07:00Write to Write Another Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkbdVIlpichWeywGwfcFGRAPYRYDxPAwKgTQRv42-ZKtGDibBB0EugZyF1LF315iBUAbLnAcnhaHKrgjH5Tm0iYKVsIk421bP8Vag-HkFzOoCmhJ6fM7RyGhIwQ_RXMR-m9BumiJ-i7vP/s1600/typewriter-801921_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkbdVIlpichWeywGwfcFGRAPYRYDxPAwKgTQRv42-ZKtGDibBB0EugZyF1LF315iBUAbLnAcnhaHKrgjH5Tm0iYKVsIk421bP8Vag-HkFzOoCmhJ6fM7RyGhIwQ_RXMR-m9BumiJ-i7vP/s320/typewriter-801921_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Writing a book is thrilling and exciting, and at the same time an extremely difficult business full of rejection, critique, and struggle. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have often been asked, how I take a nugget of an idea and turn it into a bound novel. So today, I thought I would distill it down to;</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>The Creation of a Book in Seven "Simple" Steps:</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>1.</b> A writer combines their passion for words and storytelling with bits of their heart and soul to create a first draft. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>2. </b>To produce the best possible manuscript, a lengthy period of editing, rewriting, and revising follows. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>3</b>. With heart a' flutter that book baby is then submitted to editors and publishers to find a home. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>4. </b>Contracts are signed.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>5. </b>Further edits are completed at the request of an editorial team. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>6.</b> Cover reveal! Happy Dancing begins.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>7.</b> The launch. Happy Dancing continues. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUJ_FnROy0sRh84VdNh2Ldd98dz7cuwigQLytQb8ZuXJ8Ai7pKYmxxD4ZWtOiZnhONmUQrhdgcXrZUvctq7HuLPO-VykZs53Alj1iGuYMU_FHXfHNEKHgLgoJajrsM6wKhUykAtdSko4u/s1600/planet-2123873_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="1600" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUJ_FnROy0sRh84VdNh2Ldd98dz7cuwigQLytQb8ZuXJ8Ai7pKYmxxD4ZWtOiZnhONmUQrhdgcXrZUvctq7HuLPO-VykZs53Alj1iGuYMU_FHXfHNEKHgLgoJajrsM6wKhUykAtdSko4u/s320/planet-2123873_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><b>However,</b> </i><b>this takes time, patience, and an extremely thick skin</b>.<i> <b>Think Earth's crust magnitude.</b> </i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Not mentioned in the above process are the <b>rejections </b>that flood in. Sometimes it is tempting to quit under the weight of the "no's", the "sorry this is just not for us", or "we like it, but not enough to really get behind this project." Ouch.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>However, I am exceedingly stubborn and will not go silently into any good night (er' whatever).</b></span></span></span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></b>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">To combat rejection woes, I have developed a (mostly effective) strategy. Perhaps it will work for you. If nothing else, you may find it delicious. </span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></b>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Uyv-moXccbNBsuA38uEtR7Rzqw-UiepF3mCtA-YS7-hHB17sWMLg6uRmES0BjEv3GO9skpn80vRChGr61SMurelbNwgH-FIfXbtgldxFWdaIHwHIvTCh1fTMP8otV7Uvp3JYqFzxKO8D/s1600/NEver+Give+Up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Uyv-moXccbNBsuA38uEtR7Rzqw-UiepF3mCtA-YS7-hHB17sWMLg6uRmES0BjEv3GO9skpn80vRChGr61SMurelbNwgH-FIfXbtgldxFWdaIHwHIvTCh1fTMP8otV7Uvp3JYqFzxKO8D/s320/NEver+Give+Up.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Three steps to overcome writing rejection:</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>1. I repeat over and over again the following mantras:</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Real writers write, they don't quit."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Winners don't quit and quitters never win."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>2. I write to write another day: </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is more than just a clever sentence. I find the best way to assuage the sting of rejection is to write myself back in the game. Essentially, I write to renew my passion, pouring myself into a</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> new project. This creates the writing fuel I need to </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">continue.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>3. Chocolate:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Eat. All. The. Chocolate. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>What are your salves for rejection?</i></span></span></span></div>
