tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30127348053410218932024-03-05T00:40:03.820-04:00RebeccaWritesYARebecca Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605951994731977780noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012734805341021893.post-12628616469049327832023-09-05T16:22:00.002-03:002023-09-05T16:22:28.272-03:00The End of Always<p>Well, it's been a minute, hasn't it?</p><p>I'm back and thrilled to announce that my latest book, <i>The End of Always</i>, is being published by the wonderful <a href="https://secondstorypress.ca/teen/the-end-of-always" target="_blank">Second Story Press</a>. It's due out on April 16, 2024, and I can't wait to share it with all of you. Details are below, including the stunning cover designed by talented artist <a href="https://www.erin-mccluskey.com/" target="_blank">Erin McCluskey</a> and Laura Atherton, the production manager at Second Story Press.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBwOt4Y4yjjZBipKTni4FDcLQZiCxOJOVNHjCiHSkuV-Ke-quplw67ZdikLd-K4YirwoaLiTMxNNLCgcDR8feBRl19bCTGez5-2LGJC4zGsqu8XuVte7rbD33q3Fw20OsiGurMu7_eg8KLrtk_nRgU4hIZVXcN-pc93tbVhkZN7t7jdMt8gnjOijYPYM/s2475/9781772603712_new.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2475" data-original-width="1650" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbBwOt4Y4yjjZBipKTni4FDcLQZiCxOJOVNHjCiHSkuV-Ke-quplw67ZdikLd-K4YirwoaLiTMxNNLCgcDR8feBRl19bCTGez5-2LGJC4zGsqu8XuVte7rbD33q3Fw20OsiGurMu7_eg8KLrtk_nRgU4hIZVXcN-pc93tbVhkZN7t7jdMt8gnjOijYPYM/w426-h640/9781772603712_new.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Ever since Isobel’s mom died, her dad won’t stop preparing for the rest of the world to end—attending doomsday survivalist meetings, packing bug-out bags, and drawing up plans for a secret backyard bunker. He’s methodically stacked and stored countless packs of batteries and bottles of water in the basement. And thirty-six cans of tomato soup.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">But Isobel has no interest in it. She has enough to deal with between finishing high school and trying to shield her little sister April from their dad’s increasing paranoia. She’s managing to cope—until their dad decides to move them all to Endurance Ranch, a survivalist community in the middle of nowhere. When Isobel meets Dane, the son of a hardcore prepper couple, she doesn’t feel as isolated at the ranch as she first thought. But she wants to be in control of her own future. She realizes it’s going to be up to her to save her sister—and herself—from a life underground.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;">The paperback is available for preorder now!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://bookmanager.com/tbm/?q=h.tviewer&using_sb=status&qsb=keyword&qse=76Uj7be7f5imlveplyv3Vg" target="_blank">bookmanager.com</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/End-Always-Rebecca-Phillips/dp/1772603716/ref=sr_1_1?crid=YFO6RJ32UAQ1&keywords=the+end+of+always+phillips&qid=1692882287&s=books&sprefix=the+end+of+always%2Cstripbooks%2C97&sr=1-1" target="_blank">amazon.ca</a><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-end-of-always-rebecca-phillips/1143831454" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: times;">Barnes and Noble</span></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Add to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/194025268-the-end-of-always" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div>Rebecca Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605951994731977780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012734805341021893.post-11738119118856389242021-05-23T13:51:00.001-03:002021-05-24T11:11:26.904-03:00The Next Whatever -- Available June 9th!<p>New book alert!</p><p>I wrote The Next Whatever in 2018. I called it "my healing book," because writing it made me feel the joy again after a year of major writing burn-out. Drafting went really slowly as I waded back into my almost-empty well of creativity. Soon, that well filled up as I got to know the characters and their stories, and before I knew it, I had another book!</p><p>And in a little over two weeks, I get to share it with you all. 💗</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZX3zPWsPV8CyClZvyIxEDGHqsN51az5m7tlDM440mL-5_QPSibP37Q9T-VIYf6eFMQ1JGjaGsLhrtEBmr5x9yhg3F5KKwxpsuqS7urFX1Slwli__bjsQeE39j_6lDvvss1SO80QQL94/s2048/ebookcover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1291" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZX3zPWsPV8CyClZvyIxEDGHqsN51az5m7tlDM440mL-5_QPSibP37Q9T-VIYf6eFMQ1JGjaGsLhrtEBmr5x9yhg3F5KKwxpsuqS7urFX1Slwli__bjsQeE39j_6lDvvss1SO80QQL94/w253-h400/ebookcover.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b>Avery is used to saying goodbye to people. When your father builds bridges all over the country, frequent moves are a requirement. While her parents love the “adventure” of it all, Avery is counting down the days until she can head off to college and finally stay put for a while.</b></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b>But first she has to survive a year in Granesville, where the residents aren’t exactly welcoming. Avery is determined to get through senior year without any attachments or distractions…until she accidentally crashes into Liam, breaking his ankle and ruining his plans to work and save money for a trip to Ireland that has some secret, personal meaning to him.</b></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b>Avery’s solution? Take over Liam’s position in the town sandwich shop while he heals.</b></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b>Adjusting to the job and small town life isn’t easy, but soon she finds something worth fighting for. Real friends. A sense of place. Or…she could close off her heart again before she has a chance to make a real connection. And maybe fall in love.</b></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: times;">You can pre-order The Next Whatever from the following retailers now (I'll add more links as it becomes available on more retailers): </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B095N4NG47/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i5" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1568928156" target="_blank">Apple</a></span></p><p><a href="https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/the-next-whatever" target="_blank">Kobo</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-next-whatever-rebecca-phillips/1139510350?ean=2940165218521" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a><br /></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: times;">And you can add it on Goodreads <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58129196-the-next-whatever" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span></p>Rebecca Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605951994731977780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012734805341021893.post-9511588863075806122018-07-31T10:27:00.000-03:002018-07-31T10:53:37.435-03:00THE GIRL YOU THOUGHT I WAS (aka The Book That Almost Killed Me) is here!I think most authors have heard the horror stories about the Second Book. The often-dreaded Book #2 in a two-book contract. The book that you're contractually obligated to produce for the publisher whether you feel like writing it or not. The book that has a deadline attached and may or may not be approved by your editor once it's finished. The book that tries to kill you.<br />
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THE GIRL YOU THOUGHT I WAS was that book for me. When I signed that two-book deal, it wasn't even an idea in my head yet. I had other ideas, one of which I tried to make work and failed. Nothing was clicking. I was getting desperate.<br />
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Then, with my deadline a scary five months away, I came across this article about teenage shoplifters. An outline took form, and I spent weeks researching shoplifting, how it's done, and the psychology behind it (I'm surprised the police didn't show up at my door). I read people's stories about being caught, sought out articles by mental health professionals about the personality traits of shoplifters and the reasons why they do it, and I paid attention to things like security cameras and blind spots whenever I was in stores (again, it's amazing that I didn't get arrested). By the end of it, I knew way more about shoplifting than I probably should have, and my narrator Morgan--and her story--emerged and took shape.<br />
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Luckily, my editor was into the idea. I spent the next four months drafting, and to be completely honest and transparent here, it was awful. Still burned out from my last book and stressed from other things going on in my life, I had little motivation. I doubted the story at every turn. I doubted myself. I had to force myself to write almost every day. Usually, once I got into it, I was fine, but sometimes I wasn't, and no words came. I longed to finish it and be done with it forever. I told my husband, numerous times, that this would probably be the last book I ever wrote.<br />
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That's right. This book almost made me quit writing.<br />
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But I got through it. I finished the draft two weeks before my deadline and a huge weight lifted off me. When I sent it to my agent, I was so physically and mentally drained, I wasn't sure if I was sending him a document full of garbage, or if I actually had something workable. A few days later, I woke up to a glowing email from him, gushing about how good it was and how much he loved it. I remember lying in bed with my phone, reading and re-reading his email and crying. Just thinking about that now made me tear up again. I don't think he has any idea how much his words meant to me at that moment. Authors reading this--find yourself an agent who makes you believe in yourself again.<br />
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When the manuscript was accepted by HarperTeen, I cried again. When revision time came around, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. The Second Book Curse lifted and, finally, I began to fall in love with the story. With each read (and there were a lot), I connected more and more, and the stress of the past few months faded away.<br />
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After revisions, I didn't feel like writing anything new for a long time. I still wasn't sure I ever would again. I was completely past the point of burned out. But gradually, it got better. I knew I was healed when in the shower one day, I got an idea for a book about a boy and a girl who meet during a car accident and eventually fall in love. So, free from deadlines and contracts, and armed with the unwavering support of my amazing family and agent, I wrote another book and enjoyed every minute of it. I'd found the joy again.<br />
