It’s been awhile since I’ve been late posting my blog. But here I am, keeping it real. LOL! What is making me late today? In a nutshell, there are a mess of things on my To-Wacko-Do-List.

In not particular order…

*The hubby had a small surgery last Tuesday. He’s recovering nicely, but when he’s home I have the worst time keeping track of time.

*Switching over to fall/winter gear is time consuming. Where did I put the hats? No, you can’t wear shorts to school anymore!  And of course anything that no longer fits the 8 year old goes into the “For the Cousins Pile.” STUFF EVERYWHERE!!!!

*And I know I’ve been saying this forever, but we’re still moving. It’s not the house we’d originally planned on, that deal fell through, but we’ve found a wonderful new house and *crosses fingers and toes* we should be moving in some time before I die. I swear. This whole moving thing feels like an Indiana Jones movie. There are hurdles and traps around every corner. (But no snakes please) Moving is not easy, I didn’t expect it to be, but it’s harder than I thought it would be also. I can’t wait to get to the part where I can simply settle in and be excited. In the mean time, I’m in purge mode. It’s like fall clean up on steroids. I’m trying to do a little bit every day to make the process easier. I am FIGHTING my procrastinating nature and like I said, I want to get to the fun part of this adventure asap!  Anyway, more to come about the move craziness as it gets closer.

*And running–I want to be running as much as possible in this weather because it’s perfect. No further explanation needed, but I will say one thing. Crunchy leaves. <3

*And dancing–it’s recital time. Extra rehearsals. Costumes. Trying to remember my dances eek! Always so much fun.

*Prepping for NaNoWriMo and my next WIP. This is a funny little book that’s coming together in my mind. *breathes a sigh of relief because it IS finally coming together* It’s just weird because it’s doing everything differently than my other books. It doesn’t give two figs about a playlist. Really? And it clearly has it’s own agenda. I may kick-off NaNo in the middle-ish of the book. Or maybe not. But I could. I still might. THIS BOOK!  And this WIP has weird demands about how it should be written stylistically. I don’t even know what it means, but I know I’m excited about it and I can’t wait to get started. In fact, if it wasn’t for NaNoWriMo kicking off, I’d be typing like mad right now. But I need a timeline for this crazy manuscript. *head thunk*  Yup, I’ve never done that before either.  I guess I’ll plan, the way this book demands I should, until Nov. 1st!!!

*Oh, and Halloween. Because if you have three kids, Halloween takes up a huge chunk of your existence–for weeks. LOL!

*And don’t forget all the time I spent checking out the new SCBWI website!!!!! You must go check it out and while you’re over there, don’t forget to sign up for the NY SCBWI Conference in February. It is so much fun and we can hang out!!!!

*And reading!!!! Oh, I am reading like a fool. I’m reading for information and inspiration for the WIP. I’m reading Veronica Roth’s ALLEGIANT. I’ve followed the series and I’m hearing all kinds of rumblings and unrest about the ending. So curious!!!! I want to find out what the heck is going on. (Before someone hits me with a spoiler) I’m also reading WONDERBOOK an illustrated guide on creating imaginative fiction. I’m fascinated by this book and it’s speaking directly to me about what I’m about to attempt to write. I love perfect timing. I love it so much I’m carrying it everywhere with me. Plus I’m reading a bunch of other great books in addition to having a heavy line-up of books in the wings begging for my attention. I love books. <3

Alright, you get the point, I’ve been busy and it’s with mostly good stuff so I’m not complaining, just explaining. But now it’s time to hear what you’ve been doing. What’s on your To-Wacko-Do-List? What are you reading? What are you cleaning? Are you prepping for NaNoWriMo? Fill me in…

Tags: dancing, drafting, Kim Sabatini, Kimberly Sabatini, moving, NaNoWriMo, running, SCBWI, Wonderbook, writing

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This month my Bookanistas Review is THE MOON AND MORE by Sarah Dessen. The great Sarah Dessen. The master of contemporary YA. I don’t need to review this book. It was awesome. But I want to add a little something. I want to talk about why Dessen’s novels strike a chord with her legion of readers. Her books are real and relatable. There are no fancy gimmicks to pull you in. You simply start reading and before you’ve realized it’s happened, you’ve dropped into the world of a real person. And you feel their feels. And that’s the key, isn’t it? Dessen makes you feel real things–and you become invested in her words and in her characters.

Read THE MOON AND MORE, but don’t just stop there. Read all of Dessen’s books. You won’t regret it.

Luke is the perfect boyfriend: handsome, kind, fun. He and Emaline have been together all through high school in Colby, the beach town where they both grew up. But now, in the summer before college, Emaline wonders if perfect is good enough.

Enter Theo, a super-ambitious outsider, a New Yorker assisting on a documentary film about a reclusive local artist. Theo’s sophisticated, exciting, and, best of all, he thinks Emaline is much too smart for Colby.

Emaline’s mostly-absentee father, too, thinks Emaline should have a bigger life, and he’s convinced that an Ivy League education is the only route to realizing her potential. Emaline is attracted to the bright future that Theo and her father promise. But she also clings to the deep roots of her loving mother, stepfather, and sisters. Can she ignore the pull of the happily familiar world of Colby?

Emaline wants the moon and more, but how can she balance where she comes from with where she’s going?

