18 days until Christmas!
Originally from Arizona, Traci Hunter Abramson graduated from BYU in finance and international business. She spent six years working for the Central Intelligence Agency before taking on a really demanding job: full-time mom. Always looking for new challenges, Traci also began coaching her local high school swim team and indulging in her love of writing. Since leaving the CIA, she has written numerous novels including the Undercurrents trilogy, Royal Target, and the Saint Squad series.
Traci is the author of eight novels and a cookbook. Her ninth novel, Smokescreen, will be released in January 2011.
LDSWBR: What author/book had the most impact on you this year?
TRACI: The book that has impacted me the most this year is Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz, M.D. I recently discovered that my six-year-old is dyslexic and this book has been a great resource in helping me understand how people with this challenge can learn to adapt so they can still learn to love reading.
As for the author who impacted me the most this year, I would have to say Julie Coulter Bellon. I had the opportunity to teach at The Book Academy writers’ conference at UVU this fall. It was the first time I had ever taught about writing in that type of venue and Julie graciously mentored me through the whole process.
LDSWBR: What books are you giving/asking for this Christmas?
TRACI: First of all, let me say SPOILER ALERT for my family and friends. So stop reading here if you don’t want to ruin the surprise!
I am giving a lot of books as Christmas presents this year, many of them autographed copies I was lucky enough to pick up when I was in Utah last. Here’s a partial list:
13th Reality, Vol. 1, Journal of Curious Letters by James Dashner
13th Reality, Vol. 2, The Hunt for Dark Infinity by James Dashner
13th Reality, Vol. 3, The Blade of Shattered Hope by James Dashner
The Scorch Trials by James Dashner
Band of Sisters by Annette Lyons
Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
The Fourth Nephite by Jeffrey S. Savage
Farworld, v. 1, Water Keep by J. Scott Savage
Farwold, v. 2, Land Keep by J. Scott Savage
The Silence of God by Gale Sears
The Legend of Shannonderry by Carol Warburton
LDSWBR: If you could only participate in one Holiday activity or tradition this year, what would it be?
TRACI: The one tradition I hold most dear is sitting with my family while my husband reads the Christmas story from the Bible on Christmas Eve.
LDSWBR: And one more just for fun- eggnog or warm apple cider?
TRACI: Neither. What can I say? I love my water. :)
LDSWBR: Traci, thank you very much!
TRACI: The book that has impacted me the most this year is Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz, M.D. I recently discovered that my six-year-old is dyslexic and this book has been a great resource in helping me understand how people with this challenge can learn to adapt so they can still learn to love reading.
As for the author who impacted me the most this year, I would have to say Julie Coulter Bellon. I had the opportunity to teach at The Book Academy writers’ conference at UVU this fall. It was the first time I had ever taught about writing in that type of venue and Julie graciously mentored me through the whole process.
LDSWBR: What books are you giving/asking for this Christmas?
TRACI: First of all, let me say SPOILER ALERT for my family and friends. So stop reading here if you don’t want to ruin the surprise!
I am giving a lot of books as Christmas presents this year, many of them autographed copies I was lucky enough to pick up when I was in Utah last. Here’s a partial list:
13th Reality, Vol. 1, Journal of Curious Letters by James Dashner
13th Reality, Vol. 2, The Hunt for Dark Infinity by James Dashner
13th Reality, Vol. 3, The Blade of Shattered Hope by James Dashner
The Scorch Trials by James Dashner
Band of Sisters by Annette Lyons
Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
The Fourth Nephite by Jeffrey S. Savage
Farworld, v. 1, Water Keep by J. Scott Savage
Farwold, v. 2, Land Keep by J. Scott Savage
The Silence of God by Gale Sears
The Legend of Shannonderry by Carol Warburton
LDSWBR: If you could only participate in one Holiday activity or tradition this year, what would it be?
TRACI: The one tradition I hold most dear is sitting with my family while my husband reads the Christmas story from the Bible on Christmas Eve.
LDSWBR: And one more just for fun- eggnog or warm apple cider?