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As much as it tried to, THE GIRL YOU THOUGHT I WAS didn't kill me. In fact, it made me a stronger writer. I'm proud of it, and proud of myself for not giving up, even when it felt impossible. Today, I can honestly say I love this book, and I hope you all love it too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiF04k3XhToaf0rg05JO8aOUObZKFf4flPayeS1ouqHJjgV0drkt-3neISaQ5pKxFC_2R0YefQyvG8FpQL0w5fFkmKaEwMuKN9IsA_0HkooQ8Ir2tauxyxuonbb07AA_QTtaaIXw81Tc/s1600/GirlYouThought_jkt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1060" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiF04k3XhToaf0rg05JO8aOUObZKFf4flPayeS1ouqHJjgV0drkt-3neISaQ5pKxFC_2R0YefQyvG8FpQL0w5fFkmKaEwMuKN9IsA_0HkooQ8Ir2tauxyxuonbb07AA_QTtaaIXw81Tc/s320/GirlYouThought_jkt.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
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THE GIRL YOU THOUGHT I WAS is now available wherever books are sold!<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062570943/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vamf_taft_p1_i7" target="_blank">Amazon</a><br />
<a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-girl-you-thought-i-was-rebecca-phillips/1126793110?ean=9780062570949#/" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a><br />
<a href="https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/the-girl-you-thought-i-was" target="_blank">Kobo</a><br />
<a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780062570949" target="_blank">IndieBound</a><br />
<a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Girl-You-Thought-I-Was-Dr-Rebecca-Phillips/9780062570949?ref=grid-view&qid=1533042911731&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Book Depository</a>Rebecca Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605951994731977780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012734805341021893.post-74874631118804848572017-10-04T13:01:00.003-03:002017-10-04T13:04:32.252-03:00THE GIRL YOU THOUGHT I WAS cover!This morning, Jen at <a href="http://www.popgoesthereader.com/cover-reveal/cover-reveal-the-girl-you-thought-i-was-by-rebecca-phillips/" target="_blank">Pop! Goes the Reader</a> revealed the cover for my upcoming book, THE GIRL YOU THOUGHT I WAS! This is my second book with HarperTeen, and it's due out on July 31, 2018.<br />
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I'm so thrilled with what the cover design team came up with. Isn't it pretty?<br />
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What's it about? Well...<br />
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<div align="justify" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-family: Avenir, Arial; font-size: 13px;">
No one looking at Morgan Kemper would think that she had a secret — at least not one that she was deeply ashamed of. To everyone she meets, she comes across as pretty, sweet, and put together. But Morgan knows that looks can be deceiving. For over a year, she has shoplifted countless pieces of clothing and makeup. Each time she tells herself it will be the last, and each time it never is.</div>
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But when she is caught and sentenced to thirty hours of community service, the image Moran has carefully constructed starts to crumble. She is determined to complete her punishment without her friends discovering the truth about her sticky fingers, but that is easier said than done… Especially once she meets Eli, the charming, handsome nephew of the owner of the charity shop where Morgan is volunteering. Soon Morgan is faced with an impossible decision: continue to conceal the truth, or admit that she has lied to everyone in her life, including the boy she is falling for.</div>
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Don't forget to add <b>The Girl You Thought I Was</b> on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35720700-the-girl-you-thought-i-was" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>! Preorder links should be up soon too, not to mention ARCs and giveaways and maybe even some book swag!<br />
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<br />Rebecca Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605951994731977780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012734805341021893.post-521483207391191152017-08-01T08:22:00.000-03:002017-08-01T08:22:17.955-03:00THESE THINGS I'VE DONE IS HERE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been about a year and a half since my agent and I accepted a two-book deal with HarperTeen. Now, after many months of waiting, THESE THINGS I'VE DONE is officially out in the world!<br />
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I'm extremely proud of this book. It was my most challenging one to date, and I worked so hard on it. Seeing it on shelves is pure joy.<br />
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I'm forever grateful to my wonderful agent, <a href="http://ericsmithrocks.com/" target="_blank">Eric Smith</a>. These past almost-two-years as Eric's client have been such a pleasure, and I'm so excited for whatever's next on this journey of ours. Being part of #TeamRocks is the absolute best.<br />
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I've thanked <a href="http://carabertrand.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Cara Bertrand</a> 1000 times already, and I'll probably thank her 1000 times more. This book started in her brain, and I was just lucky enough to have her share it with me.<br />
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Thank you all the amazing bloggers who are participating in my blog tour this week! Keep an eye on my <a href="https://twitter.com/RebeccaWritesYA" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, because I'll be sharing some cool giveaways over the next few days!<br />
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Here's where you can buy THESE THINGS I'VE DONE:<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/These-Things-Done-Rebecca-Phillips-ebook/dp/B01M7ZY0R3/ref=la_B007RFD3JG_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1501543518&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a><br />
<a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/these-things-ive-done-rebecca-phillips/1124860416?ean=9780062570901" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a><br />
<a href="https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/these-things-i-ve-done" target="_blank">Kobo</a><br />
<a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780062570901" target="_blank">Indie Bound</a><br />
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As always, thanks to my family and friends for their supportive messages, RTs, Facebook posts, and just generally being awesome. I appreciate you all! 💕<br />
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<br />Rebecca Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605951994731977780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012734805341021893.post-2243194155531153232017-06-01T09:32:00.000-03:002017-06-19T16:53:17.828-03:00Two more months!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznvB8OOfp5TJ9BXb6Q3IJ9SD6RTmbeGT6QbNTtA6NBwKO7xzgNLofS5-Ob1EpHNPBu4ChdWeAoqIhCKL-GHI3INyA9PWjdQw1r9JFuVU3oG5VIM_3j66ytSX_mesQ5IJbC2FD-tbyJ6o/s1600/TheseThingsIvedone_JKT+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1046" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznvB8OOfp5TJ9BXb6Q3IJ9SD6RTmbeGT6QbNTtA6NBwKO7xzgNLofS5-Ob1EpHNPBu4ChdWeAoqIhCKL-GHI3INyA9PWjdQw1r9JFuVU3oG5VIM_3j66ytSX_mesQ5IJbC2FD-tbyJ6o/s320/TheseThingsIvedone_JKT+%25281%2529.JPG" width="209" /></a></div>
THESE THINGS I'VE DONE, my first book with HarperTeen, will be out two months from today! I can't believe it's so soon. While we wait, I thought I'd give you all some important links:<br />
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Want to pre-order? Head over to <a href="https://www.amazon.com/These-Things-Done-Rebecca-Phillips-ebook/dp/B01M7ZY0R3/ref=la_B007RFD3JG_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483369699&sr=1-7" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/these-things-ive-done-rebecca-phillips/1124860416?ean=9780062570901&st=AFF&SID=BNB_DRS_Evergreen_20150928&2sid=VigLink_6161663_NA&sourceId=AFFVigLinkM000003" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a>, or <a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780062570901" target="_blank">IndieBound</a>.</div>
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Want to review a digital ARC? Request a copy on <a href="https://edelweiss.abovethetreeline.com/ProductDetailPage.aspx?sequence=2&group=galleys&keywords=&searchContext=&searchOrgID=&searchCatalogID=&searchMailingID=&sku=0062570900" target="_blank">Edelweiss</a>.</div>
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Want to win an advance copy? Enter the giveaways on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/237995-these-things-i-ve-done" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> and on <a href="http://www.epicreads.com/contest/sweepstake/id/607/" target="_blank">Epic Reads.</a></div>
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Want to join me at my book launch? Info is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/229213740901324/?acontext=%7B%22ref%22%3A%222%22%2C%22ref_dashboard_filter%22%3A%22upcoming%22%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22[%7B%5C%22surface%5C%22%3A%5C%22dashboard%5C%22%2C%5C%22mechanism%5C%22%3A%5C%22main_list%5C%22%2C%5C%22extra_data%5C%22%3A[]%7D]%22%7D" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Want me to do an interview or guest post for your blog? <a href="http://www.rebeccawritesya.com/connect/" target="_blank">Let me know</a><a href="http://www.rebeccawritesya.com/connect/" target="_blank">.</a></div>
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Rebecca Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605951994731977780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012734805341021893.post-68952611672602228402016-10-24T16:53:00.003-03:002016-10-26T12:19:27.168-03:00THESE THING I'VE DONE cover!Today, the cover for THESE THINGS I'VE DONE, my first book with HarperTeen, was revealed on <a href="http://www.yainterrobang.com/these-things-ive-done-cover/" target="_blank">YA Interrobang</a>. I'd like to also post it here so I can properly gush over it:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnLmV7Le1i_X6OuTQi0LkFNlT1mtxKuP42YsPHHSihyphenhyphenNN7oWR9tyj7FRC3YDGvW-uG3TgJSOUHqfr_2OyU9mDUR3uPP-9LOE4Q3lQXanwLq6mID1j1Ht07lFxXShP7TizO0WN7ziDjaw/s1600/TheseThingsIvedone_JKT+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnLmV7Le1i_X6OuTQi0LkFNlT1mtxKuP42YsPHHSihyphenhyphenNN7oWR9tyj7FRC3YDGvW-uG3TgJSOUHqfr_2OyU9mDUR3uPP-9LOE4Q3lQXanwLq6mID1j1Ht07lFxXShP7TizO0WN7ziDjaw/s640/TheseThingsIvedone_JKT+%25281%2529.JPG" width="417" /></a></div>
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*happy sigh*<br />
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YOU GUYS, this cover. TTID is my seventh book and therefore my seventh cover, but damn, out of the seven of them, I think I love this one best. Because LOOK AT IT.<br />
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While I was writing Dara, I pictured her in my mind as this tall, blond, curvy girl who wasn't very comfortable with her height and build. I was binging Friday Night Lights for the first time while drafting this book, so after a while she sort of started to look like Julie Taylor in my head. But anyway.<br />
