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           In high school, I was voted "Most Likely To Go Insane." I don't think I've succeeded in that department (then again I might not be able to tell). As far as I know, I write books for young adults and teach creative writing at Colorado State University. This goes to show that we can't all live up to our high school expectations.
           My first book, The Traitor King , came out with Scholastic in April 2007. You can order a copy from Amazon by clicking the above link. Here's what some critics have said about the book:
"Humor, menace, and mystery suffuse this fast-paced tale... New surprises and plot twists keep readers enthralled, because nothing —librarians, skeletal pursuers, or hard-drinking dads— is exactly what it seems. This well-written tale is a must for most fantasy readers."
—SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
"You MUST read this book!" —TEENSREADTOO.COM
"Mitchell's debut novel combines classic fairy-myth elements with quirky family dynamics and two likeable protagonists, to fine effect..."
—PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY
"This book, which is intended for ages 9 to 12, blew me away ...unpredictable, imaginative, and astonishing. I was riveted."
—DAILY REPORTER-HERALD
Discover the Secret of The Traitor King .

New Books for Next Year!

            My second novel, The Secret to Lying , is coming out with Candlewick Press in Spring, 2010! It's in production now, and I should be able to post a cover pic sometime soon.
            The Secret to Lying tells the story of James, a high school sophomore who, upon getting into a boarding school where no one knows him, decides to completely re-invent himself as the person he's always dreamed of being. But when James's life becomes a lie, strange things start to happen. Think The Catcher in the Rye meets The Matrix . I spent five years working on this book, but it was worth it. You won't be disappointed. 

            *BREAKING NEWS* I'm writing part of a graphic novel that's coming out in 2010 with Vertigo Comics (part of D.C.)! Rebecca Guay, an incredible artist, is doing the art for a book of connected stories involving angels. But forget everything you thought you knew about angels and fairies. This book is not for the faint of heart. Holly Black, author of Spiderwick and Tithe and Bill Willingham, author of the Fables series, are just two of the other amazing authors involved in this project. Check out Rebecca's Art: www.rebeccaguay.com
           If you'd like to learn more, check out my website www.toddmitchellbooks.com . While there, you can enter The Traitor King Contest , explore the Book and a possible sequel, read discussion Questions , find Upcoming Events , discover tips on how to Be A Writer and Do Something Good .

Join the campaign for a Broken World series!
            Many readers of The Traitor King have been asking me lately about a second book in the series. I started a sequel, but I haven't finished it because I've been waiting to see if Scholastic is interested. Now The Reader's Cove , an independent bookstore (owned by a man who's daughter happens to be a huge fan of The Traitor King ) has started a letter writing campaign to encourage Scholastic to release a paperback version of the book and publish a sequel. A few bloggers have also picked up the call for a Traitor King sequel, such as this one by the writer Jenn Bertman . If you're interested in joining the campaign, send me an email (it doesn't need to be long) at [email protected] and I'll pass on your call for a paperback version of the book and a sequel to Scholastic.
           Thanks for the amazing support!

           T.
PS: That headline quote is from Lee Upton, a very swank poet.