Sarah Dessen’s devoted fans will welcome this story of romance, yearning, and, finally, empowerment. It could only happen in the summer.

http://youtu.be/r84SvszclY4

Want to check out what the rest of the Bookanistas are reading? Here  you go…

• Kay Upperman is loving JUST ONE YEAR by Gayle Forman
• Christine Fonseca is delighted by BY BLOOD by Tracy Banghart
• Jessica Love is traveling with TIME AFTER TIME by Tamara Ireland Stone
• Nikki Katz is wow’d by THE SPECTACULAR NOW by Tim Tharp

What is your favorite contemporary YA novel? Why do you love it so much? Do you think YA Contemporary is making a revival?

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As I’m sure you’ve probably heard, in the writing world, there tends to be two kinds of writers. Outliners and Pantsters. Outliners pre-plan and organize their work to get the most out of their talent. Pantsters are those fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants creatives, who build their stories while their characters are whispering in their ear. There are ups and downs to each approach. Although most people will staunchly defend their drafting approach, I also think most writers will tell you there are positives and negatives to each style.

I’ve always considered myself a pantster. I’m allergic to outlines. Seriously, even with the book written–I have trouble writing the outline. *not-so-fondly-remembers-a-27-page-outline-while-on-submission* But this week there has been a revelation. I’m not a pantster or and outliner.

I’M A WEBBER!

What is this???

It’s that gray middle ground between pants and outlines. As I’ve been researching and brainstorming my WIP, I’ve come to realize that I don’t write without a plan, but my plans don’t look or act like outlines. They aren’t rigid and they don’t have a lot of structure. They look more like story webs, lists and thought bubbles. They are thought stew. They are bits and pieces of ideas I move around until a pattern of connections emerges. 80% of this happens in my head and about 20% of this gets scrawled on paper in a very messy fashion. (Mostly to indulge my love of notebooks) but also to ground the thinking process with the motion of the hand. I draw timelines. I dash out thoughts that interest me, even when I have no place for those thoughts in my current web. But I store them anyway, because I believe they might eventually belong–when I’m smart enough to understand my own story.

I’m a webber–plotting and planning in a pattern that is all my own.

Who are you?

Tags: drafting, Kim Sabatini, Kimberly Sabatini, outlining, pantster, plotting, webber, writing style

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HOLY GUACAMOLE!!!!!

TOUCHING THE SURFACE is out in paperback TODAY!!!!!

Where you can find it:

*Amazon

*Barnes & Noble

*IndieBound

Can you believe it’s been almost a year since I became an author? And even longer since I sold my first book and got an agent. Here’s a little walk down memory lane. Humor me–I’m nostalgic today. So in no particular order because that would add a layer of organization I’m not capable of, here’s just a few of my most fabulous moments between finding my agent and birthing a paperback…

Standing outside the Simon & Schuster offices.

Apocalypsies at the LA SCBWI Conference!!!

Meeting my agent (Michelle Wolfson) and editor (Anica Rissi) for the first time. <3

The Class of 2k12!!!!!

Came home from a run to find my ARC’s had finally arrived!!! Such a squee moment!!!

The ARC!

Authors, Simon & Pulse friends and Writer Buds at the NY SCBWI Conference. <3

Bookmarks!!! Thanks Jeff Fielder.

Bringing my book to the Golf Bag Holder (Eastern PA Poconos Mountain Retreat with Jodi Moore.)

First book I ever signed went to Laurie Halse Anderson. Love her.

This made it feel so real.

Loved participating in the YAmazing Race with my Apocalypsies!!!

First author event, even before my book was out. LOL! With my buds from the Class of 2k12. <3

Making friends at BEA!!! Lisa and Kim.

First BEA was even sweeter because I got to spend time with my fabulous agent. <3

Blogger love <3  Finally got to meet Erica!!!!

Joining YA Outside the Lines. 

It was a BEA Apocalypsie event of awesome.

Ummmm I got to hear JOHN GREEN!!!!!!!!!!!

Made amazing new blogger friends. Kim and Grace. <3

Hanging with Jay Asher at LA SCBWI–Dude, it was awesome.

Joining the Bookanistas!

Kimmiepoppins met Mary Poppins!!!! I met Julie Andrews!!!!

Signing my contract!!!!!! I AM GOING TO BE AN AUTHOR!!!

My book was at Bologna. Takes my breath away.

Wow!

My Yanni dance girls wearing TOUCHING THE SURFACE T-shirts. <3

Signing books at my book launch.

Good friends drove in from far away despite all the trouble with Hurricane Sandy.

Just an amazing experience.

Unable to thank my friends and family enough for their love and support on that special day.

More book launch at Oblong Books. I LOVE that bookstore and everyone in it. <3

Dad–there–even when he couldn’t be. The dedication.

On bookshelves in bookstores.

Kimmiepoppins finally gets a book launch in NYC after Hurricane Sandy delayed it. Mean Hurricane–awesome party.

Woo hoo!!! I got to speak at the NY Public Library.

I’m a fangirl–it’s A.S. King people!!!!!

I’m a fangirl–it’s Sharon Creech people!!!!

My first SCBWI faculty gig at the Eastern NY SCBWI Conference–where I got paid to talk with my hands about things I love.

Connecting with teen readers and making hedgehogs. *grin*

Loving on my writer mama, K.L. Going. <3 Wouldn’t be here without her.

And because you made it to the end of my reminiscing…you shall be rewarded with a chance to win a signed copy of the brand spanking new TOUCHING THE SURFACE paperback!!!!