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As soon as I saw the girl on this cover, I was like THAT'S DARA. And she's sitting on dead fall leaves, which is also perfect. The after/present tense chapters take place mostly in the fall, and this girl, whoever she is in real life, is my Present Dara to a T.<br />
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What's this book all about, you may ask? Well, here's the description:<br />
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<i>Before:</i><br />
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<i>Dara and Aubrey have been inseparable since they became best friends in sixth grade. However, as they begin their sophomore year of high school, cracks in their friendship begin to form, testing the bond they always thought was unbreakable.<br /><br />After:</i><br />
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<i><br />It's been fifteen months since the accident that killed Aubrey, and not a day goes by that Dara isn't racked with guilt over her role in her best friend's death. Dara thought nothing could be worse than confronting the memories of Aubrey that relentlessly haunt her, but she soon realizes it isn't half as difficult as seeing Ethan, Aubrey's brother, every day. Not just because he's a walking reminder of what she did, but because the more her feelings for him change, the more she knows she's betraying her best friend one final time.</i><br />
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If you haven't already, you can add THESE THINGS I'VE DONE on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29609464-these-things-i-ve-done" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>.<br />
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Stay tuned for more news and other awesome stuff as we count down to the release on <b>August 1, 2017!</b><br />
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Rebecca Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605951994731977780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012734805341021893.post-36458087200906747122016-07-14T11:06:00.002-03:002016-10-14T14:05:16.459-03:00THESE THINGS I'VE DONEIt started back in August 2014, when I received this email (reposted here with permission) from my friend <a href="http://carabertrand.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Cara</a>, the talented author of the amazing <a href="http://sententiabooks.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Sententia series</a> and fellow ABNA alum:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlm_pKreEyYFnujZTNTMEH7i2CEH8zSN4jg6Oi0srhIan2bbiU2_VJvIuscGzGbwJfwmH8s9kzNYCE74h1c214pI-Hp03eocLhXZDTttfKoU3D8foR23GzByj7HTWWixvZaTL3uKFPufk/s1600/CaraEmail.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlm_pKreEyYFnujZTNTMEH7i2CEH8zSN4jg6Oi0srhIan2bbiU2_VJvIuscGzGbwJfwmH8s9kzNYCE74h1c214pI-Hp03eocLhXZDTttfKoU3D8foR23GzByj7HTWWixvZaTL3uKFPufk/s640/CaraEmail.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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My first response? I loved the idea, but I wasn't sure if I could write something so dark and heavy. Then I thought about it. Then thought about it some more. Ideas took shape. A lot of brainstorming occurred between Cara and me. And suddenly, I had an outline. It was happening. This would be Dara's story, like Cara said in her email (backstory: a little while before this, she told me she wanted to have a main character named Dara, but it was too close to her name, so maybe I should use it instead. I promised her that my next main character would be Dara).<br />
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So I created Dara Shepard, a girl struggling with guilt. And Aubrey, the best friend she accidentally killed. And Ethan, Aubrey's younger brother who, after a year away, Dara returns to and discovers he's not the same boy she once knew. I decided on a format--non-linear with two separate timelines: sophomore year (past tense), which leads up to the tragedy, and senior year (present tense), which takes place over a year after the tragedy occurred. Two separate storylines, before and after, weaved together.<br />
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TTID is the most challenging book I've ever written. It was the first book that made me cry. I ate, slept, and breathed the characters for months. They never left my head. When I finished I cried again, because I was so happy to be done, and also because I knew I'd miss the characters. Never had I been so invested in a manuscript.<br />
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I hoped it would someday pay off.<br />
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Fast-forward to January. My agent called to tell me we had an offer. A wonderful two-book deal with HarperTeen. It was lunchtime, I remember, and I'd been eating soup when Eric called. My soup got cold. I don't recall everything Eric said on the phone. I think he cried (he's kind of famous for that). I remember writing down the deal details on a piece of paper for my husband while I was talking. I remember having to sit down as Eric described this amazing offer. I remember crying and hugging my husband when I hung up. It was probably the best phone call I've ever gotten. I never did get back to my soup.<br />
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Now, finally, I can show you this:<br />
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A lot of people worked hard on this book, but I'll never forget how it all started. Cara and her email. None of this would be happening if it weren't for her, and even though I've thanked her repeatedly, I feel like it's not enough. So once again: Cara, thank you, Thank you for the idea. Thank you for helping me flesh out the story. Thank you for critiqued it for me, and for assured me that I did it justice. Thank you for Dara.<br />
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Also, none of this would be happening without my amazing agent, <a href="http://ericsmithrocks.com/" target="_blank">Eric Smith</a>. Thank you so much for loving this book and agreeing to take on little old me. #TeamRocks rules!<br />
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<br />Rebecca Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605951994731977780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012734805341021893.post-84964140290886431222016-01-26T08:03:00.000-04:002016-01-26T08:03:03.826-04:00ANY OTHER GIRL is here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I heard there was a big snow storm a few days ago for some of you. Maybe beat the winter blues with a light, breezy, romantic, summer-on-the-lake book?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRfFcx4CmyB5EIm7fAy8yOeqkoqevjvoTDpTm8arpEyKrsS49tvz9Z0TcDkN30xCoI9NXQcDAvvtXhWxVybfgF9YvDc-z8OQprRxanAzg5fNQ4r4iiBQNCDPAh_zwgs9GnACSNhGy2BQ/s1600/any+other+girl+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRfFcx4CmyB5EIm7fAy8yOeqkoqevjvoTDpTm8arpEyKrsS49tvz9Z0TcDkN30xCoI9NXQcDAvvtXhWxVybfgF9YvDc-z8OQprRxanAzg5fNQ4r4iiBQNCDPAh_zwgs9GnACSNhGy2BQ/s320/any+other+girl+%25281%2529.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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This novel was a complete joy to write. I hope you all enjoy your time with Kat and her wonderful dads as much as I did.</div>
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ANY OTHER GIRL is now ready to buy and read:</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Any-Other-Girl-Rebecca-Phillips-ebook/dp/B00X2EOZU2/ref=la_B007RFD3JG_1_1_twi_kin_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1453726306&sr=1-1" target="_blank">AMAZON</a></div>
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<a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-ca/ebook/any-other-girl" target="_blank">KOBO</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/any-other-girl-rebecca-phillips/1121860460?ean=9781617738838" target="_blank">BARNES AND NOBLE</a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">If you happen to see my little book in the wild, I'd LOVE to see a pic!</span><br />
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Rebecca Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605951994731977780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012734805341021893.post-9172887638123359922015-12-21T14:20:00.000-04:002015-12-21T14:22:34.892-04:00Best Reads of 2015It's the most wonderful time of the year....because I get to make a list of books!<br />
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In no particular order, here are my Top 10 reads of 2015:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQW_B4PDsPMcVBnMlmzajCL64zln-NrDNhKmis1afJdpry5T6do3TWtUfy1UV2tUWkhKN7QQwVoqBr4UBUzcklSfVe0mRtHTI28QcgR_ApD7rJrhnHHMg5Hs_ZlKk1VLoKxBdD72x3zQ/s1600/i%2527llmeetyouthere.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqQW_B4PDsPMcVBnMlmzajCL64zln-NrDNhKmis1afJdpry5T6do3TWtUfy1UV2tUWkhKN7QQwVoqBr4UBUzcklSfVe0mRtHTI28QcgR_ApD7rJrhnHHMg5Hs_ZlKk1VLoKxBdD72x3zQ/s200/i%2527llmeetyouthere.jpe" width="134" /></a></div>
1. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24517699-i-ll-meet-you-there" target="_blank">I'LL MEET YOU THERE by Heather Demetrios</a><br />
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An emotional, character-driven story that grabbed me immediately. The characters are flawed and real and sometimes frustrating, and the romance is messy and intense. The acknowledgements are just as touching as the book's ending.<br />
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2. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22839859-little-peach" target="_blank">LITTLE PEACH by Peggy Kern</a><br />
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This is a short but incredibly powerful read. I haven't heard much buzz around this book. It's definitely worth a read. Disturbing as hell, but I powered through it in one short afternoon, then thought about it for days afterwards. <br />
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3. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22754644-simon-vs-the-homo-sapiens-agenda" target="_blank">SIMON VS. THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA by Becky Albertalli</a><br />
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What can I say about this book that hasn't already been said a million times? It's freaking adorable and made me smile so hard my cheeks hurt. Absolutely delightful in every way.<br />
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4. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23401147-99-days" target="_blank">99 DAYS by Katie Cotugno</a><br />
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Katie's characters are so incredibly frustrating and flawed, but so real that you get sucked into their lives and stories even while you feel like screaming at them. Her prose is beautiful and honest, the dialogue spot-on.<br />
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5. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23874708-everything-everything" target="_blank">EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING by Nicola Yoon</a><br />
