Starting the Next Chapter: The Epic Giving Thanks Scavenger Hunt

When the incomparable Megan from Book Brats came up with the idea for a scavenger hunt based upon the books and authors that we are most thankful for, I was very excited to participate. I knew just who I wanted to write about and I simply couldn't pass up an opportunity to spread the word about a truly wonderful book.

Last year when I started my blogging career here at Starting the Next Chapter, I read some really great books. However, one particular book stands out even now due to the impact it had upon me as I read it. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys kept me up all night reading and, even though I went through much tissue while doing so, I felt in awe upon finishing. Little did I know that I would meet the woman behind the book mere months after reading it.

I first met Ruta at the Nashville stop of the Ash2Nash tour in August 2011. Upon striking up a conversation, it was revealed that we didn't live too far from each other. We had a lovely conversation and I walked away from it even more impressed than I already had been.

Ash2Nash in Nashville, August 2011

Being a Nashville area blogger, I would meet Ruta again at numerous other events and, eventually, strike up an on-going email correspondence with her. Then, I was approached by a blogger whom I now count amongst my dearest friends, Hannah. She, too, had been impacted by Between Shades of Gray and wanted to do something special to get the word out. It started with a blog tour in celebration of the paperback release this past April. From there, my friendship with Hannah grew and before we knew it, plans for a fan site were in the works. I am now one of the admins for RutaFans along with Hannah and am happy to be so. The more people that know about this book, the better.

The RutaFans Lunch, July 2012

Ruta has come to mean so much to both Hannah and myself for an entirely different reason. When she asked both Hannah and I if we were writers and found out that we are, she made it a point to encourage us to go for it and to not stop. She also made sure that we attended the latest SCBWI Midsouth conference, something that I am now very grateful to her for making happen. I am so full of gratitude for everything she contributes to the writing world.

To Ruta, I must say thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have been an inspiration, a great influence, and a valued confidant. My writing and my life is all the better from having met you. Here's to the continued success of Between Shades of Gray, as well as success for your next work, Out of the Easy. You already know how much I loved it and I look forward to sharing it with everyone.

In honor of Ruta and the book that started it all, I will be giving away a paperback copy of Between Shades of Gray. All you have to do is collect the scavenger hunt words from this and all other participating blogs for a chance to win. Good luck, and to the future winner of Between Shades of Gray, I truly hope you enjoy!

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