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tags: Anica Rissi, Apocalypsies, ARCs, Barnes & Noble, BEA, Bologna, Book Launch, Bookanistas, Contest, Dad, dance, dedication, Golf Bag Holder, Jay Asher, Jeff Fielder, Jodi Moore, John Green, Julie Andrews, K.L Going, Kim Sabatini, Kimberly Sabatini, Kimmiepoppins, laurie halse anderson, Mary Poppins, Michelle Wolfson, Oblong Books, Paperback, SCBWI, Signed Copies, Simon & Schuster, Simon Pulse, The Class of 2k12, Touching the Surface, Wolfson Literary, YA Outside the Lines

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Sat down last night to watch the SYTYCD Season 10 Finale only to find a political scheduling snafu. WHAT????

Fortunately, there is an encore performance on Friday. *breathes into a paper bag* And although I will get to watch the second half of the show, I do already know who won. But that’s okay, I consider all four dancers winners. I loved them all. But win or lose, there was one dancer I really connected with and was rooting for this year, and I’m tickled that he was the under dog who almost didn’t make it on the show. *fist pump*

Aaron Turner IS my favorite dancer from Season 10!!!!!

I could watch him tap all day. I adore his personality and his ability to morph into any character, no matter what direction the choreographer has taken things. He’s like a live wire out there, but it was this quiet moment that became my favorite of the season…

http://youtu.be/rEriefMg9ac

The cool part was, I was just as moved by the emotion of Aaron and Kathryn AFTER the performance, as I was by what they did on stage. They often say that writing is like opening up a vein and letting it all pour out onto the page. Dance is like that too. And the lines of this piece were so blurred and raw it was surreal. And I can’t be remiss and not mention the brilliant choreography of Stacey Tookey. Fabulous.

Part of the attraction to this piece involves my writing. I’ve created a scene in THE OPPOSITE OF GRAVITY that should feel just like this. In my head this is what I imagined occurring between two of my characters. Ultimately, I can only hope my words are able to create the same power and emotion that Aaron and Kathryn did. And on a side note, after seeing their chemistry, I want them to fall in love, get married and make dancing babies. <3

But gahhhh!!! Now I can’t believe I have to wait a whole year for Season 11. To make the time go faster, lets keep talking about Season 10. What was your favorite dancer this season? Favorite performance? My second favorite was the Top Ten Boys–SAND. LOVED that one, but I have a gazillion more of course. And what about a favorite guest judge? I’m a huge fan of Jesse Tyler, Jenna Elfman and Anna Kendrick. Want to see more of them next season. Minnie Driver was pretty good, too. And of course Paula and Debbie are icons. Favorite choreographers?? That’s hard. I can’t pick. Can you??????

Tags: Aaron Turner, dance, Kim Sabatini, Kimberly Sabatini, SYTYCD, The Art Stimulates Art Series, The Opposite of Gravity

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Yesterday I wrote this whole post about how amazing it was that I’d remembered to write my post over the long holiday weekend. Usually I get all discombobulated and think that Monday is Sunday, but this time I didn’t. Yay for me! But the god of three-day-weekends had to mess with someone, so of course the server on my website went down and not only couldn’t I post the blog, but it didn’t autosave. *head thunk*

So, what did I write about? September. It’s September people–the beginning of my most favorite time of year. But I’m not going to write about that because even though you didn’t read the post, I’m bored with that now. That was yesterdays’ news. *grin* Instead, I’m going to tell you about my awesome writer friend, Lobsang Camacho, who translated the first chapter of TOUCHING THE SURFACE into Spanish for me. I thought you might like to see it. And although it’s been a really long time since I took my Spanish Regents, this is awesome and I love it…

TOCANDO LA SUPERFICIE

Por Kimberly Sabatini

(Traducción: Lobsang Camacho)

1

el otro lado de la superficie

Mi cuerpo golpeó el agua. Pensamientos se desperdigaron como un puñado de cuentas que han caído sobre un piso de madera. Jadie por aire y la corriente se precipito dentro de mí. Mi garganta ardía. Pánico, derrota, destellos de luz explotando en mi cabeza. Rendición. Me hundí suavemente… hasta que… dedos envolvieron mi muñeca, jalándome fuera del agua. En cuanto mi cabeza rompió la superficie, todo cobro sentido. Yo había muerto… otra vez.

***

Me encontraba al final del muelle que se internaba hacia el centro del lago, tocando con mis dedos mi amuleto de plata en forma de pluma de águila, colgando en el hueco debajo de mi cuello. La cadena estaba enredada en los cabellos cortos debajo de mi cola de caballo.  Estaba aturdida e imágenes destellaban frente a mis ojos. Recuerdos de Mel y de mis visitas previas al Obmil se precipitaban hacia mí, pero cuando se trataba de saber quien era yo en mi vida pasada, todo lo que podía distinguir entre la neblina de mi confusión era el hecho de que yo era una muchacha. Una muchacha y un fracaso.

—¿Samantha? ¿Eres realmente tú? —Mel respiró profundamente y sonrió, confirmando que sabía exactamente quién era yo.

Comenzaba a recordar ahora. Todo a mi alrededor se veía tal y como estaba en mis ultimas dos visitas. Yo, por otro lado, estaba asegurada a lucir completamente diferente. Pero eso no era inusual o problemático. Un alma en la vida después de la muerte era reconocible. Cuando llegas al Obmil en el último cuerpo que has habitado, no es realmente muy diferente a aparecer en una reunión familiar usando un atuendo distinto. Todos tenemos una esencia, una feromona que se antepone a la ilusión óptica del cuerpo que se esta usando. Me han dicho que mi alma huele un poco a madera recién cortada y chocolate oscuro.