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I was lucky enough to score an ARC of this book months before release. There was so much pre-release buzz for this book, and no wonder. It's everything, everything you'd expect, plus more. Beautiful and unique.<br />
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6. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13132816-emmy-oliver" target="_blank">EMMY & OLIVER by Robin Benway</a><br />
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There are some books I know from the first few pages that I'm going to love, just from the writing and voice. Emmy & Oliver has everything I love in a good YA--realistic dialogue, relatable characters, amazing friendships, a sweet romance, honest emotion, humor, and heart. Just lovely.<br />
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7. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25994507-what-you-left-behind">WHAT YOU LEFT BEHIND by Jessica Verdi</a><br />
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Jessica Verdi is my go-to author for unique YA that tackles really tough subjects in an honest, completely readable way. Just like with her last two books, this one deals with something not often seen in YA--in this case, teen fatherhood. And it's my favorite Jessica book yet.<br />
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8. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24957546-dumplin">DUMPLIN' by Julie Murphy</a></div>
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Man, 2015 was a good year for YA. This book is fun, poignant, and hilarious. I enjoyed every minute I spent with its fantastic heroine, Willowdean.<br />
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9. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23719579-more-happy-than-not">MORE HAPPY THAN NOT by Adam Silvera</a></div>
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This one emotionally chewed me up and spit me out. I felt like I needed a hug after finishing it. Heart-breaking and unique.<br />
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This last one is not YA, but I had to include it because it had such an effect on me:<br />
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10. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23751692-a-little-life" target="_blank">A LITTLE LIFE by Hanya Yanagihara</a><br />
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I read this book almost two months ago and it still haunts me. It's so well-written, the characters and emotions so vivid that it makes you feel like you're living in the story, witnessing it all and feeling every frustration, horror, and happiness right along with the characters. Unforgettable.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">What were YOUR favorite books of 2015?</span><br />
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Rebecca Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605951994731977780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012734805341021893.post-78821718153430954842015-10-05T14:30:00.000-03:002015-10-05T14:30:38.453-03:00New Agent News<i>Agent news?</i> you may be thinking. <i>I thought she already had an agent?</i><br />
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Well, you're right. I did. And still I do, but I'll get to that in a sec.<br />
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Last week, Carly called and said, "I have some bad news and some good news." She gave me the bad news first: she's no longer representing YA, which means she can no longer be my agent. I was sorry to hear this, of course, because I'd been with Carly <a href="http://rebeccawritesya.blogspot.ca/2012/08/agent-news.html" target="_blank">since 2012</a> and we'd gone through a lot over the years--two submission rounds, months of revisions, countless rejections, three offers (in one week!), and finally, a <a href="http://rebeccawritesya.blogspot.ca/2014/05/the-day-ive-been-waiting-forwellforever.html" target="_blank">two-book publishing deal.</a><br />
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And then came the good news: one of the newer agents at P.S. Literary read my latest manuscript and loved it. He wants to represent me. Yay! So we got introduced over email. Then we set up a call. Then we spoke on the phone and quickly realized that we're both on the same page with this manuscript. He believes in it, which made <i>me</i> believe in it even more.<br />
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The pact was then sealed with virtual high fives and numerous exclamation points on my end. I'm happy to announce that I'm now represented by <a href="http://ericsmithrocks.com/" target="_blank">Eric Smith</a> of <a href="http://www.psliterary.com/" target="_blank">P.S. Literary Agency</a>. He's American (unlike me), an <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3435685.Eric_Smith" target="_blank">author</a> (like me), and also pretty entertaining on <a href="https://twitter.com/ericsmithrocks" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. I'm looking forward to working with him, and I'm so excited to begin this new chapter (heh) in my writing career.<br />
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<br />Rebecca Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605951994731977780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012734805341021893.post-80029259303058778322015-07-16T12:58:00.001-03:002015-07-16T12:58:32.138-03:00ANY OTHER GIRL Cover Reveal!Once upon a time, in the fall of 2013, I signed up for National Novel Writing Month and began writing a story about a fun, outgoing girl named Kat who had same-sex parents. A year later, that story was sold in a two-book deal to Kensington Publishing. And today, I'm going to show you its beautiful cover. (Yeah, yeah, okay, so the cover's been up on Amazon, Goodreads, etc for weeks now, but for today we'll pretend it's not).<br />
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First, here's the blurb:<br />
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<i><span style="color: #073763;"><i>After a disastrous, reputation-destroying party at the end of junior year, Kat Henley has a new plan. When it comes to boys—especially other people’s boys:</i></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #073763;">Don’t touch.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #073763;">Don’t smile. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #073763;">Don’t charm.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #073763;">In the past, drawing attention to herself helped distract people from what really makes Kat different—having two gay parents. But it’s also cost her friendships. Kat can’t afford to lose any more of those, especially not her cousin, Harper. They’re spending one last summer together at the lake, where they run into an intriguing newcomer named Emmett Reese. After years of trying to prove she’s just like everybody else, Kat has found someone who wants her because she’s not. A boy who could be everything she wants too—if Harper hadn’t liked him first…</span></i></div>
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Oh yes. It's about family loyalty and forbidden love and secrets and s'mores and everything summer. And it's probably my favorite book out of all my books. Maybe because Kat and her dads were so much fun to create. And after writing a bad boy in <i>Faking Perfect</i>, it was nice to go back to a nice guy like Emmett. I enjoyed virtually every minute of writing this book and I hope you all enjoy reading it.<br />
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Okay, ready for the cover?<br />
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Ta-da! I love it. It so perfectly captures the tone of the book. I love the purplish/orangey shades (it <i>is</i> purplish and orangey, right? I don't trust my color judgment after that whole The Dress internet debacle). I love that the girl is wearing a dress, because Kat loves dresses. I love that they're surrounded by water, because the book takes place at Kat's family's summer cottage at the lake.<br />
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ANY OTHER GIRL comes out on <b>January 26, 2016</b>. Won't it be lovely to read a nice summer-y book in the dead of winter? You can pre-order it now at one of these places:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Any-Other-Girl-Rebecca-Phillips-ebook/dp/B00X2EOZU2/ref=la_B007RFD3JG_1_5_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1435166649&sr=1-5" target="_blank">AMAZON</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/any-other-girl-rebecca-phillips/1121860460?ean=9781617738821" target="_blank">BARNES AND NOBLE</a></div>
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<a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/any-other-girl" target="_blank">KOBO</a></div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/any-other-girl/id991699903?mt=11" target="_blank">APPLE</a></div>
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And don't forget to add it to your to-read shelf on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25488913-any-other-girl" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>!</div>
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Rebecca Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605951994731977780noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012734805341021893.post-3909787062804167252015-07-07T10:32:00.002-03:002015-07-07T10:32:50.053-03:00One Week Later<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Faking-Perfect-Rebecca-Phillips-ebook/dp/B00ONTS5Z6/ref=la_B007RFD3JG_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1436204143&sr=1-1" target="_blank">FAKING PERFECT</a> has been out in the world for exactly one week and it's been crazy. And wonderful. I'm overwhelmed by the love and support I received from bloggers, other authors, family, and friends. Thank you all so much!<br />
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Here are some of my favorite reviews from the blog tour so far:<br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"Faking Perfect is about discovering who you truly are, apart from what others think of you, and about learning to live with life’s imperfections."</i> -- <a href="http://www.feedyourfictionaddiction.com/2015/06/faking-perfect-by-rebecca-phillips-review-giveaway.html">Feed Your Fiction Addiction</a><br /><br /><i>"This story is absolutely raw and real, done in a tasteful way."</i> -- <a href="http://writingpearls.com/blog-tour-faking-perfect-by/">Writing Pearls</a><br /><br /><i>"Faking Perfect is heartbreaking in its intensity and believability."</i> -- <a href="http://booksdirectonline.blogspot.com.au/2015/07/faking-perfect-by-rebecca-phillips.html">Books Direct</a><br /><br /><i>"The author did a phenomenal job in creating a complex main character and by writing in the first person POV, the reader is able to experience everything that Lexi does while also getting a peek inside of her mind."</i> -- <a href="http://adreamwithindream.blogspot.ca/2015/07/faking-perfect-tour-review-giveaway.html">A Dream Within a Dream</a><br /><br /><i>"Overall, Faking Perfect is a great novel with a resounding message."</i> -- <a href="http://www.thebookbelles.blogspot.ca/2015/07/faking-perfect-by-rebecca-phillips-blog_3.html">The Book Belles</a><br /><br />And just...all of this one: <a href="https://latinareading.wordpress.com/2015/07/02/blog-tour-faking-perfect-by-rebecca-philips-review-giveaway/">Rhea's Neon Journal</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: AppleMyungjo;"><span style="line-height: 26px;"><br /></span></span>Oh, and for the past two days, my little book has been hanging out on the Amazon Top 100 Hot New Releases list for Teen & Young Adult Romance!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZESn-QrnLyR4g1g_7Jv95JfX_eqT8iyOChH8Nns0DzBPjbdTEt_L-UYB-BXwM7avfiBjKvnR6pM7rL9rSk1289quyGyGAleweL62-W8T6tn-68lkQO8G672-H9ggkshXLboc8W0p9yg/s1600/faking.perfect.top100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZESn-QrnLyR4g1g_7Jv95JfX_eqT8iyOChH8Nns0DzBPjbdTEt_L-UYB-BXwM7avfiBjKvnR6pM7rL9rSk1289quyGyGAleweL62-W8T6tn-68lkQO8G672-H9ggkshXLboc8W0p9yg/s400/faking.perfect.top100.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Thank you to everyone who Tweeted, Facebooked, blogged, reviewed, promoted, bought, and read FAKING PERFECT. I appreciate every single one of you.<br />