Jodi Carmichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00744726333983892310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498089737612699605.post-32574820670537950722017-05-26T09:04:00.000-07:002017-05-26T09:05:33.429-07:00The Business of Writing<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbF9ZsimtFaRii2Ra-zjShm9fe8zOV63DYmPXmE-YWfN-rmFVcpAcXU-m4VGo6aX_8EzFyku0obIG1kGHlE8l1PBsnYooptt3U9WNOngRR44PofZ4aDoe4VypVdsXPCmUW0uTIfASVpi8i/s1600/Welcome+to+Zenaturine.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1600" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbF9ZsimtFaRii2Ra-zjShm9fe8zOV63DYmPXmE-YWfN-rmFVcpAcXU-m4VGo6aX_8EzFyku0obIG1kGHlE8l1PBsnYooptt3U9WNOngRR44PofZ4aDoe4VypVdsXPCmUW0uTIfASVpi8i/s320/Welcome+to+Zenaturine.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">See? Creating worlds is very cool.<br />Writing grant apps? Not so much.</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Being a writer isn't only about creating imaginary worlds and characters to explore them. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">It also includes tasks that range from writing grant applications to writing bios both lengthy and short and sweet. It also means perfecting blurbs, tweets, and elevator pitches to catch and hook the attention of readers, editors, and publishers. </span><br />
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">All of these efforts take creative thought into a different direction and help to promote both a writer and their work.<b> It is the business side of our industry and is as important to a writer's career as is writing the best book possible.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Today, I work on author bios for<a href="http://www.sourcebooks.com/"> Sourcebooks</a>, who purchased Little Pickle Press, the publisher of <a href="http://www.sourcebooks.com/store/spaghetti-is-not-a-finger-food.html"><i>Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food</i>.</a> <b>Author Bios are basically a humble or even not so humble brag about yourself and can be quite challenging. The goal, in my mind, is to encapsulate who you are, your writing style, and to pique interest in your work.</b> No worries. I have a fresh pot of coffee brewing and a chocolate reward waiting.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>This may need some work...</i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>You can purchase <i>Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food </i>by clicking <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Spaghetti-Not-Finger-Food-lessons/dp/1939775035">here</a>.</b></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5_jdKjf60YoDmKCrsCErQztUrTUZLHrzeFggcoYyYFYK1KrdRLzutsS-YRsWCnN4WSVWPgFffAH9DfAL_-9lz6YsXM3sD1RskEbbqczEVfJKZCLVQJqU95lZ_UNNyMeXoCf_XuroivML/s1600/connor+cover+clear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/Spaghetti-Not-Finger-Food-lessons/dp/1939775035" border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5_jdKjf60YoDmKCrsCErQztUrTUZLHrzeFggcoYyYFYK1KrdRLzutsS-YRsWCnN4WSVWPgFffAH9DfAL_-9lz6YsXM3sD1RskEbbqczEVfJKZCLVQJqU95lZ_UNNyMeXoCf_XuroivML/s1600/connor+cover+clear.jpg" title="https://www.amazon.com/Spaghetti-Not-Finger-Food-lessons/dp/1939775035" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>Jodi Carmichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00744726333983892310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-498089737612699605.post-16350438850407403932017-04-27T11:30:00.000-07:002017-04-28T08:16:39.455-07:00A Dummy Layout is Never Stupid<div style="text-align: left;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApyIv-gJ1uy_ItRgMrAVB6ZckASOiVRHJUkdGqzyJgzlcAvh-652X08N0ZpMR6ENyzOcHppQHN24IrNUEP1tOAvafycn1KMMgSyTLq_XEy_ZLU8yT8jIvzLsUsw1_CSfssKK5GNycqHOH/s1600/peaches+funny+neck+pic.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApyIv-gJ1uy_ItRgMrAVB6ZckASOiVRHJUkdGqzyJgzlcAvh-652X08N0ZpMR6ENyzOcHppQHN24IrNUEP1tOAvafycn1KMMgSyTLq_XEy_ZLU8yT8jIvzLsUsw1_CSfssKK5GNycqHOH/s320/peaches+funny+neck+pic.png" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Dummy Layout is Never Stupid.<br />
(I know. Lame joke. I couldn't help myself.)</td></tr>
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<b>This is Peaches. </b></div>
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Hopefully not the final version of this magic-wielding peacock, but it isn't half bad for someone who is drawing challenged.<br />
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I actually had quite a delightful time sketching Peaches into existence when creating the dummy for my picture book, <i>Peaches in a Peach Tree</i>.<br />
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Recently, I completed a graphic novel and comic books workshop and not because I thought, like Peaches, <b>magic would rain from me and I would suddenly be able to draw. </b>That would be insane. (Although, a tiny bit of me hoped I would acquire more than stick man drawing ability.)<br />
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I enrolled in this class, because I was curious to learn more about the craft and to discover if I could somehow turn my novels into graphic novels. The instructors,<a href="http://chasingartwork.deviantart.com/"> Justin Currie</a> and <a href="http://comicalchemy.blogspot.ca/">GMB Chombichuk,</a> were dynamic and inspiring and shared their massive amounts of experience and talents with us and I learnt too much to do the course justice on this post. However, what helped me specifically with creating picture books was the idea that a thumb nail sketch didn't have to be perfect. This was quite freeing and when I returned to Peaches, I let my pencil loose and I gotta' say...<br />
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<b>...maybe a little magic did happen today.</b></div>
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<br />Jodi Carmichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00744726333983892310noreply@blogger.com0