Mel tomo otro respiro profundo y me sonrío, su cara calida y acogedora. Lentamente, el nudo de información en mi cabeza empezaba a desbaratarse. Había sido la mano familiar de Mel quien me saco del agua, fuera de mi tercera vida. Eso tenia sentido. Después de todo, ella me recibió en mis ultimas dos llegadas al Centro de Progresión Obmil. ¡Me lleva!- eso significaba que era mi tercera vez. Estaba atrapada.

Mel me estudio por un momento, luego bajo la mirada para anotar mi llegada en su cuaderno. Ella era fanática del periodismo, pero sospechaba que me estaba dando tiempo de adaptarme a mi situación. Su bolígrafo volaba a través de la página mientras hacia anotaciones. Podía imaginar sus comentarios acerca de mi futuro. Alma perdida-rápidamente dirigiéndose hacia ningún lado.

Pensé en ello por un momento, dándome cuenta de que ya no era Samantha. Ese había sido mi nombre en mi segunda vida, la última vez que tome una desviación hacia el Obmil. Podía sentir la piel entre mis ojos arrugarse mientras hurgaba en mi memoria. ¿Quien era yo esta vez?

En mi primera visita al Obmil, mis recuerdos habían sido como queso suizo: Emmental, para ser exacta. Había mas información presente que ausente. Como una Secundiza, las lagunas eran más grandes. Los recuerdos tardaron un poco más en regresar, pero con el tiempo se llenaron todos los espacios vacíos. Honestamente, casi había sido sencillo. No se necesitaba Ahondar en Primerizos o Secundizos.  Pero aún podía escuchar la voz de Mel advirtiéndome que recordar mi pasado no era mi primera prioridad. Se suponía que debía aprender algo mas profundo acerca de mi misma en el proceso para evitar terminar en el Obmil otra vez. ¿Por qué no lo había hecho entonces? Ser una Terceriza era humillante. Era como reprobar gimnasia por rehusar ponerse el uniforme. Pero así como me sentía tonta por estar en la vida después de la muerta de nuevo, también sabía que debía averiguar qué me trajo aquí.

La última vez, intenté hacer lo que Mel me recomendó, permitiendo profundizar aún más en uno de mis recuerdos, pero sentí como si frotar mi corazón contra un rallador de queso. En mi segunda vida,  mi esposo me había engañado. Repetidamente. Recordarlo fue suficientemente doloroso, pero entonces descubrí mi reacción hacia sus engaños. Pensé que podría cambiarlo. Pensé que era yo. Estaba convencida de que si podía mi empeño en ello, podría convertirme en lo que él necesitaba. Así que me quedé—en un despliegue de comportamiento patético—y él me dejó. Quise quitarme la vida y tal vez lo hubiera hecho, de no ser por mi mejor amiga. Ella me había salvado de hacer algo imperdonable.

Lo que aprendí del ejercicio fue que la introspección duele. Me había quitado el aliento. Nunca quise hacerlo de nuevo. Las cosas eran mejor en la superficie.

Ahora, de pie en el muelle, los recuerdos de mi vida pasada como Samanta pasaron de largo apresuradamente, como un tren pasando por la estación. Estaba tan absorbida en la presentación de imágenes en mi cabeza, que me olvide de respirar cuando mi memoria se quedo súbitamente corta al final de mi segunda vida. ¿Quien era yo ahora?

La mano de Mel me sujetó del codo y supe sin lugar a dudas que esta vez las cosas eran distintas. Estaba vacía. No había recuerdos significativos acerca de mi tercera vida en mi memoria. Todo era un enorme agujero en blanco. No sabía mi propia historia. Era la manera que tenia el Obmil de forzar la jugada, subiendo las apuestas.

—¿Samantha?—Mel agitó su mano en frente de mi rostro.

Sentí un tintineo. Una pequeña fracción de mi memoria se disparo en mi mente, como el pestañeo de una luciérnaga.

—Mi nombre es Elliot. Elliot Turner—respondí.

—Elliot… —repitió mi nombre, mirándome de pies a cabeza—. Eres más joven de lo que eras en tu última visita.

Abracé  mi cuerpo, intentando reconocerlo, y mas detalles empezaron a emerger. Apreté con más fuerza, tratando de reconciliar los cambios entre mi cuerpo como Samantha y la nueva yo: Elliot. Mis brazos y mis manos presionaron mi pecho y torso. Mi nueva figura no era una montaña rusa, eso era seguro. Asomándome al lago, encontré mi reflejo en la suave superficie del agua. Diecisiete años eran mucho menos que cuarenta. Estudie mi rostro. Era muy simple comparado con el de Samantha. Mi nueva apariencia era fácil de olvidar. Me di la vuelta y me alejé  del agua.

Mel ladeó su cabeza.

—¿Qué tal tu viaje?

—Mojado.

¿Sarcasmo? No estaba segura de donde vino. Tal vez era una pista de mi personalidad.

Mel se detuvo un segundo, ajustó su encrespada melena fuera de su rostro y rió. Cualquiera que llegase al Obmil a través del agua estaría completamente seco al salir. Era una de las ventajas de estar muerto. Había otras maneras. La última vez que había estado aquí caí del cielo. Causa de la muerte: accidente de avión a causa de  una falla mecánica. Afortunadamente, aterrizajes de alto impacto dolían tanto como entradas por agua mojaban.