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Rebecca Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605951994731977780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012734805341021893.post-42067329848664817662015-06-30T08:24:00.000-03:002015-06-30T08:25:01.882-03:00FAKING PERFECT is here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's today! It's today!</div>
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I can hardly believe it. My little book is now out in the world. It's been a long, rewarding journey, and many, many thanks to everyone who was (and still is) a part of it.</div>
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Thank you also to all those who pre-ordered. You should have the book on your devices today, and your paperbacks are hopefully in the mail.</div>
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If you haven't pre-ordered, you can grab FAKING PERFECT right now:</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Faking-Perfect-Rebecca-Phillips-ebook/dp/B00ONTS5Z6/ref=la_B007RFD3JG_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1435165389&sr=1-1" target="_blank">AMAZON</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/faking-perfect-rebecca-phillips/1120058496?ean=9781617738807" target="_blank">BARNES AND NOBLE</a></div>
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<a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/faking-perfect" target="_blank">KOBO</a></div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/faking-perfect/id931237717?mt=11" target="_blank">APPLE</a></div>
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Oh, and if anyone happens to come across my little book in a store, I would <i>love</i> to see a pic of it.<br />
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Rebecca Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605951994731977780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012734805341021893.post-40176234320868432212015-05-01T11:19:00.001-03:002015-05-01T11:32:19.985-03:00Faking Perfect News<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's May, which means FAKING PERFECT comes out next month! Well, almost two months, actually, but who's counting besides me?<br />
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Bloggers and reviewers, you can now request a digital ARC from Netgalley.<br />
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<a href="https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/show/id/65161" target="_blank">Request ARC</a><br />
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Americans and Canadians, you can now enter to win one of 25 paperback copies of FAKING PERFECT on Goodreads.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22859815-faking-perfect" target="_blank">Enter Giveaway</a><br />
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<br />Rebecca Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605951994731977780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012734805341021893.post-78043226124637968562015-02-11T13:37:00.000-04:002015-02-11T13:42:29.934-04:00Contemporary YA Authors That Should Be on Your RadarLet's face it. We can't all be John Green or Sarah Dessen or Rainbow Rowell. They're among the Kings and Queens of YA contemp. Most YA fans know them. Most YA fans have read them. Their books rocket up the best sellers lists and they are talked about, recognized, and celebrated.<br />
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I'm a fan of these authors myself, but over the past several years I've discovered and enjoyed many authors who don't seem to be as widely read (but maybe should be). Here are a few of my stand-outs:<br />
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<a href="http://abbymcdonald.com/" target="_blank">Abby McDonald/Abigail Haas</a><br />
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I've been saying for a year and a half now that <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18775628-dangerous-girls" target="_blank">DANGEROUS GIRLS</a> is the most underrated, under-read YA in existence. And it is. This is the book I shove at people when they ask for a recommendation. I think I even told my cat to read it. It's just that good. The follow-up book, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19732381-dangerous-boys" target="_blank">DANGEROUS BOYS</a>, is fantastic as well. Abby writes unputdownable YA thriller like nobody's business.<br />
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<a href="http://www.laurawiess.com/" target="_blank">Laura Wiess</a><br />
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Laura is, in a word, amazing. Her writing is gorgeous, evocative, and brave. Her stories are thought-provoking and heart-wrenching. I needed a box--an entire BOX--of Kleenex when I read <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9758768-ordinary-beauty?from_search=true" target="_blank">ORDINARY BEAUTY</a>. Few books have touched me so much or wrecked me so thoroughly. I know that when I open one of Laura's books, I will spend the next several hours crying. And I look forward to it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.rebekahcrane.com/" target="_blank">Rebekah Crane</a><br />
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No, I don't just love Rebekah because her name is the same as mine but spelled differently. I love her because her books are hilarious and awesome. I remember getting her first book, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17365084-playing-nice?from_search=true" target="_blank">PLAYING NICE</a>, as an Amazon freebie. I do not have a good track record with Amazon freebies, but this one was a gem. I scored an ARC of her latest book, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17608141-aspen" target="_blank">ASPEN</a>, and was charmed all over again.<br />
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<a href="http://dahliaadler.com/" target="_blank">Dahlia Adler</a><br />
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Dahlia is super supportive to authors and I appreciate the time and commitment she puts into promoting, recommending, and blogging about books. She also <i>writes</i> books, and they are fun and engaging. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17869397-behind-the-scenes" target="_blank">BEHIND THE SCENES</a> was my first Dahlia book, but definitely not my last. She also wrote a <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23357716-last-will-and-testament" target="_blank">New Adult</a> that "didn't make want to scoop my eyes out with a spork." (direct quote from my review) and I'm eagerly awaiting her next YA, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22719283-under-the-lights" target="_blank">UNDER THE LIGHTS</a> (which, FYI, comes out the same day as my next book).<br />
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<a href="https://brandycolbert.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Brandy Colbert</a><br />
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Brandy's debut novel, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13360957-pointe?ac=1" target="_blank">POINTE</a>, was probably my favorite contemporary YA of 2014. I discovered it while browsing through the #WeNeedDiverseBooks hashtag on Twitter one day. Sometimes an author's writing just clicks with me and that's what happened here. There are a select handful of authors whose Goodreads pages I keep a close eye on, just waiting for a new book to add to my TBR shelf, and Brandy is one of them.<br />
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<a href="http://amychristineparker.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Amy Christine Parker</a><br />
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Cults. Brainwashing. Corruption. Amy hit on a lot of my literary weaknesses with <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15752340-gated?from_search=true" target="_blank">GATED</a>. I was riveted from the first page to the last. This is another author who I feel is under-hyped. Some people put Amy's books in the dystopian or sci-fi category, but after reading the first one, I think they're solidly contemporary. I have yet to read GATED's sequel, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19085549-astray" target="_blank">ASTRAY</a>, but it's high up on my to-read list.<br />
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<a href="http://jessicaverdi.com/" target="_blank">Jessica Verdi</a><br />
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Jessica brings something really unique to contemporary YA. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15752348-my-life-after-now" target="_blank">MY LIFE AFTER NOW</a> tackles an issue I don't think I've ever seen in a YA novel. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17586458-the-summer-i-wasn-t-me" target="_blank">THE SUMMER I WASN'T ME</a> is about a girl who goes to a religious de-gaying camp. I feel like I can count on this author to bring something new and different to the table. Ever ask yourself "Why hasn't someone written a book about ______?" Well, Jessica is probably writing it.<br />
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Who are some authors that you feel should be on everyone's radar? Tell me in the comments. If I haven't heard of them, I'll rectify that ASAP.<br />
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<br />Rebecca Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605951994731977780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012734805341021893.post-88427284690735397652015-01-19T11:23:00.000-04:002015-01-19T11:23:36.759-04:0015 Things I'd Tell My Younger Author SelfI've been writing pretty much all my life, but it wasn't until 2011 (when I started writing my third book, <i>Out of Nowhere, </i>with the intent of actually getting published) that I decided to make a full-time career out of it. Back then, like a lot of new authors, I had no clue what I was doing or what I was in for. Now that I'm relatively seasoned, I can't help but wonder what I'd tell my younger, greener self if given the chance.<br />
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So naturally, I came up with a list:<br />