TRACI: Neither. What can I say? I love my water. :)
LDSWBR: Traci, thank you very much!
Backlash by Traci Hunter Abramson (Deseret Book; Sept 2010) is available for purchase in softcover ($15.99), audiobook ($24.99) and Kindle ($7.99) versions from Seagull Book, Deseret Book, and Amazon.com.
Do you or someone you love struggle with dyslexia? What has helped the most in their reading efforts? Have you read any of Traci's books? If so, which one was your favorite?
Find more gift ideas for the readers in your life in the sidebar of the blog under "More Great Books by LDS Authors."
***Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest***
LDSWBR will hold a drawing on December 26, 2010 for a $50 Amazon Gift Card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some great LDS authors.
Book prizes generously donated by the authors:
- Oh, Say Can You See? by Laurie (LC) Lewis
- Backlash by Traci Hunter Abramson
- Alma the Younger by Heather (HB) Moore
- True Miracles with Genealogy by Anne Bradshaw
- Dingo by Anne Bradshaw
- Second Kiss by Natalie Palmer
- Cross My Heart by Julie Wright
- Meg's Melody by Kaylee Baldwin
- Save the Child by Margaret Turley
- Anasazi Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke
- Mayan Intrigue (ebook) by Linda Weaver Clarke
- The Star Prophecy by Joan Sowards (and Walnut Springs Press)
- A cute, handmade apron by Joan Sowards
How to enter:
- Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Christmas 2010 posts. Comments can be added on any of the countdown posts at anytime during the contest period (December 1, 2010 through December 25, 2010). Only one comment per person per "Countdown to Christmas" post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you'd like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.
- Follow us on Twitter: @LDSWBR - then send us a direct message to let us know you want to be entered in the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you are already a follower send a direct message telling us you want to be included in the contest.
- Tweet this message each day (one entry per day). Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2010 at http://ldswbr.blogspot.com! Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card & great books! @ldswbr #ldswbr2010
- Follow LDSWBR on Facebook, then send an email to ldswbr at gmail dot com that you’d like to be entered into the Countdown to Christmas 2010 Contest. If you already follow LDSWBR on Facebook, send us an email to let us know you’d like to be included in the contest.
- **BONUS +5 entries**- Blog about this contest on your blog in a post that includes a link back to the LDSWBR blog, then send us the link to your specific blog post.
Here are the rules:
- Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MST on December 25, 2010. Drawing winners will have until 12:00 Midnight MST on January 3, 2010 to claim their prize. After that time, another name will be drawn to receive the prize.
- LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a "thoughtful" comment.
- Physical book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.
- Authors taking part in the countdown are eligible to participate in the contest.
- The drawing held on December 26, 2010 will be a raffle-type drawing. All entries will be combined and names drawn for the prizes.
Please join us in counting down to Christmas with some great reads!
It was so great meeting Traci in October! I haven't read her books yet, but she is definitely on my to-read list when I get a minute!
ReplyDeleteMy brother-in-law is dyslexic and he struggled through school, but now teaches high school. He teaches Spanish, so maybe that's easier. I'm kidding.
Great interview and great book-giving list!
I LOVE Traci's books! :) My husband has Dyslexia and has struggled to get through college, but he graduates in the Spring! :D
ReplyDeleteI love all of Traci's books. It could never pick a favorite. She is an awesome writer.
ReplyDeleteMy brother has dyslexia and sometimes I think my daughter does. She has used the "highlighters" that only show the line she's reading and that helped her a whole lot! I love all of Traci's books and really want to read the latest one, but have to wait for my budget to be able to afford it!
ReplyDeleteI have read several of Traci's books and like what I have read. My daughter and son struggle with dyslexia. They have had to work extra hard to get where they are. My daughter read the Book of Mormon and it helped her with her reading.
ReplyDeleteI don't have anyone in my family that has struggled with dyslexia. I would think that if your could find them a series of books that they just love and get hooked on then they will find the love of reading and continue throughout their lives. That is what I try to do with my 6th graders. Even the ones that find reading long and hard, once they find a book they love they are usually hooked.
ReplyDelete