Buscando la mirada solidaria de Mel, la realización de que era una Terceriza me golpeó como una ola. Sin pensarlo, me arrojé en sus brazos.

—No recuerdo nada en absoluto esta vez— los sollozos hacían brincar mis hombros. Recordaba mis primeras dos vidas, pero mi vida como Elliot parecía haber sido arrebatada, olvidada en algún lugar remoto, y nadie me había dado un mapa para encontrarla.  Hundí mi cara en la curva del cuello de Mel, donde su olor a lavanda y menta era más fuerte.

—Sshh…— Mel me dijo al oído—. Todo está bien. No hay nada de que avergonzarse. Se que creíste haberlo resuelto la ultima vez, pero traté de advertírtelo.  Se necesita más que solo tocar la superficie—. Me apretó el hombro y sonrió—. No te preocupes, no era tu tiempo. Además, si hubieses tenido éxito, no tendría la oportunidad de verte de nuevo.

Aspiré un par de veces, y me deje envolver en sus brazos, sintiéndome segura.

—La iluminación espiritual esta sobrevalorada— dije, separándome y encogiendo los hombros. Pensar en los recuerdos y emociones profundas dolía como si pasaran por un rallador de queso. Me estremecí—. No llevo prisa de todos modos. Estar aquí no es tan malo. Me quedaré contigo por un tiempo.

—Tú no quieres hacer eso —dijo Mel bruscamente.

La mire con sorpresa. Ella era normalmente muy calmada.

—Escucha, Elliot, se supone que no debo interferir mucho con la travesía personal de un alma. Soy simplemente una guía. Pero debes saber que hay consecuencias al quedarse por tiempo prolongado en el Obmil. Esta bien tomarte el tiempo que necesites al trabajar en tu plan de crecimiento espiritual, pero evasión eterna no es una opción.

—¿Que clase de consecuencias? —pregunté, notando como su tensa boca se estrechaba en una delgada línea.

—Digamos que las consecuencias serian infernales —dijo desviando la mirada.

—Acaso me estas diciendo que realmente existe el infier…—Mel me interrumpió lanzándome una mirada abrupta. Todos en el Obmil siempre especulaban. ¿Todas las almas avanzaban después de su tiempo aquí, o  había otras opciones no tan agradables?

Mel se aclaro la garganta.

—Solo digo que la mejor manera de manejar ser una Terceriza es seguir el ejemplo de Julia.

—¿Quién es Julia?

Mel se dio un golpecito en la cabeza.

—Perdón. Julia es Emma.

Emma. Mi mejor amiga en la vida y en la muerte.  Durante mi primera vida ella había sido un él. De hecho, las dos éramos unos gemelos solterones llamados Arty y Jim. Ambos morimos mientras dormíamos y despertamos en camas gemelas en el Obmil.

Durante mi segunda vida, Emma fue mi mejor amiga. Nos conocimos en el grupo de apoyo para divorciadas. Ella me encontró cuando había tocado fondo. Íbamos regresando de un retiro cuando nuestro avión se estrelló. Ambas veces habíamos estando en la misma vida y en la vida después de la muerte juntas.

—¿Cuándo llegó? ¿Tiene la misma edad que yo? ¿Cómo luce? ¿Acaso ella recuerda si vida pasada? ¿Ya empezó el taller?—Hubiese seguido con las preguntas pero Mel tenia una expresión rara en el rostro, como si estuviera saboreando algo muy amargo.

—¿Qué? ¿Qué pasa? —mis uñas se enterraban en la palma de mi mano, pero nada sucedía.  Mire abajo, dándome cuenta de que ya no tenia los dedos perfectos de Samantha. Trate de resistir las ansias de usar mis dientes para arrancar un padrastro en la punta de mi dedo.

—Going… Julia Going —Mel se trabó al hablar—. Ese es su apellido. Y, bueno, ella no esta en mi taller en este momento. —sus labios adquirieron una sutil forma de “u” invertida.

—¿Qué quieres decir? ¿Por qué no la aceptaste en tu taller? —mis voz sonó mas fuerte de lo que esperaba, y resonó en las paredes rocosas.

—Intenté recibirla, —Mel cruzo y descruzo sus brazos—. Ella es quien no quiso estar en mi taller.

—¿Qué?

—Ven, siéntate conmigo —Mel indicó con su mano un lugar junto a ella en el muelle, el cual estaba tibio por el sol. El olor a cedro era irresistible.

Me senté junto a ella, y cuando estaba puto de lanzarle una pregunta que tenia en la punta de la lengua, ella presiono su dedo contra mis labios.

—Elliot… —ella quito el dedo de mis labios y empezó a tamborilear la madera—. Ella no quiso estar en el mismo taller que tú.

Estaba segura de que no había escuchado bien. Me dolió la quijada de apretar los dientes. No iba a permitirme llorar otra vez.

—Antes de que me preguntes, quiero que sepas que no se la respuesta. Ella no quiso decirme por que no quiere estar contigo. Vas a tener que preguntarle tu misma —ella esperó pero se me habían acabado las preguntas.

—¿Puedo ser egoísta por un momento? —me pidió Mel, dándome su mano.

Asentí, incapaz de decir algo.

—Te extrañé. Yo quiero a todos los que entran en mi vida en el Obmil. Estoy donde estoy porque soy buena encontrando una conexión con las almas perdidas, pero tú y yo tenemos un lazo especial, Elliot—, mi nombre se deslizaba fácilmente en su lengua, como si fuera el único nombre que yo haya tenido.