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1. <b>You will meet other authors through Twitter, etc. and feel like you've finally found your people. </b>We're insecure and a little crazy and we talk about publishing and books and cats and food and it's pretty cool.<br />
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2. <b>You will go through phases during which all you feel like doing is playing Candy Crush or re-watching Grey's Anatomy on Netflix and you'll feel really guilty about it. </b>It's okay to avoid that WIP if you're just not feeling it. For a little while. Then you'd better put away your tablet, get your ass back in that chair, and keep writing.<br />
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3. <b>You will experience how simultaneously exciting and terrifying it is to have a book out on submission. </b>You will also learn about patience, handling rejection, and how to take editors' feedback and apply it to your next book.<br />
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4. <b>You will learn that beta readers and critique partners are not just important, but downright necessary. </b>It's a daunting thing, sending your baby off for others to criticize, but it's the most valuable learning experience you'll ever have.<br />
<b><br /></b>5.<b> You will discover that the YA community is awesome, but there's some vitriol too.</b> You'll focus on the awesome.<br />
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6. <b>You will discover that most authors are kind, supportive, and lovely, but there are some jerks too. </b>You'll focus on the lovelies.<br />
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7. <b>You will get reviews that make you question your writing skills/career/life.</b> But then you'll learn that opinions are subjective and not everyone is going to like your books.<br />
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8. <b>You will get reviews that make it all seem worthwhile.</b> And they will make your day.<br />
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9. <b>You will feel invisible sometimes. </b>Why doesn't so-and-so respond to my tweet/email me back/read my book/mention my book on their blog/know I exist?<br />
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10. <b>You will read other books in your genre and support/promote/shower love on the author. </b>And they'll be appreciative and grateful and maybe even do the same for you.<br />
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11. <b>You will learn that even the most famous and successful authors feel insecure sometimes.</b> Even Stephen freaking King probably has doubts about his work. (Well, maybe not)<br />
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12. <b>You will realize how random and fluctuating your sales earnings can be.</b> One month you'll make enough to treat yourself to a new laptop, the next month you'll make just enough for a McDonald's Happy Meal.<br />
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13. <b>You will stalk your Goodreads author page and keep a close eye on your Amazon rankings.</b> Not all authors do this, but they have way more willpower than you do.<br />
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14. <b>You'll compare yourself to other authors and feel like a failure and/or imposter sometimes.</b> Then you'll learn to keep your eyes on your own work.<br />
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15. <b>You will discover that the good far outweighs the bad.</b> You're doing what you love and getting paid for it. You can live in yoga pants or pajamas and never leave the house. And even though writing is hard and sometimes lonely, you'll realize how damn fortunate you are to be able to do it for a living.<br />
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2011 Rebecca Phillips, you won't regret a thing.<br />
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<br />Rebecca Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605951994731977780noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012734805341021893.post-77747366574321475392015-01-05T12:14:00.000-04:002015-01-05T12:14:42.465-04:00Last Year, This Year, and Beyond<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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2014 was an exciting year in my writing life.<br />
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In February, I finished the manuscript I started during the 2013 National Novel Writing Month. The final product is a novel I'm very much proud of called ANY OTHER GIRL. You can read about it <a href="http://rebeccawritesya.blogspot.ca/p/upcoming-books.html" target="_blank">HERE.</a><br />
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In May, this happened:<br />
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<a href="http://rebeccawritesya.blogspot.ca/2014/05/the-day-ive-been-waiting-forwellforever.html" target="_blank">I signed a two-book deal with Kensington Publishing.</a></div>
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In June, I started writing <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22605303-until-now" target="_blank">UNTIL NOW</a>...my sixth book, my first New Adult, and the third book in my JUST YOU series.</div>
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In September, I saw this cover for the first time...</div>
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In October, UNTIL NOW was released and the cover for FAKING PERFECT was revealed on <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/exclusive-cover-reveal-rebecca-phillipss-faking-perfect/" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a>.<br />
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<b>What's coming up in 2015?</b></div>
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<li>All things FAKING PERFECT, which will be released on June 30 (but you can <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Faking-Perfect-Rebecca-Phillips-ebook/dp/B00ONTS5Z6/ref=la_B007RFD3JG_1_4_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1420332163&sr=1-4" target="_blank">pre-order</a> it right now!)</li>
<li>I'll write a new YA book, which will be different (and darker) than anything I've attempted before. I look forward to the challenge.</li>
<li>In the second half of 2015, I'll shift focus to ANY OTHER GIRL, which is due out in February 2016 with Kensington Publishing.</li>
<li>I'll continue on with this crazy, busy, wonderful ride called Full-Time Author.</li>
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I wish you all the best of luck in 2015!</div>
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Rebecca Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605951994731977780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012734805341021893.post-23334635427787162352014-12-15T12:04:00.000-04:002015-12-21T14:20:40.911-04:00Best Reads of 2014It's that time again! This year, I've read about 90 books. Here are my top 10, in no particular order:<br />
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1. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18693716-one-plus-one?ac=1" target="_blank">ONE PLUS ONE</a> by Jojo Moyes -- Moyes wrote one of my favorite books of all time (<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15507958-me-before-you" target="_blank">ME BEFORE YOU</a>) and I didn't think she could ever top it. This one didn't exactly top it, but it came pretty damn close.</div>
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2. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19732381-dangerous-boys?from_search=true" target="_blank">DANGEROUS BOYS</a> by Abigail Haas -- Haas' last book, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18775628-dangerous-girls" target="_blank">DANGEROUS GIRLS</a>, was one of my favorite reads last year (if you haven't read it yet, do yourself a huge favor). The author herself sent me an ARC of this book and when she offered to email it to me, I freaked out like I'd won the lottery. It did not disappoint.</div>
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3. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18106480-pointe" target="_blank">POINTE</a> by Brandy Colbert -- Hands down the best YA contemp I read this year. Beautiful writing and characters that stuck with me.</div>
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4. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18498558-bird-box?from_search=true" target="_blank">BIRD BOX</a> by Josh Malerman -- I read this on Halloween and scared the hell out of myself. A great horror story. Don't read before bed. Or in the dark. Or alone. </div>
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5. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9627755-isla-and-the-happily-ever-after?from_search=true" target="_blank">ISLA AND THE HAPPILY EVER AFTER</a> by Stephanie Perkins -- A lovely end to a lovely trilogy. I think this one was my favorite of the three. </div>
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6. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11710373-written-in-my-own-heart-s-blood?ac=1" target="_blank">WRITTEN IN MY OWN HEART'S BLOOD</a> by Diana Gabaldon -- It's no secret that I'm a diehard Outlander fan. This is book freaking EIGHT and the story and characters are still as addictive as ever.</div>
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7. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17936925-breakable?ac=1" target="_blank">BREAKABLE</a> by Tammara Webber -- <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16056408-easy" target="_blank">EASY</a> is my favorite New Adult book and I wasn't sure how Breakable would compare. I shouldn't have wondered. This one is just as good, if not better.</div>
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8. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8755785-city-of-heavenly-fire?ac=1" target="_blank">CITY OF HEAVENLY FIRE</a> by Cassandra Clare -- I've read so many disappointing ends to series', but this one got it right. </div>
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9. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18775247-mr-mercedes?ac=1" target="_blank">MR. MERCEDES</a> by Stephen King -- I think I'm one of the few who likes King's new stuff better than his old. *ducks and runs* I get lost in his books--the storytelling is just that good.</div>
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10. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19486412-big-little-lies?ac=1" target="_blank">BIG LITTLE LIES</a> by Liane Moriarty -- I love Moriarty's books and will read anything she puts out.</div>