Yo sentía lo mismo que ella. Quise decirle a Mel lo especial que ella era para mí, sin egoísmo alguno, pero me sentía como una hoja flotando a la deriva. No podía dejar de pensar en Emma. Espera, ella era Julia ahora. Relajando mis dedos, los frote en mis pantalones. Podía sentir la mirada de Mel mientras me levantaba con las uña la cutícula de mis dedo pulgar.

—¿Acaso es ella mas vieja que yo o algo así? —necesitaba encontrar una explicación razonable.

Mel hizo una mueca.

—Tiene diecinueve años.

—Oh.

Mel se levanto y sacudió su colorida falda campesina.

—Vamos —dijo. Sus pulseras de cinco centímetros de ancho tintinaron. La recorrí con mi mirada, desde su cabello alborotado hacia la punta de los dedos de sus pies, cuyas uñas estaban pintadas con los colores del arco iris.  Aunque Julia estuviese enojada conmigo por alguna estaña razón, ¿por qué ella no querría estar con Mel?

—Vayamos al Refugio para acomodarte en tu cuarto —Mel indico el camino inclinando su cabeza—. Será mejor irnos de aquí. David viene en camino al lago. Parece que va a recibir a alguien que no tardará en llegar.

Ella volteó a verme con una ceja levantada. David no me caía nada bien, y tampoco me gustaba mucho la manera en que Mel me estaba mirando.  Yo no quería verme acorralada en el muelle con David, así que apresuré el paso para alcanzar a Mel. Ahora que ponía atención, pude percibir la ligera vibración en el aire que anunciaba una nueva llegada. Sigue el temblor y podrías tener una idea muy aproximada de donde iba a aparecer la siguiente alma perecida. Aunque la vibración parecía más fuerte en el lago, me di cuenta de que David caminaba hacia nosotras.

David también trabajaba en el Obmil, pero no era para nada como Mel. El irradiaba arrogancia. Abrí mi boca para decir algo desagradable acerca de el, pero Mel se llevo su dedo a sus labios. No estaba segura so fue porque David avanzaba hacia nosotras o porque ella no quería escucharme hablar mal de otra alma “dedicada” en el Obmil. Antes de que pudiera averiguarlo, David estaba parado diez centímetros demasiado cerca. Podía oler su concentrada  colonia mientras su ancho cuerpo se erguía frente a mí, bloqueando el sol. Se inclino hacia nosotras y sorbió la nariz emitiendo un sonido mucoso.

—Samantha —su voz resonó—. Tan pronto y ya de vuelta.

Se peino su abundante bigote y empezó a contar con sus dedos.

—Es Elliot Turner ahora —dijo Mel.

Él encogió los hombros y continuo si nadie lo hubiese interrumpido.

—Señorita Turner, ¿acaso esto significa que esta es su tercera visita? Ya es tiempo de progresar. Cuando se es una Terceriza, se necesita realmente resolver los problemas antes de poder seguir adelante. Desafortunadamente, usted no parece ser muy entusiasta.

Mi garganta ahogó un grito. Él ladeó su cabeza.

—¿O tal vez usted tiene una razón para eludir la verdad?

Él hablaba más fuerte de lo necesario. Su sonrisa era excesivamente grande y brillante. A pesar de que él era un sobre-alimentado, exageradamente vestido, bocazas—quien lucia mas como una caricatura de un hombre poderoso que uno verdadero—, aun así me refugie detrás de Mel como si tuviese siete años en vez de dieciséis.

Abrí mi boca, pero no salió ningún sonido. El se despidió agitando la mano y caminó tranquilamente frente a nosotras.

—Me tengo que ir. Tengo que apresurarme a registrar a la nueva llegada pues es casi hora del Taller.  No quiero hacer esperar a mi alumna favorita—se detuvo por un momento y guiño el ojo—. Sospecho que contrario a usted, Señorita Turner, Julia Going va por buen camino. Ella está realmente motivada y no puede esperar a dejar el Obmil.

Notes:

Limbo is the same word in Spanish and English, so Obmil still works.

Crappity-crap-crap has no translation. “¡Me lleva!” would be a standard way to say it in Mexico and some other Hispanic languages, and also the expression would come across in Spain. “Mierda” would be more common in Spain, but in Mexico would have a stronger meaning (shit) if that’s what you are aiming for. “Joder” or “Jolines” would also be used in Spanish (Spain) translations, but the term wouldn’t be familiar in Mexico.

There are no proper terms in Spanish for Second Timer or Third Timer. However, First Timer is translated as “Primerizo” or “Primeriza” (for a girl). Second Timer and Third Timer would be usually referred as doing something “For the second time”, “for the third time” as opposed of having their own term. However, many authors and texts apply the same grammar of First Timer = Primeriza and uses Second Timer (Secundiza) and Third Timer (Terceriza) the way I did in this translation.

Sinopsis

Errores que cambian la vida están destinados a cambiar vidas.

Cuando Elliot muere por tercera vez, se da cuenta de que ha cometido un grave error. Ella no recuerda como es que ha llegado a la vida después de la muerte otra vez, pero sabe que es su última oportunidad de hacer las cosas bien.

Elliot solo quiere seguir adelante, pero primero debe enfrentar su pasado y sumergirse en los dolorosos recuerdos que preferiría mantener enterrados. Recuerdos de las personas que ha lastimado, personas que ha traicionado… y personas que ha matado.