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Honorable mentions:</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17565845-panic?ac=1" target="_blank">PANIC</a> by Lauren Oliver </div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15792316-split-second?ac=1" target="_blank">SPLIT SECOND</a> by Kasie West </div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18298225-on-the-fence?from_search=true" target="_blank">ON THE FENCE</a> by Kasie West</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13601681-after-the-end?from_search=true" target="_blank">AFTER THE END</a> by Amy Plum</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18667779-everything-leads-to-you?from_search=true" target="_blank">EVERYTHING LEADS TO YOU</a> by Nina LaCour</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16068910-the-art-of-lainey?from_search=true" target="_blank">THE ART OF LAINEY</a> by Paula Stokes</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17978160-open-road-summer?from_search=true" target="_blank">OPEN ROAD SUMMER</a> by Emery Lord</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18189606-since-you-ve-been-gone?from_search=true" target="_blank">SINCE YOU'VE BEEN GONE</a> by Morgan Matson</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17869397-behind-the-scenes?ac=1" target="_blank">BEHIND THE SCENES</a> by Dahlia Adler</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23357716-last-will-and-testament?from_search=true" target="_blank">LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT</a> by Dahlia Adler</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18775359-after-i-do?from_search=true" target="_blank">AFTER I DO</a> by Taylor Jenkins Reid</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12989100-me-since-you?ac=1" target="_blank">ME SINCE YOU</a> by Laura Wiess</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18599770-17-first-kisses?ac=1" target="_blank">17 FIRST KISSES</a> by Rachael Allen</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20820994-i-ll-give-you-the-sun?from_search=true" target="_blank">I'LL GIVE YOU THE SUN</a> by Jandy Nelson</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20910157-yes-please?ac=1" target="_blank">YES PLEASE</a> by Amy Poehler</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20821614-you?ac=1" target="_blank">YOU</a> by Caroline Kepnes</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20926278-revival" target="_blank">REVIVAL</a> by Stephen King</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17948607-the-treatment" target="_blank">THE TREATMENT</a> by Suzanne Young<br />
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What were YOUR best reads of 2014?</div>
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Rebecca Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605951994731977780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012734805341021893.post-31638193732927807962014-10-28T08:51:00.000-03:002014-10-28T08:51:15.700-03:00UNTIL NOW (Just You #3)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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UNTIL NOW (Just You #3) is available (almost) everywhere today! </div>
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Pick up a copy at:</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Until-Now-Just-You-3-ebook/dp/B00OBQSBC8/ref=asap_B007RFD3JG_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1414492648&sr=1-3" target="_blank">AMAZON.COM</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Until-Now-Just-You-3-ebook/dp/B00OBQSBC8/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1414496481&sr=8-4&keywords=until+now" target="_blank">AMAZON.CA</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Until-Now-Just-You-3-ebook/dp/B00OBQSBC8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1414496520&sr=8-2&keywords=until+now" target="_blank">AMAZON.CO.UK</a></div>
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<a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/until-now-just-you-3" target="_blank">KOBO</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/487912" target="_blank">SMASHWORDS</a></div>
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Only two things are keeping Robin Calvert on the right track: the support of her best friend Taylor, and Drake and Lila, her three-year-old twin siblings. Former party girl turned dedicated college student, Robin strives to be a good role model for her younger brother and sister. But when her mother disappears, and her stepfather ships the twins off to live with their grandparents, the stable life she's worked so hard to maintain comes crumbling down around her.<br />
<br />Without her siblings around to motivate her, she backslides to her old reckless ways--vodka, hangovers, and bad boys who give her nothing but trouble. One bright spot is Jane, the grandmotherly stranger who takes Robin under her wing and welcomes her into her big, loving family. There, she forms an unexpected connection with Jane's son, Ryan, a divorced single dad whose pale blue eyes make her question her policy against dating guys with kids. <br /><br /><div>
Ryan has baggage of his own, but the closer Robin gets to both him and his family, the more she understands what it truly means to be home.</div>
Rebecca Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605951994731977780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012734805341021893.post-28212279628281497652014-10-22T11:02:00.000-03:002014-10-22T11:02:51.408-03:00FAKING PERFECTTwo days ago, the cover of <i>Faking Perfect</i> was revealed on the <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/exclusive-cover-reveal-rebecca-phillipss-faking-perfect/" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble blog.</a> In case you missed it, here it is again:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7Vu3-lGW9-c8MkC8Z42oY84TXvm23-2rN5PpOdrQWdwXiGw60xrDp6OgN82ZTH_x-n7nSDC2QGh7G6QkZJ4CBImINgibFqZ2lZZrcB6tOEHGcnWnjvHdF-D0vKmWgdjCaYJlpHpIyiY/s1600/faking+perfect+mechanical.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7Vu3-lGW9-c8MkC8Z42oY84TXvm23-2rN5PpOdrQWdwXiGw60xrDp6OgN82ZTH_x-n7nSDC2QGh7G6QkZJ4CBImINgibFqZ2lZZrcB6tOEHGcnWnjvHdF-D0vKmWgdjCaYJlpHpIyiY/s1600/faking+perfect+mechanical.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Isn't it gorgeous? *pets it*<br />
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You know how authors talk about "the book of my heart"? Well, this is probably mine. I started writing it in the fall of 2012, after a whirlwind few months of <a href="http://rebeccawritesya.blogspot.ca/p/abna-2012.html" target="_blank">ABNA stuff</a> and <a href="http://rebeccawritesya.blogspot.ca/2012/08/agent-news.html" target="_blank">getting an agent</a>. I set a goal to finish it before May 2013, and I did. The first draft was done in April 2013.<br />
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Why is it the book of my heart? I'm not sure. Maybe because it's the first book I've written that didn't give me writer's block even once. The words just kept coming and coming. Maybe because it's different than anything I've ever written before. Maybe because I worked harder on it than the others (I cut almost 15k words from first draft to last, changed/added/deleted many scenes, and even axed a character). Maybe because it's the book that got me three offers and a book deal. I don't know, but I think it might have something to do with the characters.<br />
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I've always written such nice, sweet book boys, but <i>Faking Perfect</i> has the first "bad boy" I've ever created. And I had SO MUCH FUN with him. Tyler is by far my favorite boy character, probably because he's so flawed. But he's not the only boy in this book. There are three of them, all very different, all of them important to Lexi in different ways. This book is about discovering new sides to people, even the people we think we have pegged. And, like with all my books, it's also about family and overcoming your past.<br />
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I've written six books to date, but <i>Faking Perfect</i> (Speaking of the title, it took my agent Carly and me <i>months</i> to come up with it! It was worse than naming a baby or a cat), is probably the book I'm most proud of, and the one I absolutely can't wait to share with you all.<br />
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<i>Faking Perfect will be released in Summer 2015 by Kensington Publishing.</i><br />
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Pre-order links:<br />
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/faking-perfect-rebecca-phillips/1120058496?ean=9781617738807" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Faking-Perfect-Rebecca-Phillips-ebook/dp/B00ONTS5Z6/ref=asap_B007RFD3JG_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1413975014&sr=1-5" target="_blank">Amazon</a><br />
<a href="http://www.powells.com/biblio/62-9781617738807-0" target="_blank">Powell's</a><br />
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Add to your <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22859815-faking-perfect" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> TBR shelf.Rebecca Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605951994731977780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012734805341021893.post-71869887291824494132014-10-09T17:27:00.000-03:002014-10-09T17:27:46.808-03:00UNTIL NOW (Just You #3)Wow, it's been a long time coming, this book. I started the <i>Just You</i> series about five years ago, published them two years ago and, until a few months ago, was pretty damn adamant that I'd never write a third <i>Just You</i> book.<br />
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Then I wrote a third <i>Just You</i> book.<br />
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Not only did I say I'd never write a third <i>Just You</i> book, I also said I'd NEVER write a New Adult romance. YA is my thang, not NA. I'm not a big fan of NA, to be completely honest.<br />
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Then I wrote a NA.<br />
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New Adult involves college-aged characters (usually) between the ages of 18-25 (usually). I can relate to YA, because I was a teen once and went through typical teen things. I read a lot of YA. I write YA. I love YA. But NA? When I was 21, I had a baby. When I was 22, I got married. When I was 25, I had another baby. These are not typical New Adult experiences, so I wasn't sure if I could even write a NA book about typical NA people.<br />
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But I did. And I loved it. And here it is:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Only two things are keeping Robin Calvert on the right track: the support of her best friend Taylor, and Drake and Lila, her three-year-old twin siblings. Former party girl turned dedicated college student, Robin strives to be a good role model for her younger brother and sister. But when her mother disappears, and her stepfather ships the twins off to live with their grandparents, the stable life she’s worked so hard to maintain comes crumbling down around her.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Without her siblings around to motivate her, she backslides to her old reckless ways—vodka, hangovers, and bad boys who give her nothing but trouble. One bright spot is Jane, the grandmotherly stranger who takes Robin under her wing and welcomes her into her big, loving family. There, she forms an unexpected connection with Jane’s son, Ryan, a divorced single dad whose pale blue eyes make her question her policy against dating guys with kids. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Ryan has baggage of his own, but the closer Robin gets to both him and his family, the more she understands what it truly means to be home.</span><br />
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UNTIL NOW officially releases on Amazon, Kobo, and Smashwords on <b>October 28</b>!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Until-Now-Just-You-3-ebook/dp/B00OBQSBC8/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1412885924&sr=1-1&keywords=until+now+rebecca" target="_blank">Pre-order on Amazon</a><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22605303-until-now" target="_blank">Add to your Goodreads TBR list</a><br />
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<br />Rebecca Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605951994731977780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012734805341021893.post-17788719608357035382014-07-22T15:04:00.001-03:002014-07-22T15:47:11.280-03:00The Writing ProcessI've noticed some other writers doing blog hop posts about their writing process, which looked like a lot of fun. I haven't been tagged for a blog hop, and I won't use a fixed set of questions, but I thought I'd go rogue and join in. Other writers' routines and habits have always interested me.<br />
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My process:<br />
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<b>1. Drafting</b><br />
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When the first draft is going well, there's nothing like it. When it's going really, <i>really</i> well? It's like what the main character in Stephen King's <i>Misery</i> says: the page opens up and you fall in. Hours go by in a blink. Words and ideas flow. Fortunately, first drafts are allowed to suck. Usually, mine are like 200+ pages of word vomit. And that's okay.<br />
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When I'm writing a book, I usually get down about 1000 words on weekdays--between meals, laundry, cleaning, shopping, kids, etc--and 2500+ on the weekend. I write on a laptop, which lives on my desk in the office/sitting room area. This room is on the main floor next to the kitchen and has no door for privacy:<br />
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Or I write in my bedroom (which does have a door, obviously), where I sit on the bed, my back propped up with pillows, laptop table on my lap. (No, I'm not posting a pic of my bedroom)<br />
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It takes me anywhere from three to nine months to complete a first draft.<br />
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<b>2. Revision</b><br />
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Usually, unless I'm doing NaNoWriMo, I revise as I go, reading over what I wrote the date before and then continuing. When Draft #1 is done, I go through the entire thing again on my laptop and edit page by page. Then I put it on my Kindle, which is a GREAT way to catch spelling errors and flow issues, and read it from beginning to end again. When I'm done, I go back to the laptop and fix mistakes, edit, rework, and deal with any pacing or consistency problems.<br />
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<b>3. Beta Readers</b><br />
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I cannot stress enough how important this step is. Beta readers can be fellow writers or even just a friend who loves to read. Anyway, a good beta reader is honest and direct. They will tell you what works and what doesn't. They will catch mistakes and inconsistencies that you missed. They will praise the good, but also point out the bad. And there <i>will</i> be bad.<br />
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<b>4. Revise Again</b><br />
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Now that I have notes from my beta readers, I do yet another revision. I take their suggestions and implement whatever screams "Oh my God, how did I not see that, they're totally right." Then I send re-worked scenes/chapters to my beta readers to make sure I'm on the right track. Then I read the manuscript on my Kindle again. After that, I go back for a final run-through until it's as perfect as possible. (By this time, I'm <i>kinda</i> getting sick of my own words.)<br />
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<b>5. Send to Agent</b> (if publishing traditionally)<br />
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My manuscript is now ready to be sent to<a href="http://carlywatters.com/" target="_blank"> my agent Carly</a>. She reads it and sends me input on how to improve plot/characters/stakes. Carly always sends me fantastic edit notes, and it was mainly because of her spot-on suggestions that my fourth book, <i>Faking Perfect</i>, received three offers and then went on to get a <a href="http://rebeccawritesya.blogspot.ca/2014/05/the-day-ive-been-waiting-forwellforever.html" target="_blank">two-book deal</a> with <a href="http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/" target="_blank">Kensington Publishing</a>.<br />
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Once I get my agent's notes, I proceed to--you guessed it--another revision. I think about Carly's notes, make changes, and send the manuscript back. While she's reading a second time, I work on evil-but-necessary things like the book synopsis (*shudder*). Then, once we're both happy with the revisions, off it goes on submission.<br />
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<b>6. Formatting</b> (if self-publishing)<br />
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I'm a hybrid author. From <a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/online-exclusives/feb-14/best-of-both-worlds-hybrid-authors-up-close" target="_blank">Writer's Digest</a>: "A hybrid author is one who refuses to accept that there exists One True Way up the Publishing Mountain and who embraces all the methods available. The hybrid author prefers a diverse approach to getting her work out there, which means utilizing both the traditional system of publishing and also acting as an author-publisher in order to retain control and self-publish her own work."<br />
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For books I self-publish, I skip #5 and go to formatting for Amazon/Kobo/Smashwords/CreateSpace. By now, my book has been read and reread and edited so many times that I think I'd rather perform a root canal on myself with an icepick than look at it one more freaking time. But I do. I spend days formatting, periodically loading the finished product on my e-reader to see if it looks okay. By now, I have a cover and description and release date. I've also started marketing.<br />
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<b>7. Publishing</b><br />
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For my traditionally-published books, the actual act of publishing is done for me. I'll admit, at this point, I'm very early in this particular process and not much has happened yet, so I can't truly describe it. For my self-published books, everything is up to me. I promote, hit the "publish" button on my pre-arranged release date, promote some more, do giveaways for visibility and reviews, etc. etc.<br />
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That's it! My book is now out in the world (or about to be). So, what do I do next? Ideally, this:<br />
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<br />Rebecca Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605951994731977780noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012734805341021893.post-31944277977604465452014-05-20T12:06:00.000-03:002014-05-21T17:17:09.187-03:00The day I've been waiting for...well...forever?So this happened...<br />
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Can you read that? The middle one? Yes, that says I have a two-book deal with Kensington Publishing and my YA novel, FAKING PERFECT (which is the book I think I'm most proud of) will be out in Summer 2015.<br />
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I know it sounds corny and all, but this is a dream come true for me. I've known about this for weeks, but much like two years ago before the <a href="http://rebeccawritesya.blogspot.ca/2012/05/big-abna-news.html" target="_blank">big ABNA announcement</a>, I couldn't tell more than a few people and it was TORTURE. Now that's it's finally out there, I can say I HAVE A BOOK DEAL!!!<br />
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Most of my thanks has to go to my amazing agent, <a href="http://carlywatters.com/" target="_blank">Carly Watters</a>. She worked her butt off for me and never quit. We did it!<br />
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What is FAKING PERFECT all about, you may wonder? Well....<br />
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<i>When seventeen-year-old Lexi Shaw seduced Tyler Flynn at the beginning of senior year, her rules were perfectly clear: keep the relationship a secret, avoid each other around school, and most importantly, never get attached. But Tyler, school burnout and all-around bad boy, has never been one to follow the rules.<br /><br />For Lexi, keeping secrets is imperative. After changing her image in tenth grade, she joined Oakfield High’s brainiest and most admired clique, led by overachiever Emily and brilliant, perfect Ben, the most sought-after boy in school and the object of Lexi’s unrequited crush. Her friends would never accept the real her, with the bad-girl ways she doesn’t always resist and an immature mother who’s too distracted with her creepy new boyfriend to remember to pay the bills. But her biggest source of shame is her father, a drug-addicted musician who abandoned her when she was four. The only person who knows the real Lexi is her neighbor and childhood friend, Nolan, and that’s the way she intends to keep it.<br /><br />Inevitably, Lexi’s secrets begin to unravel, threatening the perfect image she worked so hard to build. Tyler starts to get attached, her friends become suspicious, and if all that isn’t stressful enough, she reconnects with the father she hasn’t seen or spoken to in thirteen years. Growing up, she heard countless stories about the terrible things he’s done. But as Lexi gets to know him—along with Tyler and Ben too—she discovers there are two sides to every story, and people aren’t always what they seem. And maybe the gap between who she is and who she wants to be isn’t as wide as she thought.</i><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I had a ridiculous amount of fun writing this book and I'm excited for you all to read it!</span></div>
Rebecca Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605951994731977780noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3012734805341021893.post-83113586008105979442014-04-15T09:26:00.001-03:002014-04-15T09:27:09.560-03:00A huge THANK YOU to readers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I want to extend my thanks to the wonderful readers out there who have kept JUST YOU and SOMEONE ELSE on the Amazon.com Teen & Young Adult Contemporary Romance Best Sellers list for the past month. You all rock.</div>
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<br />Rebecca Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10605951994731977780noreply@blogger.com0