Mientras pone en orden los secretos y errores de su pasado, Elliot debe encontrar la manera de ganarse el perdón de la persona que mas ha lastimado, y revelar la verdad a los dos chicos que ella ama… aunque eso signifique perderlos para siempre.

Thank you so much, Lobsang. <3  And in honor of my September post that never was–what are you dreading now that the summer is almost over. What are you looking forward to the most? I HATE not being able to sleep late in the morning, but I love jeans and a sweater weather.

Tags: Kim Sabatini, Kimberly Sabatini, Lobsang Camacho, September, Spanish Translation, Touching the Surface

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ROSE UNDER FIRE

by Elizabeth Wein

While flying an Allied fighter plane from Paris to England, American ATA pilot and amateur poet, Rose Justice, is captured by the Nazis and sent to Ravensbrück, the notorious women’s concentration camp. Trapped in horrific circumstances, Rose finds hope in the impossible through the loyalty, bravery and friendship of her fellow prisoners. But will that be enough to endure the fate that’s in store for her?

Elizabeth Wein, author of the critically-acclaimed and best-selling Code Name Verity, delivers another stunning WWII thriller. The unforgettable story of Rose Justice is forged from heart-wrenching courage, resolve, and the slim, bright chance of survival.

Kimberly’s REview of ROSE UNDER FIRE:

Tags: Book Review, Bookanistas, Elizabeth Wein, Historical Fiction, Kim Sabatini, Kimberly Sabatini, Rose Under Fire

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For today’s Bookanistas Review, I have fellow Bookanista Tracy E. Banghart and her very intriguing YA novel BY BLOOD.

For 17-year-old Emma Wong, spending a summer in England should be a dream come true. Gorgeous scenery? Check. Lots of hot guys with accents? Yes, please.

Throw in an estranged mom, annoying new stepdad, and drooling baby half-brother, and it’s a disaster even her favorite cherry red leather jacket can’t fix. Even worse, there’s (hot) live-in research assistant Josh to contend with. The only thing more embarrassing than drunk-kissing him hours after they meet? Knowing he’ll be witness to her family’s dysfunction all. summer. long.

But when Emma meets a mysterious girl who happens to be a Druid, her vacation suddenly promises to be far more intriguing than she anticipated. Powerful rituals, new friends, an intoxicating sense of freedom…and Simon, the sexy foreign stranger she was hoping for. It’s all a perfect distraction from dirty diapers and awkward family dinners.

Trouble is, intriguing doesn’t often mean simple. And Emma is about to discover just how not simple her life really is.

By Blood is a novel about the ways that blood can bind us to others – or tear us apart.

Kimberly’s Review of BY BLOOD:

I really enjoyed BY BLOOD because it walked the line in several unique and wonderful ways. So many books tend to sit in a predictable pocket, but this one did several things I really, really enjoyed.

*My favorite thing about BY BLOOD was that Banghart wrote an ethnic MC that was subtle and natural. We often talk about not just raising kids who are accepting of differences, but rather raising kids who are color blind because they look deeper into a person to discover who they are. In my opinion, Emma Wong was written from that beautiful color blind perspective. Banghart created a feisty, fun and flawed character that carried me through the whole story because she was simply a great character.

*Another thing I really enjoyed about BY BLOOD, was how it was a contemporary novel with a paranormal feel. I think it was very innovative for Banghart to have the depth of an emotionally darker contemporary, the heat of a steamy romance, and the magic, intrigue and mystery of a paranormal through the exploration of the druids. I would consider this a great hybrid read.

*Lastly, the setting was fabulous. You can’t read BY BLOOD and not want to go to England immediately. I wanted to visit pubs, eat the food, see the art and just walk the cobblestone streets.

Can’t wait for MOON CHILD (By Blood 2)

Coming August 2013!

Before Emma’s adventures in Oxford, her best friend Diana came face-to-face with a killer…

Diana Calvert is so over high school. Who cares if Olivia hates her? And David needs to forget about having a crush on her STAT. Even Emma’s crazy fashion choices can’t keep Diana entertained. All she can hope for is a dance scholarship to a college as far away as possible from too-small, too-boring, too-nothing-ever-happens New Freedom, PA.

Then Diana meets Nicholas Woodhaven. He’s pale, angry…yet weirdly charming. The more time they spend together, the more she wonders who – or what – he really is. Because he isn’t anything like the other guys she knows. Not with the whole only-going-out-at-night thing. And living with his creepy aunt. And not going to school.

Just when Diana thinks she’s got Nicholas all figured out, people in her small, nothing-ever-happens town start dying. She has to wonder – can she trust him? And even more alarming – could she be next?

A murder mystery with a paranormal twist, Moon Child is best read under the covers with a flashlight…if you dare!

Tags: Book Review, Bookanistas, By Blood, Kim Sabatini, Kimberly Sabatini, Moon Child, Tracy E. Banghart, YA Author, YA Books, YA Novel

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I just finished another amazing book by my fellow Wolf Pack Sistah, Daisy Whitney. Check this out…

Available: September 3rd 2013 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Seventeen-year-old Julien is a romantic—he loves spending his free time at the museum poring over the great works of the Impressionists. But one night, a peach falls out of a Cezanne, Degas ballerinas dance across the floor, and Julien is not hallucinating.

The art is reacting to a curse that trapped a beautiful girl, Clio, in a painting forever. Julien has a chance to free Clio and he can’t help but fall in love with her. But love is a curse in its own right. And soon paintings begin to bleed and disappear. Together Julien and Clio must save the world’s greatest art . . . at the expense of the greatest love they’ve ever known.

Like a master painter herself, Daisy Whitney brings inordinate talent and ingenuity to this romantic, suspenseful, and sophisticated new novel.A beautifully decorated package makes it a must-own in print.

Kimberly’s Review of STARRY NIGHTS:

One of the biggest things that I love about Daisy Whitney’s writing (and I love a lot) is just when I think I know who she is as a writer, she redefines herself. Often, for authors, this kind of an evolution is a by-product of an ever changing market. I don’t feel that’s true for Daisy. I think she is a sponge in her own life, soaking up a million people, places and things that are interesting. And then she writes about the things she loves and the things that fascinate her. She writes about the questions she has and the things that must be witnessed. She writes what she knows and what she needs to know. And then luckily, she shares it with us.

It is obvious that STARRY NIGHTS was born from Daisy’s love of art and her desire to share the magic she feels, not only for paintings, but for artistic expression in general. Her passion for her topic was infectious and it raised my curiosity about some pieces that weren’t in my vocabulary before. This book could be used, to great collaborative effect, with art and english teachers.

I was also fascinated by Daisy’s take on Renoir. I think that in our society, we often have a tendency to confuse the artist with the art. When we have a big name Hollywood star, an athlete, artist or politician we love, it’s hard to look past our adoration for their craft or skill when their private life raises red flags. What to do about such real life discrepancies is a topic for another day, but what I loved was that Daisy subtly raised the question.

Additionally, I’m a big fan of books that step outside the typical take on the paranormal. I believe there’s a lot more magic in the world than we open ourselves up to. STARRY NIGHTS is different than anything else that’s out there and that is a wonderful thing. It creatively crafts elements of paranormal intrigue with something that in today’s day in age, could literally become a lost art. STARRY NIGHTS makes reading and learning about art history really cool. I’m also a huge fan of Daisy’s funny bits. If you read STARRY NIGHTS, one of the best payoffs is finding out what the Mona Lisa has been thinking all this time. It’s hysterical and adorable.

And on a little side note, I loved that every night when I curled up in bed, I got to go to Paris for a little while. I walked the streets, saw the sights, smelled the coffee and tasted the food. I can not wait until I get to revisit Paris and bring my kids. And I know, when I go and walk into the Musee d’Orsay and the Louvre, thanks to Daisy Whitney and her STARRY NIGHTS, I’ll be waiting for the art to come alive.

You can PRe-order STARRY NIGHTS here…

*Barnes & Noble

*Amazon

*IndieBound

By day, Daisy Whitney is a reporter and ghostwriter. At night, she writes novels for teens and is the author of THE MOCKINGBIRDS and its sequel THE RIVALS (Little, Brown). Her third novel WHEN YOU WERE HERE released in June 2013 (Little, Brown), and her fourth novel STARRY NIGHTS (Bloomsbury) hits shelves in September 2013. When Daisy’s not inventing fictional high school worlds, she can be found somewhere north of San Francisco walking her adorable dog, watching online TV with her fabulous husband or playing with her fantastic kids.  A graduate of Brown University, she believes in shoes, chocolate chip cookies and karma.  You can follow her writing blog and new media adventures at DaisyWhitney.com. (I don’t rate books on GoodReads, nor do I check the site so please friend me on Facebook instead.)

Enter to win my ARC of STARRY NIGHTS by Daisy Whitney!!!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out the Rafflecopter’s Leave a Comment (above) for bonus entries!!! I want to hear about what piece of art you’d like to hang out with.

Tags: ARC, Bloomsbury, Contest, Daisy Whitney, giveaway, Kim Sabatini, Kimberly Sabatini, Michelle Wolfson, Starry Nights

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Today I’m cross-posting over at YA Outside the Lines and talking about The Truth About Sleep Away Camp. There may be 80’s permed hair for your amusement!

Just a reminder, you still have time to enter my write a review contest!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I also have some up and coming events…

*I’ll be at Oblong Books and Musics HVYAS Birthday Party!! More info HERE!

*Children’s Writer or Illustrator and located in the Hudson Valley? Join us for our local SCBWI Shop Talk Meeting in August. For more information, feel free to contact me directly.

*I’ll also be faculty at my very first conference, which is also the very same conference I first attended as a newbie. Yea, pretty WOW! Registration is still open for the SCBWI Eastern NY Conference on September 21-22nd. Lots of amazing speakers and opportunities.

*September 28th I’ll be part of a fantastic line-up at the Warwick Children’s Book Festival. Details Here

*October 17th I’m thrilled to be a part of the Ulster BOCES FALL INTO BOOKS CHILDREN’S & TEEN LITERATURE CONFERENCE in Kingston NY. I adore hanging out with librarians!!!

And good news…finding me is not nearly as hard as finding a little unidog. So, come hang out and we’ll squee and hug and talk about books and maybe eat some chocolate. I usually have some stored in a bag or pocket somewhere.

Tags: Book Signing, Conferences, Fall Into Books Children's & Teen Literature Conference, HVYAS, Kim Sabatini, Kimberly Sabatini, Oblong Books, SCBWI, SCBWI Eastern NY, Shop Talk, The Truth About Sleep Away Camp, Ulster BOCES, unidog, Warwick Children's Book Festival, Write a Review Contest, YA Outside the Lines, YAOTL

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